Good News Bible

First edition © 1979

Second edition © 1995
Third edition © 2004
Fourth edition © 2015
This edition © 2017
Text, illustrations and all helps are copyright:
Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible
Society. All rights reserved.
Anglicisation © The British and Foreign Bible Society 1976, 1994, 2004
Maps produced for The British and Foreign Bible Society by Hardlines © 1997.
Revised by The British and Foreign Bible Society 2017
Illustrations by Swiss artist and storyteller Annie Vallotton, as taken from the Good News
Translation © 1976, 1992 American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Additional material © The British and Foreign Bible Society 2017
The copyright for the derivative work of Anglicisation pertains only to the text within the
Good News Translation (GNT) that British and Foreign Bible Society adapted for British
literary usage, consistent with Section 103(b) of the United States Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C.
§ 103(b).
Bible text from the Good News Translation (GNT) is not to be reproduced in copies or
otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society,
101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155
(www.americanbible.org).
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any
information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Title Code ISBN

Large Print, Hardback GNB 073 978-0-564-07167-8

Typesetting and production management by Bible Society Resources Ltd, a wholly-owned

subsidiary of The British and Foreign Bible Society
Cover design by Rebekah Parsons
BSRL/2017

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Contents
page
Books of the Bible in alphabetical order iv
Welcome to the Good News Bible v
Where do I begin? vi
What to bear in mind as you read x
Maps xi

OLD TESTAMENT
The Law page page page
Genesis 3 Ezra 462 Minor Prophets
Exodus 56 Nehemiah 473 Hosea 872
Leviticus 100 Esther 489 Joel 882
Numbers 130 Poetic Books Amos 886
Deuteronomy 169 Job 500 Obadiah 893
Historical Books Psalms 535 Jonah 895
Joshua 208 Proverbs 629 Micah 898
Judges 231 Ecclesiastes 654 Nahum 903
Ruth 259 Song of Songs 662 Habakkuk 906
1 Samuel 263 Lamentations 795 Zephaniah 909
2 Samuel 297 Major Prophets Haggai 912
1 Kings 327 Isaiah 669 Zechariah 914
2 Kings 360 Jeremiah 731 Malachi 924
1 Chronicles 393 Ezekiel 802
2 Chronicles 423 Daniel 855

NEW TESTAMENT
The Gospels page page page
Matthew 3 Galatians 233 Hebrews 273
Mark 45 Ephesians 239 James 287
Luke 72 Philippians 245 1 Peter 292
John 116 Colossians 250 2 Peter 297
The Good News Spreads 1 Thessalonians 255 1 John 300
Acts 147 2 Thessalonians 259 2 John 305
Letters 1 Timothy 261 3 John 306
Romans 187 2 Timothy 266 Jude 307
1 Corinthians 205 Titus 269 Prophecy
2 Corinthians 222 Philemon 271 Revelation 309

page
Maps 329
Word list 335
Index 339
Books of the Bible in
alphabetical order
page page
Acts Acts NT 147 Judges Judg OT 233
Amos Amos OT 886 Kings 1 1 Kgs OT 327
Chronicles 1 1 Chr OT 393 Kings 2 2 Kgs OT 360
Chronicles 2 2 Chr OT 425 Lamentations Lam OT 795
Colossians Col NT 250 Leviticus Lev OT 100
Corinthians 1 1 Cor NT 205 Luke Lk NT 72
Corinthians 2 2 Cor NT 222 Malachi Mal OT 924
Daniel Dan OT 855 Mark Mk NT 45
Deuteronomy Deut OT 169 Matthew Mt NT 3
Ecclesiastes Ecc OT 654 Micah Mic OT 898
Ephesians Eph NT 239 Nahum Nah OT 903
Esther Esth OT 491 Nehemiah Neh OT 473
Exodus Ex OT 56 Numbers Num OT 130
Ezekiel Ezek OT 802 Obadiah Obad OT 893
Ezra Ezra OT 462 Peter 1 1 Pet NT 292
Galatians Gal NT 233 Peter 2 2 Pet NT 297
Genesis Gen OT 3 Philemon Phlm NT 271
Habakkuk Hab OT 906 Philippians Phil NT 245
Haggai Hag OT 912 Proverbs Prov OT 629
Hebrews Heb NT 273 Psalms Ps OT 535
Hosea Hos OT 872 Revelation Rev NT 309
Isaiah Is OT 669 Romans Rom NT 187
James Jas NT 287 Ruth Ruth OT 259
Jeremiah Jer OT 731 Samuel 1 1 Sam OT 263
Job Job OT 500 Samuel 2 2 Sam OT 297
Joel Joel OT 882 Song of Songs Song OT 662
John Jn NT 300 Thessalonians 1 1 Thes NT 255
John 1 1 Jn NT 305 Thessalonians 2 2 Thes NT 259
John 2 2 Jn NT 306 Timothy 1 1 Tim NT 261
John 3 3 Jn NT 116 Timothy 2 2 Tim NT 266
Jonah Jon OT 895 Titus Tit NT 269
Joshua Josh OT 208 Zechariah Zech OT 914
Jude Jude NT 307 Zephaniah Zeph OT 909

Other Abbreviations
Old Testament OT
New Testament NT
Septuagint LXX
Welcome to the Good News
Bible

The Good News Bible is a clear, easy-to-read The second section, the New Testament,
translation of the Bible. It uses simple, every- tells the good news of Jesus Christ and
day language so that as many people as what happened to Jesus’ first followers. It
possible can read and understand it. This is called the New Testament to emphasise
has made it a very popular translation, sell- that it is a continuation of the story in the
ing over 150 million copies worldwide. Old Testament.

