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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2SA">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="2SA.13">
         <div class="label">13</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Amnon and Tamar</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.13.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the course of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of David.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.13.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.13.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.13.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.13.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Now Amnon had an adviser named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David&#8217;s brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.13.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">He asked Amnon, &#8220;Why do you, the king&#8217;s son, look so haggard morning after morning? Won&#8217;t you tell me?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.13.4"><span class="content">Amnon said to him, &#8220;I&#8217;m in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom&#8217;s sister.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.13.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.13.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;Go to bed and pretend to be ill,&#8221; Jonadab said. &#8220;When your father comes to see you, say to him, &#8216;I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.13.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.13.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, &#8220;I would like my sister Tamar to come and make some special bread in my sight, so I may eat from her hand.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.13.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.13.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">David sent word to Tamar at the palace: &#8220;Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare some food for him.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.13.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made the bread in his sight and baked it. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.13.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then she took the pan and served him the bread, but he refused to eat.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.13.9"><span class="content">&#8220;Send everyone out of here,&#8221; Amnon said. So everyone left him. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.13.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then Amnon said to Tamar, &#8220;Bring the food here into my bedroom so I may eat from your hand.&#8221; And Tamar took the bread she had prepared and brought it to her brother Amnon in his bedroom. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.13.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">But when she took it to him to eat, he grabbed her and said, &#8220;Come to bed with me, my sister.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.13.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.13.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;No, my brother!&#8221; she said to him. &#8220;Don&#8217;t force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don&#8217;t do this wicked thing. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.13.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.13.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.13.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.13.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, &#8220;Get up and get out!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.13.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.13.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;No!&#8221; she said to him. &#8220;Sending me away would be a greater wrong than what you have already done to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.13.16"><span class="content">But he refused to listen to her. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.13.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">He called his personal servant and said, &#8220;Get this woman out of my sight and bolt the door after her.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.13.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her. She was wearing an ornate</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:18 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain; also in verse 19.</span></span></span><span class="content"> robe, for this was the kind of garment the virgin daughters of the king wore. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.13.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornate robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.13.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.13.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Her brother Absalom said to her, &#8220;Has that Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother. Don&#8217;t take this thing to heart.&#8221; And Tamar lived in her brother Absalom&#8217;s house, a desolate woman.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.13.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.13.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">When King David heard all this, he was furious. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.13.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Absalom Kills Amnon</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.13.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.13.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Two years later, when Absalom&#8217;s sheepshearers were at Baal Hazor near the border of Ephraim, he invited all the king&#8217;s sons to come there. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.13.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Absalom went to the king and said, &#8220;Your servant has had shearers come. Will the king and his attendants please join me?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.13.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.13.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">&#8220;No, my son,&#8221; the king replied. &#8220;All of us should not go; we would only be a burden to you.&#8221; Although Absalom urged him, he still refused to go but gave him his blessing.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.13.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.13.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Then Absalom said, &#8220;If not, please let my brother Amnon come with us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.13.26"><span class="content">The king asked him, &#8220;Why should he go with you?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.13.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But Absalom urged him, so he sent with him Amnon and the rest of the king&#8217;s sons.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.13.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2SA.13.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Absalom ordered his men, &#8220;Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, &#8216;Strike Amnon down,&#8217; then kill him. Don&#8217;t be afraid. Haven&#8217;t I given you this order? Be strong and brave.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.13.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">So Absalom&#8217;s men did to Amnon what Absalom had ordered. Then all the king&#8217;s sons got up, mounted their mules and fled.