Read Scripture In A Year: July 24

(2Sa 10:1) After this, the King of the children of Ammon dyed, and Hanun his sonne reigned in his steade.

(2Sa 10:2) Then sayde Dauid, I will shewe kindnesse vnto Hanun the sonne of Nahash, as his father shewed kindnesse vnto me. And Dauid sent his seruantes to comfort him for his father. So Dauids seruants came into the lande of the children of Ammon.

(Notes Reference) Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father (a) shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

(a) The children of God are not unmindful of a benefit received.

(2Sa 10:3) And the princes of the children of Ammon sayde vnto Hanun their lorde, Thinkest thou that Dauid doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters to thee? hath not Dauid rather sent his seruants vnto thee, to search the citie, and to spie it out, and to ouerthrow it?

(Notes Reference) And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David [rather] sent his servants unto thee, (b) to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?

(b) Their arrogant malice would not allow them to see the simplicity of David's heart: therefore their counsel turned to the destruction of their country.

(2Sa 10:4) Wherefore Hanun tooke Dauids seruants, and shaued off the halfe of their beard, and cut off their garments in the middle, euen to their buttockes, and sent them away.

(2Sa 10:5) When it was told vnto Dauid, he sent to meete them (for the men were exceedingly ashamed) and the King sayde, Tary at Iericho, vntill your beards be growen, then returne.

(2Sa 10:6) And when the children of Ammon sawe that they stanke in the sight of Dauid, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Aramites of the house of Rehob, and the Aramites of Zoba, twentie thousande footemen, and of King Maacah a thousand men, and of Ish-tob twelue thousande men.

(Notes Reference) And when the children of Ammon saw that they (c) stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

(2Sa 10:7) And when Dauid heard of it, he sent Ioab, and all the hoste of the strong men.

(2Sa 10:8) And the children of Ammon came out, and put their armie in araye at the entring in of the gate: and the Aramites of Zoba, and of Rehob, and of Ish-tob, and of Maacah were by themselues in the fielde.

(Notes Reference) And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of (d) Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, [were] by themselves in the field.

(d) These were various parts of the country of Syria, by which it appears that the Syrians served where they might have entertainment, as now the Sweitzers do.

(2Sa 10:9) When Ioab saw that the front of the battel was against him before and behinde, he chose of all the choyse of Israel, and put them in aray against the Aramites.

(2Sa 10:10) And the rest of the people hee deliuered into the hande of Abishai his brother, that hee might put them in aray against the children of Ammon.

(2Sa 10:11) And he sayde, If the Aramites be stronger then I, thou shalt helpe me, and if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, I will come and succour thee.

(2Sa 10:12) Be strong and let vs be valiant for our people, and for the cities of our God, and let the Lord do that which is good in his eyes.

(Notes Reference) Be of good courage, and let us play the men for (e) our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

(e) Here it is declared why war should be undertaken: for the defence of true religion and God's people.

(2Sa 10:13) Then Ioab, and the people that was with him, ioyned in battel with the Aramites, who fled before him.

(2Sa 10:14) And when the children of Ammon sawe that the Aramites fled, they fled also before Abishai, and entred into the citie. so Ioab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Ierusalem.

(2Sa 10:15) And when the Aramites sawe that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered them together.

(2Sa 10:16) And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Aramites that were beyond the Riuer: and they came to Helam, and Shobach the captaine of the hoste of Hadarezer went before them.

(2Sa 10:17) When it was shewed Dauid, then he gathered all Israel together, and passed ouer Iorden and came to Helam: and the Aramites set themselues in aray against Dauid, and fought with him:

(Notes Reference) And when it was told David, he gathered (f) all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.

(f) Meaning, the greatest part.

(2Sa 10:18) And the Aramites fled before Israel: and Dauid destroyed seuen hundreth charets of the Aramites, and fourtie thousande horsemen, and smote Shobach the captaine of his hoste, who dyed there.

(Notes Reference) And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew [the men of] (g) seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.

(g) Who were the chief and most principal: for in all he destroyed 7000, as in (1Ch 19:18), or the soldiers who were in 700 chariots.

(2Sa 10:19) And when all the Kings, that were seruants to Hadarezer, saw that they fell before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and serued them. and the Aramites feared to helpe the children of Ammon any more.

Passage 2: Jeremiah 14

(Jer 14:1) The worde of the Lord that came vnto Ieremiah, concerning the dearth.

(Notes Reference) The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the (a) dearth.

(a) Which came for lack of rain as in (Jer 14:4).

