And Jesus concluded, "So those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last."

And Jesus concluded, "Many are invited, but few are chosen."

The king and his officials liked this idea, and the king did what Memucan suggested.

If it please Your Majesty, issue a decree that they are to be put to death. If you do, I guarantee that I will be able to put 375 tons of silver into the royal treasury for the administration of the empire."

The king took off his ring, which was used to stamp proclamations and make them official, and gave it to the enemy of the Jewish people, Haman son of Hammedatha, the descendant of Agag.

Jonadab said to Amnon, "You are the king's son, yet day after day I see you looking sad. What's the matter?" "I'm in love with Tamar, the sister of my half brother Absalom," he answered.

So Amnon pretended that he was sick and went to bed. King David went to see him, and Amnon said to him, "Please let Tamar come and make a few cakes here where I can see her, and then serve them to me herself."

Ahithophel answered, "Go and have intercourse with your father's concubines whom he left behind to take care of the palace. Then everyone in Israel will know that your father regards you as his enemy, and your followers will be greatly encouraged."

Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God; both David and Absalom followed it.

This seemed like good advice to Absalom and all the Israelite leaders.

On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in front of the whole group. Herod was so pleased