M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Chapter 22
Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab. 1 For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel. 2 But in the third year, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, came down to the king of Israel. 3 The king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth in Gilead belongs to us? We have kept quiet and have not taken it out of the hands of the king of Aram.” 4 He said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go to Ramoth-gilead to fight with me?” Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am yours, and my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”
5 Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire today concerning the word of the Lord.” 6 [a]The king of Israel gathered together the prophets, four hundred of them, and he said to them, “Shall I go up to fight at Ramoth-gilead or shall I desist?” They answered, “Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into your hands.”
7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not another prophet of the Lord from whom we can inquire?” 8 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man by whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good things for me, only evil. He is Micaiah, the son of Imlah.” Jehoshaphat said, “Let the king not say this.” 9 The king of Israel summoned an officer and said to him, “Rush over to Micaiah, the son of Imlah.”
10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, were sitting upon their thrones, wearing their robes, at a threshing floor at the entrance to the gate of Samaria. All of the prophets were prophesying before them. 11 Zedekiah, the son of Chenaanah, made some iron horns for himself and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘You will gore the Arameans[b] with these until they are consumed.’ ” 12 All the prophets prophesied in the same way, saying, “Go to Ramoth-gilead and triumph! The Lord will deliver it into the hands of the king.”
13 Micaiah Prophesies Doom. The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets are consistently favorable to the king. Let your pronouncement be like their words and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, I will only say what the Lord says to me.”
15 When he arrived before the king and the king said to Micaiah, “Shall we go to fight at Ramoth-gilead or shall we desist,” he answered, “Go and triumph, for the Lord will deliver it into the hands of the king.” 16 But the king said to him, “How many times do I have to warn you not to tell me anything in the name of the Lord other than what is true.” 17 So he said, “I saw all of Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, ‘These have no master, let them return to their homes in peace.’ ”[c]
18 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you, he will not prophesy what is good for me, only what is evil?”
19 He said, “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, with all of the hosts of heaven standing on his right and his left. 20 The Lord said, ‘Who will convince Ahab to go up to Ramoth-gilead so that he might fall?’ One said one thing, another said another. 21 Then a spirit came forth and stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will convince him.’ 22 The Lord said to him, ‘How?’ He said, ‘I will go out and put a lying spirit in the mouths of all of his prophets.’ He said, ‘You must convince him too, and you will succeed. Go and do it.’ 23 Now therefore, the Lord has put a lying spirit into the mouths of all of these prophets. The Lord has spoken evil concerning you.”
24 Then Zedekiah, the son of Chenaanah, approached Micaiah and struck him on the cheek. He said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord depart from me to speak to you?” 25 Micaiah answered, “Behold, the day will come when you will enter an inner chamber to hide yourself.”
26 The king of Israel said, “Seize Micaiah and take him to Amon, the city leader, and to Joash, the king’s son 27 and say, ‘Thus says the king: Put this man in prison and feed him with punishment rations of bread and give him punishment rations of water to drink until I return in safety.’ ” 28 Micaiah said, “If you return in safety, then the Lord has not spoken through me.” He also added, “Listen, all you people!”
29 Ahab’s Death. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went up to Ramoth-gilead. 30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will go into battle disguised, but you go into battle dressed in your robes.” So the king of Israel went into battle disguised.
31 Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his thirty-two chariots, “Do not fight with the small nor the great; save yourselves for the king of Israel.” 32 When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is certainly the king of Israel.” They turned to attack him, but when Jehoshaphat cried out, 33 the captains of the chariots realized that it was not the king of Israel. They turned away from pursuing him.
34 But someone drew his bow, and by chance he hit the king of Israel in the joints of his armor. He said to his chariot driver, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”[d] 35 As the battle grew more savage that day, they propped the king up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound dripped onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died.
