Habakkuk 2:13
Habakkuk 2:13 in Multiple Translations
Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain?
Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
Behold, is it not of Jehovah of hosts that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity?
See, is it not the pleasure of the Lord of armies that the peoples are working for the fire and using themselves up for nothing?
Hasn't the Lord Almighty decided that all the hard work of such nations is going to be burned up—that they wear themselves out for nothing?
Beholde, is it not of the Lord of hostes that the people shall labour in ye very fire? the people shall euen weary themselues for very vanitie.
Lo, is it not from Jehovah of Hosts And peoples are fatigued for fire, And nations for vanity are weary?
Behold, isn’t it from the LORD of Armies that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity?
Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that the people shall labor in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
Are not these things from the Lord of hosts? for the people shall labour in a great fire: and the nations in vain, and they shall faint.
But the Commander of the armies of angels has [RHQ] declared that everything that is built by people who do things like that will be destroyed by fire; they will have worked hard uselessly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 2:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Habakkuk 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
הִנֵּ֔ה
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
יְהוָ֣ה
צְבָא֑וֹת
וְ/יִֽיגְע֤וּ
עַמִּים֙
בְּ/דֵי
אֵ֔שׁ
וּ/לְאֻמִּ֖ים
בְּ/דֵי
רִ֥יק
יִעָֽפוּ
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
הִנֵּ֔ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֑וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
וְ/יִֽיגְע֤וּ
yâgaʻ
H3021
be weary/toil
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַמִּים֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
בְּ/דֵי
day
H1767
sufficiency
Prep | N-ms
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
וּ/לְאֻמִּ֖ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
people
Conj | N-mp
בְּ/דֵי
day
H1767
sufficiency
Prep | N-ms
רִ֥יק
rîyq
H7385
vain
N-ms
יִעָֽפוּ
yâʻaph
H3286
to faint
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Habakkuk 2:13
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִנֵּ֔ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֑וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
וְ/יִֽיגְע֤וּ
yâgaʻ
H3021
"be weary/toil"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be weary or toil, like in Exodus where the Israelites were exhausted from their labor, and is often translated as faint or labor in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to toil, labour, grow weary, be weary 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to toil, labour 1a2) to grow weary, be weary 1b) (Piel) to weary, make weary, cause to go toilsomely 1c) (Hiphil) to make to toil, make weary, cause to be weary
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: faint, (make to) labour, (be) weary. See also: Joshua 7:3; Isaiah 43:23; Psalms 6:7.
עַמִּים֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְּ/דֵי
day
H1767
"sufficiency"
Prep | N-ms
This word means enough or sufficiency, like having enough food or water. It is used in phrases like 'according to the abundance of' in 2 Corinthians. The KJV translates it as 'enough' or 'sufficient'.
Definition: 1) sufficiency, enough 1a) enough 1b) for, according to the abundance of, out of the abundance of, as often as
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: able, according to, after (ability), among, as (oft as), (more than) enough, from, in, since, (much as is) sufficient(-ly), too much, very, when. See also: Exodus 36:5; Nehemiah 5:8; Proverbs 25:16.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ/לְאֻמִּ֖ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
"people"
Conj | N-mp
This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.
Definition: a people, nation
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.
בְּ/דֵי
day
H1767
"sufficiency"
Prep | N-ms
This word means enough or sufficiency, like having enough food or water. It is used in phrases like 'according to the abundance of' in 2 Corinthians. The KJV translates it as 'enough' or 'sufficient'.
Definition: 1) sufficiency, enough 1a) enough 1b) for, according to the abundance of, out of the abundance of, as often as
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: able, according to, after (ability), among, as (oft as), (more than) enough, from, in, since, (much as is) sufficient(-ly), too much, very, when. See also: Exodus 36:5; Nehemiah 5:8; Proverbs 25:16.
רִ֥יק
rîyq
H7385
"vain"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something that is empty, worthless, or done in vain. It is used to describe actions or things that have no value or purpose. The Bible uses it to warn against empty or idle pursuits.
Definition: emptiness, vanity, empty, idle, vain
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: empty, to no purpose, (in) vain (thing), vanity. See also: Leviticus 26:16; Isaiah 30:7; Psalms 2:1.
יִעָֽפוּ
yâʻaph
H3286
"to faint"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To faint means to become weak or tired, often from exertion or stress. In the Bible, this word is used to describe people who are weary or exhausted, like the Israelites in the wilderness. It can also mean to cause someone to become weary or to flee in exhaustion.