What is the Bible? Finding your way around the Bible

The Bible isn’t one book but a collection of 1. First you need to know whether a book
books, written at different times by different is in the Old or the New Testament, and
people. They include many types of writing: which page number it starts on. For this,
laws, stories, history, poetry, short sayings turn to the Table of Contents and find
and proverbs, letters, visions, hymns and its page number.
prayers, to name but a few. In this Bible we have produced two
One of the most important things to Tables of Contents, one showing the
do when you start reading a different part order in which the books appear in
of the Bible is to ask yourself what kind of the Bible and the other in alphabetical
writing you think it is. This will help you to order so that you can find the book title
understand what you are reading. more easily.

How are the books ordered? 2. Next you need to look at the reference
It is also important to remember that the for the verse you need. References are
Bible is not organised according to when always given in this order: book title,
the books were written or when the events chapter number and verse number.
in them are set. The order of the books in (The chapter and verse numbers are
the Bible is affected by what type of book separated by a full stop.)
they are. So all the books that contain laws For example, Genesis 12.2 means
are grouped together; all the books that tell the twelfth chapter of the book of
the history of Israel are in one place; the Genesis and the second verse of that
Gospels are found next to each other, and chapter.
so are the letters. In this version, the book title and
chapter numbers are repeated at the
Why does the Bible have two sections? top of each page so that you can find
The Bible has two main sections, known as them more easily.
‘Testaments’. This word means ‘covenant’
or ‘promise’ and refers to the promises God 3. Once you have found the book and
made to his people. the chapter number, you can find the
The first section, called by Christians the verse number that you need within that
Old Testament, contains the story of God’s chapter.
relationship with his people, now known
as the Jews. This part of the Bible is seen as
holy by Jews as well as by Christians and is
known by a variety of names, including the
Hebrew Scriptures.
Where do I begin?
When you start to read the Bible it can be hard to know where to begin, and once begun, it
can be hard to know where to go next.
The choice of where to start depends entirely on you. You may like to read whole books
at a time. You may like to read to understand the big picture of the message of the Bible.
You may like to read some of the most famous stories, story by story. Or you may like to ex-
plore themes. Whatever you choose, there are some ideas below to help you get started.

Reading a whole book at a time Romans (p. 187) is the longest and
If you want to read a whole book at a time, most complicated of them all, so you
it is good to start with the books that are may like to leave that until you have
easier to read and move on to the more read some of his other letters.
challenging ones later. In other words, • Don’t just read Paul’s letters. Try 1 Peter
don’t start with Leviticus, which is a list of (p. 292) or James (p. 287), which were
instructions that many people struggle to written by other early Christians.
read; start with a story that is much easier
to understand.
4. It is also good to read some of the
prophecy and poetry in the Old Testament.
1. Start with a Gospel (New Testament).
• The Psalms (p. 535) have been used in
• Mark’s Gospel is the shortest and is very Jewish and Christian worship for over
easy to read (p. 45). 2,500 years. Read some of the Psalms:
• You could try Luke’s Gospel first (p. 72) some of the most popular are 1, 23, 37,
and then, straight away, read Acts 40, 46, 62, 84, 117, 121 and 139.
(p. 147). Acts was also written by Luke • The book of Isaiah (p. 669) has some in-
and goes on to tell the story of how spiring passages. Have a look at 9.2–7;
the good news of Jesus spread from 35.1–10; 40.1–31; 52.13—53.12 and
Jerusalem to Rome. 61.1–11

You may notice that the laws (e.g. Leviticus)

2. Next, try a book with a good and the visions (e.g. Revelation) aren’t on
story from the Old Testament. this list. This is because they are the hard-
est books in the Bible to read. Do read them,
• Ruth (p. 259) and Jonah (p. 895) are
but get used to reading some of the other
both great stories and fun to read.
books first, and then, when you are ready,
• 1 Samuel (p. 263) also has some inter-
turn your attention to the more complicated
esting stories in it.
parts of the Bible.
• Genesis (p. 3) has some of the best-
known stories in the whole Bible.
Reading some of the most
3. Then you might like to look at one famous passages in the Bible
of the letters in the New Testament. Another way to read the Bible is to read the
best-loved and best-known stories. Here
• Philippians (p. 245), Ephesians (p. 239) are 100 of the most famous passages in the
and Colossians (p. 250) are all good Bible. Look through them and decide which
places to start with Paul’s letters. ones you would like to read.
 vii

From the Law collection 25. David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11
1. Creation and the fall 26. Solomon and a wise judgement
Genesis 1—3 1 Kings 3.16–28
2. Noah and the flood 27. Solomon builds God’s temple
Genesis 6.9—9.17 1 Kings 6
3. The tower of Babel 28. Elijah and the prophets of Baal
Genesis 11.1–9 1 Kings 18.16–46
4. The call of Abraham 29. The still small voice
Genesis 12.1–9 and 17.1–8 1 Kings 19
5. Three visitors to Abraham 30. Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot
Genesis 18.1–15 2 Kings 2.1–12
6. Joseph the dreamer 31. Judah is taken into exile in Babylon
Genesis 37—45 2 Kings 24—25
7. The birth of Moses 32. The people are allowed to return
Exodus 1.8—2.10 from exile
8. Moses and the burning bush Ezra 1
Exodus 3.1–15
9. The ten plagues
Exodus 7.6—11.10 From the Major Prophets
10. Crossing the Red Sea
Exodus 13.17—14.31 33. Isaiah’s vision of God
11. Manna and quail Isaiah 6.1–8
Exodus 16 34. Isaiah’s prophecies about a Messiah
12. Exploring Canaan Isaiah 7.10–17
Numbers 13.1—14.12 35. Isaiah’s message of comfort
13. Balaam’s donkey Isaiah 40.1–11
Numbers 22.21–38 36. The suffering servant
14. The Ten Commandments Isaiah 52.13—53.12
Deuteronomy 5.1–22 37. Jeremiah and the potter’s house
Jeremiah 18
38. Jeremiah and the new covenant
From the Historical books Jeremiah 31.1–34
39. Ezekiel’s vision of a chariot
15. Entering the Promised Land Ezekiel 1
Joshua 3 40. Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones
16. The fall of Jericho Ezekiel 37.1–14
Joshua 5.13—6.27 41. Daniel and the fiery furnace
17. Deborah leads God’s people Daniel 3
Judges 4—5 42. Daniel and the lions’ den
18. Gideon fights the Midianites Daniel 6
Judges 6—7
19. Samson and Delilah
Judges 16 From the Minor Prophets
20. Ruth and Naomi
Ruth 1—4 43. Hosea is told to marry a prostitute
21. Israel asks for a king Hosea 1
1 Samuel 8 44. Joel’s vision of the future
22. God chooses David as king Joel 2.28–32
1 Samuel 16.1–13 45. Jonah
23. David kills Goliath Jonah 1—4
1 Samuel 17
24. David becomes king
2 Samuel 5.1–12
What to bear in mind as you
read
Throughout Christian history, people have found the Bible to be inspiring but not always easy
to read. There are a few things to keep in mind, which may help you as you read the Bible.

