\id 2CH  
\h 2 Chronicles 
\toc1 2 Chronicles 
\toc2 2 Chronicles 
\mt1 2 Chronicles  
\c 1  
\s1 The Lord Gives Solomon Wisdom  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w solidified|strong="H2388"\w* \w his royal|strong="H4438"\w* \w authority,|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him and magnified|strong="H1431"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w greatly|strong="H4605"\w*.   
\p
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w addressed|strong="H0559"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w including those who commanded units|strong="H8269"\w* \w of a thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w and a hundred|strong="H3967"\w*, \w the judges|strong="H8199"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H5387"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who were heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w of families|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w went to the worship center|strong="H1116"\w* \w in Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w they met|strong="H4150"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was located there|strong="H8033"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w had made|strong="H6213"\w* \w in the wilderness|strong="H4057"\w*.  
\v 4  \w (Now|strong="H0061"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had brought up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w from Kiriath Jearim|strong="H7157"\w* \w to the place he|strong="H1732"\w* \w had prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w for it, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w had pitched|strong="H5186"\w* \w a tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w for it in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 5  \w But the bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w by Bezalel|strong="H1212"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Uri|strong="H0221"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hur|strong="H2354"\w*, \w was in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w tabernacle|strong="H4908"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and the entire assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w prayed|strong="H1875"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w*.)  
\v 6  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to the bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was at the meeting|strong="H4150"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w*, \w and he offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w up a thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w That night|strong="H3915"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Tell me|strong="H7592"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I should give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w demonstrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and have made|strong="H6213"\w* \w me|strong="H5973"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in his place|strong="H8478"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3069"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w may your promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5973"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w be realized|strong="H0539"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have made me king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w a great nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w as numerous|strong="H7227"\w* \w as the dust|strong="H6083"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and discernment|strong="H4093"\w* \w so|strong="H0935"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H4310"\w* effectively \w lead|strong="H3318"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Otherwise|strong="H3588"\w* \w no one|strong="H4310"\w* \w is able|strong="H8199"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* judicial decisions \w for|strong="H2088"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w yours|strong="H5414"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11  \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w “Because|strong="H3282"\w* \w you desire|strong="H3824"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*, \w and did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w for riches|strong="H6239"\w*, \w wealth|strong="H5233"\w*, \w and honor|strong="H3519"\w*, \w or for vengeance on your|strong="H5315"\w* \w enemies|strong="H8130"\w*, \w and because you did not ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w for long|strong="H3117"\w* \w life|strong="H5315"\w*, \w but requested|strong="H7592"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and discernment|strong="H4093"\w* \w so you can make judicial decisions|strong="H8199"\w* \w for my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w I have made you king|strong="H4427"\w*,  
\v 12  \w you are granted wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and discernment|strong="H4093"\w*. \w Furthermore I am giving|strong="H5414"\w* \w you riches|strong="H6239"\w*, \w wealth|strong="H5233"\w*, \w and honor|strong="H3519"\w* \w surpassing|strong="H3651"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w of any king|strong="H4428"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w or after|strong="H0310"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”   
\p
\v 13  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w left the meeting|strong="H4150"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w at the worship center|strong="H1116"\w* \w in Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \w and went to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w where he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\s1 \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* Wealth  
\p
\v 14  \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="H3240"\w* \w them in assigned cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and in|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 15  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and gold|strong="H2091"\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 16  \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 17  \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 2  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to be built|strong="H1129"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , as well as a royal|strong="H4438"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w himself|strong="H0376"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H5608"\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*, \w in addition|strong="H5921"\w* \w to 3,600|strong="H3967"\w* \w supervisors|strong="H5329"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a message to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w of Tyre|strong="H6865"\w*\w :|strong="H0834"\w* “Help \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w you did|strong="H6213"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w when you sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w him cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w logs|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w construction|strong="H1129"\w* \w of his palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am ready to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and to dedicate|strong="H6942"\w* \w it to him in order to burn|strong="H6999"\w* \w fragrant|strong="H5561"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him, to set out the bread that is regularly|strong="H8548"\w* \w displayed|strong="H4635"\w*, \w and to offer burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w each morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and evening|strong="H6153"\w*, \w and on Sabbaths|strong="H7676"\w*, \w new moon|strong="H2320"\w* \w festivals|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and at other times appointed by the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w This|strong="H2063"\w* \w is something Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w must do on|strong="H5921"\w* \w a permanent|strong="H5769"\w* basis.  
\v 5  \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a great|strong="H1419"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is greater|strong="H1419"\w* \w than all|strong="H3605"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Of course|strong="H6113"\w*, \w who can|strong="H4310"\w* \w really build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for him, since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and the highest|strong="H8064"\w* \w heavens|strong="H8064"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w contain|strong="H3557"\w* \w him? Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w* \w I that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I should build|strong="H1129"\w* \w him a temple|strong="H1004"\w*\w ! It will really|strong="H3588"\w* \w be only|strong="H0518"\w* \w a place to offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*.   
\p
\v 7 “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w me a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who is skilled|strong="H2450"\w* \w in working|strong="H6213"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*, \w and iron|strong="H1270"\w*, \w as well as purple|strong="H0710"\w*, \w crimson|strong="H3758"\w*, \w and violet|strong="H8504"\w* \w colored fabrics, and who knows|strong="H3045"\w* \w how to engrave|strong="H6603"\w*. \w He will work with|strong="H5973"\w* \w my skilled craftsmen|strong="H2450"\w* \w here in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w provided|strong="H3559"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Send|strong="H7971"\w* \w me cedars|strong="H0730"\w*, \w evergreens|strong="H1265"\w*, \w and algum|strong="H0418"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w from Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w are adept|strong="H3772"\w* \w at cutting|strong="H3045"\w* \w down|strong="H3772"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w in Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*. \w My servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w will work with|strong="H5973"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w*  
\v 9  \w to supply|strong="H3559"\w* \w me with large quantities|strong="H7230"\w* \w of timber|strong="H6086"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I am|strong="H0589"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w a great|strong="H1419"\w*, \w magnificent|strong="H6381"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I will pay your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H2404"\w* \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w the timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w 20,000 kors|strong="H4347"\w* \w of ground wheat|strong="H2406"\w*, \w 20,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w kors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of barley|strong="H8184"\w*, \w 120,000|strong="H6242"\w* \w gallons|strong="H1324"\w* \w of wine|strong="H3196"\w*, \w and 120,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w gallons|strong="H1324"\w* \w of olive oil|strong="H8081"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w of Tyre|strong="H6865"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this letter|strong="H3791"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*: “\w Because|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w loves|strong="H0160"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w he has made|strong="H5414"\w* \w you their king|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 12  \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w also said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Worthy of praise|strong="H1288"\w* \w is|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and the earth|strong="H0776"\w*\w ! He has|strong="H0834"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w a wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w who has discernment|strong="H7922"\w* \w and insight|strong="H0998"\w* \w and will build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , as well as a royal|strong="H4438"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w himself|strong="H3045"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I am sending|strong="H7971"\w* \w you Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w Abi|strong="H0001"\w*, \w a skilled|strong="H2450"\w* \w and capable|strong="H0998"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*,  
\v 14  \w whose mother|strong="H0802"\w* \w is a Danite|strong="H1835"\w* \w and whose father|strong="H0001"\w* \w is a Tyrian|strong="H6876"\w*. \w He knows|strong="H3045"\w* \w how to work|strong="H6213"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*, \w iron|strong="H1270"\w*, \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*, \w and wood|strong="H6086"\w*, \w as well as purple|strong="H0713"\w*, \w violet|strong="H8504"\w*, \w white|strong="H0948"\w*, \w and crimson|strong="H3758"\w* \w fabrics. He knows how to do|strong="H6605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w kinds of engraving|strong="H6603"\w* \w and understands|strong="H2803"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w design|strong="H4284"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w to him. He will work with|strong="H5973"\w* \w your skilled craftsmen|strong="H2450"\w* \w and the skilled craftsmen|strong="H2450"\w* \w of my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w let my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w to his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w the wheat|strong="H2406"\w*, \w barley|strong="H8184"\w*, \w olive oil|strong="H8081"\w*, \w and wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w he has promised|strong="H0834"\w*;  
\v 16  \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w will get|strong="H3772"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w you need|strong="H6878"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w and bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H7513"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* raft-like \w bundles|strong="H3220"\w* \w by|strong="H3478"\w* sea \w to Joppa|strong="H3305"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w can then haul it on up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.”   
\p
\v 17  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w took a census|strong="H5608"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the male|strong="H0376"\w* \w resident foreigners|strong="H1616"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w the census|strong="H5610"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had taken|strong="H5608"\w*. \w There were|strong="H4672"\w* \w 153,600|strong="H3967"\w* \w in|strong="H0505"\w* \w all|strong="H0505"\w*.  
\v 18  \w He designated|strong="H6213"\w* \w 70,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w as common laborers|strong="H5449"\w*, \w 80,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w as stonecutters|strong="H2672"\w* \w in the hills|strong="H2022"\w*, \w and 3,600|strong="H3967"\w* \w as supervisors|strong="H5329"\w* \w to make sure the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w completed the work|strong="H5647"\w*.   
\c 3  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w on Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Moriah|strong="H4179"\w*, \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd* had|strong="H0834"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w This was the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w at the threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w of Ornan|strong="H0771"\w* \w the Jebusite|strong="H2983"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He began|strong="H2490"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w on the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w day of the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of the fourth|strong="H0702"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H4438"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w laid|strong="H0428"\w* \w the foundation|strong="H3245"\w* \w for God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w its length|strong="H0753"\w* \w (determined according to the old|strong="H7223"\w* \w standard|strong="H4060"\w* \w of measure|strong="H4060"\w*\w ) was 90 feet|strong="H8346"\w*, \w and its width|strong="H7341"\w* \w 30 feet|strong="H6242"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the main hall was 30 feet|strong="H6242"\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 and its height|strong="H1363"\w* \w was 30 feet|strong="H6242"\w*. \w He plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the inside|strong="H6441"\w* \w with pure|strong="H2889"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He paneled|strong="H2645"\w* \w the main hall|strong="H1004"\w* \w with boards|strong="H1419"\w* \w made from evergreen|strong="H1265"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and plated|strong="H2645"\w* \w it with fine|strong="H2896"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w decorated|strong="H5927"\w* \w with palm trees|strong="H8561"\w* \w and chains|strong="H8333"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He decorated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*; \w the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w he used came from Parvaim|strong="H6516"\w*.  
\v 7  \w He overlaid|strong="H2645"\w* \w the temple’s rafters|strong="H6982"\w*, \w thresholds|strong="H5592"\w*, \w walls|strong="H7023"\w* \w and doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*; \w he carved decorative|strong="H6605"\w* \w cherubim|strong="H3742"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the walls|strong="H7023"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the most|strong="H6944"\w* \w holy place|strong="H6944"\w*; \w its length|strong="H0753"\w* \w was 30 feet|strong="H6242"\w*, \w corresponding|strong="H6440"\w* \w to the width|strong="H7341"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and its width|strong="H7341"\w* \w 30 feet|strong="H6242"\w*. \w He plated|strong="H2645"\w* \w it with 600|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of fine|strong="H2896"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 9  \w The gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w nails|strong="H4548"\w* \w weighed|strong="H4948"\w* \w 50|strong="H2572"\w* \w shekels|strong="H8255"\w*; \w he also plated|strong="H2645"\w* \w the upper areas|strong="H5944"\w* \w with gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 10  \w In the most|strong="H6944"\w* \w holy place|strong="H6944"\w* \w he made|strong="H4639"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w images|strong="H6816"\w* \w of cherubim|strong="H3742"\w* \w and plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w them with|strong="H6823"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 11  \w The combined wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w span of the cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w was 30 feet|strong="H6242"\w*. \w One|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w cherub’s wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w was seven and one-half feet|strong="H2568"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w* \w and touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w one wall|strong="H7023"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w its other|strong="H0312"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w was also seven and one-half feet|strong="H2568"\w* \w long and touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w one of the second cherub’s|strong="H0312"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Likewise one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the second cherub’s|strong="H3742"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w was seven and one-half feet|strong="H2568"\w* \w long and touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w the other wall|strong="H7023"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w its other|strong="H0312"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w was also seven and one-half feet|strong="H2568"\w* \w long and touched|strong="H1695"\w* \w one of the first|strong="H0312"\w* \w cherub’s|strong="H3742"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w*.  
\v 13  \w The combined wingspan|strong="H6566"\w* \w of these|strong="H0428"\w* \w cherubim|strong="H3742"\w* \w was 30 feet|strong="H6242"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w upright|strong="H7272"\w*, \w facing|strong="H6440"\w* \w inward|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the curtain|strong="H6532"\w* \w out of violet|strong="H8504"\w*, \w purple|strong="H0713"\w*, \w crimson|strong="H3758"\w*, \w and white fabrics|strong="H0948"\w*, \w and embroidered|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it decorative cherubim|strong="H3742"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w In front of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w he made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w had a combined length|strong="H0753"\w* \w of 52½ feet|strong="H2568"\w*, \w with each having a plated capital|strong="H6858"\w* \w seven and one-half feet|strong="H2568"\w* \w high|strong="H0753"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ornamental chains|strong="H8333"\w* \w and put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the pillars|strong="H5982"\w*. \w He also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w one hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w pomegranate-shaped ornaments|strong="H7416"\w* \w and arranged|strong="H5414"\w* \w them within the chains|strong="H8333"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He set up|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1964"\w*, \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w on the right side|strong="H3225"\w* \w and the other|strong="H0259"\w* \w on the left|strong="H8042"\w*. \w He named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the one on the right|strong="H3227"\w* \w Jachin|strong="H3199"\w*, \w and the one on the left|strong="H8040"\w* \w Boaz|strong="H1162"\w*.   
\c 4  
\p
\v 1  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w 30 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, \w 30 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and 15 feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w big|strong="H3332"\w* \w bronze basin|strong="H3332"\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="H0413"\w* \w rim|strong="H8193"\w*, \w was circular|strong="H5696"\w* \w in shape|strong="H5439"\w*, \w and stood seven and one-half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*. \w Its circumference|strong="H5439"\w* \w was 45 feet|strong="H0520"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Images|strong="H1823"\w* \w of bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w were under|strong="H8478"\w* \w it all the way|strong="H5439"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w*, \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w every eighteen inches|strong="H0520"\w* \w all the way around|strong="H5362"\w*. \w The bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w were in two|strong="H8147"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w and had been cast|strong="H3332"\w* \w with “The Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.”  
\v 4 “\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 5  \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 18,000 gallons|strong="H0505"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w washing basins|strong="H3595"\w*; \w he put|strong="H5414"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on the south|strong="H3225"\w* \w side and five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on the north|strong="H8040"\w* \w side. In them they rinsed|strong="H1740"\w* \w the items used|strong="H1740"\w* \w for burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*; \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w washed|strong="H7364"\w* \w in “The Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w according|strong="H4941"\w* \w to specifications|strong="H4941"\w* \w and put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them in the temple|strong="H1964"\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*.  
\v 8  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w tables|strong="H7979"\w* \w and set|strong="H3240"\w* \w them in the temple|strong="H1964"\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 He also made|strong="H6213"\w* \w one hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w bowls|strong="H4219"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the courtyard|strong="H5835"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the large|strong="H1419"\w* \w enclosure|strong="H5835"\w* \w and its doors|strong="H1817"\w*; \w he plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w their doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w with bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He put|strong="H5414"\w* \w “The 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 11  \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w Abi|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the pots|strong="H5518"\w*, \w shovels|strong="H3257"\w*, \w and bowls|strong="H4219"\w*. \w He|strong="H2438"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w all the work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w he had been assigned|strong="H6213"\w* \w by King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 12  \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 13  \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 14  \w the ten|strong="H4350"\w* movable \w stands|strong="H4350"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* ten \w basins|strong="H3595"\w*,  
\v 15  \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 16  \w and the pots|strong="H5518"\w*, \w shovels|strong="H3257"\w*, \w and meat forks|strong="H4207"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the items|strong="H3627"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6213"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w Abi|strong="H0001"\w* \w to make for the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w were made from polished|strong="H4838"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had them cast|strong="H3332"\w* \w in earthen|strong="H5645"\w* \w foundries|strong="H0127"\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="H6868"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w so many|strong="H7230"\w* \w of these|strong="H0428"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w they did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w weigh|strong="H2713"\w* \w the bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w these items|strong="H3627"\w* \w for God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*\w : the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w the tables|strong="H7979"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w which the Bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w of the Presence|strong="H6440"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w kept|strong="H6213"\w*,  
\v 20  \w the pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w and their lamps|strong="H5216"\w* \w which burned|strong="H1197"\w* \w as specified|strong="H4941"\w* \w at the entrance to the inner sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w*,  
\v 21  \w the pure|strong="H4357"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w flower-shaped|strong="H6525"\w* \w ornaments, lamps|strong="H5216"\w*, \w and tongs|strong="H4457"\w*,  
\v 22  \w the pure gold 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 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*.   
\c 5  
\p
\v 1  \w When Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had finished|strong="H7999"\w* \w constructing|strong="H4399"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\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 all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the other|strong="H3605"\w* \w articles|strong="H3627"\w*\w ) in the treasuries|strong="H0214"\w* \w of God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\s1 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* Moves \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Ark \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*  
\p
\v 2  \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w convened|strong="H6950"\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 – in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w so they could witness the transferal|strong="H5927"\w* \w of the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of the covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w (that|strong="H1931"\w* \w is, Zion|strong="H6726"\w*).  
\v 3  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6950"\w* \w before the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w during the festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w in the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 4  \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 Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w lifted|strong="H5375"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w*.  
\v 5  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w where God appeared|strong="H4150"\w* \w to his people,|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H5927"\w* \w in the tent|strong="H0168"\w*.  
\v 6  \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 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 7  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w 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 to|strong="H0413"\w* \w its assigned|strong="H4725"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w in 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 8  \w The cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*’ \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w extended|strong="H6566"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w where the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w sat; the cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w overshadowed|strong="H4605"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w and its poles|strong="H0905"\w*.  
\v 9  \w The poles|strong="H0905"\w* \w were so long|strong="H0748"\w* \w their ends|strong="H7218"\w* \w extending out from the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w were visible|strong="H7200"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\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 10  \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 tablets|strong="H3871"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w there 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 of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.)   
\p
\v 11  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place.|strong="H3605"\w* \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H8104"\w* \w participated had|strong="H4672"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves, no|strong="H0369"\w* \w matter which division|strong="H4256"\w* \w they represented|strong="H8104"\w*.  
\v 12  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who were musicians|strong="H7891"\w*, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*, \w Heman|strong="H1968"\w*, \w Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w*, \w and their sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and relatives|strong="H0251"\w*, \w wore|strong="H3847"\w* \w linen|strong="H0948"\w*. \w They played cymbals|strong="H4700"\w* \w and stringed instruments|strong="H3658"\w* \w as they stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w of the altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w They were accompanied|strong="H5973"\w* \w by 120|strong="H6242"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*.  
\v 13  \w The trumpeters|strong="H0259"\w* \w and musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w played|strong="H2690"\w* \w together, praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w and giving thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . Accompanied|strong="H7311"\w* \w by trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*, \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w*, \w and other instruments|strong="H7892"\w*, \w they loudly praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , singing:|strong="H3588"\w* “\w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w he is good|strong="H2896"\w*; \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w his loyal love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*\w !” Then a cloud|strong="H6051"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 14  \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 splendor|strong="H3519"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\c 6  
\p
\v 1  \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 2  \w O \+nd Lord\+nd*, I|strong="H0589"\w* \w 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 3  \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 4  \w He said|strong="H0559"\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 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 5  \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 out of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w 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 Nor|strong="H3808"\w* \w did I choose|strong="H0977"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w as leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 6  \w But now I have chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as a place|strong="H8033"\w* \w to live|strong="H8034"\w*, \w and 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 7  \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 8  \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 9  \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 10  \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. I have|strong="H1696"\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 11  \w and set|strong="H7760"\w* \w up in it a place|strong="H8033"\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 the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w He 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*.  
\v 13  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w platform|strong="H3595"\w* \w and had placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w it in the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the enclosure|strong="H5835"\w*. \w It was seven and one-half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, \w seven and one-half feet|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and four and one-half feet|strong="H7969"\w* \w high|strong="H6967"\w*. \w He stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it and then got down|strong="H1288"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his knees|strong="H1290"\w* \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 He spread out|strong="H6566"\w* \w his hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w toward the sky|strong="H8064"\w*,  
\v 14  \w and 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 or on earth|strong="H0776"\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 15  \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 16  \w Now|strong="H6258"\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 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="H1870"\w* \w and obey|strong="H1980"\w* \w my law|strong="H8451"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you have|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H1980"\w*.’  
\v 17  \w Now|strong="H6258"\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 may the promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w you made to your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w be realized|strong="H0539"\w*.   
\p
\v 18 “\w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w does not really|strong="H0552"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w humankind|strong="H0120"\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 19  \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|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and day|strong="H3119"\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 21  \w Respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the requests|strong="H8469"\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="H4480"\w* \w your heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w favorably|strong="H0859"\w* \w and forgive|strong="H5545"\w*.   
