To listen to audio of Baruch narrated by Pastor Steve.
BARUCH
Baruch was the scribe and companion of Jeremiah. Mentioned 23x in Jeremiah.
Septuagint version with (NRSV) in parenthesis.
Baruch and the Judaeans in Babylon
Baruch 1:1 And these are the words of the book, which Baruch the son of Nerias, the son of Maasias, the son of Sedecias, the son of Asadias, the son of Chelcias, wrote in Babylon,
Jeremiah 36:4 Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.
1:2 In the fifth year, and in the seventh day of the month, what time as the Chaldeans took Jerusalem, and burnt it with fire.
1:3 And Baruch did read the words of this book in the hearing of Jechonias the son of Joachim king of Juda, and in the ears of all the people that came to hear the book,
1:4 And in the hearing of the nobles, and of the king's sons, and in the hearing of the elders, and of all the people, from the lowest unto the highest, even of all them that dwelt at Babylon by the river Sud. (2Ki 24:8-17)
1:5 Whereupon they wept, fasted, and prayed before Yahweh.
1:6 They made also a collection of money according to every man's power (as each could give):
1:7 And they sent it to Jerusalem unto Joachim the high priest, the son of Chelcias, son of Salom, and to the priests, and to all the people which were found with him at Jerusalem,
1:8 At the same time when he received the vessels of the house of Yahweh, that were carried out of the temple, to return them into the land of Juda, the tenth day of the month Sivan, namely, silver vessels, which Sedecias the son of Josias king of Juda had made,
1:9 After that Nabuchodonosor (Nebuchadnezzar) king of Babylon had carried away Jechonias, and the princes, and the captives, and the mighty men, and the people of the land, from Jerusalem, and brought them unto Babylon.
A Letter to Jerusalem
1:10 And they said, Behold, we have sent you money to buy you burnt offerings, and sin offerings, and incense, and prepare you manna, and offer upon the altar of Yahweh our God;
1:11 And pray for the life of Nabuchodonosor (Nebuchadnezzar) king of Babylon, and for the life of Balthasar his son, that their days may be upon earth as the days of heaven:
1:12 And Yahweh will give us strength, and lighten our eyes, and we shall live under the shadow (protection) of Nabuchodonosor (Nebuchadnezzar) king of Babylon, and under the shadow (protection) of Balthasar his son, and we shall serve them many days, and find favour in their sight.
1:13 Pray for us also unto Yahweh our God, for we have sinned against Yahweh our God; and unto this day the fury of Yahweh and His wrath is not turned from us.
1:14 And you shall read this book which we have sent unto you, to make confession in the house of Yahweh, upon the feasts and solemn days.
The priests were going to confess their sins, pray for the children of Jacob Israel, and try to ask Yahweh to abate His wrath which was their punishment in the form of the coming Babylonian invasion. Yahweh and His prophets had been warning the people of their idolatry and race-mixing and now judgment was about to happen.
Confession of Sins
1:15 And you shall say, To Yahweh our God belongeth righteousness, but unto us the confusion of faces (a reference to race-mixing) (open shame), as it is come to pass this day, unto them of Juda, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
1:16 And to our kings, and to our princes, and to our priests, and to our prophets, and to our fathers:
1:17 For we have sinned before Yahweh,
1:18 And disobeyed Him, and have not hearkened unto the voice of Yahweh our God, to walk in the commandments that He gave us openly:
1:19 Since the day that Yahweh brought our forefathers out of the land of Egypt, unto this present day, we have been disobedient unto Yahweh our God, and we have been negligent in not hearing His voice.
1:20 Wherefore the evils cleaved unto us, and the curse, which Yahweh appointed by Moses His servant at the time that He brought our fathers out of the land of Egypt, to give us a land that floweth with milk and honey, like as it is to see this day. (Deut 28:15-68)
1:21 Nevertheless we have not hearkened unto the voice of Yahweh our God, according unto all the words of the prophets, whom He sent unto us:
1:22 But every man followed the imagination of his own wicked heart, to serve strange gods, and to do evil in the sight of Yahweh our God.
