Bible Readings for July 6, 2021

Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are 1 Chronicles 2:18–4:4; Acts 24:1-27; Psalm 4:1-8; and Proverbs 18:16-18. The readings are the Contemporary English Version.  

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1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4 (Contemporary English Version)

The Descendants of Hezron

 ¹⁸Hezron's son Caleb married Azubah, and their daughter was Jerioth, ^[a] the mother of Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. ¹⁹After the death of Azubah, Caleb married Ephrath. Their son Hur ²⁰was the father of Uri and the grandfather of Bezalel. ²¹When Hezron was sixty years old, he married the daughter of Machir, who settled the region of Gilead. Their son Segub ²²was the father of Jair, who ruled twenty-three villages in the region of Gilead. ²³Some time later the nations of Geshur and Aram captured sixty towns in that region, including the villages that belonged to Jair, as well as the town of Kenath and the nearby villages. Everyone from the region of Gilead was a descendant of Machir. 

    ²⁴After the death of Hezron, Caleb married Ephrath, his father's wife. Their son was Ashhur, ^[b] who later settled the town of Tekoa.

The Descendants of Jerahmeel

 ²⁵Jerahmeel, Hezron's oldest son, was the father of Ram, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. ²⁶Jerahmeel had a second wife, Atarah, who gave birth to Onam. ²⁷Ram was the father of Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. ²⁸Onam was the father of Shammai and Jada. 

   Shammai was the father of Nadab and Abishur. ²⁹Abishur married Abihail, and their two sons were Ahban and Molid. ³⁰Nadab was the father of Seled and Appaim. Seled had no children; ³¹Appaim's son was Ishi, the father of Sheshan and the grandfather of Ahlai.

    ³²Jada was the father of Jether and Jonathan. Jether had no children, ³³but Jonathan had two sons: Peleth and Zaza.

    ^34-35Sheshan had no sons, and so he let one of his daughters marry Jarha, his Egyptian slave. Their son was Attai, ³⁶the father of Nathan and the grandfather of Zabad. ^37-41Zabad's descendants included Ephlal, Obed, Jehu, Azariah, Helez, Eleasah, Sismai, Shallum, Jekamiah, and Elishama.   

The Descendants of Caleb

 ⁴²Caleb, Jerahmeel's brother, had the following descendants: Mesha, ^[c] Ziph, Mareshah, ^[d] Hebron, ⁴³and Hebron's four sons, Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. ⁴⁴Shema was the father of Raham and the grandfather of Jorkeam. Rekem was the father of Shammai, ⁴⁵the grandfather of Maon, and the great-grandfather of Bethzur. ⁴⁶Ephah was one of Caleb's wives, ^[e] and their sons were Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Haran named his son after his brother Gazez. ⁴⁷Ephah was the daughter of Jahdai, who was also the father of Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, and Shaaph. ^[f]⁴⁸Maacah was another of Caleb's wives, ^[g] and their sons were Sheber and Tirhanah. ⁴⁹Later, they had two more sons: Shaaph the father of Madmannah, and Sheva the father of Machbenah and Gibea. Caleb's daughter was Achsah. ^50-51All of these were Caleb's descendants. Hur, the oldest son of Caleb and Ephrath, had three sons: Shobal, Salma, and Hareph, who settled the town of Beth-Gader. ⁵²Shobal, who settled the town of Kiriath-Jearim, was the ancestor of Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth clan, ⁵³and the clans that lived near Kiriath-Jearim; they were the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites. The Zorathites and the Eshtaolites were descendants of the Mishraites. 

    ⁵⁴Salma settled the town of Bethlehem and was the ancestor of the Netophathites, the people of Atroth-Bethjoab, half of the Manahathite clan, and the Zorites. ⁵⁵Salma was also the ancestor of the clans in Jabez that kept the court and government records; they were the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These clans were the descendants of Hammath the Kenite, who was also the ancestor of the Rechabites.

   

1 Chronicles 3

The Descendants of King David

 ^1-4King David ruled from Hebron for seven years and six months, and during that time he had six sons, who were born in the following order: Amnon, Daniel, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ithream. Ahinoam from Jezreel was the mother of Amnon; Abigail from Carmel was the mother of Daniel; Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur was the mother of Absalom; Haggith was the mother of Adonijah; Abital was the mother of Shephatiah; and Eglah was the mother of Ithream. 

   David then ruled from Jerusalem for thirty-three years, ⁵and during that time, he had thirteen more sons. His wife Bathsheba ^[h] daughter of Ammiel gave birth to Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. ^6-8David's other sons included Ibhar, Elishua, ^[i] Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. ⁹David's other wives ^[j] also gave birth to sons. Tamar was his daughter.