1. Recognise that the Bible was to ask how other people see it and read it.
written a long time ago. You’ll gain a sense of what other people
Even the newest parts of the Bible are about think the Bible says.
2,000 years old. Remember this as you read
it, and try to imagine what it might have 6. Don’t read the Bible from start
been like to live when the books were first to finish, as you would a novel.
written. The Bible is not one book; it is a library of
books. The books are not always printed in
2. Don’t read passages entirely time order; instead, they often jump around
on their own; look at what from time period to time period. As a result,
comes before and after them. reading them in the order they are printed
It’s easy to take verses, or sometimes whole can be confusing and unhelpful.
stories, out of context, by reading them by
themselves. Try to work out where they fit
in the bigger story or argument of the book. 7. Ask questions.
You’ll get a much better sense of what’s Use your brain while you read. Ask ques-
going on and what it all means. tions. Explore ideas. If you really can’t
understand something, make a note of it
and come back later. Sometimes, returning
3. Ask yourself what type of to a difficult question can help.
book you are reading.
We read different types of books differently.
You would never read a list of phone num- 8. Keep a notebook of your questions.
bers in the same way as you read a novel, so Make notes as you read. What inspires you?
work out if the passage you are reading is What confuses you? Which are your favour-
poetry or prose, law or history, wise sayings ite verses? Jot them down. If you return to
or a vision, and then read with that in mind. your notes later, they will remind you of
It will make a big difference. what you enjoyed before. Sometimes, when
you look back at what confused you, it is less
4. Read what’s actually there, not troubling than it was before.
what you think might be there.
It is all too easy to assume that we know 9. Don’t worry about it.
what a Bible story says. This is particular- Many people find parts of the Bible difficult
ly true for famous stories; we can think we to understand. It was written a long time
know what it is about and not actually read ago. It comes from a different culture. If you
it. So slow down and chew the story over. find something difficult, move on. Focus on
You’ll often find that you understand it in the parts you do understand and not the
a new way. parts you don’t.

5. Read the Bible with other people. 10. Do keep going.

We all bring our own experiences and Above all, keep going. The more you read,
thoughts to the Bible. It can help, therefore, the easier it gets.
 Mt Nebo
N
Probable Route of the Exodus Heshbon
Jericho
Many of the places referred to in the biblical acconts in the books of Exodus and Numbers
cannot be identified. The map shows the route of the exodus in general terms.

tia
ilis
Hebron

h
Dibon

o fP
AN
in
A
Pla
Hormah

CAN
MOAB
Rameses
Coast road to the Wilderness of Zin
GOSHEN land of the Philistines
EDOM
Desert of Shur Kadesh Barnea
Pithom Sukkoth

Bitter
Lakes

Wilderness of Paran
EGYPT
Eziongeber

Sinai

ile
River N
Gulf
MIDIAN

o
aba

f Su
ez
0 50 100 150 km

Spies sent out by Moses

Gulf of Aq

0 50 100 miles
(Num 13 and Deut 1.19–33 Mt. Sinai
 GENESIS
The start of all things

What’s it about? Genesis is all about beginnings: the beginnings of

time, the beginnings of the universe, the beginnings of God’s people …
and the beginnings of his people going their own way.

Who wrote it? The first five books of

the Bible are often called the Torah
(from the Hebrew word meaning
‘teaching’) or Pentateuch
(meaning ‘five books’ in
Greek). Tradition has it
that these books
were written by
Moses, but no
one is sure.

Why read it?

These ancient
stories were
passed down from
generation to
generation, and
they tell us many
things about God, us
and our relationship
with him. The people in this
book are not so different from us: they triumph with God’s help and fail
spectacularly when they turn against him.

What’s it to me? Genesis raises some of the big questions of life and
gives us space to discover answers to those questions.