Baruch 2:1 Therefore Yahweh hath made good His word, which He pronounced against us, and against our judges that judged Israel, and against our kings, and against our princes, and against the men of Israel and Juda,
2:2 To bring upon us great plagues, such as never happened under the whole heaven (sky), as it came to pass in Jerusalem, according to the things (threats) that were written in the law of Moses;
2:3 That a man should eat the flesh of his own son, and the flesh of his own daughter.
They ate their own children during the Babylonian seige.
2:4 Moreover He hath delivered them to be in subjection to all the kingdoms that are round about us, to be as a reproach and desolation among all the people round about, where Yahweh hath scattered them.
2:5 Thus we were cast down, and not exalted, because we have sinned against Yahweh our God, and have not been obedient unto His voice.
2:6 To Yahweh our God appertaineth righteousness: but unto us and to our fathers open shame, as appeareth this day.
2:7 For all these plagues (calamities) are come upon us, which Yahweh hath pronounced against us
2:8 Yet have we not prayed before Yahweh, that we might turn every one (each one of us) from the imaginations of his wicked heart.
2:9 Wherefore Yahweh watched over us for evil (has kept the calamities ready), and Yahweh hath brought it (them- the calamities) upon us: for Yahweh is righteous in all His works which He hath commanded us.
2:10 Yet we have not hearkened unto His voice, to walk in the commandments of Yahweh, that He hath set before us.
Prayer for Deliverance
2:11 And now, O Yahweh God of Israel, that hast brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and high arm, and with signs, and with wonders, and with great power, and hast gotten Yourself a name, as appeareth this day:
2:12 O Yahweh our God, we have sinned, we have done ungodly, we have dealt unrighteously in all Your ordinances.
2:13 Let Your wrath turn from us: for we are but a few left among the heathen (nations), where You hast scattered us.
2:14 Hear our prayers, O Yahweh, and our petitions, and deliver us for Your own sake, and give us favour in the sight of them which have led us away (into exile):
2:15 That all the earth (land) may know that You art Yahweh our God, because Israel and his posterity is called by Your name.
2:16 O Yahweh, look down from Your holy house, and consider us: bow down Your ear, O Yahweh, to hear us.
2:17 Open Your eyes, and behold; for the dead that are in the graves, whose souls are taken from their bodies, will give unto Yahweh neither praise nor righteousness:
Isaiah 38:18 For the grave cannot praise You, death can not celebrate You: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for Your truth.
2:18 But the soul that is greatly vexed, which goeth stooping and feeble, and the eyes that fail, and the hungry soul, will give You praise and righteousness, O Yahweh.
2:19 Therefore we do not make our humble supplication before You, O Yahweh our God, for the righteousness of our fathers, and of our kings.
2:20 For You hast sent out Your wrath and indignation upon us, as You hast spoken by Your servants the prophets, saying,
2:21 Thus saith Yahweh, Bow down your shoulders to serve the king of Babylon: so shall you remain in the land that I gave unto your fathers.
2:22 But if you will not hear the voice of Yahweh, to serve the king of Babylon,
2:23 I will cause to cease out of the cites of Judah, and from without Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of joy, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: and the whole land shall be desolate of inhabitants.
Jeremiah 7:34 Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate. (27:10-12)
3Maccabees 1:19 Women, but recently separated off, left their bridal chambers, left the reserve that befitted them, and ran about the city in a disorderly manner.
2:24 But we would not hearken unto Your voice, to serve the king of Babylon: therefore hast You made good the words (threats) that You spakest by Your servants the prophets, namely, that the bones of our kings, and the bones of our fathers, should be taken out of their place. (Jer 8:1-2)
2:25 And, lo, they are cast out to the heat of the day, and to the frost of the night, and they died in great miseries by famine, by sword, and by pestilence.
2:26 And the house which is called by Your name hast You laid waste, as it is to be seen this day, for the wickedness of the house of Israel and the house of Juda.
Yahweh's Promise Recalled
2:27 O Yahweh our God, You hast dealt with us after all Your goodness, and according to all that great mercy of Yours,
2:28 As You spakest by Your servant Moses in the day when You didst command him to write the law before the children of Israel, saying,
2:29 If you will not hear (obey) My voice, surely this very great multitude shall be turned into a small number among the nations, where I will scatter them.
