Read Scripture In A Year: November 16

Passage 1: Nehemiah 3

(Neh 3:1) Then arose Eliashib the hie Priest with his brethren the Priestes, and they buylt the sheepegate: they repayred it, and set vp the doores thereof: euen vnto the tower of Meah repayred they it, and vnto the tower of Hananeel.

(Notes Reference) Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they (a) sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

(a) In Hebrew they sanctified it, that is, they finished it, and so dedicated it to the Lord by prayer, in desiring him to maintain it.

(Neh 3:2) And next vnto him buylded the men of Iericho, and beside him Zaccur the sonne of Imri.

(Neh 3:3) But the fish port did the sonnes of Senaah buylde, which also layde the beames thereof, and set on the doores thereof, the lockes thereof, and the barres thereof.

(Neh 3:4) And next vnto them fortified Merimoth, the sonne of Vrijah, the sonne of Hakkoz: and next vnto them fortified Meshullam, the sonne of Berechiah, the sonne of Meshezabeel: and next vnto them fortified Zadok, the sonne of Baana:

(Neh 3:5) And next vnto them fortified the Tekoites: but the great men of them put not their neckes to the worke of their lordes.

(Notes Reference) And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles (b) put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

(b) The rich and mighty would not obey those who were appointed officers in this work, neither would they help them.

(Neh 3:6) And the gate of the olde fishpoole fortified Iehoiada the sonne of Paseah, and Meshullam the sonne of Besodaiah: they laid the beames thereof, and set on the doores thereof, and the lockes thereof, and the barres thereof.

(Neh 3:7) Next vnto them also fortified Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Iadon the Meronothite, men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, vnto the throne of the Duke, which was beyond the Riuer.

(Notes Reference) And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the (c) throne of the governor on this side the river.

(Neh 3:8) Next vnto him fortified Vzziel the sonne of Harhohiah of the golde smithes: next vnto him also fortified Hananiah, the sonne of Harakkahim, and they repayred Ierusalem vnto the broad wall.

(Neh 3:9) Also next vnto them fortified Rephaiah, the sonne of Hur, the ruler of the halfe part of Ierusalem.

(Neh 3:10) And next vnto him fortified Iedaiah the sonne of Harumaph, euen ouer against his house: and next vnto him fortified Hattush, the sonne of Hashabniah.

(Neh 3:11) Malchiiah the sonne of Harim, and Hashub the sonne of Pahath Moab fortified the seconde porcion, and the tower of the fornaces.

(Neh 3:12) Next vnto him also fortified Shallum, the sonne of Halloesh, the ruler of the halfe part of Ierusalem, he, and his daughters.

(Neh 3:13) The valley gate fortified Hanum, and the inhabitants of Zanuah: they buylt it, and set on the doores thereof, the lockes thereof, and the barres thereof, euen a thousand cubites on the wall vnto the dung porte.

(Neh 3:14) But the dung port fortified Malchiah, the sonne of Rechab, the ruler of the fourth part of Beth-haccarem: he built it, and set on the doores thereof, the lockes thereof, and the barres thereof.

(Neh 3:15) But the gate of the fountaine fortified Shallun, the sonne of Col-hozeh, the ruler of the fourth part of Mizpah: he builded it, and couered it, and set on the doores thereof, the lockes thereof, and the barres thereof, and the wall vnto the fishpoole of Shelah by the Kings garden, and vnto the steppes that goe downe from the citie of Dauid.

(Neh 3:16) After him fortified Nehemiah the sonne of Azbuk, the ruler of ye halfe part of Beth-zur, vntill the otherside ouer against the sepulchres of Dauid, and to the fishpoole that was repaired, and vnto the house of the mightie.

(Neh 3:17) After him fortified the Leuites, Rehum the sonne of Bani, and next vnto him fortified Hashabiah the ruler of the halfe part of Keilah in his quarter.