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.13.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2SA.13.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">While they were on their way, the report came to David: &#8220;Absalom has struck down all the king&#8217;s sons; not one of them is left.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.13.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">The king stood up, tore his clothes and lay down on the ground; and all his attendants stood by with their clothes torn.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.13.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2SA.13.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">But Jonadab son of Shimeah, David&#8217;s brother, said, &#8220;My lord should not think that they killed all the princes; only Amnon is dead. This has been Absalom&#8217;s express intention ever since the day Amnon raped his sister Tamar. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="2SA.13.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">My lord the king should not be concerned about the report that all the king&#8217;s sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="2SA.13.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="2SA.13.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, Absalom had fled.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="2SA.13.34"><span class="content">Now the man standing watch looked up and saw many people on the road west of him, coming down the side of the hill. The watchman went and told the king, &#8220;I see men in the direction of Horonaim, on the side of the hill.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:34 </span><span class="ft">Septuagint; Hebrew does not have this sentence.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="2SA.13.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="2SA.13.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Jonadab said to the king, &#8220;See, the king&#8217;s sons have come; it has happened just as your servant said.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="2SA.13.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="2SA.13.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">As he finished speaking, the king&#8217;s sons came in, wailing loudly. The king, too, and all his attendants wept very bitterly.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="2SA.13.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="2SA.13.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned many days for his son.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="2SA.13.37"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="2SA.13.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he stayed there three years. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="2SA.13.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon&#8217;s death.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2SA">
      <div class="chapter ch14" data-usfm="2SA.14">
         <div class="label">14</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Absalom Returns to Jerusalem</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.14.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king&#8217;s heart longed for Absalom. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.14.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there. He said to her, &#8220;Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don&#8217;t use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.14.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then go to the king and speak these words to him.&#8221; And Joab put the words in her mouth.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.14.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.14.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">When the woman from Tekoa went</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:4 </span><span class="ft">Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">spoke</span></span></span><span class="content"> to the king, she fell with her face to the ground to pay him honor, and she said, &#8220;Help me, Your Majesty!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.14.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.14.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The king asked her, &#8220;What is troubling you?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.14.5"><span class="content">She said, &#8220;I am a widow; my husband is dead. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.14.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I your servant had two sons. They got into a fight with each other in the field, and no one was there to separate them. One struck the other and killed him. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.14.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Now the whole clan has risen up against your servant; they say, &#8216;Hand over the one who struck his brother down, so that we may put him to death for the life of his brother whom he killed; then we will get rid of the heir as well.&#8217; They would put out the only burning coal I have left, leaving my husband neither name nor descendant on the face of the earth.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.14.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.14.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The king said to the woman, &#8220;Go home, and I will issue an order in your behalf.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.14.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.14.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">But the woman from Tekoa said to him, &#8220;Let my lord the king pardon me and my family, and let the king and his throne be without guilt.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.14.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.14.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The king replied, &#8220;If anyone says anything to you, bring them to me, and they will not bother you again.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.14.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.14.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">She said, &#8220;Then let the king invoke the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> his God to prevent the avenger of blood from adding to the destruction, so that my son will not be destroyed.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.14.11"><span class="content">&#8220;As surely as the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> lives,&#8221; he said, &#8220;not one hair of your son&#8217;s head will fall to the ground.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.14.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.14.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then the woman said, &#8220;Let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.14.12"><span class="content">&#8220;Speak,&#8221; he replied.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.14.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.14.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The woman said, &#8220;Why then have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, for the king has not brought back his banished son? </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.14.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.14.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.14.