Deuteronomy 28:58 If you wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, YAHWEH YOUR ELOHIYM;
28:62 And you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of the sky for multitude; because you wouldest not obey the voice of Yahweh your God.
2:30 For I knew that they would not hear Me, because it is a stiffnecked people: but in the land of their captivities they shall remember themselves.
2:31 And shall know that I am Yahweh their God: for I will give them an heart, and ears to hear:
Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith Yahweh, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Romans 10:17 So then allegiance cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 6:44 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise Him up at the last day.
2:32 And they shall praise Me in the land of their captivity, and think upon My name,
2:33 And return from their stiff neck, and from their wicked deeds: for they shall remember The Way of their fathers, which sinned before Yahweh.
2:34 And I will bring them again into the land which I promised with an oath unto their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they shall be lords of it: and I will increase them, and they shall not be diminished.
2:35 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them to be their God, and they shall be My people: and I will no more drive My people of Israel out of the land that I have given them. (Jer 32:38-40)
Baruch 3:1 O Yahweh Almighty, God of Israel, the soul in anguish the troubled spirit, crieth unto You.
3:2 Hear, O Yahweh, and have mercy; for You art merciful: and have pity upon us, because we have sinned before You.
3:3 For You endurest for ever, and we perish utterly.
3:4 O Yahweh Almighty, You God of Israel, hear now the prayers of the (people of Israel), and of their children, which have sinned before You, and not hearkened unto the voice of You their God: for the which cause these plagues (calamities) cleave unto us.
3:5 Remember not the iniquities of our forefathers: but think upon Your power and Your name now at this time.
3:6 For You art Yahweh our God, and You, O Yahweh, will we praise.
3:7 And for this cause You hast put Your fear in our hearts, to the intent that we should call upon Your name, and praise You in our captivity: for we have called to mind all the iniquity of our forefathers, that sinned before You.
3:8 Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where You hast scattered us, for a reproach and a curse, and to be subject to payments, according to all the iniquities of our fathers, which departed from Yahweh our God.
In Praise of Wisdom
3:9 Hear, Israel, the commandments of life: give ear to understand wisdom. (Prov 4:20-22)
3:10 How happeneth it Israel, that you art in your enemies' land, that you art waxen old in a strange country, that you art defiled with the dead,
3:11 That you art counted with them that go down into the grave?
3:12 You hast forsaken the fountain of wisdom.
3:13 For if you hadst walked in the way of God, you shouldest have dwelled in peace for ever.
3:14 Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is understanding; that you mayest know (discern) also where is length of days, and life, where is the light of the eyes, and peace.
3:15 Who hath found out her place? or who hath come into her treasures? (Job 28:12,20)
3:16 Where are the princes of the heathen (nations) become, and such as ruled the beasts upon the earth (land);
3:17 They that had their pastime with the fowls of the air, and they that hoarded up silver and gold, wherein men trust, and made no end of their getting?
3:18 For they that wrought in silver, and were so careful, and whose works are unsearchable,
3:19 They are vanished and gone down to the grave, and others are come up in their steads.
3:20 Young men have seen light, and dwelt upon the earth (land): but the way of knowledge have they not known,
3:21 Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.
3:22 It hath not been heard of in Chanaan, neither hath it been seen in Theman (Teman, land of the Edomite Jews).
3:23 The Agarenes (descendants of Hagar) that seek wisdom upon earth, the merchants of Meran and of Theman, the authors of fables (Jewish fables), and searchers out of understanding; none of these have known the way of wisdom, or remember her paths.
3:24 O Israel, how great is the house of God! and how large is the place of His possession!
3:25 Great, and hath none end; high, and unmeasurable.
3Maccabees 2:9 You, O King, when You createdst the illimitable and measureless earth, didst choose out this city: You didst make this place sacred to Your name, albeit You needest nothing: You didst glorify it with Your illustrious presence, after constructing it to the glory of Your great and honourable name.
3:26 There were the giants famous from the beginning, that were of so great stature, and so expert in war.
Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
Wisdom of Solomon 14:6 For in the old time also, when the proud giants perished, the hope of the world governed by thy hand escaped in a weak vessel, and left to all ages a seed of generation.