The Story of Creation over the water. 3iThen God commanded,

1 In the beginning, when God created

the universe,* 2ithe earth was formless
and desolate. The raging ocean that cov-
“Let there be light” — and light appeared.
4iGod was pleased with what he saw. Then
he separated the light from the darkness,
ered everything was engulfed in total dark- 5iand he named the light “Day” and the
ness, and the Spirit of God* was moving darkness “Night”. Evening passed and
morning came — that was the first day.
1.1 In the beginning… the universe; or In the 6–7iThen God commanded, “Let there be
beginning God created the universe; or When God a dome to divide the water and to keep it
began to create the universe.
1.2 the Spirit of God; or the power of God; or a wind
from God; or an awesome wind. See also: 1.3: 2 Cor 4.6 1.6–8: 2 Pet 3.5
4 GENESIS 1 Old Testament

in two separate places” — and it was domestic and wild, large and small” —
done. So God made a dome, and it sep- and it was done. 25iSo God made them
arated the water under it from the water all, and he was pleased with what he
above it. 8iHe named the dome “Sky”. saw.
Evening passed and morning came — 26iThen God said, “And now we will
that was the second day. make human beings; they will be like us
9iThen God commanded, “Let the water and resemble us. They will have power
below the sky come together in one place, over the fish, the birds, and all animals,
so that the land will appear” — and it was domestic and wild,* large and small.”
done. 10iHe named the land “Earth”, and 27iSo God created human beings, making
the water which had come together he them to be like himself. He created them
named “Sea”. And God was pleased with male and female, 28iblessed them, and
what he saw. 11iThen he commanded, said, “Have many children, so that your
“Let the earth produce all kinds of plants, descendants will live all over the earth
those that bear grain and those that bear and bring it under their control. I am put-
fruit” — and it was done. 12iSo the earth ting you in charge of the fish, the birds,
produced all kinds of plants, and God was and all the wild animals. 29iI have pro-
pleased with what he saw. 13iEvening vided all kinds of grain and all kinds of
passed and morning came — that was the fruit for you to eat; 30ibut for all the wild
third day. animals and for all the birds I have pro-
14iThen God commanded, “Let lights vided grass and leafy plants for food” —
appear in the sky to separate day from and it was done. 31iGod looked at every-
night and to show the time when days, thing he had made, and he was very
years, and religious festivals* begin; pleased. Evening passed and morning
15ithey will shine in the sky to give light to came — that was the sixth day.
the earth” — and it was done. 16iSo God
made the two larger lights, the sun to rule
over the day and the moon to rule over the
2 And so the whole universe was
completed. 2iBy the seventh day
God finished what he had been doing
night; he also made the stars. 17iHe placed and stopped working. 3iHe blessed the
the lights in the sky to shine on the earth, seventh day and set it apart as a special
18ito rule over the day and the night, and day, because by that day he had com-
to separate light from darkness. And God pleted his creation* and stopped work-
was pleased with what he saw. 19iEvening ing. 4iAnd that is how the universe was
passed and morning came — that was the created.
fourth day.
20iThen God commanded, “Let the The Garden of Eden
water be filled with many kinds of living When the LORD* God made the uni-
beings, and let the air be filled with birds.” verse, 5ithere were no plants on the earth
21iSo God created the great sea monsters, and no seeds had sprouted, because he
all kinds of creatures that live in the water, had not sent any rain, and there was no
and all kinds of birds. And God was one to cultivate the land; 6ibut water
pleased with what he saw. 22iHe blessed would come up from beneath the surface
them all and told the creatures that live in and water the ground.
the water to reproduce, and to fill the sea,
and he told the birds to increase in num-
1.26 One ancient translation animals, domestic and
ber. 23iEvening passed and morning wild; Hebrew domestic animals and all the earth.
came — that was the fifth day. 2.3 by that day he had completed his creation; or on
24iThen God commanded, “Let the that day he completed his creation.
earth produce all kinds of animal life: 2.4 THE LORD: See LORD in Word List
See also: 1.26: 1 Cor 11.7 1.27: Mt 19.4; Mk 10.6
1.27–28: Gen 5.1–2 2.2: Heb 4.4, 10
1.14 religious festivals; or seasons. 2.2–3: Ex 20.11
Historical books 1 SAMUEL 263

May you become rich in the clan of Eph- and has done more for you than seven
rath and famous in Bethlehem. 12iMay the sons. And now she has given you a
children that the LORD will give you by this grandson, who will bring new life to you
young woman make your family like the and give you security in your old age.”
family of Perez, the son of Judah and 16iNaomi took the child, held him close,*
Tamar.” and took care of him.
17iThe women of the neighbourhood
Boaz and his Descendants named the boy Obed. They told everyone,
13iSo Boaz took Ruth home as his wife. “A son has been born to Naomi!”
The LORD blessed her, and she became Obed became the father of Jesse, who
pregnant and had a son. 14iThe women was the father of David.
said to Naomi, “Praise the LORD! He has 18–22iThis is the family line from Perez to
given you a grandson today to take care David: Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab,
of you. May the boy become famous in Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse,
Israel! 15iYour daughter-in-law loves you, David.

See also: 4.12: Gen 38.27–30 4.16 held him close; or adopted him.

THE FIRST BOOK OF

SAMUEL

The arrival of the kings

What’s it about? Samuel was a great

man of God, a prophet and judge who
anointed God’s chosen kings. In 1 Samuel,
we encounter a failed king, Saul, and a
glorious king, David.

Who wrote it? We don’t know, but 1

Samuel, along with 2 Samuel, could have
been written and collated over a period of
time after the deaths of Samuel, Saul
and David.

Why read it? This first book of Samuel talks

about how God is king. He is greater than any
human king; he guides his people and is in control. Through the
soap-opera-worthy storylines, God’s will and power stand out.

