Bible stories to read together.

Onias, Jason and Menelaus

A struggle for the high priesthood led to bribery, stolen temple treasures, murder, and an unjust verdict.

2 Maccabees 4:1–50Read story

Jerusalem Is Attacked in 2 Maccabees

A fearful sign appears in the sky, and then Jerusalem suffers violence, plunder, and grief in the account told by 2 Maccabees.

2 Maccabees 5:1–27Read story

Faithfulness during Persecution

This passage from 2 Maccabees shows how cruel pressure was used to force Jewish people to abandon God’s law.

2 Maccabees 6:1–11Read story

Eleazar Refuses to Pretend

An elderly scribe refuses to fake disobedience to God's law, even to save his life.

2 Maccabees 6:18–31Read story

The Mother and Her Seven Sons

A mother and her seven sons stand firm under a cruel king and refuse to break the law of their ancestors.

2 Maccabees 7:1–42Read story

Judas and Nicanor's First Campaign

Judas gathered his people, sought God's mercy, and faced Nicanor's first campaign against Judea.

2 Maccabees 8:1–36Read story

Judas' Stronghold Campaigns

After a change of rulers, Judas Maccabaeus fought enemies in fortified places and gave thanks to God for victory.

2 Maccabees 10:10–38Read story

Lysias and Judas Negotiate Peace

After a new invasion, Judas and his people cry out to God, win an unexpected victory, and then agree to terms of peace.

2 Maccabees 11:1–15Read story

Judas' Later Regional Campaigns

Judas Maccabaeus answered attacks on Jewish communities with a rapid series of marches, battles, and returns.

2 Maccabees 12:2–38Read story

Judas Prays for Fallen Soldiers

After a battle, Judas and his companions found a hidden sin among the fallen and prayed for them with hope in the resurrection.

2 Maccabees 12:39–45Read story

Judas Faces Antiochus Eupator

When Antiochus Eupator came against Judea with a vast army, Judas led the people in prayer, a bold night attack, and a hard campaign that ended in a treaty.

2 Maccabees 13:1–26Read story

Razis Resists Arrest

When Nicanor sent soldiers to seize Razis in Jerusalem, the siege ended in a desperate and tragic death.

2 Maccabees 14:37–46Read story

Job Faces Terrible Loss

A faithful man loses his children, his wealth, and his health, yet still refuses to accuse God of wrong.

Job 1:1–2:13Read story

Job's Closing Restoration

After speaking to Job, God rebuked Job’s friends, accepted Job’s prayer for them, and blessed Job’s later years.

Job 42:7–17Read story

Isaiah Meets King Ahaz

When King Ahaz trembled at the threat of war, Isaiah brought him the Lord’s message, a sign, and a warning.

Isaiah 7:1–25Read story

Isaiah's Family as a Sign

God told Isaiah to use writing and a child’s name as a warning about what was soon to happen.

Isaiah 8:1–10Read story

Isaiah's Warning Sign about Egypt and Cush

God gave Isaiah a startling sign to warn people not to trust Egypt and Cush to save them from Assyria.

Jeremiah 1:1–19Read story

Isaiah 20:1–6Read story

Vision

God Calls Jeremiah

God called Jeremiah to speak his words and showed him two visions about what was coming.

Jeremiah Hears of a Plot against Him

Jeremiah learns that men from his own town are threatening him because he speaks in the Lord’s name.

Jeremiah 11:18–23Read story

Jeremiah 13:1–11Read story

Jeremiah and the Linen Belt

God gave Jeremiah a strange sign with a linen belt to show what pride and stubborn disobedience had done to his people.

Jeremiah 18:1–17Read story

Jeremiah at the Potter's House

Jeremiah watched a potter remake spoiled clay, and Yahweh used that sign to warn Judah and Jerusalem to turn back from evil.

Jeremiah and the Broken Jar

Jeremiah used a potter’s clay jar as a sign that Jerusalem would be broken under God’s judgement.

Jeremiah 19:1–15Read story

Jeremiah Is Put in the Stocks

Jeremiah was punished in Yahweh’s house, but after his release he still delivered Yahweh’s hard message to Pashhur.

Jeremiah 20:1–6Read story

Jeremiah Is Threatened for His Message

Jeremiah gives Yahweh’s warning at the house of Yahweh, and the people must decide whether a true message should cost him his life.