Today's Reading | October 18, 2026
Esther 6:1–13
Introduction Esther 6:1–13: King Xerxes unexpectedly discovers Mordecai’s role in thwarting a previous plot against his life and decides to honor him. Haman, thinking the honors are for him, advises the king to dress the man in royal robes and parade him through the city. Haman is embarrassed to learn that the honors are for Mordecai. Instead of killing Mordecai,…
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Latest Daily Bible Readings
June 29, 2026
Ezra 7:11–28
Introduction Ezra 7:11–28: Emperor Artaxerxes gives Ezra a document outlining instructions for maintaining the Temple and the worship life of the people. Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 7:27 GNT Ezra said, “Praise the LORD, the God of our ancestors! He has made the emperor willing to honor in this way the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem.” Read 11 Emperor Artaxerxes gave…
READ MOREJune 28, 2026
Ezra 7:1–10
Introduction Ezra 7:1–10: In today’s reading, the story has now moved forward from the completion of the Temple around the end of the sixth century (516 B.C.) to the middle of the fifth century (458 B.C.), and we are introduced to Ezra, a priest and expert in the Law. He was also in a position of high favor in the…
READ MOREJune 27, 2026
Ezra 6:13–22
Introduction Ezra 6:13–22: Following the completion of the Temple, it is dedicated and those who had returned from exile celebrate the event. The reading concludes with a description of the people celebrating Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 6:16 GNT The people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and all the others who had returned from…
READ MOREJune 26, 2026
Ezra 6:1–12
Introduction Ezra 6:1–12: The scroll containing Emperor Cyrus’s decree about the rebuilding of the Temple is discovered. Emperor Darius sends a reply to those who had questioned by what authority the Temple was being rebuilt. Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 6:7b GNT [Emperor Darius replied:] “Let the governor of Judah and the Jewish leaders rebuild the Temple of God where it…
READ MOREJune 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…
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