\p
\v 22 “\w When|strong="H0518"\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="H5375"\w* \w a curse|strong="H0422"\w* \w on the alleged offender|strong="H0423"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w your altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 23  \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w 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|strong="H7725"\w*. \w Condemn 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 24 “\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w your 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="H3588"\w* \w they sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against you, then if they come back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to 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 before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 25  \w then|strong="H0859"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w 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 them|strong="H1992"\w* \w and their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 26 “\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 27  \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|strong="H0413"\w* \w the right|strong="H2896"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w 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 28 “\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="H6696"\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 29  \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|strong="H0834"\w* \w they acknowledge|strong="H3045"\w* \w their intense pain|strong="H4341"\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 30  \w then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4349"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w their sin,|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* act \w favorably toward each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one based on|strong="H1870"\w* \w your evaluation|strong="H3045"\w* \w of their motives|strong="H3824"\w*. \w (Indeed|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are the only|strong="H0905"\w* \w one who can correctly evaluate|strong="H3045"\w* \w the motives|strong="H3824"\w* \w of all people|strong="H0120"\w*.)  
\v 31  \w Then|strong="H4616"\w* \w they will honor|strong="H4616"\w* \w you by obeying|strong="H3372"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w 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 32 “\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 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="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\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 33  \w Then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4349"\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 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|strong="H0853"\w* \w 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 belongs|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.   
\p
\v 34 “\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 you toward|strong="H1870"\w* \w this 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 35  \w then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w 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 36 “\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 at 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 land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w whether far away|strong="H7350"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w close|strong="H7138"\w* \w by|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 37  \w When your people|strong="H7725"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their senses|strong="H3824"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\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="H7633"\w*, \w admitting|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘We have sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w and gone astray|strong="H5753"\w* \w , we have done evil|strong="H7561"\w*!’  
\v 38  \w When they return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their heart|strong="H3820"\w* \w and being|strong="H5315"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w where they are held|strong="H7633"\w* \w prisoner|strong="H7617"\w* \w and direct|strong="H6419"\w* \w their prayers|strong="H6419"\w* \w 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 39  \w then listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w 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 vindicate|strong="H4941"\w* \w them,|strong="H5545"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w your sinful|strong="H2398"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 40 “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w my God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w may|strong="H4994"\w* \w you be attentive|strong="H5869"\w* \w and responsive|strong="H7183"\w* \w to the prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w offered in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 41  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w ascend|strong="H6965"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w to your resting place|strong="H5118"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of your strength|strong="H5797"\w*\w ! May your priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w experience|strong="H3847"\w* \w your deliverance|strong="H8668"\w*\w !|strong="H2623"\w* \w May|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w followers|strong="H2623"\w* \w rejoice|strong="H8055"\w* \w in the prosperity|strong="H2896"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w give|strong="H8055"\w*!  
\v 42  \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w do not|strong="H0408"\w* \w reject|strong="H7725"\w* \w your chosen ones|strong="H4899"\w*\w !|strong="H2142"\w* \w Remember|strong="H2142"\w* \w the faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w promises you made to your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*!”   
\c 7  
\p
\v 1  \w When Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w praying|strong="H6419"\w*, \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w came down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and consumed|strong="H0398"\w* \w the burnt offering|strong="H5930"\w* \w and the sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w splendor|strong="H3519"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 2  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were unable|strong="H3201"\w* \w to enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w splendor|strong="H3519"\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 3  \w When all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w come down|strong="H3381"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w splendor|strong="H3519"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w they got on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their knees|strong="H3766"\w* \w with their faces|strong="H0639"\w* \w downward toward the pavement|strong="H7531"\w*. \w They worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w and gave thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , saying,|strong="H3588"\w* “\w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w he is good|strong="H2896"\w*; \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w his loyal love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*!”   
\p
\v 4  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were presenting sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 5  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w 22,000|strong="H0505"\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 people|strong="H5971"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H2596"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 6  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w in their assigned spots|strong="H4931"\w*, \w along with the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w the musical instruments used|strong="H2690"\w* \w for praising|strong="H7892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w .|strong="H2690"\w* (\w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w the ones|strong="H2690"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w giving|strong="H2690"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* offered \w praise|strong="H1984"\w*, saying, “\w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*.”) \w Opposite|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w blowing|strong="H2690"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2690"\w*, \w while|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\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="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He offered burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w grain offerings|strong="H4503"\w*, \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w from the peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had made|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H3201"\w* \w too small|strong="H3201"\w* \w to hold|strong="H3557"\w* \w all these|strong="H2459"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*.  
\v 8  \w At that time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and 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 for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w This great|strong="H1419"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w included|strong="H3966"\w* \w people from Lebo Hamath|strong="H2574"\w* \w in the north to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the Brook|strong="H5158"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* south.  
\v 9  \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the eighth|strong="H8066"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w they held an assembly|strong="H6116"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they had dedicated|strong="H2598"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w and celebrated the festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w more days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 10  \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the twenty-third|strong="H7969"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H7971"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w home|strong="H0168"\w*. \w They left|strong="H8056"\w* \w happy|strong="H8056"\w* \w and contented|strong="H3820"\w* \w because of the good|strong="H2896"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w and his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\s1 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* Gives \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w Promise|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w Warning|strong="H7971"\w*  
\p
\v 11  \w After Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* building \w the|strong="H3605"\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*, \w and accomplished|strong="H6743"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H8010"\w* \w plans|strong="H6213"\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 and his royal palace|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 12  \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w at night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him: “I have answered|strong="H8085"\w* \w your prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w and chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w to be my temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w where sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H8085"\w*.  
\v 13  \w When|strong="H2005"\w* \w I|strong="H0518"\w* \w close|strong="H6113"\w* \w up the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w so that it|strong="H1961"\w* \w doesn’t|strong="H2005"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w*, \w or command|strong="H6680"\w* \w locusts|strong="H2284"\w* \w to devour|strong="H0398"\w* \w the land’s|strong="H0776"\w* \w vegetation,|strong="H0518"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w a plague|strong="H1698"\w* \w among my people|strong="H5971"\w*,  
\v 14  \w if my people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w belong to me|strong="H5921"\w*, \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves, pray|strong="H6419"\w*, \w seek|strong="H1245"\w* \w to please me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and repudiate|strong="H7725"\w* \w their sinful practices|strong="H7451"\w*, \w then I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w their sin|strong="H2403"\w*, \w and heal|strong="H7495"\w* \w their land|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w attentive|strong="H5869"\w* \w and responsive|strong="H7183"\w* \w to the prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w offered in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I have chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w and consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w by|strong="H8034"\w* \w making it my permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w home;|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w constantly|strong="H3117"\w* \w present|strong="H5704"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 17  \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w must|strong="H0518"\w* \w serve|strong="H1980"\w* \w me as|strong="H0834"\w* \w 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 18  \w Then I will establish|strong="H6965"\w* \w your dynasty|strong="H4438"\w*, \w just as|strong="H0834"\w* \w I promised|strong="H3772"\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 ruling over|strong="H4910"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’   
\p
\v 19 “\w But if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w ever turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away from me, fail|strong="H5800"\w* \w to obey the regulations and rules|strong="H2708"\w* \w I instructed you 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 20  \w then I will remove|strong="H5428"\w* \w you|strong="H0127"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w I have|strong="H0834"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w you,|strong="H2088"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w abandon|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I have|strong="H0834"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w with my presence|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and I will|strong="H5414"\w* \w make you|strong="H4912"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* object \w of|strong="H1004"\w* mockery \w and ridicule|strong="H8148"\w* \w among all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 21  \w As for this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was once majestic|strong="H5945"\w*, \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who passes|strong="H5674"\w* \w by it will be shocked|strong="H8074"\w* \w and say|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 land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and this|strong="H2063"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*?’  
\v 22  \w Others will then answer,|strong="H5800"\w* ‘\w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w them 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 he 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*.’”   
\c 8  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H7093"\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 his royal palace|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w had given|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H8010"\w* \w and settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Hamath Zobah|strong="H2578"\w* \w and seized|strong="H2388"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up Tadmor|strong="H8412"\w* \w in the wilderness|strong="H4057"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in Hamath|strong="H2574"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He made|strong="H1129"\w* \w upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Beth Horon|strong="H1032"\w* \w and lower|strong="H8481"\w* \w Beth Horon|strong="H1032"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4692"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w with walls|strong="H2346"\w* \w and barred|strong="H1280"\w* \w gates|strong="H1817"\w*,  
\v 6  \w and built up Baalath|strong="H1191"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w belonged|strong="H1961"\w* \w to him|strong="H8010"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w where chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and horses|strong="H6571"\w* \w were kept.|strong="H8010"\w* \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w whatever|strong="H2837"\w* \w he 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="H0776"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4474"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \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 Hittites|strong="H2850"\w*, \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*, \w Perizzites|strong="H6522"\w*, \w Hivites|strong="H2340"\w*, \w and Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w*.  
\v 8  \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="H3808"\w* \w to wipe|strong="H3615"\w* \w them out). Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w conscripted|strong="H5927"\w* \w them for his work crews|strong="H4522"\w* \w and they continue|strong="H5704"\w* \w in that|strong="H0834"\w* \w role to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 9  \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|strong="H4399"\w* \w crews|strong="H5650"\w*; \w the Israelites served as his soldiers|strong="H4421"\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 10  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w men worked for Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w as supervisors|strong="H5333"\w*; \w there were a total of 250|strong="H3967"\w* \w of them who were in charge|strong="H7287"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w moved Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for her, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w must not|strong="H3808"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the places where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the temple’s porch|strong="H0197"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He observed|strong="H2282"\w* \w the daily requirements|strong="H2282"\w* \w for sacrifices|strong="H2282"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w had specified|strong="H4687"\w* \w for Sabbaths|strong="H7676"\w*, \w new moon|strong="H2320"\w* \w festivals|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w annual|strong="H8141"\w* \w celebrations|strong="H6471"\w* \w – the Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread, the Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Weeks|strong="H7620"\w*, \w and the Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Temporary Shelters|strong="H5521"\w*.  
\v 14  \w As|strong="H5975"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H0853"\w* \w decreed|strong="H4941"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H5975"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to do their assigned tasks|strong="H5656"\w*, \w the Levitical|strong="H3881"\w* \w orders|strong="H1697"\w* \w to lead worship and help the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w with their daily|strong="H3117"\w* \w tasks,|strong="H4256"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w of the gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w* \w to serve at their assigned gates|strong="H8179"\w*. \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w was what|strong="H3651"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had ordered|strong="H4687"\w*.  
\v 15  \w They did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w neglect|strong="H4687"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w detail|strong="H4687"\w* \w of the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w orders|strong="H4687"\w* \w pertaining|strong="H5921"\w* \w to the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and treasuries|strong="H0214"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the work|strong="H4399"\w* \w ordered|strong="H3559"\w* \w by Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was completed, from|strong="H5704"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the foundation|strong="H4143"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was laid until|strong="H5704"\w* \w it was finished|strong="H3615"\w*; \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was completed|strong="H8003"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Ezion Geber|strong="H6100"\w* \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Elat|strong="H0359"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the coast|strong="H3220"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Edom|strong="H0123"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w him ships and some of his sailors|strong="H0591"\w*, \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w who were well acquainted|strong="H3045"\w* \w with the sea|strong="H3220"\w*. \w They sailed|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w to Ophir|strong="H0211"\w*, \w and took|strong="H3947"\w* \w from there|strong="H8033"\w* \w 450|strong="H2572"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w which they brought back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.   
\c 9  
\p
\v 1  \w When the queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about|strong="H0854"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w she came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to challenge|strong="H5254"\w* \w him|strong="H8010"\w* \w with difficult questions|strong="H2420"\w*. \w She arrived in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with a great|strong="H3515"\w* \w display of pomp|strong="H2428"\w*, \w bringing with her camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w carrying|strong="H5375"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w a very large quantity|strong="H7230"\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="H5973"\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 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w answered|strong="H5046"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w her questions|strong="H1697"\w*; \w there was no|strong="H3808"\w* \w question|strong="H1697"\w* \w too complex|strong="H5956"\w* \w for the king|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 3  \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 wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*, \w the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*,  
\v 4  \w the food|strong="H3978"\w* \w in his banquet hall|strong="H7979"\w*, \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and attendants|strong="H8334"\w* \w in their robes|strong="H4403"\w*, \w his cupbearers|strong="H4945"\w* \w in their robes|strong="H4403"\w*, \w and his burnt sacrifices|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 5  \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 6  \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="H5046"\w* \w even half|strong="H2677"\w* \w the story|strong="H4768"\w*\w !|strong="H2451"\w* \w Your|strong="H5921"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w surpasses|strong="H3254"\w* \w what was reported|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w*.  
\v 7  \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 8  \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w be praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w he favored|strong="H2654"\w* \w you by placing|strong="H5414"\w* \w you on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w as the one ruling|strong="H4428"\w* \w on his behalf!|strong="H0430"\w* \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w love|strong="H0160"\w* \w for Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and his lasting|strong="H5769"\w* \w commitment|strong="H5975"\w* \w to them,|strong="H5414"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w you king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w them so you could make|strong="H6213"\w* \w just and right decisions|strong="H6666"\w*.”  
\v 9  \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 and a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large quantity|strong="H7230"\w* \w of spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w and precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w gems|strong="H0068"\w*. \w The quantity|strong="H1931"\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="H3808"\w* \w been matched|strong="H1961"\w*.  
\v 10  \w (Huram’s|strong="H2438"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w aided by Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w from Ophir|strong="H0211"\w*, \w as well as|strong="H0418"\w* \w fine|strong="H0418"\w* \w timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w and precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w gems|strong="H0068"\w*.  
\v 11  \w With the|strong="H0853"\w* \w timber|strong="H0418"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w steps|strong="H4546"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w as well as stringed instruments|strong="H5035"\w* \w for the musicians|strong="H7891"\w*. \w No one|strong="H3808"\w* \w had seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w anything like them|strong="H1992"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w prior|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w*. )  
\v 12  \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 more than what|strong="H7592"\w* \w she had|strong="H0834"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w left and returned|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* homeland \w with her attendants|strong="H5650"\w*.   
\s1 \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* Wealth  
\p
\v 13  \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 14  \w besides|strong="H0905"\w* \w what he collected|strong="H0376"\w* \w from the merchants|strong="H8446"\w* \w and traders|strong="H5503"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Arabian|strong="H6152"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w and the governors|strong="H6346"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w also brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 15  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w 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="H7820"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* hammered \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w were used|strong="H5927"\w* \w for each|strong="H0259"\w* \w shield|strong="H6793"\w*.  
\v 16  \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 300|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 of those 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 17  \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|strong="H2889"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 18  \w There were six|strong="H8337"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w* \w leading up to the throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w and a gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w footstool|strong="H3534"\w* \w was attached|strong="H0270"\w* \w to the throne|strong="H3678"\w*. \w The throne had two|strong="H8147"\w* \w armrests with a statue of a lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w on each side|strong="H3027"\w*.  
\v 19  \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 20  \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="H3972"\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 21  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had a fleet of large merchant ships|strong="H8659"\w* \w manned by|strong="H5973"\w* \w Huram’s|strong="H2361"\w* \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w sailed|strong="H1980"\w* \w the sea. Once|strong="H0259"\w* \w every three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w the fleet|strong="H0591"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w into 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 22  \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 23  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the earth|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 24  \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 25  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had 4,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w stalls|strong="H0723"\w* \w for his chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and 12,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w horses|strong="H6571"\w*. \w He kept|strong="H3240"\w* \w them in assigned cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and in|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 26  \w He ruled|strong="H4910"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms|strong="H4428"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Euphrates|strong="H5104"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \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*.  
\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="H3318"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w from Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the lands|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\s1 \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* Reign Ends  
\p
\v 29  \w The rest|strong="H7605"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w reign, from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the Prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w the Prophecy|strong="H5016"\w* \w of Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w* \w the Shilonite|strong="H7888"\w*, \w and the Vision|strong="H2378"\w* \w of Iddo|strong="H3260"\w* \w the Seer|strong="H2374"\w* \w pertaining|strong="H5921"\w* \w to Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*.  
\v 30  \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 31  \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 10  
\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|strong="H1931"\w* \w still in Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had fled|strong="H1272"\w* \w from King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w from Egypt|strong="H4714"\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 all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\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 father|strong="H0001"\w* \w made us work|strong="H5656"\w* \w too hard|strong="H7186"\w*\w !|strong="H6258"\w* \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w if you lighten|strong="H7043"\w* \w the demands he made and don’t make|strong="H5414"\w* \w us work as|strong="H0834"\w* \w hard|strong="H3515"\w*, \w we will serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Go 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="H6440"\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, “If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you are fair|strong="H2896"\w* \w to these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w grant their request, and are cordial|strong="H7521"\w* \w to them|strong="H0413"\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 to respond|strong="H1697"\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|strong="H0854"\w* \w 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 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|strong="H0859"\w* \w burden|strong="H5923"\w*’ – \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="H0834"\w* am \w a|strong="H1696"\w* lot harsher \w than|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w 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 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 to 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 people harshly|strong="H7186"\w*. \w He|strong="H4428"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of the older men|strong="H2205"\w*  
\v 14  \w and followed|strong="H1696"\w* \w the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of the younger ones|strong="H3206"\w*. \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My father imposed heavy|strong="H3513"\w* \w demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you;|strong="H0589"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will make them even heavier|strong="H3254"\w*. \w My father|strong="H0001"\w* \w punished you|strong="H3256"\w* \w with ordinary whips|strong="H3256"\w*; \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will punish you|strong="H3256"\w* \w with whips|strong="H7752"\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 God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w instigating|strong="H5252"\w* \w this turn of events|strong="H1697"\w* \w so that|strong="H4616"\w* \w he might bring to pass the prophetic|strong="H0834"\w* \w announcement|strong="H1696"\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 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="H1992"\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="H0168"\w* \w Return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w homes|strong="H1004"\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="H3605"\w* \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w returned|strong="H1980"\w* \w to their homes|strong="H0168"\w*.  
\v 17  \w (Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w continued to rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w over 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 Hadoram|strong="H1913"\w*, \w the supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the work crews|strong="H4522"\w*, \w out after them, but the Israelites|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*.   
\c 11  
\p
\v 1  \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 Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and 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="H4467"\w* \w to Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*.  
\v 2  \w But the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w*,  
\v 3 “\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 the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*,  
\v 4 ‘\w The|strong="H3541"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \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 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="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and called off the attack|strong="H7725"\w* \w against Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*.   
\s1 Rehoboam’s Reign  
\p
\v 5  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w he built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up these fortified|strong="H4692"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout Judah|strong="H3063"\w*:  
\v 6  \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*, \w Etam|strong="H5862"\w*, \w Tekoa|strong="H8620"\w*,  
\v 7  \w Beth Zur|strong="H1049"\w*, \w Soco|strong="H7755"\w*, \w Adullam|strong="H5725"\w*,  
\v 8  \w Gath|strong="H1661"\w*, \w Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w*, \w Ziph|strong="H2128"\w*,  
\v 9  \w Adoraim|strong="H0115"\w*, \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w*, \w Azekah|strong="H5825"\w*,  
\v 10  \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w*, \w Aijalon|strong="H0357"\w*, \w and Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. \w These were the fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*.  
\v 11  \w He fortified|strong="H2388"\w* \w these cities|strong="H4694"\w* \w and placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w officers|strong="H5057"\w* \w in them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w as|strong="H5057"\w* \w well as storehouses|strong="H0214"\w* \w of food|strong="H3978"\w*, \w olive oil|strong="H8081"\w*, \w and wine|strong="H3196"\w*.  
\v 12  \w In each city|strong="H5892"\w* \w there were shields|strong="H6793"\w* \w and spears|strong="H7420"\w*; \w he strongly|strong="H3966"\w* \w fortified them.|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w belonged|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w supported|strong="H3320"\w* \w him, no matter where they resided|strong="H1366"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w even|strong="H3588"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w their pasturelands|strong="H4054"\w* \w and their property|strong="H0272"\w* \w behind|strong="H1980"\w* \w and came|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w prohibited|strong="H3547"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w serving|strong="H3547"\w* \w as|strong="H3547"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w priests|strong="H3547"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Jeroboam|strong="H5975"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w his own priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to serve at the worship centers|strong="H1116"\w* \w and to lead in the worship of the goat|strong="H8163"\w* \w idols and calf|strong="H5695"\w* \w idols he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Those|strong="H0310"\w* \w among all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w who were determined|strong="H3824"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w worship|strong="H3478"\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 followed them|strong="H0310"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to sacrifice|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They supported|strong="H2388"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and were loyal|strong="H0553"\w* \w to|strong="H7346"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*; \w they followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w the edicts|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H1732"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Mahalath|strong="H4258"\w* \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerimoth and of|strong="H0032"\w* \w Abihail|strong="H0032"\w*, \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Jesse’s|strong="H3448"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Eliab|strong="H0446"\w*.  
