Study Desk

They made their hearts like hard stone, so that they could not hear the Law and the words which the Lord of All had sent by His Spirit through the men who spoke for Him in the past. So the Lord of All became very angry.

"The Lord of All says, ‘I am very jealous for Zion. I am jealous for her with much anger.'

I will bring them back and they will live in Jerusalem. They will be My people and I will be their God. I will be faithful and do what is right and good for them.'

"The Lord of All says, ‘You who are now listening to these words spoken through the men of God who were there when the Lord's house was started, let your hands be strong for building the Lord's house.

Before that time there was no pay for man or animal. No one could come in or go out in peace because of those who hated him. I turned people against one another.

Do not make sinful plans against one another in your hearts. And do not love to make false promises. For I hate all these things,' says the Lord."

"The Lord of All says, ‘The times when you do not eat in the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become glad times of joy. They will become happy, special suppers for the people of Judah. So love truth and peace.'

The people of one city will say to another, "Let us go at once and pray to the Lord and ask for His favor. I will go also."

‘So many people and powerful nations will come to look for the Lord of All in Jerusalem and to ask for the Lord's favor.'

The Lord of All says, ‘In those days ten men from the nations of every language will take hold of the coat of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."'"

The Word of the Lord is against the land of Hadrach and will rest upon Damascus. For the eyes of men and all the family groups of Israel are on the Lord.

For Tyre built a strong tower for herself. She gathered silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets.

Ashkelon will see it and be afraid. Gaza will suffer with much pain. So will Ekron, for her hope will be destroyed. Gaza will lose her king, and no one will live in Ashkelon.

Then I will camp around My land and keep armies from going through it. No one will make it hard for them again, for now I am keeping watch.

As for you, because of the blood of My agreement with you, I have set your people free from the deep hole that has no water.

The Lord of All will fight for them, and they will destroy, and walk on the stones that were to be thrown at them. They will drink and make much noise as with wine. They will be filled like a cup used for putting blood on the corners of the altar.

The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people. For they are like the stones of a crown, shining in His land.

Ask the Lord for rain in the spring time. It is the Lord Who makes the storm clouds. He gives rain to men, and gives vegetables in the field to every one.

"My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the Lord of All has visited His flock, the people of Judah, and will make them like His proud horse in battle.

I will give strength to the family of Judah. I will save the family of Joseph, and I will bring them back, because I have loving-pity on them. They will be as if I had not turned away from them. For I am the Lord their God, and I will answer them.