(Neh 3:18) After him fortified their brethren: Bauai, the sonne of Henadad the ruler of the halfe part of Keilah:

(Neh 3:19) And next vnto him fortified Ezer, the sonne of Ieshua the ruler of Mizpah, the other portion ouer against the going vp to the corner of the armour.

(Notes Reference) And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the (d) turning [of the wall].

(d) Where the weapons and armour of the city lay.

(Neh 3:20) After him was earnest Baruch the sonne of Zacchai, and fortified another portion from the corner vnto the doore of the house of Eliashib the hie Priest.

(Neh 3:21) After him fortified Merimoth, the sonne of Vriiah, the sonne of Hakkoz, another portion from the doore of the house of Eliashib, euen as long as the house of Eliashib extended.

(Neh 3:22) After him also fortified the Priests, the men of the playne.

(Notes Reference) And after him repaired the priests, the men of (e) the plain.

(e) Who dwelt in the plain country by Jordan and Jericho.

(Neh 3:23) After them fortified Beniamin, and Hasshub ouer against their house: after him fortified Azariah, the sonne of Maaseiah, the sonne of Ananiah, by his house.

(Neh 3:24) After him fortified Binnui, the sonne of Henadad another portion, from the house of Azariah vnto the turning and vnto the corner.

(Neh 3:25) Palal, the sonne of Vzai, from ouer against the corner, and the high tower, that lieth out from the Kings house, which is beside the court of the prison. After him, Pedaiah, the sonne of Parosh.

(Neh 3:26) And the Nethinims they dwelt in ye fortresse vnto the place ouer against the water gate, Eastwarde, and to the tower that lyeth out.

(Notes Reference) Moreover the (f) Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto [the place] over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

(f) Read (Ezr 2:43).

(Neh 3:27) After him fortified the Tekoites another portion ouer against the great tower, that lyeth out, euen vnto the wall of the fortresse.

(Neh 3:28) From aboue the horsegate forth fortified the Priests, euery one ouer against his house.

(Neh 3:29) After them fortified Zadok the sonne of Immer ouer against his house: and after him fortified Shemaiah, the sonne of Shechadiah the keeper of the East gate.

(Neh 3:30) After him fortified Hananiah, the sonne of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sonne of Zalaph, the sixt, another portion after him fortified Meshullam, the sonne of Berechiah, ouer against his chamber.

(Notes Reference) After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the (g) sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

(g) Meaning the sixth of his sons.

(Neh 3:31) After him fortified Malchiah the goldesmiths sonne, vntil the house of the Nethinims, and of ye marchants ouer against the gate Miphkad, and to the chamber in the corner.

(Notes Reference) After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate (h) Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

(h) Which was the place of judgment or execution.

(Neh 3:32) And betweene the chamber of the corner vnto the sheepegate fortified the goldesmithes and the marchantes.

Passage 2: Hosea 13

(Hos 13:1) When Ephraim spake, there was trembling: hee exalted him selfe in Israel, but he hath sinned in Baal, and is dead.

(Notes Reference) When Ephraim spake (a) trembling, he (b) exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, (c) he died.

(a) He shows the excellency and authority that this tribe had above all the rest.

(b) He made a king of his tribe.

(Hos 13:2) And nowe they sinne more and more, and haue made them molten images of their siluer, and idoles according to their owne vnderstanding: they were all the woorke of the craftesmen: they say one to another whiles they sacrifice a man, Let them kisse the calues.

(Notes Reference) And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, (d) Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

(d) "Let the men that sacrifice" or "while they sacrifice men". The false prophets persuaded the idolaters to offer their children after the example of Abraham, and he shows how they would exhort one another to the same, and to kiss and worship these calves which were their idols.

(Hos 13:3) Therefore they shall bee as the morning cloude, and as the morning dewe that passeth away, as the chaffe that is driuen with a whirlewind out of the floore, and as the smoke that goeth out of the chimney.

(Hos 13:4) Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt knowe no God but me: for there is no Sauiour beside me.

(Notes Reference) Yet I [am] the LORD thy God (e) from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me.

(e) He calls them to repentance, and reproves their ingratitude.