\v 19  \w She bore|strong="H3205"\w* \w him sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w named Jeush|strong="H3266"\w*, \w Shemariah|strong="H8114"\w*, \w and Zaham|strong="H2093"\w*.  
\v 20  \w He later|strong="H0310"\w* \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*. \w She bore|strong="H3205"\w* \w to him Abijah|strong="H0029"\w*, \w Attai|strong="H6262"\w*, \w Ziza|strong="H2124"\w*, \w and Shelomith|strong="H8019"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w loved|strong="H0157"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w more than his other|strong="H3605"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and concubines|strong="H6370"\w*. \w He had|strong="H5375"\w* \w eighteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and sixty|strong="H8346"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w*; \w he fathered|strong="H3205"\w* \w twenty-eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and sixty|strong="H8346"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w as the leader over|strong="H5057"\w* \w his brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he intended|strong="H5057"\w* \w to name him his successor|strong="H4427"\w*.  
\v 23  \w He wisely|strong="H0995"\w* \w placed|strong="H6555"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w of his many|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w throughout|strong="H6555"\w* \w the regions|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w in the various|strong="H3605"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*. \w He supplied|strong="H5414"\w* \w them with abundant|strong="H7230"\w* \w provisions|strong="H4202"\w* \w and acquired|strong="H7592"\w* \w many|strong="H1995"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.   
\c 12  
\p
\v 1  \w After Rehoboam’s|strong="H7346"\w* \w rule|strong="H4438"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w established|strong="H3559"\w* \w and solidified|strong="H2393"\w*, \w he and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 2  \w Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they were unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \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 3  \w He had 1,200|strong="H3967"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*, \w 60,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w horsemen|strong="H6571"\w*, \w and an innumerable number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w who accompanied|strong="H0935"\w* \w him from|strong="H5973"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w including Libyans|strong="H3864"\w*, \w Sukkites|strong="H5525"\w*, \w and Cushites|strong="H3569"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and marched|strong="H0935"\w* \w against Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w of Shishak|strong="H7895"\w*. \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them, “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="H0859"\w* \w have rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w me, so I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w you and will hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w you over to Shishak|strong="H7895"\w*.’”  
\v 6  \w The leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves and said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is just|strong="H6662"\w*.”  
\v 7  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves, he gave this message|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*\w :|strong="H3665"\w* “\w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves, so I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w them. I will deliver|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w soon|strong="H4592"\w*. \w My anger|strong="H2534"\w* \w will|strong="H6413"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be unleashed|strong="H5413"\w* \w against|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Yet|strong="H3588"\w* \w they will become|strong="H1961"\w* \w his subjects|strong="H5650"\w*, \w so they can experience|strong="H3045"\w* \w how serving|strong="H5656"\w* \w me differs from serving|strong="H5656"\w* \w the surrounding|strong="H0776"\w* \w nations|strong="H4467"\w*.”   
\p
\v 9  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and 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 the gold|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 10  \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 11  \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 guards|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 12  \w So when Rehoboam|strong="H3665"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w*, \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w relented|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w his anger|strong="H0639"\w* \w and did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w annihilate|strong="H3617"\w* \w him;|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w experienced|strong="H1571"\w* \w some good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 13  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w solidified|strong="H2388"\w* \w his rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w he|strong="H0259"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* forty-one \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king|strong="H7346"\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 his home|strong="H8034"\w*. \w Rehoboam’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was an Ammonite|strong="H5985"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Naamah|strong="H5279"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to follow|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.   
\p
\v 15  \w The events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Rehoboam’s|strong="H7346"\w* \w reign, from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w and of Iddo|strong="H5714"\w* \w the seer|strong="H2374"\w* \w that include genealogical records|strong="H3187"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Then Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\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 Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 13  
\p
\v 1  \w In the eighteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of the reign of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\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 Michaiah|strong="H4322"\w*, \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Uriel|strong="H0222"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*.  
\p \w There was|strong="H1961"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w and Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w launched|strong="H0631"\w* \w the attack|strong="H4421"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w 400,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w well-trained|strong="H0970"\w* \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w*, \w while Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w deployed|strong="H6186"\w* \w against him 800,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w well-trained|strong="H0970"\w* \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w ascended|strong="H6965"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Zemaraim|strong="H6787"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the Ephraimite|strong="H0669"\w* \w hill country|strong="H2022"\w*, \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to me, Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!  
\v 5  \w Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you realize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w has given|strong="H5414"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and his dynasty lasting|strong="H5769"\w* \w dominion|strong="H4467"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w by a formal|strong="H4417"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w*?  
\v 6  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*, \w a servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w rose up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and rebelled|strong="H4775"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w his master|strong="H0113"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Lawless|strong="H7386"\w* \w good-for-nothing|strong="H1100"\w* \w men|strong="H0582"\w* \w gathered around|strong="H6908"\w* \w him and conspired|strong="H0553"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w when Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w an inexperienced|strong="H3824"\w* \w young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w and could not|strong="H3808"\w* \w resist|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are declaring|strong="H0559"\w* \w that you will resist|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w rule|strong="H4467"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w the Davidic|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1121"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have a huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army,|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* bring \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w calves|strong="H5695"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w for you as gods|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 9  \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w you banished|strong="H5080"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Aaron’s|strong="H0175"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and appointed your own priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w just|strong="H6213"\w* \w as the surrounding|strong="H0776"\w* \w nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*\w ! Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w to consecrate|strong="H4390"\w* \w himself with a young|strong="H1121"\w* \w bull|strong="H6499"\w* \w or seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w* \w becomes|strong="H1961"\w* \w a priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w of these fake gods|strong="H0430"\w*!  
\v 10  \w But as for us|strong="H0587"\w*, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and we have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w him. Aaron’s|strong="H0175"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w assist them with the work|strong="H4399"\w*.  
\v 11  \w They offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w every morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and every|strong="H1242"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*, \w along with fragrant|strong="H5561"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w*. \w They arrange the Bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w of the Presence|strong="H4635"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w a ritually clean|strong="H2889"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w* \w and light the lamps|strong="H5216"\w* \w on the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstand|strong="H4501"\w* \w every|strong="H6153"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w are observing|strong="H4931"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w regulations, but you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Now look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us as our leader|strong="H7218"\w*. \w His priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w are ready to blow|strong="H8643"\w* \w the trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w to signal the attack|strong="H7321"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you.|strong="H3478"\w* \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of your ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w win|strong="H6743"\w*!”   
\p
\v 13  \w Now Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w had sent|strong="H0935"\w* \w some men to ambush|strong="H3993"\w* \w the Judahite army from behind|strong="H0310"\w*. \w The main army was|strong="H1961"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the Judahite|strong="H3063"\w* \w army;|strong="H3993"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* ambushers \w were behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w it|strong="H5437"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The men of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w around and realized|strong="H2009"\w* \w they were being attacked|strong="H4421"\w* \w from the front|strong="H6440"\w* \w and the rear|strong="H0268"\w*. \w So they cried out|strong="H6817"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w help|strong="H4421"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w their trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*,  
\v 15  \w and the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w gave|strong="H7321"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w battle|strong="H7321"\w* \w cry|strong="H7321"\w*. \w As the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w gave|strong="H7321"\w* \w the battle cry|strong="H7321"\w*, \w the \+nd Lord\+nd* struck|strong="H5062"\w* \w down Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 16  \w The Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w from before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the Judahite|strong="H3063"\w* \w army,|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w handed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them over|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w and his army|strong="H5971"\w* \w thoroughly|strong="H4347"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w them;|strong="H0505"\w* 500,000 \w well-trained|strong="H0970"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w dead|strong="H2491"\w*.  
\v 18  \w That day|strong="H6256"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were defeated|strong="H3665"\w*; \w the men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w prevailed|strong="H0553"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they relied|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*; \w he seized|strong="H3920"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him these cities|strong="H5892"\w*\w : Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w and its surrounding towns|strong="H1323"\w*, \w Jeshanah|strong="H3466"\w* \w and its surrounding towns|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and Ephron|strong="H6085"\w* \w and its surrounding towns|strong="H1323"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w regain|strong="H3581"\w* \w power during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the reign of Abijah|strong="H0029"\w*. \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w struck|strong="H5062"\w* \w him down and he died|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Abijah’s|strong="H0029"\w* \w power|strong="H2388"\w* \w grew|strong="H5375"\w*; \w he had|strong="H6240"\w* \w fourteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and fathered|strong="H3205"\w* \w twenty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and sixteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events of Abijah’s|strong="H0029"\w* \w reign, including his deeds|strong="H1870"\w* \w and sayings|strong="H1697"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the writings|strong="H4097"\w* \w of the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H5714"\w*.   
\c 14  
\p
\v 1  \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\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*. \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w his reign|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* land \w had rest|strong="H8252"\w* \w for ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.   
\s1 \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* Religious \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Military \w Accomplishments|strong="H6213"\w*  
\p
\v 2  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* what \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w desired|strong="H2896"\w* \w and approved|strong="H3477"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the pagan|strong="H5236"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and the high places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w the sacred pillars|strong="H4676"\w*, \w and cut down|strong="H1438"\w* \w the Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w and to observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w his law|strong="H8451"\w* \w and commands|strong="H4687"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and the incense altars|strong="H2553"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w had rest|strong="H8252"\w* under \w his|strong="H3068"\w* rule.   
\p
\v 6  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w was at rest|strong="H8252"\w* \w and there was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w during|strong="H0428"\w* \w those years|strong="H8141"\w*; \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w gave him peace|strong="H5117"\w*.  
\v 7  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to the people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*\w :|strong="H5437"\w* “Let’s \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and fortify|strong="H5437"\w* \w them with walls|strong="H2346"\w*, \w towers|strong="H4026"\w*, \w and barred|strong="H1280"\w* \w gates.|strong="H0776"\w* \w The|strong="H3605"\w* land \w remains ours because we|strong="H3588"\w* \w have followed|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and he has made|strong="H1875"\w* \w us secure|strong="H5117"\w* \w on all sides|strong="H5439"\w*.” \w So they built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the cities|strong="H6743"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* prospered.   
\p
\v 8  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w had an army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of 300,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men from Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w equipped|strong="H5375"\w* \w with large shields|strong="H6793"\w* \w and spears|strong="H7420"\w*. \w He also had 280,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men from Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w who carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w small shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w and were adept|strong="H1869"\w* \w archers|strong="H7198"\w*; \w they were all|strong="H3605"\w* \w skilled|strong="H0428"\w* \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Zerah|strong="H2226"\w* \w the Cushite|strong="H3569"\w* \w marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w them with an army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of 1,000,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men and 300|strong="H3967"\w* \w chariots|strong="H4818"\w*. \w He arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w at|strong="H5704"\w* \w Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w*,  
\v 10  \w and Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to oppose|strong="H6440"\w* \w him. They deployed|strong="H6186"\w* \w for battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w in the Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of Zephathah|strong="H6859"\w* \w near Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w prayed|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*: “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , there is no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one but you|strong="H5973"\w* \w who can help|strong="H5826"\w* \w the weak when|strong="H0935"\w* \w they are vastly|strong="H3581"\w* \w outnumbered|strong="H7227"\w*. \w Help|strong="H5826"\w* \w us|strong="H6440"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w we rely|strong="H8172"\w* \w on you and have marched|strong="H0935"\w* \w on your behalf against|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army.|strong="H3068"\w* \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let men|strong="H0582"\w* \w prevail|strong="H6113"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*!”  
\v 12  \w The \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w struck|strong="H5062"\w* \w down the Cushites|strong="H3569"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The Cushites|strong="H3569"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w*,  
\v 13  \w and Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and his army|strong="H5971"\w* \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w them as far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as Gerar|strong="H1642"\w*. \w The Cushites|strong="H3569"\w* \w were wiped out|strong="H4241"\w*; \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w were shattered|strong="H7665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and his army|strong="H4264"\w*. \w The men of Judah|strong="H5375"\w* \w carried|strong="H5921"\w* \w off a huge amount|strong="H3966"\w* \w of plunder|strong="H7998"\w*.  
\v 14  \w They defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H5439"\w* \w Gerar|strong="H1642"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w them to panic|strong="H6343"\w*. \w The men of Judah|strong="H0962"\w* looted \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they contained a huge amount|strong="H7227"\w* \w of goods|strong="H0961"\w*.  
\v 15  \w They also|strong="H1571"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w the tents|strong="H0168"\w* \w of the herdsmen in charge of the livestock|strong="H4735"\w*. \w They carried|strong="H7617"\w* \w off many|strong="H7230"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w and then returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\c 15  
\p
\v 1  \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w came upon|strong="H5921"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Oded|strong="H5752"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He met|strong="H0609"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to me, Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*! \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you when|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w are loyal|strong="H5973"\w* \w to him.|strong="H0518"\w* \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w him, he will respond|strong="H5800"\w* \w to you,|strong="H0518"\w* \w but|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you reject|strong="H5800"\w* \w him, he will reject|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w*.  
\v 3  \w For a long|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had no|strong="H3808"\w* \w true|strong="H0571"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w to instruct|strong="H3384"\w* \w them, or|strong="H3808"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Because of their distress|strong="H6862"\w*, \w they turned back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They sought|strong="H1245"\w* \w him and he responded|strong="H4672"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 5  \w In those|strong="H1992"\w* \w days|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one could travel|strong="H0935"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w total|strong="H7227"\w* \w chaos|strong="H4103"\w* \w had overtaken|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of the surrounding lands|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 6  \w One nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w was crushed|strong="H3807"\w* \w by another|strong="H1471"\w*, \w and one city|strong="H5892"\w* \w by another, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w caused|strong="H2000"\w* \w them to be in great turmoil|strong="H6869"\w*.  
\v 7  \w But as for you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w be strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w get discouraged|strong="H7503"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w your work|strong="H6468"\w* \w will be|strong="H3426"\w* \w rewarded|strong="H7939"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w When Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w and the prophecy|strong="H5016"\w* \w of Oded|strong="H5752"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w he was encouraged|strong="H2388"\w*. \w He removed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the detestable idols|strong="H8251"\w* \w from the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w seized|strong="H3920"\w* \w in the Ephraimite|strong="H0669"\w* \w hill country|strong="H2022"\w*. \w He repaired|strong="H2318"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in front of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s temple.   
\p
\v 9  \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w as well as the settlers|strong="H1481"\w* \w from Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and Simeon|strong="H8095"\w* \w who had come to live|strong="H5307"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w them. Many people|strong="H7230"\w* \w from Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had come there to live|strong="H7200"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 10  \w They assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w in the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of the fifteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*.  
\v 11  \w At that time|strong="H3117"\w* \w they sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of the plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w they had brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w back, including 700|strong="H3967"\w* \w head of cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w and 7,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*.  
\v 12  \w They solemnly agreed|strong="H1285"\w* \w to seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w with their whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w and being|strong="H5315"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w would not|strong="H3808"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w would be executed|strong="H4191"\w*, \w whether|strong="H4480"\w* \w they were young|strong="H6996"\w* \w or old|strong="H1419"\w*, \w male|strong="H0376"\w* \w or female|strong="H0802"\w*.  
\v 14  \w They swore|strong="H7650"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* allegiance \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , shouting|strong="H6963"\w* \w their approval loudly|strong="H1419"\w* \w and sounding|strong="H8643"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and horns|strong="H7782"\w*.  
\v 15  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w was happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w about the oath|strong="H7621"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they made the vow|strong="H7650"\w* \w with their whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*. \w They willingly|strong="H7522"\w* \w sought|strong="H1245"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and he responded|strong="H4672"\w* \w to them.|strong="H5117"\w* \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H7650"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w secure|strong="H5117"\w* \w on every side|strong="H5439"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w 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 mother|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 crushed|strong="H1854"\w* \w and burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w it in the Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eliminated from|strong="H5493"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\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* throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 18  \w He brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H6942"\w* \w that his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and he had|strong="H6942"\w* \w made into God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w including the silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and other articles|strong="H3627"\w*.   
\s1 Asa’s Failures  
\p
\v 19  \w There was|strong="H1961"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w more war|strong="H4421"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the thirty-fifth|strong="H2568"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*.   
\c 16  
\p
\v 1  \w In the thirty-sixth|strong="H8337"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w attacked Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and he 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 2  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w took all the silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w that was left in the treasuries|strong="H0214"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\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 sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w it to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ben Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w*, \w ruler|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*, \w along|strong="H0413"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H3068"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w*:  
\v 3 “\w I want to make a treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0996"\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 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 4  \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|strong="H5221"\w* \w 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 Maim|strong="H0066"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*.  
\v 5  \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 abandoned|strong="H7673"\w* \w the project|strong="H4399"\w*.  
\v 6  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w ordered|strong="H3947"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to carry|strong="H5375"\w* \w away the 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 He used the materials to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1387"\w* \w Geba|strong="H1387"\w* \w and Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w At that time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H7200"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*\w : “Because you relied|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w and did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rely|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w the army|strong="H2426"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w has escaped|strong="H4422"\w* \w from your hand|strong="H3027"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w the Cushites|strong="H3569"\w* \w and Libyans|strong="H3864"\w* \w have a huge|strong="H7230"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w with chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large number|strong="H7235"\w* \w of horsemen|strong="H6571"\w*\w ? But when|strong="H7235"\w* \w you relied|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , he handed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*!  
\v 9  \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w watches|strong="H7751"\w* \w the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w carefully|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w ready|strong="H6258"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w strengthen|strong="H2388"\w* \w those who are devoted|strong="H8003"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w You have acted foolishly|strong="H5528"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w matter; from|strong="H3588"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w on you will|strong="H3426"\w* \w have war|strong="H4421"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w was so angry|strong="H3707"\w* \w at the prophet|strong="H7200"\w*, \w he put|strong="H5414"\w* \w him in jail|strong="H4115"\w*. \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w also|strong="H2063"\w* \w oppressed|strong="H7533"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w at that time|strong="H6256"\w*.   
\s1 \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* Reign Ends  
\p
\v 11  \w The events|strong="H7223"\w* \w of Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w reign, from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 12  \w In the thirty-ninth|strong="H8672"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H4438"\w*, \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w developed a foot|strong="H7272"\w* \w disease|strong="H2456"\w*. \w Though his disease|strong="H2483"\w* \w was severe|strong="H4605"\w*, \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , but only the doctors|strong="H7495"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w passed away|strong="H7901"\w* \w in|strong="H5973"\w* \w the forty-first|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H4427"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w carved|strong="H3738"\w* \w out in the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w They laid|strong="H7901"\w* \w him to rest on a bier|strong="H4904"\w* \w covered with|strong="H4390"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w and assorted|strong="H2177"\w* \w mixtures of ointments|strong="H4842"\w*. \w They made|strong="H4639"\w* \w a huge bonfire|strong="H8316"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* honor \w him|strong="H6912"\w*.   
\c 17  
\p
\v 1  \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king and solidified|strong="H2388"\w* \w his rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w troops|strong="H2428"\w* \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of Judah’s|strong="H3063"\w* \w fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and posted|strong="H5414"\w* \w garrisons|strong="H5333"\w* \w throughout the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w that his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w seized|strong="H3920"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w at the beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w of his reign.|strong="H3808"\w* \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the Baals|strong="H1168"\w*,  
\v 4  \w but instead|strong="H3588"\w* \w sought|strong="H1875"\w* \w the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w and obeyed|strong="H4687"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*, \w unlike|strong="H4639"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 5  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w made his kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w secure|strong="H3559"\w*; \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w brought tribute|strong="H4503"\w* \w to Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w and he became|strong="H1961"\w* \w very wealthy|strong="H6239"\w* \w and greatly|strong="H3519"\w* \w respected|strong="H7230"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He was committed|strong="H1361"\w* \w to following|strong="H1870"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ;|strong="H5750"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w even|strong="H5750"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w* \w from Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w In the third|strong="H7969"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H4427"\w* \w he sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w Ben-Hail|strong="H1134"\w*, \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, \w and Micaiah|strong="H4322"\w* \w to teach|strong="H3925"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 8  \w They were accompanied by|strong="H5973"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Nethaniah|strong="H5418"\w*, \w Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w*, \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*, \w Shemiramoth|strong="H8070"\w*, \w Jehonathan|strong="H3083"\w*, \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*, \w Tobijah|strong="H2900"\w*, \w and Tob-Adonijah|strong="H2899"\w*, \w and by|strong="H5973"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w Elishama|strong="H0476"\w* \w and Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*.  