3Maccabees 2:4 It was You who didst destroy the former workers of unrighteousness, among whom were the giants, who trusted in their strength and hardihood, by covering them with a measureless flood.
3:27 Those did not Yahweh choose, neither gave He the way of knowledge unto them:
3:28 But they were destroyed, because they had no wisdom, and perished through their own foolishness.
3:29 Who hath gone up into heaven, and taken her, and brought her down from the clouds?
3Maccabees 2:15 Thy dwelling place, the heaven of heavens, is indeed unapproachable to men.
3:30 Who hath gone over the sea, and found her, and will bring her for pure gold?
3:31 No man knoweth her way, nor thinketh of her path.
3:32 But He that knoweth all things knoweth her, and hath found her out with His understanding: He that prepared the earth for evermore hath filled it with fourfooted beasts:
3:33 He that sendeth forth light, and it goeth, calleth it again, and it obeyeth Him with fear.
3:34 The stars shined in their watches, and rejoiced: when He calleth them, they say, Here we be; and so with cheerfulness they shewed light unto Him that made them.
3:35 This is our God, and there shall none other be accounted of in comparison of Him
3:36 He hath found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob His servant, and to Israel His beloved.
3:37 Afterward did He shew Himself upon earth, and conversed with men.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Baruch 4:1 This (She- wisdom) is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth for ever: all they that keep it (her) shall come to life; but such as leave it (her) shall die.
4:2 Turn you, O Jacob, and take hold of it (her): walk in the presence of the (her) light thereof, that you mayest be illuminated.
Sirach 24:23 All these things are the book of the covenant of the Most High God, even the law which Moses commanded for an heritage unto the congregations of Jacob.
4:3 Give not your honour to another, nor the things that are profitable unto you to a strange nation (alien people).
4:4 O Israel, happy are we: for things that are pleasing to God are made known unto us.
Encouragement for Israel
4:5 Be of good cheer, my people, the memorial of Israel.
4:6 Ye were sold to the nations, not for your destruction: but because you moved God to wrath, you were delivered unto the enemies.
4:7 For you provoked Him that made you by sacrificing unto devils, and not to God.
4:8 Ye have forgotten the everlasting God, that brought you up; and you have grieved Jerusalem, that nursed you.
4:9 For when she (Jerusalem) saw the wrath of God coming upon you, she said, Hearken, O you that dwell about Sion: God hath brought upon me great mourning;
4:10 For I saw the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting brought upon them.
4:11 With joy did I nourish them; but sent them away with weeping and mourning.
4:12 Let no man rejoice over me, a widow, and forsaken of many, who for the sins of my children am left desolate; because they departed from the law of God.
4:13 They knew not His statutes, nor walked in the ways of His commandments, nor trod in the paths of discipline in His righteousness.
4:14 Let them that dwell about Sion come, and remember you the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting hath brought upon them.
4:15 For He hath brought a nation upon them from far, a shameless nation, and of a strange language, who neither reverenced old man, nor pitied child.
4:16 These have carried away the dear beloved children of the widow, and left her that was alone desolate without daughters.
4:17 But what can I help you?
4:18 For He that brought these plagues (calamities) upon you will deliver you from the hands of your enemies.
4:19 Go your way, O my children, go your way: for I am left desolate.
IIEsdras 2:2 The mother who bore them says to them, `Go, my children, because I am a widow and forsaken.
4:20 I have put off the clothing of peace, and put upon me the sackcloth of my prayer: I will cry unto the Everlasting in my days.
4:21 Be of good cheer, O my children, cry unto Yahweh, and He will deliver you from the power and hand of the enemies.
4:22 For my hope is in the Everlasting, that He will save you; and joy is come unto me from the Holy One, because of the mercy which shall soon come unto you from the Everlasting our Saviour.
4:23 For I sent you out with mourning and weeping: but God will give you to me again with joy and gladness for ever.
4:24 Like as now the neighbours of Sion have seen your captivity: so shall they see shortly your salvation from our God which shall come upon you with great glory, and brightness of the Everlasting.
4:25 My children, suffer patiently the wrath that is come upon you from God: for your enemy hath persecuted you; but shortly you shalt see his destruction, and shalt tread upon his neck.