36 As the sun was setting, there was a cry that spread through the army: “Everyone to his own city, everyone to his own land.” 37 And so the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried the king in Samaria. 38 Someone washed out the chariot at the pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while the prostitutes were bathing. This fulfilled what the word of the Lord had said.
39 Are not the rest of the deeds of Ahab and all that he did, the ivory house and all of the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 40 Ahab slept with his fathers, and Ahaziah, his son, reigned in his stead.
41 Jehoshaphat’s Reign. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, began to reign during the fourth year of the reign of Ahab, the king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi. 43 [e]He walked in the ways of Asa, his father. He did not turn away from them, from doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. Still, he did not do away with the high places, and the people offered sacrifices and burned incense upon the high places. 44 Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.
45 Are not the rest of the deeds of Jehoshaphat, his achievements, and how he fought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
46 As to the rest of the sacred prostitutes who remained in the days of Asa his father, he expelled them from the land. 47 There was no king in Edom, only a representative of the king.
48 Jehoshaphat built merchant ships that went to Ophir for gold, but in fact they never sailed, for the ships sank at Ezion-geber. 49 Then Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, said to Jehoshaphat, “Let your servants go with my servants in the ships.” But Jehoshaphat would not allow it.
50 Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the City of David, his father, and then Jehoram, his son, reigned in his stead.
51 Ahaziah’s Reign. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, began to reign over Israel in Samaria during the seventeenth year of the reign of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. He reigned over Israel for two years. 52 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and he walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. 53 He served Baal and worshiped him, and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel to anger, just as his father had.
Chapter 5
The Christian Life Is One Long Vigil.[a] 1 In regard to specific dates and times,[b] brethren, it is not necessary to write you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the Day of the Lord[c] will come like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” instant destruction[d] will overwhelm them, in the manner that labor pains suddenly come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no means of escape.
4 However, brethren, you do not live in darkness, and therefore that Day will not catch you unawares like a thief. 5 For all of you are children of the light[e] and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So we must not fall asleep as the others do, but we must stay alert and sober.
7 Those who sleep do so at night, and those who get drunk do so at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, arming ourselves with faith and love as our breastplate and the hope of salvation as our helmet.[f] 9 [g]For God has not destined us to suffer wrath, but to achieve salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore, encourage one another and strengthen one another, as indeed you are doing.
Building Up the Community[h]
12 Show Respect for Leaders.[i]Brethren, we beg you to respect those whose duty it is to labor among you as your leaders in the Lord and to admonish you. 13 Show the highest esteem for them in love because of their work. Be at peace with one another.
14 [j]We also exhort you, brethren, to admonish those who are idle, encourage those who are afraid, support those who are weak, and be patient with everybody. 15 Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Rather, always aim to achieve what is best for each other and for everyone.
16 [k]Rejoice always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do Not Extinguish the Spirit.[l] Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies.[m] 21 Test everything, and hold fast to what is good. 22 Avoid every form of evil.
Conclusion[n]
23 Final Prayer. May the God of peace himself grant you the gift of perfect sanctity, and may you—spirit and soul and body[o]—be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will accomplish this.
25 Final Greeting. Pray for us, brethren. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Chapter 4[a]
1 [b]I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in contentment at home and enjoying the luxury of my palaces. 2 However, as I lay in my bed, I had a dream that frightened me, and the visions that I experienced in my mind were a source of torment.
3 Therefore, I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon were to be brought before me and offer me their interpretation of the dream. 4 When the magicians, the soothsayers, the Chaldeans, and the diviners arrived, I related to them the content of the dream, but they were unable to explain its meaning.
5 Finally Daniel, whom I had renamed Belteshazzar, after the name of my god and in whom resides the Spirit of the holy God, came into my presence, and I related to him my dream. 6 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the Spirit of the holy God resides in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you to resolve. Listen to the dream that I experienced, and tell me its interpretation.
7 “These were the visions that came to me as I lay in my bed:
“I beheld a tree at the center of the earth,
and its height was great.