Definition: 1) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint 1a) (Qal) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint 1b) (Hophal) wearied (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: faint, cause to fly, (be) weary (self). See also: Judges 8:15; Jeremiah 2:24; Isaiah 40:28.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 2:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 2:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:13
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
- Sermons on Habakkuk 2:13
Context — Woe to the Chaldeans
11For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork.
12Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity!
13Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain?
14For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. 15Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 51:58 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Babylon’s thick walls will be leveled, and her high gates consumed by fire. So the labor of the people will be for nothing; the nations will exhaust themselves to fuel the flames.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 50:11 | Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who array yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and of the firebrands you have lit! This is what you will receive from My hand: You will lie down in a place of torment. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 127:1–2 | Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. |
| 5 | Isaiah 55:2 | Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. |
| 6 | Genesis 11:6–9 | And the LORD said, “If they have begun to do this as one people speaking the same language, then nothing they devise will be beyond them. Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth. |
| 7 | Isaiah 41:5–8 | The islands see and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward. Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled. “But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend— |
| 8 | Job 5:13–14 | He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. They encounter darkness by day and grope at noon as in the night. |
| 9 | Malachi 1:4 | Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever. |
| 10 | Psalms 39:6 | Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. |
Habakkuk 2:13 Summary
[This verse is saying that even though people work very hard, their efforts are often wasted and don't accomplish what they hope for, because they are not seeking the Lord's will, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:13. It's like they are trying to build a fire, but it's only burning up their own labor, rather than producing anything of lasting value. The Bible encourages us to seek the Lord and His righteousness, rather than striving after empty things, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 37:4. By trusting in the LORD of Hosts, we can find true rest and purpose, as mentioned in Psalm 37:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the labor of the people only feeds the fire?
This phrase suggests that despite the hard work and efforts of the people, their labor is ultimately futile and only serves to fuel the fires of God's judgment, as seen in Habakkuk 2:13, echoing the idea that our works are like wood, hay, and straw that will be burned up in the fire of God's testing, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.
Why do the nations weary themselves in vain?
The nations weary themselves in vain because they are striving after things that are empty and fleeting, rather than seeking the Lord and His righteousness, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33 and Isaiah 55:2.
What role does the LORD of Hosts play in this verse?
The LORD of Hosts is the One who is ultimately in control, and it is from Him that the labor of the people and the weariness of the nations come, highlighting His sovereignty over all things, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Isaiah 46:10.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's judgment?
This verse is part of a larger section in Habakkuk that speaks to God's judgment on the wicked and the proud, emphasizing that God will not tolerate injustice and evil, as seen in Habakkuk 2:12 and Isaiah 13:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be laboring in vain, and how can I redirect my efforts to seek the Lord's righteousness?
- How can I trust in the sovereignty of the LORD of Hosts, even when I don't understand the circumstances around me?
- In what ways am I seeking after empty and fleeting things, and how can I instead seek the things that are eternal and pleasing to God?
- What does it mean for me to 'weary myself in vain', and how can I avoid this by seeking rest in the Lord, as mentioned in Matthew 11:28-30?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:13
Behold, [is it] not of the Lord of hosts?.... That which follows; the judgments of God upon the bloody city, which they that labour to prevent labour in vain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:13
Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
Behold: the prophet calls for attention, and that we observe who it is will execute vengeance on bloody cities and kingdoms. Babylon is a mighty city, and the kingdom is over-match to any kingdom, and perhaps it may be thought none can give Babylon blood to drink, or kindle a fire in her, that shall consume her. Is it not of the Lord of hosts? though men cannot, the Lord of hosts can; and is not this vengeance his? will not he repay? The people shall labour in the very fire; either Babylonians and their confederates labour for that the fire shall consume; or the adversaries of Babylon shall be able to endure a service for God against Babylon hot as if they laboured in the fire. Either literally taken or figuratively will well consist with the text. The people, either Medes and Persians against Babylon, or the Chaldeans for Babylon, shall weary themselves, spend their strength and life, for very vanity; the one to preserve what shall never profit them, which they laid up in vain, the other to destroy all (though they lose their booty by destroying it) in the fire; yet all this from the Lord of hosts, justly punishing Babylon for all her cruelties.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
Habakkuk 2:13 Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?Ver. 13. Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labour in the fire] Labour in vain to quench the fire, wherewith Babylon shall be burnt, Jeremiah 51:58. Or have laboured to no purpose in building that city and enlarging that empire, which now God will have down. Is it not evident, that they have lost oleum et operam, oil and work, yea, hazarded their own lives, as those do that strive against a flame. What profit hath he that laboureth for the wind, Ecclesiastes 5:16, much less he that laboureth in the fire, that devouring element, see Isaiah 33:14. Possibly he may be saved himself, yet so as by fire, but his work shall be burnt, that loss he shall suffer, 1 Corinthians 3:15. As they that seek after the philosopher’ s stone labour in the very fire to as little purpose as may be; for they must use so much gold, and spend so much gold, and then perhaps they can turn as much into gold by it as they have spent in making of it. Hence one calls alchemy a multiplying of something by nothing; another an Omne, Aliquid, Nihil all things, some things, nothing, another, an art without art, never taught by Moses and Miriam, as some have doted, and delivered, that this was a piece of their Egyptian learning. But it is certain that those holy souls never either learned or taught any such laborious loss of time and money. Demetrius Phalereus complaineth of these alchemists long gone not without indignation, quod certis consumptis incertorum gratis, quae se capturos sperabant, non ceperunt, quod vero habebant abiecerint, that they cast away certainties for uncertainties, that they attained not what they hoped for, but cast away what they had (Athenaeus).
