Be strong and courageous! Let's fight hard for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD's will be done!"

Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.

Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks.

The LORD blessed you in every way, but you would not serve him with glad and joyful hearts.

So then, you will serve the enemies that the LORD is going to send against you. You will be hungry, thirsty, and naked---in need of everything. The LORD will oppress you harshly until you are destroyed.

So the LORD became angry with the Israelites, and let the Philistines and the Ammonites conquer them.

The Israelites sinned against the LORD again, and he let the Philistines rule them for forty years.

Many nations will help the people of Israel return to the land which the LORD gave them, and there the nations will serve Israel as slaves. Those who once captured Israel will now be captured by Israel, and the people of Israel will rule over those who once oppressed them.

Our enemies are doomed! They have robbed and betrayed, although no one has robbed them or betrayed them. But their time to rob and betray will end, and they themselves will become victims of robbery and treachery.