Open Word

Semicontinuous (Track 1)

FIRST READING

2 Samuel 8:1-18

Verse 1. Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. Verse 2. David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. Verse 3. David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. Verse 4. David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots. Verse 5. When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men. Verse 6. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. Verse 7. And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. Verse 8. And from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a large amount of bronze. Verse 9. When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, Verse 10. he sent his son Joram to greet King David and bless him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer, who had been at war with Toi. Joram brought with him articles of silver and gold and bronze, Verse 11. and King David dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he had subdued— Verse 12. from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines and Amalekites, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. Verse 13. And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Verse 14. He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. Verse 15. Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: Verse 16. Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Verse 17. Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; Verse 18. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.

PSALM

Psalm 61

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.

Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.

For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance reserved for those who fear Your name.

Increase the days of the king’s life; may his years span many generations.

May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.

Then I will ever sing praise to Your name and fulfill my vows day by day.

Complementary (Track 2)

FIRST READING

Zechariah 9:14-10:2

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

PSALM

Psalm 100

A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.

Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.

For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.

SECOND READING

Acts 20:17-38

Verse 17. From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Verse 18. When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. Verse 19. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. Verse 20. I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, Verse 21. testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 22. And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. Verse 23. I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. Verse 24. But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus — the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Verse 25. Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. Verse 26. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Verse 27. For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. Verse 28. Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. Verse 29. I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Verse 30. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. Verse 31. Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Verse 32. And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. Verse 33. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. Verse 34. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. Verse 35. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Verse 36. When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Verse 37. They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. Verse 38. They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.