234 passages · Humanity
Pharaoh dreams of seven thin cows eating seven fat ones, then of thin heads of grain swallowing plump ones. His court's wise men cannot explain either dream.
The cupbearer finally confesses his earlier failure and tells how a young Hebrew in prison accurately interpreted his dream and the baker's.
Joseph says the two dreams are one message from God: seven years of abundance will be followed by seven years of severe famine. The repeated dream shows God has settled the matter.
Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise overseer and officials to collect a fifth of the harvest during the good years and store it against the coming famine.
Pharaoh and his officials approve the plan and recognize God's Spirit in Joseph. Pharaoh appoints him second only to himself, gives him a ring, robes, an Egyptian name and a wife.
The seven lean years begin as Joseph foretold. Egyptians turn to Pharaoh, who sends them to Joseph, and people from every nation come to Egypt to buy grain.
Seeing Moses judge the people from morning to evening, Jethro says the work is too heavy. He advises Moses to teach the laws and appoint capable, God-fearing men to judge minor cases.
Moses calls Israel to listen and keep the law without adding or subtracting, recalling how those who followed Baal of Peor died. Keeping the law will show other nations Israel's wisdom and the nearness of God.
Moses says Israel lacks understanding and their defeat happens because the LORD gave them up. Their enemies' rock is not like Israel's Rock, and the LORD will repay in his time.
The men of Israel examine the food but do not ask the LORD. Joshua makes peace with the Gibeonites, and the leaders swear an oath.
From Mount Gerizim, Jotham tells of trees seeking a king who are refused by olive, fig, and vine, until a thornbush accepts. He applies it: if Shechem acted honestly toward his father's house, may they rejoice, but if not, may fire consume both Abimelech and Shechem.
David flees to Gath, and Achish's servants recall the song about him. Afraid, David acts insane, and Achish sends him away.
One of Nabal's young men tells Abigail that David's men had treated the shepherds well, that Nabal insulted them, and that disaster now threatens the household. He urges her to act.
Abigail quickly loads donkeys with bread, wine, meat, grain, raisins and figs and sends them ahead without telling Nabal. Meanwhile David, riding toward her, has just vowed to kill every male of Nabal's household by morning.
Abigail bows, takes the blame on herself, and calls Nabal a fool. She offers her gift, credits the LORD with restraining David, and says that a future without needless bloodshed will spare him guilt.
David thanks the LORD for sending Abigail, praises her discernment, and admits he would have killed Nabal's men. He accepts her gift and sends her home in peace.
Joab sends a wise woman to pose as a mourning widow whose surviving son is threatened with death for killing his brother. David promises that no harm will come to her son.
The woman says the king's decision condemns his own refusal to bring back his banished son. David realizes Joab is behind it, and she praises David's wisdom.
David climbs weeping, barefoot, and prays that Ahithophel's counsel will fail. He sends Hushai back to feign loyalty to Absalom and counter Ahithophel.
Absalom arrives with Ahithophel, and Hushai greets him as king. Questioned about leaving David, he says he will serve the one chosen by the LORD and the people.
Ahithophel urges Absalom to sleep with David's concubines so all Israel sees a permanent break with his father. Absalom does so on the palace roof, and the narrator says Ahithophel's counsel was highly regarded.
Ahithophel proposes pursuing David that night with 12,000 men. Hushai counters that David and his men are fierce and advises gathering all Israel first, and Absalom prefers Hushai because the LORD meant to thwart Ahithophel.
When Ahithophel sees his advice ignored, he puts his affairs in order and hangs himself. David reaches Mahanaim, where several supporters bring supplies, while Absalom camps in Gilead.
Joab besieges the city where Sheba took refuge, and a wise woman persuades him to spare it. The people give up Sheba's head, and Joab returns to Jerusalem.
In a dream God tells Solomon to ask for anything. Solomon asks for an understanding heart to govern, and God grants wisdom and adds riches and honor.
Two women dispute over a living baby. Solomon orders it to be cut in two, and the true mother's plea shows who she is. All Israel sees God's wisdom in him.
God gives Solomon wisdom greater than anyone's; he composes proverbs and songs and teaches about plants and animals. People from all nations come to hear him.
The queen of Sheba tests Solomon with hard questions and sees his wisdom and wealth. She praises the LORD, gives gifts and returns home.
Solomon surpasses all other kings in riches and wisdom, and visitors bring tribute. He gathers chariots and horses and trades them with Egypt and other kings.
Israel comes to Shechem and asks Rehoboam to lighten Solomon's heavy burden. He rejects his elders' advice and threatens to make it heavier, which the narrator says was part of God's plan.