(Hos 13:5) I did knowe thee in the wildernesse, in the land of drought.

(Hos 13:6) As in their pastures, so were they filled: they were filled, and their heart was exalted: therefore haue they forgotten me.

(Hos 13:7) And I wil be vnto them as a very lyon, and as a leopard in the way of Asshur.

(Hos 13:8) I will meete them, as a beare that is robbed of her whelpes, and I will breake the kall of their heart, and there will I deuoure them like a lion: the wilde beast shall teare them.

(Hos 13:9) O Israel, one hath destroyed thee, but in me is thine helpe.

(Notes Reference) O Israel, thou (f) hast destroyed thyself; but in me [is] thine help.

(f) Your destruction is certain, and my benefits toward you declare that it comes not from me: therefore your own malice, idolatry, and vain confidence in men must necessarily be the cause of it.

(Hos 13:10) I am: where is thy King, that shoulde help thee in al thy cities? and thy iudges, of whom thou saidest, Giue me a King, and princes?

(Notes Reference) (g) I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

(g) I am all one; (Jam 1:17).

(Hos 13:11) I gaue thee a King in mine anger, and I tooke him away in my wrath.

(Hos 13:12) The iniquitie of Ephraim is bound vp: his sinne is hid.

(Notes Reference) The iniquity of Ephraim [is] (h) bound up; his sin [is] hid.

(h) It is surely laid up to be punished, as in (Jer 17:1).

(Hos 13:13) The sorowes of a trauailing woman shall come vpon him: he is an vnwise sonne, els would he not stande still at the time, euen at the breaking forth of the children.

(Notes Reference) The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he [is] an unwise son; for he should not stay long in [the place of] the (i) breaking forth of children.

(i) But would come out of the womb, that is out of these dangers in which he is, and not wait to be suppressed.

(Hos 13:14) I wil redeeme them from the power of the graue: I will deliuer them from death: O death, I wil be thy death: O graue, I will be thy destruction: repentance is hid from mine eyes.

(Notes Reference) I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O (k) death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: (l) repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

(k) Meaning that no power will resist God when he will deliver his own, but even in death he will give them life.

(l) Because they will not turn to me, I will change my purpose.

(Hos 13:15) Though he grewe vp among his brethren, an East winde shall come, euen the winde of the Lord shall come vp from the wildernesse, and drie vp his veine, and his fountaine shalbe dryed vp: he shall spoyle the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

(Hos 13:16) (14:1) Samaria shalbe desolate: for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sworde: their infants shalbe dashed in pieces, and their women with childe shalbe ript.

Passage 3: 1 Thessalonians 1-2

(1Th 1:1) Pavl, and Siluanus, and Timotheus, vnto the Church of the Thessalonians, which is in God the Father, and in the Lord Iesus Christ: Grace be with you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Iesus Christ.

(1Th 1:2) We giue God thankes alwayes for you all, making mention of you in our prayers

(Notes Reference) (1) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

(1) An example of proper Christian rejoicing, by which also we learn, that those who have great gifts in them, are in two ways governed: first, if they consider that they have received all from God, and second, that continuance must be desired at his hands. And to these things this whole epistle exhorts the Thessalonians.

(1Th 1:3) Without ceasing, remembring your effectuall faith, and diligent loue, and the patience of your hope in our Lord Iesus Christ, in the sight of God euen our Father,

(Notes Reference) (2) Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

(2) He commends them for three special gifts: effectual faith, continual love, and patient hope. And he does this to the end that they might be ashamed, being endued with such excellent gifts, not to continue in God's election.

(1Th 1:4) Knowing, beloued brethren, that ye are elect of God.

(Notes Reference) Knowing, brethren beloved, your (a) election of God.

(a) Literally, "that your election is of God".

(1Th 1:5) For our Gospell was not vnto you in worde only, but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as ye know after what maner we were among you for your sakes.

(Notes Reference) (3) For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in (b) much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

(3) Another reason why they ought in no way start back but continue to the end, because they cannot doubt this doctrine which has been so many ways confirmed to them, even from heaven, as they themselves well knew.

