\id 1KI  
\h 1 Kings 
\toc1 1 Kings 
\toc2 1 Kings 
\mt1 1 Kings  
\c 1  
\s1 Adonijah Tries to Seize the Throne  
\p
\v 1  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was very old|strong="H3117"\w*; \w even when they covered|strong="H3680"\w* \w him with blankets|strong="H0899"\w*, \w he could not|strong="H3808"\w* \w get warm|strong="H3179"\w*.  
\v 2  \w His servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w advised|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “A young|strong="H5291"\w* \w virgin|strong="H1330"\w* \w must be found|strong="H1245"\w* \w for our master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w to take care|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w needs|strong="H1961"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w serve|strong="H1961"\w* \w as his nurse|strong="H5532"\w*. \w She can also sleep|strong="H7901"\w* \w with you|strong="H0113"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w keep|strong="H2552"\w* \w our|strong="H1961"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w warm|strong="H2552"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w So they looked|strong="H1245"\w* \w through all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for a beautiful|strong="H3303"\w* \w young woman|strong="H5291"\w* \w and found|strong="H4672"\w* \w Abishag|strong="H0049"\w*, \w a Shunammite|strong="H7767"\w*, \w and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w her to the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The young|strong="H5291"\w* \w woman was very|strong="H3966"\w* \w beautiful|strong="H3303"\w*; \w she became|strong="H1961"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w nurse|strong="H5532"\w* \w and served|strong="H8334"\w* \w him, but the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have sexual relations|strong="H3045"\w* \w with|strong="H3045"\w* \w her|strong="H1961"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w Now Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David and Haggith|strong="H2294"\w*, \w was promoting|strong="H5375"\w* \w himself,|strong="H0589"\w* boasting, “\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will be king|strong="H4427"\w*\w !” He managed|strong="H6213"\w* \w to acquire|strong="H7393"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and horsemen|strong="H6571"\w*, \w as well as fifty|strong="H2572"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w to serve as his royal guard|strong="H7323"\w*.  
\v 6  \w (Now his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w had never|strong="H3808"\w* \w corrected|strong="H6087"\w* \w him|strong="H0559"\w* \w by|strong="H3117"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w do you do|strong="H6213"\w* \w such things?” He was also|strong="H1571"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w handsome|strong="H8389"\w* \w and had been born|strong="H3205"\w* \w right after|strong="H0310"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*. )  
\v 7  \w He collaborated|strong="H1697"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and they supported|strong="H0310"\w* \w him|strong="H0138"\w*.  
\v 8  \w But Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*, \w Rei|strong="H7472"\w*, \w and David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w elite warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ally themselves|strong="H5973"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*, \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*, \w and fattened steers|strong="H4806"\w* \w at|strong="H5973"\w* \w the Stone|strong="H0068"\w* \w of Zoheleth|strong="H2120"\w* \w near|strong="H0681"\w* \w En Rogel|strong="H5883"\w*. \w He invited|strong="H7121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w as well as all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*.  
\v 10  \w But he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w invite|strong="H7121"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*, \w the elite warriors|strong="H1368"\w*, \w or his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w*, \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*, \w “Has it been reported|strong="H8085"\w* \w to you|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Haggith’s|strong="H2294"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w has become king|strong="H4427"\w* \w behind our master|strong="H0113"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w back|strong="H3045"\w*?  
\v 12  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me give you some advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w as to how|strong="H4422"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w* \w can|strong="H4994"\w* \w save|strong="H4422"\w* \w your life|strong="H5315"\w* \w and your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w life|strong="H5315"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Visit|strong="H0935"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w ‘My master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w O king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w did you|strong="H0859"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w solemnly|strong="H7650"\w* \w promise|strong="H0519"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w servant|strong="H0519"\w*, \w “Surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w will be king|strong="H4427"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w me; he will sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my throne|strong="H3678"\w*”\w ? So why|strong="H4069"\w* \w has Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w become king|strong="H4427"\w*?’  
\v 14  \w While|strong="H2009"\w* \w you are still|strong="H5750"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w speaking|strong="H1696"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will arrive|strong="H0935"\w* \w and verify|strong="H4390"\w* \w your report|strong="H1697"\w*.”   
\p
\v 15  \w So Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w his private quarters|strong="H2315"\w*. \w (The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w was very|strong="H3966"\w* \w old|strong="H2204"\w*, \w and Abishag|strong="H0049"\w* \w the Shunammite|strong="H7767"\w* \w was serving|strong="H8334"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.)  
\v 16  \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w* \w bowed down on|strong="H7812"\w* \w the floor before|strong="H7812"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H4100"\w* want?”  
\v 17  \w She replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “My master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w swore|strong="H7650"\w* \w an oath to your servant|strong="H0519"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w ‘Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will be king|strong="H4427"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w me and he|strong="H1931"\w* \w will sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my throne|strong="H3678"\w*.’  
\v 18  \w But now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w has become king|strong="H4427"\w*\w ! But|strong="H6258"\w* \w you,|strong="H0113"\w* \w my|strong="H3045"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w are not|strong="H3808"\w* \w even aware|strong="H3045"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w it|strong="H3045"\w*!  
\v 19  \w He has sacrificed many cattle|strong="H7794"\w*, \w steers|strong="H4806"\w*, \w and sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and has invited|strong="H7121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w the commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w but he has not|strong="H3808"\w* \w invited|strong="H7121"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Now|strong="H0859"\w*, \w my master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w is|strong="H4310"\w* \w watching|strong="H5869"\w* \w anxiously to see|strong="H5869"\w* \w who|strong="H4310"\w* \w is named to succeed|strong="H3427"\w* \w my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w*.  
\v 21  \w If|strong="H1961"\w* \w a decision|strong="H7901"\w* \w is not made,|strong="H7901"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w is buried with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w considered state|strong="H0589"\w* \w criminals|strong="H2400"\w*.”   
\p
\v 22  \w Just then,|strong="H2009"\w* \w while|strong="H5750"\w* \w she was still|strong="H5750"\w* \w speaking|strong="H1696"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 23  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w was told|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w is here|strong="H2009"\w*.” \w Nathan entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w and bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w with his face|strong="H0639"\w* \w to the floor|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w did you|strong="H0859"\w* \w announce|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w will be king|strong="H4427"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w me; he will sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my throne|strong="H3678"\w*’?  
\v 25  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w he has gone down|strong="H3381"\w* \w and sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w many cattle|strong="H7794"\w*, \w steers|strong="H4806"\w*, \w and sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and has invited|strong="H7121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w the army|strong="H6635"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w At this moment|strong="H2009"\w* \w they are having|strong="H0398"\w* \w a feast|strong="H8354"\w* \w in his presence|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and they have declared|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Long live|strong="H2421"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*!’  
\v 26  \w But|strong="H0589"\w* \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w invite|strong="H7121"\w* \w me|strong="H0589"\w* \w – your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w – or Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w or Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*, \w or your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Has my|strong="H0518"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w authorized|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w without|strong="H3808"\w* \w informing|strong="H3045"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H4310"\w* \w should succeed|strong="H3427"\w* \w my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his throne|strong="H3678"\w*?”   
\s1 David Picks Solomon \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w His|strong="H5921"\w* Successor  
\p
\v 28  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w responded|strong="H6030"\w*, “\w Summon|strong="H7121"\w* \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w*\w !”|strong="H0935"\w* \w She|strong="H7121"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 29  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w swore|strong="H7650"\w* \w an|strong="H7650"\w* \w oath|strong="H7650"\w*: “\w As|strong="H0834"\w* \w certainly|strong="H6299"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w* \w (he who|strong="H0834"\w* \w has rescued|strong="H6299"\w* \w me|strong="H5315"\w* \w from every|strong="H3605"\w* \w danger|strong="H6869"\w*),  
\v 30  \w I will keep|strong="H6213"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w the oath I swore|strong="H7650"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*\w : ‘Surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will be king|strong="H4427"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w me; he|strong="H1931"\w* \w will sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w in my place|strong="H8478"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w my throne|strong="H3678"\w*.’”  
\v 31  \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w with her face|strong="H0639"\w* \w to the floor|strong="H0776"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “May my master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w live|strong="H2421"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*!”   
\p
\v 32  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Summon|strong="H7121"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w and Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*.” \w They came|strong="H0935"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*,  
\v 33  \w and he|strong="H0559"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them, “Take|strong="H3947"\w* \w your master’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you, put|strong="H7392"\w* \w my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my mule|strong="H6506"\w*, \w and lead him down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gihon|strong="H1521"\w*.  
\v 34  \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w will anoint|strong="H4886"\w* \w him king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w then blow|strong="H8628"\w* \w the trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w and declare|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Long live|strong="H2421"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*!’  
\v 35  \w Then follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w him up|strong="H5927"\w* \w as he comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w and sits|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my throne|strong="H3678"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w will be king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in my place|strong="H8478"\w*; \w I have decreed|strong="H6680"\w* \w that he will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w ruler|strong="H5057"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.”  
\v 36  \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w responded|strong="H6030"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w*\w : “So be it|strong="H0543"\w*\w !|strong="H3651"\w* \w May|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w confirm|strong="H0559"\w* \w it|strong="H3651"\w*!  
\v 37  \w As|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is with|strong="H5973"\w* \w my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w so|strong="H3651"\w* \w may he be|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w and may he make him an even greater|strong="H1431"\w* \w king|strong="H3678"\w* \w than|strong="H3678"\w* \w my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*!”   
\p
\v 38  \w So Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*, \w the Kerethites|strong="H3746"\w*, \w and the Pelethites|strong="H6432"\w* \w went down|strong="H3381"\w*, \w put|strong="H7392"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w mule|strong="H6506"\w*, \w and led|strong="H1980"\w* \w him to Gihon|strong="H1521"\w*.  
\v 39  \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w a horn|strong="H7161"\w* \w filled with olive oil|strong="H8081"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w and poured|strong="H4886"\w* \w it on|strong="H8010"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*; \w the trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w was blown and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w declared, “Long live|strong="H2421"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*!”  
\v 40  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w him up|strong="H0310"\w*, \w playing|strong="H2490"\w* \w flutes|strong="H2485"\w* \w and celebrating|strong="H8057"\w* \w so loudly|strong="H1419"\w* \w they made the ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w shake|strong="H1234"\w*.   
\p
\v 41  \w Now Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his guests|strong="H7121"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the commotion|strong="H0854"\w* \w just as|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w had finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w eating|strong="H0398"\w*. \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w of the trumpet|strong="H7782"\w*, \w he asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w is there such a noisy commotion|strong="H1993"\w* \w in the city|strong="H7151"\w*?”  
\v 42  \w As he was still|strong="H5750"\w* \w speaking|strong="H1696"\w*, \w Jonathan|strong="H3129"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w*. \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w in, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w an important|strong="H2428"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w like you|strong="H0859"\w* \w must be bringing good news|strong="H1319"\w*.”  
\v 43  \w Jonathan|strong="H3129"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*\w : “No|strong="H0061"\w*\w !|strong="H0113"\w* \w Our|strong="H1732"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w has made|strong="H4427"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 44  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*, \w the Kerethites|strong="H3774"\w*, \w and the Pelethites|strong="H6432"\w* \w and they put|strong="H7392"\w* \w him on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w mule|strong="H6506"\w*.  
\v 45  \w Then Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w anointed|strong="H4886"\w* \w him king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in Gihon|strong="H1521"\w*. \w They went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from there|strong="H8033"\w* \w rejoicing|strong="H1949"\w*, \w and the city|strong="H7151"\w* \w is in an uproar. That is|strong="H1931"\w* \w the sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w you hear|strong="H8085"\w*.  
\v 46  \w Furthermore|strong="H1571"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w has assumed the royal|strong="H4410"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*.  
\v 47  \w The king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w have even|strong="H1571"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to congratulate|strong="H1288"\w* \w our master|strong="H0113"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘May your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w make Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w more famous|strong="H8034"\w* \w than you and make him an even greater|strong="H1431"\w* \w king|strong="H3678"\w* \w than you!’|strong="H4428"\w* \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w leaned|strong="H7812"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the bed|strong="H4904"\w*  
\v 48  \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H3602"\w*: ‘\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w is worthy of praise|strong="H1288"\w* \w because|strong="H3117"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w he has|strong="H0834"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w a successor|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w and allowed|strong="H5869"\w* \w me to see|strong="H7200"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 49  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of Adonijah’s|strong="H0138"\w* \w guests|strong="H7121"\w* \w panicked|strong="H1980"\w*; \w they jumped up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and rushed off their separate ways|strong="H1870"\w*.  
\v 50  \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w feared|strong="H3372"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w so he got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and grabbed|strong="H2388"\w* \w hold of the horns|strong="H7161"\w* \w of the altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 51  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was told|strong="H5046"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w fears|strong="H3372"\w* \w you;|strong="H2009"\w* \w see|strong="H2009"\w*, \w he has taken hold|strong="H0270"\w* \w of the horns|strong="H7161"\w* \w of the altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘May King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w solemnly promise|strong="H7650"\w* \w me today|strong="H3117"\w* \w that he will not|strong="H0518"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w*.’”  
\v 52  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “If|strong="H0518"\w* \w he is a loyal subject,|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w a hair of his head|strong="H8185"\w* \w will be harmed, but if|strong="H0518"\w* \w he is found|strong="H4672"\w* \w to be a traitor,|strong="H4191"\w* \w he|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*.”  
\v 53  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w men to bring him down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from the altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w He came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down to King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w and Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*.”   
\c 2  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H3117"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was close|strong="H7126"\w* \w to death|strong="H4191"\w*, \w he told|strong="H6680"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w his son|strong="H1121"\w*:  
\v 2 “\w I am|strong="H0595"\w* \w about|strong="H1980"\w* \w to die.|strong="H2388"\w* \w Be|strong="H1961"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and become|strong="H1961"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w*!  
\v 3  \w Do|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w job|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has assigned you|strong="H1870"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w following his|strong="H1870"\w* \w instructions|strong="H8104"\w* \w and obeying|strong="H8104"\w* \w his rules|strong="H2708"\w*, \w commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w regulations|strong="H4941"\w*, \w and laws|strong="H5715"\w* \w as written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4872"\w*. \w Then you will|strong="H4616"\w* \w succeed|strong="H7919"\w* \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you do|strong="H6213"\w* \w and seek to accomplish|strong="H6437"\w*,  
\v 4  \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="H4616"\w* \w fulfill|strong="H6965"\w* \w his promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w to me,|strong="H0518"\w* ‘\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w your descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w watch|strong="H8104"\w* \w their step|strong="H1980"\w* \w and live|strong="H1870"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H0571"\w* \w in my presence|strong="H6440"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w and being|strong="H5315"\w*, \w then,’ he promised,|strong="H3808"\w* ‘\w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fail|strong="H3772"\w* \w to have a successor|strong="H0376"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’   
\p
\v 5 “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* – \w how|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w murdered|strong="H2026"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w armies|strong="H6635"\w*, \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ner|strong="H5369"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jether|strong="H3500"\w*. During peacetime \w he|strong="H0834"\w* struck \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w down|strong="H5414"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*; \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w shed|strong="H7760"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* stained \w his|strong="H5414"\w* own belt \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sandals|strong="H5275"\w* \w on|strong="H7760"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w feet|strong="H7272"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w to him what you think is appropriate|strong="H2451"\w*, \w but don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w let him live long|strong="H7872"\w* \w and die a peaceful|strong="H7965"\w* \w death|strong="H7585"\w*.   
\p
\v 7 “\w Treat fairly|strong="H2617"\w* \w the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w of Gilead|strong="H1569"\w* \w and provide|strong="H6213"\w* \w for their needs|strong="H7979"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they helped|strong="H7126"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w when I had to flee|strong="H1272"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w your brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.   
\p
\v 8 “\w Note|strong="H2009"\w* \w well, you still have|strong="H2009"\w* \w to contend with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Gera|strong="H1617"\w*, \w the Benjaminite|strong="H1145"\w* \w from Bahurim|strong="H0980"\w*, \w who tried to call down upon|strong="H7045"\w* \w me a horrible|strong="H4834"\w* \w judgment when|strong="H3117"\w* \w I went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Mahanaim|strong="H4266"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w came down|strong="H3381"\w* \w and met|strong="H7125"\w* \w me at the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w*, \w and I solemnly|strong="H7650"\w* \w promised|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , ‘I will not|strong="H0518"\w* \w strike|strong="H4191"\w* \w you down|strong="H2719"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*.’  
\v 9  \w But now|strong="H6258"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w treat|strong="H5352"\w* \w him as if|strong="H3588"\w* \w he were innocent. You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are a wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w and you know|strong="H3045"\w* \w how|strong="H0834"\w* \w to handle|strong="H6213"\w* \w him;|strong="H3381"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w sure he has a bloody|strong="H1818"\w* \w death|strong="H7585"\w*.”   
\p
\v 10  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 11  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w forty|strong="H0705"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*; \w he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w and in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w thirty-three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.   
\s1 Solomon Secures \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Throne  
\p
\v 12  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w and his royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w authority|strong="H3559"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w firmly|strong="H3559"\w* \w solidified|strong="H3966"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w Haggith’s|strong="H2294"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w*, \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w She asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Do you come|strong="H0935"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w*\w ?” He answered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Yes|strong="H7965"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w He added|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I have something|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w say to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you.” She replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Speak|strong="H1696"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4410"\w* \w was mine and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w considered|strong="H5437"\w* \w me king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w But then|strong="H5437"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4410"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w given to my brother|strong="H0251"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w decided it should be|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I’d like to ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w you for just one|strong="H0259"\w* \w thing|strong="H7596"\w*. \w Please|strong="H0595"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w refuse|strong="H7725"\w* \w me.”|strong="H1696"\w* \w She|strong="H7596"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H7725"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w and ask|strong="H1696"\w*.”  
\v 17  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w ask|strong="H0559"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w he would give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me Abishag|strong="H0049"\w* \w the Shunammite|strong="H7767"\w* \w as a wife|strong="H0802"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he won’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w refuse|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “That’s|strong="H2896"\w* \w fine,|strong="H0595"\w* I’ll \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w behalf|strong="H5921"\w*.”   
\p
\v 19  \w So|strong="H6965"\w* \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to him on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Adonijah’s|strong="H0138"\w* \w behalf. The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w to greet|strong="H7125"\w* \w her, bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w to her, and then sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his throne|strong="H3678"\w*. \w He ordered|strong="H7760"\w* \w a throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w to be brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w for the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*, \w and she sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w at his right hand|strong="H3225"\w*.  
\v 20  \w She said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I|strong="H0595"\w* \w would like to ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w you for just one|strong="H0259"\w* \w small|strong="H6996"\w* \w favor|strong="H7596"\w*. \w Please|strong="H0595"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w refuse|strong="H7725"\w* \w me.”|strong="H0559"\w* \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H7725"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w and ask|strong="H7592"\w*, \w my mother|strong="H0517"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I would not|strong="H3808"\w* \w refuse|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.”  
\v 21  \w She said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w Abishag|strong="H0049"\w* \w the Shunammite|strong="H7767"\w* \w to be given to your brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w as a wife|strong="H0802"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w answered|strong="H6030"\w* \w his mother|strong="H0517"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w just request|strong="H7592"\w* \w Abishag|strong="H0049"\w* \w the Shunammite|strong="H7767"\w* \w for him|strong="H0138"\w*\w ?|strong="H4480"\w* \w Since|strong="H3588"\w* \w he is my older|strong="H1419"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w*, \w you should also request|strong="H7592"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4410"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w him|strong="H1931"\w*, \w for Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and for Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*!”   
\p
\v 23  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w then swore|strong="H7650"\w* \w an|strong="H7650"\w* \w oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , “May|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w judge me severely|strong="H3254"\w*, \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w does not pay for this|strong="H2088"\w* \w request|strong="H1697"\w* \w with his life|strong="H5315"\w*!  
\v 24  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w* \w (he who|strong="H0834"\w* \w made me secure|strong="H3559"\w*, \w allowed me to sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w and established a dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he promised|strong="H1696"\w*\w ), Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w* \w will be executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*!”  
\v 25  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w then sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*, \w and he killed|strong="H4191"\w* Adonijah.   
\p
\v 26  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w then told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w back to your property|strong="H7704"\w* \w in Anathoth|strong="H6068"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w deserve|strong="H0376"\w* \w to die|strong="H4194"\w*, \w but|strong="H0859"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you did carry|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of the sovereign|strong="H0136"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3069"\+w*\nd* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and you suffered|strong="H6031"\w* \w with my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w through|strong="H6031"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his difficult|strong="H6031"\w* \w times|strong="H3117"\w*.”  
\v 27  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w dismissed|strong="H1644"\w* \w Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w from his position as priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ,|strong="H4390"\w* \w fulfilling|strong="H4390"\w* \w the decree|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w judgment|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w in Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Eli|strong="H5941"\w*.   
\p
\v 28  \w When the news|strong="H8052"\w* \w reached|strong="H0935"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w (for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w had supported|strong="H0310"\w* \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*, \w although he had not|strong="H3808"\w* \w supported|strong="H5186"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*\w ), he|strong="H3097"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and grabbed hold|strong="H2388"\w* \w of the horns|strong="H7161"\w* \w of the altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 29  \w When King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w heard|strong="H5046"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w had run|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and was right there beside|strong="H0681"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w he|strong="H8010"\w* \w ordered|strong="H7971"\w* \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w strike|strong="H6293"\w* \w him down|strong="H6293"\w*.”  
\v 30  \w When Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , he said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Come out|strong="H3318"\w*\w !’” But he replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w I will die|strong="H4191"\w* \w here|strong="H6311"\w*\w !” So Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w sent|strong="H7725"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and reported|strong="H0559"\w* \w Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w reply|strong="H6030"\w*.  
\v 31  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he said|strong="H1696"\w*\w ! Strike|strong="H6293"\w* \w him down|strong="H6293"\w* \w and bury|strong="H6912"\w* \w him. Take away|strong="H5493"\w* \w from me and from my father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w the guilt|strong="H1818"\w* \w of Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w murderous|strong="H2600"\w*, \w bloody|strong="H1818"\w* deeds.  
\v 32  \w May|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w punish him for the blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w he shed;|strong="H0001"\w* behind \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w back|strong="H3045"\w* \w he struck down and murdered|strong="H2026"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were more innocent|strong="H6662"\w* \w and morally|strong="H2896"\w* \w upright than|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* – \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ner|strong="H5369"\w*, \w commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jether|strong="H3500"\w*, \w commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah’s|strong="H3063"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*.  
\v 33  \w May Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and his descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w be perpetually|strong="H5769"\w* \w guilty of their shed blood|strong="H1818"\w*, \w but may|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w give perpetual|strong="H5769"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w his descendants|strong="H2233"\w*, \w his family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and his dynasty|strong="H3678"\w*.”  
\v 34  \w So|strong="H5927"\w* \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w Joab;|strong="H6912"\w* \w he|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w at his home|strong="H1004"\w* \w in the wilderness|strong="H4057"\w*.  
\v 35  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w appointed Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w to take his place|strong="H8478"\w* \w at the head of|strong="H6635"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5414"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w to take Abiathar’s|strong="H0054"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*.   
\p
\v 36  \w Next|strong="H7971"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w and told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Build|strong="H1129"\w* \w yourself a house|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and live|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w – but you may not|strong="H3808"\w* \w leave|strong="H3318"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w to go anywhere|strong="H0575"\w*!  
\v 37  \w If|strong="H1961"\w* \w you ever|strong="H3117"\w* \w do leave|strong="H3318"\w* \w and cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*, \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w sure|strong="H3045"\w* \w that you will certainly|strong="H4191"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*\w ! You will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w responsible|strong="H1818"\w* \w for your own death|strong="H4191"\w*.”  
\v 38  \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “My master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w proposal|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H3651"\w* \w acceptable|strong="H1696"\w*. \w Your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you say|strong="H1696"\w*.” \w So Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for a long|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\p
\v 39  \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w later|strong="H7093"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w of Shimei’s|strong="H8096"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w ran away|strong="H1272"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Achish|strong="H0397"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w of Gath|strong="H1661"\w*. \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w was told|strong="H5046"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w are in Gath|strong="H1661"\w*.”  
\v 40  \w So Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up, saddled|strong="H2280"\w* \w his donkey|strong="H2543"\w*, \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Achish|strong="H0397"\w* \w at Gath|strong="H1661"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w find|strong="H1245"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*; \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w back his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w from Gath|strong="H1661"\w*.  
\v 41  \w When Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was told|strong="H5046"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w had gone|strong="H1980"\w* \w from Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to Gath|strong="H1661"\w* \w and had then returned|strong="H7725"\w*,  
\v 42  \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “You will recall|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w made you take an oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w and I solemnly|strong="H5749"\w* \w warned|strong="H0559"\w* \w you, ‘If you ever|strong="H3117"\w* \w leave|strong="H1980"\w* \w and go|strong="H1980"\w* \w anywhere|strong="H0575"\w*, \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w for sure|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you will certainly|strong="H4191"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*.’ \w You said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to me|strong="H0413"\w*, \w ‘The proposal is|strong="H1697"\w* \w acceptable; I agree|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w it|strong="H7121"\w*.’  
\v 43  \w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w then have|strong="H3808"\w* \w you broken|strong="H8104"\w* \w the oath|strong="H7621"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H0834"\w* \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and disobeyed|strong="H4687"\w* \w the order|strong="H6680"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*?”  
\v 44  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are well aware|strong="H3045"\w* \w of the way|strong="H3605"\w* \w you mistreated|strong="H7451"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will punish|strong="H7218"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 45  \w But King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w will be empowered|strong="H3678"\w* \w and David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H3678"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w endure|strong="H3559"\w* \w permanently|strong="H5769"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.”  
\v 46  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w then gave the order|strong="H6680"\w* \w to Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w who went|strong="H3318"\w* \w and executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w Shimei.|strong="H8010"\w*  
\p \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w took firm\w* \w control\w* \w of the kingdom\w*.   