8 The tree became ever taller and stronger
until its top reached the heavens,
and it was visible to the ends of the earth.
9 Its foliage was beautiful,
and its fruit was abundant,
providing fruit for all.
The wild beasts found shade under it,
the birds of the air rested in its branches,
and from it all living creatures were nourished.
10 “In the vision I saw as I lay in my bed, I next beheld a holy sentinel coming down from heaven. 11 He shouted loudly:
“ ‘Hew down the tree and lop off its branches;
strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit.
12 However, leave the stump and its roots in the ground,
bound with iron and bronze
in the grass of the field.
Let him be bathed by the dew of heaven,
and let his lot be to eat, among wild beasts,
the grass of the earth.
13 Let his mind be changed from that of a human,
and let the mind of a beast be given to him,
until seven years pass over him.
14 ‘Such is the sentence decreed by the sentinel,
the verdict announced by the holy ones,
so that all who live may learn
that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mortals.
He confers it on whomever he wishes
and appoints over it the lowliest of men.’
15 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now I am depending upon you, Belteshazzar, to interpret its meaning, although none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret its meaning, you can do so because the Spirit of the holy God resides in you.”
16 Daniel Interprets the Dream.[c] Then Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar, was greatly upset and confused. The king said, “Belteshazzar, do not allow the dream and its meaning to terrify you.” Belteshazzar replied, “My lord, may the dream be meant for those who hurt you, and its interpretation for your enemies. 17 The tree that you saw, which grew great and strong, with its top reaching the sky so that it could be seen throughout the entire earth, 18 a tree with beautiful foliage and abundant fruit, providing food for all and affording shade for the wild beasts, with the birds of heaven dwelling in its branches— 19 that tree is you, O king. You have grown great and strong. Your power has increased and now reaches the sky; your sovereignty extends to the ends of the earth.
20 “In regard to the king’s vision of a holy sentinel descending from heaven and saying: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump and its roots in the ground, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field; let him be bathed by the dew of heaven, and let his lot be with the wild beasts until seven years pass over him,’ 21 this is the interpretation, O king. It is a decree that the Most High has issued upon my lord the king:
22 “You will be banished from human society,
and you will dwell among the wild animals.
You will be forced to eat grass like oxen,
and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven.
Seven years will pass over you
until you have learned
that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever he wishes.
23 “As for the command to leave untouched the stump and the roots of the tree, this means that your kingdom will once again be subject to your rule once you come to acknowledge the sovereignty of Heaven.[d] 24 May the king be willing to take my advice. Atone for your sins with deeds of righteousness, and for your iniquities with mercy to the oppressed. If you do so, you will enjoy a long and peaceful life.”[e]
25 The Dream Is Fulfilled. All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 26 At the end of twelve months, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace, 27 the king said, “How magnificent Babylon is! Was it not built as a royal residence by my mighty strength and for my majestic glory?”[f]
28 These words were not completely out of his mouth when a voice came from heaven:
“To you, King Nebuchadnezzar, it is decreed:
your kingdom has been taken from you.
29 You shall be banished from human society
as you are forced to dwell with wild beasts
and feed on grass as the oxen do.
Seven years shall pass over you
until you have learned
that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever he wishes.”
30 This sentence was immediately fulfilled. Nebuchadnezzar was cast out from human society, and he ate grass as oxen do. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails became like a bird’s talons.
31 When the period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes to heaven and my power of reasoning was restored to me.
I blessed the Most High,
and I praised and glorified him
who lives forever.
32 All who dwell on earth count for nothing;
he does as he pleases with the powers of heaven[g]
and the inhabitants on earth.
No one can stay his hand
or say to him, “What are you doing?”
33 At that very moment my power of reason returned to me, and my glory and splendor were restored to me. My counselors and my lords sought my counsel. I was reestablished in my kingdom, and my power was greatly increased.