\v 9  \w They taught|strong="H3925"\w* \w throughout Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w taking with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . They traveled|strong="H5437"\w* \w to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and taught|strong="H3925"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w put fear|strong="H6343"\w* \w into all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H5439"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*; \w they did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w make war|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w*, \w including a load|strong="H4853"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w The Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w him 7,700|strong="H3967"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w* \w and 7,700|strong="H3967"\w* \w goats|strong="H8495"\w* \w from their flocks|strong="H6629"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w power kept increasing|strong="H4605"\w*. \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w fortresses|strong="H1003"\w* \w and storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He had many|strong="H7227"\w* \w supplies|strong="H4399"\w* \w stored in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and an army of skilled|strong="H4421"\w* \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w stationed in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 14  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w were their divisions|strong="H6486"\w* \w by families|strong="H0001"\w*\w :|strong="H0505"\w*  
\p There \w were|strong="H0428"\w* \w a|strong="H3063"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w officers\w* \w from Judah\w*. \w Adnah\w* \w the commander\w* \w led 300,000\w* \w skilled\w* \w warriors\w*,  
\v 15  \w Jehochanan|strong="H3076"\w* \w the commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w led 280,000|strong="H0505"\w*,  
\v 16  \w and Amasiah|strong="H6007"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zikri|strong="H2147"\w*, \w who volunteered|strong="H5068"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* serve \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , led 200,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w skilled warriors|strong="H1368"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w Eliada|strong="H0450"\w*, \w a skilled|strong="H5973"\w* \w warrior|strong="H1368"\w*, \w led 200,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men who were equipped|strong="H5401"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w bows|strong="H7198"\w* \w and shields|strong="H4043"\w*,  
\v 18  \w and Jehozabad|strong="H3075"\w* \w led 180,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w trained warriors|strong="H6635"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w were the ones who served|strong="H8334"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w besides|strong="H0905"\w* \w those whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w in the fortified|strong="H4013"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\c 18  
\p
\v 1  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was very wealthy|strong="H6239"\w* \w and greatly|strong="H3519"\w* \w respected|strong="H7230"\w*. \w He made an alliance by marriage|strong="H2859"\w* \w with Ahab|strong="H0256"\w*,  
\v 2  \w and after several|strong="H7093"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w went down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to visit|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H2076"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w to honor Jehoshaphat and those who|strong="H0834"\w* \w came with him|strong="H5973"\w*. \w He persuaded|strong="H5496"\w* \w him to|strong="H0413"\w* \w join|strong="H5973"\w* \w in an attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w against Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.  
\v 3  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “Will you go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me to attack Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*\w ?” Jehoshaphat replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel, “I will support you; my|strong="H5971"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w is at your disposal|strong="H5971"\w* \w and will support you|strong="H5973"\w* \w in battle|strong="H4421"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w Then Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w added|strong="H3117"\w*, “\w First seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w an oracle|strong="H4994"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.”  
\v 5  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w 400|strong="H3967"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w and asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w them, “Should we attack|strong="H4421"\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 ! God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w it over to the king|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 6  \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 7  \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* \w \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \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="H0369"\w* \w prophesy|strong="H5012"\w* \w prosperity|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me, but always|strong="H3117"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w*. \w His name is|strong="H1931"\w* \w 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="H3605"\w*!”  
\v 8  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w an officer|strong="H5631"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Quickly|strong="H4116"\w* \w bring Micaiah|strong="H4318"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Imlah|strong="H3229"\w*.”   
\p
\v 9  \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="H3678"\w* \w their respective|strong="H0376"\w* \w thrones|strong="H3427"\w*, \w dressed|strong="H3847"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w their royal|strong="H3678"\w* \w robes|strong="H0899"\w*, \w at the threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w at|strong="H6607"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w 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 10  \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 11  \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 12  \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="H1697"\w* \w Your|strong="H0834"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w must agree with theirs|strong="H1992"\w*; \w you must predict success|strong="H2896"\w*!”  
\v 13  \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 my God|strong="H0430"\w* \w tells|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*!”   
\p
\v 14  \w Micaiah|strong="H0935"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Micaiah|strong="H4318"\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, “Attack|strong="H5927"\w*\w ! You will succeed|strong="H6743"\w*; \w they will be handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 15  \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 16  \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w replied|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="H5921"\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 17  \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 18  \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 19  \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 King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\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 another|strong="H3602"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 20  \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, ‘How|strong="H4100"\w*?’  
\v 21  \w He 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 22  \w So now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\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 these|strong="H0428"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of yours|strong="H0428"\w*; \w but|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\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 23  \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="H1870"\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 24  \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="H2244"\w*.”  
\v 25  \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 26  \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 return|strong="H7725"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w*.”’”  
\v 27  \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you really|strong="H7725"\w* \w do return|strong="H7725"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w*, \w then|strong="H7725"\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 28  \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|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.  
\v 29  \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 the battle|strong="H4421"\w*; \w but you|strong="H0859"\w* \w wear|strong="H3847"\w* \w your royal attire|strong="H0899"\w*.” \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w disguised|strong="H2664"\w* \w himself and they entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Now the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w had ordered|strong="H6680"\w* \w his chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w*, \w “Do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w common soldiers or|strong="H0518"\w* \w high ranking|strong="H6996"\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 31  \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="H0853"\w* \w be the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*\w !” So they turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w and attacked|strong="H3898"\w* \w him, but Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w him; God|strong="H0430"\w* \w lured|strong="H5496"\w* \w them away from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 32  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w the chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w realized|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was 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 33  \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 for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I am wounded|strong="H2470"\w*.”  
\v 34  \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 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 as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w was setting|strong="H0935"\w*.   
\c 19  
\p
\v 1  \w When King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*,  
\v 2  \w the prophet|strong="H3058"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w confronted|strong="H2374"\w* \w him;|strong="H0559"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “Is it right to help|strong="H5826"\w* \w the wicked|strong="H7563"\w* \w and be an ally|strong="H0157"\w* \w of those who oppose|strong="H8130"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ?|strong="H2063"\w* \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* done \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*!  
\v 3  \w Nevertheless|strong="H0061"\w* \w you have done some good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things;|strong="H1197"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w removed|strong="H1197"\w* \w the Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and you were determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to follow|strong="H1875"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H0430"\w*.”   
\s1 Jehoshaphat Appoints \w Judges|strong="H0430"\w*  
\p
\v 4  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He went|strong="H7725"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w among the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w to the hill country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H7725"\w* \w them to|strong="H0413"\w* \w follow|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and in each of the fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the judges|strong="H8199"\w*, \w “Be careful|strong="H7200"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you are not|strong="H3808"\w* \w judging|strong="H8199"\w* \w for men|strong="H0120"\w*, \w but for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , who will be with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you when you make judicial|strong="H1697"\w* \w decisions|strong="H4941"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Respect|strong="H6343"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and make|strong="H6213"\w* \w careful|strong="H8104"\w* \w decisions, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w disapproves|strong="H4856"\w* \w of injustice|strong="H5766"\w*, \w partiality|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and bribery|strong="H7810"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w In Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w family|strong="H0001"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w to judge|strong="H4941"\w* \w on behalf of the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w and to settle disputes|strong="H7379"\w* \w among the residents of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w them: “Carry|strong="H6213"\w* \w out your duties with respect|strong="H3374"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , with honesty|strong="H0530"\w*, \w and with pure motives|strong="H8003"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Whenever|strong="H3605"\w* \w your countrymen|strong="H0251"\w* \w who live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w a case|strong="H7379"\w* \w before you|strong="H0996"\w* (\w whether|strong="H0996"\w* \w it involves a violent|strong="H1818"\w* \w crime|strong="H1818"\w* \w or other matters related to the law|strong="H8451"\w*, \w commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w rules|strong="H2706"\w*, \w and regulations|strong="H4941"\w*\w ), warn|strong="H2094"\w* \w them that they must not|strong="H3808"\w* sin \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . If you fail to do so, God will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w you and your colleagues|strong="H0251"\w*; \w but if you obey|strong="H6213"\w*, \w you will be free|strong="H3808"\w* \w of guilt|strong="H0816"\w*.  
\v 11  \w You will report|strong="H2009"\w* \w to Amariah|strong="H0568"\w* \w the chief|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w matters|strong="H1697"\w* \w pertaining to the|strong="H1697"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w law, and to Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ishmael|strong="H3458"\w*, \w the|strong="H1697"\w* \w leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w of the|strong="H1697"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w matters|strong="H1697"\w* \w pertaining to the|strong="H1697"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w The|strong="H1697"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w will serve as officials|strong="H7860"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Confidently|strong="H2388"\w* \w carry|strong="H6213"\w* \w out your duties!|strong="H3068"\w* \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w be with|strong="H5973"\w* \w those who do|strong="H6213"\w* \w well|strong="H2896"\w*!”   
\c 20  
\p
\v 1  \w Later|strong="H0310"\w* \w the Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* \w and Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w along with|strong="H5973"\w* \w some of the Meunites|strong="H5984"\w*, \w attacked|strong="H4421"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Messengers|strong="H0935"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w and reported|strong="H5046"\w* \w to Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “A huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army is attacking|strong="H0935"\w* \w you from the other side|strong="H5676"\w* \w of the Dead Sea|strong="H3220"\w*, \w from the direction of Edom|strong="H0758"\w*. \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w they are in Hazezon Tamar|strong="H2688"\w* \w (that|strong="H1931"\w* \w is, En Gedi|strong="H5872"\w*).”  
\v 3  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was afraid|strong="H3372"\w*, \w so|strong="H7121"\w* \w he decided to seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w advice.|strong="H3605"\w* \w He|strong="H3068"\w* decreed \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w should observe|strong="H7121"\w* \w a fast|strong="H6685"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w to ask|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w help;|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to ask|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s help.   
\p
\v 5  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before the assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the new|strong="H2319"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He prayed|strong="H0559"\w*: “\w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of our ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w who lives in heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and rules|strong="H4910"\w* \w over all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w of the nations|strong="H1471"\w*. \w You possess strength|strong="H3581"\w* \w and power|strong="H1369"\w*; \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one can stand|strong="H3320"\w* \w against you|strong="H5973"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Our God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w drove|strong="H3423"\w* \w out|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w inhabitants|strong="H3427"\w* \w of this|strong="H2063"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w it as a permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w possession|strong="H2233"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w of your friend|strong="H0157"\w* \w Abraham|strong="H0085"\w*.  
\v 8  \w They settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w down in it and built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in it a temple|strong="H4720"\w* \w to honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w you,|strong="H0559"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*,  
\v 9 ‘\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w us in the form of military attack|strong="H2719"\w*, \w judgment|strong="H8196"\w*, \w plague|strong="H1698"\w*, \w or famine|strong="H7458"\w*, \w we will stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you are present|strong="H8034"\w* \w in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w We will cry out|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you for help in our distress|strong="H6869"\w*, \w so that you will|strong="H8085"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w and deliver|strong="H3467"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*.’  
\v 10  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*, \w and men from Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w are coming!|strong="H3478"\w* \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w you did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w them to invade|strong="H0935"\w* \w these lands.|strong="H5493"\w* \w They|strong="H0834"\w* bypassed \w them and did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H8045"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Look|strong="H2009"\w* \w how they|strong="H1992"\w* \w are repaying|strong="H1580"\w* \w us! They come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to drive|strong="H1644"\w* \w us out|strong="H3423"\w* \w of our allotted land which|strong="H0834"\w* \w you assigned|strong="H3425"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*!  
\v 12  \w Our God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w will you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w them? For|strong="H3588"\w* \w we are powerless|strong="H3581"\w* \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w huge|strong="H7227"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w* \w that attacks|strong="H0935"\w* \w us! We|strong="H0587"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w we should do|strong="H6213"\w*; \w we look|strong="H5869"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w you for|strong="H3588"\w* help.”   
\p
\v 13  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w were standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , along|strong="H1571"\w* \w with their infants|strong="H2945"\w*, \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and children|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Then in the midst|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the assembly|strong="H6951"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w came upon Jachaziel|strong="H3166"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w a Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w and descendant|strong="H4480"\w* \w of Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*.  
\v 15  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “Pay attention|strong="H7181"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w and King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*\w ! This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says to you|strong="H0859"\w*\w : ‘Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w and don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w panic|strong="H2865"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w of this|strong="H2088"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army! For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w is not|strong="H3808"\w* \w yours, but|strong="H3588"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w march down|strong="H3381"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w them as|strong="H2005"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w come|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the Ascent|strong="H4608"\w* \w of Ziz|strong="H6732"\w*. \w You will find|strong="H4672"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* \w at the end|strong="H5490"\w* \w of the ravine|strong="H5158"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the Desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of Jeruel|strong="H3385"\w*.  
\v 17  \w You will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w in this|strong="H2063"\w* \w battle. Take your positions|strong="H3320"\w*, \w stand|strong="H5975"\w*, \w and watch|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w deliver|strong="H3444"\w* \w you,|strong="H3063"\w* \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w and don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w panic|strong="H2865"\w*\w !|strong="H4279"\w* \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w march out|strong="H3318"\w* \w toward|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*; \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*!’”   
\p
\v 18  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w bowed|strong="H6915"\w* \w down with his face|strong="H0639"\w* \w toward the ground|strong="H0776"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w down before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Kohathites|strong="H6956"\w* \w and Korahites|strong="H7145"\w*, \w got up and loudly|strong="H1419"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w Early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the next morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w they marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w out to the Desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of Tekoa|strong="H8620"\w*. \w When they were ready to march|strong="H3318"\w*, \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w stood up|strong="H5975"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to me, you people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*\w ! Trust|strong="H0539"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and you will be safe|strong="H0539"\w*\w !|strong="H0539"\w* \w Trust|strong="H0539"\w* \w in the message of his prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w and you will win|strong="H6743"\w*.”  
\v 21  \w He met|strong="H3289"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w to play before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w his majestic|strong="H1927"\w* \w splendor. As they marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the warriors|strong="H2502"\w* \w they said|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “Give thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his loyal love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*.”   
\p
\v 22  \w When|strong="H6256"\w* \w they began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to shout|strong="H7440"\w* \w and praise|strong="H8416"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w suddenly attacked|strong="H0693"\w* \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*, \w and men from Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w who were invading|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and they were defeated|strong="H5062"\w*.  
\v 23  \w The Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5975"\w* \w the men|strong="H3427"\w* \w from Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w and annihilated|strong="H8045"\w* \w them.|strong="H3615"\w* \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w off|strong="H5921"\w* \w the men|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Seir|strong="H8165"\w*, \w they attacked|strong="H5826"\w* \w and destroyed|strong="H4889"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w another|strong="H7453"\w*.  
\v 24  \w When the men of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the observation post|strong="H4707"\w* \w overlooking|strong="H2005"\w* \w the desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w and looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army, they saw dead bodies|strong="H6297"\w* \w on the ground|strong="H0776"\w*; \w there were no|strong="H0369"\w* \w survivors|strong="H6413"\w*!  
\v 25  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and his men|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to gather|strong="H0962"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w plunder|strong="H7998"\w*; \w they found|strong="H4672"\w* \w a huge amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w of supplies|strong="H7399"\w*, \w clothing|strong="H6297"\w* \w and valuable|strong="H6297"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w*. \w They carried away|strong="H0962"\w* \w everything they could|strong="H5337"\w*. \w There was so|strong="H1961"\w* \w much plunder|strong="H7998"\w*, \w it took them|strong="H0853"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w to haul|strong="H7227"\w* \w it off|strong="H0962"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w On the fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w they assembled|strong="H6950"\w* \w in the Valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of Berachah|strong="H1294"\w*, \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w they praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . So that|strong="H3651"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w is called|strong="H7121"\w* \w the Valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of Berachah|strong="H1294"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this very day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Then all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w joyfully|strong="H8057"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w leading|strong="H7218"\w* \w them; the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w had given them reason to rejoice|strong="H8055"\w* \w over their enemies|strong="H0341"\w*.  
\v 28  \w They entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to the sound of stringed instruments|strong="H3658"\w* \w and trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and proceeded to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 29  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w of the surrounding lands|strong="H0776"\w* \w were afraid|strong="H6343"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w when they heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w how|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w enjoyed|strong="H8252"\w* \w peace|strong="H5117"\w*; \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w made him secure on every side|strong="H5439"\w*.   
\s1 \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4438"\w* Ends  
\p
\v 31  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He was thirty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when he became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w 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 32  \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="H4480"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*.  
\v 33  \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 were still|strong="H5750"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w devoted|strong="H3824"\w* \w to the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 34  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w reign, from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w are included|strong="H5927"\w* \w in Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 35  \w Later|strong="H0310"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w made an alliance|strong="H2266"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7561"\w*.  
\v 36  \w They agreed|strong="H2266"\w* \w to make|strong="H6213"\w* \w large seagoing merchant ships|strong="H8659"\w*; \w they built|strong="H6213"\w* \w the ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w in Ezion Geber|strong="H6100"\w*.  
\v 37  \w Eliezer|strong="H0461"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Dodavahu|strong="H1735"\w* \w from Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w* \w prophesied|strong="H5012"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w “Because|strong="H2266"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w* \w an|strong="H0559"\w* \w alliance|strong="H2266"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will shatter|strong="H6555"\w* \w what|strong="H4639"\w* \w you have made.” The ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w were wrecked|strong="H7665"\w* \w and unable|strong="H6113"\w* \w to go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w sea|strong="H8659"\w*.   
\c 21  
\p
\v 1  \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 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 Jehoram’s|strong="H3088"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w*  
\p
\v 2  \w His brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w were Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Jechiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Azariahu|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Michael|strong="H4317"\w*, \w and Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of these|strong="H0428"\w* \w were sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Their|strong="H1992"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w presents|strong="H4979"\w*, \w including silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and other precious|strong="H4030"\w* \w items, along with|strong="H5973"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w But he gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w to Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was|strong="H1931"\w* \w the firstborn|strong="H1060"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w took control|strong="H6965"\w* \w of his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w and became powerful|strong="H2388"\w*. \w Then he killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w as well as|strong="H1571"\w* \w some of the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w was thirty-two|strong="H7970"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w had done|strong="H6213"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he married|strong="H0802"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\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="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 7  \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was unwilling|strong="H0014"\w* \w to destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w of the promise|strong="H1285"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w to give|strong="H5414"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w a perpetual|strong="H3117"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H5216"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H0123"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w freed|strong="H6586"\w* \w themselves from|strong="H8478"\w* \w Judah’s|strong="H3063"\w* \w control|strong="H3027"\w* \w and set up|strong="H4427"\w* \w their own king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w over to Zair with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w The Edomites|strong="H0123"\w*, \w who had surrounded|strong="H5437"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w*, \w attacked|strong="H6965"\w* \w at night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him and his chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*.  
\v 10  \w So Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w has remained free|strong="H6586"\w* \w from|strong="H8478"\w* \w Judah’s|strong="H3063"\w* \w control|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this very day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w At that same time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Libnah|strong="H3841"\w* \w also rebelled|strong="H6586"\w* \w and freed themselves from|strong="H8478"\w* \w Judah’s control|strong="H3027"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H5800"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 11  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w on the hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*; \w he encouraged the|strong="H0853"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to be unfaithful|strong="H5080"\w* \w to the \+nd Lord\+nd* and led Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w away|strong="H5080"\w* \w from|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd Lord\nd*.   
\p
\v 12  \w Jehoram|strong="H0935"\w* \w received|strong="H0935"\w* \w this letter|strong="H4385"\w* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\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 your ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : ‘You|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*,  
\v 13  \w but have instead followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w You encouraged the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to be unfaithful|strong="H2181"\w* \w to the \+nd Lord\+nd*, just as the family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w does in Israel.|strong="H1571"\w* \w You|strong="H0853"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w your brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w members|strong="H1004"\w* \w of your father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w who were better|strong="H2896"\w* \w than you|strong="H4480"\w*.  
\v 14  \w So look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is about to severely|strong="H4046"\w* \w afflict|strong="H5062"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w your sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w your wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you own|strong="H7399"\w*.  
\v 15  \w And you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will get a serious|strong="H7227"\w*, \w chronic|strong="H2483"\w* \w intestinal|strong="H4578"\w* \w disease|strong="H4245"\w* \w which will cause|strong="H5704"\w* \w your intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w to come out|strong="H3318"\w*.”   
\p
\v 16  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w stirred|strong="H5782"\w* \w up against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and the Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w who lived beside|strong="H3027"\w* \w the Cushites|strong="H3569"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and swept through|strong="H1234"\w* \w it.|strong="H7617"\w* \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w off everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w they found|strong="H4672"\w* \w in the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w including|strong="H1571"\w* \w his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and wives|strong="H0802"\w*. \w None|strong="H3808"\w* \w of his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w was left|strong="H7604"\w*, \w except|strong="H0518"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his youngest|strong="H6996"\w*, \w Ahaziah|strong="H3059"\w*.  
\v 18  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* happened, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w afflicted|strong="H5062"\w* \w him with an incurable|strong="H4832"\w* \w intestinal|strong="H4578"\w* \w disease|strong="H2483"\w*.  
\v 19  \w After|strong="H7093"\w* \w about two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years his intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w came out|strong="H3318"\w* \w because of the disease|strong="H2483"\w*, \w so that he died|strong="H4191"\w* \w a very painful death|strong="H7451"\w*. \w His people|strong="H5971"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w a bonfire|strong="H8316"\w* \w to honor him, as they had done for his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w Jehoram was thirty-two|strong="H7970"\w* \w years old when he became|strong="H1961"\w* \w king and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one regretted|strong="H2532"\w* \w his death;|strong="H6912"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w but not|strong="H3808"\w* \w in the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w*.   
\c 22  
\p
\v 1  \w The residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w made his youngest|strong="H6996"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in his place|strong="H8478"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the raiding party|strong="H1416"\w* \w that invaded|strong="H0935"\w* \w the city with the Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w had killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the older sons|strong="H4264"\w*. \w So Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w became king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w was twenty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for one|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w*, \w the granddaughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Omri|strong="H6018"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w gave him evil|strong="H7561"\w* \w advice|strong="H3289"\w*.  