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;And now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, &#8216;I will speak to the king; perhaps he will grant his servant&#8217;s request. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.14.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Perhaps the king will agree to deliver his servant from the hand of the man who is trying to cut off both me and my son from God&#8217;s inheritance.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.14.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.14.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;And now your servant says, &#8216;May the word of my lord the king secure my inheritance, for my lord the king is like an angel of God in discerning good and evil. May the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God be with you.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.14.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.14.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Then the king said to the woman, &#8220;Don&#8217;t keep from me the answer to what I am going to ask you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.14.18"><span class="content">&#8220;Let my lord the king speak,&#8221; the woman said.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.14.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.14.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The king asked, &#8220;Isn&#8217;t the hand of Joab with you in all this?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.14.19"><span class="content">The woman answered, &#8220;As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything my lord the king says. Yes, it was your servant Joab who instructed me to do this and who put all these words into the mouth of your servant. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.14.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God&#8212;he knows everything that happens in the land.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.14.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.14.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The king said to Joab, &#8220;Very well, I will do it. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.14.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.14.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Joab fell with his face to the ground to pay him honor, and he blessed the king. Joab said, &#8220;Today your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his servant&#8217;s request.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.14.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.14.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.14.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">But the king said, &#8220;He must go to his own house; he must not see my face.&#8221; So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.14.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.14.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.14.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Whenever he cut the hair of his head&#8212;he used to cut his hair once a year because it became too heavy for him&#8212;he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:26 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 5 pounds or about 2.3 kilograms</span></span></span><span class="content"> by the royal standard.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.14.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.14.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Three sons and a daughter were born to Absalom. His daughter&#8217;s name was Tamar, and she became a beautiful woman.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.14.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2SA.14.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king&#8217;s face. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.14.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Then Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So he sent a second time, but he refused to come. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2SA.14.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Then he said to his servants, &#8220;Look, Joab&#8217;s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire.&#8221; So Absalom&#8217;s servants set the field on fire.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2SA.14.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.14.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Then Joab did go to Absalom&#8217;s house, and he said to him, &#8220;Why have your servants set my field on fire?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.14.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2SA.14.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Absalom said to Joab, &#8220;Look, I sent word to you and said, &#8216;Come here so I can send you to the king to ask, &#8220;Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there!&#8221;&#8198;&#8217; Now then, I want to see the king&#8217;s face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2SA.14.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="2SA.14.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CO">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="2CO.2">
         <div class="label">2</div><div class="nb"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CO.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Forgiveness for the Offender</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.2.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent&#8212;not to put it too severely. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CO.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CO.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CO.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven&#8212;if there was anything to forgive&#8212;I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Ministers of the New Covenant</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.2.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CO.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.2.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ&#8217;s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CO.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CO.2.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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New International Version

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch119" data-usfm="PSA.119.97+PSA.119.98+PSA.119.99+PSA.119.100+PSA.119.101+PSA.119.102+PSA.119.103+PSA.119.104+PSA.119.105+PSA.119.106+PSA.119.107+PSA.119.108+PSA.119.109+PSA.119.110+PSA.119.111+PSA.119.112+PSA.119.113+PSA.119.114+PSA.119.115+PSA.119.116+PSA.119.117+PSA.119.118+PSA.119.119+PSA.119.120+PSA.119.121+PSA.119.122+PSA.119.123+PSA.119.124+PSA.119.125+PSA.119.126+PSA.119.127+PSA.119.128+PSA.119.129+PSA.119.130+PSA.119.131+PSA.119.132+PSA.119.133+PSA.119.134+PSA.119.135+PSA.119.136">