\c 3  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made an alliance by marriage|strong="H2859"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w Pharaoh|strong="H6547"\w*, \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*; \w he married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*. \w He brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w her to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w he could finish|strong="H3615"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w his residence|strong="H1004"\w* \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Now|strong="H7535"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were offering sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w at the high places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w in those|strong="H1992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w had not|strong="H3808"\w* \w yet been built|strong="H1129"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w demonstrated his loyalty|strong="H0157"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w by following|strong="H1980"\w* \w the practices|strong="H2708"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w except|strong="H7535"\w* \w that he|strong="H1931"\w* \w offered sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w and burned incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w on the high places|strong="H1116"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \w to offer sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w had the most prominent|strong="H1419"\w* \w of the high places|strong="H1116"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w would offer up|strong="H0505"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 5  \w One night|strong="H3915"\w* \w in Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w in a dream|strong="H2472"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Tell|strong="H7592"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I should give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 6  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w demonstrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he served|strong="H0571"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H0571"\w*, \w properly|strong="H6666"\w*, \w and sincerely.|strong="H3483"\w* \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w maintained|strong="H8104"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w by allowing|strong="H5414"\w* \w his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w to sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his throne|strong="H3678"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have made your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8478"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*, \w even though I|strong="H0595"\w* \w am only a young|strong="H6996"\w* \w man|strong="H5288"\w* \w and am inexperienced|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w stands|strong="H8432"\w* \w among|strong="H8432"\w* \w your chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*; \w they are a great|strong="H7230"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w that is too numerous|strong="H7227"\w* \w to count|strong="H4487"\w* \w or number|strong="H7230"\w*.  
\v 9  \w So give|strong="H5414"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w a discerning|strong="H8085"\w* \w mind|strong="H3820"\w* \w so he can make judicial decisions|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H5971"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and distinguish|strong="H0995"\w* \w right|strong="H2896"\w* \w from wrong|strong="H7451"\w*. \w Otherwise|strong="H3588"\w* \w no one|strong="H4310"\w* \w is able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to make judicial decisions|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H2088"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w great|strong="H3515"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w yours|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 10  \w The Lord|strong="H0136"\w* \w was pleased|strong="H3190"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made this|strong="H2088"\w* \w request|strong="H7592"\w*.  
\v 11  \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Because|strong="H3282"\w* \w you asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w for the ability to make wise judicial|strong="H0995"\w* \w decisions|strong="H4941"\w*, \w and not|strong="H3808"\w* \w for|strong="H7592"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w life, or|strong="H3808"\w* \w riches|strong="H6239"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w vengeance|strong="H7592"\w* \w on your|strong="H5315"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*,  
\v 12  \w I|strong="H2009"\w* \w grant|strong="H5414"\w* \w your request|strong="H1697"\w*, \w and give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you a wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w and discerning|strong="H0995"\w* \w mind|strong="H3820"\w* \w superior to that|strong="H0834"\w* \w of anyone who has preceded|strong="H3644"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w will succeed|strong="H0310"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Furthermore|strong="H1571"\w*, \w I am giving|strong="H5414"\w* \w you what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w request|strong="H7592"\w* \w – riches|strong="H6239"\w* \w and honor|strong="H3519"\w* \w so that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w the greatest|strong="H3644"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of your generation|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 14  \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you follow|strong="H1980"\w* \w my instructions|strong="H1870"\w* \w by obeying|strong="H8104"\w* \w my rules|strong="H2706"\w* \w and regulations|strong="H4687"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H1980"\w*, \w then I will grant you long|strong="H0748"\w* \w life|strong="H3117"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w then woke|strong="H3364"\w* \w up and realized|strong="H2009"\w* \w it was a dream|strong="H2472"\w*. \w He went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of the Lord’s|strong="H0136"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w*, \w offered up|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w presented peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, \w and held|strong="H6213"\w* \w a feast|strong="H4960"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*.   
\s1 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* Demonstrates \w His|strong="H3605"\w* Wisdom  
\p
\v 16  \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w prostitutes|strong="H2185"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 17  \w One|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the women|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w and I|strong="H0589"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the same|strong="H0259"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w I had a baby|strong="H3205"\w* \w while she was with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me in the house|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w three|strong="H7992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w after|strong="H7992"\w* \w I had my baby|strong="H3205"\w*, \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w had|strong="H3205"\w* \w a baby|strong="H3205"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w were alone|strong="H3162"\w*; \w there was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one else|strong="H2114"\w* \w in the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w except|strong="H2108"\w* \w the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w of us|strong="H0587"\w*.  
\v 19  \w This woman’s|strong="H0802"\w* \w child|strong="H1121"\w* \w suffocated|strong="H4191"\w* \w during the night|strong="H3915"\w* \w when she rolled|strong="H7901"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 20  \w She got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w in the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and took|strong="H3947"\w* \w my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w from my side|strong="H0681"\w*, \w while your servant|strong="H0519"\w* \w was sleeping|strong="H3463"\w*. \w She put|strong="H7901"\w* \w him in her arms|strong="H2436"\w*, \w and put|strong="H7901"\w* \w her dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w in my arms|strong="H2436"\w*.  
\v 21  \w I got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up in the morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w to nurse|strong="H3243"\w* \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and there|strong="H2009"\w* \w he was,|strong="H4191"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*\w ! But when I examined him carefully|strong="H0995"\w* \w in the morning|strong="H1242"\w*, \w I realized|strong="H2009"\w* \w it|strong="H1961"\w* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w my baby|strong="H3205"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w The other|strong="H0312"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “No|strong="H3808"\w*\w ! My son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is alive|strong="H2416"\w*; \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*\w !” But the first woman replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*; \w my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is alive|strong="H2416"\w*.” \w Each presented her case|strong="H1696"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said, “One|strong="H2088"\w* \w says, ‘My son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is alive|strong="H2416"\w*; \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*,’ \w while the other|strong="H2063"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*; \w my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is alive|strong="H2416"\w*.’”  
\v 24  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Get|strong="H3947"\w* \w me a sword|strong="H2719"\w*\w !” So they placed|strong="H0935"\w* \w a sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 25  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w then said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Cut|strong="H1504"\w* \w the living|strong="H2416"\w* \w child|strong="H3206"\w* \w in two|strong="H8147"\w*, \w and give|strong="H5414"\w* \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w to one|strong="H0259"\w* \w and half|strong="H2677"\w* \w to the other|strong="H0259"\w*!”  
\v 26  \w The real mother|strong="H0802"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w up to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w her motherly instincts|strong="H1121"\w* \w were aroused|strong="H3648"\w*. \w She said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w her the living|strong="H2416"\w* \w child|strong="H3205"\w*\w ! Whatever you do, don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w him!”|strong="H2063"\w* \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H3205"\w* \w woman said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Neither one|strong="H3808"\w* \w of us will have him! Let them cut|strong="H1504"\w* \w him in two|strong="H1504"\w*!”  
\v 27  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w responded|strong="H6030"\w*, \w “Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w the first woman the living|strong="H2416"\w* \w child|strong="H3205"\w*; \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H4191"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w is the mother|strong="H0517"\w*.”  
\v 28  \w When all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about the judicial|strong="H8199"\w* \w decision|strong="H4941"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had rendered, they respected|strong="H3372"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they realized|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he possessed supernatural|strong="H7130"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w to make|strong="H6213"\w* \w judicial decisions|strong="H4941"\w*.   
\c 4  
\p
\v 1  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w were his officials|strong="H8269"\w*\w :|strong="H5838"\w*  
\p \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son\w* \w of Zadok\w* \w was the priest\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Elihoreph|strong="H0456"\w* \w and Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w*, \w the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shisha|strong="H7894"\w*, \w wrote down what happened.|strong="H3092"\w*  
\p \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahilud|strong="H0286"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* charge \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H2142"\w* records.   
\p
\v 4  \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w was commander of|strong="H6635"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*.  
\p \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w were priests|strong="H3548"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w was supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5324"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w district|strong="H5324"\w* \w governors.|strong="H2071"\w*  
\p \w Zabud|strong="H2071"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w was a priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and adviser|strong="H7463"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w Ahishar|strong="H0301"\w* \w was supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\p \w Adoniram|strong="H0141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Abda|strong="H5653"\w* \w was supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4522"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* work crews.   
\p
\v 7  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w district|strong="H5324"\w* \w governors appointed throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who acquired supplies|strong="H3557"\w* \w for the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0259"\w* \w was responsible|strong="H3557"\w* \w for one month|strong="H2320"\w* \w in the year|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 8  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w were their names|strong="H8034"\w*\w :|strong="H1133"\w*  
\p \w Ben-Hur|strong="H1133"\w* \w was in charge of the hill country\w* \w of Ephraim\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Ben-Deker|strong="H1128"\w* \w was in charge of Makaz|strong="H4739"\w*, \w Shaalbim|strong="H8169"\w*, \w Beth Shemesh|strong="H1053"\w*, \w and Elon Beth Hanan|strong="H0358"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w Ben-Hesed|strong="H1136"\w* \w was in charge of Arubboth|strong="H0700"\w*; \w he controlled Socoh|strong="H7755"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the territory|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Hepher|strong="H2660"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Ben-Abinadab|strong="H1125"\w* \w was in charge of Naphath Dor|strong="H1756"\w*. \w (He was married|strong="H0802"\w* \w to Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Taphath|strong="H2955"\w*.)   
\p
\v 12  \w Baana|strong="H1195"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahilud|strong="H0286"\w* \w was in charge of Taanach|strong="H8590"\w* \w and Megiddo|strong="H4023"\w*, \w as well as all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of Beth Shan|strong="H1052"\w* \w next to|strong="H0681"\w* \w Zarethan|strong="H6891"\w* \w below|strong="H8478"\w* \w Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*, \w from Beth Shan|strong="H1052"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Abel Meholah|strong="H0065"\w* \w and on past Jokmeam|strong="H3361"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w Ben-Geber|strong="H1127"\w* \w was in charge of Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*; \w he controlled the tent villages|strong="H2333"\w* \w of Jair|strong="H2971"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w in Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*, \w as well as the region|strong="H2256"\w* \w of Argob|strong="H0709"\w* \w in Bashan|strong="H1316"\w*, \w including sixty|strong="H8346"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w walled|strong="H2346"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w with bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* locking \w their|strong="H0834"\w* gates.   
\p
\v 14  \w Ahinadab|strong="H0292"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Iddo|strong="H5714"\w* \w was in charge of Mahanaim|strong="H4266"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w was in charge of Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*. \w (He married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Basemath|strong="H1315"\w*.)   
\p
\v 16  \w Baana|strong="H1195"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w was in charge of Asher|strong="H0836"\w* \w and Aloth|strong="H1175"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Paruah|strong="H6515"\w* \w was in charge of Issachar|strong="H3485"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ela|strong="H0414"\w* \w was in charge of Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w Geber|strong="H1398"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Uri|strong="H0221"\w* \w was in charge of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w (the territory|strong="H0776"\w* \w which had|strong="H0834"\w* \w once belonged to King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w* \w of the Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* \w and to King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Og|strong="H5747"\w* \w of Bashan|strong="H1316"\w*\w ). He was sole governor|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the area|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\s1 Solomon’s Wealth \w and|strong="H1121"\w* Fame  
\p
\v 20  \w The people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were as innumerable|strong="H7227"\w* \w as the sand|strong="H2344"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the seashore|strong="H3220"\w*; \w they had|strong="H0834"\w* \w plenty|strong="H7230"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w and were happy|strong="H8056"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4910"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Euphrates|strong="H5104"\w* \w River|strong="H0776"\w* to the land \w of the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w as far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as the border|strong="H1366"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w These kingdoms paid|strong="H5647"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w* \w as Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w subjects|strong="H5647"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Each|strong="H0259"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w royal court consumed|strong="H3899"\w* \w thirty|strong="H7970"\w* \w cors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of finely milled flour|strong="H5560"\w*, \w sixty|strong="H8346"\w* \w cors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of cereal|strong="H7058"\w*,  
\v 23  \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w calves|strong="H1241"\w* \w fattened|strong="H1277"\w* \w in the stall,|strong="H6242"\w* twenty \w calves|strong="H1241"\w* \w from the pasture|strong="H7471"\w*, \w and a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*, \w not to mention|strong="H0905"\w* \w rams|strong="H0354"\w*, \w gazelles|strong="H6643"\w*, \w deer|strong="H3180"\w*, \w and well-fed|strong="H0075"\w* \w birds|strong="H1257"\w*.  
\v 24  \w His royal court was so large because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he ruled over|strong="H7287"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms west|strong="H5676"\w* \w of the Euphrates River|strong="H5104"\w* \w from Tiphsah|strong="H8607"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Gaza|strong="H5804"\w*; \w he was|strong="H1961"\w* \w at peace|strong="H7965"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his neighbors|strong="H5439"\w*.  
\v 25  \w All the people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had security|strong="H0983"\w*; \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w to Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w enjoyed|strong="H8478"\w* \w the produce of their vines|strong="H1612"\w* \w and fig trees|strong="H8384"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 26  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had 4,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w stalls|strong="H0723"\w* \w for his chariot|strong="H4817"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and 12,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w horses|strong="H6571"\w*.  
\v 27  \w The district governors|strong="H5324"\w* \w acquired supplies|strong="H3557"\w* \w for King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who ate|strong="H7131"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w his royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H7979"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w was responsible for one month|strong="H2320"\w* \w in the year; they made sure nothing|strong="H3808"\w* \w was lacking|strong="H5737"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one also brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the assigned location|strong="H4725"\w* \w his quota|strong="H4941"\w* \w of barley|strong="H8184"\w* \w and straw|strong="H8401"\w* \w for the various horses|strong="H5483"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and very|strong="H3966"\w* \w great discernment|strong="H8394"\w*; \w the breadth|strong="H7341"\w* \w of his understanding|strong="H3820"\w* \w was as infinite as the sand|strong="H2344"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the seashore|strong="H3220"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was wiser|strong="H2451"\w* \w than|strong="H7235"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H2451"\w* \w of the east|strong="H6924"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the sages|strong="H2451"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.  
\v 31  \w He was wiser|strong="H2449"\w* \w than any|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H0120"\w*, \w including Ethan|strong="H0387"\w* \w the Ezrahite|strong="H0250"\w* \w or Heman|strong="H1968"\w*, \w Calcol|strong="H3633"\w*, \w and Darda|strong="H1862"\w*, \w the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Mahol|strong="H4235"\w*. \w He was famous|strong="H8034"\w* \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the neighboring|strong="H5439"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w*.  
\v 32  \w He composed|strong="H1696"\w* \w 3,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w proverbs|strong="H4912"\w* \w and 1,005|strong="H0505"\w* \w songs|strong="H7892"\w*.  
\v 33  \w He produced manuals|strong="H1696"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w botany|strong="H6086"\w*, \w describing every kind of plant,|strong="H4480"\w* from \w the cedars|strong="H0730"\w* \w of Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w to the hyssop|strong="H0231"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w grows|strong="H3318"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w walls|strong="H7023"\w*. \w He also produced manuals|strong="H1696"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w biology|strong="H5921"\w*, \w describing|strong="H0929"\w* animals, \w birds|strong="H5775"\w*, \w insects|strong="H7431"\w*, \w and fish|strong="H1709"\w*.  
\v 34  \w People from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w display of wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*; \w they came from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about his wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*.   
\c 5  
\p
\v 1  King \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w of Tyre|strong="H6865"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he had been anointed|strong="H4886"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. \w (Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w had always|strong="H3117"\w* \w been an ally|strong="H0157"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*.)  
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w then sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this message|strong="H0413"\w* \w to Hiram|strong="H2438"\w*:  
\v 3 “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was unable|strong="H3201"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H0905"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w for he was busy fighting battles|strong="H4421"\w* \w on all fronts|strong="H5437"\w* \w while|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0905"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w subdued|strong="H3709"\w* his enemies.  
\v 4  \w But now|strong="H6258"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has made me secure|strong="H5117"\w* \w on all fronts|strong="H5439"\w*; \w there is no|strong="H0369"\w* \w adversary|strong="H7854"\w* \w or|strong="H0369"\w* \w dangerous|strong="H7451"\w* \w threat|strong="H6294"\w*.  
\v 5  \w So I|strong="H2005"\w* \w have decided|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* build \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w instructed|strong="H1696"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w ‘Your son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w I will put|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w in your place|strong="H8478"\w*, \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w the one|strong="H1931"\w* \w who will build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w me|strong="H8478"\w*.’  
\v 6  \w So now|strong="H6258"\w* \w order|strong="H6680"\w* \w some cedars|strong="H0730"\w* \w of Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w to be cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w for me. My servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w work with|strong="H5973"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w*. \w I will pay|strong="H5414"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w whatever|strong="H0834"\w* \w you say|strong="H0559"\w* \w is appropriate, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we have no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w among us who knows|strong="H3045"\w* \w how to cut down|strong="H3772"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w like the Sidonians|strong="H6722"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w*, \w he was very|strong="H3966"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w*. \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is worthy|strong="H1288"\w* \w of praise today|strong="H3117"\w* \w because he|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H0376"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w a wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w to rule over|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w great|strong="H7227"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w then sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this message to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*\w : “I received|strong="H8085"\w* \w the message|strong="H0559"\w* \w you sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me. I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will give|strong="H2656"\w* \w you all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cedars|strong="H0730"\w* \w and evergreens|strong="H1265"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w need|strong="H0376"\w*.  
\v 9  \w My servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w will bring the timber down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w to the sea|strong="H3220"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will send|strong="H7971"\w* \w it|strong="H7760"\w* \w by sea|strong="H3220"\w* \w in raft-like|strong="H1702"\w* \w bundles to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w you designate|strong="H5310"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w I will separate the logs|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w can carry|strong="H5375"\w* \w them away. In exchange|strong="H2656"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will supply|strong="H5414"\w* \w the food|strong="H3899"\w* \w I need for my royal|strong="H1004"\w* court.”   
\p
\v 10  \w So Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w supplied|strong="H5414"\w* \w the cedars|strong="H0730"\w* \w and evergreens|strong="H1265"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w needed|strong="H2656"\w*,  
\v 11  \w and Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w supplied|strong="H5414"\w* \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w annually|strong="H8141"\w* \w with 20,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w cors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of wheat|strong="H2406"\w* \w as provision|strong="H4361"\w* \w for his royal court|strong="H1004"\w*, \w as well as|strong="H3541"\w* \w 20,000 baths|strong="H3734"\w* \w of pure|strong="H3795"\w* \w olive oil|strong="H8081"\w*.  
\v 12  \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*, \w as he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w him. And Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w and Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w were at peace|strong="H7965"\w* \w and made|strong="H3772"\w* \w a treaty|strong="H1285"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w conscripted|strong="H5927"\w* \w work crews|strong="H4522"\w* \w from throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w 30,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H5704"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w them to Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w in shifts|strong="H2487"\w* \w of 10,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men per month|strong="H2320"\w*. \w They worked|strong="H1961"\w* \w in Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w for one month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w and then spent two|strong="H8147"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w at home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Adoniram|strong="H0141"\w* \w was supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4522"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* work crews.  
\v 15  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also had|strong="H1961"\w* \w 70,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w common laborers|strong="H5449"\w* \w and 80,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w stonecutters|strong="H2672"\w* \w in the hills|strong="H2022"\w*,  
\v 16  \w besides|strong="H0905"\w* \w 3,300|strong="H3967"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w supervised|strong="H7287"\w* \w the workers|strong="H4399"\w*.  
\v 17  \w By royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w order|strong="H6680"\w* \w they supplied|strong="H5265"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w valuable|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w in order to build the temple’s|strong="H1004"\w* \w foundation|strong="H3245"\w* \w with chiseled|strong="H1496"\w* \w stone|strong="H0068"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w and Hiram’s|strong="H2438"\w* \w construction|strong="H1129"\w* \w workers|strong="H1129"\w*, \w along with men from Byblos|strong="H1382"\w*, \w did the chiseling and prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w the wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w and stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w for the building|strong="H1129"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\c 6  
\p
\v 1  \w In the four|strong="H0702"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w and eightieth|strong="H8084"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w after the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w in the fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w during the month|strong="H2320"\w* \w Ziv|strong="H2099"\w* \w (the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*\w ), he began building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 2  \w The temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was 90 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, \w 30 feet|strong="H6242"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and 45 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 3  \w The porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the main hall|strong="H1964"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was 30 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, \w corresponding|strong="H6440"\w* \w to the width|strong="H7341"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w It was 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w extending out|strong="H5921"\w* \w from the front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w framed|strong="H0331"\w* \w windows|strong="H2474"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w an extension|strong="H3326"\w* \w all around|strong="H5439"\w* \w the walls|strong="H7023"\w* \w of the temple’s main hall|strong="H1964"\w* \w and holy place|strong="H1687"\w* \w and constructed|strong="H6213"\w* \w side|strong="H6763"\w* \w rooms|strong="H5439"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 6  \w The bottom|strong="H8481"\w* \w floor of the extension|strong="H3326"\w* \w was seven and a half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w the middle|strong="H8484"\w* \w floor nine feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w floor ten and a half|strong="H0520"\w* \w feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*. \w He made|strong="H5414"\w* \w ledges|strong="H4052"\w* \w on the temple’s|strong="H1004"\w* \w outer|strong="H2351"\w* \w walls so the beams would not|strong="H1115"\w* \w have to be inserted|strong="H0270"\w* \w into the walls|strong="H7023"\w*.  
\v 7  \w As the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was being built|strong="H1129"\w*, \w only stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w shaped|strong="H8003"\w* \w at the quarry|strong="H4551"\w* \w were used|strong="H1129"\w*; \w the sound of hammers|strong="H4717"\w*, \w pickaxes|strong="H1631"\w*, \w or any other|strong="H3605"\w* \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w tool|strong="H3627"\w* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w at the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w while it was being built|strong="H1129"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the bottom|strong="H8484"\w* \w level of side rooms was on the south|strong="H3233"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w stairs|strong="H3883"\w* \w went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to the middle floor|strong="H8484"\w* \w and then on|strong="H5921"\w* \w up to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w floor|strong="H8484"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and covered|strong="H5603"\w* \w it|strong="H1004"\w* \w with rafters|strong="H1356"\w* \w and boards|strong="H7713"\w* \w made of cedar|strong="H0729"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w an extension|strong="H3326"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w it was seven and a half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w* \w and it was attached|strong="H0270"\w* \w to the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w by cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w beams|strong="H6086"\w*.  
\v 11   
\p \w The \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*:  
\v 12 “\w As for this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are building|strong="H1129"\w*, \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you follow|strong="H1980"\w* \w my rules|strong="H2708"\w*, \w observe|strong="H4941"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w regulations|strong="H4941"\w*, \w and obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w my commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w I will fulfill|strong="H6965"\w* \w through|strong="H1980"\w* \w you the promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w I made|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 13  \w I will live|strong="H7931"\w* \w among|strong="H8432"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w abandon|strong="H5800"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.”   
\p
\v 14  \w So Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 15  \w He constructed|strong="H1129"\w* \w the walls|strong="H7023"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H6823"\w* \w cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w planks; he paneled|strong="H1004"\w* \w the inside with|strong="H6823"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H7172"\w* \w the floor|strong="H7172"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to the rafters|strong="H7172"\w* \w of the ceiling|strong="H5604"\w*. \w He covered the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w floor|strong="H7172"\w* \w with|strong="H6823"\w* \w boards|strong="H6763"\w* \w made from the wood of evergreens|strong="H1265"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a wall 30 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w in from the rear|strong="H3411"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w as a partition for an inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w* \w that would be the most holy place|strong="H6944"\w*. \w He paneled|strong="H1129"\w* \w the wall with cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w planks|strong="H6763"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the floor|strong="H7172"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the rafters|strong="H7023"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The main hall|strong="H1964"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the inner sanctuary|strong="H1004"\w* \w was 60 feet|strong="H0520"\w* long.  
\v 18  \w The inside|strong="H6441"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was all cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w and was adorned|strong="H4734"\w* \w with carvings|strong="H6497"\w* \w of round ornaments|strong="H6497"\w* \w and of flowers|strong="H6731"\w* \w in bloom. Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w was cedar|strong="H0730"\w*; \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w were visible|strong="H7200"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w He prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w* \w inside|strong="H6441"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w so that the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of the covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w could be|strong="H3559"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 20  \w The inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w* \w was 30 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, \w 30 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and 30 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*. \w He plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w it with gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w as well|strong="H6823"\w* \w as the cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the inside|strong="H6441"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w He hung|strong="H5674"\w* \w golden|strong="H2091"\w* \w chains|strong="H7572"\w* \w in front of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w* \w and plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the inner sanctuary|strong="H2091"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 22  \w He plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w inside of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w as well as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w inside the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w In the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w* \w he made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w of olive|strong="H8081"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w*; \w each stood|strong="H6967"\w* \w 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Each of the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w cherub’s|strong="H3742"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w was seven and a half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long; its entire wingspan|strong="H3671"\w* \w was 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w*.  
\v 25  \w The second|strong="H8145"\w* \w cherub|strong="H3742"\w* \w also had a wingspan of 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w*; \w it was identical|strong="H0259"\w* \w to the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w in measurements|strong="H4060"\w* \w and shape|strong="H7095"\w*.  
\v 26  \w Each|strong="H0259"\w* \w cherub|strong="H3742"\w* \w stood|strong="H6967"\w* \w 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 27  \w He put|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w in|strong="H8432"\w* \w the inner|strong="H6442"\w* \w sanctuary of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Their wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w were spread out|strong="H6566"\w*. \w One of the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w cherub’s|strong="H3742"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w one wall|strong="H7023"\w* \w and one of the other|strong="H8145"\w* \w cherub’s|strong="H3742"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w the opposite|strong="H8145"\w* \w wall|strong="H7023"\w*. \w The first cherub’s other wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w the second cherub’s other wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w in the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the room|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 28  \w He plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w On all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the walls|strong="H7023"\w* \w around|strong="H4524"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w inside|strong="H6440"\w* \w and out|strong="H2435"\w*, \w he carved|strong="H4734"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*, \w palm trees|strong="H8561"\w*, \w and flowers|strong="H6731"\w* \w in bloom|strong="H6358"\w*.  
\v 30  \w He plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the floor|strong="H7172"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w inside|strong="H6441"\w* \w and out|strong="H2435"\w*.  
\v 31  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of olive|strong="H8081"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w at the entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w*; \w the pillar|strong="H0352"\w* \w on each doorpost|strong="H4201"\w* \w was five-sided|strong="H2549"\w*.  
\v 32  \w On the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w made of olive|strong="H8081"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w he carved|strong="H4734"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*, \w palm trees|strong="H8561"\w*, \w and flowers|strong="H6731"\w* \w in bloom|strong="H6358"\w*, \w and he plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w them with gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w He plated|strong="H7286"\w* \w the cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w and the palm trees|strong="H8561"\w* \w with hammered gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 33  \w In the same|strong="H3651"\w* \w way he made|strong="H6213"\w* \w doorposts|strong="H7243"\w* \w of olive|strong="H8081"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w for the entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to the main hall|strong="H1964"\w*, \w only with four-sided|strong="H7243"\w* pillars.  
