Comfort in the Bible: God as Comforter

The LORD God made garments of animal skins for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them.

He named him Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which the LORD has cursed.”

but the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned into the ship to him, for the waters were on the surface of the whole earth. He put out his hand, and took her, and brought her to him into the ship.

but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age.

The LORD’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction.

She called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?”

God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.

Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him with your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”

The man came into the house, and he unloaded the camels. He gave straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.

Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife. He loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

The LORD appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”

His soul joined to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young lady, and spoke kindly to the young lady.

When she was in hard labour, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now you will have another son.”

All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said, “For I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” His father wept for him.

After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite.

Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For”, he said, “God has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.”

The man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. He gave their donkeys fodder.

They told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob, their father, revived.

I will go down with you into Egypt. I will also surely bring you up again. Joseph’s hand will close your eyes.”

Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you, and bring you again to the land of your fathers.

Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

The people believed, and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. They encamped there by the waters.

He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Then I said to you, “Don’t be terrified. Don’t be afraid of them.

and in the wilderness where you have seen how that the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went, until you came to this place.”

The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’

Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; don’t be afraid.” He came in to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.

The LORD said to him, “Peace be to you! Don’t be afraid. You shall not die.”

But if you are afraid to go down, go with Purah your servant down to the camp.

But his wife said to him, “If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he wouldn’t have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand, and he wouldn’t have shown us all these things, nor would he have told us such things as these at this time.”

So he brought him into his house, and gave the donkeys fodder. Then they washed their feet, and ate and drank.

Then she said, “Let me find favour in your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not as one of your servants.”

Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman.

He shall be to you a restorer of life and sustain you in your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

Naomi took the child, laid him in her bosom, and became nurse to him.

Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why don’t you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”

She said, “Let your servant find favour in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate; and her facial expression wasn’t sad any more.

Let our lord now command your servants who are in front of you to seek out a man who is a skilful player on the harp. Then when the evil spirit from God is on you, he will play with his hand, and you will be well.”

When the spirit from God was on Saul, David took the harp and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

He said to him, “Far from it; you will not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small, but that he discloses it to me. Why would my father hide this thing from me? It is not so.”

Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. You will be safe with me.”

Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in God.

He said to him, “Don’t be afraid, for the hand of Saul my father won’t find you; and you will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.”

The king said to her, “Don’t be afraid! What do you see?” The woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.”

Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your servant, and let me set a morsel of bread before you. Eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.”

But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed.

David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

When they told David this, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, “Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.”

David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her, and lay with her. She bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. The LORD loved him;

Now therefore don’t let my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead; for only Amnon is dead.”

Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons are coming! It is as your servant said.”

King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.

The king said, “Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me, and he will not bother you any more.”

The king said to Ziba, “What do you mean by these?” Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that those who are faint in the wilderness may drink.”

The king and all the people who were with him arrived weary; and he refreshed himself there.

honey, butter, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry, weary, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Now therefore arise, go out and speak to comfort your servants; for I swear by the LORD, if you don’t go out, not a man will stay with you this night. That would be worse to you than all the evil that has happened to you from your youth until now.”

They came on me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.

The prophet took up the body of the man of God, and laid it on the donkey, and brought it back. He came to the city of the old prophet to mourn, and to bury him.

He said to her, “Give me your son.” He took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into the room where he stayed, and laid him on his own bed.

He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat!”

The LORD’s angel came again the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.”

After the earthquake a fire passed; but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a still small voice.

Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master this: ‘The LORD says, “Don’t be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

“Turn back, and tell Hezekiah the prince of my people, ‘The LORD, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day, you will go up to the LORD’s house.

Gedaliah swore to them and to their men, and said to them, “Don’t be afraid because of the servants of the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”

Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him.

David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun to comfort him.

Then some people went and told David how the men were treated. He sent to meet them; for the men were greatly humiliated. The king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.”

But when in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them.