         <div class="q1"><span class="verse v97" data-usfm="PSA.119.97"><span class="label">97</span><span class="content">Oh, how I love your law!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v97" data-usfm="PSA.119.97"><span class="content">I meditate on it all day long.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v97" data-usfm="PSA.119.97"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v98" data-usfm="PSA.119.98"><span class="label">98</span><span class="content">Your commands are always with me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v98" data-usfm="PSA.119.98"><span class="content">and make me wiser than my enemies.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v98" data-usfm="PSA.119.98"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v99" data-usfm="PSA.119.99"><span class="label">99</span><span class="content">I have more insight than all my teachers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v99" data-usfm="PSA.119.99"><span class="content">for I meditate on your statutes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v99" data-usfm="PSA.119.99"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v100" data-usfm="PSA.119.100"><span class="label">100</span><span class="content">I have more understanding than the elders,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v100" data-usfm="PSA.119.100"><span class="content">for I obey your precepts.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v100" data-usfm="PSA.119.100"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v101" data-usfm="PSA.119.101"><span class="label">101</span><span class="content">I have kept my feet from every evil path</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v101" data-usfm="PSA.119.101"><span class="content">so that I might obey your word.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v101" data-usfm="PSA.119.101"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v102" data-usfm="PSA.119.102"><span class="label">102</span><span class="content">I have not departed from your laws,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v102" data-usfm="PSA.119.102"><span class="content">for you yourself have taught me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v102" data-usfm="PSA.119.102"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v103" data-usfm="PSA.119.103"><span class="label">103</span><span class="content">How sweet are your words to my taste,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v103" data-usfm="PSA.119.103"><span class="content">sweeter than honey to my mouth!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v103" data-usfm="PSA.119.103"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v104" data-usfm="PSA.119.104"><span class="label">104</span><span class="content">I gain understanding from your precepts;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v104" data-usfm="PSA.119.104"><span class="content">therefore I hate every wrong path.</span></span></div><div class="qa"><span class="heading">&#1504; Nun</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v104" data-usfm="PSA.119.104"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v105" data-usfm="PSA.119.105"><span class="label">105</span><span class="content">Your word is a lamp for my feet,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v105" data-usfm="PSA.119.105"><span class="content">a light on my path.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v105" data-usfm="PSA.119.105"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v106" data-usfm="PSA.119.106"><span class="label">106</span><span class="content">I have taken an oath and confirmed it,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v106" data-usfm="PSA.119.106"><span class="content">that I will follow your righteous laws.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v106" data-usfm="PSA.119.106"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v107" data-usfm="PSA.119.107"><span class="label">107</span><span class="content">I have suffered much;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v107" data-usfm="PSA.119.107"><span class="content">preserve my life, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, according to your word.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v107" data-usfm="PSA.119.107"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v108" data-usfm="PSA.119.108"><span class="label">108</span><span class="content">Accept, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, the willing praise of my mouth,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v108" data-usfm="PSA.119.108"><span class="content">and teach me your laws.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v108" data-usfm="PSA.119.108"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v109" data-usfm="PSA.119.109"><span class="label">109</span><span class="content">Though I constantly take my life in my hands,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v109" data-usfm="PSA.119.109"><span class="content">I will not forget your law.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v109" data-usfm="PSA.119.109"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v110" data-usfm="PSA.119.110"><span class="label">110</span><span class="content">The wicked have set a snare for me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v110" data-usfm="PSA.119.110"><span class="content">but I have not strayed from your precepts.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v110" data-usfm="PSA.119.110"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v111" data-usfm="PSA.119.111"><span class="label">111</span><span class="content">Your statutes are my heritage forever;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v111" data-usfm="PSA.119.111"><span class="content">they are the joy of my heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v111" data-usfm="PSA.119.111"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v112" data-usfm="PSA.119.112"><span class="label">112</span><span class="content">My heart is set on keeping your decrees</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v112" data-usfm="PSA.119.112"><span class="content">to the very end.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">119:112 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">decrees / for their enduring reward</span></span></span></span></div><div class="qa"><span class="heading">&#1505; Samekh</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v112" data-usfm="PSA.119.112"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v113" data-usfm="PSA.119.113"><span class="label">113</span><span class="content">I hate double-minded people,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v113" data-usfm="PSA.119.113"><span class="content">but I love your law.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v113" data-usfm="PSA.119.113"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v114" data-usfm="PSA.119.114"><span class="label">114</span><span class="content">You are my refuge and my shield;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v114" data-usfm="PSA.119.114"><span class="content">I have put my hope in your word.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v114" data-usfm="PSA.119.114"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v115" data-usfm="PSA.119.115"><span class="label">115</span><span class="content">Away from me, you evildoers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v115" data-usfm="PSA.119.115"><span class="content">that I may keep the commands of my God!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v115" data-usfm="PSA.119.115"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v116" data-usfm="PSA.119.116"><span class="label">116</span><span class="content">Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v116" data-usfm="PSA.119.116"><span class="content">do not let my hopes be dashed.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v116" data-usfm="PSA.119.116"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v117" data-usfm="PSA.119.117"><span class="label">117</span><span class="content">Uphold me, and I will be delivered;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v117" data-usfm="PSA.119.117"><span class="content">I will always have regard for your decrees.