\v 4  \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="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w like Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w*, \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w death|strong="H4194"\w*, \w they|strong="H3289"\w* \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H0310"\w* \w advice|strong="H3289"\w* \w that led to his destruction|strong="H4889"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w their advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w and joined|strong="H0854"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3088"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in a battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hazael|strong="H2371"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w* \w at Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w in which the Syrians|strong="H7421"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Joram|strong="H7495"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w* \w to recover|strong="H3588"\w* \w from the wounds|strong="H4347"\w* \w he received|strong="H5221"\w* \w from the Syrians|strong="H7414"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w when he fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hazael|strong="H2371"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w*. \w Ahaziah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to visit|strong="H7200"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3088"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w in Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he had been wounded|strong="H2470"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w brought|strong="H1961"\w* \w about Ahaziah’s downfall|strong="H8395"\w* \w through his visit|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Joram|strong="H3141"\w*. \w When Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w*, \w he went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3088"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w meet Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nimshi|strong="H5250"\w*, \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had commissioned|strong="H4886"\w* \w to wipe out|strong="H3772"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 8  \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w was dishing out punishment|strong="H8199"\w* \w to|strong="H5973"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w he discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w who were serving|strong="H8334"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w and killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He looked|strong="H1245"\w* \w for Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w*, \w who was captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w while hiding|strong="H2244"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w They brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w him to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w and then executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him. They did give him a burial|strong="H6912"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they reasoned|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w He is the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w sought|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w with his whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*.” \w There was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one in Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w strong|strong="H3581"\w* \w enough to rule|strong="H6113"\w* \w in his place|strong="H4467"\w*.   
\s1 Athaliah \w is|strong="H0369"\w* Eliminated  
\p
\v 10  \w When Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w the mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w of Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w her son|strong="H1121"\w* \w was dead|strong="H4191"\w*, \w she was determined|strong="H1696"\w* \w to destroy the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4467"\w* \w line|strong="H2233"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 11  \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w Jehoshabeath|strong="H3090"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram,|strong="H0274"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w and sneaked|strong="H1589"\w* \w him away|strong="H1589"\w* \w from|strong="H8432"\w* \w the rest of the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w who were to be executed|strong="H5414"\w*. \w She hid him and his nurse|strong="H3243"\w* \w in the room|strong="H2315"\w* \w where the bed|strong="H4296"\w* \w covers were stored. So Jehoshabeath|strong="H3090"\w* \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*, \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w of Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w*, \w hid him from|strong="H6440"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w so she could not|strong="H3808"\w* \w execute|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 12  \w He remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w in hiding|strong="H2244"\w* \w in God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for six|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w while Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w was ruling|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\c 23  
\p
\v 1  \w In the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w made|strong="H3947"\w* \w a bold|strong="H2388"\w* \w move. He made a pact|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the units of hundreds|strong="H3967"\w*\w : Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoram|strong="H3395"\w*, \w Ishmael|strong="H3458"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehochanan|strong="H3076"\w*, \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Obed|strong="H5744"\w*, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Adaiah|strong="H5718"\w*, \w and Elishaphat|strong="H0478"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zikri|strong="H2147"\w*.  
\v 2  \w They traveled throughout|strong="H5437"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w as well as the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w family|strong="H0001"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w*.  
\p \w They came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*,  
\v 3  \w and the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w a covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Jehoiada|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them|strong="H1992"\w*, \w “The king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will rule|strong="H4427"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 4  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you must do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w One third|strong="H7992"\w* \w of you priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who are on duty|strong="H0935"\w* \w during the Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w will guard|strong="H7778"\w* \w the doors|strong="H5592"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Another third|strong="H7992"\w* \w of you will be stationed at the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and still another third|strong="H7992"\w* \w at the Foundation|strong="H3247"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the others|strong="H5971"\w* \w will stand in the courtyards|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 6  \w No|strong="H0408"\w* \w one must enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w except|strong="H0518"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who are|strong="H1992"\w* \w on duty|strong="H8334"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w may enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they are|strong="H1992"\w* \w ceremonially|strong="H6944"\w* \w pure. All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the others|strong="H5971"\w* \w should|strong="H8104"\w* \w carry out their assigned service|strong="H4931"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 7  \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w must surround|strong="H5362"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w of you must hold his weapon|strong="H3627"\w* \w in his hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w Whoever tries to|strong="H0413"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w must be killed|strong="H4191"\w*. \w You must accompany|strong="H1961"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w wherever he goes|strong="H3318"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w ordered|strong="H6680"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w of them took|strong="H3947"\w* \w his men|strong="H0376"\w*, \w those who were on duty|strong="H0935"\w* \w during the Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w as well as those who were off duty|strong="H3318"\w* \w on the Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w*. \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w release|strong="H6362"\w* \w his divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* duties.  
\v 9  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to the officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the units of hundreds|strong="H3967"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w spears|strong="H2595"\w* \w and shields|strong="H7982"\w* \w that were kept in God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He placed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the men|strong="H5971"\w* \w at their posts, each|strong="H0376"\w* \w holding his weapon|strong="H7973"\w* \w in his hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w They lined up|strong="H5704"\w* \w from the south|strong="H3233"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to the north|strong="H8042"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w and stood near the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w and the temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w surrounding|strong="H5439"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w and his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w led out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w and placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him the crown|strong="H5145"\w* \w and the royal insignia|strong="H5715"\w*. \w They proclaimed him king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and poured|strong="H4886"\w* \w olive oil on his head.|strong="H0559"\w* \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w declared|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Long live|strong="H2421"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*!”   
\p
\v 12  \w When Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the royal guard|strong="H7323"\w* \w shouting|strong="H6963"\w* \w and praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w she joined|strong="H0935"\w* \w the crowd|strong="H5971"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Then she saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w his pillar|strong="H5982"\w* \w at the entrance|strong="H3996"\w*. \w The officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w and trumpeters|strong="H2689"\w* \w stood beside|strong="H5921"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w were celebrating|strong="H8055"\w* \w and blowing|strong="H8628"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*, \w and the musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w with various|strong="H7892"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w were leading|strong="H3045"\w* \w the celebration|strong="H1984"\w*. \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w her clothes|strong="H0899"\w* \w and yelled|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Treason|strong="H7195"\w*\w ! Treason|strong="H7195"\w*!”  
\v 14  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w sent out the officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the units of hundreds|strong="H3967"\w*, \w who|strong="H6485"\w* \w were in charge of the army|strong="H2428"\w*, \w and ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Bring|strong="H3318"\w* \w her outside|strong="H3318"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the guards|strong="H7713"\w*. \w Put|strong="H4191"\w* \w the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w to anyone who follows her.” The priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w gave this order because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he had decided she should not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 15  \w They seized|strong="H3027"\w* \w her and took|strong="H0935"\w* \w her into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the precincts|strong="H3996"\w* \w of the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w through the horses|strong="H5483"\w*’ \w entrance|strong="H8179"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w they executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w then drew up|strong="H3772"\w* \w a covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w stipulating that he, all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w should be|strong="H1961"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 17  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w and demolished|strong="H5422"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w*. \w They smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w its altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and idols|strong="H6754"\w*. \w They killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Mattan|strong="H4977"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w of Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the altars|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w then assigned|strong="H7760"\w* \w the duties|strong="H6486"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had assigned|strong="H2505"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They were responsible for offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w with joy|strong="H8057"\w* \w and music|strong="H7892"\w*, \w according to|strong="H8451"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w and the edict|strong="H3789"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 19  \w He posted|strong="H5975"\w* \w guards|strong="H7778"\w* \w at the gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w so no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one who was ceremonially unclean|strong="H2931"\w* \w in any|strong="H3605"\w* \w way could|strong="H1697"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 20  \w He summoned|strong="H3947"\w* \w the officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the units of hundreds|strong="H3967"\w*, \w the nobles|strong="H0117"\w*, \w the rulers|strong="H4910"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w and he then led the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w through|strong="H8432"\w* \w the Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and seated|strong="H3427"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the royal|strong="H4467"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*.  
\v 21  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H8055"\w*, \w for the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w had rest|strong="H8252"\w* \w now that they had killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w*.   
\c 24  
\p
\v 1  \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w was seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he began to reign. He reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for forty|strong="H0705"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Zibiah|strong="H6645"\w*, \w who was from Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the lifetime|strong="H3117"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w chose|strong="H5375"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w for him who gave|strong="H3205"\w* \w him sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and daughters|strong="H1323"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w was determined|strong="H3820"\w* \w to repair|strong="H2318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w them, “Go out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and collect|strong="H6908"\w* \w the annual|strong="H8141"\w* \w quota of silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for repairs|strong="H2388"\w* \w on the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Be quick|strong="H4116"\w* \w about it|strong="H1697"\w*\w !” But the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w delayed|strong="H4116"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the chief|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest,|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w have you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w made|strong="H1875"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w collect|strong="H3063"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tax|strong="H4864"\w* \w authorized by Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and by the assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w at the tent|strong="H0168"\w* containing \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tablets \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* law?”  
\v 7  \w (Wicked|strong="H4849"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w and her sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w had broken into|strong="H6555"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and used all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H6944"\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 in their worship|strong="H6213"\w* \w of the Baals|strong="H1168"\w*.)  
\v 8  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w a chest|strong="H0727"\w* \w to be made and placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 9  \w An|strong="H6963"\w* \w edict|strong="H5414"\w* \w was sent throughout Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w requiring|strong="H6963"\w* \w the people to bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w the tax|strong="H4864"\w* \w that Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w imposed on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in the wilderness|strong="H4057"\w*.  
\v 10  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w gladly|strong="H8055"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w their silver and threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w it into the chest|strong="H0727"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w it was full|strong="H3615"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Whenever the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the chest|strong="H0727"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w accountant|strong="H6486"\w* \w and they saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w there was a lot of|strong="H7227"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w the royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w and the accountant|strong="H6496"\w* \w of the high|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w emptied|strong="H6168"\w* \w the chest|strong="H0727"\w* \w and then took|strong="H5375"\w* \w it back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w its place|strong="H4725"\w*. \w They went through|strong="H6213"\w* \w this routine|strong="H3117"\w* \w every day|strong="H3117"\w* \w and collected|strong="H0622"\w* \w a large amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w gave it|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the construction|strong="H6213"\w* \w foremen|strong="H4399"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5656"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They hired|strong="H7936"\w* \w carpenters|strong="H2672"\w* \w and craftsmen|strong="H2796"\w* \w to repair|strong="H2318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w as well|strong="H1571"\w* \w as those skilled in working|strong="H2796"\w* \w with iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w and bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w to restore|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 13  \w They worked|strong="H6213"\w* \w hard and made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the repairs|strong="H3027"\w*. \w They followed|strong="H5921"\w* \w the measurements specified|strong="H4971"\w* \w for God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and restored|strong="H5975"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 14  \w When they were finished|strong="H3615"\w*, \w they brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the rest|strong="H7605"\w* \w of the silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*. \w They used it to make|strong="H6213"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\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 including items|strong="H3627"\w* \w used in the temple service|strong="H8335"\w* \w and for burnt sacrifices, pans|strong="H3709"\w*, \w and various other|strong="H3627"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w items. Throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jehoiada’s|strong="H3077"\w* \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*, \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w were offered regularly|strong="H8548"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w grew|strong="H7646"\w* \w old|strong="H2204"\w* \w and died|strong="H4191"\w* \w at|strong="H3117"\w* \w the age|strong="H8141"\w* \w of 130|strong="H7970"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he had accomplished|strong="H6213"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and for God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and his temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*, \w the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w visited|strong="H7812"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and declared|strong="H0227"\w* \w their loyalty to him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w listened|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* advice.  
\v 18  \w They abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\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 their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w and worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w the Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w* \w and idols|strong="H6091"\w*. \w Because of this|strong="H2063"\w* \w sinful activity|strong="H0819"\w*, \w God was angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w among them to lead them back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him.|strong="H5749"\w* \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w the people, but they would not|strong="H3808"\w* \w pay attention|strong="H0238"\w*.  
\v 20  \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w energized|strong="H3847"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w He stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w up before the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them, “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : ‘Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w violating|strong="H5674"\w* \w the commands|strong="H4687"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ? You will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be prosperous|strong="H6743"\w*\w ! Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you have rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , he has rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w*!’”  
\v 21  \w They plotted|strong="H7194"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him and by royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w decree|strong="H4687"\w* \w stoned|strong="H0068"\w* \w him to death in the courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 22  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w disregarded|strong="H2142"\w* \w the loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w shown|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w and killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Jehoiada’s|strong="H1121"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w As Zechariah|strong="H4191"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w dying|strong="H4191"\w*, \w he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “May|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w take notice|strong="H7200"\w* \w and seek|strong="H1875"\w* vengeance!”   
\p
\v 23  \w At the beginning|strong="H8622"\w* \w of the year|strong="H8141"\w* \w the Syrian|strong="H0758"\w* \w army|strong="H2426"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Joash|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w invaded|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They wiped out|strong="H7843"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w they gathered to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Even though|strong="H3588"\w* \w the invading|strong="H0935"\w* \w Syrian|strong="H0758"\w* \w army|strong="H2426"\w* \w was relatively weak|strong="H4705"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w handed over|strong="H5414"\w* \w to them Judah’s very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the people of Judah|strong="H5800"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w The Syrians|strong="H6213"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w what he deserved|strong="H8201"\w*.  
\v 25  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w they withdrew|strong="H1980"\w*, \w they left|strong="H5800"\w* \w Joash|strong="H4251"\w* \w badly|strong="H7227"\w* wounded. \w His servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w plotted against|strong="H7194"\w* \w him because of what he had done to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w They murdered|strong="H2026"\w* \w him on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his bed|strong="H4296"\w*. \w Thus|strong="H4191"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w but not|strong="H3808"\w* \w in the tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 26  \w The conspirators|strong="H7194"\w* \w were|strong="H0428"\w* \w Zabad|strong="H2066"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shimeath|strong="H8100"\w* \w (an Ammonite|strong="H5985"\w* \w woman) and Jehozabad|strong="H3075"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shimrith|strong="H8116"\w* \w (a Moabite|strong="H4125"\w* woman).   
\p
\v 27  \w The list of Joash’s|strong="H1121"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w the many|strong="H7230"\w* \w prophetic oracles|strong="H4853"\w* \w pertaining to him, and the account of his building project|strong="H3247"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w are included|strong="H2005"\w* \w in the record of|strong="H4097"\w* \w the Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\c 25  
\p
\v 1  \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w was twenty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he began to reign, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for twenty-nine|strong="H8672"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Jehoaddan|strong="H3086"\w*, \w who was from Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He 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 but|strong="H7535"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w with wholehearted|strong="H8003"\w* devotion.   
\p
\v 3  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w secured|strong="H2388"\w* \w control of the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*, \w he executed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who had assassinated|strong="H5221"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 4  \w However, he did not execute|strong="H4191"\w* \w their sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* obeyed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w commandment|strong="H6680"\w* \w as recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, “\w Fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w must not be executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w their sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w do|strong="H6680"\w*, \w and sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w must not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w what their fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w do.|strong="H0376"\w* \w A|strong="H3588"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w must be executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w only for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his own sin|strong="H2399"\w*.”   
\p
\v 5  \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w the people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and assigned|strong="H5975"\w* \w them by families|strong="H0001"\w* \w to the commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of units of a thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w and the commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of units of a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w He counted|strong="H6485"\w* \w those twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old and up|strong="H4605"\w* \w and discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w there were 300,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w young men|strong="H0970"\w* \w of fighting age|strong="H6635"\w* \w equipped|strong="H0270"\w* \w with spears|strong="H7420"\w* \w and shields|strong="H6793"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He hired|strong="H7936"\w* \w 100,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w for a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w But a prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “O king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w troops|strong="H6635"\w* \w must not|strong="H0408"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w is not|strong="H0369"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w or any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of the Ephraimites|strong="H0669"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Even|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w and fight bravely|strong="H2388"\w* \w in battle|strong="H4421"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will defeat|strong="H3782"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the enemy|strong="H0341"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is|strong="H3426"\w* \w capable|strong="H3581"\w* \w of helping|strong="H5826"\w* \w or defeating|strong="H3782"\w*.”  
\v 9  \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H0376"\w*\w :|strong="H4100"\w* “\w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w should I do|strong="H6213"\w* \w about the hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of silver I paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w troops|strong="H1416"\w*\w ?” The prophet|strong="H0376"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is capable|strong="H3426"\w* \w of giving|strong="H5414"\w* \w you more|strong="H7235"\w* \w than|strong="H7235"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w*.”  
\v 10  \w So Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w dismissed|strong="H0914"\w* \w the troops|strong="H1416"\w* \w that had|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w* \w from Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and sent|strong="H1980"\w* \w them home|strong="H4725"\w*. \w They were very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w at Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H4725"\w* \w incensed|strong="H0639"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w boldly|strong="H2388"\w* \w led|strong="H5090"\w* \w his army|strong="H5971"\w* \w to the Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of Salt|strong="H4417"\w*, \w where he defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w 10,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w Edomites|strong="H8165"\w*.  
\v 12  \w The men|strong="H3063"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w captured|strong="H7617"\w* \w 10,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w*. \w They took|strong="H0935"\w* \w them to the top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of a cliff|strong="H5553"\w* \w and threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them over|strong="H5553"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the captives|strong="H1234"\w* fell \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w their death|strong="H1234"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Now the troops|strong="H1416"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w had dismissed|strong="H7725"\w* \w and had|strong="H0834"\w* \w not allowed|strong="H1980"\w* \w to fight in|strong="H5973"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w raided|strong="H6584"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w from Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Beth Horon|strong="H1032"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w 3,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w people and carried off|strong="H0962"\w* \w a large amount|strong="H7227"\w* \w of plunder|strong="H0961"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w When Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w returned|strong="H0935"\w* \w from defeating|strong="H5221"\w* \w the Edomites|strong="H0130"\w*, \w he brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w back the gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w and made them his personal gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He bowed down|strong="H7812"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w them and offered|strong="H6999"\w* \w them sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w*.  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w at Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w and sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w who said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you following|strong="H1875"\w* \w these|strong="H5971"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w deliver|strong="H5337"\w* \w their own people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from your power|strong="H3027"\w*?”  
\v 16  \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \w he was speaking|strong="H1696"\w*, \w Amaziah|strong="H3289"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Did we|strong="H4100"\w* \w appoint you|strong="H5414"\w* \w to be a royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w counselor|strong="H3289"\w*\w ? Stop|strong="H2308"\w* \w prophesying or else|strong="H4100"\w* \w you will be killed|strong="H5221"\w*\w !”|strong="H5030"\w* \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w stopped|strong="H2308"\w*, \w but added, “I know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd* has|strong="H0430"\w* \w decided|strong="H3289"\w* \w to destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w you, because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you have done|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w thing and refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to my advice|strong="H6098"\w*.”   
\p
\v 17  \w After King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w with his advisers,|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H1980"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this message to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehu|strong="H3058"\w*, \w “Come, face|strong="H6440"\w* \w me on the battlefield|strong="H7200"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this message|strong="H0413"\w* \w back to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w “A thorn|strong="H2336"\w* \w bush in Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this message to|strong="H0413"\w* \w a cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w in Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*, \w ‘Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w your daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w to my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w as a wife|strong="H0802"\w*.’ \w Then|strong="H5674"\w* \w a wild|strong="H7704"\w* \w animal|strong="H2416"\w* \w of Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w came by and trampled|strong="H7429"\w* \w down the|strong="H0853"\w* \w thorn|strong="H2336"\w* \w bush|strong="H2336"\w*.  
\v 19  \w You defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w and it|strong="H5375"\w* \w has gone to your head.|strong="H5375"\w* \w Gloat|strong="H5375"\w* \w over your success|strong="H3513"\w*, \w but stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w in your palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w bring calamity|strong="H1624"\w* \w on|strong="H7451"\w* \w yourself|strong="H5307"\w*\w ? Why bring down|strong="H5307"\w* \w yourself|strong="H0859"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w along with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*?”   
\p
\v 20  \w But Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w heed|strong="H8085"\w* \w the warning,|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w wanted|strong="H4616"\w* \w to hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w them over to Joash because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they followed|strong="H1875"\w* \w the gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Edom|strong="H0123"\w*.  
\v 21  \w So King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w*. \w He and King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w faced|strong="H6440"\w* \w each other on the battlefield|strong="H7200"\w* \w in Beth Shemesh|strong="H1053"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w was defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w by Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and each man|strong="H0376"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w back home|strong="H0168"\w*.  
\v 23  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w captured|strong="H8610"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w*, \w in Beth Shemesh|strong="H1053"\w* \w and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w him to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He broke down|strong="H6555"\w* \w the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from the Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the Corner Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w – a distance|strong="H6437"\w* \w of about six hundred feet|strong="H0520"\w*.  
