Who was Eli?

High priest and judge of Israel

The story of Eli

Eli - High Priest of Israel, biblical judge
Eli - High Priest of Israel, biblical judge
High Priest of Israel, biblical judge

Eli was a high priest of Israel in the time of the Judges. He was the priest in Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, and he was also a judge. Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were priests under him but were notorious for their wickedness and cruelty. Eli failed to discipline his sons, and they continued in their sinful ways, even stealing from the offerings brought to the Lord by the people. Eventually, the Lord spoke to Eli through the prophet Samuel, telling him that He was going to punish his family for their wickedness. The Lord indeed carried out this punishment: both of Eli's sons died in battle, and Eli himself died after he fell backward and broke his neck when he heard the news of the deaths of his sons and the capture of the Ark. Eli was a man of great age and is said to have been 98 years old when he died. Despite his failure to discipline his sons, Eli was a man of great piety and is remembered as a faithful servant of the Lord.

Name meaning

The name "Eli" has Hebrew origins and means "ascended" or "uplifted." In Biblical context, Eli was a high priest and judge in Israel who played a significant role in the early life of the prophet Samuel. The name is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, leadership, and spirituality. It is a relatively popular name in various cultures and is also used as a short form for names like Elijah or Elias.

Name origin

Hebrew.

Role

High Priest of Israel, biblical judge

First mention

Genesis 9:2

Appearances in the Bible

1505 mentions

Eli in the Bible

Explore all 115 chapters where Eli appears

Genesis

Chapter 10

The Nations of the Earth

This chapter lists the descendants of the three sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It also describes the different na...

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Genesis

Chapter 15

God's Covenant with Abraham

God makes a promise to Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. God also tells Abram that...

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Genesis

Chapter 36

The Genealogy of Esau

This chapter lists the descendants of Esau, also known as Edom.

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Exodus

Chapter 6

God Promises to Deliver the Israelites

God reminds Moses of his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and confirms that he will free the Israelites from slavery ...

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Exodus

Chapter 15

A Song to Praise God

Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise to God for delivering them from the Egyptians.

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Exodus

Chapter 16

Manna for the Israelites

God provides manna and quail for the Israelites to eat in the wilderness.

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Exodus

Chapter 18

Jethro Visits Moses in the Wilderness

Moses' father-in-law Jethro visits him and advises him to appoint leaders to help him govern the Israelites.

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Numbers

Chapter 1

The Census of the Israelites

A census is taken of the Israelites, and the organization of the tribes is outlined.

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Numbers

Chapter 2

The Arrangement of the Camps

The Israelites are organized into four camps, with each tribe assigned a specific position around the Tabernacle.

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Numbers

Chapter 3

The Levites

A second census is taken of the Levites, and their duties in serving the Tabernacle are outlined.

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Numbers

Chapter 7

The Altar and Its Vessels

The leaders of the tribes bring offerings to dedicate the Tabernacle.

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Numbers

Chapter 10

The Silver Trumpets

God commands the Israelites to make two silver trumpets for signaling and for calling the assembly.

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Numbers

Chapter 16

Korah's Rebellion

Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebel against Moses and Aaron, but God destroys them and their followers.

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Numbers

Chapter 26

The Census of the Israelites

A second census is taken of the Israelites and the land is apportioned among the tribes.

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Numbers

Chapter 33

The Journey of the Israelites

God commands the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land of Canaan and to divide the land among the tribes.

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Numbers

Chapter 34

The Borders of the Land of Canaan

God commands the Israelites to appoint Joshua as Moses' successor and to divide the land of Canaan among the tribes.

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 11

Blessings and Curses

Moses commands the Israelites to love God and to keep his commandments.

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Ruth

Chapter 1

Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law

A man named Elimelech and his family, including his two sons and wife Naomi, move to Moab due to a famine in Israel.

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Ruth

Chapter 2

Ruth and Boaz in the Field

Elimelech and his two sons die, and his daughter-in-laws Orpah and Ruth choose to stay with Naomi and return to Israel w...

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Ruth

Chapter 4

The Genealogy of Boaz and Ruth

Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech, takes notice of Ruth and shows her kindness.

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Matthew

Chapter 1

The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus

Matthew lists the genealogy of Jesus, showing that He is the promised Messiah and the son of Abraham and David.

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Matthew

Chapter 11

John the Baptist in Prison

Jesus speaks about John the Baptist and the coming of the kingdom of God.

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Matthew

Chapter 16

The Demand for a Sign

Jesus speaks about His coming death and resurrection.

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Matthew

Chapter 17

The Healing of the Boy with a Demon

Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John.

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Matthew

Chapter 27

The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus is crucified and buried, and on the third day He rises from the dead.

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Mark

Chapter 6

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

Jesus is rejected by His own people, sends out the twelve apostles, and performs more miracles.

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Mark

Chapter 8

Peter's Confession, Jesus Foretells Death

Jesus feeds the 4,000 and teaches about the yeast of the Pharisees.

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Mark

Chapter 9

Transfiguration, Healing a Possessed Boy

Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John and teaches about the importance of faith.

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Mark

Chapter 15

Jesus Before Pilate and Crucifixion

Jesus is crucified and buried, and on the third day He rises from the dead.

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Luke

Chapter 1

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Luke writes a prologue, in which he explains that his gospel is based on the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses an...

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Luke

Chapter 3

The Ministry of John the Baptist

John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, who begins His ministry with a baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit.

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Luke

Chapter 4

The Temptation of Jesus

Jesus is tempted by Satan and begins His ministry in Galilee.

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Luke

Chapter 9

The Transfiguration

Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John and sends out the twelve apostles.

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John

Chapter 1

The Word Became Flesh

John writes an introduction to his gospel, describing Jesus as the Word of God who was with God and was God from the beg...

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Romans

Chapter 11

Israel's Rejection and the Gentiles' Acceptance

Paul teaches that the rejection of some of the Israelites does not mean that God has rejected them as a whole, and that ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 1

Hannah's Prayer

A barren woman named Hannah prays for a son and dedicates him to God's service when he is born. She gives birth to Samue...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 2

Hannah's Song of Praise

Hannah sings a song of thanksgiving for God's blessing of a son, declaring that God lifts up the humble and brings down ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 3

The Lord Calls Samuel

Samuel is called by God to be a prophet while he is serving in the temple. He initially mistakes God's voice for the voi...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 4

Israel Defeated by the Philistines

The Israelites are defeated in battle against the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. This leads to a ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 14

Jonathan and David's Friendship

David and Jonathan, Saul's son, form a close friendship despite Saul's attempts to harm David.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 16

David Anointed King Again

David is anointed as the next king of Israel for a second time by Samuel.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 17

David and Goliath

David defeats the giant Philistine warrior Goliath, establishing himself as a great military leader.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 5

David Conquers Jerusalem

David conquers Jerusalem and makes it his capital.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 11

David and Bathsheba

David commits adultery with Bathsheba and has her husband Uriah killed, leading to tragedy in his household.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 23

The Last Words of David

David speaks his final words, expressing confidence in God's sovereignty and calling on future generations to trust in h...

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1 Kings

Chapter 2

David's Last Days

David reflects on his life and makes final arrangements before his death.

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1 Kings

Chapter 4

Solomon's Administrative Wisdom

Solomon sets up a wise and efficient system of administration, benefiting Israel.

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1 Kings

Chapter 11

Solomon's Apostasy

Solomon becomes increasingly idolatrous, leading to division in the kingdom after his death.

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1 Kings

Chapter 17

Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath

Elijah is sustained by God during a famine and performs miracles, including raising a boy from the dead.

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1 Kings

Chapter 18

Elijah Confronts Ahab and Baal

Elijah confronts Ahab and the prophets of Baal in a dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel.

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1 Kings

Chapter 19

Elijah Flees from Jezebel

Elijah flees from Jezebel after she threatens his life.

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1 Kings

Chapter 21

Naboth's Vineyard

Ahab wants Naboth's vineyard and Jezebel arranges for him to be falsely accused and executed.

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2 Kings

Chapter 1

Elijah Confronts Ahaziah

Jehoshaphat becomes king of Judah and follows the Lord, leading to a time of peace and prosperity.

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2 Kings

Chapter 2

Elijah's Ascension and Elisha's Request

Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, leaving Elisha to carry on his work as prophet.

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2 Kings

Chapter 3

Moab Rebels Against Israel

Moab rebels against Israel and Jehoram, the king of Israel, seeks the help of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah.

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2 Kings

Chapter 4

Elisha and the Widow's Oil

Elisha performs many miracles, including feeding a large crowd with a small amount of food and healing a toxic stew.

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2 Kings

Chapter 5

Naaman's Healing

Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, is healed of leprosy by Elisha and becomes a believer in the Lord.

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2 Kings

Chapter 6

The Floating Ax Head

Elisha causes an ax head that had fallen into the water to float, demonstrating his power over nature.

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2 Kings

Chapter 7

The Siege of Samaria Lifted

The Lord lifts the siege of Samaria through Elisha's prophecy, bringing great abundance to the city.

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2 Kings

Chapter 8

Jehoram's Reign and Death in Israel

Jehoram becomes king of Israel and leads the people into idolatry, eventually dying a painful death.

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2 Kings

Chapter 9

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

Jehu is anointed king of Israel by one of the sons of the prophet Elisha.

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2 Kings

Chapter 10

Jehu's Purge of the House of Ahab

Jehu carries out a violent purge of the house of Ahab, eliminating all the remaining members of the dynasty.

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2 Kings

Chapter 13

Jehoahaz's Reign in Israel

Jehoahaz becomes king of Israel and leads the people into idolatry, eventually dying a painful death.

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2 Kings

Chapter 18

Hezekiah's Reign in Judah

Hezekiah becomes king of Judah and carries out reforms, including removing idolatry and repairing the temple.

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2 Kings

Chapter 19

Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah

Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, invades Judah, but is ultimately defeated

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2 Kings

Chapter 23

The Book of the Law Found

The book of the law is discovered during repairs to the temple, leading to further reforms and a revival of faith.

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2 Kings

Chapter 25

Fall of Jerusalem and End of the Kingdom

Jerusalem is destroyed and the kingdom of Judah comes to an end, with the remaining citizens taken into exile in Babylon...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 1

Genealogy from Adam to Abraham

A genealogy of the descendants of Adam through Jacob, including the tribes of Israel.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 2

Genealogy of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 3

Sons of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 4

Descendants of Judah and Simeon

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 5

Reuben, Gad, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 6

Levi's Genealogy and Roles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 7

Genealogy of the Tribes of Israel

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 8

Descendants of Benjamin

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 11

David Anointed King, Conquests, and Mighty Men

David becomes king over all Israel, establishing his reign in Jerusalem.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 12

Warriors Join David

Warriors join David

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 14

David's Wars

David's victories over the Philistines and other neighboring nations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 15

Ark Brought to Jerusalem Successfully

David's victories over the Philistines and other neighboring nations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 16

Ark Placed in the Tent, David's Song of Thanksgiving

David's victories over the Philistines and other neighboring nations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 23

Levites and Their Duties

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 24

Division of the Priests

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 25

David Appoints Musicians

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 26

Duties of Gatekeepers, Treasurers, and Other Levites

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 27

Leaders of Military Divisions and Civil Administrations

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 11

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam's initial reign in Judah, marked by political and social dynamics that influence the kingdom's trajectory.

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 17

Jehoshaphat's Righteous Reign

Jehoshaphat's righteous reign, characterized by fidelity to God's ways and educational reforms that contribute to the sp...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 20

Jehoshaphat's Prayer and Victory

The chapter recounts Jehoshaphat's prayerful dependence on God, leading to a miraculous victory over the enemy and highl...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 21

Jehoram's Reign in Judah

Jehoram's reign characterized by disobedience and idolatry, underscoring the spiritual decline and repercussions of stra...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 23

Joash's Restoration

Joash's restoration to the throne, emphasizing the significance of righteous leadership and the restoration of worship p...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 29

Hezekiah's Cleansing and Restoration

Hezekiah's reign marked by a fervent commitment to restoring worship, cleansing the temple, and renewing the covenant, ...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 31

Hezekiah's Administrative Reforms

Hezekiah's administrative reforms, highlighting the importance of structured organization and provision for those dedica...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 36

Judah's Final Years and Exile

The chapter narrates the tragic decline of Judah, marked by idolatry, disobedience, and the Babylonian conquest, leading...

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Ezra

Chapter 8

Ezra's Assembly

Ezra assembles the exiles to hear the law and to worship.

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Ezra

Chapter 10

Repentance and Renewal

The repentance and renewal of the exiles, including the removal of foreign wives and the celebration of the feast of the...

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Nehemiah

Chapter 3

Rebuilding the Wall

The beginning of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, including the organization of the workers.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 12

Dedication of the Wall

The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem and the celebration of the feast of Dedication.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 13

Nehemiah's Reforms

Nehemiah's reforms, including the closing of the city gates on the Sabbath and the renewal of worship in the city.

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Job

Chapter 2

Job Loses His Blessings

Job loses his wealth and children, leading him to question why God would allow such suffering.

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Job

Chapter 4

Eliphaz Speaks

Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, arrives and accuses him of sinning and deserving his suffering.

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Job

Chapter 15

Job Responds to Zophar

Job responds to Zophar, defending himself and expressing his frustration at his suffering.

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Job

Chapter 22

Eliphaz Responds

Eliphaz responds, accusing Job of being prideful and insisting that God always punishes the wicked.

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Job

Chapter 32

Elihu Speaks

Elihu speaks, criticizing Job's friends and asserting that God is just and wise.

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Job

Chapter 34

Elihu Speaks

Elihu speaks, criticizing Job's friends and asserting that God is just and wise.

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Job

Chapter 35

Elihu Speaks

Elihu speaks, criticizing Job's friends and asserting that God is just and wise.

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Job

Chapter 36

Elihu Speaks

Elihu speaks, criticizing Job's friends and asserting that God is just and wise.

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Job

Chapter 42

Job Repents

Job repents and acknowledges God's power and wisdom. God blesses Job with a restored family and wealth.

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Malachi

Chapter 4

The Lord's Promise of a Future Day

The Lord warns of a future day when he will destroy evil and bring peace and prosperity to his people.

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James

Chapter 5

Patience and Perseverance

This chapter encourages readers to persevere in their faith, especially in the face of trials and temptations. The autho...

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Isaiah

Chapter 22

Judgment on Jerusalem's Leaders

Isaiah 22 describes the coming judgment on Jerusalem's leaders for their rebellion against God. The chapter depicts the ...

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Isaiah

Chapter 36

Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

In Isaiah chapter 36, the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, leads his army to conquer Jerusalem. He sends a delegation to nego...

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Isaiah

Chapter 37

King Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Deliverance from Assyria

In Isaiah chapter 37, King Hezekiah receives a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, warning him of th...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 36

The Scribe's Call and King's Ignorance

In Jeremiah chapter 36, God commands Jeremiah to write down all the prophecies he had spoken against Judah and its kings...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 41

Assassination of Gedaliah and Military Retaliation

In Jeremiah 41, Ishmael conspires with ten other men to assassinate Gedaliah, who had been appointed as governor over Ju...

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Ezekiel

Chapter 27

The Lament for Tyre

In Ezekiel chapter 27, the prophet laments the fall of the great city of Tyre, a major trading hub of the ancient world....

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Showing all 115 chapter appearances