(Jer 14:2) Iudah hath mourned, and the gates thereof are desolate, they haue bene brought to heauinesse vnto the grounde, and the cry of Ierusalem goeth vp.

(Notes Reference) Judah mourneth, and her gates languish; they are (b) black to the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.

(b) The word signifies extreme sorrow.

(Jer 14:3) And their nobles haue sent their inferiours to the water, who came to the welles, and founde no water: they returned with their vessels empty: they were ashamed and confounded, and couered their heads.

(Notes Reference) And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, [and] found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and (c) covered their heads.

(Jer 14:4) For the grounde was destroyed, because there was no rayne in the earth: the plowmen were ashamed, and couered their heads.

(Jer 14:5) Yea, the hinde also calued in the fielde, and forsooke it, because there was no grasse.

(Notes Reference) Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook (d) [it], because there was no grass.

(d) Meaning, that the brute beasts for drought were compelled to forsake their young, contrary to nature, and to go seek water which they could not find.

(Jer 14:6) And the wilde asses did stande in the hygh places, and drew in their winde like dragons their eyes did faile, because there was no grasse.

(Notes Reference) And the wild donkeys stood in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like (e) dragons; their eyes failed, because [there was] no grass.

(e) Who are so hot by nature, that they cannot be cooled by drinking water, but still gasp for the air to refresh them.

(Jer 14:7) O Lord, though our iniquities testifie against vs, deale with vs according to thy name: for our rebellions are many, we sinned against thee.

(Notes Reference) (f) O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

(f) He shows the only way to remedy God's plagues, which is by true confession of our sins, and returning to him by repentance.

(Jer 14:8) O the hope of Israel, the sauiour thereof in the time of trouble, why art thou as a strager in ye land, as one that passeth by to tary for a night?

(Notes Reference) O the hope of Israel, his saviour in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a (g) stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man [that] turneth aside to tarry for a night?

(g) That takes no care for us.

(Jer 14:9) Why art thou as a man astonied, and as a strong man that cannot helpe? yet thou, O Lord, art in the middes of vs, and thy Name is called vpon vs: forsake vs not.

(Notes Reference) Why shouldest thou be as a man astonished, as (h) a mighty man [that] cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, [art] in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

(h) That takes no care for us.

(Jer 14:10) Thus saith the Lord vnto this people, Thus haue they delited to wander: they haue not refrained their feete, therefore the Lord hath no delight in them: but he will now remember their iniquitie, and visite their sinnes.

(Jer 14:11) Then sayd the Lord vnto me, Thou shalt not pray to do this people good.

(Notes Reference) Then said the LORD to me, (i) Pray not for this people for [their] good.

(i) Read (Jer 7:16, Jer 11:14).

(Jer 14:12) When they fast, I will not heare their cry, and when they offer burnt offering, and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sworde, and by the famine and by the pestilence.

(Jer 14:13) Then answered I, Ah Lord God, beholde, the prophets say vnto them, Ye shall not see the sworde, neither shall famine come vpon you, but I wil giue you assured peace in this place.

(Notes Reference) Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the (k) prophets say to them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

(k) He pities the people, and accuses the false prophets who deceived them: but the Lord answered that both the prophets who deceived and the people who permitted themselves to be seduced, will perish, (Jer 23:15, Jer 27:8-9, Jer 29:8).

(Jer 14:14) Then the Lord said vnto me, The prophets prophecie lyes in my Name: I haue not sent them, neither did I command them, neither spake I vnto them, but they prophecie vnto you a false vision, and diuination, and vanitie, and deceitfulnes of their owne heart.

(Jer 14:15) Therefore thus saith the Lord, Concerning the prophets that prophecie in my Name, whom I haue not sent, yet they say, Sworde and famine shall not be in this land, by sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

(Jer 14:16) And the people to whome these prophets doe prophecie, shalbe cast out in the streetes of Ierusalem, because of the famine, and the sword, and there shall be none to bury them, both they, and their wiues, and their sonnes, and their daughters: for I wil powre their wickednes vpon them.

(Jer 14:17) Therefore thou shalt say this worde vnto them, Let mine eyes drop downe teares night and day without ceasing: for the virgine daughter of my people is destroyed with a great destruction, and with a sore grieuous plague.

(Notes Reference) Therefore thou shalt say this word to them; Let my eyes run down with (l) tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

(l) The false prophets promised peace and assurance, but Jeremiah calls to tears, and repentance for their affliction, which is at hand, as in (Jer 9:1; Lam 1:16, Lam 2:18).