\v 24  \w He took away all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the items|strong="H3627"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w in God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that were in the care of Obed-Edom|strong="H5654"\w*, \w the riches|strong="H0214"\w* \w in the|strong="H0853"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and some hostages|strong="H8594"\w*. \w Then he went back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w lived|strong="H2421"\w* \w for fifteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w the death|strong="H4191"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 26  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Amaziah’s|strong="H0558"\w* \w reign, from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 27  \w From the time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w turned|strong="H5493"\w* \w from following|strong="H0310"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , conspirators|strong="H7195"\w* \w plotted against|strong="H7194"\w* \w him in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w so he fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w to Lachish|strong="H3923"\w*. \w But they sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w assassins after|strong="H0310"\w* \w him|strong="H3923"\w* \w and they killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 28  \w His body was carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w back by horses|strong="H5483"\w*, \w and he was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in Jerusalem with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H5973"\w*.   
\c 26  
\p
\v 1  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w was sixteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and made|strong="H4427"\w* \w him king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8478"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Amaziah’s|strong="H0558"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Uzziah|strong="H1931"\w* \w built up|strong="H1129"\w* \w Elat|strong="H0359"\w* \w and restored|strong="H7725"\w* \w it to Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0001"\w* \w had|strong="H0001"\w* \w passed|strong="H0310"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w was sixteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he began to reign, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for fifty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was Jecholiah|strong="H3203"\w*, \w who was from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He followed|strong="H1875"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the lifetime|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H2148"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w who taught him|strong="H7200"\w* \w how to honor God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w As long|strong="H3117"\w* \w as he followed|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , God|strong="H0430"\w* \w caused him to succeed|strong="H6743"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w Uzziah attacked|strong="H3898"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and broke down|strong="H6555"\w* \w the walls|strong="H2346"\w* \w of Gath|strong="H1661"\w*, \w Jabneh|strong="H2996"\w*, \w and Ashdod|strong="H0795"\w*. \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in the region of Ashdod|strong="H0795"\w* \w and throughout Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w territory|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 7  \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w him in his campaigns|strong="H5921"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w the Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Gur Baal|strong="H1485"\w*, \w and the Meunites|strong="H4586"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The Ammonites|strong="H5984"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w* \w to Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w and his fame|strong="H8034"\w* \w reached|strong="H1980"\w* \w the border|strong="H0935"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he grew|strong="H2388"\w* \w in power|strong="H4605"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w and fortified towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w at the Corner|strong="H6438"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w Gate, and at the Angle|strong="H4740"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in the desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w and dug|strong="H2672"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w cisterns|strong="H0953"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he owned many|strong="H7227"\w* \w herds|strong="H4735"\w* \w in the lowlands|strong="H8219"\w* \w and on the plain|strong="H4334"\w*. \w He had workers in the fields|strong="H0406"\w* \w and vineyards|strong="H3755"\w* \w in the hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w and in Carmel|strong="H3760"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he loved|strong="H0157"\w* \w agriculture|strong="H0127"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w had an army of skilled warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w trained|strong="H6213"\w* \w for battle|strong="H4421"\w*. \w They were organized|strong="H3318"\w* \w by divisions|strong="H1416"\w* \w according to the muster|strong="H4557"\w* \w rolls made by Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w and Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w the officer|strong="H7860"\w* \w under|strong="H5921"\w* \w the authority|strong="H3027"\w* \w of Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w*, \w a royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w official|strong="H8269"\w*.  
\v 12  \w The total|strong="H3605"\w* \w number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of family|strong="H0001"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w who led warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w was 2,600|strong="H3967"\w*.  
\v 13  \w They commanded|strong="H3027"\w* \w an army|strong="H6635"\w* \w of 307,500|strong="H3967"\w* \w skilled and able warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w who were ready|strong="H5826"\w* \w to defend|strong="H4421"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w his enemies|strong="H0341"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w supplied|strong="H3559"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*, \w spears|strong="H7420"\w*, \w helmets|strong="H3553"\w*, \w breastplates|strong="H8302"\w*, \w bows|strong="H7198"\w*, \w and slingstones|strong="H7050"\w* \w for the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*.  
\v 15  \w In Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w he made|strong="H6213"\w* \w war machines|strong="H2810"\w* \w carefully designed|strong="H2803"\w* \w to shoot|strong="H3384"\w* \w arrows|strong="H2678"\w* \w and large|strong="H1419"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w from the towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w and corners|strong="H6438"\w* \w of the walls. He became very|strong="H5704"\w* \w famous|strong="H8034"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he received tremendous|strong="H6381"\w* \w support|strong="H5826"\w* \w and became powerful|strong="H2388"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w But once he became powerful|strong="H2393"\w*, \w his pride|strong="H3820"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H7843"\w* \w him.|strong="H4603"\w* \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w disobeyed|strong="H4603"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w to offer incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and eighty|strong="H8084"\w* \w other brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w him|strong="H0310"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 18  \w They confronted|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “It is not proper|strong="H3808"\w* \w for you, Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w to offer incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . That|strong="H3588"\w* \w is the responsibility of the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*, \w who are consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w to offer incense|strong="H6999"\w*. \w Leave|strong="H4480"\w* \w the sanctuary|strong="H4720"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you have disobeyed|strong="H4603"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!”  
\v 19  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w who had an incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w censer|strong="H4730"\w* \w in his hand|strong="H3027"\w*, \w became angry|strong="H2196"\w*. \w While he was ranting and raving|strong="H2196"\w* \w at the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w a skin disease|strong="H6883"\w* \w appeared|strong="H2224"\w* \w on his forehead|strong="H4696"\w* \w right there in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 20  \w When|strong="H6437"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the high|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the other|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w looked at|strong="H2009"\w* \w him, there was a skin disease|strong="H6879"\w* \w on his forehead|strong="H4696"\w*. \w They hurried|strong="H0926"\w* \w him out|strong="H0926"\w* \w of there|strong="H8033"\w*; \w even|strong="H1571"\w* \w the king|strong="H1931"\w* \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w wanted to leave|strong="H3318"\w* \w quickly|strong="H1765"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had afflicted|strong="H5060"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 21  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w suffered from a skin disease|strong="H6879"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w he died|strong="H4194"\w*. \w He lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in separate|strong="H2669"\w* \w quarters|strong="H1004"\w*, \w afflicted by a skin disease|strong="H6879"\w* \w and banned from|strong="H1504"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w was in charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and ruled|strong="H8199"\w* \w over the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Uzziah’s|strong="H5818"\w* \w reign, from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w were recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w by the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Amoz|strong="H0531"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w near his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in a cemetery|strong="H6900"\w* \w belonging to the kings|strong="H4428"\w*. \w (This was because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he had a skin disease|strong="H6879"\w*.\w )|strong="H1121"\w* \w His|strong="H0834"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 27  
\p
\v 1  \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w was twenty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when he began to reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for sixteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Jerusha|strong="H3388"\w* \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*, \w just as|strong="H0834"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w had done|strong="H6213"\w*. \w (He did not|strong="H3808"\w*, \w however|strong="H7535"\w*, \w have the audacity|strong="H7535"\w* \w to enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1964"\w*.\w )|strong="H5971"\w* \w Yet|strong="H5750"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were still|strong="H5750"\w* \w sinning|strong="H7843"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and did a lot of work on the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w in the area known as Ophel|strong="H6077"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in the hill country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and fortresses|strong="H1003"\w* \w and towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in the forests|strong="H2793"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w launched a military campaign|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and defeated|strong="H2388"\w* \w them. That|strong="H1931"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w him 100|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w 10,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w kors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of wheat|strong="H2406"\w*, \w and 10,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w kors|strong="H8184"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w barley|strong="H8184"\w*. \w The Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w also paid|strong="H7725"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w same amount of annual tribute the next two|strong="H7992"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w grew powerful|strong="H2388"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to please the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Jotham’s|strong="H3147"\w* \w reign, including all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his military|strong="H4421"\w* \w campaigns|strong="H2005"\w* \w and his accomplishments, are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 8  \w He was twenty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he began to reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for sixteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\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 Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 28  
\p
\v 1  \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w was twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he began to reign, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for sixteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what pleased|strong="H5869"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , in contrast to his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in the footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H1571"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w he also|strong="H1571"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w images|strong="H4541"\w* \w of the Baals|strong="H1168"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w offered|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices in the Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of Ben-Hinnom|strong="H2011"\w* \w and passed his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w through the fire|strong="H0784"\w*, \w a horrible|strong="H8441"\w* \w sin practiced by the nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w drove|strong="H3423"\w* \w out before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He offered sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w and burned incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w on the high places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the hills|strong="H1389"\w*, \w and under|strong="H8478"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w green|strong="H7488"\w* \w tree|strong="H6086"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w The|strong="H0935"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w him over to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Syria|strong="H0758"\w*. \w The Syrians|strong="H5221"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him and deported|strong="H7617"\w* \w many captives|strong="H7633"\w* \w to Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*. \w He was also|strong="H1571"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w over to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who thoroughly defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 6  \w In one|strong="H0259"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w King Pekah|strong="H6492"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Remaliah|strong="H7425"\w* \w of Israel killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w 120,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w because they had abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Zikri|strong="H2147"\w*, \w an Ephraimite|strong="H0669"\w* \w warrior|strong="H1368"\w*, \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Azrikam|strong="H5840"\w*, \w the supervisor|strong="H5057"\w* \w of the palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and Elkanah|strong="H0511"\w*, \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w second-in-command|strong="H4932"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w seized|strong="H7617"\w* \w from their brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w 200,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and daughters|strong="H1323"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w carried off|strong="H0962"\w* \w a huge amount|strong="H7227"\w* \w of plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w and took|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H7998"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Oded|strong="H5752"\w*, \w a prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , was there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w He went|strong="H3318"\w* \w to meet|strong="H6440"\w* \w the army|strong="H6635"\w* \w as they arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w in Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them: “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of your ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w was angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w he handed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to you. You have killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w them so|strong="H5704"\w* \w mercilessly|strong="H2197"\w* \w that|strong="H5704"\w* \w God|strong="H8064"\w* \w has taken notice|strong="H5060"\w*.  
\v 10  \w And now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are planning|strong="H0559"\w* \w to enslave|strong="H3533"\w* \w the people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Yet are you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w also|strong="H7535"\w* \w guilty|strong="H0819"\w* \w before|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w*?  
\v 11  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to me! Send back|strong="H7725"\w* \w those|strong="H7633"\w* \w you have|strong="H0834"\w* \w seized|strong="H7617"\w* \w from your brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w is very|strong="H2740"\w* \w angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*!”  
\v 12  \w So some|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0669"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Ephraimite \w family leaders|strong="H7218"\w*, \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehochanan|strong="H3076"\w*, \w Berechiah|strong="H1296"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Meshillemoth|strong="H4919"\w*, \w Jechizkiah|strong="H3169"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, \w and Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hadlai|strong="H2311"\w* \w confronted|strong="H6965"\w* \w those returning|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the battle|strong="H6635"\w*.  
\v 13  \w They said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them, “Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w those|strong="H3588"\w* \w captives|strong="H7633"\w* \w here|strong="H2008"\w*\w ! Are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w planning on making|strong="H0559"\w* \w us even more|strong="H3254"\w* \w sinful|strong="H2403"\w* \w and guilty|strong="H0819"\w* \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ?|strong="H0819"\w* \w Our|strong="H3068"\w* \w guilt|strong="H0819"\w* \w is already great|strong="H7227"\w* \w and the \+nd Lord\+nd* is very|strong="H2740"\w* \w angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w So|strong="H5800"\w* \w the soldiers released|strong="H2502"\w* \w the captives|strong="H7633"\w* \w and the plunder|strong="H0961"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Men|strong="H0376"\w* \w were assigned|strong="H5344"\w* \w to take|strong="H2388"\w* \w the prisoners|strong="H7633"\w* \w and find|strong="H8034"\w* \w clothes|strong="H3847"\w* \w among the plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w for those who were naked|strong="H4636"\w*. \w So they clothed|strong="H3847"\w* \w them, supplied them with sandals|strong="H5274"\w*, \w gave them food|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8248"\w*, \w and provided them with oil|strong="H5480"\w* \w to rub on their skin.|strong="H5095"\w* \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w put|strong="H3847"\w* \w the ones|strong="H3605"\w* \w who couldn’t walk|strong="H3782"\w* \w on donkeys|strong="H2543"\w*. \w They brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w them back to their brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w at Jericho|strong="H3405"\w*, \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of the date|strong="H8558"\w* \w palm trees, and then returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w At that time|strong="H6256"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w asked|strong="H7971"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w for help|strong="H5826"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The Edomites|strong="H0130"\w* \w had again|strong="H5750"\w* \w invaded|strong="H0935"\w* \w and defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and carried|strong="H7617"\w* \w off captives|strong="H7628"\w*.  
\v 18  \w The Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w had raided|strong="H6584"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w in the lowlands|strong="H8219"\w* \w and the Negev|strong="H5045"\w*. \w They captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w and settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Beth Shemesh|strong="H1053"\w*, \w Aijalon|strong="H0357"\w*, \w Gederoth|strong="H1450"\w*, \w Soco|strong="H7755"\w* \w and its surrounding villages|strong="H1323"\w*, \w Timnah|strong="H8553"\w* \w and its surrounding villages|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and Gimzo|strong="H1579"\w* \w and its surrounding villages|strong="H1323"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w humiliated|strong="H3665"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w because|strong="H5668"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he encouraged|strong="H6544"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to sin and was very|strong="H4603"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 20  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Tiglath-pileser|strong="H8407"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w*, \w but he gave him more trouble than support|strong="H2388"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w gathered|strong="H3588"\w* \w riches|strong="H2505"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\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 the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*, \w but that did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w help|strong="H5833"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w During his time|strong="H6256"\w* \w of trouble|strong="H6887"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w was even more|strong="H3254"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 23  \w He offered sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to the gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Damascus|strong="H1834"\w* \w whom he thought had defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him.|strong="H0559"\w* \w He|strong="H3588"\w* reasoned, “\w Since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Damascus|strong="H0758"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w them, I will sacrifice|strong="H2076"\w* \w to them so they will help|strong="H5826"\w* \w me.” But they|strong="H1992"\w* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w him and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to stumble|strong="H3782"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w the items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and removed|strong="H7112"\w* \w them. He shut|strong="H5462"\w* \w the doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and erected|strong="H6213"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w on every|strong="H3605"\w* \w street corner|strong="H6438"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 25  \w In every|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w he set up high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w to offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices to other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Ahaz’s|strong="H1870"\w* \w reign, including his accomplishments from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the City of David|strong="H3389"\w*; \w they did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w him to the tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 29  
\p
\v 1  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was twenty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when he began to reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w twenty-nine|strong="H8672"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was Abijah|strong="H0029"\w*, \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w In the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w he opened|strong="H6605"\w* \w the doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w in the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w them in the square|strong="H7339"\w* \w on the east|strong="H4217"\w* \w side|strong="H4217"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them: “Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to me, you Levites|strong="H3881"\w*\w ! Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w yourselves, so you can consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\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 your ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*\w !|strong="H3318"\w* \w Remove|strong="H3318"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w what is ceremonially|strong="H5079"\w* \w unclean|strong="H5079"\w*!  
\v 6  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w our fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w were unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w*; \w they did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what is evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w him! They turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w away|strong="H5437"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w dwelling place|strong="H4908"\w* \w and rejected|strong="H6203"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 7  \w They closed|strong="H5462"\w* \w the doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of the temple porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w and put out|strong="H3518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w*; \w they did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w in the sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w at Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and made|strong="H5414"\w* \w them an appalling object|strong="H2113"\w* \w of horror|strong="H8047"\w* \w at which people hiss out|strong="H8322"\w* \w their scorn|strong="H8322"\w*, \w as you|strong="H0859"\w* \w can see|strong="H7200"\w* \w with your own eyes|strong="H5869"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w our fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w died|strong="H5307"\w* \w violently|strong="H2719"\w* \w and our|strong="H2719"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w were carried off|strong="H7628"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of this|strong="H2063"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I intend|strong="H3824"\w* \w to make|strong="H3772"\w* \w a covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H7725"\w* \w that he may relent|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w his raging|strong="H2740"\w* \w anger|strong="H0639"\w*.  
\v 11  \w My sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w do not|strong="H0408"\w* \w be negligent|strong="H7952"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w has chosen|strong="H0970"\w* \w you to serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w in his|strong="H8334"\w* \w presence|strong="H6440"\w* \w and offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w The following|strong="H6965"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w prepared to carry out the king’s orders:|strong="H4480"\w*  
\p \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Kohathites|strong="H6956"\w*\w : Mahath|strong="H4287"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Amasai|strong="H6022"\w* \w and Joel|strong="H3100"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Merarites|strong="H4847"\w*\w : Kish|strong="H7027"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Abdi|strong="H5660"\w* \w and Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehallelel|strong="H3094"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Gershonites|strong="H1649"\w*\w : Joah|strong="H3098"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zimmah|strong="H2155"\w* \w and Eden|strong="H5731"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Joah|strong="H3098"\w*;   
\p
\v 13  \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Elizaphan|strong="H0469"\w*\w : Shimri|strong="H8113"\w* \w and Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*\w : Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w and Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*;   
\p
\v 14  \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Heman|strong="H1968"\w*\w : Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w* \w and Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w*\w : Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w and Uzziel|strong="H5816"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w They assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w their brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w and consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves. Then they went|strong="H0935"\w* \w in to purify|strong="H2891"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w just as the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had ordered|strong="H4687"\w*, \w in accordance with the word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 16  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w then entered|strong="H6441"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to purify|strong="H2891"\w* \w it; they brought out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to the|strong="H0853"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w ceremonially unclean thing|strong="H2932"\w* \w they discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w inside|strong="H3068"\w*. \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w took|strong="H6901"\w* \w them out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to the Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*.  
\v 17  \w On the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w day of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they|strong="H6942"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w consecrating|strong="H6942"\w*; \w by the eighth|strong="H8083"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they reached|strong="H0935"\w* \w the porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w For eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w more days|strong="H3117"\w* \w they consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w On the sixteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they were|strong="H7223"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*.  
\v 18  \w They went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “We have purified|strong="H2891"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , including the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of burnt sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its equipment|strong="H3627"\w*, \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w* \w for the Bread of the Presence|strong="H4635"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its equipment|strong="H3627"\w*.  
\v 19  \w We|strong="H0854"\w* \w have prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w and consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the items|strong="H3627"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w removed during his reign|strong="H4438"\w* \w when he acted unfaithfully|strong="H4604"\w*. \w They are in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.”   
\p
\v 20  \w Early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the next morning King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 21  \w They brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w*, \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w*, \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w*, \w and seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w goats|strong="H5795"\w* \w as a sin offering|strong="H2403"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*, \w the sanctuary|strong="H4720"\w*, \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The king|strong="H0559"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*, \w to offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt sacrifices on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 22  \w They slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the bulls|strong="H1241"\w*, \w and the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w took|strong="H6901"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w and splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w it on the altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w Then they slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the rams|strong="H0352"\w* \w and splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w the blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on the altar|strong="H4196"\w*; \w next they slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the lambs|strong="H3532"\w* \w and splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w the blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on the altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Finally|strong="H5066"\w* \w they brought the goats|strong="H8163"\w* \w for the sin offering|strong="H2403"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and the assembly|strong="H6951"\w*, \w and they placed|strong="H5564"\w* \w their hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Then the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w them. They offered|strong="H2398"\w* \w their blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w as a sin|strong="H2398"\w* \w offering on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w to make atonement|strong="H3722"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had decreed|strong="H5930"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* sacrifice \w and sin offering|strong="H2403"\w* \w were for|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w King Hezekiah|strong="H5975"\w* \w stationed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with cymbals|strong="H4700"\w* \w and stringed instruments|strong="H3658"\w*, \w just as David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Gad|strong="H1410"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w prophet|strong="H2374"\w*, \w and Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w had ordered|strong="H4687"\w*. (\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had actually given these orders|strong="H4687"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his prophets|strong="H5030"\w*.)  
\v 26  \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w musical|strong="H5975"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w and the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w had trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w the burnt sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w* \w to be offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w on the altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w As they began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to offer the sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w*, \w they also began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to sing|strong="H7892"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w accompanied by the trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and the musical|strong="H3627"\w* \w instruments of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 28  \w The entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*, \w as the singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w sang|strong="H7892"\w* \w and the trumpeters|strong="H2689"\w* \w played|strong="H2690"\w*. \w They continued until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the burnt sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w* \w was completed|strong="H3615"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w the sacrifices|strong="H5927"\w* \w were completed|strong="H3766"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who were|strong="H4672"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*.  
\v 30  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w to praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , using the psalms|strong="H1697"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and Asaph|strong="H0623"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H2374"\w*. \w So they joyfully|strong="H8057"\w* \w offered praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w and bowed|strong="H6915"\w* \w down and worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you have consecrated|strong="H4390"\w* \w yourselves|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . Come|strong="H5066"\w* \w and bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w and thank offerings|strong="H8426"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.” \w So the assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w and thank offerings|strong="H8426"\w*, \w and whoever|strong="H3605"\w* \w desired to do so|strong="H5930"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*.   