So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Hold your peace, for the day is holy. Don’t be grieved.”

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathise with him and to comfort him.

When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn’t recognise him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads towards the sky.

So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

“If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?

Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.

Your words have supported him who was falling, you have made the feeble knees firm.

so that he sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety.

For he wounds and binds up. He injures and his hands make whole.

You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, neither will you be afraid of destruction when it comes.

Let it still be my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

“To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me. My couch will ease my complaint,’

If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up,’

Aren’t my days few? Stop! Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,

for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away.

Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.

Look away from him, that he may rest, until he accomplishes, as a hireling, his day.

Are the consolations of God too small for you, even the word that is gentle towards you?

but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.

“Listen diligently to my speech. Let this be your consolation.

The clods of the valley will be sweet to him. All men will draw after him, as there were innumerable before him.

So how can you comfort me with nonsense, because in your answers there remains only falsehood?”

when his lamp shone on my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,

the blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They didn’t reject the light of my face.

I chose out their way, and sat as chief. I lived as a king in the army, as one who comforts the mourners.

I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.

Behold, my terror will not make you afraid, neither will my pressure be heavy on you.

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed,

But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,

Yes, he would have allured you out of distress, into a wide place, where there is no restriction. That which is set on your table would be full of fatness.

Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been of his acquaintance before, came to him and ate bread with him in his house. They comforted him, and consoled him concerning all the evil that the LORD had brought on him. Everyone also gave him a piece of money, and everyone a ring of gold.

But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

I laid myself down and slept. I awakened, for the LORD sustains me.

In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.

The LORD has heard my supplication. The LORD accepts my prayer.

The LORD will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble.

For he who avenges blood remembers them. He doesn’t forget the cry of the afflicted.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever.

But you do see trouble and grief. You consider it to take it into your hand. You help the victim and the fatherless.

LORD, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear,

to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.

Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,

In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.

For you will light my lamp, LORD. My God will light up my darkness.

For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

For in the day of trouble, he will keep me secretly in his pavilion. In the secret place of his tabernacle, he will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness,

I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities.

You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.

In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.

As for me, I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before your eyes.” Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you.

You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed, and restore him from his bed of illness.

For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

God has shown himself in her citadels as a refuge.

Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul.

Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

You count my wanderings. You put my tears into your container. Aren’t they in your book?

I will dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah.

Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah.

For you have been my help. I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.

My soul stays close to you. Your right hand holds me up.

A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

Don’t hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me speedily!

Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness. I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; for comforters, but I found none.

You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, you will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.

Increase my honour and comfort me again.

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired. My soul refused to be comforted.

Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, LORD, have helped me, and comforted me.

He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.

He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honour him.

that you may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked.

When I said, “My foot is slipping!” Your loving kindness, LORD, held me up.

In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.

to hear the groans of the prisoner, to free those who are condemned to death,

Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

Precious in the LORD’s sight is the death of his saints.

Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.

This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.

I remember your ordinances of old, LORD, and have comforted myself.

Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.

My eyes fail for your word. I say, “When will you comfort me?”

Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!

A Song of Ascents. In my distress, I cried to the LORD. He answered me.

He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper. The LORD is your shade on your right hand.

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul.

The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.

Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

For the LORD will judge his people and have compassion on his servants.

who remembered us in our low estate, for his loving kindness endures forever;

In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!

even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.

If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.

The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.

He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favour is like dew on the grass.

As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.

Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul.

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.

Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

As the apple tree amongst the trees of the wood, so is my beloved amongst the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, his fruit was sweet to my taste.

His left hand is under my head. His right hand embraces me.

I have taken off my robe. Indeed, must I put it on? I have washed my feet. Indeed, must I soil them?

His left hand would be under my head. His right hand would embrace me.

There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.

Tell him, ‘Be careful, and keep calm. Don’t be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

But there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time he has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.

Therefore the Lord, the LORD of Armies, says, “My people who dwell in Zion, don’t be afraid of the Assyrian, though he strike you with the rod, and lift up his staff against you, as Egypt did.

For yet a very little while, and the indignation against you will be accomplished, and my anger will be directed to his destruction.”

In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, the LORD; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me.

It will happen in the day that the LORD will give you rest from your sorrow, from your trouble, and from the hard service in which you were made to serve,

What will they answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people will take refuge.

Let my outcasts dwell with you! As for Moab, be a hiding place for him from the face of the destroyer. For the extortionist is brought to nothing. Destruction ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land.

They brought water to him who was thirsty. The inhabitants of the land of Tema met the fugitives with their bread.

Therefore I said, “Look away from me. I will weep bitterly. Don’t labour to comfort me for the destruction of the daughter of my people.

For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the dreaded ones is like a storm against the wall.

He has swallowed up death forever! The Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces. He will take the reproach of his people away from off all the earth, for the LORD has spoken it.

to whom he said, “This is the resting place. Give rest to the weary,” and “This is the refreshing;” yet they would not hear.

Therefore the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says concerning the house of Jacob: “Jacob shall no longer be ashamed, neither shall his face grow pale.

For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When he hears you, he will answer you.

A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the storm, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a large rock in a weary land.

My people will live in a peaceful habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting places,

Strengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm.

Then the LORD’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘The LORD says, “Don’t be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.

“Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.”

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.

He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’

Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

But now the LORD who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel, says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burnt, and flame will not scorch you.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west.

This is what the LORD who made you, and formed you from the womb, who will help you says: “Don’t be afraid, Jacob my servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

Don’t fear, neither be afraid. Haven’t I declared it to you long ago, and shown it? You are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? Indeed, there is not. I don’t know any other Rock.”

Even to old age I am he, and even to grey hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.

saying to those who are bound, ‘Come out!’; to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves!’ “They shall feed along the paths, and their pasture shall be on all treeless heights.

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun strike them, for he who has mercy on them will lead them. He will guide them by springs of water.

Sing, heavens, and be joyful, earth! Break out into singing, mountains! For the LORD has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you!

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are continually before me.

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary. He awakens morning by morning, he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

For the LORD has comforted Zion. He has comforted all her waste places, and has made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in them, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Those ransomed by the LORD will return, and come with singing to Zion. Everlasting joy shall be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you, that you are afraid of man who shall die, and of the son of man who will be made as grass?

The captive exile will speedily be freed. He will not die and go down into the pit. His bread won’t fail.

These two things have happened to you— who will grieve with you?— desolation and destruction, and famine and the sword. How can I comfort you?

Break out into joy! Sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem.

“Don’t be afraid, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t be confounded, for you will not be disappointed. For you will forget the shame of your youth. You will remember the reproach of your widowhood no more.

For the LORD has called you as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off,” says your God.

“For a small moment I have forsaken you, but I will gather you with great mercies.

“You afflicted, tossed with storms, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colours, and lay your foundations with sapphires.

He enters into peace. They rest in their beds, each one who walks in his uprightness.

For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

I have seen his ways, and will heal him. I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.

Your sun will not go down any more, nor will your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning will end.

The Lord GOD’s Spirit is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to those who are bound,

to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Instead of your shame you will have double. Instead of dishonour, they will rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they will possess double. Everlasting joy will be to them.

You will not be called Forsaken any more, nor will your land be called Desolate any more; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land will be married.

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and in his pity he redeemed them. He bore them, and carried them all the days of old.

Behold, my servants will sing for joy of heart, but you will cry for sorrow of heart, and will wail for anguish of spirit.

so that he who blesses himself in the earth will bless himself in the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth will swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from my eyes.

I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; and the voice of weeping and the voice of crying will be heard in her no more.

“Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her. Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her;

that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts; that you may drink deeply, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.”

For the LORD says, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream, and you will nurse. You will be carried on her side, and will be dandled on her knees.

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says the LORD.

Oh that I could comfort myself against sorrow! My heart is faint within me.

Men won’t break bread for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead. Men won’t give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.

Don’t be a terror to me. You are my refuge in the day of evil.

I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them. They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, neither will any be lacking,” says the LORD.

Therefore don’t be afraid, O Jacob my servant, says the LORD. Don’t be dismayed, Israel. For, behold, I will save you from afar, and save your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob will return, and will be quiet and at ease. No one will make him afraid.

They will come with weeping. I will lead them with petitions. I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they won’t stumble; for I am a father to Israel. Ephraim is my firstborn.

Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, the young men and the old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

The LORD says: “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” says the LORD. “They will come again from the land of the enemy.

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.”

On this I awakened, and saw; and my sleep was sweet to me.

“Yet hear the LORD’s word, O Zedekiah king of Judah. The LORD says concerning you, ‘You won’t die by the sword.

You will die in peace; and with the burnings of your fathers, the former kings who were before you, so they will make a burning for you. They will lament you, saying, “Ah Lord!” for I have spoken the word,’ says the LORD.”

‘If you will still live in this land, then I will build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I grieve over the distress that I have brought on you.

Don’t be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Don’t be afraid of him,’ says the LORD, ‘for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.

“But don’t you be afraid, Jacob my servant. Don’t be dismayed, Israel; for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob will return, and will be quiet and at ease. No one will make him afraid.

Don’t be afraid, O Jacob my servant,” says the LORD, “for I am with you; for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you, but I will not make a full end of you, but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.”

“Moab has been at ease from his youth, and he has settled on his dregs, and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither has he gone into captivity; therefore his taste remains in him, and his scent is not changed.

I will bring Israel again to his pasture, and he will feed on Carmel and Bashan. His soul will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead.

Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed! Wail for her! Take balm for her pain. Perhaps she may be healed.

Don’t let your heart faint. Don’t fear for the news that will be heard in the land. For news will come one year, and after that in another year news will come, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

She weeps bitterly in the night. Her tears are on her cheeks. Amongst all her lovers she has no one to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her. They have become her enemies.

Her filthiness was in her skirts. She didn’t remember her latter end. Therefore she has come down astoundingly. She has no comforter. “See, LORD, my affliction; for the enemy has magnified himself.”

“For these things I weep. My eye, my eye runs down with water, because the comforter who should refresh my soul is far from me. My children are desolate, because the enemy has prevailed.”

Zion spreads out her hands. There is no one to comfort her. The LORD has commanded concerning Jacob, that those who are around him should be his adversaries. Jerusalem is amongst them as an unclean thing.

“They have heard that I sigh. There is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble. They are glad that you have done it. You will bring the day that you have proclaimed, and they will be like me.

What shall I testify to you? What shall I liken to you, daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I compare to you, that I may comfort you, virgin daughter of Zion? For your breach is as big as the sea. Who can heal you?

This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope.

You heard my voice: “Don’t hide your ear from my sighing, and my cry.”

You came near in the day that I called on you. You said, “Don’t be afraid.”

“Therefore say, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Whereas I have removed them far off amongst the nations, and whereas I have scattered them amongst the countries, yet I will be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they have come.”’

Yet, behold, there will be left a remnant in it that will be carried out, both sons and daughters. Behold, they will come out to you, and you will see their way and their doings. Then you will be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought on it.

They will comfort you, when you see their way and their doings; then you will know that I have not done all that I have done in it without cause,” says the Lord GOD.

that you may bear your own shame, and may be ashamed because of all that you have done, in that you are a comfort to them.

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to Sheol with those who descend into the pit. All the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, were comforted in the lower parts of the earth.

“Pharaoh will see them and will be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword,” says the Lord GOD.

I will feed them with good pasture, and their fold will be on the mountains of the height of Israel. There they will lie down in a good fold. They will feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down,” says the Lord GOD.