\v 34  \w He also made|strong="H1550"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w out of wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w from evergreens|strong="H1265"\w*; \w each|strong="H6763"\w* \w door|strong="H1817"\w* \w had two|strong="H8147"\w* \w folding|strong="H1550"\w* \w leaves|strong="H1817"\w*.  
\v 35  \w He carved|strong="H7049"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*, \w palm trees|strong="H8561"\w*, \w and flowers|strong="H6731"\w* \w in bloom|strong="H6358"\w* \w and plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w them with gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w leveled out|strong="H3474"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the carvings|strong="H2707"\w*.  
\v 36  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the inner|strong="H6442"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w with three|strong="H7969"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w of chiseled|strong="H1496"\w* \w stones and a row|strong="H2905"\w* \w of cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w beams|strong="H3773"\w*.   
\p
\v 37  \w In the month|strong="H3391"\w* \w Ziv|strong="H2099"\w* \w of the fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Solomon’s reign|strong="H3245"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w foundation|strong="H3245"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w laid|strong="H3245"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 38  \w In the eleventh|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*, \w in the month|strong="H3391"\w* \w Bul|strong="H0945"\w* \w (the eighth|strong="H8066"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*\w ) the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was completed|strong="H3615"\w* \w in accordance|strong="H1697"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its specifications|strong="H4941"\w* \w and blueprints. It took seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w*.   
\c 7  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w thirteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w his palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He named|strong="H1129"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w “The Palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w of the Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w Forest|strong="H3293"\w*”\w ;|strong="H2572"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 150 \w feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, \w 75 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and 45 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w had four|strong="H0702"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w of cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w and cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w beams|strong="H3773"\w* \w above|strong="H5921"\w* \w the pillars|strong="H5982"\w*.  
\v 3  \w The roof|strong="H5603"\w* \w above|strong="H4605"\w* \w the beams supported by the pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w was also made of cedar|strong="H0730"\w*; \w there were forty-five|strong="H0705"\w* \w beams, fifteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w per row|strong="H2905"\w*.  
\v 4  \w There were three|strong="H7969"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w of windows|strong="H8261"\w* \w arranged in sets|strong="H6471"\w* \w of three|strong="H7969"\w*.  
\v 5  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of the entrances|strong="H4201"\w* \w were rectangular|strong="H7251"\w* \w in shape|strong="H8260"\w* \w and they were arranged|strong="H4136"\w* \w in sets|strong="H6471"\w* \w of three|strong="H7969"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a colonnade|strong="H5982"\w* \w 75 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w* \w and 45 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*. \w There was a porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of this and pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w and a roof|strong="H5646"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w porch|strong="H0197"\w*.  
\v 7  \w He also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w room|strong="H0197"\w*, \w called|strong="H8033"\w* \w “The Hall|strong="H0197"\w* \w of Judgment|strong="H4941"\w*,” \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he made judicial decisions|strong="H8199"\w*. \w It was paneled|strong="H5603"\w* \w with cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w from the floor|strong="H7172"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* rafters.  
\v 8  \w The palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w was constructed in a similar way.|strong="H0197"\w* \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H2088"\w* \w constructed|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w like this hall|strong="H0197"\w* \w for Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*, \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H8010"\w* \w had married|strong="H3947"\w*.  
\v 9  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of these|strong="H0428"\w* \w were built with the best|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*, \w chiseled|strong="H1496"\w* \w to the right size|strong="H4060"\w* \w and cut|strong="H1641"\w* \w with a saw|strong="H4050"\w* \w on all sides|strong="H2351"\w*, \w from the foundation|strong="H4527"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the edge of the roof|strong="H2947"\w* \w and from the outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the great|strong="H1419"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w*.  
\v 10  \w The foundation|strong="H3245"\w* \w was made of large|strong="H1419"\w* \w valuable|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*, \w measuring either 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w or 12 feet|strong="H0520"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Above|strong="H4605"\w* \w the foundation|strong="H3368"\w* \w the|strong="H4605"\w* best \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*, \w chiseled|strong="H1496"\w* \w to the right size|strong="H4060"\w*, \w were used along with cedar|strong="H0730"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Around|strong="H5439"\w* \w the great|strong="H1419"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w were three|strong="H7969"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w of chiseled|strong="H1496"\w* \w stones and one row|strong="H2905"\w* \w of cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w beams|strong="H3773"\w*, \w like the inner|strong="H6442"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and the hall|strong="H0197"\w* \w of the palace|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\s1 Solomon Commissions Hiram \w to|strong="H3068"\w* Supply \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*  
\p
\v 13  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w for Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w of Tyre|strong="H6865"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of a widow|strong="H0490"\w* \w from the tribe|strong="H4294"\w* \w of Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*, \w and his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w was a craftsman|strong="H2794"\w* \w in bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w from Tyre|strong="H6876"\w*. \w He had the skill|strong="H2451"\w* \w and knowledge|strong="H1847"\w* \w to make|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w kinds of works|strong="H4399"\w* \w of bronze|strong="H5178"\w*. \w He reported|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and did|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the work|strong="H4399"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w assigned|strong="H4399"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w He fashioned|strong="H6696"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w*; \w each pillar|strong="H5982"\w* \w was 27 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w* \w and 18 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w in circumference|strong="H5437"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w tops|strong="H3805"\w* \w for the pillars|strong="H5982"\w*; \w each|strong="H0259"\w* \w was seven-and-a-half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The latticework|strong="H7639"\w* \w on the tops of the pillars|strong="H3805"\w* \w was adorned|strong="H4639"\w* \w with ornamental|strong="H4639"\w* \w wreaths|strong="H1434"\w* \w and chains|strong="H8333"\w*; \w the top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of each pillar|strong="H5982"\w* \w had seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w groupings|strong="H3805"\w* \w of ornaments|strong="H3805"\w*.  
\v 18  \w When he made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the pillars|strong="H5982"\w*, \w there were two|strong="H8147"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w of pomegranate-shaped|strong="H7416"\w* \w ornaments|strong="H3805"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w the latticework|strong="H7639"\w* \w covering|strong="H3680"\w* \w the top of each pillar|strong="H3805"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The tops|strong="H3805"\w* \w of the two pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w in the porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w were shaped|strong="H4639"\w* \w like lilies|strong="H7799"\w* \w and were six feet high|strong="H0520"\w*.  
\v 20  \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w the top|strong="H3805"\w* \w of each|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillar|strong="H5982"\w*, \w right|strong="H1571"\w* \w above|strong="H4605"\w* \w the bulge|strong="H0990"\w* \w beside|strong="H5980"\w* \w the latticework|strong="H7639"\w*, \w there were two hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w pomegranate-shaped|strong="H7416"\w* \w ornaments|strong="H3805"\w* \w arranged in rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w all the way around|strong="H5439"\w*.  
\v 21  \w He set up|strong="H6965"\w* \w the pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w on the porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w in front of the main hall|strong="H1964"\w*. \w He erected|strong="H6965"\w* \w one pillar|strong="H5982"\w* \w on the right|strong="H3233"\w* \w side and called|strong="H8034"\w* \w it Jakin|strong="H3199"\w*; \w he erected|strong="H6965"\w* \w the other pillar|strong="H5982"\w* \w on the left|strong="H8042"\w* \w side and called|strong="H8034"\w* \w it Boaz|strong="H1162"\w*.  
\v 22  \w The tops|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w were shaped|strong="H4639"\w* \w like lilies|strong="H7799"\w*. \w So the construction|strong="H4399"\w* \w of the pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w was completed|strong="H8552"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w He also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the large bronze basin|strong="H4165"\w* \w called “The Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.” \w It measured 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w from rim|strong="H8193"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w rim|strong="H8145"\w*, \w was circular|strong="H5696"\w* \w in shape|strong="H5439"\w*, \w and stood seven-and-a-half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*. \w Its circumference|strong="H5439"\w* \w was 45 feet|strong="H0520"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the rim|strong="H8193"\w* \w all the way around|strong="H5439"\w* \w it|strong="H5437"\w* \w were|strong="H8193"\w* \w round|strong="H5439"\w* \w ornaments|strong="H6497"\w* \w arranged in settings|strong="H5362"\w* \w 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long.|strong="H6497"\w* \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w ornaments|strong="H6497"\w* \w were in two|strong="H8147"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w and had been cast|strong="H3333"\w* \w with “The Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.”  
\v 25 “\w The Sea” stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H6437"\w* \w of twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*. \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w faced|strong="H6437"\w* \w northward|strong="H6828"\w*, \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w westward|strong="H3220"\w*, \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w southward|strong="H5045"\w*, \w and three|strong="H7969"\w* \w eastward|strong="H4217"\w*. \w “The Sea|strong="H3220"\w*” \w was placed|strong="H6437"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H4605"\w* \w of them, and they all|strong="H3605"\w* \w faced outward|strong="H0268"\w*.  
\v 26  \w It was four fingers|strong="H2947"\w* \w thick|strong="H5672"\w* \w and its rim|strong="H8193"\w* \w was like that|strong="H8193"\w* \w of a cup|strong="H3563"\w* \w shaped|strong="H4639"\w* \w like a lily|strong="H7799"\w* \w blossom|strong="H6525"\w*. \w It could hold|strong="H3557"\w* \w about 12,000 gallons|strong="H1324"\w*.   
\p
\v 27  \w He also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w movable stands|strong="H4350"\w*. \w Each stand|strong="H4350"\w* \w was six feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, \w six feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and four-and-a-half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 28  \w The stands|strong="H4350"\w* \w were constructed|strong="H4639"\w* \w with frames|strong="H4526"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the joints|strong="H7948"\w*.  
\v 29  \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w these frames|strong="H4526"\w* \w and joints|strong="H7948"\w* \w were ornamental lions|strong="H0738"\w*, \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*, \w and cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*. \w Under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the lions|strong="H0738"\w* \w and bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w were decorative|strong="H3914"\w* \w wreaths|strong="H4174"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Each|strong="H0259"\w* \w stand|strong="H4350"\w* \w had four|strong="H0702"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w wheels|strong="H0212"\w* \w with bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w axles|strong="H5633"\w* \w and four|strong="H0702"\w* \w supports|strong="H3802"\w*. \w Under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the basin|strong="H3595"\w* \w the supports|strong="H3802"\w* \w were fashioned|strong="H3333"\w* \w on each|strong="H0376"\w* \w side|strong="H5676"\w* \w with wreaths|strong="H3914"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Inside|strong="H4605"\w* \w the stand|strong="H1004"\w* \w was a round opening|strong="H6310"\w* \w that was a foot-and-a-half deep|strong="H0520"\w*; \w it had a support|strong="H3653"\w* \w that was two and one-quarter feet long|strong="H0520"\w*. \w On the edge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the opening|strong="H6310"\w* \w were carvings|strong="H4734"\w* \w in square|strong="H7251"\w* \w frames|strong="H4526"\w*.  
\v 32  \w The four|strong="H0702"\w* \w wheels|strong="H0212"\w* \w were under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the frames|strong="H4526"\w* \w and the crossbars|strong="H3027"\w* \w of the axles|strong="H0212"\w* \w were connected to the stand|strong="H4350"\w*. \w Each wheel|strong="H0212"\w* \w was two and one-quarter feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 33  \w The wheels|strong="H0212"\w* \w were constructed|strong="H4639"\w* \w like chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w wheels|strong="H0212"\w*; \w their crossbars|strong="H3027"\w*, \w rims|strong="H1354"\w*, \w spokes|strong="H2839"\w*, \w and hubs|strong="H2840"\w* \w were made of cast|strong="H3332"\w* metal.  
\v 34  \w Each|strong="H0702"\w* \w stand|strong="H4350"\w* \w had four|strong="H0702"\w* \w supports|strong="H3802"\w*, \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w per side|strong="H3802"\w* \w projecting out|strong="H6438"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w stand|strong="H4350"\w*.  
\v 35  \w On top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of each stand|strong="H4350"\w* \w was a round|strong="H5696"\w* \w opening three-quarters of a foot|strong="H0520"\w* \w deep|strong="H6967"\w*; \w there were also supports|strong="H3027"\w* \w and frames|strong="H4526"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the stands|strong="H4350"\w*.  
\v 36  \w He engraved|strong="H6605"\w* \w ornamental cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*, \w lions|strong="H0738"\w*, \w and palm trees|strong="H8561"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the plates|strong="H3871"\w* \w of the supports|strong="H3027"\w* \w and frames|strong="H4526"\w* \w wherever there was room|strong="H4626"\w*, \w with wreaths|strong="H3914"\w* \w all around|strong="H5439"\w*.  
\v 37  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w stands|strong="H4350"\w* \w in this|strong="H2063"\w* \w way. All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of them were cast|strong="H4165"\w* \w in one|strong="H0259"\w* \w mold and were identical|strong="H0259"\w* \w in measurements|strong="H4060"\w* \w and shape|strong="H7095"\w*.   
\p
\v 38  \w He also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w*, \w each of which could hold|strong="H3557"\w* \w about 240 gallons|strong="H1324"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0259"\w* \w basin|strong="H3595"\w* \w was six feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w in diameter;|strong="H0259"\w* there \w was|strong="H0259"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w basin|strong="H3595"\w* \w for each|strong="H0259"\w* \w stand|strong="H4350"\w*.  
\v 39  \w He put|strong="H5414"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w basins|strong="H4350"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the south|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the north|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w*. \w He put|strong="H5414"\w* \w “The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*” \w on the south|strong="H3233"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w*, \w in the southeast|strong="H5045"\w* corner.   
\p
\v 40  \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w*, \w shovels|strong="H3257"\w*, \w and bowls|strong="H4219"\w*. \w He|strong="H2438"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been assigned|strong="H6213"\w* \w by King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 41  \w He made|strong="H8147"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w*, \w the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w bowl-shaped|strong="H1543"\w* \w tops|strong="H3805"\w* \w of the pillars|strong="H5982"\w*, \w the latticework|strong="H7639"\w* \w for the bowl-shaped|strong="H1543"\w* \w tops|strong="H3805"\w* \w of the two pillars|strong="H5982"\w*,  
\v 42  \w the four|strong="H0702"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w pomegranate-shaped|strong="H7416"\w* \w ornaments for the latticework of the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillars (each latticework|strong="H7639"\w* \w had two|strong="H8147"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w of these ornaments|strong="H0259"\w* \w at the bowl-shaped|strong="H1543"\w* \w top|strong="H3805"\w* \w of the pillar|strong="H5982"\w*),  
\v 43  \w the ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w movable stands|strong="H4350"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w*,  
\v 44  \w the big bronze basin|strong="H0259"\w* \w called “The Sea|strong="H3220"\w*” \w with its twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w underneath|strong="H8478"\w*,  
\v 45  \w and the pots|strong="H5518"\w*, \w shovels|strong="H3257"\w*, \w and bowls|strong="H4219"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w assigned Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w to make|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w were made from polished|strong="H4803"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.  
\v 46  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had them cast|strong="H3332"\w* \w in earth|strong="H0127"\w* \w foundries|strong="H4568"\w* \w in the region|strong="H3603"\w* \w of the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w* \w and Zarethan|strong="H6891"\w*.  
\v 47  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w left|strong="H3240"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these items|strong="H3627"\w* \w unweighed|strong="H7230"\w*; \w there were so|strong="H3966"\w* \w many of them they did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w weigh|strong="H2713"\w* \w the bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.   
\p
\v 48  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these items|strong="H3627"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*\w : the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was kept the Bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w of the Presence|strong="H6440"\w*,  
\v 49  \w the pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w at the entrance|strong="H6440"\w* \w to the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w* \w (five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on the right|strong="H3225"\w* \w and five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on the left|strong="H8040"\w*\w ), the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w flower-shaped|strong="H6525"\w* \w ornaments, lamps|strong="H5216"\w*, \w and tongs|strong="H4457"\w*,  
\v 50  \w the|strong="H5592"\w* \w pure gold bowls|strong="H5592"\w*, \w trimming|strong="H4212"\w* \w shears, basins|strong="H4219"\w*, \w pans|strong="H3709"\w*, \w and censers|strong="H4289"\w*, \w and the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w door|strong="H1817"\w* \w sockets|strong="H6596"\w* \w for the inner|strong="H6442"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w (the most|strong="H6944"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place) and for the doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of the main hall|strong="H1964"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 51  \w When King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H7999"\w* \w constructing|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w he|strong="H8010"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items that belonged to his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w (the|strong="H0853"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and other articles|strong="H3627"\w*\w ) in the treasuries|strong="H0214"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\c 8  
\p
\v 1  \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w convened|strong="H6950"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w tribes|strong="H4294"\w* \w and families|strong="H0001"\w*, \w so they could witness the transferal|strong="H5927"\w* \w of the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w from the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w (that|strong="H1931"\w* \w is, Zion|strong="H6726"\w*).  
\v 2  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6950"\w* \w before King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w during the festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w in the month|strong="H3391"\w* \w Ethanim|strong="H0388"\w* \w (the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*).  
\v 3  \w When all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w had arrived|strong="H0935"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w lifted|strong="H5375"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , the tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w of meeting|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H5927"\w* \w in the tent|strong="H0168"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Now King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who had assembled|strong="H3259"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him went on|strong="H5921"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w and sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w more sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w than could|strong="H3808"\w* \w be counted|strong="H4487"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w numbered|strong="H5608"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w its assigned|strong="H4725"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the most|strong="H6944"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place, under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w of the cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*’ \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w extended over|strong="H6566"\w* \w the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w where the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w sat|strong="H5526"\w*; \w the cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w overshadowed|strong="H4605"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w and its poles|strong="H0905"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The poles|strong="H0905"\w* \w were so long|strong="H0748"\w* \w their ends|strong="H7218"\w* \w were visible|strong="H7200"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the holy place|strong="H6944"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w*, \w but they could not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w from beyond that point|strong="H2351"\w*. \w They have remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 9  \w There was nothing|strong="H0369"\w* \w in the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w except|strong="H7535"\w* \w the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w stone|strong="H0068"\w* \w tablets|strong="H3871"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w placed|strong="H3240"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w in Horeb|strong="H2722"\w*. \w It was there that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w made an agreement|strong="H3772"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w after he brought them out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Once the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place, a cloud|strong="H6051"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 11  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w carry out their duties|strong="H8334"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the cloud|strong="H6051"\w*; \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w glory|strong="H3519"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w his temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has said|strong="H0559"\w* \w that he lives|strong="H7931"\w* \w in thick darkness|strong="H6205"\w*.  
\v 13  \w O \+nd Lord\+nd*, truly|strong="H1129"\w* \w I have built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a lofty|strong="H2073"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for you, a place|strong="H4349"\w* \w where you can live|strong="H3427"\w* \w permanently|strong="H5769"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w around|strong="H1288"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w pronounced|strong="H1288"\w* \w a|strong="H5975"\w* \w blessing|strong="H1288"\w* \w over the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w as they stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*.  
\v 15  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w is worthy|strong="H1288"\w* \w of praise because he has fulfilled|strong="H4390"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He told David,|strong="H4480"\w* ‘\w Since|strong="H4480"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w I brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w out of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w I have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w a city|strong="H5892"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in which|strong="H8033"\w* \w to live|strong="H8034"\w*. \w But I have chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to lead|strong="H5921"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’  
\v 17  \w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had a strong desire|strong="H3824"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 18  \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H0413"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w ‘It is right|strong="H2895"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you to have|strong="H0834"\w* \w a strong desire|strong="H3824"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 19  \w But|strong="H7535"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w your very own|strong="H2504"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for my honor|strong="H8034"\w*.’  
\v 20  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has kept|strong="H6965"\w* \w the promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w he made.|strong="H1696"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w taken my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w* \w and have occupied|strong="H3427"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w*. \w I have built|strong="H1129"\w* \w this temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for the honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*  
\v 21  \w and set|strong="H7760"\w* \w up in it a place|strong="H4725"\w* \w for the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w containing|strong="H8033"\w* \w the covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w our ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w when he brought them out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.”   
\s1 Solomon Prays \w for|strong="H0776"\w* Israel  
\p
\v 22  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in front|strong="H5048"\w* \w of the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w out his hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w toward the sky|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 23  \w He prayed|strong="H0559"\w*\w :|strong="H3068"\w* “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w there is no|strong="H0369"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w you in heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w above|strong="H4605"\w* \w or on|strong="H5921"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w below|strong="H8478"\w*\w ! You maintain|strong="H8104"\w* \w covenantal|strong="H1285"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w you with sincerity|strong="H3820"\w*.  
\v 24  \w You have|strong="H0834"\w* \w kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w your word to your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*; \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very day|strong="H3117"\w* \w you have|strong="H1696"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="H4390"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you promised|strong="H1696"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w the promise you made to your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w when|strong="H1696"\w* \w you said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘You will never|strong="H3808"\w* \w fail|strong="H3772"\w* \w to have a successor|strong="H0376"\w* \w ruling|strong="H3427"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w provided|strong="H7535"\w* \w that your descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w watch|strong="H8104"\w* \w their step|strong="H1980"\w* \w and serve me|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you have|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H1980"\w*.’  
\v 26  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w may the promise you made|strong="H1696"\w* \w to your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w be realized|strong="H0539"\w*.   
\p
\v 27 “\w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w does not really|strong="H0552"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the earth|strong="H0776"\w*\w !|strong="H2009"\w* \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w if the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and the highest|strong="H8064"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w contain|strong="H3557"\w* \w you, how much|strong="H0637"\w* \w less|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I have|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*!  
\v 28  \w But|strong="H6437"\w* \w respond favorably|strong="H6437"\w* \w to|strong="H5650"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant’s|strong="H5650"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w and his request for help|strong="H8467"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Answer|strong="H7440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* desperate \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w is presenting|strong="H6419"\w* \w to you|strong="H3117"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 29  \w Night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and day|strong="H3117"\w* \w may|strong="H1961"\w* \w you watch|strong="H6605"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w you promised|strong="H0559"\w* \w you would live|strong="H8034"\w*. \w May you answer|strong="H8085"\w* \w your servant’s|strong="H5650"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the request|strong="H8467"\w* \w of your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. \w Hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w inside your heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w favorably|strong="H5545"\w*.   
\p
\v 31 “\w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w someone|strong="H0376"\w* \w is accused of sinning|strong="H2398"\w* \w against his neighbor|strong="H7453"\w* \w and the latter pronounces|strong="H5378"\w* \w a curse|strong="H0423"\w* \w on the alleged|strong="H0422"\w* \w offender before|strong="H6440"\w* \w your altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w in this temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w be|strong="H0376"\w* willing \w to|strong="H0935"\w* forgive \w the|strong="H0853"\w* accused \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* accusation \w is|strong="H0834"\w* false.  
\v 32  \w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and make|strong="H6213"\w* \w a just decision|strong="H8199"\w* \w about your servants|strong="H5650"\w*’ \w claims. Condemn|strong="H7561"\w* \w the guilty|strong="H7563"\w* \w party|strong="H1870"\w*, \w declare|strong="H6663"\w* \w the other innocent|strong="H6662"\w*, \w and give|strong="H5414"\w* \w both|strong="H6662"\w* \w of them what they deserve|strong="H6666"\w*.   
\p
\v 33 “\w The time will come when|strong="H5971"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w are defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w by an enemy|strong="H0341"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w they sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against you. If they come back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you, renew|strong="H3034"\w* \w their allegiance|strong="H8034"\w* \w to you,|strong="H6419"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w for your help|strong="H2603"\w* \w in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 34  \w then|strong="H0859"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w the sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w of your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and bring them back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the land|strong="H0127"\w* \w you gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 35 “\w The time will come when|strong="H8064"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* skies \w are shut up|strong="H6113"\w* \w tightly and no|strong="H3808"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w falls because|strong="H3588"\w* \w your people|strong="H2398"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w you. When they direct their prayers|strong="H6419"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*, \w renew|strong="H3034"\w* \w their allegiance|strong="H8034"\w* \w to you,|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away from their sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you punish|strong="H6031"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*,  
\v 36  \w then|strong="H0859"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w the sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w of your servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w you will then teach|strong="H3384"\w* \w them the right|strong="H2896"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w to live|strong="H1980"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w send|strong="H5414"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your land|strong="H0776"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you have given|strong="H5414"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to possess|strong="H5159"\w*.   
\p
\v 37 “\w The time will come|strong="H1961"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w suffers from a famine|strong="H7458"\w*, \w a plague|strong="H1698"\w*, \w blight|strong="H7711"\w* \w and disease|strong="H3420"\w*, \w or a locust|strong="H0697"\w* \w invasion|strong="H2625"\w*, \w or when|strong="H3588"\w* \w their enemy|strong="H0341"\w* \w lays siege|strong="H6887"\w* \w to the cities|strong="H8179"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w or when some other type of plague|strong="H5061"\w* \w or epidemic|strong="H4245"\w* \w occurs|strong="H1961"\w*.  
\v 38  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w pray|strong="H8605"\w* \w and ask for help|strong="H8467"\w*, \w as they acknowledge|strong="H3045"\w* \w their pain|strong="H3824"\w* \w and spread out|strong="H6566"\w* \w their hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 39  \w then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from your heavenly|strong="H4349"\w* \w dwelling place|strong="H3427"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w their sin,|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w act|strong="H6213"\w* \w favorably toward each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one based on|strong="H1870"\w* \w your evaluation|strong="H3045"\w* \w of his motives|strong="H3824"\w*. \w (Indeed|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are the only one who can correctly|strong="H0905"\w* \w evaluate|strong="H3045"\w* \w the motives|strong="H3824"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w*.)  
\v 40  \w Then|strong="H4616"\w* \w they will|strong="H4616"\w* \w obey|strong="H3372"\w* \w you throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w lifetimes|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H1992"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w live|strong="H2416"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the land|strong="H0127"\w* \w you gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to our ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 41 “\w Foreigners|strong="H5237"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w belong to your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w will come|strong="H0935"\w* \w from a distant|strong="H7350"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w because|strong="H4616"\w* \w of your reputation|strong="H8034"\w*.  