The Descendants of King Solomon

 ^10-15Solomon's descendants included the following kings: Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, ^[k] Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, Azariah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah and his four sons, Johanan, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, and Jehoahaz. ^[l] ¹⁶Jehoiakim was the father of Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. ¹⁷Jehoiachin, who was taken to Babylon as a prisoner, had seven sons: Shealtiel, ¹⁸Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. ¹⁹Pedaiah had two sons: Zerubbabel and Shimei. Zerubbabel was the father of Meshullam, Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister. ²⁰He also had five other sons: Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushabhesed. ²¹Hananiah's descendants were Pelatiah, Jeshaiah, Rephaiah, Arnan, Obadiah, and Shecaniah, ^[m] ²²the father of Shemaiah and the grandfather of Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat. ²³Neariah was the father of Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam. ²⁴Elioenai was the father of Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani. 

1 Chronicles 4

The Descendants of Judah

 ¹Judah was the father of five sons: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. ²Shobal was the father of Reaiah, the grandfather of Jahath, and the great-grandfather of Ahumai and Lahad. These men all belonged to the Zorathite clan. 

    ^3-4Hur was the oldest son of Caleb and Ephrath. Some of his descendants settled the town of Bethlehem. Hur's other descendants included Etam, Penuel, and Ezer. Etam's sons ^[n] were Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash, and his daughter was Hazzelelponi. Penuel settled the town of Gedor, and Ezer settled the town of Hushah.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Chronicles 2:18 married Azubah. . . Jerioth: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
2. 1 Chronicles 2:24 After the death of Hezron. . . Ashhur: Two ancient translations; Hebrew "After Hezron died in Caleb-Ephrathah, Abijah his wife gave birth to Ashhur."
3. 1 Chronicles 2:42 Mesha: Hebrew; one ancient translation "Mareshah."
4. 1 Chronicles 2:42 following descendants. . . Mareshah: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
5. 1 Chronicles 2:46 wives: This translates a Hebrew word for women who were legally bound to a man, but without the full privileges of a wife.
6. 1 Chronicles 2:47 Shaaph: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 47.
7. 1 Chronicles 2:48 wives: See the note at 2.46.
8. 1 Chronicles 3:5 Bathsheba: Two ancient translations (see also 2 Samuel 11); Hebrew "Bathshua."
9. 1 Chronicles 3:6 Elishua: Some Hebrew manuscripts and some manuscripts of one ancient translation (see also 2 Samuel 5.14,15); most Hebrew manuscripts "Elishama."
10. 1 Chronicles 3:9 other wives: See the note at 2.46.
11. 1 Chronicles 3:10 Jehoram: The Hebrew text has "Joram," another spelling of the name.
12. 1 Chronicles 3:10 Jehoahaz: The Hebrew text has "Shallum," probably another name for Jehoahaz (see also 2 Kings 23.30).
13. 1 Chronicles 3:21 Shecaniah: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 21.
14. 1 Chronicles 4:3 Etam's sons: Some manuscripts of one ancient translation; Hebrew "Etam's ancestors."

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Acts 24:1-27 (Contemporary English Version)

Acts 24

Paul Is Accused in the Court of Felix

 ¹Five days later Ananias the high priest, together with some of their leaders and a lawyer named Tertullus, went to the governor to present their case against Paul. ²So Paul was called in, and Tertullus stated the case against him: ^[a]Honorable Felix, you have brought our people a long period of peace, and because of your concern our nation is much better off. ³All of us are always grateful for what you have done. ⁴I don't want to bother you, but please be patient with us and listen to me for just a few minutes. 

    ⁵This man has been found to be a real pest and troublemaker for Jews all over the world. He is also a leader of a group called Nazarenes. ^6-8When he tried to disgrace the temple, we arrested him. ^[b] If you question him, you will find out for yourself that our charges are true. ⁹The Jewish crowd spoke up and agreed with what Tertullus had said.   

Paul Defends Himself

 ¹⁰The governor motioned for Paul to speak, and he began: 

   I know that you have judged the people of our nation for many years, and I am glad to defend myself in your court.

    ¹¹It was no more than twelve days ago that I went to worship in Jerusalem. You can find this out easily enough. ¹²Never once did the Jews find me arguing with anyone in the temple. I didn't cause trouble in the Jewish meeting places or in the city itself. ¹³There is no way that they can prove these charges that they are now bringing against me.