\p
\v 32  \w The assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w a total|strong="H4557"\w* \w of 70|strong="H7657"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*, \w 100|strong="H3967"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w*, \w and 200|strong="H3967"\w* \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w* \w as burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*,  
\v 33  \w and 600|strong="H3967"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w and 3,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w were consecrated|strong="H6942"\w*.  
\v 34  \w But|strong="H7535"\w* \w there were|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w enough|strong="H4592"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to skin all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the animals,|strong="H0251"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w helped|strong="H2388"\w* \w them until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the work|strong="H4399"\w* \w was finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w and the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w could consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves. (The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w had been more conscientious|strong="H3477"\w* \w about|strong="H3824"\w* \w consecrating themselves than|strong="H6942"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*.)  
\v 35  \w There was a large number|strong="H7230"\w* \w of burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w as well as|strong="H1571"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w from the peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and drink offerings|strong="H5262"\w* \w that accompanied the burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*. \w So|strong="H3559"\w* \w the service|strong="H5656"\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 was reinstituted|strong="H3559"\w*.  
\v 36  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w about what|strong="H3559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w done|strong="H3559"\w* \w for them,|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it had been done quickly|strong="H6597"\w*.   
\c 30  
\p
\v 1  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messages throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*; \w he even|strong="H1571"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w letters|strong="H0107"\w* \w to Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w summoning them to come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w a Passover celebration|strong="H6453"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w his|strong="H3289"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w decided|strong="H3289"\w* \w to observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w the Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w in the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 3  \w They were unable|strong="H3201"\w* \w to observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w it at the regular|strong="H6256"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w enough|strong="H1767"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w had consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves and the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w had not|strong="H3808"\w* \w assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The proposal|strong="H3474"\w* \w seemed|strong="H5869"\w* \w appropriate|strong="H5869"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*.  
\v 5  \w So they sent an edict|strong="H1697"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*, \w summoning the people|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w and observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w a Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\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 in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they had not|strong="H3808"\w* \w observed it|strong="H6213"\w* \w on a nationwide|strong="H7230"\w* \w scale as|strong="H1697"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* law.  
\v 6  \w Messengers|strong="H7323"\w* \w delivered the letters|strong="H0107"\w* \w from the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\p \w This royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w edict|strong="H4687"\w* \w read:|strong="H3478"\w* “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\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 so he may return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you who|strong="H6413"\w* \w have been spared|strong="H3709"\w* \w from the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w like your fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w and brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w provoking him to destroy|strong="H8047"\w* \w them,|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w can see|strong="H7200"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* \w like|strong="H6203"\w* \w your fathers|strong="H0001"\w*\w ! Submit|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to his sanctuary|strong="H4720"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w he has permanently|strong="H5769"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w*. \w Serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w so|strong="H7725"\w* \w that he might relent|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w his raging|strong="H2740"\w* \w anger|strong="H0639"\w*.  
\v 9  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w if you return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , your brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w and sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w will be shown mercy|strong="H7356"\w* \w by their captors|strong="H7617"\w* \w and return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to this|strong="H2063"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is merciful|strong="H2587"\w* \w and compassionate|strong="H7349"\w*; \w he will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w reject|strong="H5493"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*.”   
\p
\v 10  \w The messengers journeyed|strong="H7323"\w* \w from city|strong="H5892"\w* \w to city|strong="H5892"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w as far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w*, \w but people mocked and ridiculed|strong="H3932"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 11  \w But|strong="H0389"\w* \w some men|strong="H0582"\w* \w from Asher|strong="H0836"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves and came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 12  \w In Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w moved the people|strong="H3820"\w* \w to unite|strong="H0259"\w* \w and carry|strong="H6213"\w* \w out the edict|strong="H4687"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and the officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w issued|strong="H5414"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w command|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 13  \w A huge|strong="H7227"\w* \w crowd|strong="H5971"\w* \w assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w the Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Unleavened Bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w in the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 14  \w They removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w they also|strong="H0853"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w altars|strong="H5493"\w* \w and threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them into the Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w They slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the Passover lamb|strong="H6453"\w* \w on the fourteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day of the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were ashamed|strong="H3637"\w*, \w so they consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 16  \w They stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w at their posts according to the regulations|strong="H4941"\w* \w outlined|strong="H5977"\w* \w in the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, \w the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were splashing|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w as the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w in the assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w had not|strong="H3808"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves, the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7821"\w* \w the Passover lambs|strong="H6453"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who were ceremonially unclean|strong="H2889"\w* \w and could not consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* sacrifice \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 18  \w The majority|strong="H4768"\w* \w of the many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w Issachar|strong="H3485"\w*, \w and Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w were ceremonially|strong="H2891"\w* \w unclean, yet|strong="H3588"\w* \w they ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w the Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w in violation of what is prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the law.|strong="H3588"\w* \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w for|strong="H1157"\w* \w them, saying|strong="H0559"\w*: “\w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , who is good|strong="H2896"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H3722"\w*  
\v 19  \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who has determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to follow|strong="H1875"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w even if he is not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ceremonially clean according to the standards|strong="H2893"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H6944"\w*.”  
\v 20  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w responded favorably|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and forgave|strong="H7495"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w The Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who were|strong="H4672"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w observed the Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w with great|strong="H1419"\w* \w joy|strong="H8057"\w*. \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w every|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w with all|strong="H3627"\w* \w their might|strong="H5797"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w expressed|strong="H1696"\w* \w his appreciation|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w who demonstrated|strong="H7919"\w* \w great|strong="H2896"\w* \w skill in serving|strong="H7922"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w .|strong="H0398"\w* \w They|strong="H3117"\w* feasted \w for the seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the festival|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and were making peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and giving thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w The entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w then decided|strong="H3289"\w* \w to celebrate|strong="H6213"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w more days|strong="H3117"\w*; \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w they joyfully|strong="H8057"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w more days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 24  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* \w 1,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w and 7,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w for the assembly|strong="H6951"\w*, \w while the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* \w them|strong="H0505"\w* \w with|strong="H4428"\w* 1,000 \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w and 10,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*. \w Many|strong="H7230"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w*.  
\v 25  \w The celebration|strong="H8055"\w* \w included|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of those who came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w the resident foreigners|strong="H1616"\w* \w who came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 26  \w There was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a great|strong="H1419"\w* \w celebration|strong="H8057"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w unlike|strong="H3808"\w* \w anything that|strong="H2063"\w* \w had occurred|strong="H2063"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 27  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and pronounced blessings|strong="H1288"\w* \w on the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w The \+nd Lord\+nd* responded|strong="H8085"\w* \w favorably|strong="H6963"\w* \w to them|strong="H8605"\w* \w as|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w reached|strong="H0935"\w* \w his holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w dwelling place|strong="H4583"\w* \w in heaven|strong="H8064"\w*.   
\c 31  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w was over, the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who were|strong="H4672"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w the sacred pillars|strong="H4676"\w*, \w cut down|strong="H1438"\w* \w the Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w*, \w and demolished|strong="H5422"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w and Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*. \w Then all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to their own|strong="H0272"\w* \w homes in their cities|strong="H5892"\w*.   
\s1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w People|strong="H0376"\w* \w Contribute|strong="H2063"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple  
\p
\v 2  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w to do their assigned|strong="H5656"\w* \w tasks|strong="H6310"\w* – \w to offer burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and present offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and to serve|strong="H8334"\w*, \w give thanks|strong="H3034"\w*, \w and offer praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w in the gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H4264"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w contributed|strong="H4521"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w what he owned|strong="H7399"\w* \w for burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w including the morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and the burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w made on Sabbaths|strong="H7676"\w*, \w new moon|strong="H2320"\w* \w festivals|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and at other appointed times prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 4  \w He ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to contribute|strong="H5414"\w* \w the portion prescribed|strong="H4521"\w* \w for the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w so they might|strong="H4616"\w* \w be obedient|strong="H2388"\w* \w to the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 5  \w When the edict|strong="H1697"\w* \w was issued|strong="H6555"\w*, \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w freely contributed|strong="H7235"\w* \w the initial portion|strong="H7225"\w* \w of their grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w wine|strong="H8492"\w*, \w olive oil|strong="H3323"\w*, \w honey|strong="H1706"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the produce|strong="H8393"\w* \w of their fields|strong="H7704"\w*. \w They brought a tenth|strong="H4643"\w* \w of everything|strong="H3605"\w*, \w which added up|strong="H0935"\w* \w to a huge amount|strong="H7230"\w*.  
\v 6  \w The Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w who lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w contributed|strong="H1992"\w* \w a tenth|strong="H4643"\w* \w of their cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w and sheep|strong="H6629"\w*, \w as well as a tenth|strong="H4643"\w* \w of the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w their God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w They brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w them and placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them in many heaps|strong="H6194"\w*.  
\v 7  \w In the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they began|strong="H2490"\w* \w piling|strong="H3245"\w* \w their contributions in heaps|strong="H6194"\w* \w and finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w in the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 8  \w When Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the heaps|strong="H6194"\w*, \w they praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and pronounced blessings on his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w When Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w asked|strong="H1875"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w about the heaps|strong="H6194"\w*,  
\v 10  \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w the head|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w from the family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*, \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Since the contributions|strong="H8641"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w arriving|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w we have had plenty|strong="H7646"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and have a large quantity|strong="H7230"\w* \w left over|strong="H3498"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and this|strong="H2088"\w* \w large amount|strong="H1995"\w* \w remains|strong="H3498"\w*.”  
\v 11  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w that storerooms|strong="H3957"\w* \w be prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w When|strong="H3559"\w* \w this was done|strong="H3559"\w*,  
\v 12  \w they brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w in the contributions|strong="H8641"\w*, \w tithes|strong="H4643"\w*, \w and consecrated items|strong="H6944"\w* \w that had been offered.|strong="H3562"\w* \w Konaniah|strong="H3562"\w*, \w a Levite|strong="H3881"\w*, \w was in charge of all this, assisted by|strong="H4932"\w* \w his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w Azaziah|strong="H5812"\w*, \w Nahath|strong="H5184"\w*, \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*, \w Jerimoth|strong="H3406"\w*, \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w Eliel|strong="H0447"\w*, \w Ismakiah|strong="H3253"\w*, \w Mahath|strong="H4287"\w*, \w and Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w worked under|strong="H3027"\w* \w the supervision|strong="H6496"\w* \w of Konaniah|strong="H3562"\w* \w and his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*, \w as directed|strong="H4662"\w* \w by King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w the supervisor|strong="H5057"\w* \w of God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w Kore|strong="H6981"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Imnah|strong="H3232"\w*, \w a Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w and the guard|strong="H7778"\w* \w on the east|strong="H4217"\w* \w side, was in charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the voluntary|strong="H5071"\w* \w offerings made to God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and disbursed|strong="H5414"\w* \w the contributions|strong="H8641"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and the consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w items|strong="H6944"\w*.  
\v 15  \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Eden|strong="H5731"\w*, \w Miniamin|strong="H4509"\w*, \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Amariah|strong="H0568"\w*, \w and Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H0530"\w* \w assisted him in making disbursements|strong="H5414"\w* \w to their fellow priests|strong="H0251"\w* \w according to their divisions|strong="H4256"\w*, \w regardless of age|strong="H6996"\w*.  
\v 16  \w They made disbursements to all|strong="H0905"\w* \w the males|strong="H2145"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H4605"\w* \w and up who|strong="H4605"\w* \w were listed in the genealogical records|strong="H3187"\w* \w – to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who would enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to serve on|strong="H3117"\w* \w a daily|strong="H3117"\w* \w basis|strong="H5656"\w* \w and fulfill|strong="H4931"\w* \w their duties|strong="H4931"\w* \w as assigned to their divisions|strong="H4256"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They made disbursements to the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w listed in the genealogical records|strong="H3188"\w* \w by their families|strong="H0001"\w*, \w and to the Levites|strong="H1121"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old and up, according to their duties|strong="H4931"\w* \w as assigned to their divisions|strong="H4256"\w*,  
\v 18  \w and to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the infants|strong="H2945"\w*, \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w of the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w listed in the genealogical records|strong="H3188"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they faithfully|strong="H0530"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w*.  
\v 19  \w As for the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who lived in the outskirts|strong="H5892"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w were assigned|strong="H8034"\w* \w to disburse|strong="H5414"\w* \w portions|strong="H4490"\w* \w to every|strong="H3605"\w* \w male|strong="H2145"\w* \w among the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and to every|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w listed in the genealogical records|strong="H3187"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w This|strong="H2063"\w* \w is what|strong="H6213"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w considered good|strong="H2896"\w* \w and right|strong="H3477"\w* \w and faithful|strong="H0571"\w*.  
\v 21  \w He wholeheartedly|strong="H3824"\w* \w and successfully reinstituted|strong="H6743"\w* \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w in God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and obedience|strong="H2490"\w* \w to the law|strong="H8451"\w*, \w in order|strong="H4687"\w* \w to follow|strong="H1875"\w* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\c 32  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w faithful|strong="H0571"\w* \w deeds were accomplished|strong="H0935"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w invaded|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He besieged|strong="H2583"\w* \w the fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w intending|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w seize|strong="H1234"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 2  \w When Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w had invaded|strong="H0935"\w* \w and intended|strong="H6440"\w* \w to attack|strong="H4421"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*,  
\v 3  \w he consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his advisers and military officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w about stopping|strong="H5640"\w* \w up the springs|strong="H4325"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and they supported|strong="H5826"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 4  \w A large|strong="H7227"\w* \w number of people|strong="H5971"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w together and stopped|strong="H5640"\w* \w up all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the springs|strong="H4599"\w* \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w stream|strong="H5158"\w* \w that flowed|strong="H7857"\w* \w through the district.|strong="H8432"\w* \w They|strong="H0559"\w* reasoned, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w and find|strong="H4672"\w* \w plenty|strong="H7227"\w* \w of water|strong="H4325"\w*?”  
\v 5  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2388"\w* \w energetically|strong="H2388"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w broken|strong="H6555"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w He erected|strong="H5927"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w and an outer|strong="H2351"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w and fortified|strong="H2388"\w* \w the terrace|strong="H4407"\w* \w of the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w weapons|strong="H7973"\w* \w and shields|strong="H4043"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w He appointed|strong="H5414"\w* \w military|strong="H4421"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w and assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w them in the square|strong="H7339"\w* \w at the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w He encouraged|strong="H3824"\w* \w them,|strong="H0559"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*,  
\v 7 “\w Be strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and brave|strong="H0553"\w*\w ! Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w and don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w panic|strong="H2865"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w and this huge army|strong="H1995"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him! We have with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us one who is stronger|strong="H7227"\w* \w than those who are with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 8  \w He has with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him mere|strong="H1320"\w* \w human strength|strong="H2220"\w*, \w but|strong="H1320"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is with us to help|strong="H5826"\w* \w us and fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w our battles|strong="H4421"\w*\w !” The army|strong="H5971"\w* \w was encouraged|strong="H5564"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Afterward|strong="H0310"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*, \w while attacking Lachish|strong="H3923"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his military might|strong="H4475"\w*, \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his messengers|strong="H5650"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The message was for King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people of|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w It|strong="H1931"\w* read:  
\v 10 “\w This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w says: ‘Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w so confident|strong="H0982"\w* \w that you remain|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w while it is under siege|strong="H4692"\w*?  
\v 11  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w us from the power|strong="H3709"\w* \w of the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*.” \w But he is misleading|strong="H5496"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w and you will|strong="H5414"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w of hunger|strong="H7458"\w* \w and thirst|strong="H6772"\w*!  
\v 12  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w is the one|strong="H5493"\w* \w who eliminated|strong="H5493"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and then told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w “At|strong="H6440"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w you must worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w and offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w*.”  
\v 13  \w Are you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w aware|strong="H3045"\w* \w of what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w and my predecessors|strong="H0001"\w* \w have done|strong="H6213"\w* \w to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w of the surrounding lands|strong="H0776"\w*\w ? Have the gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the surrounding lands|strong="H0776"\w* \w actually been able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w their lands|strong="H0776"\w* \w from my power|strong="H3027"\w*?  
\v 14  \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w among all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of these|strong="H0428"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w my predecessors|strong="H0001"\w* \w annihilated|strong="H2763"\w* \w was able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from my power|strong="H3027"\w*?  
\v 15  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w deceive|strong="H5377"\w* \w you or|strong="H0408"\w* \w mislead|strong="H5496"\w* \w you like this|strong="H2063"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w believe|strong="H0539"\w* \w him, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w god|strong="H0433"\w* \w of any|strong="H3605"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w or kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w has been able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from my power|strong="H3027"\w* \w or the power|strong="H3027"\w* \w of my predecessors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w So how|strong="H0430"\w* \w can|strong="H3201"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w you from my power|strong="H3027"\w*?’”   
\p
\v 16  \w Sennacherib’s|strong="H1696"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w further insulted|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w letters|strong="H5612"\w* \w mocking|strong="H2778"\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 and insulting him with these words|strong="H0559"\w*\w :|strong="H0430"\w* “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the surrounding|strong="H5337"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w could|strong="H5337"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w their people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from my power|strong="H3027"\w*. \w Neither can Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from my power|strong="H3027"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w They called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out loudly|strong="H1419"\w* \w in the Judahite dialect|strong="H3066"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w trying to scare|strong="H3372"\w* \w and terrify|strong="H0926"\w* \w them so|strong="H4616"\w* \w they could seize|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 19  \w They talked|strong="H1696"\w* \w about the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as if he were one|strong="H0120"\w* \w of the|strong="H5921"\w* \w man-made|strong="H4639"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Amoz|strong="H0531"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w about this|strong="H2063"\w* \w and cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w out to heaven|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 21  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w and he wiped out|strong="H3582"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*, \w princes|strong="H5057"\w*, \w and officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w in the army|strong="H4264"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*. \w So Sennacherib|strong="H7725"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H0776"\w* \w humiliated|strong="H6440"\w*. \w When he entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of his god|strong="H0430"\w*, \w some of his own sons|strong="H4578"\w* \w struck|strong="H5307"\w* \w him down|strong="H5307"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w*.  
\v 22  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w delivered|strong="H3467"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from the power|strong="H3027"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w and from|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the other nations.|strong="H5095"\w* \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w secure|strong="H3427"\w* \w on every side|strong="H5439"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Many|strong="H7227"\w* \w were bringing|strong="H0935"\w* \w presents|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and precious|strong="H4030"\w* \w gifts to King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w From that time on he was respected|strong="H5869"\w* \w by|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H1471"\w*.   
\s1 \w Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* Shortcomings \w and|strong="H0935"\w* Accomplishments  
\p
\v 24  \w In those|strong="H1992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was stricken|strong="H2470"\w* \w with a terminal|strong="H4191"\w* \w illness.|strong="H6419"\w* \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , who answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w him and gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him a sign|strong="H4159"\w* confirming \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* healed.  
\v 25  \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was ungrateful|strong="H5921"\w*; \w he had a proud|strong="H1361"\w* \w attitude, provoking|strong="H3820"\w* \w God to be|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w at him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w as well as Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 26  \w But then Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves and abandoned their pride|strong="H3820"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with them for the rest|strong="H3117"\w* \w of Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* \w reign|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\p
\v 27  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was very wealthy|strong="H6239"\w* \w and greatly|strong="H3966"\w* \w respected. He made|strong="H6213"\w* \w storehouses|strong="H0214"\w* \w for his silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*, \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his other valuable|strong="H3627"\w* \w possessions|strong="H2532"\w*.  
\v 28  \w He made storerooms|strong="H4543"\w* \w for the harvest|strong="H8393"\w* \w of grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w wine|strong="H8492"\w*, \w and olive oil|strong="H3323"\w*, \w and stalls|strong="H0723"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his various kinds|strong="H0929"\w* \w of livestock|strong="H0929"\w* \w and his flocks|strong="H5739"\w*.  
\v 29  \w He built|strong="H6213"\w* \w royal cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and owned|strong="H4735"\w* \w a large number|strong="H7230"\w* \w of sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and cattle|strong="H1241"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him a huge|strong="H7227"\w* \w amount|strong="H3966"\w* \w of possessions|strong="H7399"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w dammed|strong="H5640"\w* \w up the|strong="H0853"\w* \w source of the waters|strong="H4325"\w* \w of the Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gihon|strong="H1521"\w* \w and directed|strong="H4295"\w* \w them down to the west side|strong="H4628"\w* \w of the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w succeeded|strong="H6743"\w* \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that he|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H4639"\w*.  
\v 31  \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w when the envoys|strong="H3887"\w* \w arrived from the Babylonian|strong="H0894"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w to visit|strong="H7971"\w* \w him and inquire|strong="H1875"\w* \w about the sign|strong="H4159"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w occurred|strong="H1961"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w him alone to test|strong="H5254"\w* \w him, in order to know|strong="H3045"\w* \w his true motives|strong="H3824"\w*.   
