9. Besides, we are used to having human fathers as instructors—and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
10. Indeed, for a short time they disciplined us as seemed best to them; but He does so for our benefit, so that we may share in His holiness.
11. Now all discipline seems painful at the moment—not joyful. But later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble!
13. And make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame will not be pulled out of joint but rather be healed.
14. Pursue shalom with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
15. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God; and see to it that no bitter root springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.
16. Also see to it that there is no immoral or godless person—like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal.
17. For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He found no chance for repentance, though he begged for it with tears.
18. For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched, and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and storm,
19. and to the blast of a shofar and a voice whose words made those who heard it beg that not another word be spoken to them.
20. For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.”
21. So terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am quaking with fear.”
22. But you have come to Mount Zion— to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, a joyous gathering,
23. and to the assembly of the firstborn who are written in a scroll in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous ones made perfect,
24. and to Yeshua, the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than the blood of Abel.