Today's Reading | June 25, 2026
Ezra 4:24—5:17
Introduction Ezra 4:24—5:17: As noted in yesterday’s reading, problems caused by neighboring people halted the rebuilding of the Temple from 535 to 520 B.C. (4:1–23). The prophets Haggai and Zechariah persuade the people to start again, but authority to begin rebuilding is challenged. The rebuilding of the Temple took place during the reign of Emperor Darius of Persia (522–486 B.C.).…
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Latest Daily Bible Readings
June 25, 2026
Ezra 4:24—5:17
Introduction Ezra 4:24—5:17: As noted in yesterday’s reading, problems caused by neighboring people halted the rebuilding of the Temple from 535 to 520 B.C. (4:1–23). The prophets Haggai and Zechariah persuade the people to start again, but authority to begin rebuilding is challenged. The rebuilding of the Temple took place during the reign of Emperor Darius of Persia (522–486 B.C.).…
READ MOREJune 24, 2026
Ezra 4:1–5
Introduction Ezra 4:1–5: Enemies of the people offer to help with the rebuilding of the Temple, but their proposal is rejected by the Jewish leaders of the community. Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 4:3 GNT Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the heads of the clans told them, “We don’t need your help to build a temple for the LORD our God. We will…
READ MOREJune 23, 2026
Ezra 3:1–13
Introduction Ezra 3:1–13: The priests rebuild the altar and begin offering sacrifices according to the instructions God had given Moses. The people celebrate the Festival of Shelters as a reminder of how God had protected the people of Israel in the wilderness (see Leviticus 23:33–44; Numbers 29:12–40). The rebuilding of the Temple begins with the laying of the foundation. Today’s…
READ MOREJune 22, 2026
Ezra 1:1–11
Introduction Ezra 1:1–11: Today we begin reading excerpts from the book of Ezra, which describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. Jerusalem had been captured by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. and the Temple was destroyed. Emperor Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonians in 538 B.C. and…
READ MOREJune 21, 2026
Judges 16:23–31
Introduction Judges 16:23–31: Today’s reading is the conclusion to the story of Samson. As the Philistines celebrate their victory over Samson, they bring him out of prison for their entertainment. Samson prays to God for strength, and the building (a temple dedicated to the Philistine god Dagon) collapses, killing the Philistines and himself. Today’s Key Verse: Judges 16:28a GNT Then…
READ MOREJune 20, 2026
Judges 16:4–22
Introduction Judges 16:4–22: Throughout Samson’s story, there are references to the LORD’s power making him strong (13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14). While he was strong physically, he seemed to be weak in other ways. His encounter with Delilah surfaces his weakness and leads to his betrayal as Delilah tricks Samson into revealing the source of his strength. Today’s Key Verse: Judges…
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