\v 42  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w they hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w about your great|strong="H1419"\w* \w reputation|strong="H8034"\w* \w and your ability|strong="H5186"\w* \w to accomplish mighty|strong="H2389"\w* \w deeds,|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w and direct|strong="H6419"\w* \w their prayers|strong="H0413"\w* \w toward this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 43  \w Then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from your heavenly|strong="H4349"\w* \w dwelling place|strong="H3427"\w* \w and answer|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the prayers|strong="H7121"\w* \w of the foreigners|strong="H5237"\w*. \w Then|strong="H4616"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w will acknowledge|strong="H3045"\w* \w your reputation|strong="H8034"\w*, \w obey|strong="H3372"\w* \w you like your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w do, and recognize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I built|strong="H1129"\w* belongs \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.   
\p
\v 44 “\w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w you direct|strong="H3318"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to march out and fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w their enemies|strong="H0341"\w*, \w and they direct|strong="H6419"\w* \w their prayers to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w toward|strong="H1870"\w* \w his chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and this temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for your honor|strong="H8034"\w*,  
\v 45  \w then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w to their prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w for help|strong="H8467"\w* \w and vindicate|strong="H4941"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.   
\p
\v 46 “\w The time will come when|strong="H3588"\w* \w your people|strong="H2398"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w* \w against you (for|strong="H3588"\w* \w there is no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0120"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w is sinless|strong="H2398"\w*\w !) and you will be angry|strong="H0599"\w* \w with them and deliver|strong="H5414"\w* \w them over|strong="H6440"\w* \w to their enemies|strong="H0341"\w*, \w who will take|strong="H7617"\w* \w them as prisoners|strong="H7617"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their own land|strong="H0341"\w*, \w whether far away|strong="H7350"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w close|strong="H7138"\w* \w by|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 47  \w When your people|strong="H0834"\w* \w come to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their senses|strong="H3820"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w they are held prisoner|strong="H7617"\w*, \w they will repent|strong="H7725"\w* \w and beg for your mercy|strong="H2603"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of their imprisonment|strong="H7617"\w*, \w admitting|strong="H5753"\w*, \w ‘We have sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w and gone astray;|strong="H7561"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w done evil|strong="H7561"\w*.’  
\v 48  \w When they return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w and being|strong="H5315"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w they are held|strong="H0341"\w* \w prisoner|strong="H7617"\w*, \w and direct|strong="H6419"\w* \w their prayers to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you toward|strong="H1870"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w you gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w your chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for your honor|strong="H8034"\w*,  
\v 49  \w then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from your heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4349"\w* \w to their prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w for help|strong="H8467"\w* \w and vindicate|strong="H4941"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 50  \w Forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the rebellious|strong="H6588"\w* \w acts of your sinful|strong="H6586"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and cause|strong="H2398"\w* \w their captors|strong="H7617"\w* \w to have mercy|strong="H7355"\w* \w on|strong="H7355"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 51  \w After|strong="H3588"\w* \w all,|strong="H1992"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and your special|strong="H5159"\w* \w possession|strong="H1992"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w you brought out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w from the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the iron-smelting|strong="H1270"\w* \w furnace|strong="H3564"\w*.   
\p
\v 52 “\w May you be|strong="H1961"\w* \w attentive|strong="H6605"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your servant’s|strong="H5650"\w* \w and|strong="H0413"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w requests for help|strong="H8467"\w* \w and may you respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their prayers|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w*.  
\v 53  \w After|strong="H3588"\w* \w all,|strong="H0859"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w picked|strong="H0914"\w* \w them out|strong="H0914"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w to be your special possession|strong="H5159"\w*, \w just as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you, O sovereign|strong="H0136"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , announced|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w when you brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w our ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w out of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.”   
\p
\v 54  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w presenting|strong="H6419"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H2063"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w and requests|strong="H8467"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , he got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up from before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w where|strong="H3766"\w* \w he had kneeled|strong="H1290"\w* \w and spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w out his hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w toward the sky|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 55  \w When he stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w up, he pronounced a blessing|strong="H1288"\w* \w over the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w* \w in a loud|strong="H1419"\w* \w voice|strong="H6963"\w*:  
\v 56 “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is worthy|strong="H1288"\w* \w of praise because he has|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w secure|strong="H4496"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as he promised|strong="H1696"\w*\w ! Not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the faithful promises|strong="H1696"\w* \w he made through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w is left unfulfilled|strong="H5307"\w*!  
\v 57  \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w be with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us, as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he was with|strong="H5973"\w* \w our ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w May|strong="H0408"\w* \w he not|strong="H0408"\w* \w abandon|strong="H5800"\w* \w us or|strong="H0408"\w* \w leave|strong="H5203"\w* \w us|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 58  \w May he make us|strong="H0413"\w* \w submissive|strong="H3824"\w*, \w so we can follow|strong="H1980"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his instructions|strong="H1870"\w* \w and obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w the commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w rules|strong="H2706"\w*, \w and regulations|strong="H4941"\w* \w he commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w our ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 59  \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God be constantly|strong="H6440"\w* \w aware|strong="H2603"\w* \w of these|strong="H0428"\w* \w requests|strong="H1697"\w* \w of mine I have presented|strong="H7126"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him,|strong="H4941"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w might|strong="H3068"\w* \w vindicate|strong="H4941"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w as the need|strong="H1697"\w* \w arises|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 60  \w Then|strong="H4616"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w will recognize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w the only genuine|strong="H5750"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 61  \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w you demonstrate|strong="H3824"\w* \w wholehearted|strong="H8003"\w* \w devotion|strong="H5973"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w by following|strong="H1980"\w* \w his rules|strong="H2706"\w* \w and obeying|strong="H8104"\w* \w his commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w as you are presently|strong="H3117"\w* doing.”   
\s1 Solomon Dedicates \w the|strong="H3068"\w* Temple  
\p
\v 62  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him were presenting sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 63  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w as peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w 22,000|strong="H8147"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w and 120,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*. \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H2596"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 64  \w That day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w offered there|strong="H8033"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w grain offerings|strong="H4503"\w*, \w and the fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w from the peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w stood before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was too small|strong="H6996"\w* \w to hold|strong="H3557"\w* \w all these|strong="H2459"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*.  
\v 65  \w At that time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H0853"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w a festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w for two|strong="H3117"\w* \w entire weeks|strong="H3117"\w*. \w This great|strong="H1419"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w included people from all over the land, from Lebo Hamath|strong="H2574"\w* \w in the north to the Brook|strong="H5158"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* south.  
\v 66  \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the fifteenth day|strong="H3117"\w* \w after the festival|strong="H8066"\w* \w started,|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w dismissed|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w They asked God to empower|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and then went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to their homes|strong="H0168"\w*, \w happy|strong="H8056"\w* \w and content|strong="H3820"\w* \w because of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the good|strong="H2896"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\c 9  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the other construction projects he|strong="H8010"\w* \w had planned|strong="H6213"\w*,  
\v 2  \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w a second|strong="H8145"\w* \w time, in the same way he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w* \w at Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*.  
\v 3  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “I have answered|strong="H8085"\w* \w your prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w and your request|strong="H8467"\w* \w for help|strong="H2603"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you made to me|strong="H6440"\w*. \w I have consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w you built|strong="H1129"\w* \w by making|strong="H7760"\w* \w it my permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w home|strong="H8034"\w*; \w I will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w constantly|strong="H3117"\w* \w present|strong="H8033"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 4  \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w must serve|strong="H1980"\w* \w me with integrity|strong="H8537"\w* \w and sincerity|strong="H3476"\w*, \w just as your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did. Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w I commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w and obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w my rules|strong="H2706"\w* \w and regulations|strong="H4941"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w I will allow your dynasty|strong="H3678"\w* \w to rule|strong="H4467"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w permanently|strong="H5769"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as I promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w ‘You will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fail|strong="H3772"\w* \w to have a successor|strong="H0376"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’   
\p
\v 6 “\w But if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w or your sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w ever turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H0310"\w* \w from me|strong="H0310"\w*, \w fail|strong="H3808"\w* \w to obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w the regulations and rules|strong="H2708"\w* \w I instructed you|strong="H5414"\w* \w to keep,|strong="H4687"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* decide \w to serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w and worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*,  
\v 7  \w then I will remove|strong="H3772"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from the land|strong="H0127"\w* \w I have given|strong="H5414"\w* \w them, I will abandon this temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I have consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w with my presence|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w mocked|strong="H4912"\w* \w and ridiculed|strong="H8148"\w* \w among all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 8  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w will become|strong="H1961"\w* \w a heap of ruins;|strong="H3605"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who passes|strong="H5674"\w* \w by it will be shocked|strong="H8074"\w* \w and will hiss|strong="H8319"\w* \w out their scorn,|strong="H0559"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w do this|strong="H3602"\w* \w to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and this|strong="H2063"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*?’  
\v 9  \w Others will then|strong="H7812"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Because they abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w their God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w out of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w They embraced|strong="H2388"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w whom they worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w and served|strong="H5647"\w*. \w That is why|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.’”   
\s1 \w Foreign|strong="H0312"\w* Affairs \w and|strong="H0935"\w* Building Projects  
\p
\v 10  \w After|strong="H7097"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w during which|strong="H0834"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 11  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w of Tyre|strong="H6865"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in the region|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Galilee|strong="H1551"\w*, \w because Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w had supplied|strong="H5375"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w with cedars|strong="H0730"\w*, \w evergreens|strong="H1265"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w he wanted|strong="H2656"\w*.  
\v 12  \w When Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w from Tyre|strong="H6865"\w* \w to inspect|strong="H7200"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w him, he was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w pleased|strong="H3474"\w* \w with|strong="H3318"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Hiram asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did you|strong="H5414"\w* \w give me these|strong="H0428"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w my friend|strong="H0251"\w* \w ?” He called|strong="H7121"\w* \w that area the region|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Cabul|strong="H3521"\w*, \w a name which it has retained|strong="H5704"\w* \w to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w had sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w one hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w Here|strong="H2088"\w* \w are the|strong="H0853"\w* \w details|strong="H1697"\w* \w concerning the work crews|strong="H4522"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w conscripted|strong="H5927"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w his palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w terrace|strong="H4407"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w and Gezer|strong="H1507"\w*.  
\v 16  \w (Pharaoh|strong="H6547"\w*, \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w had attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w and captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w Gezer|strong="H1507"\w*. \w He burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w it and killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w who lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w He gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w it as a wedding present|strong="H7964"\w* \w to his daughter|strong="H1323"\w*, \w who had married|strong="H0802"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.)  
\v 17  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up Gezer|strong="H1507"\w*, \w lower|strong="H8481"\w* \w Beth Horon|strong="H1032"\w*,  
\v 18  \w Baalath|strong="H1191"\w*, \w Tadmor|strong="H8412"\w* \w in the wilderness|strong="H4057"\w*,  
\v 19  \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w that belonged|strong="H1961"\w* \w to him|strong="H8010"\w*, \w and the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w where chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and horses|strong="H6571"\w* \w were kept.|strong="H1129"\w* \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w whatever|strong="H2837"\w* \w he|strong="H8010"\w* \w wanted|strong="H2836"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*, \w and throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4475"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Now several|strong="H3605"\w* \w non-Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w peoples|strong="H5971"\w* \w were left|strong="H3498"\w* \w in the land after the conquest of Joshua, including|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*, \w Hittites|strong="H2850"\w*, \w Perizzites|strong="H6522"\w*, \w Hivites|strong="H2340"\w*, \w and Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Their descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w remained|strong="H3498"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w (the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were unable|strong="H3201"\w* \w to wipe|strong="H2763"\w* \w them out completely). Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w conscripted|strong="H5927"\w* \w them for his work crews|strong="H4522"\w*, \w and they|strong="H5647"\w* \w continue in that role|strong="H5647"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w assign|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to these work crews|strong="H1992"\w*; \w the Israelites served|strong="H5650"\w* \w as his soldiers|strong="H4421"\w*, \w attendants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*, \w charioteers|strong="H7991"\w*, \w and commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of his chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w forces|strong="H6571"\w*.  
\v 23  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w men|strong="H8269"\w* \w were also in charge|strong="H5324"\w* \w of Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w projects; there were a total of 550|strong="H3967"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w who supervised|strong="H7287"\w* \w the workers|strong="H4399"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Solomon built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the terrace|strong="H4407"\w* \w as soon as Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w moved up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w Solomon built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w times|strong="H6471"\w* \w a year|strong="H8141"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w and peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , burning incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w along with|strong="H0854"\w* \w them before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . He made the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w his official|strong="H7999"\w* worship \w place|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also built|strong="H6213"\w* \w ships|strong="H0590"\w* \w in Ezion Geber|strong="H6100"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w is located near|strong="H0854"\w* \w Elat|strong="H0359"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Edom|strong="H0123"\w*, \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the shore|strong="H8193"\w* \w of the Red|strong="H5488"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his fleet|strong="H0590"\w* \w and some|strong="H0582"\w* \w of his sailors|strong="H0591"\w*, \w who were|strong="H0582"\w* \w well acquainted|strong="H3045"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the sea|strong="H3220"\w*, \w to serve|strong="H5650"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w men|strong="H0582"\w*.  
\v 28  \w They sailed|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Ophir|strong="H0211"\w*, \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w from there|strong="H8033"\w* \w four|strong="H0702"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and then brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w them to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.   
\c 10  
\p
\v 1  \w When the queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about Solomon|strong="H3068"\w*, \w she came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to challenge|strong="H5254"\w* \w him with difficult questions|strong="H2420"\w*.  
\v 2  \w She arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with a great|strong="H3515"\w* \w display|strong="H2428"\w* \w of pomp|strong="H3966"\w*, \w bringing with her camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w carrying|strong="H5375"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large quantity|strong="H7227"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w gems|strong="H0068"\w*. \w She visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and discussed|strong="H1696"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w him everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H5973"\w* \w her mind|strong="H3824"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w answered all|strong="H3605"\w* \w her questions|strong="H1697"\w*; \w there was no|strong="H3808"\w* \w question|strong="H1697"\w* \w too|strong="H4480"\w* \w complex|strong="H5956"\w* \w for the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 4  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w the queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w for herself Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w extensive|strong="H3605"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*, \w the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*,  
\v 5  \w the food|strong="H3978"\w* \w in|strong="H4186"\w* \w his|strong="H8334"\w* \w banquet hall|strong="H7979"\w*, \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and attendants,|strong="H4403"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w robes|strong="H4403"\w*, \w his cupbearers|strong="H4945"\w*, \w and his burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w he presented|strong="H5927"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w she was amazed|strong="H7307"\w*.  
\v 6  \w She said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “The report|strong="H1697"\w* \w I heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w in my own country|strong="H0776"\w* \w about your wise sayings|strong="H1697"\w* \w and insight|strong="H2451"\w* \w was true|strong="H0571"\w*!  
\v 7  \w I did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w believe|strong="H0539"\w* \w these things|strong="H1697"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w them with my own eyes|strong="H5869"\w*. \w Indeed|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w even half|strong="H2677"\w* \w the story!|strong="H2451"\w* \w Your|strong="H0834"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and wealth|strong="H2896"\w* \w surpass what was reported|strong="H8052"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Your attendants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w who stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you at all times|strong="H8548"\w* \w and hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w your wise sayings|strong="H2451"\w*, \w are truly|strong="H0835"\w* \w happy|strong="H0835"\w*!  
\v 9  \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w be praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w because he favored|strong="H2654"\w* \w you by placing|strong="H5414"\w* \w you on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*! \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w eternal|strong="H5769"\w* \w love|strong="H0160"\w* \w for Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w he made|strong="H7760"\w* \w you king|strong="H4428"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w you could|strong="H4941"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w just|strong="H4941"\w* \w and right decisions|strong="H6666"\w*.”  
\v 10  \w She gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w 120|strong="H6242"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large quantity|strong="H7235"\w* \w of spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w and precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w gems|strong="H0068"\w*. \w The quantity|strong="H7230"\w* \w of spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w the queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w has never|strong="H5750"\w* \w been matched|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 11  \w (Hiram’s|strong="H2438"\w* \w fleet|strong="H0590"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w from Ophir|strong="H0211"\w*, \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w from Ophir|strong="H0211"\w* \w a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large quantity|strong="H7235"\w* \w of fine timber|strong="H0484"\w* \w and precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w gems|strong="H0068"\w*.  
\v 12  \w With the timber|strong="H0484"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H6086"\w* \w supports|strong="H4552"\w* \w for the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and for the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and stringed instruments|strong="H5035"\w* \w for the musicians|strong="H7891"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one has seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w so|strong="H3651"\w* \w much of this fine timber|strong="H0484"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. )  
\v 13  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w she requested|strong="H7592"\w*, \w besides|strong="H0905"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w freely offered|strong="H5414"\w* \w her.|strong="H6437"\w* \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w left|strong="H5414"\w* \w and returned|strong="H1980"\w* \w to her homeland|strong="H0776"\w* \w with her|strong="H1931"\w* \w attendants|strong="H5650"\w*.   
\s1 \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* Wealth  
\p
\v 14  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w received|strong="H0935"\w* \w 666|strong="H8337"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w per|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*,  
\v 15  \w besides|strong="H0905"\w* \w what he collected|strong="H8446"\w* \w from the merchants|strong="H4536"\w*, \w traders|strong="H7402"\w*, \w Arabian|strong="H6152"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*, \w and governors|strong="H6346"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 16  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made two hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w large shields|strong="H6793"\w* \w of hammered|strong="H7820"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*; \w 600|strong="H3967"\w* \w measures|strong="H2091"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w were used|strong="H5927"\w* \w for each|strong="H0259"\w* \w shield|strong="H6793"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He also made three|strong="H7969"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w small shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w of hammered|strong="H7820"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*; \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w minas|strong="H4488"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w were used|strong="H5927"\w* \w for each|strong="H0259"\w* \w of these shields|strong="H4043"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them in the Palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w of the Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w Forest|strong="H3293"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a large|strong="H1419"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w decorated with ivory|strong="H8127"\w* \w and overlaid|strong="H6823"\w* \w it with pure gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 19  \w There were six|strong="H8337"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w* \w leading up to the throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w and the back of it was rounded|strong="H5696"\w* \w on top|strong="H7218"\w*. \w The throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w had two|strong="H8147"\w* \w armrests|strong="H7675"\w* \w with a statue of a lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w on each side|strong="H0681"\w*.  
\v 20  \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w were twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w statues|strong="H2088"\w* \w of lions|strong="H0738"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the six|strong="H8337"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w*, \w one lion at each end of each step. There was nothing|strong="H3808"\w* \w like|strong="H3651"\w* \w it in any|strong="H3605"\w* \w other kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w cups|strong="H4945"\w* \w were made of gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the household items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in the Palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w of the Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w Forest|strong="H3293"\w* \w were made of pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w There were no|strong="H0369"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w items, for silver was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w considered|strong="H2803"\w* \w very valuable|strong="H3972"\w* \w in Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Along|strong="H3588"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Hiram’s|strong="H2438"\w* \w fleet|strong="H0590"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had a fleet|strong="H0590"\w* \w of large merchant ships|strong="H8659"\w* \w that sailed the sea|strong="H3220"\w*. \w Once every|strong="H0259"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w the fleet|strong="H0590"\w* \w came into|strong="H0935"\w* \w port|strong="H8659"\w* \w with cargoes|strong="H5375"\w* \w of|strong="H2091"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w ivory|strong="H8143"\w*, \w apes|strong="H6971"\w*, \w and peacocks|strong="H8500"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was wealthier|strong="H6239"\w* \w and wiser|strong="H2451"\w* \w than any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w in the world|strong="H0776"\w* \w wanted|strong="H1245"\w* \w to visit Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w to see him|strong="H0853"\w* \w display|strong="H8085"\w* \w his God-given|strong="H5414"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Year|strong="H8141"\w* \w after|strong="H1992"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w visitors|strong="H1992"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w their gifts|strong="H4503"\w*, \w which included items|strong="H3627"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w clothes|strong="H8008"\w*, \w perfume|strong="H5402"\w*, \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w horses|strong="H5483"\w*, \w and mules|strong="H6505"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w accumulated|strong="H0622"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and horses|strong="H6571"\w*. \w He had|strong="H1961"\w* \w 1,400|strong="H3967"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and 12,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w horses|strong="H6571"\w*. \w He kept|strong="H5148"\w* \w them in assigned cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and in|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 27  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w as plentiful|strong="H3389"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as stones|strong="H0068"\w*; \w cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w was|strong="H5414"\w* \w as plentiful|strong="H7230"\w* \w as sycamore fig trees|strong="H8256"\w* \w are in the lowlands|strong="H8219"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w acquired|strong="H4161"\w* \w his horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w from Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and from Que|strong="H4723"\w*; \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w traders|strong="H5503"\w* \w purchased them from Que|strong="H4723"\w*.  
\v 29  \w They paid|strong="H3318"\w* \w 600|strong="H3967"\w* \w silver pieces|strong="H3701"\w* \w for each chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w from Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and 150|strong="H3967"\w* \w silver pieces for each horse|strong="H5483"\w*. \w They also|strong="H3651"\w* \w sold|strong="H3318"\w* \w chariots and horses to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the Hittites|strong="H2850"\w* \w and to the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w*.   
\c 11  
\p
\v 1  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w fell in love|strong="H0157"\w* \w with many|strong="H7227"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w (besides Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*\w ), including Moabites|strong="H4125"\w*, \w Ammonites|strong="H5984"\w*, \w Edomites|strong="H0130"\w*, \w Sidonians|strong="H6722"\w*, \w and Hittites|strong="H2850"\w*.  
\v 2  \w They came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w about|strong="H0413"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w had warned|strong="H0559"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w “You must not|strong="H3808"\w* \w establish friendly relations|strong="H0935"\w* \w with them!|strong="H0403"\w* \w If|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w do|strong="H0935"\w*, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w surely|strong="H0403"\w* \w shift|strong="H5186"\w* \w your allegiance|strong="H3824"\w* \w to their gods|strong="H0430"\w*.” \w But Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was irresistibly|strong="H1692"\w* \w attracted|strong="H0160"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w He had 700|strong="H3967"\w* \w royal|strong="H8282"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and 300|strong="H3967"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w*; \w his wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w had a powerful|strong="H5186"\w* \w influence|strong="H3820"\w* \w over|strong="H0853"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 4  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w became old, his wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w shifted|strong="H2209"\w* \w his allegiance|strong="H0310"\w* \w to|strong="H0312"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*; \w he was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w wholeheartedly|strong="H3824"\w* \w devoted|strong="H8003"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w as|strong="H3824"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H0310"\w* \w the Sidonian|strong="H6722"\w* \w goddess|strong="H0430"\w* \w Astarte|strong="H6253"\w* \w and|strong="H0310"\w* \w the detestable|strong="H8251"\w* \w Ammonite|strong="H5984"\w* \w god Milcom|strong="H4445"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w sight|strong="H5869"\w*; \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w remain|strong="H4390"\w* \w loyal|strong="H0310"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , like his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Furthermore|strong="H0227"\w*, \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w east|strong="H6440"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a high place|strong="H1116"\w* \w for the detestable|strong="H8251"\w* \w Moabite|strong="H4124"\w* \w god Chemosh|strong="H3645"\w* \w and for the detestable|strong="H8251"\w* \w Ammonite|strong="H5983"\w* \w god Milcom|strong="H4432"\w*.  
\v 8  \w He built high places|strong="H3651"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w so they could burn incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w and make sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to their gods|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was angry|strong="H0599"\w* \w with Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he had shifted|strong="H5186"\w* \w his allegiance|strong="H3824"\w* \w away|strong="H5186"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who had appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him on two occasions|strong="H6471"\w*  
\v 10  \w and had warned|strong="H6680"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w about|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very thing, so that he would not|strong="H1115"\w* \w follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w But he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w command|strong="H6680"\w*.  
\v 11  \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w “Because|strong="H3282"\w* \w you insist|strong="H7167"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w doing these things|strong="H5973"\w* \w and have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w the covenantal|strong="H1285"\w* \w rules|strong="H2708"\w* \w I gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w you,|strong="H7167"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w surely|strong="H5414"\w* \w tear|strong="H7167"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w away from you and give|strong="H5414"\w* \w it to your servant|strong="H5650"\w*.  
\v 12  \w However|strong="H0389"\w*, \w for your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w sake|strong="H4616"\w* \w I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H3117"\w* \w while you are alive. I will tear|strong="H7167"\w* \w it away from your son’s|strong="H1121"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w instead|strong="H3808"\w*.  
\v 13  \w But|strong="H7535"\w* \w I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w tear|strong="H7167"\w* \w away the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*; \w I will|strong="H5414"\w* \w leave|strong="H4616"\w* \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w for my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w sake|strong="H4616"\w* \w and for|strong="H4616"\w* \w the sake|strong="H4616"\w* \w of my chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w city Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.”   
\p
\v 14  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w brought|strong="H6965"\w* \w against Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w an enemy|strong="H7854"\w*, \w Hadad|strong="H1908"\w* \w the Edomite|strong="H0130"\w*, \w a descendant|strong="H2233"\w* \w of the Edomite|strong="H0123"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 15  \w During|strong="H1961"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w campaign|strong="H5927"\w* \w against Edom|strong="H0123"\w*, \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w the commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w while on a mission to bury|strong="H6912"\w* \w the dead|strong="H2491"\w*, \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w male|strong="H2145"\w* \w in Edom|strong="H0123"\w*.  
\v 16  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w army|strong="H3427"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w they had exterminated|strong="H3772"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w male|strong="H2145"\w* \w in Edom|strong="H0123"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Hadad|strong="H1908"\w*, \w who was only a small|strong="H6996"\w* \w boy|strong="H5288"\w* \w at the time, escaped|strong="H1272"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w some of his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w Edomite|strong="H0130"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and headed|strong="H0935"\w* \w for Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.  
\v 18  \w They went|strong="H6965"\w* \w from Midian|strong="H4080"\w* \w to Paran|strong="H6290"\w*; \w they took|strong="H3947"\w* \w some men|strong="H0582"\w* \w from Paran|strong="H6290"\w* \w and went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w Pharaoh|strong="H6547"\w*, \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w supplied|strong="H5414"\w* \w him with|strong="H5973"\w* \w a house|strong="H1004"\w* \w and food|strong="H3899"\w* \w and even assigned|strong="H5414"\w* \w him some land|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Pharaoh|strong="H6547"\w* \w liked|strong="H2580"\w* \w Hadad|strong="H1908"\w* \w so well|strong="H5414"\w* \w he|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him his sister-in-law|strong="H0802"\w* \w (Queen|strong="H1377"\w* \w Tahpenes|strong="H8472"\w*’ \w sister|strong="H0269"\w*\w ) as a wife|strong="H0802"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Tahpenes|strong="H8472"\w*’ \w sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w gave birth|strong="H3205"\w* \w to his son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w named Genubath|strong="H1592"\w*. \w Tahpenes|strong="H8472"\w* \w raised|strong="H8432"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*; \w Genubath|strong="H1592"\w* \w grew up in Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w among|strong="H8432"\w* \w Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 21  \w While in Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w Hadad|strong="H1908"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w the commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w was dead|strong="H4191"\w*. \w So Hadad|strong="H1908"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w Pharaoh|strong="H6547"\w*, \w “Give|strong="H7971"\w* \w me permission to leave|strong="H7971"\w* \w so I can return|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my homeland|strong="H0776"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w Pharaoh|strong="H6547"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do you|strong="H0859"\w* \w lack|strong="H2638"\w* \w here|strong="H2005"\w* \w that makes you want|strong="H1245"\w* \w to go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to your homeland|strong="H0776"\w*\w ?”|strong="H0559"\w* Hadad \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Nothing|strong="H3808"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w please give me|strong="H0413"\w* \w permission|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* leave.”   
\p
\v 23  \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w also brought|strong="H6965"\w* \w against Solomon|strong="H7854"\w* another \w enemy|strong="H7854"\w*, \w Rezon|strong="H7331"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Eliada|strong="H0450"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had run away|strong="H1272"\w* \w from his master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w* \w of Zobah|strong="H6678"\w*.  
\v 24  \w He gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w some men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and organized|strong="H1961"\w* \w a raiding band|strong="H1416"\w*. \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w tried to kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w them,|strong="H1980"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w went|strong="H0376"\w* \w to Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*, \w where they settled down|strong="H3427"\w* \w and gained control|strong="H4427"\w* \w of the city|strong="H1834"\w*.  
\v 25  \w He was|strong="H1961"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w enemy|strong="H7854"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w and, like Hadad|strong="H1908"\w*, \w caused|strong="H0854"\w* \w trouble|strong="H7451"\w*. \w He loathed|strong="H6973"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Syria|strong="H0758"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*, \w one of Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w rebelled against|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w He was an Ephraimite|strong="H0673"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Zeredah|strong="H6868"\w* \w whose mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was a widow|strong="H0490"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Zeruah|strong="H6871"\w*.  
\v 27  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is what|strong="H1697"\w* \w prompted|strong="H7311"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w to rebel|strong="H3027"\w* \w against the king|strong="H4428"\w*\w :|strong="H8010"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a terrace|strong="H4407"\w* \w and he closed|strong="H5462"\w* \w up a gap|strong="H6556"\w* \w in the wall of the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w was a talented|strong="H2428"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*; \w when Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w was an accomplished|strong="H6213"\w* \w worker|strong="H4399"\w*, \w he made him the leader|strong="H6485"\w* \w of the work crew|strong="H5447"\w* \w from the tribe|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Joseph|strong="H3130"\w*.  
\v 29  \w At that time|strong="H6256"\w*, \w when Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w had left|strong="H3318"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w the Shilonite|strong="H7888"\w* \w met|strong="H4672"\w* \w him on the road|strong="H1870"\w*; \w the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w of them were alone|strong="H0905"\w* \w in the open country|strong="H7704"\w*. \w Ahijah|strong="H3680"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* wearing \w a|strong="H1961"\w* brand \w new|strong="H2319"\w* \w robe|strong="H8008"\w*,  
\v 30  \w and he|strong="H0281"\w* \w grabbed|strong="H8610"\w* \w the robe|strong="H8008"\w* \w and tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w it into twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w pieces|strong="H7168"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Then he told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, \w “Take|strong="H3947"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w pieces|strong="H7168"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w this is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w says: ‘Look|strong="H2005"\w*, \w I am about to tear|strong="H7167"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w from Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w and I will give|strong="H5414"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.  
\v 32  \w He will retain|strong="H1961"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w*, \w for|strong="H4616"\w* \w my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w sake|strong="H4616"\w* \w and for the sake|strong="H4616"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w I have chosen out|strong="H0977"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 33  \w I am taking the kingdom from him|strong="H3282"\w* \w because|strong="H3282"\w* \w they have|strong="H5800"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w me and worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w the Sidonian|strong="H6722"\w* \w goddess|strong="H0430"\w* \w Astarte|strong="H6253"\w*, \w the Moabite|strong="H4124"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w Chemosh|strong="H3645"\w*, \w and the Ammonite|strong="H5983"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w Milcom|strong="H4445"\w*. \w They have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w my instructions|strong="H1870"\w* \w by doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w what I approve|strong="H3477"\w* \w and obeying|strong="H5869"\w* \w my rules|strong="H2708"\w* \w and regulations|strong="H4941"\w*, \w like Solomon’s father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 34  \w I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w take|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w from his hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w I will allow|strong="H7896"\w* \w him to be ruler|strong="H5387"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the rest|strong="H3117"\w* \w of his life|strong="H2416"\w* \w for the sake|strong="H4616"\w* \w of my chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w my commandments|strong="H4687"\w* \w and rules|strong="H2708"\w*.  
\v 35  \w I will take|strong="H3947"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4410"\w* \w from the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w and give|strong="H5414"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 36  \w I will leave|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w so|strong="H4616"\w* \w my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H5216"\w* \w may continue|strong="H3117"\w* \w to serve|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H3389"\w* \w in|strong="H3117"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w I have chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w as my home|strong="H8034"\w*.  
\v 37  \w I will select|strong="H3947"\w* \w you; you will rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w over all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you desire|strong="H0183"\w* \w to have and you will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 38  \w You must|strong="H0518"\w* \w obey|strong="H8085"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w I command|strong="H6680"\w* \w you to do, follow|strong="H1980"\w* \w my instructions|strong="H1870"\w*, \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what I approve|strong="H5869"\w*, \w and keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w my rules|strong="H2708"\w* \w and commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w like my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Then I will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you and establish|strong="H1129"\w* \w for you a lasting|strong="H0539"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*, \w as I did|strong="H1129"\w* \w for David|strong="H1732"\w*; \w I will give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 39  \w I will humiliate|strong="H6031"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w because|strong="H4616"\w* \w of this|strong="H2063"\w*, \w but not|strong="H3808"\w* \w forever|strong="H3117"\w*.”  
\v 40  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w tried|strong="H1245"\w* \w to kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, \w but Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w escaped|strong="H1272"\w* \w to Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and found refuge with King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w He stayed in Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*.   
\s1 \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* Reign \w Ends|strong="H5704"\w*  
\p
\v 41  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w reign, including all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his accomplishments|strong="H6213"\w* \w and his wise|strong="H2451"\w* \w decisions, are|strong="H1992"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 42  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for forty|strong="H0705"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 43  \w Then Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 12  
\p
\v 1  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w traveled|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had gathered|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H7927"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w to make Rehoboam|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.  
\v 2  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the news, he was still|strong="H5750"\w* \w in Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had fled|strong="H1272"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and had been living|strong="H3427"\w* \w ever|strong="H5750"\w* \w since|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 3  \w They sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w for him,|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*,  
\v 4 “\w Your|strong="H0859"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w made|strong="H7185"\w* \w us work|strong="H5656"\w* \w too hard|strong="H7186"\w*. \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w if you|strong="H0859"\w* \w lighten|strong="H5923"\w* \w the demands he made|strong="H5414"\w* \w and don’t make|strong="H5414"\w* \w us work as|strong="H0834"\w* \w hard, we will serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them, “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w away|strong="H5750"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*, \w then return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to me|strong="H0413"\w*.” \w So the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the older|strong="H2205"\w* \w advisers who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w served|strong="H5975"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he had been alive|strong="H2416"\w*. \w He asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w them,|strong="H0349"\w* “\w How|strong="H0349"\w* \w do you|strong="H0859"\w* \w advise|strong="H3289"\w* \w me to answer|strong="H7725"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*?”  
\v 7  \w They said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you show a willingness to help|strong="H6030"\w* \w these|strong="H1696"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and grant|strong="H1697"\w* \w their request|strong="H2896"\w*, \w they will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w from this time|strong="H3117"\w* forward.”  
\v 8  \w But Rehoboam rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w their advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w and consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w the young advisers|strong="H3206"\w* \w who served him, with|strong="H0854"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w grown|strong="H1431"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w them, “How|strong="H4100"\w* \w do you|strong="H0859"\w* \w advise|strong="H3289"\w* \w me|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w respond|strong="H7725"\w* \w to these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to me|strong="H0413"\w*, \w ‘Lessen|strong="H4480"\w* \w the demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* us’?”  
\v 10  \w The young advisers|strong="H3206"\w* \w with whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H1431"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w grown|strong="H1431"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w have said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you, ‘Your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w made us work hard, but now lighten|strong="H7043"\w* \w our burden|strong="H5923"\w*.’ \w Say|strong="H1696"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them: ‘I am a lot harsher|strong="H5666"\w* \w than my father|strong="H0001"\w*!  
\v 11  \w My father|strong="H0001"\w* \w imposed|strong="H6006"\w* \w heavy|strong="H3515"\w* \w demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you; I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will make|strong="H3254"\w* \w them even heavier|strong="H3254"\w*. \w My father|strong="H0001"\w* \w punished|strong="H3256"\w* \w you with ordinary whips|strong="H7752"\w*; \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will punish|strong="H3256"\w* \w you with whips that really sting your flesh|strong="H6137"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 12  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w reported|strong="H7346"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w just as|strong="H1696"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had ordered when he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.”  
\v 13  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w responded|strong="H6030"\w* \w to the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w harshly|strong="H7186"\w*. \w He rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of the older|strong="H2205"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*  
\v 14  \w and followed|strong="H1696"\w* \w the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of the|strong="H0853"\w* \w younger ones|strong="H3206"\w*. \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My father|strong="H0001"\w* \w imposed heavy|strong="H3513"\w* \w demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you; I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will make|strong="H5923"\w* \w them even heavier|strong="H5923"\w*. \w My father|strong="H0001"\w* \w punished|strong="H3256"\w* \w you with ordinary whips|strong="H7752"\w*; \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will punish you|strong="H3256"\w* \w with whips|strong="H3256"\w* \w that really sting|strong="H6137"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* flesh.”  
\v 15  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w instigating this turn of events|strong="H5438"\w* \w so that|strong="H4616"\w* \w he might bring to pass the prophetic|strong="H0834"\w* \w announcement|strong="H3068"\w* \w he had made|strong="H3027"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w the Shilonite|strong="H7888"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w saw that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “We|strong="H4100"\w* \w have no portion|strong="H2506"\w* \w in David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w share|strong="H5159"\w* \w in the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jesse|strong="H3448"\w*\w !|strong="H7725"\w* \w Return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to your homes|strong="H0168"\w*, \w O Israel|strong="H3478"\w*\w !|strong="H6258"\w* \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w look|strong="H7200"\w* \w after your own dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*, \w O David|strong="H1732"\w*\w !”|strong="H1980"\w* \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w returned to their homes|strong="H0168"\w*.  
\v 17  \w (Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w continued to rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.)  
\v 18  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Adoniram|strong="H0151"\w*, \w the supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the work crews|strong="H4522"\w*, \w out after them, but all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w stoned|strong="H0068"\w* \w him to death|strong="H4191"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w managed|strong="H0553"\w* \w to jump into|strong="H5927"\w* \w his chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w and escape|strong="H5127"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 19  \w So Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w has been in rebellion against|strong="H6586"\w* \w the Davidic|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 20  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w had returned|strong="H7725"\w*, \w they summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w him to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the assembly|strong="H5712"\w* \w and made him king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one except|strong="H2108"\w* \w the tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w loyal to the Davidic|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w When Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w he summoned|strong="H6950"\w* \w 180,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w skilled|strong="H0970"\w* \w warriors|strong="H4421"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and the tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w to attack|strong="H3898"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and restore|strong="H7725"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4410"\w* \w to Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 22  \w But God|strong="H0430"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w*,  
\v 23 “\w Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w this to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w as well as the rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w*,  
\v 24 ‘\w The \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w this: “Do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w and make war|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w your brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w of you go|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I have caused|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w to happen|strong="H1961"\w*.”’\w ”|strong="H8085"\w* \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w obeyed|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3069"\+w*\nd* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w home|strong="H7725"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w had ordered|strong="H1697"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w do|strong="H8085"\w*.   
\s1 Jeroboam \w Makes|strong="H0559"\w* Golden \w Calves|strong="H1121"\w*  
\p
\v 25  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w in the Ephraimite|strong="H0669"\w* \w hill country|strong="H2022"\w* \w and lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w there. From there|strong="H8033"\w* \w he went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up Penuel|strong="H6439"\w*.  
\v 26  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w then thought to himself|strong="H3820"\w*\w :|strong="H6258"\w* “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w the Davidic|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w could regain|strong="H7725"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*.  
\v 27  \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w go up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to offer|strong="H6213"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w their loyalty could shift|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their former master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w They might kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w me and return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.”  
\v 28  \w After the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w with his advisers,|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w golden|strong="H2091"\w* \w calves|strong="H5695"\w*. \w Then he said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the people|strong="H7227"\w*, “\w It is too much|strong="H7227"\w* \w trouble for you to go up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w here are your gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w brought you up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.”  
\v 29  \w He put|strong="H7760"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w in Dan|strong="H1835"\w*.  
\v 30  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w caused|strong="H1697"\w* \w Israel to sin|strong="H2403"\w*; \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Bethel and Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* worship \w the|strong="H6440"\w* calves.   
\p
\v 31  \w He built|strong="H6213"\w* \w temples|strong="H1004"\w* \w on the high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and appointed|strong="H7098"\w* \w as priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3878"\w*.  
\v 32  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w inaugurated|strong="H6213"\w* \w a festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w on the fifteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the eighth|strong="H8066"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w like the festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w celebrated in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w he offered sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to the calves|strong="H5695"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*. \w In Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w he also|strong="H0853"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w for the high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*.   
\s1 \w A|strong="H2076"\w* Prophet \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* Visits \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*  
\p
\v 33  \w On the fifteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the eighth|strong="H8066"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w (a date he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w arbitrarily chosen|strong="H0908"\w*\w )|strong="H5927"\w* Jeroboam \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w he had made|strong="H6213"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*. \w He inaugurated|strong="H6213"\w* \w a festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w for the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w to offer sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w*.   
\c 13  
\p
\v 1  \w Just then|strong="H2009"\w* \w a prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, sent \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*, \w as Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w was standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w near the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w ready to offer a sacrifice|strong="H6999"\w*.  
\v 2  \w With|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w authority|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w he cried out|strong="H7121"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w “O altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*\w ! This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w a son|strong="H1121"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w will be born|strong="H3205"\w* \w to the Davidic|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He will sacrifice|strong="H2076"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w of the high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w who offer sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you. Human|strong="H0120"\w* \w bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w will be burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*.’”  
\v 3  \w That day|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w also announced|strong="H1696"\w* \w a sign|strong="H4159"\w*, \w “This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is the sign|strong="H4159"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has predetermined|strong="H2009"\w*\w :|strong="H4196"\w* \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w will be split|strong="H8210"\w* \w open and the ashes|strong="H1880"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* fall \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* ground.”  
\v 4  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w cried|strong="H7121"\w* \w out against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*, \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, \w standing at the altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w extended|strong="H7971"\w* \w his hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w and ordered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Seize|strong="H8610"\w* \w him!” The hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w extended|strong="H7971"\w* \w shriveled|strong="H3001"\w* \w up|strong="H3201"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w pull|strong="H3201"\w* \w it back|strong="H7725"\w*.  
\v 5  \w The altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w split|strong="H8210"\w* \w open and the ashes|strong="H1880"\w* \w fell from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w to the ground,|strong="H4159"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w fulfillment|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w sign|strong="H4159"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w had announced|strong="H1697"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w authority|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 6  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w pled|strong="H6030"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophet|strong="H0376"\w*, “\w Seek|strong="H2470"\w* \w the favor|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w for me|strong="H1157"\w*, \w so that my hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w may be restored|strong="H2470"\w*.” \w So the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w sought|strong="H2470"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w favor|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w was restored|strong="H2470"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w its former|strong="H7223"\w* \w condition|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w then said to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w*, \w “Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me|strong="H5582"\w* \w and have something to eat. I’d like to give|strong="H5414"\w* \w a present|strong="H4991"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w But the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Even if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you were to give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me half|strong="H2677"\w* \w your possessions|strong="H1004"\w*, \w I could not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you and eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w in|strong="H4725"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 9  \w For|strong="H3651"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w me strict orders|strong="H1697"\w*, ‘\w Do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w there and do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go home|strong="H7725"\w* \w the way|strong="H1870"\w* \w you came|strong="H1980"\w*.’”  
\v 10  \w So he started back|strong="H1980"\w* \w on another|strong="H0312"\w* \w road|strong="H1870"\w*; \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w travel back|strong="H7725"\w* \w on the same road|strong="H1870"\w* \w he had taken|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Now there was an|strong="H0259"\w* \w old|strong="H2205"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*. \w When his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w home|strong="H5608"\w*, \w they told|strong="H5608"\w* \w their father|strong="H0001"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w that day|strong="H3117"\w* \w and all the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w spoken|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Their father|strong="H0001"\w* \w asked|strong="H1696"\w* \w them, “Which|strong="H0335"\w* \w road|strong="H1870"\w* \w did he take|strong="H1980"\w*\w ?” His sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w showed|strong="H7200"\w* \w him|strong="H1870"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w road|strong="H1870"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0430"\w* \w from Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w had taken|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He then told|strong="H0559"\w* \w his sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w “Saddle|strong="H2280"\w* \w the donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w for me.” When they had saddled|strong="H2280"\w* \w the donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w for him, he mounted|strong="H7392"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*  
\v 14  \w and took off|strong="H1980"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w*, \w whom he found|strong="H4672"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w an oak tree|strong="H0424"\w*. \w He asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Judah|strong="H3063"\w*\w ?” He answered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Yes, I am|strong="H0589"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w He then said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Come|strong="H1980"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me and eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w something|strong="H3899"\w*.”  
\v 16  \w But he replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I can’t|strong="H3201"\w* \w go back|strong="H7725"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w with you|strong="H0854"\w* \w in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 17  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w gave me|strong="H0413"\w* \w strict orders|strong="H1697"\w*, ‘\w Do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*; \w do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w the way|strong="H1870"\w* \w you came|strong="H1980"\w*.’”  
\v 18  \w The old prophet then said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w too|strong="H1571"\w* \w am a prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w you. An angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w told|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w authority|strong="H1697"\w*, ‘\w Bring|strong="H7725"\w* \w him back|strong="H7725"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your house|strong="H1004"\w* \w so he can eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w*.’” \w But he was lying|strong="H3584"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 19  \w So the prophet went back|strong="H7725"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him and ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drank|strong="H8354"\w* \w in his house|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w were sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w at the table|strong="H7979"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w spoke|strong="H0413"\w* \w through the old prophet|strong="H5030"\w*  
\v 21  \w and he cried|strong="H7121"\w* \w out to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘You|strong="H3282"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H4784"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obeyed|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w command|strong="H6680"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 22  \w You went back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drank|strong="H8354"\w* \w in this place|strong="H4725"\w*, \w even though he said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you, “Do not|strong="H0408"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w or|strong="H0408"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w there.”|strong="H5038"\w* \w Therefore|strong="H0834"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w corpse|strong="H5038"\w* \w will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be buried|strong="H0935"\w* \w in your ancestral|strong="H0001"\w* \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 23  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the prophet from Judah finished|strong="H0398"\w* \w his meal|strong="H8354"\w*, \w the old prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w saddled|strong="H2280"\w* \w his visitor’s donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w for|strong="H3899"\w* \w him|strong="H0310"\w*.  
\v 24  \w As the prophet from Judah was traveling|strong="H4672"\w*, \w a lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w attacked him|strong="H4672"\w* \w on the road|strong="H1870"\w* \w and killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him.|strong="H5038"\w* \w His|strong="H1961"\w* \w corpse|strong="H5038"\w* \w was lying|strong="H7993"\w* \w on the road|strong="H1870"\w*, \w and the donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w and the lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w just stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w there beside|strong="H0681"\w* \w it|strong="H5038"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Some|strong="H2009"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w came by|strong="H5674"\w* \w and saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the corpse|strong="H5038"\w* \w lying|strong="H7993"\w* \w in the road|strong="H1870"\w* \w with the|strong="H0853"\w* \w lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w beside|strong="H0681"\w* \w it|strong="H5038"\w*. \w They went|strong="H0935"\w* \w and reported what|strong="H1696"\w* \w they had seen|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the old|strong="H2205"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w*.  
\v 26  \w When the old prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w invited him to his house heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the news,|strong="H0559"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “It is|strong="H1931"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H4784"\w* \w against the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w .|strong="H3068"\w* \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w delivered|strong="H5414"\w* \w him over to the lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w and it ripped|strong="H7665"\w* \w him up|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him, just|strong="H1697"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w warned|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 27  \w He told|strong="H1696"\w* \w his sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w “Saddle|strong="H2280"\w* \w my donkey|strong="H2543"\w*,” \w and they did so|strong="H2280"\w*.  
\v 28  \w He went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w corpse|strong="H5038"\w* \w lying|strong="H7993"\w* \w in the road|strong="H1870"\w* \w with the donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w and the lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w beside|strong="H0681"\w* \w it|strong="H5038"\w*; \w the lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w had|strong="H0853"\w* \w neither|strong="H3808"\w* \w eaten|strong="H0398"\w* \w the corpse|strong="H5038"\w* \w nor|strong="H3808"\w* \w attacked the|strong="H0853"\w* \w donkey|strong="H2543"\w*.  
\v 29  \w The old prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w picked|strong="H5375"\w* \w up the corpse|strong="H5038"\w* \w of the prophet|strong="H0376"\w*, \w put|strong="H3240"\w* \w it on the donkey|strong="H2543"\w*, \w and brought it back|strong="H7725"\w*. \w The old|strong="H2205"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w then entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w mourn|strong="H5594"\w* \w him and to bury|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 30  \w He put|strong="H3240"\w* \w the corpse|strong="H5038"\w* \w into his own tomb|strong="H6913"\w*, \w and they|strong="H5594"\w* \w mourned|strong="H5594"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w him, saying, “Ah|strong="H1945"\w*, \w my brother|strong="H0251"\w*!”  
\v 31  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w he buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him, he said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w “When I die|strong="H4191"\w*, \w bury|strong="H6912"\w* \w me in the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w is buried|strong="H6912"\w*; \w put|strong="H3240"\w* \w my bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w right beside|strong="H0681"\w* \w his bones|strong="H6106"\w*,  
\v 32  \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the prophecy|strong="H1697"\w* \w he announced|strong="H1697"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w authority|strong="H5921"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w in Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w and against|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the temples|strong="H1004"\w* \w on the high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of the north|strong="H8111"\w* \w will certainly be|strong="H1961"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="H1961"\w*.”   
\s1 \w A|strong="H1961"\w* Prophet Announces \w the|strong="H3605"\w* End \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Jeroboam’s \w Dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*  
\p
\v 33  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w happened|strong="H1697"\w*, \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w still did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w change|strong="H7725"\w* \w his evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w ways|strong="H1870"\w*; \w he continued|strong="H7725"\w* \w to appoint common|strong="H7098"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w as priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w at the high places|strong="H1116"\w*. \w Anyone who wanted|strong="H2655"\w* \w the job he consecrated|strong="H4390"\w* \w as a priest|strong="H3548"\w*.  
\v 34  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w caused|strong="H1697"\w* \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w to come to an end and to be destroyed|strong="H8045"\w* \w from the face|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0127"\w*.   
\c 14  
\p
\v 1   
\p \w At that|strong="H1931"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w became sick|strong="H2470"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w his wife|strong="H0802"\w*, \w “Disguise|strong="H8138"\w* \w yourself so|strong="H6965"\w* \w that people cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w recognize|strong="H3045"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*. \w Then go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w*; \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w who told|strong="H1696"\w* \w me I would|strong="H1696"\w* \w rule|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w*, \w lives there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Take|strong="H3947"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w loaves|strong="H3027"\w* \w of bread|strong="H3899"\w*, \w some small cakes|strong="H5350"\w*, \w and a container|strong="H1228"\w* \w of honey|strong="H1706"\w* \w and visit|strong="H0935"\w* \w him. He|strong="H1931"\w* \w will tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w you what|strong="H4100"\w* \w will happen|strong="H1961"\w* \w to the boy|strong="H5288"\w*.”   
\p
\v 4  \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H3651"\w* \w she was told|strong="H6965"\w*. \w She went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w* \w and visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w*. \w Now Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w*; \w he had lost|strong="H6965"\w* \w his eyesight|strong="H5869"\w* \w in his old age|strong="H7869"\w*.  
\v 5  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w is coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w to find out|strong="H1875"\w* \w from you what|strong="H1697"\w* \w will happen to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w is sick|strong="H2470"\w*. \w Tell|strong="H1696"\w* \w her so-and-so|strong="H2088"\w*. \w When she comes|strong="H0935"\w*, \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w in a disguise|strong="H5234"\w*.”  
\v 6  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w of her footsteps|strong="H7272"\w* \w as she came|strong="H0935"\w* \w through the door|strong="H6607"\w*, \w he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w on in, wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*\w ! Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w pretending|strong="H7186"\w* \w to be someone else? I have been commissioned|strong="H7186"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w give|strong="H7186"\w* \w you bad news|strong="H7186"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, \w ‘This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w says|strong="H3282"\w*\w : “I raised|strong="H7311"\w* \w you up|strong="H8432"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w among|strong="H8432"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and made|strong="H5414"\w* \w you ruler|strong="H5057"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 8  \w I tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w away from the Davidic|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w and gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w it to you. But you are not|strong="H3808"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w my commandments|strong="H4687"\w* \w and followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w me wholeheartedly|strong="H3824"\w* \w by doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w only|strong="H7535"\w* \w what I approve|strong="H3477"\w*.  
\v 9  \w You have sinned|strong="H6213"\w* \w more than|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who came|strong="H1961"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you. You went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w me by making|strong="H6213"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*, \w formed out of metal|strong="H4541"\w*; \w you have completely disregarded|strong="H1458"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 10  \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w I am|strong="H2005"\w* \w ready to bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*. \w I will cut off|strong="H3772"\w* \w every last male|strong="H7023"\w* \w belonging to Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w including even the weak|strong="H6113"\w* \w and incapacitated|strong="H5800"\w*. \w I will burn up|strong="H1197"\w* \w the dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, \w just as|strong="H0834"\w* \w one burns|strong="H1197"\w* \w manure|strong="H1557"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w it is completely|strong="H5704"\w* \w consumed|strong="H8552"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Dogs|strong="H3611"\w* \w will eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w the members of your family|strong="H3379"\w* \w who die|strong="H4191"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and the birds|strong="H5775"\w* \w of the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w will eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w the ones who die|strong="H4191"\w* \w in the country|strong="H7704"\w*.”’ \w Indeed|strong="H3588"\w*, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has announced|strong="H1696"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*!   
\p
\v 12 “\w As for you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w get up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and go|strong="H1980"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w When you set|strong="H0935"\w* \w foot|strong="H7272"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w the boy|strong="H3206"\w* \w will die|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 13  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will mourn|strong="H5594"\w* \w him and bury|strong="H6912"\w* \w him. He is the only|strong="H0905"\w* \w one in Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w who will receive|strong="H0935"\w* \w a decent burial|strong="H6913"\w*, \w for|strong="H3282"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w only|strong="H0905"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* whom \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w anything|strong="H1697"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will raise|strong="H6965"\w* \w up a king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w will cut off|strong="H3772"\w* \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*. \w It is|strong="H2088"\w* \w ready to happen|strong="H4100"\w*!  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will attack|strong="H5221"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w making it like|strong="H5110"\w* \w a reed|strong="H7070"\w* \w that sways|strong="H5110"\w* \w in the water|strong="H4325"\w*. \w He will remove|strong="H5428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from this|strong="H2063"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w he gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w and scatter|strong="H2219"\w* \w them beyond|strong="H5676"\w* \w the Euphrates|strong="H5104"\w* \w River,|strong="H3282"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w they angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w by making|strong="H6213"\w* \w Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He will hand|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w over to their enemies|strong="H1558"\w* \w because of the sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w committed|strong="H2398"\w* \w and which|strong="H0834"\w* \w he made Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w commit|strong="H2398"\w*.”   
\p
\v 17  \w So Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and went back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H8656"\w* \w Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*. \w As she crossed|strong="H0935"\w* \w the threshold|strong="H5592"\w* \w of the house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the boy|strong="H5288"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 18  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him and mourned|strong="H5594"\w* \w for him, just|strong="H1697"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w predicted|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w*.   
\s1 Jeroboam’s Reign Ends  
\p
\v 19  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w reign, including|strong="H0834"\w* \w the details of his battles|strong="H3898"\w* \w and rule|strong="H4427"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for twenty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*; \w then he passed away|strong="H0001"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nadab|strong="H5070"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 Rehoboam’s \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w* over Judah  
\p
\v 21  \w Now Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H0259"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* forty-one \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when he|strong="H7346"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and he ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for seventeen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w chose|strong="H0977"\w* \w from|strong="H8033"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to be|strong="H7760"\w* \w his home|strong="H8034"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was an Ammonite|strong="H5985"\w* \w woman|strong="H8034"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Naamah|strong="H5279"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . They made him more jealous|strong="H7065"\w* \w by their sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w than|strong="H2398"\w* \w their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 23  \w They even|strong="H1571"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for themselves|strong="H1992"\w* \w high places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w sacred pillars|strong="H4676"\w*, \w and Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1364"\w* \w hill|strong="H1389"\w* \w and under|strong="H8478"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w green|strong="H7488"\w* \w tree|strong="H6086"\w*.  
\v 24  \w There were also|strong="H1571"\w* \w male cultic prostitutes|strong="H6945"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w They committed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the same horrible|strong="H8441"\w* \w sins as the nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had driven|strong="H3423"\w* \w out from before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w In King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam’s|strong="H7346"\w* \w fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w attacked Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 26  \w He took|strong="H3947"\w* \w away the treasures|strong="H0214"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and of the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*; \w he took|strong="H3947"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w*, \w including all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the golden|strong="H2091"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had made|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 27  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w to replace|strong="H8478"\w* \w them and assigned|strong="H6485"\w* \w them to the officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the royal guard|strong="H7323"\w* \w who protected|strong="H8104"\w* \w the entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Whenever|strong="H1767"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the royal guard|strong="H7323"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w them and then brought|strong="H7725"\w* \w them back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the guardroom|strong="H7323"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Rehoboam’s|strong="H7346"\w* \w reign, including|strong="H3605"\w* \w his accomplishments|strong="H1992"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w were continually|strong="H0996"\w* \w at|strong="H3117"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with each other|strong="H0996"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was an Ammonite|strong="H5985"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Naamah|strong="H5279"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0038"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 15  
\p
\v 1  \w In the eighteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of the reign|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*, \w Abijah|strong="H0038"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Maacah|strong="H4601"\w*, \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Abishalom|strong="H0053"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the sinful|strong="H2403"\w* \w practices of his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him. He was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w wholeheartedly|strong="H3824"\w* \w devoted|strong="H8003"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w as|strong="H3824"\w* \w his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Nevertheless for|strong="H3588"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w sake|strong="H4616"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w maintained his dynasty|strong="H5216"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w by giving|strong="H6965"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w a son|strong="H1121"\w* \w to succeed him|strong="H0310"\w* \w and by protecting|strong="H5975"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done what he approved|strong="H3477"\w* \w and had|strong="H6680"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w disregarded|strong="H5493"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of his commandments|strong="H6680"\w* \w his entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*, \w except|strong="H7535"\w* \w for the incident involving|strong="H1697"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w were continually at|strong="H3117"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with each other|strong="H0996"\w* \w throughout Abijah’s|strong="H2416"\w* \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Abijah’s|strong="H0038"\w* \w reign, including all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H1992"\w* \w accomplishments|strong="H6213"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Abijah|strong="H0038"\w* \w and Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w had been|strong="H1961"\w* \w at|strong="H0996"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with each|strong="H0996"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Abijah|strong="H0038"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H0853"\w* Judah  
\p
\v 9  \w In the twentieth|strong="H6242"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for forty-one|strong="H0705"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His grandmother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Abishalom|strong="H0053"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w* \w like his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had done|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 12  \w He removed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the male cultic prostitutes|strong="H6945"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and got rid|strong="H5493"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the disgusting idols|strong="H1544"\w* \w his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He also|strong="H1571"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w his grandmother|strong="H0517"\w* \w from her position as queen|strong="H1377"\w* \w because she had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a loathsome|strong="H4656"\w* \w Asherah pole|strong="H0842"\w*. \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w cut down|strong="H3772"\w* \w her Asherah pole|strong="H4656"\w* \w and burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w it in the Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eliminated|strong="H5493"\w*, \w yet|strong="H7535"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w was wholeheartedly|strong="H3824"\w* \w devoted|strong="H8003"\w* \w to the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 15  \w He brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H6944"\w* \w that he and his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w had made into|strong="H6944"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w including the silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and other articles|strong="H3627"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were continually at|strong="H3117"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with each other|strong="H0996"\w*.  
\v 17  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and established|strong="H1129"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w as a military outpost to prevent|strong="H5414"\w* \w anyone from leaving|strong="H3318"\w* \w or entering|strong="H0935"\w* \w the land of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w that was left|strong="H3498"\w* \w in the treasuries|strong="H0214"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and of the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w it to his servants|strong="H5650"\w*. \w He|strong="H0609"\w* \w then told them to|strong="H0413"\w* \w deliver|strong="H7971"\w* \w it|strong="H1130"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Ben Hadad \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Tabrimmon|strong="H2886"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hezion|strong="H2383"\w*, \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w*, \w ruler|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*, \w along with this message|strong="H0559"\w*:  
\v 19 “\w I want to make a treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you, like the one our fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w made.|strong="H2009"\w* \w See|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I have sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w you silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w as a present|strong="H7810"\w*. \w Break|strong="H6565"\w* \w your treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so he will retreat|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* land.”  
\v 20  \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w accepted|strong="H8085"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w offer and ordered|strong="H7971"\w* \w his army|strong="H2428"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w attack the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They conquered|strong="H5221"\w* \w Ijon|strong="H5859"\w*, \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*, \w Abel Beth Maacah|strong="H0062"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the territory|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*, \w including the region|strong="H3605"\w* \w of Kinnereth|strong="H3672"\w*.  
\v 21  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the news, he stopped|strong="H2308"\w* \w fortifying|strong="H1129"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w and settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w down in Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*.  
\v 22  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w ordered|strong="H8085"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w (no|strong="H0369"\w* \w exemptions|strong="H5355"\w* \w were granted) to carry|strong="H5375"\w* \w away the|strong="H0853"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w and wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w had used to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w used the materials to build up|strong="H1387"\w* \w Geba|strong="H1387"\w* \w (in Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*\w ) and Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign, including all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his successes|strong="H1369"\w* \w and accomplishments|strong="H6213"\w*, \w as well as|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H6256"\w* \w record of the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w he built|strong="H1129"\w*, \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Yet|strong="H7535"\w* \w when he was|strong="H2470"\w* \w very old he developed|strong="H2209"\w* \w a foot|strong="H7272"\w* \w disease|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 Nadab’s \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w* over Israel  
\p
\v 25  \w In the second year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nadab|strong="H5070"\w* \w became the king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w he ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 26  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . He followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H2398"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to sin|strong="H2403"\w*.   
\p
\v 27  \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w*, \w from the tribe|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Issachar|strong="H3485"\w*, \w conspired|strong="H7194"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Nadab|strong="H1201"\w* \w and assassinated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him in Gibbethon|strong="H1405"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was in Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w territory. This happened while Nadab|strong="H5070"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w army were besieging|strong="H6696"\w* \w Gibbethon|strong="H1405"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him in the third|strong="H7969"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4191"\w* \w as|strong="H8478"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 29  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w he became king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w he executed|strong="H5221"\w* \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He wiped out|strong="H8045"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who breathed|strong="H5397"\w*, \w just as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w predicted|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w the Shilonite|strong="H7888"\w*.  
\v 30  \w This happened because|strong="H2398"\w* \w of the sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w committed|strong="H2398"\w* \w and which|strong="H0834"\w* \w he made Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w commit. These sins angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 31  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Nadab’s|strong="H5070"\w* \w reign, including all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his accomplishments|strong="H1992"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 32  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nadab|strong="H1201"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were continually|strong="H0996"\w* \w at|strong="H3117"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with each other|strong="H0996"\w*.   
\s1 \w Baasha’s|strong="H1201"\w* \w Reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*  
\p
\v 33  \w In the third|strong="H7969"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*; \w he ruled for twenty-four|strong="H0702"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 34  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ; he followed|strong="H1870"\w* \w in Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H2398"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to sin|strong="H2403"\w*.   
\c 16  
\p
\v 1  \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w received|strong="H1961"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w this message|strong="H1697"\w* \w predicting Baasha’s|strong="H1201"\w* \w downfall|strong="H0559"\w*:  
\v 2 “\w I raised|strong="H7311"\w* \w you up|strong="H4480"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the dust|strong="H6083"\w* \w and made|strong="H5414"\w* \w you ruler|strong="H5057"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Yet you followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H2398"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to sin|strong="H2403"\w*; \w their sins have made me angry|strong="H3707"\w*.  
\v 3  \w So I am|strong="H2005"\w* \w ready to burn|strong="H1197"\w* \w up|strong="H1201"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w and his family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and make|strong="H5414"\w* \w your family|strong="H1004"\w* \w like the family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Dogs|strong="H3611"\w* \w will eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w the members of Baasha’s|strong="H1201"\w* \w family|strong="H4191"\w* \w who|strong="H1201"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and the birds|strong="H5775"\w* \w of the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w will eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w the ones who die|strong="H4191"\w* \w in the country|strong="H7704"\w*.”   
\p
\v 5  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Baasha’s|strong="H1201"\w* \w reign, including|strong="H0834"\w* \w his accomplishments|strong="H6213"\w* \w and successes|strong="H1369"\w*, \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Elah|strong="H0425"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w received from the|strong="H1697"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w the message|strong="H1697"\w* \w predicting|strong="H3027"\w* \w the downfall of Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w and his family|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w Baasha had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w .|strong="H4639"\w* \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w actions|strong="H4639"\w* \w angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd* (including the way he had destroyed Jeroboam’s dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*\w ), so that|strong="H0834"\w* \w his family ended up like Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w*.   
\s1 Elah’s Reign \w over|strong="H5921"\w* Israel  
\p
\v 8  \w In the twenty-sixth|strong="H8337"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w* \w over Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Baasha’s|strong="H1201"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Elah|strong="H0425"\w* \w became king over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w he ruled in Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w* \w for two years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 9  \w His servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Zimri|strong="H2174"\w*, \w a commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of half|strong="H4276"\w* \w of his chariot force|strong="H7393"\w*, \w conspired|strong="H7194"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H1931"\w*. \w While Elah|strong="H8656"\w* \w was drinking|strong="H8354"\w* \w heavily|strong="H7910"\w* \w at the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Arza|strong="H0777"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*,  
\v 10  \w Zimri|strong="H2174"\w* \w came in|strong="H0935"\w* \w and struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w him dead|strong="H4191"\w*. \w (This happened in the twenty-seventh|strong="H7651"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.\w ) Zimri replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w Elah as king|strong="H4427"\w*.  
\v 11  \w When he became|strong="H1961"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and occupied|strong="H3427"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w he killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w Baasha’s|strong="H1201"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w spare any male|strong="H7023"\w* \w belonging to him; he killed his relatives|strong="H1350"\w* \w and his friends|strong="H7453"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Zimri|strong="H2174"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H8045"\w* \w Baasha’s|strong="H1201"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w just|strong="H1697"\w* \w as the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w predicted|strong="H1696"\w* \w to Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*.  
\v 13  \w This happened because of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w and his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Elah|strong="H0425"\w* \w committed|strong="H2398"\w* \w and which|strong="H0834"\w* \w they made Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w commit|strong="H2398"\w*. \w They angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w with their worthless|strong="H1892"\w* \w idols|strong="H1892"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Elah’s|strong="H0425"\w* \w reign, including all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his accomplishments|strong="H1992"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\s1 Zimri’s \w Reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*  
\p
\v 15  \w In the twenty-seventh|strong="H7651"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Zimri|strong="H2174"\w* \w became king over Israel; he ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w in Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*. \w Zimri’s revolt took place while the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w was deployed|strong="H2583"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gibbethon|strong="H1405"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was in Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* territory.  
\v 16  \w While deployed|strong="H2583"\w* \w there, the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w received|strong="H8085"\w* \w this report|strong="H0559"\w*\w :|strong="H2174"\w* “\w Zimri|strong="H2174"\w* \w has conspired|strong="H7194"\w* \w against the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and assassinated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him.”|strong="H3605"\w* \w So|strong="H1571"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w made Omri|strong="H6018"\w*, \w the commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w king over|strong="H4427"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w very day|strong="H3117"\w* \w in the camp|strong="H4264"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from Gibbethon|strong="H1405"\w* \w and besieged|strong="H6696"\w* \w Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*.  
\v 18  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Zimri|strong="H2174"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w was captured|strong="H3920"\w*, \w he went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into the fortified area|strong="H0759"\w* \w of the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He set|strong="H8313"\w* \w the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w and died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* flames.  
\v 19  \w This happened|strong="H5921"\w* \w because of the sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w he committed|strong="H2398"\w*. \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and followed|strong="H1870"\w* \w in Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H2398"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to continue sinning|strong="H2403"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Zimri’s|strong="H2174"\w* \w reign, including|strong="H0834"\w* \w the details of his revolt|strong="H7195"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\s1 Omri’s \w Reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*  
\p
\v 21  \w At that time|strong="H0227"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were divided|strong="H2505"\w* \w in their loyalties. Half|strong="H2677"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w supported|strong="H0310"\w* \w Tibni|strong="H8402"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ginath|strong="H1527"\w* \w and wanted to make|strong="H4427"\w* \w him king|strong="H4427"\w*; \w the other half|strong="H2677"\w* \w supported|strong="H0310"\w* \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Omri’s|strong="H6018"\w* \w supporters|strong="H0310"\w* \w were stronger|strong="H2388"\w* \w than those|strong="H0854"\w* \w who supported|strong="H0310"\w* \w Tibni|strong="H8402"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ginath|strong="H1527"\w*. \w Tibni|strong="H8402"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*; \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w In the thirty-first|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w He ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w of them in Tirzah|strong="H8656"\w*.  
\v 24  \w He purchased|strong="H7069"\w* \w the hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w of Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w from Shemer|strong="H8106"\w* \w for two talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w He launched a construction project|strong="H1129"\w* \w there|strong="H2022"\w* \w and named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w he built|strong="H1129"\w* \w after|strong="H5921"\w* \w Shemer|strong="H8106"\w*, \w the former owner|strong="H0113"\w* \w of the hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w of Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w* \w did more evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w than all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 26  \w He followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H2398"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to sin|strong="H2403"\w*; \w they angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w with their worthless|strong="H1892"\w* \w idols|strong="H1892"\w*.   
\p
\v 27  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Omri’s|strong="H6018"\w* \w reign, including|strong="H0834"\w* \w his accomplishments|strong="H1369"\w* \w and successes|strong="H3808"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* Promotes Idolatry  
\p
\v 29  \w In the thirty-eighth|strong="H8083"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign over|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Omri’s|strong="H6018"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Omri|strong="H6018"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for twenty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Omri|strong="H6018"\w* \w did more evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w than all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 31  \w As|strong="H1961"\w* \w if|strong="H7043"\w* \w following|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the sinful|strong="H2403"\w* \w footsteps of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w* \w were not bad enough, he married|strong="H0802"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ethbaal|strong="H0856"\w* \w of the Sidonians|strong="H6722"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w he worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w and bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w to Baal|strong="H1168"\w*.  
\v 32  \w He set|strong="H6965"\w* \w up an altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.  
\v 33  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w an Asherah pole|strong="H0842"\w*; \w he|strong="H0256"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w more|strong="H3254"\w* \w to anger|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w than all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.   
\p
\v 34  \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w Ahab’s reign,|strong="H2419"\w* \w Hiel|strong="H2419"\w* \w the Bethelite|strong="H1017"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w Jericho|strong="H3405"\w*. \w Abiram|strong="H0048"\w*, \w his firstborn son|strong="H1060"\w*, \w died when he laid|strong="H3245"\w* \w the foundation|strong="H3245"\w*; \w Segub|strong="H7687"\w*, \w his youngest|strong="H6810"\w* \w son, died when he erected its|strong="H5324"\w* \w gates|strong="H1817"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had warned|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Joshua|strong="H3091"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nun|strong="H5126"\w*.   
\c 17  
\p
\v 1  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w the Tishbite|strong="H8664"\w*, \w from Tishbe|strong="H8453"\w* \w in Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*, \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, “\w As|strong="H0834"\w* \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w* \w (whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w I serve|strong="H6440"\w*\w ),|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w no|strong="H0518"\w* \w dew|strong="H2919"\w* \w or rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w in the years|strong="H8141"\w* \w ahead unless|strong="H0518"\w* \w I give the command|strong="H1697"\w*.”  
\v 2  \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*:  
\v 3 “\w Leave|strong="H1980"\w* \w here|strong="H2088"\w* \w and travel eastward|strong="H6924"\w*. \w Hide|strong="H5641"\w* \w out in the Kerith|strong="H3747"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w* \w near|strong="H6440"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w from the|strong="H0853"\w* \w stream|strong="H5158"\w*; \w I have already told|strong="H6158"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ravens|strong="H6158"\w* \w to bring you food|strong="H3557"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w he did|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w him; he went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the Kerith|strong="H3747"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w* \w near|strong="H6440"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w*.  
\v 6  \w The ravens|strong="H6158"\w* \w would bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w him bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w and meat|strong="H1320"\w* \w each morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and evening|strong="H6153"\w*, \w and he would drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the stream|strong="H5158"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w After|strong="H7093"\w* \w a while|strong="H3117"\w*, \w the stream|strong="H5158"\w* \w dried|strong="H3001"\w* \w up because|strong="H3588"\w* \w there had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been no|strong="H3808"\w* \w rain|strong="H1653"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*,  
\v 9 “\w Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up, go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Zarephath|strong="H6886"\w* \w in Sidonian|strong="H6721"\w* \w territory, and live|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w I|strong="H6680"\w* \w have already|strong="H2009"\w* \w told|strong="H6680"\w* \w a widow|strong="H0490"\w* \w who lives there|strong="H8033"\w* \w to provide|strong="H3557"\w* \w for|strong="H8033"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”  
\v 10  \w So he got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Zarephath|strong="H6886"\w*. \w When he went|strong="H0935"\w* \w through the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w gate|strong="H6607"\w*, \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w was a widow|strong="H0490"\w* \w gathering|strong="H7197"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w*. \w He called out|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her, “Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w give|strong="H3947"\w* \w me a cup|strong="H4592"\w* \w of water|strong="H4325"\w*, \w so I can take a drink|strong="H8354"\w*.”  
\v 11  \w As she went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to get|strong="H3947"\w* \w it, he called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H3947"\w*, \w “Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w bring me a piece|strong="H6595"\w* \w of bread|strong="H3899"\w*.”  
\v 12  \w She said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w As|strong="H0935"\w* \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w*, \w I have|strong="H3426"\w* \w no food|strong="H4580"\w*, \w except for a handful|strong="H3709"\w* \w of flour|strong="H7058"\w* \w in a jar|strong="H3537"\w* \w and a little|strong="H4592"\w* \w olive oil|strong="H8081"\w* \w in a jug|strong="H6835"\w*. \w Right now I am|strong="H2005"\w* \w gathering|strong="H7197"\w* \w a couple|strong="H8147"\w* \w of sticks|strong="H6086"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w a fire. Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w I’m going|strong="H0935"\w* \w home to make|strong="H6213"\w* \w one final meal for|strong="H3588"\w* \w my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w and myself. After we|strong="H3588"\w* \w have eaten|strong="H0398"\w* \w that, we|strong="H3588"\w* \w will die|strong="H4191"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* starvation.”  
\v 13  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her, “Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be afraid|strong="H3372"\w*. \w Go|strong="H0935"\w* \w and do|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w you planned.|strong="H7223"\w* \w But|strong="H0389"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w make a small|strong="H6996"\w* \w cake|strong="H5692"\w* \w for me and bring|strong="H3318"\w* \w it to me; then make|strong="H6213"\w* \w something|strong="H0314"\w* \w for yourself and your son|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 14  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w this is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w says, ‘The jar|strong="H3537"\w* \w of flour|strong="H7058"\w* \w will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be empty|strong="H3615"\w* \w and the jug|strong="H6835"\w* \w of oil|strong="H8081"\w* \w will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w run|strong="H2637"\w* \w out until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd* makes|strong="H5414"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w rain|strong="H1653"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the surface|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the ground|strong="H0127"\w*.’”  
\v 15  \w She went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and did|strong="H6213"\w* \w as Elijah told|strong="H1697"\w* \w her; there was always enough food|strong="H0398"\w* \w for Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w and for her and her family|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 16  \w The jar|strong="H3537"\w* \w of flour|strong="H7058"\w* \w was never|strong="H3808"\w* \w empty|strong="H3615"\w* \w and the jug|strong="H6835"\w* \w of oil|strong="H8081"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w ran out|strong="H2638"\w*, \w just|strong="H1697"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w this|strong="H0428"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of the woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w who owned|strong="H1172"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w got sick|strong="H2470"\w*. \w His illness|strong="H2483"\w* \w was so|strong="H5704"\w* \w severe|strong="H3966"\w* \w he could no|strong="H3808"\w* \w longer|strong="H3498"\w* \w breathe|strong="H5397"\w*.  
\v 18  \w She asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w*, \w prophet|strong="H0376"\w*, \w have you come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to me to|strong="H0413"\w* \w confront|strong="H2142"\w* \w me with|strong="H5771"\w* \w my|strong="H0935"\w* \w sin|strong="H5771"\w* \w and kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*?”  
\v 19  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to her|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Hand|strong="H5414"\w* \w me your son|strong="H1121"\w*.” \w He took|strong="H3947"\w* \w him from her arms|strong="H2436"\w*, \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w him to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w room where|strong="H8033"\w* \w he was|strong="H1931"\w* \w staying|strong="H8033"\w*, \w and laid|strong="H7901"\w* \w him down|strong="H7901"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his bed|strong="H4296"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Then he called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w*\w , “O \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w*\w , my God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w are you also|strong="H1571"\w* \w bringing disaster on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this widow|strong="H0490"\w* \w I am|strong="H0589"\w* \w staying|strong="H1481"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w by killing|strong="H4191"\w* \w her son|strong="H1121"\w*?”  
\v 21  \w He stretched|strong="H4058"\w* \w out over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the boy|strong="H3206"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w times|strong="H6471"\w* \w and called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, “\w O|strong="H4994"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , my God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w please|strong="H4994"\w* \w let this|strong="H2088"\w* \w boy’s|strong="H3206"\w* \w breath return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w answered|strong="H8085"\w* \w Elijah’s|strong="H0452"\w* \w prayer; the boy’s|strong="H3206"\w* \w breath returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and he lived|strong="H2421"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the boy|strong="H3206"\w*, \w brought him down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w room to the house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and handed|strong="H5414"\w* \w him to his mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w then said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “See|strong="H7200"\w*, \w your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is alive|strong="H2416"\w*!”  
\v 24  \w The woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*, \w “Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you are a prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w really|strong="H0571"\w* \w does speak|strong="H6310"\w* \w through|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.”   
\c 18  
\p
\v 1  \w Some|strong="H7227"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w later|strong="H1961"\w*, \w in the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of the famine|strong="H7227"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w make an appearance|strong="H7200"\w* \w before Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, \w so I|strong="H5414"\w* \w may send rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the surface|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the ground|strong="H0127"\w*.”  
\v 2  \w So Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to make an appearance|strong="H7200"\w* \w before Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*.  
\p \w Now the famine|strong="H7458"\w* \w was severe|strong="H2389"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.  
\v 3  \w So Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w*, \w who supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w the palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w (Now Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* \w was a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w loyal follower|strong="H3373"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 4  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w was killing|strong="H3772"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*, \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w one hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w and hid|strong="H2244"\w* \w them in two caves|strong="H4631"\w* \w in two groups of fifty|strong="H2572"\w*. \w He also brought|strong="H3557"\w* \w them food|strong="H3899"\w* \w and water|strong="H4325"\w*.)  