    ¹⁴I admit that their leaders think that the Lord's Way ^[c] which I follow is based on wrong beliefs. But I still worship the same God that my ancestors worshiped. And I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets. ^[d]¹⁵I am just as sure as these people are that God will raise from death everyone who is good or evil. ¹⁶And because I am sure, I try my best to have a clear conscience in whatever I do for God or for people. ¹⁷After being away for several years, I returned here to bring gifts for the poor people of my nation and to offer sacrifices. ¹⁸This is what I was doing when I was found going through a ceremony in the temple. I wasn't with a crowd, and there was no uproar.

    ¹⁹Some Jews from Asia were there at that time, and if they have anything to say against me, they should be here now. ²⁰Or ask the ones who are here. They can tell you that they didn't find me guilty of anything when I was tried by their own council. ²¹The only charge they can bring against me is what I shouted out in court, when I said, "I am on trial today because I believe that the dead will be raised to life!"

    ²²Felix knew a lot about the Lord's Way. ^[e] But he brought the trial to an end and said, "I will make my decision after Lysias the commander arrives." ²³He then ordered the army officer to keep Paul under guard, but not to lock him up or to stop his friends from helping him.

Paul Is Kept under Guard

 ²⁴Several days later Felix and his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, went to the place where Paul was kept under guard. They sent for Paul and listened while he spoke to them about having faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵But Felix was frightened when Paul started talking to them about doing right, about self-control, and about the coming judgment. So he said to Paul, "That's enough for now. You may go. But when I have time I will send for you." ²⁶After this, Felix often sent for Paul and talked with him, because he hoped that Paul would offer him a bribe. 

    ²⁷Two years later Porcius Festus became governor in place of Felix. But since Felix wanted to do the Jewish leaders a favor, he kept Paul in jail.

   

Footnotes:

1. Acts 24:2 Paul was called in, and Tertullus stated the case against him: Or "Tertullus was called in and stated the case against Paul."
2. Acts 24:6 we arrested him: Some manuscripts add, "We wanted to judge him by our own laws. But Lysias the commander took him away from us by force. Then Lysias ordered us to bring our charges against this man in your court."
3. Acts 24:14 the Lord's Way: See the note at 9.2.
4. Acts 24:14 Law of Moses. . . the Prophets: The Jewish Scriptures, that is, the Old Testament.
5. Acts 24:22 the Lord's Way: See the note at 9.2.

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Psalm 4:1-8 (Contemporary English Version)

Psalm 4

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.)

An Evening Prayer

 ¹You are my God and protector. 

   Please answer my prayer.

   I was in terrible distress,

   but you set me free.

   Now have pity and listen

   as I pray.

    ²How long will you people

   refuse to respect me? ^[a] You love foolish things,

   and you run after

   what is worthless. ^[b] ³The LORD has chosen

   everyone who is faithful

   to be his very own, ^[c] and he answers my prayers.

    ⁴But each of you

   had better tremble

   and turn from your sins.

   Silently search your heart

   as you lie in bed.

    ⁵Offer the proper sacrifices

   and trust the LORD.

    ⁶There are some who ask,

   "Who will be good to us?"

   Let your kindness, LORD,

   shine brightly on us.

    ⁷You brought me more happiness

   than a rich harvest

   of grain and grapes.

    ⁸I can lie down

   and sleep soundly

   because you, LORD,

   will keep me safe.

   

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 4:2 me: Or " my God."
2. Psalm 4:2 foolish. . . worthless: This may refer to idols and false gods.
3. Psalm 4:3 has chosen. . . very own: Some Hebrew manuscripts have " work miracles for his faithful people."

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Proverbs 18:16-18 (Contemporary English Version)

¹⁶A gift will get you in

   to see anyone.

    ¹⁷You may think you have won

   your case in court,

   until your opponent speaks.

    ¹⁸Drawing straws is one way

   to settle a difficult case.

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Thought for the Day

 

“The sky and the earth won't last forever, but my words will.” (Matthew 24:35 - Contemporary English Version) The word of God is eternal. And for that reason, it just makes sense for us to read it ourselves rather than to trust blindly those who use it to support their own ideas.

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Quote for the Day

American sportswriter for The Boston Globe who also worked as an on-air football reporter for CBS and NBC, Will McDonough wrote, “The future is electronic. It's radio, television and the Internet; it's not really newspapers anymore.”

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A Joke for Today

A wealthy man died and went to heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by Saint Peter who led him down the streets of gold. They passed mansion after mansion until they came to the very end of the street. Saint Peter stopped the rich man in front of a little shack.“This belongs to you,” said Saint Peter.“Why do I get this ugly thing when there are so many mansions I could live in?” the man demanded.“We did the best we could with the money you sent us!” Saint Peter replied.

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A Prayer Request

As Christians, we can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Below is the need that we're laying before God today.

That we listen to those who have experiences difference than our own.