What’s it to me? Even though God is king and is in control, things

aren’t always rosy. David was made king by God and Samuel, but he
didn’t take up that role straight away. 1 Samuel shows that life following
God’s way might not be straightforward.
296 1 SAMUEL 30 Old Testament

6iDavid was now in great trouble, got back all his men’s sons and daughters,
because his men were all very bitter about and all the loot the Amalekites had taken.
losing their children, and they were threat- 20iHe also recovered all the flocks and
ening to stone him; but the LORD his God herds; his men drove all the livestock in front
gave him courage. 7iDavid said to the priest of them* and said, “This belongs to David!”
Abiathar son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the 21iThen David went back to the 200 men
ephod,” and Abiathar brought it to him. who had been too weak to go with him
8iDavid asked the LORD, “Shall I go after and had stayed behind at the brook of
those raiders? And will I catch them?” Besor. They came forward to meet David
He answered, “Go after them; you will and his men, and David went up to them
catch them and rescue the captives.” and greeted them warmly. 22iBut some
9iSo David and his 600 men started out, mean and worthless men who had gone
and when they arrived at the brook of with David said, “They didn’t go with us,
Besor, some of them stayed there. 10iDavid and so we won’t give them any of the loot.
continued on his way with 400 men; the They can take their wives and children and
other 200 men were too tired to cross the go away.”
brook and so stayed behind. 11iThe men 23iBut David answered, “My brothers,
with David found an Egyptian out in the you can’t do this with what the LORD has
country and brought him to David. They given us! He kept us safe and gave us vic-
gave him some food and water, 12isome tory over the raiders. 24iNo one can agree
dried figs, and two bunches of raisins. After with what you say! All must share alike:
he had eaten, his strength returned; he had whoever stays behind with the supplies
not had anything to eat or drink for three gets the same share as the one who goes
full days. 13iDavid asked him, “Who is your into battle.” 25iDavid made this a rule, and
master, and where are you from?” it has been followed in Israel ever since.
“I am an Egyptian, the slave of an 26iWhen David returned to Ziklag, he sent
Amalekite,” he answered. “My master left part of the loot to his friends, the leaders of
me behind three days ago because I was ill. Judah, with the message, “Here is a pres-
14iWe had raided the territory of the ent for you from the loot we took from
Cherethites in the southern part of Judah the LORD’s enemies.” 27iHe sent it to the
and the territory of the clan of Caleb, and people in Bethel, to the people in Ramah
we burnt down Ziklag.” in the southern part of Judah, and to the
15i“Will you lead me to those raiders?” people in the towns of Jattir, 28iAroer, Siph-
David asked him. moth, Eshtemoa, 29iand Racal; to the clan
He answered, “I will if you promise me in of Jerahmeel, to the Kenites, 30iand to the
God’s name that you will not kill me or people in the towns of Hormah, Borashan,
hand me over to my master.” 16iAnd he Athach, 31iand Hebron. He sent it to all the
led David to them. places where he and his men had roamed.
The raiders were scattered all over the
place, eating, drinking, and celebrating The Death of Saul and his Sons
because of the enormous amount of loot (1 Chr 10.1–12)
they had captured from Philistia and Judah.
17iAt dawn the next day David attacked
them and fought until evening. Except for
31 The Philistines fought a battle
against the Israelites on Mount Gil-
boa. Many Israelites were killed there, and
400 young men who mounted camels and the rest of them, including King Saul and
got away, none of them escaped. 18iDavid his sons, fled. 2iBut the Philistines caught
rescued everyone and everything the up with them and killed three of Saul’s
Amalekites had taken, including his two sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.
wives; 19inothing at all was missing. David
30.20 Probable text his men… front of them;
See also: 30.7: 1 Sam 22.20–23 Hebrew unclear.
Historical books 2 SAMUEL 297

3iThe fighting was heavy round Saul, and 8iThe day after the battle the Philistines
he himself was hit by enemy arrows and went to plunder the corpses, and they
badly wounded. 4iHe said to the young found the bodies of Saul and his three
man carrying his weapons, “Draw your sons lying on Mount Gilboa. 9iThey cut off
sword and kill me, so that these godless Saul’s head, stripped off his armour, and
Philistines won’t gloat over me and kill sent messengers with them throughout
me.” But the young man was too terrified Philistia to tell the good news to their idols
to do it. So Saul took his own sword and and to their people. 10iThen they put his
threw himself on it. 5iThe young man saw weapons in the temple of the goddess
that Saul was dead, so he too threw him- Astarte, and they nailed his body to the
self on his own sword and died with Saul. wall of the city of Beth Shan.
6iAnd that is how Saul, his three sons, and 11iWhen the people of Jabesh in Gilead
the young man died; all of Saul’s men died heard what the Philistines had done to
that day. 7iWhen the Israelites on the Saul, 12ithe bravest men started out and
other side of the Valley of Jezreel and east marched all night to Beth Shan. They took
of the River Jordan heard that the Israelite down the bodies of Saul and his sons from
army had fled and that Saul and his sons the wall, brought them back to Jabesh, and
had been killed, they abandoned their burnt them there. 13iThen they took the
towns and fled. Then the Philistines came bones and buried them under the tamarisk
and occupied them. tree in the town, and fasted for seven days.

THE SECOND BOOK OF

SAMUEL
The promise of a future king

What’s it about? 2 Samuel continues the story of

1 Samuel, with David finally taking control of Israel. God
made a promise to David about his family tree, assuring
him that one of his descendants would always be king.

Who wrote it? We don’t know, but 2 Samuel, along with

1 Samuel, could have been written and collated after the
death of David.

Why read it? David was a great king,

but he made some mistakes.
2 Samuel is an honest portrayal
of a flawed man who loved
God. The promise that God
made to David foretells the coming of
Jesus, who was part of David’s family.