\v 5  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w through the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the springs|strong="H4325"\w* \w and valleys|strong="H5158"\w*. \w Maybe|strong="H0194"\w* \w we can find|strong="H4672"\w* \w some grazing areas|strong="H2682"\w* \w so we can keep|strong="H2421"\w* \w the horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and mules|strong="H6505"\w* \w alive|strong="H2421"\w* \w and not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have to kill|strong="H3772"\w* \w some of the animals|strong="H0929"\w*.”  
\v 6  \w They divided|strong="H2505"\w* \w up the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w between|strong="H5674"\w* \w them; Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w and Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w the other|strong="H0259"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w As Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* \w was traveling along|strong="H1870"\w*, \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w met|strong="H7125"\w* \w him.|strong="H5234"\w* \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H5921"\w* \w recognized|strong="H5234"\w* \w him, he fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w facedown|strong="H6440"\w* \w to the ground and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Is it really|strong="H0859"\w* \w you, my master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*?”  
\v 8  \w He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Yes|strong="H0589"\w*, \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to your master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w ‘Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w is|strong="H2009"\w* back.’”  
\v 9  \w Obadiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w sin have I committed|strong="H2398"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are ready to hand|strong="H5414"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w for execution|strong="H4191"\w*?  
\v 10  \w As certainly as|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w*, \w my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w has sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w to every|strong="H8033"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w and kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w in an effort to find|strong="H1245"\w* \w you. When they say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘He’s not|strong="H0369"\w* \w here,’ he|strong="H0853"\w* \w makes them|strong="H4467"\w* \w swear an oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they could not|strong="H3808"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to your master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w “Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w is|strong="H2009"\w* back.”’  
\v 12  \w But when|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w leave|strong="H1980"\w* \w you, the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w will carry|strong="H5375"\w* \w you away so I can’t find|strong="H3045"\w* \w you.|strong="H3045"\w* \w If|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w I’ve seen you, he won’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w be able to find|strong="H4672"\w* \w you and he will kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w me.|strong="H0834"\w* \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w would not be|strong="H3372"\w* \w fair,|strong="H3372"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w has been a loyal follower|strong="H3372"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w from my youth|strong="H5271"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Certainly my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w is aware|strong="H5046"\w* \w of what|strong="H0834"\w* \w I did|strong="H6213"\w* \w when|strong="H2026"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w was killing|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*. \w I hid|strong="H2244"\w* \w one hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w in two caves|strong="H4631"\w* \w in two groups of fifty|strong="H2572"\w* \w and I brought|strong="H3557"\w* \w them food|strong="H3899"\w* \w and water|strong="H4325"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to your master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w “Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w is back,”’|strong="H2026"\w* \w but|strong="H0859"\w* \w he|strong="H0559"\w* \w will|strong="H0859"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w me|strong="H2026"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w But Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w As|strong="H0834"\w* \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w who rules over all|strong="H6635"\w* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w* \w (whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w I serve|strong="H5975"\w*\w ),|strong="H7200"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H7200"\w* \w an|strong="H7200"\w* \w appearance|strong="H6440"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him today|strong="H3117"\w*.”   
\s1 \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* Confronts Baal’s Prophets  
\p
\v 16  \w When Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* \w went|strong="H7125"\w* \w and informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, \w the king|strong="H0256"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*.  
\v 17  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*, \w he|strong="H0256"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Is it really you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w the one who brings disaster|strong="H5916"\w* \w on Israel|strong="H3478"\w*?”  
\v 18  \w Elijah|strong="H0559"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w brought disaster|strong="H5916"\w* \w on Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and your father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w have|strong="H5800"\w*, \w by abandoning|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w commandments|strong="H4687"\w* \w and following|strong="H0310"\w* \w the Baals|strong="H1168"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w send out|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H6908"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w assemble|strong="H6908"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w me at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Carmel|strong="H3760"\w*, \w as well as the 450|strong="H2572"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w and 400|strong="H3967"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* \w whom Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w supports|strong="H7979"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and had the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w assemble|strong="H6908"\w* \w at Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Carmel|strong="H3760"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w approached|strong="H5066"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “How long|strong="H4970"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w going to be paralyzed|strong="H6452"\w* \w by indecision|strong="H5587"\w*\w ?|strong="H0518"\w* \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is the true God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w then|strong="H1980"\w* \w follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w him, but if|strong="H0518"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w is, follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w him!” But|strong="H6030"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w say a word|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them|strong="H0413"\w*\w :|strong="H0589"\w* “\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w* \w the only|strong="H0905"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w who is left|strong="H3498"\w*, \w but there are 450|strong="H2572"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Let|strong="H5414"\w* \w them bring us two|strong="H8147"\w* \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w*. \w Let them|strong="H1992"\w* \w choose|strong="H0977"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w for themselves, cut|strong="H5408"\w* \w it up into pieces, and place|strong="H7760"\w* \w it on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the wood|strong="H6086"\w*. \w But they must not|strong="H3808"\w* \w set|strong="H7760"\w* \w it on fire|strong="H0784"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w the same|strong="H0259"\w* \w to the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other bull|strong="H6499"\w* \w and place|strong="H5414"\w* \w it on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the wood|strong="H6086"\w*. \w But I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w set|strong="H7760"\w* \w it on fire|strong="H0784"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Then|strong="H7121"\w* \w you|strong="H7121"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w invoke|strong="H7121"\w* \w the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of your god|strong="H0430"\w*, \w and I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will invoke|strong="H7121"\w* \w the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . The god|strong="H0430"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w responds|strong="H6030"\w* \w with fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w will demonstrate|strong="H6030"\w* \w that he is the true God|strong="H0430"\w*.” \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w responded|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “This|strong="H1697"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a fair|strong="H2896"\w* test.”   
\p
\v 25  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w*, \w “Choose|strong="H0977"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w for yourselves and go first|strong="H7223"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are the majority|strong="H7227"\w*. \w Invoke|strong="H7121"\w* \w the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of your god|strong="H0430"\w*, \w but do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w light|strong="H7760"\w* \w a fire|strong="H0784"\w*.”  
\v 26  \w So they took|strong="H3947"\w* \w a bull|strong="H6499"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had|strong="H6213"\w* \w suggested|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and prepared|strong="H6213"\w* \w it. They invoked|strong="H7121"\w* \w the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w from morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w noon|strong="H6672"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Baal|strong="H1168"\w*, \w answer|strong="H6030"\w* \w us.” But there was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w and no|strong="H0369"\w* \w answer|strong="H6030"\w*. \w They jumped|strong="H6452"\w* \w around on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w they had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 27  \w At noon|strong="H6672"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w mocked|strong="H2048"\w* \w them, “Yell|strong="H7121"\w* \w louder|strong="H1419"\w*\w ! After all, he is a god|strong="H0430"\w*; \w he may be deep in thought|strong="H7879"\w*, \w or perhaps he stepped out|strong="H7873"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w a moment or has taken a trip|strong="H1870"\w*. \w Perhaps|strong="H0194"\w* \w he is sleeping|strong="H3463"\w* \w and needs to be awakened|strong="H3364"\w*.”  
\v 28  \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w they yelled|strong="H7121"\w* \w louder|strong="H1419"\w* \w and, in accordance with their prescribed|strong="H4941"\w* \w ritual,|strong="H1413"\w* \w mutilated|strong="H1413"\w* \w themselves with swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w and spears|strong="H7420"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w their bodies|strong="H8210"\w* \w were covered with blood|strong="H1818"\w*.  
\v 29  \w Throughout the afternoon|strong="H6672"\w* \w they were in an ecstatic|strong="H5674"\w* \w frenzy|strong="H5927"\w*, \w but there was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w sound|strong="H6963"\w*, \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w answer|strong="H6030"\w*, \w and no|strong="H0369"\w* \w response|strong="H7182"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w then told all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w “Approach|strong="H5066"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*.” \w So|strong="H5066"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w approached|strong="H5066"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He repaired|strong="H7495"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w that had been torn|strong="H2040"\w* \w down|strong="H2040"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*, \w corresponding to the number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w that descended|strong="H1121"\w* \w from Jacob|strong="H3290"\w*, \w to whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w your new|strong="H8034"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*.”  
\v 32  \w With|strong="H0854"\w* \w the stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w he constructed|strong="H1129"\w* \w an altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w .|strong="H5439"\w* \w Around|strong="H5439"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w he made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a trench|strong="H8585"\w* \w large enough to contain|strong="H1004"\w* \w two seahs|strong="H5429"\w* \w of seed|strong="H2233"\w*.  
\v 33  \w He arranged|strong="H6186"\w* \w the wood|strong="H6086"\w*, \w cut|strong="H5408"\w* \w up the bull|strong="H6499"\w*, \w and placed|strong="H7760"\w* \w it on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the wood|strong="H6086"\w*.  
\v 34  \w Then he said, “Fill four water jars and pour the water on the offering and the wood.” When they had done so,|strong="H0559"\w* \w he|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Do it again|strong="H8138"\w*.” \w So they did it again|strong="H8138"\w*. \w Then he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Do it a third|strong="H8027"\w* \w time.” So they did it a third|strong="H8027"\w* \w time|strong="H8138"\w*.  
\v 35  \w The water|strong="H4325"\w* \w flowed down|strong="H1980"\w* \w all sides|strong="H5439"\w* \w of the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w and filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the trench|strong="H8585"\w*.  
\v 36  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w it was time for the evening|strong="H5927"\w* \w offering|strong="H4503"\w*, \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w approached|strong="H5066"\w* \w the altar|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w prayed|strong="H0559"\w*: “\w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Abraham|strong="H0085"\w*, \w Isaac|strong="H3327"\w*, \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w prove|strong="H3045"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are God|strong="H0430"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and that I am|strong="H0589"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and have done|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w at your command|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 37  \w Answer|strong="H6030"\w* \w me|strong="H5437"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , answer|strong="H6030"\w* \w me, so these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w will know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , are the true God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and that you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are winning back|strong="H0322"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* allegiance.”  
\v 38  \w Then fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w from the sky.|strong="H0398"\w* \w It|strong="H0398"\w* \w consumed|strong="H0398"\w* \w the offering|strong="H5930"\w*, \w the wood|strong="H6086"\w*, \w the stones|strong="H0068"\w*, \w and the dirt|strong="H6083"\w*, \w and licked up|strong="H3897"\w* \w the water|strong="H4325"\w* \w in the trench|strong="H8585"\w*.  
\v 39  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w saw this, they threw|strong="H5307"\w* \w themselves down with their faces|strong="H6440"\w* \w to the ground and said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is the true God|strong="H0430"\w*\w !|strong="H3068"\w* \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is the true God|strong="H0430"\w*!”  
\v 40  \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them, “Seize|strong="H8610"\w* \w the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w*\w ! Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let even one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of them escape|strong="H4422"\w*\w !” So they|strong="H1992"\w* \w seized|strong="H8610"\w* \w them, and Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w led them down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the Kishon|strong="H7028"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w* \w and executed|strong="H7819"\w* \w them there|strong="H8033"\w*.   
\p
\v 41  \w Then Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w told Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, \w “Go on up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w of a heavy|strong="H1995"\w* \w rainstorm|strong="H1653"\w* \w can|strong="H8354"\w* \w be|strong="H6963"\w* \w heard|strong="H6963"\w*.”  
\v 42  \w So Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w went on up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w*, \w while Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w climbed|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of Carmel|strong="H3760"\w*. \w He bent|strong="H1457"\w* \w down toward the ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w and put|strong="H7760"\w* \w his face|strong="H6440"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w his knees|strong="H1290"\w*.  
\v 43  \w He told|strong="H0559"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5288"\w*, \w “Go on up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and look|strong="H5027"\w* \w in the direction|strong="H1870"\w* \w of the sea|strong="H3220"\w*.” \w So he went on up|strong="H5927"\w*, \w looked|strong="H5027"\w*, \w and reported|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “There is|strong="H0369"\w* \w nothing|strong="H3972"\w*.” \w Seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w times|strong="H6471"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0559"\w* \w sent|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w look|strong="H5027"\w*.  
\v 44  \w The seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w time the servant|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w a small|strong="H6996"\w* \w cloud|strong="H5645"\w*, \w the size of the palm of a man’s|strong="H0376"\w* \w hand|strong="H3709"\w*, \w is rising up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from the sea|strong="H3220"\w*.” \w Elijah|strong="H0559"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H5927"\w* \w and tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, \w ‘Hitch up|strong="H0631"\w* \w the chariots and go down|strong="H3381"\w*, \w so that the rain|strong="H1653"\w* \w won’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w overtake|strong="H6113"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w*.’”  
\v 45  \w Meanwhile|strong="H3541"\w* \w the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w was covered with dark|strong="H6937"\w* \w clouds|strong="H5645"\w*, \w the wind|strong="H7307"\w* \w blew, and there was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a heavy rainstorm|strong="H1653"\w*. \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w rode|strong="H7392"\w* \w toward|strong="H3157"\w* \w Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*.  
\v 46  \w Now|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w energized|strong="H3027"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w with power;|strong="H8151"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* tucked \w his robe into his belt|strong="H4975"\w* \w and ran|strong="H7323"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w all the way|strong="H5704"\w* \w to Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*.   
\c 19  
\p
\v 1  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w had done|strong="H6213"\w*, \w including a detailed account|strong="H3605"\w* \w of how he killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w with this|strong="H3541"\w* \w warning|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w May|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w judge me severely|strong="H3254"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w by this time|strong="H6256"\w* \w tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w I|strong="H7760"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not take|strong="H7760"\w* \w your life|strong="H5315"\w* \w as you did|strong="H6213"\w* \w theirs|strong="H1992"\w*!”   
\p
\v 3  \w Elijah was afraid,|strong="H6965"\w* \w so|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and fled|strong="H1980"\w* \w for his life|strong="H5315"\w* \w to Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He left|strong="H3240"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*,  
\v 4  \w while|strong="H1931"\w* \w he went|strong="H1980"\w* \w a day’s|strong="H3117"\w* \w journey|strong="H1870"\w* \w into the desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w He went|strong="H0935"\w* \w and sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w down under|strong="H8478"\w* \w a shrub|strong="H7574"\w* \w and asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd* to take|strong="H3947"\w* \w his life|strong="H5315"\w*\w :|strong="H4191"\w* “I’ve \w had enough|strong="H7227"\w*\w ! Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , take|strong="H3947"\w* \w my life|strong="H5315"\w*. \w After all, I’m|strong="H0595"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w better|strong="H2896"\w* \w than my ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w He stretched|strong="H7901"\w* \w out|strong="H3462"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w fell|strong="H3462"\w* \w asleep|strong="H3462"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the shrub|strong="H7574"\w*. \w All of a sudden|strong="H2009"\w* \w an angelic|strong="H2088"\w* \w messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w him and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and eat|strong="H0398"\w*.”  
\v 6  \w He looked|strong="H5027"\w* \w and right|strong="H2009"\w* \w there by his head|strong="H4763"\w* \w was a cake|strong="H5692"\w* \w baking on hot coals|strong="H7529"\w* \w and a jug|strong="H6835"\w* \w of water|strong="H4325"\w*. \w He ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drank|strong="H8354"\w* \w and then slept|strong="H7901"\w* \w some|strong="H2009"\w* more.  
\v 7  \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w angelic messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w came back again|strong="H8145"\w*, \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w him, and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and eat|strong="H0398"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w otherwise you won’t|strong="H7227"\w* \w be able|strong="H7227"\w* \w to make the journey|strong="H1870"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w So he got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drank|strong="H8354"\w*. \w That meal|strong="H0396"\w* \w gave him|strong="H1931"\w* \w the strength|strong="H3581"\w* \w to travel|strong="H1980"\w* \w forty|strong="H0705"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w and forty|strong="H0705"\w* \w nights|strong="H3915"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w he reached Horeb|strong="H2722"\w*, \w the mountain|strong="H2022"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w He went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w a cave|strong="H4631"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w and spent|strong="H3885"\w* \w the night. All of a sudden|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w spoke to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you here|strong="H6311"\w*, \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*?”  
\v 10  \w He answered, “I have been absolutely|strong="H7065"\w* \w loyal|strong="H7065"\w* \w to the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w*\w , the sovereign|strong="H6635"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w even though|strong="H3588"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w have abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w they made with you,|strong="H2040"\w* \w torn|strong="H2040"\w* \w down your altars|strong="H4196"\w*, \w and killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w your prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w*. \w I alone|strong="H0905"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w and now they want|strong="H1245"\w* \w to take|strong="H3947"\w* \w my life|strong="H5315"\w*.”  
\v 11  \w The \+nd Lord\+nd* said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Go out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w on the mountain|strong="H2022"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is ready to pass|strong="H5674"\w* \w by.”|strong="H1419"\w*  
\p \w A|strong="H3318"\w* \w very|strong="H1419"\w* \w powerful\w* \w wind\w* \w went before\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*\w*\w , digging\w* \w into the mountain\w* \w and causing landslides\w*, \w but the \+nd Lord\+nd*\w* \w was not\w* \w in the wind\w*. \w After\w* \w the windstorm\w* \w there was an earthquake\w*, \w but the \+nd Lord\+nd*\w* \w was not\w* \w in the earthquake\w*.  
\v 12  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w the earthquake|strong="H7494"\w*, \w there was a fire|strong="H0784"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w in the fire|strong="H0784"\w*. \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w the fire|strong="H0784"\w*, \w there was|strong="H1851"\w* \w a soft|strong="H1827"\w* \w whisper|strong="H1851"\w*.  
\v 13  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w it, he covered|strong="H3874"\w* \w his face|strong="H6440"\w* \w with his robe|strong="H0155"\w* \w and went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w at the entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to the cave|strong="H4631"\w*. \w All of a sudden|strong="H2009"\w* \w a voice|strong="H6963"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you here|strong="H6311"\w*, \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*?”  
\v 14  \w He answered, “I have been|strong="H7065"\w* \w absolutely|strong="H7065"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , the sovereign|strong="H6635"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w even though|strong="H3588"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w have abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w they made with you,|strong="H2040"\w* \w torn|strong="H2040"\w* \w down your altars|strong="H4196"\w*, \w and killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w your prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w*. \w I alone|strong="H0905"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w and now they want|strong="H1245"\w* \w to take|strong="H3947"\w* \w my life|strong="H5315"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w the way|strong="H1870"\w* \w you came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and then head for the Desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*. \w Go and anoint|strong="H4886"\w* \w Hazael|strong="H2371"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Syria|strong="H0758"\w*.  
\v 16  \w You must anoint|strong="H4886"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nimshi|strong="H5250"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and Elisha|strong="H0477"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shaphat|strong="H8202"\w* \w from Abel Meholah|strong="H0065"\w* \w to take your place|strong="H8478"\w* \w as prophet|strong="H5030"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w will kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w anyone who escapes|strong="H4422"\w* \w Hazael’s|strong="H2371"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*, \w and Elisha|strong="H0477"\w* \w will kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w anyone who escapes|strong="H4422"\w* \w Jehu’s|strong="H3058"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*.  
\v 18  \w I still have left|strong="H7604"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w followers who|strong="H0834"\w* \w have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w bowed their knees|strong="H3766"\w* \w to Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w kissed|strong="H5401"\w* \w the images|strong="H6310"\w* \w of|strong="H6310"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*.”   
\p
\v 19  \w Elijah went|strong="H1980"\w* \w from there|strong="H8033"\w* \w and found|strong="H4672"\w* \w Elisha|strong="H0477"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shaphat|strong="H8202"\w*. \w He was|strong="H1931"\w* \w plowing|strong="H2790"\w* \w with twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w pairs|strong="H6776"\w* \w of oxen; he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was near|strong="H6440"\w* \w the twelfth|strong="H6240"\w* \w pair. Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w passed|strong="H5674"\w* \w by|strong="H0413"\w* \w him and threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w his robe|strong="H0155"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 20  \w He left|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w oxen|strong="H1241"\w*, \w ran|strong="H7323"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*, \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w let me kiss|strong="H5401"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w goodbye, then|strong="H1980"\w* \w I will follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w you.” Elijah|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w*\w ! Indeed|strong="H3588"\w*, \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w have I done|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*?”  
\v 21  \w Elisha|strong="H7725"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and took|strong="H3947"\w* \w his pair|strong="H6776"\w* \w of oxen|strong="H1241"\w* \w and slaughtered|strong="H2076"\w* \w them. He cooked|strong="H1310"\w* \w the meat|strong="H1320"\w* \w over a fire that he made by burning the harness and yoke.|strong="H5414"\w* \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w meat and they ate|strong="H0398"\w*. \w Then he got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w and became his assistant|strong="H8334"\w*.   
\c 20  
\p
\v 1  \w Now King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his army|strong="H2426"\w*, \w along with thirty-two|strong="H7970"\w* \w other kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w their horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w He marched|strong="H5927"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w and besieged|strong="H6696"\w* \w and attacked|strong="H3898"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who was in the city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He said to him, “This is what Ben Hadad says, ‘Your silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and your gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w mine, as well as the best|strong="H2896"\w* \w of your wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and sons|strong="H1121"\w*.’”  
\v 4  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w replied|strong="H6030"\w*, \w “It is just as|strong="H1697"\w* \w you say|strong="H1697"\w*, \w my master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w O king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w I own belong|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”   
\p
\v 5  \w The messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w came again|strong="H7725"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘I sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this message|strong="H0559"\w* \w to you, “You must give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w your silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and sons|strong="H1121"\w*.”  
\v 6  \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w now|strong="H3588"\w* \w at this time|strong="H6256"\w* \w tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w I will send|strong="H7971"\w* \w my servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you and they will search|strong="H2664"\w* \w through your palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and your servants|strong="H5650"\w*’ \w houses|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They will|strong="H1961"\w* \w carry away all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your valuables|strong="H4261"\w*.”  
\v 7  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Notice|strong="H3045"\w* \w how this man is|strong="H2088"\w* \w looking|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w trouble|strong="H7451"\w*. \w Indeed|strong="H3588"\w*, \w he demanded|strong="H7971"\w* \w my wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w and gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and I did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w resist|strong="H4513"\w* \w him|strong="H4480"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w and people|strong="H5971"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Do not|strong="H0408"\w* \w give in|strong="H8085"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w agree|strong="H8085"\w* \w to his demands|strong="H0014"\w*.”  
\v 9  \w So he|strong="H6213"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to the messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w of Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w*, \w “Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w this to my master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w ‘I will give you everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w you demanded|strong="H7971"\w* \w at first|strong="H7223"\w* \w from your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w I am unable|strong="H3201"\w* \w to agree|strong="H1697"\w* \w to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w latest|strong="H6213"\w* \w demand.’”|strong="H1980"\w* \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and gave their report|strong="H1697"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w another message|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “May the|strong="H3541"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w judge|strong="H6213"\w* \w me severely|strong="H3254"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w there is enough|strong="H5606"\w* \w dirt|strong="H6083"\w* \w left in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w for my soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w to scoop up|strong="H8168"\w* \w in their hands|strong="H7272"\w*.”  
\v 11  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Tell|strong="H1696"\w* \w him the one who puts on his battle gear|strong="H2296"\w* \w should not|strong="H0408"\w* \w boast|strong="H1984"\w* \w like one who is taking|strong="H6605"\w* \w it|strong="H1696"\w* \w off|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 12  \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w Ben Hadad received|strong="H8085"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w reply|strong="H1697"\w*, \w he and the other kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w were drinking|strong="H8354"\w* \w in their quarters|strong="H5521"\w*. \w He ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w “Get ready|strong="H7760"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w attack!” So|strong="H7760"\w* \w they got ready|strong="H7760"\w* \w to attack|strong="H5921"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*.   
\s1 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Lord Delivers Israel  
\p
\v 13  \w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w a prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w visited|strong="H5066"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Do you see|strong="H7200"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army?|strong="H2005"\w* \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I am going to hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w it over to you this very day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w Then you will know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I am|strong="H0589"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.’”  
\v 14  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “By whom|strong="H4310"\w* \w will this be accomplished?”|strong="H0559"\w* \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘By the servants|strong="H5288"\w* \w of the district|strong="H4082"\w* \w governors|strong="H8269"\w*.’” \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w will launch|strong="H0631"\w* \w the attack|strong="H4421"\w*\w ?” He answered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w*.”   
\p
\v 15  \w So Ahab|strong="H6485"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6485"\w* \w the 232|strong="H7970"\w* \w servants|strong="H5288"\w* \w of the district|strong="H4082"\w* \w governors|strong="H8269"\w*. \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w that he assembled|strong="H6485"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w*, \w numbering 7,000|strong="H0505"\w*.  
\v 16  \w They marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w out at noon|strong="H6672"\w*, \w while Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w and the thirty-two|strong="H7970"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w allied with him|strong="H5826"\w* \w were drinking|strong="H8354"\w* \w heavily|strong="H7910"\w* \w in their quarters|strong="H5521"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The servants|strong="H5288"\w* \w of the district|strong="H4082"\w* \w governors|strong="H8269"\w* \w led|strong="H7223"\w* \w the march|strong="H3318"\w*. \w When Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers, they reported back|strong="H5046"\w* \w to him, “Men|strong="H0582"\w* \w are marching out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w He ordered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Whether|strong="H0518"\w* \w they come|strong="H3318"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w to do battle|strong="H4421"\w*, \w take|strong="H8610"\w* \w them alive|strong="H2416"\w*.”  
\v 19  \w They marched out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w with the servants|strong="H5288"\w* \w of the district|strong="H4082"\w* \w governors|strong="H8269"\w* \w in the lead and the army|strong="H2428"\w* \w behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w them|strong="H0310"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Each one|strong="H0376"\w* \w struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w down an|strong="H0376"\w* \w enemy soldier|strong="H0376"\w*; \w the Syrians|strong="H0758"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w them. King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w escaped|strong="H4422"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w horseback|strong="H5483"\w* \w with some horsemen|strong="H6571"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w marched out and struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w down the horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and chariots|strong="H7393"\w*; \w he thoroughly|strong="H4347"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w Syria|strong="H0758"\w*.   