4:26 My delicate ones have gone rough ways, and were taken away as a flock caught of the enemies.
4:27 Be of good comfort, O my children, and cry unto God: for you shall be remembered of Him that brought these things upon you.
4:28 For as it was your mind to go astray from God: so, being returned, seek Him ten times more.
4:29 For He that hath brought these plagues (calamities) upon you shall bring you everlasting joy with your salvation.
Jerusalem is Assured of Help
4:30 Take a good heart, O Jerusalem: for He that gave you that name will comfort you.
4:31 Miserable are they that afflicted you, and rejoiced at your fall.
4:32 Miserable are the cities which your children served: miserable is she that received your sons.
4:33 For as she (Babel) rejoiced at your ruin, and was glad of your fall: so shall she be grieved for her own desolation.
4:34 For I will take away the rejoicing of her great multitude, and her pride shall be turned into mourning.
4:35 For fire shall come upon her from the Everlasting, long to endure; and she shall be inhabited of devils for a great time.
4:36 O Jerusalem, look about you toward the east, and behold the joy that cometh unto you from God.
4:37 Lo, your sons come, whom you sentest away, they come gathered together from the east to the west by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the glory of God.
There are many gods (elohiym), which are no gods at all. There is only One True God (Elohiym). When you use the title God, which God are you referring to?
For this last chapter of Baruch, the title God will be replaced with Elohiym. Our Elohiym (God) is Yahweh. El Elyon (The Most High), the Almighty (El Shadday).
Baruch 5:1 Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of mourning and affliction, and put on the comeliness of the glory that cometh from God for ever.
5:2 Cast about you a double garment of the righteousness which cometh from God (Elohiym); and set a diadem on your head of the glory of the Everlasting.
Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. (61:3,10)
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of the sky, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
5:3 For God (Elohiym) will shew your brightness unto every country under heaven (the sky).
5:4 For your name shall be called of God (Elohiym) for ever The peace of righteousness, and The glory of God's (Yahweh's) worship.
For Elohiym will give you (Jerusalem) evermore the name, “Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.”
5:5 Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about toward the east, and behold your children gathered from the west unto the east by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the remembrance of God (Elohiym).
5:6 For they departed from you on foot, and were led away of their enemies: but God (Elohiym) bringeth them unto you exalted with glory, as children of the kingdom.
5:7 For God (Elohiym) hath appointed that every high hill, and banks of long continuance, should be cast down, and valleys filled up, to make even the ground, that Israel may go safely in the glory of God (Elohiym),
5:8 Moreover even the woods and every sweet smelling tree shall overshadow Israel by the commandment of God (Elohiym).
3Maccabees 7:16 They themselves having held fast their Elohiym unto death, and having enjoyed a full deliverance, departed from the city garlanded with sweet-flowered wreaths of every kind. Uttering exclamations of joy, with songs of praise, and melodious hymns they thanked the Elohiym of their fathers, the eternal Saviour of Israel.
5:9 For God (Elohiym) shall lead Israel with joy in the light of His glory with the mercy and righteousness that cometh from Him.
Jeremiah 29:1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;
Baruch 6:1 A copy of an epistle, which Jeremy sent unto them which were to be led captives into Babylon by the king of the Babylonians, to certify them (give them the message), as it was commanded him of God.
The People Face a Long Captivity
6:2 Because of the sins which you have committed before God, you shall be led away captives into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor (Nebuchadnezzar) king of the Babylonians.
6:3 So when you be come unto Babylon, you shall remain there many years, and for a long season, namely, seven generations: and after that I (Yahweh) will bring you away peaceably from thence.
6:4 Now shall you see in Babylon gods of silver, and of gold, and of wood, borne upon shoulders, which cause the nations to fear.
6:5 Beware therefore that you in no wise be like to (become like the) strangers (foreigners), neither be you and of them (or of letting fear for these gods possess you), when you see the multitude before them and behind them, worshipping them.
6:6 But say you in your hearts, O Yahweh, we must worship You.
6:7 For Mine angel (messenger) is with you, and I Myself (and he is) caring for your souls.