(b) Paul shows by two things that there followed very great fruit from his preaching, that is, by these gifts of the Holy Spirit, and that certain assurance which was thoroughly settled in their minds, as appeared by their willingly bearing the cross.

(1Th 1:6) And ye became followers of vs, and of the Lord, and receiued the worde in much affliction, with ioy of the holy Ghost,

(Notes Reference) (4) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with (c) joy of the Holy Ghost:

(4) Another reason, because even to that day they embraced the Gospel with great cheerfulness, insomuch that they were an example to all their neighbours: so that it would be more shameful for them to faint in the middle of the race.

(1Th 1:7) So that ye were as ensamples to all that beleeue in Macedonia and in Achaia.

(1Th 1:8) For from you sounded out the worde of the Lord, not in Macedonia and in Achaia only: but your faith also which is toward God, spred abroad in all quarters, that we neede not to speake any thing.

(1Th 1:9) For they themselues shew of vs what maner of entring in we had vnto you, and how ye turned to God from idoles, to serue the liuing and true God,

(Notes Reference) For (d) they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, (5) and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

(d) All the believers. (5) It is no true conversion to forsake idols, unless a man in addition worships the true and living God in Christ the only Redeemer.

(1Th 1:10) And to looke for his sonne from heauen, whome he raised from the dead, euen Iesus which deliuereth vs from that wrath to come.

(Notes Reference) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from (e) the wrath to come.

(e) This word "the" is not put here without reason: and by "wrath" is meant that revenge and punishment with which the Lord will in time judge the world in his terrible wrath.

(1Th 2:1) For ye your selues knowe, brethren, that our entrance in vnto you was not in vaine,

(Notes Reference) For (1) yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

(1) That which he mentioned before briefly concerning his apostleship, he handles now more at large, and to that end and purpose which we spoke of.

(1Th 2:2) But euen after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated at Philippi, (as ye knowe) we were bolde in our God, to speake vnto you the Gospell of God with much striuing.

(Notes Reference) (2) But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in (a) our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

(2) The virtues of a true pastor are freely without fear to preach the Gospel, even in the midst of dangers.

(a) Through God's gracious help.

(1Th 2:3) For our exhortation was not by deceite, nor by vncleannes, nor by guile.

(Notes Reference) (3) For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of (b) uncleanness, nor in guile:

(3) To teach pure doctrine faithfully and with a pure heart.

(b) By any wicked and evil type of dealing.

(1Th 2:4) But as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel should be committed vnto vs, so we speake, not as they that please men, but God, which approoueth our hearts.

(Notes Reference) (4) But as we were (c) allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which (d) trieth our hearts.

(4) To approve his conscience to God, being free from all flattery and covetousness.

(c) There is this difference between the judgments of God and the judgments of men, that when men choose, they give regard to the qualities of those things which stand before them, but God finds the reason of his counsel only in himself. Therefore, it follows that seeing as we are not able to think a good thought, that whoever he first chooses to those callings, he does not find them able but indeed makes them able. And therefore in that we are empowered of God, it depends upon his mercy.

(d) Who approves and allows them.

(1Th 2:5) Neither yet did we euer vse flattering wordes, as ye knowe, nor coloured couetousnes, God is recorde.

(1Th 2:6) Neither sought we prayse of men, neither of you, nor of others, when we might haue bene chargeable, as the Apostles of Christ.

(Notes Reference) (5) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been (e) burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

(5) To submit himself even to the basest, to win them, and to avoid all pride.

(e) When I might lawfully have lived upon the expenses of the churches.

(1Th 2:7) But we were gentle among you, euen as a nource cherisheth her children.

(Notes Reference) But we were (f) gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

(f) We were rough, and yet easy and gentle as a nurse that is neither seeking glory, nor covetous, but who takes all pains as patiently as if she were a mother.