Julius Scaliger also, Fornaculas istas odi, saith he, odio plus quam Vatiniano. Sunt enim noctuae ad aucupia crumenarum. I cannot abide those furnaces; indeed, they are pick purses, &c.; know there is a true alchemy called by some the Spagirick art, being in great use in medicine. This I condemn not, so it be warily and wisely dealt in. But this by the way only. It seemed to some an impossible thing that Babylon should so suddenly be destroyed as was foretold, Habakkuk 2:7. It will be done certo, cito, penitus, suddenly, surely, severely, saith the prophet, for the Lord of hosts hath undertaken the doing of it. Annon ecce a Domino exercituum (so the Hebrews hath it by an emphatic aposiopesis device)? Is it not, look you, of the Lord of hosts? The people shall labour in the very fire.
The nations also shall weary themselves for very vanity] viz. In seeking to save Babylon, which by a Divine decree is to be destroyed without remedy, Psalms 137:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
(13) In the very fire . . . for very vanity. The preposition is the same in both clauses, and means “for an equivalent in.” The sense is sufficiently conveyed if we render “labour only for the fire . . . weary themselves all for nothing.” The same expressions occur in Jeremiah’s denunciation of Babylon (Jeremiah 51:58). Both prophets predict that Jehovah shall render all this compulsory service fruitless. Jeremiah adds the explanatory clauses, “the broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
Verse 13. The people shall labour in the very fire] All these superb buildings shall be burnt down. See the parallel passage, Jeremiah 51:58, and the note there. Shall weary themselves for very vanity?] For the gratification of the wishes of ambition, and in buildings which shall be brought to naught.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:13
13. people … in the very fire] peoples shall labour for the fire. Those great cities of the heathen world on which the peoples labour are destined to become the prey of the fire. people … for very vanity] the nations shall weary themselves for vanity, or, for nought, in vain. The great buildings on whose construction the nations exhaust themselves are doomed to annihilation. This is the decree of the Lord of Hosts. The words with some difference occur again, Jeremiah 51:58, with special reference to Babylon. The passage is scarcely a quotation from Jer., neither do the words, Behold, is it not, &c., imply that it is a quotation from some other source. Cf. 2 Chronicles 25:26, where the peculiar phrase occurs again.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:13
Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that (the) people (nations) shall labor - o In (for) the very fire - literally, to suffice the fire?
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:13
13. Jehovah has decreed the destruction. Behold, is it not of Jehovah — Is it not purposed by Jehovah? For Jehovah of hosts see on Hosea 12:5.
Sermons on Habakkuk 2:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Living as Jesus Lived) 9. the Bride of Christ by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the stark contrast between the Bride of Christ and the Harlot church, illustrating how the Holy Spirit's work results in a glorious, holy city, while Satan's |
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Commentary Notes - Jeremiah by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches about the life and prophecies of the Prophet Jeremiah, highlighting his call at a young age, his tender and retiring personality, and his unwavering commit |
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Walking Daily in the Light of God's Eternal Purpose by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having life in order to walk in the ways of God. He explains that if we only have the natural, fallen life inherited from A |
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True and False Conversions by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the critical distinction between true and false conversions, emphasizing that many who believe they are saved may only be kindling a fire of their own maki |
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Maintaining Ministerial Fervor by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the lethal effects of clerical complacency, emphasizing the danger of passionless ministers contributing to spiritual deadness and formalit |
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The Work of the Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes that true ministers are not made by possessing natural abilities, knowledge of scriptures, or even gracious experiences, but by a special ministerial gift c |
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(Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr |