1 Chronicles 15:21
1 Chronicles 15:21 in Multiple Translations
And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.
And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps set to the Sheminith, to lead.
And Mattithiah and Eliphelehu and Mikneiah and Obed-edom and Jeiel and Azaziah, with corded instruments on the octave, to give the first note of the song.
while Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres “according to sheminith.”
And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneah, and Obed Edom, and Ieiel, and Azaziah, with harpes vpon Sheminith Ienazzeah.
and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps, on the octave, to oversee.
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead.
And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
And Mathathias, and Eliphalu, and Macenias and Obededom, and Jehiel and Ozaziu, sung a song of victory for the octave upon harps.
Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah played harps.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 15:21
BAB
Word Study
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1 Chronicles 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ
וֶ/אֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ
וּ/מִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ֙
וְ/עֹבֵ֣ד
אֱדֹ֔ם
וִֽ/יעִיאֵ֖ל
וַ/עֲזַזְיָ֑הוּ
בְּ/כִנֹּר֥וֹת
עַל
הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֖ית
לְ/נַצֵּֽחַ
וּ/מַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ
Mattithyâh
H4993
Mattithiah
Conj | N-proper
וֶ/אֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ
ʼĔlîyphᵉlêhûw
H466
Eliphelehu
Conj | N-proper
וּ/מִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ֙
Miqnêyâhûw
H4737
Mikneiah
Conj | N-proper
וְ/עֹבֵ֣ד
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
Obed-edom
Conj | N-proper
אֱדֹ֔ם
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
Obed-edom
N-proper
וִֽ/יעִיאֵ֖ל
Yᵉʻîyʼêl
H3273
Jeiel
Conj | N-proper
וַ/עֲזַזְיָ֑הוּ
ʻĂzazyâhûw
H5812
Azaziah
Conj | N-proper
בְּ/כִנֹּר֥וֹת
kinnôwr
H3658
lyre
Prep | N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֖ית
shᵉmîynîyth
H8067
Sheminith
Art | Adj
לְ/נַצֵּֽחַ
nâtsach
H5329
to conduct
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 15:21
וּ/מַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ
Mattithyâh
H4993
"Mattithiah"
Conj | N-proper
Mattithiah means 'gift of Jehovah' and is the name of four Israelites in the Bible, including a Levite who helped with music and offerings in the time of King David and Ezra. He is mentioned in Nehemiah 8:4. Mattithiah played important roles in Israel's worship and history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.4 § Mattithiah = "gift of Jehovah" 1) a Levite who presided over the offerings 2) a Levite appointed by David to minister in the musical service before the ark 3) one of the family of Nebo who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) one of the men who stood at the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Mattithiah. n See also: 1 Chronicles 9:31; 1 Chronicles 25:3; Nehemiah 8:4.
וֶ/אֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ
ʼĔlîyphᵉlêhûw
H466
"Eliphelehu"
Conj | N-proper
Eliphelehu, an Israelite, lived during the Divided Monarchy and served as a Levite gatekeeper and musician for King David. His name means my God sets him apart. He is first mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:18.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.18 § Elipheleh = "my God sets him apart" or "my God distinguishes him" a Levite gatekeeper and musician for David
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Elipheleh. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:18; 1 Chronicles 15:21.
וּ/מִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ֙
Miqnêyâhûw
H4737
"Mikneiah"
Conj | N-proper
Mikneiah was an Israelite who lived during the Divided Monarchy and was a Levite appointed by David to play music in the temple, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:18.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.18 § Mikneiah = "possession of Jehovah" one of the Levites of the 2nd rank, gatekeepers of the ark, appointed by David to play in the temple band
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Mikneiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:18; 1 Chronicles 15:21.
וְ/עֹבֵ֣ד
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
"Obed-edom"
Conj | N-proper
Obed-Edom was a Levite who lived during King David's time, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:10. He was a faithful servant of God and had several sons. His name means servant of Edom.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.6.10; son of: Jeduthun (H3038); brother of: Mattithiah (H4993H), Gedaliah (H1436I), Zeri (H6874), Jeshaiah (H3470H) and Hashabiah (H2811I); father of: Shemaiah (H8098I), Jehozabad (H3075H), Joah (H3098I), Sachar (H7940), Nethanel (H5417K), Ammiel (H5988I), Issachar (H3485H) and Peullethai (H6469) Also named: shim.i (שִׁמְעִי "Shimei" H8096X) § Obed-edom = "servant of Edom" 1) a Levite and a Gittite who kept the ark after Uzzah was slain by God for touching the ark while it was being taken to Jerusalem 2) a Merarite Levite and a singer and gatekeeper 2a) the family descended from him
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Obed-edom. See also: 2 Samuel 6:10; 1 Chronicles 15:24; 2 Chronicles 25:24.
אֱדֹ֔ם
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
"Obed-edom"
N-proper
Obed-Edom was a Levite who lived during King David's time, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:10. He was a faithful servant of God and had several sons. His name means servant of Edom.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.6.10; son of: Jeduthun (H3038); brother of: Mattithiah (H4993H), Gedaliah (H1436I), Zeri (H6874), Jeshaiah (H3470H) and Hashabiah (H2811I); father of: Shemaiah (H8098I), Jehozabad (H3075H), Joah (H3098I), Sachar (H7940), Nethanel (H5417K), Ammiel (H5988I), Issachar (H3485H) and Peullethai (H6469) Also named: shim.i (שִׁמְעִי "Shimei" H8096X) § Obed-edom = "servant of Edom" 1) a Levite and a Gittite who kept the ark after Uzzah was slain by God for touching the ark while it was being taken to Jerusalem 2) a Merarite Levite and a singer and gatekeeper 2a) the family descended from him
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Obed-edom. See also: 2 Samuel 6:10; 1 Chronicles 15:24; 2 Chronicles 25:24.
וִֽ/יעִיאֵ֖ל
Yᵉʻîyʼêl
H3273
"Jeiel"
Conj | N-proper
Jeiel was a man from the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned in 1 Samuel 9:1, who had several sons including Kish and Ner. He lived during the United Monarchy period. Jeiel is also known as Jehiel in some Bible translations.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.1; son of: Zeror (H6872C); married to Maacah (H4601N); father of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Zur (H6698I), Baal (H1168B), Nadab (H5070J), Gedor (H1446I), Ahio (H0283I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732); also called Jeiel (Ketiv: Jeuel; KJV: Jehiel) at 1Ch.9.35; Ner at 1Ch.8.33; 9.39; Another name of a.vi.el (אֲבִיאֵל "Abiel" H0022G) § Jeiel or Jehiel = "God sweeps away" 1) one of the sons of Adonikam who returned from exile with Ezra 2) a chief Reubenite of the house of Joel 3) a Merarite Levite and a gatekeeper to the tabernacle who also played the harp and psaltery in the service before the ark 4) one of the chiefs of the Levites in the time of king Josiah 5) one of the sons of Nebo who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 6) a man of Gibeon and ancestor of king Saul 7) one of the sons of Hotham the Aroerite and one of David's mighty warriors 8) the scribe of king Uzziah who kept the account of the king's irregular predatory warriors 9) a Gershonite Levite of the sons of Elizaphan 10) a Gershonite Levite of the sons of Asaph and forefather of Jahaziel in the time of king Jehoshaphat
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Jeiel, Jehiel. Compare H3262 (יְעוּאֵל). See also: 1 Chronicles 5:7; 2 Chronicles 20:14; Ezra 10:43.
וַ/עֲזַזְיָ֑הוּ
ʻĂzazyâhûw
H5812
"Azaziah"
Conj | N-proper
Azaziah was a Levite musician in King David's reign who played the harp when the ark was brought to Jerusalem. His name means Jehovah is mighty, and he is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 31:13.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.31.13 § Azaziah = "Jehovah is mighty" 1) a Levite musician in the reign of David who played the harp in the procession which brought the ark from Obed-edom to Jerusalem 2) a Levite in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah in charge of the tithes 3) father of Hoshea, prince of the tribe of Ephraim when David took the census
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Azaziah. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; 1 Chronicles 27:20; 2 Chronicles 31:13.
בְּ/כִנֹּר֥וֹת
kinnôwr
H3658
"lyre"
Prep | N-mp
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֖ית
shᵉmîynîyth
H8067
"Sheminith"
Art | Adj
Sheminith refers to an eight-stringed musical instrument or a musical notation, possibly an octave. It is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:21 and Psalm 6 title. The term is associated with music and worship in the Bible.
Definition: Sheminith perhaps an eight-stringed musical instrument perhaps a musical notation, i.e. an octave
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Sheminith. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 6:1; Psalms 12:1.
לְ/נַצֵּֽחַ
nâtsach
H5329
"to conduct"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 15:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:21
Context — The Priests and Levites Carry the Ark
19The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals.
20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth.
21And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.
22Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled. 23Berechiah and Elkanah were to be guardians of the ark.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 10:5 | After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 25:6–7 | All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288. |
| 3 | Psalms 81:1–2 | Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre. |
| 4 | Psalms 150:3 | Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 15:18 | and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. |
| 6 | Psalms 12:1 | Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 16:5 | Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals |
| 8 | Psalms 33:2 | Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. |
| 9 | Psalms 92:3 | with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. |
| 10 | Psalms 6:1–10 | O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol? I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace. |
1 Chronicles 15:21 Summary
In 1 Chronicles 15:21, we see a group of musicians, including Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, leading the music with lyres according to Sheminith. This verse shows us the importance of music in worship, as it brings joy and beauty to our praise of God, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5. Just like the Israelites, we can use music to express our gratitude and love for God, and to prepare our hearts for worship, as encouraged in Psalm 95:1-7. By following their example, we can prioritize worship in our lives and use our talents and skills to serve God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the different instruments mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:21?
The various instruments, such as lyres and harps, were used to create a rich and joyful sound in worship, as seen in Psalm 150:3-5, which mentions the use of stringed instruments to praise God.
Who were the individuals leading the music with lyres according to Sheminith?
The individuals leading the music with lyres according to Sheminith were Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:21, and they were part of the larger group of musicians and singers who played important roles in the worship of God, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:31-48.
What is the meaning of 'Sheminith' in 1 Chronicles 15:21?
The term 'Sheminith' refers to an eight-stringed lyre or a musical term indicating a lower pitch, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:21 and Psalm 6:1, which mentions a song played 'on the Sheminith'.
How does the use of music in 1 Chronicles 15:21 relate to our worship today?
The use of music in 1 Chronicles 15:21 demonstrates the importance of music in worship, as seen in Ephesians 5:19, which encourages believers to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to praise God, and Colossians 3:16, which reminds us to sing with gratitude in our hearts to God.
Reflection Questions
- What role does music play in my personal worship, and how can I use it to express my gratitude to God?
- How can I, like the musicians in 1 Chronicles 15:21, use my talents and skills to serve God and contribute to the worship of my community?
- What can I learn from the example of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 15, who were dedicated to leading the music and worship, about the importance of prioritizing worship in my life?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites in 1 Chronicles 15, prepare my heart and life to worship God, and what steps can I take to make worship a central part of my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:21
And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah,.... These six were appointed to sound: with harps on the Sheminith to excel; which Sheminith some take to be an harp
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:21
And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. Mattithiah ... with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
See Poole "". To excel: the word may be here added to note the excellency of that instrument, or note, or part of music; or that there was a greater extension or elevation of the voice than in the former.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.Ver. 21. Upon Sheminith.]
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
(21) The six lute-players. With harps on the Sheminith.—“With lutes (or lyres) in the bass.” Literally, after the mode of the eighth—i.e., an octave below the tenor—al ottava bassa.To excel.—To lead the orchestra, to precent. (Comp. Psalms 6, heading.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
Verse 21. On the Sheminith] According to the Targum, this signifies an instrument that sounded an octave, or, according to others, an instrument with eight strings. The Syriac and Arabic have it, instruments to sing with daily, at the third, sixth, and ninth hour; the Vulgate, an octave, for a song of victory: some think the eighth band of the musicians is intended, who had the strongest and most sonorous voices; and that it is in this sense that shelomith and lenatstseach should be understood.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:21
21. Azaziah] a name not found in 1 Chronicles 15:18. on the Sheminith to excel) R.V. set to the Sheminith to lead. Cp. Psalms 6 (title, R.V. mg.).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 15:21
Harps on the Sheminith - “Sheminith” properly means “the eighth,” and has been compared with the modern musical term “octave.” Further, “Sheminith” and “Alamoth” are regarded as contrasted, and the
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:21
19-21. The singers were divided into three choirs, or companies: 1.) The three chiefs, who used cymbals of brass; 2.) Eight others played with psalteries on Alamoth; 3.) Six others played with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 81-90 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reflecting the beauty of Jesus in our lives. He encourages the congregation to let God's beauty be seen through their acti |
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K-469 Israel - a Prophetic Glimpse by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to rely on God rather than human answers. He encourages the audience to spend time with the Lord, reading the Bible an |
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Exposition on Psalm 82 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine delves into the interpretation of Psalms 81, explaining the significance of God standing in the synagogue of gods as a representation of the people of Israel. He cont |
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Singing the Praises of God by Paul Bramsen | Paul Bramsen emphasizes the significance of singing in worship, tracing its roots back to biblical times when God's people praised Him through song. The Bible showcases believers i |
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Psalm 81 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the importance of observing public ordinances as a constant duty to publicly worship God and assemble in joyful crowds within the sanctuary. He emphasizes the |
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Preserve the Word by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a man who endured 14 years in communist jails, highlighting the joy of seeing children, the physical challenges faced in prison, the st |
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The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of |