34 Therefore, now I, Nebuchadnezzar,
praise and exalt and glorify
the King of heaven.
For all of his works are right,
and all of his ways are just.
Also, he is able to humble
all those who follow the path of pride.
Psalm 108[a]
Prayer for Divine Assistance against Enemies
1 A song. A psalm of David.
2 [b]My heart[c] is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and chant your praise;
awake, my soul!
3 Awake, lyre and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.[d]
4 [e]I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O Lord;
I will sing your praises among the nations.
5 For your kindness extends above the heavens;
your faithfulness, to the skies.
6 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory shine over all the earth.
7 [f]With your right hand come to our aid
so that those you love may be delivered.
8 [g]God has promised from his sanctuary,
“In triumph I will apportion Shechem
and measure out the Valley of Succoth.
9 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet,[h]
Judah is my scepter.
10 Moab is my washbasin;[i]
upon Edom I will plant my sandal;
over Philistia I will shout in triumph.”
11 Who will lead me into the fortified city?[j]
Who will guide me into Edom?
12 [k]Is it not you, O God, who have rejected us
and no longer go forth with our armies?
13 Grant us your help against our enemies,
for any human assistance is worthless.
14 With God’s help we will be victorious,
for he will overwhelm our foes.
Psalm 109[l]
Prayer for One Falsely Accused
1 For the director.[m] A psalm of David.
[n]O God, whom I praise,
do not remain silent.
2 Wicked and deceitful men
have opened their mouths against me;[o]
they have spoken against me with lying tongues.
3 They confront me with words of hatred
and assail me without cause.
4 In return for my love they denounce me
even as I offer up prayers for them.[p]
5 They give me back evil in exchange for good
and hatred in place of my love.[q]
6 [r]They say:[s]
“Choose a wicked man to oppose him,
an accuser to stand on his right.
7 At his judgment, let him be found guilty,
with even his prayers deemed sinful.[t]
8 “May his remaining days be few,
with someone else appointed to take his office.[u]
9 May his children become fatherless
and his wife become widowed.
10 “May his children be vagrants and beggars,
driven from the ruins they use for shelter.
11 May the creditor seize all he has,
and strangers abscond with his life savings.
12 [v]“May no one extend mercy to him
or take pity on his fatherless children.
13 May his posterity be doomed to extinction
and his name be blotted out within a generation.
14 “May the iniquity of his ancestors be remembered by the Lord,
and the sin of his mother never be wiped out.
15 May their guilt be continually before the Lord,
and may he banish all remembrance of them from the earth.
16 [w]“For he never thought of showing mercy;
rather, he hounded to death
the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted.
17 He loved to level curses[x] at others;
may they recoil on him.
He took no pleasure in blessing;
may no blessing be his.
18 [y]“He clothed himself with cursing as his garment;
it seeped into his body like water
and into his bones like oil.
19 May it be like the robe that envelops him,
like the belt that encircles him every day.”
20 May these evils my accusers wish for me
be inflicted upon them by the Lord.[z]
21 [aa]But you, O Lord, my God,
treat me kindly for your name’s sake;[ab]
deliver me because of your overwhelming kindness.
22 For I am poor and needy,[ac]
and my heart is pierced within me.
23 I am fading away[ad] like an evening shadow;
I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees are weak from fasting;
my flesh is wasting away.
25 I have become an object of ridicule to my accusers;
upon seeing me, they toss their heads.[ae]
26 Come to my aid, O Lord, my God;
save me because of your kindness.[af]
27 Let them know that your hand has done this,
that you, O Lord, have accomplished it.
28 When they curse, you will bless;
when they attack, they will be put to shame,
and your servant will rejoice.[ag]
29 My accusers will be clothed in disgrace,
wrapped in their shame as in a cloak.
30 I will thank the Lord with my lips,
and before all the people I will praise him.[ah]
31 For he stands at the right hand of the poor
to save him from his accusers who pass judgment on him.[ai]
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