(Jer 14:18) For if I go into the field, behold the slaine with the sworde: and if I enter into the citie, behold them that are sicke for hunger also: moreouer the Prophet also and the Priest go a wandring into a land that they know not.

(Notes Reference) If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about (m) into a land that they know not.

(m) Both high and low will be led captive into Babylon.

(Jer 14:19) Hast thou vtterly reiected Iudah, or hath thy soule abhorred Zion? why hast thou smitten vs, that we cannot be healed? Wee looked for peace, and there is no good, and for the time of health, and behold trouble.

(Notes Reference) Hast thou utterly rejected (n) Judah? hath thy soul abhorred Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us? we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

(n) Though the prophet knew that God had cast off the multitude, who were hypocrites and bastard children, yet he was assured that for his promise sake he would still have a Church, for which he prays.

(Jer 14:20) We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickednesse and the iniquitie of our fathers: for we haue sinned against thee.

(Notes Reference) We (o) acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, [and] the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

(o) He teaches the Church a form of prayer to humble themselves to God by true repentance, which is the only way to avoid this famine, which was the beginning of God's plagues.

(Jer 14:21) Doe not abhorre vs: for thy Names sake cast not downe the throne of thy glory: remember and breake not thy couenant with vs.

(Jer 14:22) Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles, that can giue raine? or can the heauens giue showres? is it not thou, O Lord our God? therefore we will waite vpon thee: for thou hast made all these things.

(Notes Reference) Are there [any] among the (p) vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].

(p) Meaning their idols, read (Jer 10:15).

Passage 3: Matthew 25

(Mat 25:1) Then the kingdome of heauen shalbe likened vnto tenne virgins, which tooke their lampes, and went foorth to meete the bridegrome.

(Notes Reference) Then (1) shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and (a) went forth to meet the bridegroom.

(1) We must desire strength from God's hand which may serve us as a torch while we walk through this darkness, to bring us to our desired end: otherwise, if we become slothful and negligent because we are weary of our pains and travail, we shall be kept from entering the doors.

(a) The pomp of weddings was usually preferred to be done at night, and that by young unmarried women.

(Mat 25:2) And fiue of them were wise, and fiue foolish.

(Mat 25:3) The foolish tooke their lampes, but tooke none oyle with them.

(Mat 25:4) But the wise tooke oyle in their vessels with their lampes.

(Mat 25:5) Nowe while the bridegrome taried long, all slumbred and slept.

(Notes Reference) While the bridegroom tarried, they all (b) slumbered and slept.

(b) Their eyes being heavy with sleep.

(Mat 25:6) And at midnight there was a crie made, Behold, the bridegrome commeth: goe out to meete him.

(Mat 25:7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lampes.

(Mat 25:8) And the foolish said to the wise, Giue vs of your oyle, for our lampes are out.

(Mat 25:9) But the wise answered, saying, Not so, lest there will not be ynough for vs and you: but goe ye rather to them that sell, and bye for your selues.

(Mat 25:10) And while they went to bye, the bridegrome came: and they that were readie, went in with him to the wedding, and the gate was shut.

(Mat 25:11) Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to vs.

(Mat 25:12) But he answered, and said, Verely I say vnto you, I knowe you not.

(Mat 25:13) Watch therfore: for ye know neither the day, nor the houre, when the sonne of man will come.

(Mat 25:14) For the kingdome of heauen is as a man that going into a strange countrey, called his seruants, and deliuered to them his goods.

(Notes Reference) (2) For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

(2) Christ witnesses that there will be a long time between his departure to his Father and his coming again to us, but yet notwithstanding that, he will at that day take an account not only of the rebellious and obstinate, how they have made use of that which they received from him, but also of his household servants, who have because of slothfulness not employed those gifts which he bestowed upon them.

(Mat 25:15) And vnto one he gaue fiue talents, and to an other two, and to another one, to euery man after his own ability, and straightway went from home.

(Notes Reference) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several (c) ability; and straightway took his journey.

(Mat 25:16) Then he that had receiued the fiue talents, went and occupied with them, and gained other fiue talents.

(Mat 25:17) Likewise also, he that receiued two, he also gained other two.

(Mat 25:18) But he that receiued that one, went and digged it in the earth, and hid his masters money.

(Mat 25:19) But after a long season, the master of those seruants came, and reckoned with them.

(Mat 25:20) Then came he that had receiued fiue talents, and brought other fiue talents, saying, Master, thou deliueredst vnto me fiue talents: behold, I haue gained with them other fiue talents.

