Joining them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord. (For his loyal love endures!) ¹ 

While Ornan was threshing wheat, he turned and saw the messenger, and he and his four sons hid themselves.

After twenty years, during which Solomon built the Lord’s temple and his royal palace,

The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah and his fame reached ¹  the border of Egypt, for he grew in power.

Then, as soon as the copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read in the presence of Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they proceeded promptly to the Jews in Jerusalem ¹  and stopped them with threat of armed force. ² 

When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and my robe and ripped out some of the hair from my head and beard. Then I sat down, quite devastated.

(3:33) ¹  Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he became angry and was quite upset. He derided the Jews,

All of them were wanting ¹  to scare us, supposing, “Their hands will grow slack from the work, and it won’t get done.” So now, strengthen my hands! ² 

Are not my days few? ¹  Cease, ²  then, and leave ³  me alone, ⁴  that I may find a little comfort, ⁵ 

He says to himself, ¹  “God overlooks it; he does not pay attention; he never notices.” ² 

Let the oppressed eat and be filled! ¹  Let those who seek his help praise the Lord! May you ²  live forever!

Receiving sacrifices and offerings are not your primary concern. ¹  You make that quite clear to me! ²  You do not ask for burnt sacrifices and sin offerings.

May all those who seek you be happy and rejoice in you! May those who love to experience ¹  your deliverance say continually, ²  “May the Lord be praised!” ³ 

Your justice, O God, extends to the skies above; ¹  you have done great things. ²  O God, who can compare to you? ³ 

For I say, “Loyal love is permanently established; ¹  in the skies you set up your faithfulness.” ² 

The Lord avenges me. ¹  O Lord, your loyal love endures. Do not abandon those whom you have made! ² 

a loving doe, ¹  a graceful deer; may her breasts satisfy you at all times, may you be captivated ²  by her love always.

If the anger ¹  of the ruler flares up ²  against you, do not resign ³  from your position, ⁴  for a calm ⁵  response ⁶  can undo ⁷  great offenses.

You keep completely safe the people who maintain their faith, for they trust in you. ¹ 

Turn aside from the way, stray off the path. ¹  Remove from our presence the Holy One of Israel.” ²