What’s it to me? David’s flaws as a king show us that everyone can

make a difference for God. Despite his mistakes, David was still a mighty
king.
298 2 SAMUEL 1 Old Testament

David Learns of Saul’s Death Amalekite and mortally wounded him,

1 After Saul’s death David came back

from his victory over the Amalekites
and stayed in Ziklag for two days. 2iThe
16iand David said to the Amalekite, “You
brought this on yourself. You condemned
yourself when you admitted that you killed
next day a young man arrived from the one whom the LORD chose to be king.”
Saul’s camp. To show his grief, he had
torn his clothes and put earth on his David’s Lament for Saul and
head. He went to David and bowed to Jonathan
the ground in respect. 3iDavid asked 17iDavidsang this lament for Saul and
him, “Where have you come from?” his son Jonathan, 18iand ordered it* to
“I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” be taught to the people of Judah. (It is
he answered. recorded in The Book of Jashar.)
4i“Tell me what happened,” David said.
“Our army ran away from the battle,” he 19 “On the hills of Israel our leaders
replied, “and many of our men were are dead!
killed. Saul and his son Jonathan were also The bravest of our soldiers have
killed.” fallen!
5i“How do you know that Saul and 20 Do not announce it in Gath
Jonathan are dead?” David asked him. or in the streets of Ashkelon.
6iHe answered, “I happened to be on Do not make the women of
Mount Gilboa, and I saw that Saul was Philistia glad;
leaning on his spear and that the chariots do not let the daughters of
and horsemen of the enemy were closing pagans rejoice.
in on him. 7iThen he turned round, saw
me, and called to me. I answered, ‘Yes, 21 “May no rain or dew fall on
sir!’ 8iHe asked who I was, and I told him Gilboa’s hills;
that I was an Amalekite. 9iThen he said, may its fields be always barren!
‘Come here and kill me! I have been badly For the shields of the brave lie
wounded, and I’m about to die.’ 10iSo I there in disgrace;
went up to him and killed him, because I the shield of Saul is no longer
knew that he would die anyway as soon polished with oil.
as he fell. Then I took the crown from his 22 Jonathan’s bow was deadly,
head and the bracelet from his arm, and I the sword of Saul was merciless,
have brought them to you, sir.” striking down the mighty, killing
11iDavid tore his clothes in sorrow, and all the enemy.
his men did the same. 12iThey grieved and
mourned and fasted until evening for Saul 23 “Saul and Jonathan, so wonderful
and Jonathan and for Israel, the people of and dear;
the LORD, because so many had been killed together in life, together in
in battle. death;
13iDavid asked the young man who swifter than eagles, stronger
had brought him the news, “Where are than lions.
you from?”
He answered, “I’m an Amalekite, but I 24 “Women of Israel, mourn for Saul!
live in your country.” He clothed you in rich scarlet
14iDavid asked him, “How is it that you dresses
dared to kill the LORD’s chosen king?” and adorned you with jewels and
15iThen David called one of his men and gold.
said, “Kill him!” The man struck the
1.18 One ancient translation it; Hebrew the bow.
See also: 1.6–10: 1 Sam 31.1–6; 1 Chr 10.1–6 See also: 1.18: Josh 10.13
 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO

MATTHEW
The story of Jesus, promised by God

What’s it about? Matthew tells his

version of the story of Jesus, from birth to
death and resurrection. He concentrates
on Jesus’ work and teachings, highlighting
that Jesus is the promised Messiah – God’s
special saviour.

Who wrote it? Earliest known Christian

traditions say that Matthew, also called Levi, a
disciple of Jesus, wrote this Gospel. We do not
know for sure.

Why read it? Matthew puts Jesus right at the

centre of history. The Old Testament pointed to
him, and he changed history beyond
recognition.

What’s it to me? Matthew records Jesus’

teaching alongside Jesus’ actions. We see
Jesus practising what he preaches, giving us
a prime example of what it means to live
God’s way. But Jesus is much more than a
good man who lived long ago. According to Matthew, he is the saviour
promised by God and he will be with us until the end of the world
(28.20).

The Ancestors of Jesus Christ Babylon, the following ancestors are listed:
(Lk 3.23–38) David, Solomon (his mother was the

1 This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus

Christ, a descendant of David, who was
a descendant of Abraham.
woman who had been Uriah’s wife), Reho-
boam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram,
Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manas-
2–6aiFrom Abraham to King David, the seh, Amon, Josiah, and Jehoiachiniand his
following ancestors are listed: Abraham, brothers.
Isaac, Jacob, Judah and his brothers; then 12–16iFrom the time after the exile in
Perez and Zerah (their mother was Tamar), Babylon to the birth of Jesus, the follow-
Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Sal- ing ancestors are listed: Jehoiachin,
mon, Boaz (his mother was Rahab), Obed Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim,
(his mother was Ruth), Jesse, and King Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliud, Eleazar, Mat-
David. than, Jacob, and Joseph, who married
6b–11iFrom David to the time when the
people of Israel were taken into exile in See also: 1.11: 2 Kgs 24.14–15; 2 Chr 36.10; Jer 27.20
4 MATTHEW 1 New Testament

Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was 3iWhen King Herod heard about this,
called the Messiah. he was very upset, and so was everyone
17iSo then, there were fourteen genera- else in Jerusalem. 4iHe called together all
tions from Abraham to David, and four- the chief priests and the teachers of the
teen from David to the exile in Babylon, Law and asked them, “Where will the
and fourteen from then to the birth of the Messiah be born?”
Messiah. 5i“In the town of Bethlehem in Judea,”
they answered. “For this is what the
The Birth of Jesus Christ prophet wrote:
(Lk 2.1–7) 6 ‘Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
18iThis was how the birth of Jesus Christ you are by no means the least of
took place. His mother Mary was engaged the leading cities of Judah;
to Joseph, but before they were married, for from you will come a leader
she found out that she was going to have who will guide my people Israel.’ ”
a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19iJoseph was a 7iSo Herod called the visitors from the
man who always did what was right, but east to a secret meeting and found out
he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; from them the exact time the star had
so he made plans to break the engage- appeared. 8iThen he sent them to Beth-
ment privately. 20iWhile he was thinking lehem with these instructions: “Go and
about this, an angel of the Lord appeared make a careful search for the child, and
to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, when you find him, let me know, so that I
descendant of David, do not be afraid to too may go and worship him.”
take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the 9–10iAnd so they left, and on their way
Holy Spirit that she has conceived. 21iShe they saw the same star they had seen in
will have a son, and you will name him the east. When they saw it, how happy
Jesus — because he will save his people they were, what joy was theirs! It went
from their sins.” ahead of them until it stopped over the
22iNow all this happened in order to place where the child was. 11iThey went
make what the Lord had said through the into the house, and when they saw the
prophet come true, 23i“A virgin will be- child with his mother Mary, they knelt
come pregnant and have a son, and he down and worshipped him. They brought
will be called Immanuel” (which means, out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and
“God is with us”). myrrh, and presented them to him.
24iSo when Joseph woke up, he married 12iThen they returned to their country
Mary, as the angel of the Lord had told by another road, since God had warned
him to do. 25iBut he had no sexual rela- them in a dream not to go back to
tions with her before she gave birth to her Herod.
son. And Joseph named him Jesus.
The Escape to Egypt
Visitors from the East 13iAfter they had left, an angel of the

2 Jesus was born in the town of Beth-

lehem in Judea, during the time when
Herod was king. Soon afterwards, some
Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and
said, “Herod will be looking for the child
in order to kill him. So get up, take the
men who studied the stars came from the child and his mother and escape to
east to Jerusalem 2iand asked, “Where is Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to
the baby born to be the king of the Jews? leave.”
We saw his star when it came up in the 14iJoseph got up, took the child and his
east, and we have come to worship him.” mother, and left during the night for Egypt,
15iwhere he stayed until Herod died.

See also: 1.18: Lk 1.27 1.21: Lk 1.31

1.23: Is 7.14 (LXX) 1.25: Lk 2.21 See also: 2.6: Mic 5.2 2.15: Hos 11.1
Paul’s First Journey
Paul travelled to Cyprus and present-day
Turkey (Acts 13.1 – 14.28) N

Antioch in Pisidia

Iconium

Tarsus
Lystra
Perga Derbe
Attalia Antioch
Seleucia

Salamis

Paphos CYPRUS

Jerusalem

0 50 100 150 km

0 50 100 miles
Word list
Words shown in italic type have their own entry in Balsam A tree from which sweet-smelling resin was
this list. obtained; the resin was used for perfume and medicine.
Baptise A word meaning to be submerged in water.
Abib The first month of the Hebrew calendar. It runs Baptism is a ritual that symbolises beginning a new life.
from about mid-March to about mid-April. This month Beelzebul A New Testament name given to the Devil as
is also called Nisan. the chief of the evil spirits.
Abyss The place in the depths of the earth where, ac- Behemoth A large legendary creature. Some scholars
cording to ancient Jewish teaching, the demons were say it was the hippopotamus.
imprisoned until their final punishment. Beryl A semi-precious stone, usually green or bluish
Acacia A flowering tree with hard and durable wood. green in colour.
Adar The twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar. It runs Bul The eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. It runs
from about mid-February to about mid-March. from about mid-October to about mid-November.
Agate A semi-precious stone of different colours, but Burnt offering A kind of sacrifice in which all the parts
usually white and brown. of the animal were completely burnt on the altar; in
Alabaster A soft stone, usually of a light creamy colour, other sacrifices only certain parts of the animal w.
from which vases and jars were made.
Aloes A sweet-smelling liquid produced from a plant. It Calamus A sweet-smelling plant, like a reed.
was used as medicine and as a perfume. Caravan A large group of people and animals travel-
Amen A Hebrew word which means “it is so” or “may ling across a desert.
it be so”. It can also be translated “certainly”, “truly”, Carnelian A semi-precious stone, usually red in colour.
or “surely”. In Revelation 3.14 it is used as a name for Cassia A spice made from the bark of a tree; it is very
Christ. like cinnamon.
Amethyst A semi-precious stone, usually purple or Chalcedony A semi-precious stone, usually milky or
violet in colour. grey in colour.
Angel A spiritual being who acts as a messenger of Christ At first it was a title, the Greek word for the
God. Angels sometimes meet people in the Bible in Hebrew “Messiah”. It means “The Anointed One”. Jesus
ordinary human form, but often as brightly shining crea- was called “The Christ” because he was the one whom
tures of alarming appearance. God chose and sent as Saviour and Lord.
Anoint To pour or rub olive oil on someone in order to Circumcise To cut off the foreskin of the penis. As
honour him or to appoint him to some special work. The a sign of God’s covenant with his people Israelite boys
Israelite kings were anointed when they took office, and were circumcised eight days after they were born
so the king could be called “the anointed one”. (Genesis 17.9–14).
Apostle Usually one of the group of twelve men whom Concubine A servant woman who, al though not
Jesus chose to be his special followers and helpers. It is a wife, had sexual relations with her master. She had
also used in the New Testament to refer to Paul and important legal rights and her master was referred to
other Christian workers. The word means “messenger”. as her husband.
Areopagus A hill in Athens where the city council used Coral A brightly-coloured stony substance found in the
to meet. For this reason the council itself was called sea; it was used as jewellery.
Areopagus, even after it no longer met on the hill. Council The highest religious court of the Jews.
Artemis The Greek name of an ancient goddess of It was made up of seventy leaders of the Jewish
fertility, worshipped especially in Asia Minor. people. Its president was the High Priest.
Asherah A goddess of fertility worshipped by the Covenant An agreement, either between people or
Canaanites; her male counterpart was Baal. After the between God and a person or a group of people.
Hebrews invaded Canaan, many of them began wor- Covenant Box A wooden chest covered with gold. The
shipping these two gods. two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments writ-
Astarte A goddess of fertility and war who was widely ten on them were kept in it. It is often called “the Ark
worshipped in the ancient Near East. of the Covenant”.
Atonement, Day of The most important of Israel’s holy Cumin A small plant whose seeds are crushed and used
days, when the High Priest would offer sacrifice for the for seasoning foods.
sins of the people of Israel (Leviticus 16). It was held
on the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew David’s City The part of Jerusalem which was captured
calendar (about 1 October). The Jewish name for this from the Jebusites by King David.
day is Yom Kippur. David’s town A name for Bethlehem, King David’s
boyhood home and the town where Jesus was born.
Baal The god of fertility worshipped by the Canaan- Dedication, Festival of A Jewish festival in which
ites; his female counterpart was Asherah. After the people remembered how Ju das Maccabeus re-
Hebrews invaded Canaan, many of them began wor- dedicated the altar in the Temple in 165 BC. The festival
shipping these two gods. began on the 25th day of the month Kislev (about 10
Baal-of-the-Covenant A name by which the god Baal December) and lasted eight days. The Jewish name for
was known by the people of Shechem. this festival is Hanukkah.
Index
[OT] Old Testament [NT] New Testament