(Mat 25:21) Then his master saide vnto him, It is well done good seruant and faithfull, Thou hast bene faithfull in litle, I will make thee ruler ouer much: enter into thy masters ioy.

(Notes Reference) His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: (d) enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

(d) Come and receive the fruit of my goodness: now the Lord's joy is doubled; see (Joh 15:11): that my joy may remain in you, and your joy be fulfilled.

(Mat 25:22) Also he that had receiued two talents, came, and said, Master, thou deliueredst vnto me two talents: behold, I haue gained two other talets more.

(Mat 25:23) His master saide vnto him, It is well done good seruant, and faithfull, Thou hast bene faithfull in litle, I will make thee ruler ouer much: enter into thy masters ioy.

(Mat 25:24) Then he which had receiued the one talent, came, and said, Master, I knewe that thou wast an hard man, which reapest where thou sowedst not, and gatherest where thou strawedst not:

(Mat 25:25) I was therefore afraide, and went, and hid thy talent in the earth: behold, thou hast thine owne.

(Mat 25:26) And his master answered, and said vnto him, Thou euill seruant, and slouthfull, thou knewest that I reape where I sowed not, and gather where I strawed not.

(Mat 25:27) Thou oughtest therefore to haue put my money to ye exchangers, and then at my comming should I haue receiued mine owne with vantage.

(Notes Reference) Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the (e) exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

(e) Bankers who have their shops or tables set up abroad, where they lend money at interest. Usury or loaning money at interest is strictly forbidden by the Bible, (Exo 22:25-27; Deu 23:19-20). Even a rate as low as one per cent interest was disallowed, (Neh 5:11). This servant had already told two lies. First he said the master was an austere or harsh man. This is a lie for the Lord is merciful and gracious. Next he called his master a thief because he reaped where he did not sow. Finally the master said to him sarcastically why did you not add insult to injury and loan the money out at interest so you could call your master a "usurer" too! If the servant had done this, his master would have been responsible for his servant's actions and guilty of usury.

(Mat 25:28) Take therefore the talent from him, and giue it vnto him which hath tenne talents.

(Mat 25:29) For vnto euery man that hath, it shall be giuen, and he shall haue abundance, and from him that hath not, euen that he hath, shalbe taken away.

(Mat 25:30) Cast therefore that vnprofitable seruant into vtter darkenes: there shalbe weeping and gnasshing of teeth.

(Mat 25:31) And when the Sonne of man commeth in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him, then shall he sit vpon the throne of his glorie,

(Notes Reference) (3) When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

(3) A graphic setting forth of the everlasting judgment which is to come.

(Mat 25:32) And before him shalbe gathered all nations, and he shall seperate them one from another, as a shepheard separateth the sheepe from ye goates.

(Mat 25:33) And he shall set the sheepe on his right hand, and the goates on the left.

(Mat 25:34) Then shall ye king say to them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my father: take the inheritance of the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

(Notes Reference) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye (f) blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

(f) Blessed and happy, upon whom my Father has most abundantly bestowed his benefits.

(Mat 25:35) For I was an hungred, and ye gaue me meate: I thirsted, and ye gaue me drinke: I was a stranger, and ye tooke me in vnto you.

(Mat 25:36) I was naked, and ye clothed me: I was sicke, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came vnto me.

(Mat 25:37) Then shall the righteous answere him, saying, Lord, when sawe we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or a thirst, and gaue thee drinke?

(Mat 25:38) And when sawe we thee a stranger, and tooke thee in vnto vs? or naked, and clothed thee?

(Mat 25:39) Or when sawe we thee sicke, or in prison, and came vnto thee?

(Mat 25:40) And the King shall answere, and say vnto them, Verely I say vnto you, in as much as ye haue done it vnto one of the least of these my brethre, ye haue done it to me.

(Mat 25:41) Then shall he say vnto them on ye left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into euerlasting fire, which is prepared for the deuill and his angels.

(Mat 25:42) For I was an hungred, and ye gaue me no meate: I thirsted, and ye gaue me no drinke:

(Mat 25:43) I was a stranger, and ye tooke me not in vnto you: I was naked, and ye clothed me not: sicke, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

(Mat 25:44) Then shall they also answere him, saying, Lord, when sawe we thee an hungred, or a thirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sicke, or in prison, and did not minister vnto thee?

(Mat 25:45) Then shall he answere them, and say, Verely I say vnto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

(Mat 25:46) And these shall goe into euerlasting paine, and the righteous into life eternall.