83 passages · God
God speaks light into being, calls it good, and separates it from darkness, naming them day and night. The first evening and morning mark the first day.
Moses asks what name to give the Israelites. God answers 'I AM WHO I AM' and says he is the LORD, the God of their fathers, the name by which he is to be remembered forever.
God avoids the shorter road through Philistine land so the people will not lose heart at war. Moses carries Joseph's bones, and the LORD goes before them in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
The song asks who among the gods is like the LORD, then looks ahead to God leading his people to his holy dwelling while the nations tremble. It ends with the LORD reigning forever.
God says he is the LORD who brought Israel out of slavery. Israel is to have no other gods and make no idols, and God describes himself as jealous but showing love to those who love him.
The people must not eat creatures that swarm on the ground or defile themselves. The LORD grounds the rules in who he is: he brought them out of Egypt to be their God, so they are to be holy as he is holy.
A cloud covers the tabernacle, looking like fire at night. Israel camps while it stays and moves when it lifts, whether for a night or a long time.
Moses reminds Israel that they refused to go up, grumbled that God hated them, and feared the people of the land. He urged them not to be afraid since God had carried them, yet they did not trust Him.
When Israel goes to war against a larger army, they are not to fear, because God goes with them. The priest encourages the army, and the officers release men with new houses, vineyards, or engagements, and the fearful.
Moses' song calls heaven and earth to listen and praises the LORD as the Rock, perfect and just. It contrasts his faithfulness with Israel's corrupt behavior and asks whether this is how they repay their Father.
Before his death, Moses begins a blessing on Israel by describing the LORD coming from Sinai with holy ones. He notes God's love for his people, the law given through Moses, and the LORD as King in Jeshurun.
Moses closes by praising the God who rides the heavens to help Israel, whose everlasting arms carry them. He declares Israel blessed as a people saved by the LORD, who will drive out their enemies and live in security.
The LORD promises to exalt Joshua and tells him how the crossing will work. Joshua announces that when the priests' feet touch the water, the river will stand up in a heap, showing that God is among them.
The LORD tells Joshua to have the priests come up from the Jordan. As soon as their feet touch dry land, the river flows over its banks again.
Saul's armor does not fit David, so he takes his staff, five stones and sling. Goliath curses him, and David answers that he comes in the name of the LORD, so all will know the battle is the LORD's.
David sings that the LORD is his rock, fortress and deliverer. He recalls calling out from death's snares and being heard.
Solomon says the LORD chose to dwell in a cloud and that he has built a house for him. He blesses the assembly and recalls how God promised David's son would build the house.
Elijah prays briefly that the LORD would show he is God, and fire falls and consumes everything. The people declare the LORD is God, and Elijah has Baal's prophets seized and killed at the Kishon Valley.
God asks what Elijah is doing there, and Elijah says he alone remains faithful. God's presence is not in wind, earthquake, or fire but in a still, small voice, and Elijah repeats the same complaint.
In spring Aram gathers at Aphek. A man of God says the LORD will give the vast army into Israel's hand to show he is not merely a god of the hills, and after seven days Israel wins decisively.
Healed, Naaman declares that there is no God except in Israel and offers a gift, which Elisha refuses. Naaman asks for soil to worship the LORD alone and for pardon when accompanying his king in a pagan temple, and Elisha tells him to go in peace.
David sits before the Lord and asks who he is to be so honored. He praises God as unique and celebrates how God redeemed Israel from Egypt and made them his own people.
Standing on a bronze platform with hands spread, Solomon praises God as unique and faithful to His covenant. He asks God to keep His promise that David's descendants will always sit on the throne.
Solomon acknowledges that not even the highest heavens can contain God, let alone this temple. He asks God to hear prayers made toward it and to forgive.
Sennacherib's servants keep speaking against the LORD, and he writes letters mocking Him. The Assyrians shout in Hebrew to the people on the wall to frighten them, comparing the God of Jerusalem to the idols of other nations.
Zophar says the deep things of God are higher than heaven and deeper than Sheol, and God sees all deceit. He insists a foolish person cannot become wise.
Job says he cannot find God east, west, north, or south, but he trusts that God knows his way and that he will come out as gold. Still, he is terrified by God's unchangeable will.
Job describes God's power over the realm of the dead, the earth hung on nothing, the clouds, the horizon and the sea, and says these are only the outskirts of His ways.
Wisdom is hidden from every living creature, and even Death has only heard a rumor. God alone understands it, and He tells people that fearing the Lord is wisdom.
Job describes constant pain and says God grabs and throws him down. He cries for help, but he feels God does not answer and expects death.