They will no more be a prey to the nations, neither will the animals of the earth devour them; but they will dwell securely, and no one will make them afraid.

The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O king, live forever; don’t let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed.

Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face towards the ground; but he touched me and set me upright.

Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.

Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake.

Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again, and he strengthened me.

He said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

“Therefore behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.

The LORD will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but the LORD will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.

The LORD God prepared a vine and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head to deliver him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the vine.

“In that day,” says the LORD, “I will assemble that which is lame, and I will gather that which is driven away, and that which I have afflicted;

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.

The LORD says: “Though they are in full strength and likewise many, even so they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.

It will happen that all those who look at you will flee from you, and say, ‘Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for her?’ Where will I seek comforters for you?”

The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.”

In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion. Don’t let your hands be weak.”

The LORD, your God, is amongst you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

I will remove those who grieve about the appointed feasts from you. They are a burden and a reproach to you.

Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you,” says the LORD.

Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says the LORD of Armies.

This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived amongst you. ‘Don’t be afraid.’

The LORD answered the angel who talked with me with kind and comforting words.

“Proclaim further, saying, ‘The LORD of Armies says: “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.”’”

For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams. They comfort in vain. Therefore they go their way like sheep. They are oppressed, because there is no shepherd.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”

“A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she wouldn’t be comforted, because they are no more.”

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.

the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralysed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.”

But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

“Come to me, all you who labour and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”

Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!

I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”

But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”

When he had entered in, he said to them, “Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.”

He said to them, “Come away into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them,

for they all saw him and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them and said to them, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”

He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed amongst themselves, and marvelled;

Jesus stood still and said, “Call him.” They called the blind man, saying to him, “Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!”

“When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet.

When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

He said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him!

But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.

because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us,

to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Don’t cry.”

He said to her, “Daughter, cheer up. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

All were weeping and mourning her, but he said, “Don’t weep. She isn’t dead, but sleeping.”

But a certain Samaritan, as he travelled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion,

came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,

But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

“Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

“But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But here he is now comforted and you are in anguish.

And not a hair of your head will perish.

But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”

An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.

They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.” He went in to stay with them.

As they said these things, Jesus himself stood amongst them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

He took them, and ate in front of them.

But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.

Then the Jews who were with her in the house and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor, that he may be with you forever:

I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.

Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also.

But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

But I have told you these things so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don’t go away, the Counsellor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.

Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.

Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.

and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.

So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it.

Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast!” None of the disciples dared enquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord.

who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.”

Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,

So the assemblies throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

He took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptised, he and all his household.

They went out of the prison and entered into Lydia’s house. When they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them, then departed.

The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent;

for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

When he had gone through those parts and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece.

Paul went down and fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Don’t be troubled, for his life is in him.”

They brought the boy in alive, and were greatly comforted.

The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome.”

Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life amongst you, but only of the ship.

Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.

Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads.”

Then they all cheered up, and they also took food.

The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.

From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Now the God of perseverance and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest.

But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so our comfort also abounds through Christ.

But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.

Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that, since you are partakers of the sufferings, so you are also of the comfort.

so that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow.

Great is my boldness of speech towards you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.

Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same mind. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state and that he may comfort your hearts.

If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,

For indeed he was sick nearly to death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.

I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

However you did well that you shared in my affliction.

that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.

But we were gentle amongst you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children,

and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith,

For this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith.

But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,

comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.

May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,

For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.

For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.

that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.

But I exhort you, brothers, endure the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.

casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

And by this we know that we are of the truth and persuade our hearts before him,

because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness towards God;

When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,

One of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome: he who opens the book and its seven seals.”

A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.

They will never be hungry or thirsty any more. The sun won’t beat on them, nor any heat;

for the Lamb who is in the middle of the throne shepherds them and leads them to springs of life-giving waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away.”