The Helplessness of Idols
6:8 As for their tongue, it is polished by the workman, and they themselves are gilded and laid over with silver; yet are they (idols) but false, and cannot speak.
6:9 And taking gold, as it were for a virgin that loveth to go gay, they make crowns for the heads of their gods.
People take gold and make crowns for the heads of their gods, as they might for a girl who loves ornaments.
6:10 Sometimes also the priests convey (secretly take) from their gods gold and silver, and bestow it upon themselves.
6:11 Yea, they will give thereof to the common harlots, and deck them (their gods) as men with garments, being gods of silver, and gods of gold, and wood.
6:12 Yet cannot these gods save themselves from rust and moth, though they be covered with purple raiment.
6:13 They wipe their faces because of the dust of the temple, when there is much upon them.
6:14 And he that cannot put to death one that offendeth him holdeth a scepter, as though he were a judge of the country.
6:15 He hath also in his right hand a dagger and an axe: but cannot deliver himself from war and thieves.
6:16 Whereby they are known not to be gods: therefore fear them not.
6:17 For like as a vessel (dish) that a man useth is nothing worth when it is broken; even so it is with their gods: when they be set up in the temple, their eyes be full of dust through the feet of them that come in.
6:18 And as the doors are made sure on every side upon him that offendeth the king, as being committed to suffer death: even so the priests make fast their temples with doors, with locks, and bars, lest their gods be spoiled with robbers.
6:19 They light them candles, yea, more than for themselves, whereof they cannot see one.
6:20 They are as one of the beams of the temple, yet they say their hearts are gnawed upon by things creeping out of the earth; and when they eat them and their clothes, they feel it not.
6:21 Their faces are blacked through the smoke that cometh out of the temple.
6:22 Upon their bodies and heads sit bats, swallows, and birds, and the cats also.
6:23 By this you may know that they are no gods: therefore fear them not.
6:24 Notwithstanding the gold that is about them to make them beautiful, except they wipe off the rust, they will not shine: for neither when they were molten did they feel it.
6:25 The things wherein there is no breath are bought for a most high price.
6:26 They are borne upon shoulders, having no feet whereby they declare unto men that they be nothing worth.
6:27 They also that serve them are ashamed: for if they fall to the ground at any time, they cannot rise up again of themselves: neither, if one set them upright, can they move of themselves: neither, if they be bowed down, can they make themselves straight: but they set gifts before them as unto dead men.
6:28 As for the things that are sacrificed unto them, their priests sell and abuse; in like manner their wives lay up part thereof in salt; but unto the poor and impotent they give nothing of it.
6:29 Menstruous women and women in childbed eat their sacrifices (Sacrifices to them may even be touched by women in their periods or at childbirth- Lev 12:2, 15:19,25): by these things you may know that they are no gods: fear them not.
6:30 For how can they be called gods? because women set meat before the gods of silver, gold, and wood.
6:31 And the priests sit in their temples, having their clothes rent, and their heads and beards shaven, and nothing upon their heads.
6:32 They roar and cry before their gods, as men do at the feast when one is dead.
6:33 The priests also take off their garments, and clothe their wives and children.
6:34 Whether it be evil that one doeth unto them, or good, they are not able to recompense it: they can neither set up a king, nor put him down.
6:35 In like manner, they can neither give riches nor money: though a man make a vow unto them, and keep it not, they will not require it.
6:36 They can save no man from death, neither deliver the weak from the mighty.
6:37 They cannot restore a blind man to his sight, nor help any man in his distress.
6:38 They can shew no mercy to the widow, nor do good to the fatherless.
6:39 Their gods of wood, and which are overlaid with gold and silver, are like the stones that be hewn out of the mountain: they that worship them shall be confounded (put to shame).
The Foolishness of Worshiping Idols
6:40 How should a man then think and say that they are gods, when even the Chaldeans (Babylonians) themselves dishonour them?
6:41 Who if they shall see one dumb that cannot speak, they bring him, and intreat Bel that he may speak, as though he (Bel) were able to understand.
6:42 Yet they cannot understand this themselves, and leave them: for they have no knowledge.