\s1 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Lord Gives \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* Another Victory  
\p
\v 22  \w The prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w visited|strong="H5066"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and instructed|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w fortify|strong="H2388"\w* \w your defenses.|strong="H7200"\w* \w Determine|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you must do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w in the spring|strong="H8141"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w will attack|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”  
\v 23  \w Now the advisers|strong="H5650"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*\w : “Their God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is a god|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the mountains|strong="H2022"\w*. \w That’s why|strong="H3651"\w* \w they overpowered|strong="H4480"\w* \w us. But if|strong="H0199"\w* \w we fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w them in|strong="H0854"\w* \w the plains|strong="H4334"\w*, \w we will certainly|strong="H3808"\w* \w overpower|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*.  
\v 24  \w So do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w*\w : Dismiss the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w from their command, and replace|strong="H8478"\w* \w them with military commanders|strong="H6346"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Muster|strong="H4487"\w* \w an army|strong="H2428"\w* \w like the one|strong="H2428"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w lost|strong="H5307"\w*, \w with the same number|strong="H7393"\w* \w of horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w Then we will fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w them in the plains|strong="H4334"\w*; \w we will certainly|strong="H3808"\w* \w overpower|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*.” \w He approved|strong="H8085"\w* \w their plan|strong="H6963"\w* \w and did|strong="H6213"\w* \w as they advised|strong="H3651"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w In the spring|strong="H8141"\w* \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w mustered|strong="H6485"\w* \w the Syrian|strong="H0758"\w* \w army|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w marched|strong="H5973"\w* \w to Aphek|strong="H0663"\w* \w to fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 27  \w When|strong="H6485"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w had mustered|strong="H6485"\w* \w and had received their supplies|strong="H3557"\w*, \w they marched out|strong="H7125"\w* \w to face them|strong="H6485"\w* \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w battle. When the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w deployed|strong="H2583"\w* \w opposite|strong="H5048"\w* \w them, they were like two|strong="H8147"\w* \w small flocks|strong="H2835"\w* \w of goats|strong="H5795"\w*, \w but the Syrians|strong="H0758"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 28  \w The prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w visited|strong="H5066"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : ‘Because|strong="H3282"\w* \w the Syrians|strong="H0758"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is a god|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the mountains|strong="H2022"\w* \w and not|strong="H3808"\w* \w a god|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the valleys|strong="H6010"\w*,” \w I will|strong="H5414"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w over to you this|strong="H2088"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army.|strong="H3045"\w* \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I am|strong="H0589"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.’”   
\p
\v 29  \w The armies were|strong="H0428"\w* \w deployed|strong="H2583"\w* \w opposite|strong="H5227"\w* \w each other|strong="H0259"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w began|strong="H7126"\w*, \w and the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w 100,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w Syrian|strong="H0758"\w* \w foot|strong="H7273"\w* \w soldiers in one|strong="H0259"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 30  \w The remaining|strong="H3498"\w* \w 27,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w to Aphek|strong="H0663"\w* \w and went into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w but the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0376"\w*. \w Now Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and hid|strong="H0935"\w* \w in an inner room|strong="H2315"\w*.  
\v 31  \w His advisers|strong="H5650"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w we|strong="H4994"\w* \w have heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w are kind|strong="H1992"\w*. \w Allow us|strong="H4994"\w* \w to put|strong="H7760"\w* \w sackcloth|strong="H8242"\w* \w around our waists|strong="H4975"\w* \w and ropes|strong="H2256"\w* \w on our heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w and surrender|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Maybe|strong="H0194"\w* \w he will spare|strong="H2421"\w* \w our lives|strong="H5315"\w*.”  
\v 32  \w So|strong="H2296"\w* \w they put sackcloth|strong="H8242"\w* \w around their waists|strong="H4975"\w* \w and ropes|strong="H2256"\w* \w on their heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w and went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w let me|strong="H5315"\w* \w live|strong="H2421"\w*\w !’” Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Is he still|strong="H5750"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w*\w ? He is my brother|strong="H0251"\w*.”  
\v 33  \w The men|strong="H0376"\w* \w took this as a good omen|strong="H5172"\w* \w and quickly|strong="H4116"\w* \w accepted|strong="H2480"\w* \w his offer, saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w is your brother|strong="H0251"\w*.” \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H0935"\w*, \w get|strong="H3947"\w* \w him.” So Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w came out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, and Ahab pulled|strong="H5927"\w* \w him up|strong="H5927"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w his chariot|strong="H4818"\w*.  
\v 34  \w Ben Hadad|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I will return|strong="H7725"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w from your father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w You may set up markets|strong="H7760"\w* \w in Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w did in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.” \w Ahab then said, “I|strong="H0589"\w* \w want to make a treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with you before I dismiss|strong="H7971"\w* \w you.”|strong="H7971"\w* \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w he made|strong="H3772"\w* \w a treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with him and then dismissed|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\s1 \w A|strong="H3947"\w* \w Prophet|strong="H0559"\w* Denounces Ahab’s Actions  
\p
\v 35  \w One|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the members of the prophetic guild|strong="H5030"\w*, \w speaking with divine authority, ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w his companion|strong="H7453"\w*, \w “Wound|strong="H5221"\w* \w me|strong="H4994"\w*\w !”|strong="H0376"\w* \w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w refused|strong="H3985"\w* \w to wound him|strong="H5221"\w*.  
\v 36  \w So the prophet|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Because|strong="H3282"\w* \w you have|strong="H8085"\w* \w disobeyed|strong="H6963"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , as soon|strong="H2005"\w* \w as you leave|strong="H1980"\w* \w me|strong="H0681"\w* \w a lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w will kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w you.” When|strong="H4672"\w* \w he left|strong="H0681"\w* \w him|strong="H4672"\w*, \w a lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w attacked and killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w*.  
\v 37  \w He found|strong="H4672"\w* \w another|strong="H0312"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Wound|strong="H5221"\w* \w me!” So the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w wounded|strong="H5221"\w* \w him severely|strong="H6481"\w*.  
\v 38  \w The prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w then went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w by the road|strong="H1870"\w*, \w waiting for the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w He also disguised|strong="H2664"\w* \w himself by putting a bandage|strong="H0666"\w* \w down over|strong="H5921"\w* \w his eyes|strong="H5869"\w*.  
\v 39  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w passed|strong="H5674"\w* \w by, he called out|strong="H6817"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w into the heat|strong="H8254"\w* \w of the battle|strong="H4421"\w*, \w and then|strong="H2009"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w turned aside|strong="H5493"\w* \w and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w a prisoner|strong="H8254"\w*. \w He told|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*, \w ‘Guard|strong="H8104"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w prisoner|strong="H8254"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w he ends up missing|strong="H8254"\w* \w for|strong="H8478"\w* \w any reason|strong="H8254"\w*, \w you will|strong="H1961"\w* \w pay|strong="H8254"\w* \w with your life|strong="H5315"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w with a talent|strong="H3603"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*.’  
\v 40  \w Well, it just|strong="H6213"\w* \w so happened|strong="H1961"\w* \w that while your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w was doing this|strong="H2008"\w* \w and that, he|strong="H1931"\w* \w disappeared|strong="H2008"\w*.” \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Your punishment|strong="H3651"\w* \w is already determined|strong="H4941"\w* \w by your|strong="H0859"\w* \w own testimony|strong="H2782"\w*.”  
\v 41  \w The prophet|strong="H4116"\w* \w quickly|strong="H4116"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the bandage|strong="H0666"\w* \w from his eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w recognized|strong="H5234"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was one of the prophets|strong="H5030"\w*.  
\v 42  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophet|strong="H0559"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Because|strong="H3282"\w* \w you released|strong="H2764"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w I|strong="H5315"\w* \w had determined should die, you will pay|strong="H8478"\w* \w with your|strong="H3027"\w* \w life|strong="H5315"\w* \w and your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w will suffer instead|strong="H8478"\w* \w of his people|strong="H5971"\w*.’”  
\v 43  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w to Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w bitter|strong="H5620"\w* \w and angry|strong="H2198"\w*.   
\c 21  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w this|strong="H0428"\w* \w the following episode|strong="H0428"\w* \w took place.|strong="H5022"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3158"\w* \w owned a vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w in Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w* \w adjacent|strong="H0681"\w* \w to the palace|strong="H1964"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w of Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w*, \w “Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me your vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w so I can make|strong="H1961"\w* \w a vegetable|strong="H3419"\w* \w garden|strong="H1588"\w* \w out of it, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w is adjacent|strong="H7138"\w* \w to|strong="H0681"\w* \w my palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w I will give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you an even better|strong="H2896"\w* \w vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w in its place|strong="H8478"\w*, \w or if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you prefer|strong="H5869"\w*, \w I will pay|strong="H5414"\w* \w you silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w for it|strong="H2088"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w But Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w forbid|strong="H2486"\w* \w that I should sell|strong="H5414"\w* \w you my ancestral|strong="H0001"\w* \w inheritance|strong="H5159"\w*.”   
\p
\v 4  \w So Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w his palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w bitter|strong="H5620"\w* \w and angry|strong="H2198"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3158"\w* \w had said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w sell|strong="H5414"\w* \w to you my ancestral|strong="H0001"\w* \w inheritance|strong="H5159"\w*.” \w He lay down|strong="H7901"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his bed|strong="H4296"\w*, \w pouted|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and would not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Then his wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w in and said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w do you have a bitter|strong="H5620"\w* \w attitude|strong="H7307"\w* \w and refuse|strong="H0369"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w*?”  
\v 6  \w He answered|strong="H1696"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “While|strong="H3588"\w* \w I was talking|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3158"\w*, \w I said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, ‘Sell|strong="H5414"\w* \w me your vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w for silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w prefer|strong="H2655"\w*, \w I will give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you another vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w in its place|strong="H8478"\w*.’ \w But he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w sell|strong="H5414"\w* \w you my vineyard|strong="H3754"\w*.’”  
\v 7  \w His wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are the king|strong="H4410"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*\w !|strong="H6965"\w* \w Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up, eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w some food|strong="H3899"\w*, \w and have a good|strong="H3190"\w* \w time.|strong="H0589"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w get the vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w of Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3158"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w She wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w out orders,|strong="H5612"\w* \w signed|strong="H3789"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w to them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w and sealed|strong="H2856"\w* \w them with his seal|strong="H2368"\w*. \w She then sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the orders|strong="H5612"\w* \w to the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the nobles|strong="H2715"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Naboth’s|strong="H5022"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 9  \w This is what she|strong="H7121"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w*\w :|strong="H5612"\w* “Observe \w a time of fasting|strong="H6685"\w* \w and seat|strong="H3427"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w in front|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Also seat|strong="H3427"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w villains|strong="H1100"\w* \w opposite|strong="H5048"\w* \w him and have them testify|strong="H5749"\w*, \w ‘You cursed|strong="H1288"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w*.’ \w Then take him out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and stone|strong="H5619"\w* \w him to death|strong="H4191"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11  \w The men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of the|strong="H5892"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w and the nobles|strong="H2715"\w* \w who lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w there,|strong="H3789"\w* followed \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w orders|strong="H5612"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 12  \w They observed|strong="H7121"\w* \w a time of fasting|strong="H6685"\w* \w and put Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w in front|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 13  \w The two|strong="H8147"\w* \w villains|strong="H1100"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w and sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w opposite|strong="H5048"\w* \w him. Then the villains|strong="H1100"\w* \w testified|strong="H5749"\w* \w against Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w right before|strong="H5048"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w cursed|strong="H1288"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w*.” \w So they dragged|strong="H3318"\w* \w him|strong="H2351"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and stoned|strong="H0068"\w* \w him to death|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w they reported|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w*, \w “Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w has been stoned|strong="H5619"\w* \w to death|strong="H4191"\w*.”   
\p
\v 15  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w had been stoned|strong="H5619"\w* \w to death|strong="H4191"\w*, \w she|strong="H0348"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, \w “Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up, take possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w of the vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3158"\w* \w refused|strong="H3985"\w* \w to sell|strong="H5414"\w* \w you for silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w is no|strong="H0369"\w* \w longer alive|strong="H2416"\w*; \w he’s|strong="H3588"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*.”  
\v 16  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w was dead|strong="H4191"\w*, \w he|strong="H0256"\w* \w got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and went down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w take possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w of the vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w of Naboth|strong="H5022"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3158"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w the Tishbite|strong="H8664"\w*:  
\v 18 “\w Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up, go down|strong="H3381"\w* \w and meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w lives in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w He is at|strong="H2009"\w* \w the vineyard|strong="H3754"\w* \w of Naboth|strong="H5022"\w*; \w he has gone down|strong="H3381"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w to take possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w it|strong="H3381"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Say|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, ‘This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “Haven’t you committed murder|strong="H7523"\w* \w and taken possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w of the property of the deceased?”’ Then say|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, ‘This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “In the spot|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w dogs|strong="H3611"\w* \w licked up|strong="H3952"\w* \w Naboth’s|strong="H5022"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w they|strong="H3611"\w* \w will also|strong="H1571"\w* \w lick|strong="H3952"\w* \w up your|strong="H0859"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* – \w yes|strong="H1571"\w*, \w yours|strong="H0859"\w*!”’”   
\p
\v 20  \w When Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w arrived, Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w So, you have found|strong="H4672"\w* \w me, my enemy|strong="H0341"\w*\w !” Elijah|strong="H0559"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I have found|strong="H4672"\w* \w you, because|strong="H3282"\w* \w you are committed|strong="H4376"\w* \w to doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 21  \w The \+nd Lord\+nd* says, ‘Look|strong="H2005"\w*, \w I am ready to bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w you. I will destroy|strong="H1197"\w* \w you|strong="H3772"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w off|strong="H3772"\w* \w every last male|strong="H7023"\w* \w belonging to Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w including even the weak|strong="H6113"\w* \w and incapacitated|strong="H5800"\w*.  
\v 22  \w I will make|strong="H5414"\w* \w your dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w like those of Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w* \w and Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w because|strong="H3708"\w* \w you angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w me and made Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w*.’  
\v 23  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w this about|strong="H1696"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w*, \w ‘Dogs|strong="H3611"\w* \w will devour|strong="H0398"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w* \w by the outer|strong="H2428"\w* \w wall|strong="H3157"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*.’  
\v 24  \w As for Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family, dogs|strong="H3611"\w* \w will eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w the ones|strong="H4191"\w* \w who die|strong="H4191"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and the birds|strong="H5775"\w* \w of the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w will eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w the ones who die in the country|strong="H7704"\w*.”  
\v 25  \w (There|strong="H7535"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w anyone like Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w was firmly committed|strong="H4376"\w* \w to doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , urged|strong="H5496"\w* \w on by his wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w Jezebel|strong="H0348"\w*.  
\v 26  \w He was|strong="H3966"\w* \w so|strong="H1980"\w* \w wicked|strong="H8581"\w* \w he worshiped|strong="H8581"\w* \w the disgusting|strong="H3966"\w* \w idols|strong="H1544"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w like the Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had driven|strong="H3423"\w* \w out from before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.)   
\p
\v 27  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w*, \w he tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w his clothes|strong="H0899"\w*, \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w on sackcloth|strong="H8242"\w*, \w and fasted|strong="H6684"\w*. \w He slept|strong="H7901"\w* \w in sackcloth|strong="H8242"\w* \w and walked|strong="H1980"\w* \w around dejected|strong="H0328"\w*.  
\v 28  \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w the Tishbite|strong="H8664"\w*,  
\v 29 “\w Have|strong="H7200"\w* \w you noticed|strong="H7200"\w* \w how Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w shows remorse|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me? Because|strong="H3282"\w* \w he shows remorse|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me, I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w his lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*, \w but during the reign of his son|strong="H1121"\w*.”   
\c 22  
\p
\v 1  \w There|strong="H3427"\w* \w was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 2  \w In the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w came down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to visit|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 3  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w “Surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w you recognize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w belongs to us, though we|strong="H0587"\w* \w are hesitant|strong="H2814"\w* \w to reclaim|strong="H3027"\w* \w it from|strong="H3947"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w Then he said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “Will you go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me to attack|strong="H4421"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*\w ?” Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w “I will support|strong="H3644"\w* \w you; my army|strong="H5971"\w* \w and horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H0413"\w* disposal.”  
\v 5  \w Then Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w added|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w First seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w an oracle|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.”  
\v 6  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w about four|strong="H0702"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w and asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Should|strong="H1980"\w* \w I attack|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w not|strong="H2308"\w*\w ?”|strong="H0559"\w* \w They|strong="H0518"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Attack|strong="H5927"\w*\w ! The sovereign|strong="H0136"\w* \w one|strong="H3027"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w it over to the king|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 7  \w But Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Is there not|strong="H0369"\w* \w a prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w here|strong="H6311"\w*, \w that we may ask|strong="H1875"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*?”  
\v 8  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “There is still|strong="H5750"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w through whom we can seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w will.|strong="H0589"\w* \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w despise|strong="H8130"\w* \w him because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he does not|strong="H3808"\w* \w prophesy|strong="H5012"\w* \w prosperity|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me, but|strong="H0518"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w*. \w His name is Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Imlah|strong="H3229"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w should not|strong="H0408"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w such|strong="H3651"\w* \w things|strong="H3808"\w*.”  
\v 9  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w an official|strong="H5631"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Quickly|strong="H4116"\w* \w bring Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Imlah|strong="H3229"\w*.”   
\p
\v 10  \w Now the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w were sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their respective|strong="H0376"\w* \w thrones|strong="H3678"\w*, \w dressed|strong="H3847"\w* \w in their robes|strong="H0899"\w*, \w at the threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w at the entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w of the gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w were prophesying|strong="H5012"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Kenaanah|strong="H3668"\w* \w made iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w horns|strong="H7161"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘With these|strong="H0428"\w* \w you will gore|strong="H5055"\w* \w Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w they are destroyed|strong="H3615"\w*.’”  
\v 12  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w were prophesying|strong="H5012"\w* \w the same|strong="H3651"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*\w ! You will succeed|strong="H6743"\w*; \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w it over to the king|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 13  \w Now the messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to summon|strong="H7121"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w are in complete agreement that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w succeed|strong="H4994"\w*. \w Your words|strong="H1697"\w* \w must agree|strong="H1697"\w* \w with theirs|strong="H1992"\w*; \w you must predict|strong="H4994"\w* \w success|strong="H2896"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w But Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w As|strong="H0834"\w* \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w*, \w I will say|strong="H0559"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w tells me to|strong="H0413"\w* \w say|strong="H1696"\w*.”   
\p
\v 15  \w When he came|strong="H0935"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w*, \w should|strong="H1980"\w* \w we attack Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w not|strong="H2308"\w*\w ?” He answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Attack|strong="H5927"\w*\w ! You will succeed|strong="H6743"\w*; \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w it over to the king|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 16  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H5704"\w*, \w “How|strong="H4100"\w* \w many times|strong="H6471"\w* \w must I|strong="H0589"\w* \w make you solemnly|strong="H7650"\w* \w promise in|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w to tell|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w only|strong="H7535"\w* \w the truth|strong="H0571"\w*?”  
\v 17  \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w scattered|strong="H6327"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the mountains|strong="H2022"\w* \w like sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w have no|strong="H0369"\w* \w shepherd|strong="H7462"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘They have no|strong="H3808"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w should go|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w*.’”  
\v 18  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “Didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w I tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w you he does not|strong="H3808"\w* \w prophesy|strong="H5012"\w* \w prosperity|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me, but|strong="H0518"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w*?”  
\v 19  \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “That being|strong="H3651"\w* \w the case, hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . I saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6635"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his right|strong="H3225"\w* \w and on his left|strong="H8040"\w*.  
\v 20  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w will deceive|strong="H6601"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*, \w so|strong="H5927"\w* \w he will attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w and die|strong="H5307"\w* \w there|strong="H5927"\w*\w ?’ One|strong="H2088"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w another|strong="H2088"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w a spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w stepped|strong="H3318"\w* \w forward and stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . He said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will deceive|strong="H6601"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.’ \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, ‘How?’  
\v 22  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘I will go out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a lying|strong="H8267"\w* \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w in the mouths|strong="H6310"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his prophets|strong="H5030"\w*.’ \w The \+nd Lord\+nd* said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Deceive|strong="H6601"\w* \w and overpower him.|strong="H3318"\w* \w Go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and do|strong="H6213"\w* \w as you have proposed|strong="H3651"\w*.’  
\v 23  \w So now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w a lying|strong="H8267"\w* \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w in the mouths|strong="H6310"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of yours|strong="H0428"\w*; \w but|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has decreed|strong="H1696"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 24  \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Kenaanah|strong="H3668"\w* \w approached|strong="H5066"\w*, \w hit|strong="H5221"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the jaw|strong="H3895"\w*, \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Which|strong="H0335"\w* \w way|strong="H2088"\w* did \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w go when|strong="H5674"\w* \w he went from me to speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to you|strong="H0854"\w*?”  
\v 25  \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2005"\w*, \w you will see|strong="H7200"\w* \w in the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w you go|strong="H0935"\w* \w into an inner room|strong="H2315"\w* \w to hide|strong="H2247"\w*.”  
\v 26  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Take|strong="H3947"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w and return|strong="H7725"\w* \w him to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w official|strong="H8269"\w* \w and Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Put|strong="H7760"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w man in prison|strong="H3608"\w*. \w Give|strong="H0398"\w* \w him only a little|strong="H3906"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w and water|strong="H4325"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I safely|strong="H7965"\w* \w return|strong="H0935"\w*.”’”  
\v 28  \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you really|strong="H7725"\w* \w do safely|strong="H7965"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w*, \w then|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has not|strong="H3808"\w* \w spoken|strong="H1696"\w* \w through me.” Then he added, “Take note|strong="H8085"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you people|strong="H5971"\w*.”   
\p
\v 29  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w attacked Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.  
\v 30  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “I will disguise|strong="H2664"\w* \w myself and then enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w into the battle|strong="H4421"\w*; \w but you|strong="H0859"\w* \w wear|strong="H3847"\w* \w your royal robes|strong="H0899"\w*.” \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w disguised|strong="H2664"\w* \w himself and then entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w into the battle|strong="H4421"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Now the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w had ordered|strong="H6680"\w* \w his thirty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w*, \w “Do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w common|strong="H6996"\w* \w soldiers or high-ranking|strong="H1419"\w* \w officers;|strong="H0905"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w only|strong="H0905"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.”  
\v 32  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “He must|strong="H0389"\w* \w be the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.” \w So they turned|strong="H5493"\w* \w and attacked|strong="H3898"\w* \w him, but Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w out|strong="H2199"\w*.  
\v 33  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w the chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w realized|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was|strong="H1931"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w they turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H0310"\w* \w from him|strong="H0310"\w*.  
\v 34  \w Now an archer|strong="H0376"\w* \w shot|strong="H4900"\w* \w an arrow|strong="H7198"\w* \w at random|strong="H8537"\w*, \w and it struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the plates|strong="H1694"\w* \w of his armor|strong="H8302"\w*. \w The king|strong="H0559"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w his charioteer|strong="H7395"\w*, \w “Turn|strong="H2015"\w* \w around|strong="H3027"\w* \w and take|strong="H3318"\w* \w me from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the battle line|strong="H4264"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w I’m wounded|strong="H2470"\w*.”  
\v 35  \w While the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w raged|strong="H5927"\w* \w throughout the day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w propped|strong="H3332"\w* \w up in his chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w opposite|strong="H5227"\w* \w the Syrians|strong="H0758"\w*. \w He died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in the evening|strong="H6153"\w*; \w the blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w from the wound|strong="H4347"\w* \w ran down into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the bottom|strong="H2436"\w* \w of the chariot|strong="H7393"\w*.  
\v 36  \w As the sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w was setting|strong="H5674"\w*, \w a cry|strong="H7440"\w* \w went through|strong="H0935"\w* \w the camp|strong="H4264"\w*, \w “Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w should return to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his homeland|strong="H0776"\w*.”  
\v 37  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and was taken|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*, \w where they buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 38  \w They washed|strong="H7857"\w* \w off the chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w at the pool|strong="H1295"\w* \w of Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w (this was where the prostitutes|strong="H2185"\w* \w bathed|strong="H7364"\w*\w );|strong="H3611"\w* \w dogs|strong="H3611"\w* \w licked|strong="H3952"\w* \w his blood|strong="H1818"\w*, \w just as|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w happen|strong="H1697"\w*.   
\p
\v 39  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w reign, including a record|strong="H0834"\w* \w of his accomplishments|strong="H6213"\w* \w and how|strong="H0834"\w* \w he built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a luxurious palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and various|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 40  \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 Jehoshaphat’s \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w* over Judah  
\p
\v 41  \w In the fourth|strong="H0702"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w reign over Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 42  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was thirty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when he became king and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for twenty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Azubah|strong="H5806"\w*, \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Shilhi|strong="H7977"\w*.  
\v 43  \w He followed|strong="H1870"\w* \w in his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w and was careful|strong="H4480"\w* \w to do what|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*. \w However|strong="H0389"\w*, \w the high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eliminated|strong="H5493"\w*; \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w continued|strong="H5750"\w* \w to offer sacrifices and burn incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w on the high places|strong="H1116"\w*.  
\v 44  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was also at peace|strong="H7999"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 45  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w reign|strong="H1369"\w*, \w including his successes|strong="H6213"\w* \w and military exploits|strong="H3898"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w called the Annals|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 46  \w He removed|strong="H1197"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w any male cultic prostitutes|strong="H6945"\w* \w who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w managed to survive|strong="H7604"\w* \w the reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w*.  
\v 47  \w There was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w at this time; a governor|strong="H5324"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 48  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w built a fleet of large merchant ships|strong="H8659"\w* \w to travel|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Ophir|strong="H0211"\w* \w for gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w but they never|strong="H3808"\w* \w made|strong="H1980"\w* \w the voyage|strong="H1980"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they were shipwrecked|strong="H0591"\w* \w in Ezion Geber|strong="H6100"\w*.  
\v 49  \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “Let my sailors|strong="H5650"\w* \w join|strong="H1980"\w* \w yours|strong="H5650"\w* \w in the fleet|strong="H0591"\w*,” \w but Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w refused|strong="H0014"\w*.   
\p
\v 50  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* Reign \w over|strong="H0413"\w* Israel  
\p
\v 51  \w In the seventeenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w reign over Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w He ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for two years|strong="H8141"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 52  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w and followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and mother|strong="H0517"\w*; \w like|strong="H1870"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*, \w he encouraged|strong="H2398"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to sin|strong="H2398"\w*.  
\v 53  \w He worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w and bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down to Baal|strong="H1168"\w*, \w angering|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w had done|strong="H6213"\w*.