Key word Page number Bible reference Key word Page number Bible reference
Aaron [OT] 59 Ex 4.14 Agrippa [NT]
60 Ex 5.1 (a) Herod Agrippa I 163 Acts 12.1-4,6,11
74 Ex 17.12 164 Acts 12.19-23
84 Ex 28 (b) Herod Agrippa II 181 Acts 25.13–26.2
85 Ex 29 183 Acts 26.19,27-32
89 Ex 32 Ahab [OT] 351 1 Kgs 16.28-33
142 Num 12 352 1 Kgs 18.1–19.1
148 Num 17 355 1 Kgs 20.2–22.40
151 Num 20 Ahasuerus see Xerxes
[NT] 156 Acts 7.40 Amalek, Amalekite [OT] 74 Ex 17.8-16
276 Heb 5.4 239 Judg 6.3
278 Heb 7.11 242 Judg 7.12
279 Heb 9.4 279 1 Sam 15.2-20
Abel [OT] 6 Gen 4.2-9,25 295 1 Sam 30.1-18
[NT] 35 Mt 23.35 298 2 Sam 1.1-13
94 Lk 11.51 Ammon, Ammonite [OT] 19 Gen 19.38
282 Heb 11.4 172 Deut 2.37
285 Heb 12.24 246 Judg 10.7–12.3
Abraham, Abram [OT] 306 2 Sam 10.1–11.1
born 12 Gen 11.26 309 2 Sam 12.26-31
married Sarai 12 Gen 11.29 414 1 Chr 19.1–20.3
migrated from Ur to Haran 12 Gen 11.31 448 2 Chr 26.8
called by God 12 Gen 12.1-5 449 2 Chr 27.5
went to Egypt 13 Gen 12.10-20 786 Jer 49.1-6
separated from Lot 13 Gen 13.7-11 822 Ezek 21.28-32
rescued Lot 14 Gen 14.13-16 827 Ezek 25.1-7,10
God’s covenant with 15 Gen 15.18 Amorite [OT] 143 Num 13.29
name changed from Abram 16 Gen 17.1-22 152 Num 21.13
to Abraham 16 Gen 17.5 176 Deut 4.47
entertained angels 17 Gen 18.1-21 217 Josh 10.5-10
interceded for Sodom 18 Gen 18.22-23 234 Judg 1.34-35
banished Hagar and Ishmael 20 Gen 21.9-21 247 Judg 11.19-23
willing to offer Isaac 21 Gen 22.1-14 Ananias [NT]
buried Sarah in Machpelah 22 Gen 23 (a) Ananias and Sapphira 153 Acts 5.1-6
married Keturah 25 Gen 25.1 (b) Ananias of Damascus 159 Acts 9.10-17
death and burial 25 Gen 25.8-9 178 Acts 22.12-16
[NT] 5 Mt 3.9 (c) High Priest 178 Acts 23.2
75 Lk 1.73 180 Acts 24.1
101 Lk 16.22-30 Andrew [NT] 6 Mt 4.18
129 Jn 8.33-58 46 Mk 1.16
191 Rom 4.1-22 65 Mk 13.3
235 Gal 3.6-29 118 Jn 1.40,44
282 Heb 11.8-11,17 124 Jn 6.8
289 Jas 2.21,23 135 Jn 12.22
Absalom [OT] 300 2 Sam 3.3 Angel(s)
310 2 Sam 13.21–18.33 (a) messengers and
Achaia [NT] 172 Acts 18.12,27 agents of God [OT] 18 Gen 19.1,15
173 Acts 19.21 21 Gen 21.17
203 Rom 15.26 29 Gen 28.12
221 1 Cor 16.15 53 Gen 48.16
222 2 Cor 1.1 154 Num 22.22-35
228 2 Cor 9.2 354 1 Kgs 19.5-7
255 1 Thes 1.7-8 416 1 Chr 21.12-30
Adam [OT] 6 Gen 3.20-21 600 Ps 103.20
6 Gen 4.1,25 915 Zech 1.9-19
7 Gen 5.1-5 916 Zech 3.1-6
[NT] 192 Rom 5.12-21 916 Zech 4.1-5
219 1 Cor 15.22,45-49 [NT] 4 Mt 1.20-24
262 1 Tim 2.13,14 6 Mt 4.11
Agabus [NT] 163 Acts 11.28 20 Mt 13.39,41,49
176 Acts 21.10 25 Mt 16.27