6:43 The women also with cords about them, sitting in the ways, burn bran for perfume: but if any of them, drawn by some that passeth by, lie with him, she reproacheth her fellow, that she was not thought as worthy as herself, nor her cord broken. Temple prostitutes
6:44 Whatsoever is done among them is false: how may it then be thought or said that they are gods?
6:45 They are made of carpenters and goldsmiths: they can be nothing else than the workmen will have them to be.
6:46 And they themselves that made them can never continue long; how should then the things that are made of them be gods?
6:47 For they left lies and reproaches to them that come after.
6:48 For when there cometh any war or plague (calamity) upon them, the priests consult with themselves, where they may be hidden with them (their gods).
6:49 How then cannot men perceive that they be no gods, which can neither save themselves from war, nor from plague (calamity)?
6:50 For seeing they be but of wood, and overlaid with silver and gold, it shall be known hereafter that they are false:
6:51 And it shall manifestly appear to all nations and kings that they are no gods, but the works of men's hands, and that there is no work of God (Elohiym) in them.
6:52 Who then may not know that they are no gods?
6:53 For neither can they set up a king in the land, nor give rain unto men.
6:54 Neither can they judge their own cause, nor redress a wrong, being unable: for they are as crows between heaven (the sky) and earth (land).
6:55 Whereupon when fire falleth upon the house of gods of wood, or laid over with gold or silver, their priests will flee away, and escape; but they themselves (the gods) shall be burned asunder like beams.
6:56 Moreover they cannot withstand any king or enemies: how can it then be thought or said that they be gods?
6:57 Neither are those gods of wood, and laid over with silver or gold, able to escape either from thieves or robbers.
6:58 Whose gold, and silver, and garments wherewith they are clothed, they that are strong take, and go away withal: neither are they able to help themselves.
6:59 Therefore it is better to be a king that sheweth his power (courage), or else a profitable vessel (utensil) in an house, which the owner shall have use of, than such false gods; or to be a door in an house, to keep such things therein, than such false gods. or a pillar of wood in a palace, than such false gods.
6:60 For sun, moon, and stars, being bright and sent to do their offices, are obedient.
6:61 In like manner the lightning when it breaketh forth is easy to be seen; and after the same manner the wind bloweth in every country.
6:62 And when God (Elohiym) commandeth the clouds to go over the whole world, they do as they are bidden.
6:63 And the fire sent from above to consume hills and woods doeth as it is commanded: but these (idols) are like unto them neither in shew nor power.
6:64 Wherefore it is neither to be supposed nor said that they are gods, seeing, they are able neither to judge causes, nor to do good unto men.
6:65 Knowing therefore that they are no gods, fear them not,
6:66 For they can neither curse nor bless kings:
6:67 Neither can they shew signs in the heavens (skies) among the heathen (nations), nor shine as the sun, nor give light as the moon.
6:68 The beasts are better than they: for they can get under a cover and help themselves.
6:69 It is then by no means manifest unto us (So we have no evidence) that they are gods: therefore fear them not.
6:70 For as a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers keepeth (guards) nothing: so are their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold.
6:71 And likewise their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold, are like to a white thorn in an orchard, that every bird sitteth upon; as also to a dead body, that is east into the dark (or like a corpse thrown out in the darkness).
6:72 And you shall know them to be no gods by the bright purple that rotteth upon them: and they themselves afterward shall be eaten, and shall be a reproach in the country.
6:73 Better therefore is the just man that hath none idols: for he shall be far from reproach.
The Prayer of Azariah in the Furnace in Babylon
Daniel 3:23 Then these three men, Sedrach, Misach, and Abdenago, fell bound into the midst of the burning furnace, and walked in the midst of the flame, singing praise to God, and blessing Yahweh.
2 Then Azarias stood up, and prayed on this manner; and opening his mouth in the midst of the fire said,
3 Blessed art You, O Yahweh God (Elohiym) of our fathers: Your name is worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore:
4 For You art righteous in all the things that You hast done to us: yea, true are all Your works, Your ways are right, and all Your judgments truth.
5 In all the things that You hast brought upon us, and upon the holy city of our fathers, even Jerusalem, You hast executed true judgment: for according to truth and judgment didst You bring all these things upon us because of our sins.