(1Th 2:8) Thus being affectioned toward you, our good will was to haue dealt vnto you, not the Gospel of God onely, but also our owne soules, because ye were deare vnto vs.

(Notes Reference) (6) So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

(6) To consider the flock that is committed to him as more important than his own life.

(1Th 2:9) For ye remember, brethren, our labour and trauaile: for we laboured day and night, because we would not be chargeable vnto any of you, and preached vnto you the Gospel of God.

(Notes Reference) (7) For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

(7) To let go of his own rights, rather than to be a cost to his sheep.

(1Th 2:10) Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and iustly, and vnblameably we behaued our selues among you that beleeue.

(Notes Reference) (8) Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

(8) To excel others in the example of a godly life.

(1Th 2:11) As ye knowe how that we exhorted you, and comforted, and besought euery one of you (as a father his children)

(Notes Reference) (9) As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

(9) To exhort and comfort with a fatherly mind and affection.

(1Th 2:12) That ye would walke worthy of God, who hath called you vnto his kingdome and glorie.

(Notes Reference) (10) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

(10) To exhort all men diligently and earnestly to lead a godly life.

(1Th 2:13) For this cause also thanke we God without ceasing, that when ye receiued the worde of God, which ye heard of vs, ye receiued it not as the worde of men, but as it is in deede the worde of God, which also worketh in you that beleeue.

(Notes Reference) (11) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

(11) Having approved his ministry, he commends again (to that end and purpose that I spoke of) the cheerfulness of the Thessalonians which was due to his diligence in preaching, and their brave patience.

(1Th 2:14) For brethren, ye are become folowers of the Churches of God, which in Iudea are in Christ Iesus, because ye haue also suffred the same things of your owne countrey men, euen as they haue of the Iewes,

(Notes Reference) (12) For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in (g) Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own (h) countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

(12) He strengthens and encourages them in their afflictions which they suffered among their own people, because they were afflicted by their own countrymen. And this happened, he says, to the churches of the Jews, as well as to them: and therefore they ought to take it in good part.

(g) Which Christ has gathered together.

(h) Even from those who are from the same country and the same town that you are from.

(1Th 2:15) Who both killed the Lord Iesus and their owne Prophets, and haue persecuted vs away, and God they please not, and are contrary to all men,

(Notes Reference) (13) Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; (14) and they please not God, and are contrary to (i) all men:

(13) He prevents an offence which might be taken, because the Jews especially above all others persecuted the Gospel. That is no new thing, he says, seeing that they slew Christ himself, and his Prophets, and have banished me also.

(14) He foretells the utter destruction of the Jews, lest any man should be moved by their rebellion.

(i) For the Jews would neither enter into the kingdom of God themselves, nor allow others to enter in.

(1Th 2:16) And forbid vs to preach vnto the Gentiles, that they might be saued, to fulfill their sinnes alwayes: for the wrath of God is come on them, to the vtmost.

(Notes Reference) Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to (k) fill up their sins alway: for the (l) wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

(k) Until that wickedness of theirs which they have by inheritance as it were of their fathers, has grown so great, that the measure of their iniquity being filled, God may come forth to wrath.

(l) The judgment of God who was angry, which indeed appeared shortly after in the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, where many fled even out of various provinces, when it was besieged.

(1Th 2:17) For asmuch, brethren, as we were kept from you for a season, concerning sight, but not in the heart, we enforced the more to see your face with great desire.

(Notes Reference) (15) But we, brethren, (m) being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

(15) He meets with an objection, why he did not come to them immediately, being in such great misery: I often desired to, he says, and I was not able, but Satan hindered my endeavours, and therefore I sent Timothy my faithful companion to you, because you are most dear to me.

(m) Were kept apart from you, and as it were orphans.

(1Th 2:18) Therefore we would haue come vnto you (I Paul, at least once or twise) but Satan hindered vs.

(1Th 2:19) For what is our hope or ioye, or crowne of reioycing? are not euen you it in the presence of our Lord Iesus Christ at his comming?

(1Th 2:20) Yea, ye are our glory and ioy.