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v117" data-usfm="PSA.119.117"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v118" data-usfm="PSA.119.118"><span class="label">118</span><span class="content">You reject all who stray from your decrees,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v118" data-usfm="PSA.119.118"><span class="content">for their delusions come to nothing.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v118" data-usfm="PSA.119.118"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v119" data-usfm="PSA.119.119"><span class="label">119</span><span class="content">All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v119" data-usfm="PSA.119.119"><span class="content">therefore I love your statutes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v119" data-usfm="PSA.119.119"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v120" data-usfm="PSA.119.120"><span class="label">120</span><span class="content">My flesh trembles in fear of you;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v120" data-usfm="PSA.119.120"><span class="content">I stand in awe of your laws.</span></span></div><div class="qa"><span class="heading">&#1506; Ayin</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v120" data-usfm="PSA.119.120"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v121" data-usfm="PSA.119.121"><span class="label">121</span><span class="content">I have done what is righteous and just;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v121" data-usfm="PSA.119.121"><span class="content">do not leave me to my oppressors.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v121" data-usfm="PSA.119.121"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v122" data-usfm="PSA.119.122"><span class="label">122</span><span class="content">Ensure your servant&#8217;s well-being;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v122" data-usfm="PSA.119.122"><span class="content">do not let the arrogant oppress me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v122" data-usfm="PSA.119.122"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v123" data-usfm="PSA.119.123"><span class="label">123</span><span class="content">My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v123" data-usfm="PSA.119.123"><span class="content">looking for your righteous promise.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v123" data-usfm="PSA.119.123"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v124" data-usfm="PSA.119.124"><span class="label">124</span><span class="content">Deal with your servant according to your love</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v124" data-usfm="PSA.119.124"><span class="content">and teach me your decrees.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v124" data-usfm="PSA.119.124"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v125" data-usfm="PSA.119.125"><span class="label">125</span><span class="content">I am your servant; give me discernment</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v125" data-usfm="PSA.119.125"><span class="content">that I may understand your statutes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v125" data-usfm="PSA.119.125"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v126" data-usfm="PSA.119.126"><span class="label">126</span><span class="content">It is time for you to act, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v126" data-usfm="PSA.119.126"><span class="content">your law is being broken.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v126" data-usfm="PSA.119.126"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v127" data-usfm="PSA.119.127"><span class="label">127</span><span class="content">Because I love your commands</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v127" data-usfm="PSA.119.127"><span class="content">more than gold, more than pure gold,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v127" data-usfm="PSA.119.127"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v128" data-usfm="PSA.119.128"><span class="label">128</span><span class="content">and because I consider all your precepts right,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v128" data-usfm="PSA.119.128"><span class="content">I hate every wrong path.</span></span></div><div class="qa"><span class="heading">&#1508; Pe</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v128" data-usfm="PSA.119.128"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v129" data-usfm="PSA.119.129"><span class="label">129</span><span class="content">Your statutes are wonderful;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v129" data-usfm="PSA.119.129"><span class="content">therefore I obey them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v129" data-usfm="PSA.119.129"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v130" data-usfm="PSA.119.130"><span class="label">130</span><span class="content">The unfolding of your words gives light;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v130" data-usfm="PSA.119.130"><span class="content">it gives understanding to the simple.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v130" data-usfm="PSA.119.130"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v131" data-usfm="PSA.119.131"><span class="label">131</span><span class="content">I open my mouth and pant,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v131" data-usfm="PSA.119.131"><span class="content">longing for your commands.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v131" data-usfm="PSA.119.131"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v132" data-usfm="PSA.119.132"><span class="label">132</span><span class="content">Turn to me and have mercy on me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v132" data-usfm="PSA.119.132"><span class="content">as you always do to those who love your name.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v132" data-usfm="PSA.119.132"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v133" data-usfm="PSA.119.133"><span class="label">133</span><span class="content">Direct my footsteps according to your word;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v133" data-usfm="PSA.119.133"><span class="content">let no sin rule over me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v133" data-usfm="PSA.119.133"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v134" data-usfm="PSA.119.134"><span class="label">134</span><span class="content">Redeem me from human oppression,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v134" data-usfm="PSA.119.134"><span class="content">that I may obey your precepts.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v134" data-usfm="PSA.119.134"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v135" data-usfm="PSA.119.135"><span class="label">135</span><span class="content">Make your face shine on your servant</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v135" data-usfm="PSA.119.135"><span class="content">and teach me your decrees.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v135" data-usfm="PSA.119.135"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v136" data-usfm="PSA.119.136"><span class="label">136</span><span class="content">Streams of tears flow from my eyes,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v136" data-usfm="PSA.119.136"><span class="content">for your law is not obeyed.</span></span></div>
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