A prophet came to Eli with this message from the LORD: "When your ancestor Aaron and his family were slaves of the king of Egypt, I revealed myself to Aaron.

These are the blessings that Moses, the man of God, pronounced on the people of Israel before he died.

At the LORD's command a prophet from Judah went to Bethel and arrived there as Jeroboam stood at the altar to offer the sacrifice.

"Where did it fall?" Elisha asked. The man showed him the place, and Elisha cut off a stick, threw it in the water, and made the ax head float.

But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault.

Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves.

As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him and made come true everything that Samuel said.

So all the people of Israel, from one end of the country to the other, knew that Samuel was indeed a prophet of the LORD.

But when my servant makes a prediction, when I send a messenger to reveal my plans, I make those plans and predictions come true. I tell Jerusalem that people will live there again, and the cities of Judah that they will be rebuilt. Those cities will rise from the ruins.

Your ancestors and those prophets are no longer alive.

Through my servants the prophets I gave your ancestors commands and warnings, but they disregarded them and suffered the consequences. Then they repented and acknowledged that I, the LORD Almighty, had punished them as they deserved and as I had determined to do.' "

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.