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ESV Outreach Bible Daily Reading Plan

Old Testament

2 Samuel 3

1 There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. tag 2 And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; tag 5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. tag 6 While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. tag 7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?" tag 9 God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, tag 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba." tag 26 When Joab came out from David's presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it. tag 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; tag 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; tag 25 You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing." tag 8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, "Am I a dog's head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman. tag 11 And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. tag 12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, "To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you." tag 13 And he said, "Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face." tag 14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines." tag 15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish. tag 16 But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go, return." And he returned. tag 17 And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, "For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you. tag 18 Now then bring it about, for the LORD has promised David, saying, 'By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.'" tag 19 Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do. tag 20 When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. tag 21 And Abner said to David, "I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. tag 22 Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. tag 23 When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace." tag 24 Then Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone? tag 27 And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. tag 28 Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. tag 29 May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!" tag 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon. tag 31 Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner." And King David followed the bier. tag 32 They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. tag 33 And the king lamented for Abner, saying, "Should Abner die as a fool dies? tag 34 Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen." And all the people wept again over him. tag 35 Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was yet day. But David swore, saying, "God do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down!" tag 36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people. tag 37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner the son of Ner. tag 38 And the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? tag 39 And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!" tag

2 Samuel 4

1 When Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. tag 3 the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been sojourners there to this day). tag 4 Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. tag 5 Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out, and about the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bosheth as he was taking his noonday rest. tag 11 How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?" tag 2 Now Saul's son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon a man of Benjamin from Beeroth (for Beeroth also is counted part of Benjamin; tag 7 When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. They took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night, tag 6 And they came into the midst of the house as if to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. tag 8 and brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron. And they said to the king, "Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The LORD has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring." tag 9 But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, "As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, tag 10 when one told me, 'Behold, Saul is dead,' and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. tag 12 And David commanded his young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet and hanged them beside the pool at Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the tomb of Abner at Hebron. tag

Psalm

Psalm 119

12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! tag 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. tag 24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. tag 45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. tag 46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, tag 48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. tag 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. tag 69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; tag 70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. tag 85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. tag 86 All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me! tag 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. tag 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. tag 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. tag 97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. tag 81 My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. tag 58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. tag 68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. tag 23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. tag 79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies. tag 65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. tag 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! tag 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. tag 32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! tag 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! tag 57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. tag 80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame! tag 29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! tag 5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! tag 4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. tag 31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! tag 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. tag 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. tag 135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. tag 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. tag 120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. tag 121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. tag 122 Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me. tag 123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. tag 131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. tag 137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules. tag 141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. tag 163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. tag 164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. tag 166 I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments. tag 168 I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you. tag 171 My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. tag 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. tag 144 Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. tag 138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. tag 173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. tag 162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. tag 124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. tag 112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end. tag 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. tag 125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! tag 100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. tag 165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. tag 153 Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. tag 167 My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. tag 160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. tag 172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. tag 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. tag 108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. tag 8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! tag 126 It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. tag 170 Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. tag 159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love. tag 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. tag 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. tag 17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. tag 76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. tag 116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! tag 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. tag 41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; tag 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. tag 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. tag 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. tag 64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes! tag 77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. tag 59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; tag 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! tag 61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. tag 21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. tag 113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. tag 169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word! tag 73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. tag 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. tag 6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. tag 36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! tag 149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life. tag 150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law. tag 102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. tag 133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. tag 47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. tag 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. tag 84 How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? tag 151 But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true. tag 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. tag 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! tag 87 They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. tag 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. tag 78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. tag 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. tag 56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts. tag 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. tag 72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. tag 37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. tag 25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! tag 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. tag 156 Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules. tag 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. tag 158 I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands. tag 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, tag 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. tag 129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. tag 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. tag 106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. tag 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! tag 128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way. tag 157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies. tag 139 My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. tag 145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes. tag 91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. tag 127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. tag 42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. tag 111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. tag 88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. tag 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. tag 19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! tag 22 Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. tag 26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! tag 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. tag 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. tag 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. tag 39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. tag 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life! tag 44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, tag 49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. tag 51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. tag 52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD. tag 53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. tag 54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. tag 55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. tag 60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. tag 62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. tag 63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. tag 71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. tag 74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. tag 75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. tag 82 My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?" tag 83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. tag 89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. tag 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. tag 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. tag 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. tag 107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! tag 109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. tag 114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. tag 115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. tag 117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! tag 118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. tag 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. tag 134 Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts. tag 136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law. tag 140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. tag 142 Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. tag 143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. tag 146 I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies. tag 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. tag 148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. tag 152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever. tag 154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise! tag 161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. tag 174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. tag 175 Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. tag

Psalm 120

7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war! tag 2 Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. tag 4 A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! tag 6 Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. tag 1 In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. tag 3 What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? tag 5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! tag

New Testament

Ephesians 5

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. tag 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; tag 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light tag 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. tag 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, tag 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. tag 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, tag 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, tag 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. tag 30 because we are members of his body. tag 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. tag 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. tag 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. tag 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. tag 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. tag 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. tag 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. tag 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), tag 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. tag 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. tag 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." tag 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, tag 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. tag 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, tag 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, tag 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. tag 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. tag 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. tag 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, tag 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. tag 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, tag 31 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." tag 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. tag







Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.