6 For we have sinned and committed iniquity, departing from You. In all things have we trespassed, and not obeyed Your commandments,
7 nor kept them, neither done as You hast commanded us, that it might go well with us.
8 Wherefore all that You hast brought upon us, and every thing that You hast done to us, You hast done in true judgment.
9 And You didst deliver us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hateful forsakers of God (Elohiym), and to an unjust king, and the most wicked in all the world.
10 And now we cannot open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproach to Your servants; and to them that worship You.
11 Yet deliver us not up wholly, for Your name's sake, neither disannul You Your covenant:
12 And cause not Your mercy to depart from us, for Your beloved Abraham's sake, for Your servant Isaac's sake, and for Your holy Israel's sake;
13 To whom You hast spoken and promised, that You wouldest multiply their seed as the stars of heaven (the sky), and as the sand that lieth upon the seashore.
14 For we, O Yahweh, are become less than any nation, and be kept under this day in all the world because of our sins.
15 Neither is there at this time prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice before You, and to find mercy.
16 Nevertheless in a contrite heart and an humble spirit let us be accepted.
17 Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like as in ten thousands of fat lambs: so let our sacrifice be in Your sight this day, and grant that we may wholly go after You: for they shall not be confounded that put their trust in You.
18 And now we follow You with all our heart, we fear You, and seek Your face.
19 Put us not to shame: but deal with us after Your lovingkindness, and according to the multitude of Your mercies.
20 Deliver us also according to Your marvellous works, and give glory to Your name, O Yahweh:
21 and let all them that do Your servants hurt be ashamed; And let them be confounded in all their power and might, and let their strength be broken;
22 And let them know that You art God, the only God, and glorious over the whole world.
The Song of the Three Judahites
23 And the king's servants, that put them in, ceased not to make the oven hot with rosin, pitch, tow, and small wood;
24 So that the flame streamed forth above the furnace forty and nine cubits.
25 And it passed through, and burned those Chaldeans it found about the furnace.
26 But the angel (messenger- Raphael) of Yahweh came down into the oven together with Azarias and his fellows, and smote the flame of the fire out of the oven;
27 And made the midst of the furnace as it had been a moist whistling wind, so that the fire touched them not at all, neither hurt nor troubled them (3Mac 6:6).
28 Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised, glorified, and blessed, God (Elohiym) in the furnace, saying,
29 Blessed art You, O Yahweh God (Elohiym) of our fathers: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. And blessed is your glorious and holy name: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed art You in the temple of Your holy glory: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever. Blessed art You that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art You on the glorious throne of Your kingdom: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever. Blessed art You in the firmament of heaven (the sky): and above all to be praised and glorified for ever.
O all you works of Yahweh, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever, O you heavens (skies), bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you angels (messengers) of Yahweh, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O all you waters that be above the heaven, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O all you powers of Yahweh, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O you sun and moon, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you stars of heaven (the sky), bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O every shower and dew, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O all you winds, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever, O you fire and heat, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you winter and summer, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you dews and storms of snow, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O you nights and days, bless you Yahweh: bless and exalt Him above all for ever. O you light and darkness, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you ice and cold, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you frost and snow, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you lightnings and clouds, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O let the earth (land) bless Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you mountains and little hills, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O all you things that grow in the earth (land), bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you mountains, bless you Yahweh: Praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O you seas and rivers, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you whales, and all that move in the waters, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O all you fowls of the air, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O all you beasts and cattle, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O you children of men, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O Israel, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O you priests of Yahweh, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you servants of Yahweh, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you spirits and souls of the righteous, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O you holy and humble men of heart, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless you Yahweh: praise and exalt Him above all for ever: for He hath delivered us from hell, and saved (preserved) us from the hand of death, and delivered us out of the midst of the furnace and burning flame: even out of the midst of the fire hath He delivered us. O give thanks unto Yahweh, because He is gracious: for His mercy endureth for ever.
O all you that worship Yahweh, bless the God (Elohiym) of gods (elohiym), praise Him, and give Him thanks: for His mercy endureth for ever.
Daniel 3:24 And Nabuchodonosor (Nebuchadnezzar) heard them singing praises; and he wondered, and rose up in haste, and said to his nobles, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? and they said to the king, Yes, O king.
