Monday 22 September 2025

1Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,that the Lord’s word by Jeremiah’s mouth might be accomplished,the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia,so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom,and put it also in writing, saying,

2“Cyrus king of Persia says,‘The Lord, the God of heaven,has given me all the kingdoms of the earth;and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem,which is in Judah.3Whoever there is among you of all his people,may his God be with him,and let him go up to Jerusalem,which is in Judah,and build the house of the Lord,the God of Israel (he is God),which is in Jerusalem.4Whoever is left, in any place where he lives,let the men of his place help him with silver,with gold, with goods,and with animals, in addition to the free will offering for God’s housewhich is in Jerusalem.’”

5Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin,the priests and the Levites,all whose spirit God had stirred to go up,rose up to build the Lord’s house which is in Jerusalem.6All those who were around them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver,with gold, with goods,with animals, and with precious things,in addition to all that was willingly offered.

1When the Lord brought back those who returned to Zion,we were like those who dream.2Then our mouth was filled with laughter,and our tongue with singing.

2Then they said among the nations,“The Lord has done great things for them.”3The Lord has done great things for us,and we are glad.

4Restore our fortunes again, Lord,like the streams in the Negev.5Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

6He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing,will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

16“No one, when he has lit a lamp,covers it with a container or puts it under a bed;but puts it on a stand,that those who enter in may see the light.17For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed,nor anything secretthat will not be known and come to light.18Be careful therefore how you hear.For whoever has, to him will be given;and whoever doesn’t have,from him will be taken away eventhat which he thinks he has.”