\p
\v 32  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* \w reign, including his faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w deeds, are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the vision|strong="H2377"\w* \w of the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Amoz|strong="H0531"\w*, \w included in the Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 33  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w on the ascent|strong="H4608"\w* \w of the tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w buried|strong="H6213"\w* \w him with great honor|strong="H4194"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 33  
\p
\v 1  \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w was twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for fifty-five|strong="H2572"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \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="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and committed the same horrible|strong="H8441"\w* \w sins practiced by the nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w drove|strong="H3423"\w* \w out ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H5422"\w*; \w he set|strong="H6965"\w* \w up altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for the Baals|strong="H1168"\w* \w and made|strong="H6213"\w* \w Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w*. \w He bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the stars|strong="H6635"\w* \w in the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He built|strong="H1129"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w about which|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H8034"\w* \w permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w home|strong="H8034"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w In the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w courtyards|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w he built|strong="H1129"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the stars|strong="H6635"\w* \w in the sky|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w passed|strong="H5674"\w* \w his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w through the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w in the Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of Ben-Hinnom|strong="H2011"\w* \w and practiced divination|strong="H6049"\w*, \w omen|strong="H5172"\w* \w reading|strong="H6213"\w*, \w and sorcery. He|strong="H6213"\w* \w set up a ritual pit to conjure|strong="H0178"\w* \w up underworld spirits and appointed magicians|strong="H3049"\w* \w to supervise|strong="H7235"\w* \w it.|strong="H6213"\w* \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w a great amount of evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 7  \w He put|strong="H7760"\w* \w an idolatrous|strong="H5566"\w* \w image|strong="H6459"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w in God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w about which God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w “This|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w I have chosen|strong="H0970"\w* \w out of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w will be my permanent|strong="H5865"\w* \w home|strong="H8034"\w*.  
\v 8  \w I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H7272"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w* \w leave|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w I gave|strong="H5975"\w* \w to their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w provided|strong="H7535"\w* \w that they carefully|strong="H8104"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w I commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w them, the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w*, \w the rules|strong="H2706"\w* \w and regulations|strong="H4941"\w* \w given|strong="H3027"\w* \w to Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.”  
\v 9  \w But Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w misled|strong="H8582"\w* \w the people of|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that they sinned|strong="H7451"\w* \w more than|strong="H4480"\w* \w the nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had destroyed|strong="H8045"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w The|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w confronted|strong="H1696"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w and his people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w but they paid no|strong="H3808"\w* \w attention|strong="H7181"\w*.  
\v 11  \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w them the commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the army|strong="H6635"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*. \w They seized|strong="H3920"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w put hooks|strong="H2336"\w* \w in his nose,|strong="H0631"\w* \w bound|strong="H0631"\w* \w him with bronze chains|strong="H5178"\w*, \w and carried|strong="H1980"\w* \w him away|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*.  
\v 12  \w In his pain|strong="H6887"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H2470"\w* asked \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w for mercy|strong="H3966"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* truly \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 13  \w When he prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*, the \+nd Lord\+nd* responded|strong="H6279"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H8085"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H7725"\w* favorably \w his cry for mercy|strong="H8467"\w*. \w The \+nd Lord\+nd* brought him back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to his kingdom|strong="H4438"\w*. \w Then Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w realized|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is the true God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w this|strong="H3651"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1129"\w* \w the outer|strong="H2435"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w on the west side|strong="H4628"\w* \w of the Gihon|strong="H1521"\w* \w in the valley|strong="H5158"\w* \w to the entrance|strong="H0935"\w* \w of the Fish|strong="H1709"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and all around|strong="H5437"\w* \w the terrace|strong="H6077"\w*; \w he made|strong="H1361"\w* \w it much|strong="H3966"\w* \w higher|strong="H1361"\w*. \w He placed|strong="H7760"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w He removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5236"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w and images|strong="H5566"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w on the hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w he threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He erected|strong="H3559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and thank offerings|strong="H8426"\w*. \w He told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the people of|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to serve|strong="H5647"\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 17  \w The people|strong="H5971"\w* \w continued|strong="H5750"\w* \w to offer sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w at the high places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w but only|strong="H7535"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w their God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Manasseh’s|strong="H4519"\w* \w reign, including his prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w the prophets|strong="H2374"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w* \w in the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H2005"\w* \w in the Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of the Prophets|strong="H2335"\w* \w include|strong="H5921"\w* \w his prayer|strong="H8605"\w*, \w give an account of how|strong="H6279"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd* responded|strong="H6279"\w* \w to it, record|strong="H3789"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w and unfaithful acts|strong="H4604"\w*, \w and identify the sites|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he built|strong="H1129"\w* \w high places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and erected|strong="H5975"\w* \w Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w* \w and idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w he humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w passed away|strong="H0001"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in his palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 \w Amon’s|strong="H0526"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w*  
\p
\v 21  \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w was twenty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when he became king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 22  \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="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , just|strong="H0834"\w* \w like his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. \w He offered sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w his|strong="H0526"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w had made, and worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w them|strong="H5647"\w*.  
\v 23  \w He did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w as his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w had done.|strong="H0526"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w was guilty|strong="H0819"\w* \w of great|strong="H7235"\w* sin.  
\v 24  \w His servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w conspired|strong="H7194"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him and killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him in his palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 25  \w The people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w executed|strong="H5221"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who had conspired|strong="H7194"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w*, \w and they|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H7194"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in his place|strong="H8478"\w*.   
\c 34  
\p
\v 1  \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w was eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for thirty-one|strong="H7970"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He 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 and followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w*; \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w deviate|strong="H5493"\w* \w to the right|strong="H3225"\w* \w or the left|strong="H8040"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w In the eighth|strong="H8083"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w while|strong="H1931"\w* \w he was still|strong="H5750"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w*, \w he began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of his ancestor|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w In his twelfth|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w he began|strong="H2490"\w* \w ridding|strong="H2891"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w of the high places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w*, \w idols|strong="H6456"\w*, \w and images|strong="H4541"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He ordered|strong="H5422"\w* \w the altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w of the Baals|strong="H1168"\w* \w to be torn down,|strong="H2553"\w* \w and|strong="H4196"\w* \w broke|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w incense|strong="H2553"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were above|strong="H4605"\w* \w them. He smashed|strong="H1438"\w* \w the Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w*, \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w and images|strong="H4541"\w*, \w crushed|strong="H1854"\w* \w them up and sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the dust over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of those who had sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w the bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w of the pagan priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their altars|strong="H4196"\w*; \w he purified|strong="H2891"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 6  \w In the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w and Simeon|strong="H8095"\w*, \w as far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*, \w and in the ruins|strong="H2719"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w them|strong="H5439"\w*,  
\v 7  \w he tore down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and Asherah poles|strong="H0842"\w*, \w demolished|strong="H3807"\w* \w the idols|strong="H6456"\w*, \w and smashed|strong="H1854"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the incense altars|strong="H2553"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Then he returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w In the eighteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w he continued his policy of purifying|strong="H2891"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Azaliah|strong="H0683"\w*, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w official|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and Joah|strong="H3098"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Joahaz|strong="H3099"\w* \w the secretary|strong="H2142"\w* \w to repair|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 9  \w They went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the high|strong="H1419"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him the silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w that had been brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w to God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w guarded|strong="H8104"\w* \w the door|strong="H5592"\w* \w had collected|strong="H0622"\w* \w it from the people of|strong="H4519"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w and Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who were left|strong="H7611"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w as well as from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people of|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 10  \w They handed|strong="H5414"\w* \w it over|strong="H5921"\w* \w to the construction|strong="H6213"\w* \w foremen|strong="H4399"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6485"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They in turn paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w workers|strong="H6213"\w* \w to restore and repair|strong="H0918"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 11  \w They gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w money to the craftsmen|strong="H2796"\w* \w and builders|strong="H1129"\w* \w to buy|strong="H7069"\w* \w chiseled|strong="H4274"\w* \w stone|strong="H0068"\w* \w and wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w for the braces|strong="H4226"\w* \w and rafters|strong="H7136"\w* \w of the buildings|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w had allowed to fall into disrepair|strong="H7843"\w*.  
\v 12  \w The men|strong="H0582"\w* \w worked|strong="H6213"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H0530"\w*. \w Their supervisors|strong="H4399"\w* \w were|strong="H6485"\w* \w Jahath|strong="H3189"\w* \w and Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* \w (Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w descended|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Merari|strong="H4847"\w*\w ), as well as Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w and Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w* \w (descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Kohath|strong="H6956"\w*\w ). The Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of whom were skilled|strong="H0995"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7892"\w*,  
\v 13  \w supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w the laborers|strong="H5449"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the foremen|strong="H4399"\w* \w on their various jobs|strong="H5656"\w*. \w Some of the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were scribes|strong="H5608"\w*, \w officials|strong="H7860"\w*, \w and guards|strong="H7778"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w When they took out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w that had been brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had given|strong="H3027"\w* \w to Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w informed|strong="H6030"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5608"\w*, \w “I found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.” \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and reported|strong="H7725"\w*, “\w Your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They melted|strong="H5413"\w* \w down the silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and handed it|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w to the supervisors|strong="H6485"\w* \w of the construction|strong="H6213"\w* \w foremen|strong="H4399"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w Then Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w told the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w has given|strong="H5414"\w* \w me a scroll|strong="H5612"\w*.” \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w it out loud before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 19  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w scroll, he tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w his clothes|strong="H0899"\w*.  
\v 20  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w ordered|strong="H6680"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*, \w Ahikam|strong="H0296"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w*, \w Abdon|strong="H5658"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Micah|strong="H4318"\w*, \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5608"\w*, \w and Asaiah|strong="H6222"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*,  
\v 21 “\w Go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w an oracle from|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w for|strong="H1157"\w* \w me|strong="H1157"\w* \w and those who remain|strong="H7604"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Find out|strong="H5921"\w* \w about|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of this scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w has been discovered|strong="H4672"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w fury|strong="H2534"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* \w been ignited|strong="H5413"\w* \w against us,|strong="H5921"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w our ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obeyed|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w by doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that this|strong="H2088"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w instructs|strong="H3789"\w*!”   
\p
\v 22  \w So Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w and the others sent by the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Huldah|strong="H2468"\w* \w the prophetess|strong="H5031"\w*, \w the wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of Shallum|strong="H7967"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Tokhath|strong="H8445"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hasrah|strong="H2641"\w*, \w the supervisor|strong="H8104"\w* \w of the wardrobe|strong="H0899"\w*. \w (She lived in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w in the Mishneh|strong="H4932"\w* district.\w ) They stated|strong="H1696"\w* \w their|strong="H0834"\w* business,  
\v 23  \w and she said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them: “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: ‘Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w this to the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w you to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*:  
\v 24 “\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 : ‘I am|strong="H2005"\w* \w about to bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and its residents|strong="H3427"\w*, \w the details|strong="H0423"\w* \w of which are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w they read|strong="H7121"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 25  \w This will happen because|strong="H8478"\w* \w they have abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w me and offered sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w to other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*, \w angering|strong="H3707"\w* \w me with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the idols|strong="H4639"\w* \w they have made|strong="H3027"\w*. \w My anger|strong="H2534"\w* \w will ignite|strong="H5413"\w* \w against this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w extinguished|strong="H3518"\w*!’”  
\v 26  \w Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w who sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w you to seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w an|strong="H7971"\w* oracle \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w : “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w says concerning the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w you have|strong="H0834"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w*:  
\v 27 ‘\w You displayed a sensitive|strong="H7401"\w* \w spirit|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w yourself before|strong="H6440"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w when you heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w his words|strong="H1697"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and its residents|strong="H3427"\w*. \w You humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w yourself before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me, tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w your clothes|strong="H0899"\w* \w and wept|strong="H1058"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me, and I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w you,’ says|strong="H5002"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 28 ‘\w Therefore I will allow|strong="H0622"\w* \w you to|strong="H0413"\w* \w die|strong="H0622"\w* \w and be buried|strong="H6913"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w*. \w You will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have to|strong="H0413"\w* \w witness|strong="H5869"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and its residents|strong="H3427"\w*.’”\w ’” Then they reported back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w summoned|strong="H0622"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 30  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w accompanied by all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were there, from the oldest|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the youngest|strong="H6996"\w*. \w He read|strong="H7121"\w* \w aloud|strong="H0241"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w that had been discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 31  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w his pillar|strong="H5977"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* renewed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , agreeing|strong="H1980"\w* \w to follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and to obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w his commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w laws|strong="H5715"\w*, \w and rules|strong="H2706"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w and being|strong="H5315"\w*, \w by carrying out|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w terms|strong="H1697"\w* \w of this covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w*.  
\v 32  \w He made|strong="H5975"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who were|strong="H4672"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w agree to it|strong="H6213"\w*. \w The residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w acted|strong="H6213"\w* \w in accordance with the covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 33  \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the detestable|strong="H8441"\w* \w idols from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the areas|strong="H0776"\w* \w belonging to the|strong="H0776"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H5647"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who were|strong="H4672"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to worship|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w their God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the rest|strong="H3117"\w* \w of his reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w they did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w turn aside|strong="H5493"\w* \w from following|strong="H0310"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\c 35  
\p
\v 1  \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w a Passover festival|strong="H6453"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the Passover lambs|strong="H6453"\w* \w on the fourteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to fulfill their duties|strong="H4931"\w* \w and encouraged them|strong="H2388"\w* \w to carry out their service|strong="H5656"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w who instructed|strong="H0995"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w about things consecrated|strong="H6918"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , “Place|strong="H5414"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0369"\w* \w carry|strong="H4853"\w* \w it on your shoulders|strong="H3802"\w*. \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!  
\v 4  \w Prepare|strong="H3559"\w* \w yourselves by your families|strong="H0001"\w* \w according to your divisions|strong="H4256"\w*, \w as instructed|strong="H3791"\w* \w by King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Stand in|strong="H5975"\w* \w the sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w and, together with the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w represent the family|strong="H0001"\w* \w divisions|strong="H2515"\w* \w of your countrymen|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Slaughter|strong="H7819"\w* \w the Passover lambs|strong="H6453"\w*, \w consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w yourselves, and make preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for your countrymen|strong="H0251"\w* \w to do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w commanded through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w From his own|strong="H7399"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w flocks|strong="H6629"\w* \w and herds, Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w with 30,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w* \w and goats|strong="H5795"\w* \w for the Passover sacrifice|strong="H6453"\w*, \w as well as 3,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*.  
\v 8  \w His officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w also willingly contributed|strong="H7311"\w* \w to the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w and Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w the leaders|strong="H5057"\w* \w of God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w supplied|strong="H5414"\w* \w 2,600|strong="H3967"\w* \w Passover sacrifices|strong="H6453"\w* \w and 300|strong="H3967"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Konaniah|strong="H3562"\w* \w and his brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w and Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, \w along with Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*, \w and Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w with 5,000 Passover sacrifices|strong="H6453"\w* \w and 500|strong="H3967"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w were made|strong="H5975"\w*, \w and the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w at their posts and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w in their divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w as prescribed|strong="H4687"\w* \w by the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 11  \w They slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the Passover lambs|strong="H6453"\w* \w and the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w the blood,|strong="H3881"\w* while \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w skinned|strong="H6584"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* animals.  
\v 12  \w They reserved|strong="H5493"\w* \w the burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w and the cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w for the family|strong="H0001"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4653"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to present|strong="H7126"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , as prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.  
\v 13  \w They cooked|strong="H1310"\w* \w the Passover sacrifices|strong="H6453"\w* \w over the open fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w as prescribed|strong="H4941"\w* \w and cooked|strong="H1310"\w* \w the consecrated|strong="H6944"\w* \w offerings in pots, kettles|strong="H5518"\w*, \w and pans|strong="H6745"\w*. \w They quickly|strong="H7323"\w* \w served them to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Afterward|strong="H0310"\w* \w they made preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for themselves|strong="H1992"\w* \w and for the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*, \w were offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w portions until|strong="H5704"\w* \w evening|strong="H3915"\w*. \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w made preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for themselves|strong="H1992"\w* \w and for the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*.  
\v 15  \w The musicians|strong="H7891"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*, \w manned|strong="H4612"\w* \w their posts, as prescribed by|strong="H4687"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*, \w Heman|strong="H1968"\w*, \w and Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w prophet|strong="H2374"\w*. \w The guards|strong="H7778"\w* \w at the various|strong="H5656"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w did not|strong="H0369"\w* \w need to leave|strong="H5493"\w* \w their posts|strong="H5656"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w their fellow|strong="H0251"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w made preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 16  \w So all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w were made that day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w as the Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w was observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w and the burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w were offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , as prescribed|strong="H4687"\w* \w by King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*.  
\v 17  \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who were present|strong="H4672"\w* \w observed the Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w at that time|strong="H6256"\w*, \w as well as the Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 18  \w A Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w this had|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H3644"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w since the days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of Samuel|strong="H8050"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*. \w None|strong="H3605"\w* \w of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w a Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w like the one celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w by Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who were|strong="H4672"\w* \w there, and the residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 19  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w was observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w in the eighteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of Josiah’s|strong="H2977"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*.   
\s1 \w Josiah’s|strong="H2977"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4438"\w* Ends  
\p
\v 20  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w had done|strong="H3559"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Necho|strong="H5224"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w marched up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to do battle at Carchemish|strong="H3751"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the Euphrates|strong="H6578"\w* \w River.|strong="H2977"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w marched|strong="H7125"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to oppose him|strong="H7125"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Necho|strong="H7971"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you opposing me, O king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*\w ?|strong="H3808"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H0430"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w attacking you|strong="H0859"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H1004"\w* \w with which I am at war|strong="H4421"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w me to hurry|strong="H0926"\w*. \w Stop|strong="H2308"\w* \w opposing God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w is with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me, or else he will destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w But Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w turn|strong="H5437"\w* \w back from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him;|strong="H2664"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w disguised|strong="H2664"\w* \w himself for|strong="H3588"\w* \w battle|strong="H3898"\w*. \w He did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w take seriously|strong="H8085"\w* \w the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Necho|strong="H5224"\w* \w which he had received from God|strong="H0430"\w*; \w he went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w him in the Plain|strong="H1237"\w* \w of Megiddo|strong="H4023"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Archers|strong="H3384"\w* \w shot|strong="H3384"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*; \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w “Take me out of this chariot,|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I am seriously|strong="H5674"\w* \w wounded|strong="H2470"\w*.”  
\v 24  \w So|strong="H5674"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w took|strong="H7392"\w* \w him out|strong="H7392"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the chariot|strong="H4818"\w*, \w put him in|strong="H5921"\w* \w another chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he owned|strong="H4932"\w*, \w and brought|strong="H1980"\w* \w him to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w where he died|strong="H4191"\w*. \w He was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of his ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*; \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w mourned|strong="H0056"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w composed|strong="H6969"\w* \w laments|strong="H5921"\w* \w for Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w which all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the male|strong="H7891"\w* \w and female singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w use to mourn|strong="H7015"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w to this very|strong="H5704"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w It|strong="H5414"\w* \w has become customary|strong="H2706"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to sing these; they are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Book of Laments|strong="H7015"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Josiah’s|strong="H2977"\w* \w reign, including the faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w acts he did in obedience to what is written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*  
\v 27  \w and his accomplishments|strong="H1697"\w*, \w from start|strong="H7223"\w* \w to finish|strong="H0314"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\c 36  
\p
\v 1  \w The people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w and made|strong="H4427"\w* \w him king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3099"\w* \w was twenty-three|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 3  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w prevented|strong="H5493"\w* \w him from ruling in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and imposed|strong="H6064"\w* \w on the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w a special tax|strong="H3967"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w one|strong="H0776"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and a talent|strong="H3603"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w made Jehoahaz’s|strong="H0251"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Eliakim|strong="H0471"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w and changed|strong="H5437"\w* \w his name|strong="H8034"\w* \w to Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w*. \w Necho|strong="H5224"\w* \w seized his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3099"\w* \w and took|strong="H3947"\w* \w him to Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.   
\s1 \w Jehoiakim’s|strong="H3079"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w*  
\p
\v 5  \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w* \w was twenty-five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for eleven|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\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="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 6  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w of Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w him,|strong="H0631"\w* \w bound|strong="H0631"\w* \w him with bronze chains|strong="H5178"\w*, \w and carried|strong="H1980"\w* \w him away|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w took|strong="H0935"\w* \w some of the items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w and put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them in his palace|strong="H1964"\w* \w there|strong="H0894"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w The rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Jehoiakim’s|strong="H3079"\w* \w reign, including the horrible|strong="H8441"\w* \w sins he committed|strong="H6213"\w* \w and his shortcomings|strong="H2005"\w*, \w are recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in the Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of the Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w His son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiachin|strong="H3078"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\s1 \w Jehoiachin’s|strong="H3078"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w*  
\p
\v 9  \w Jehoiachin|strong="H3078"\w* \w was eighteen|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he became king, and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w and ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\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="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 10  \w At the beginning|strong="H8666"\w* \w of the year|strong="H8141"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w ordered|strong="H7971"\w* \w him to be brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*, \w along with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the valuable|strong="H2532"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w In his place he made|strong="H4427"\w* \w his relative|strong="H0251"\w* \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w king over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\s1 \w Zedekiah’s|strong="H6667"\w* \w Reign|strong="H4427"\w*  
\p
\v 11  \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w was twenty-one|strong="H0259"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when he became king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and he ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for eleven|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 12  \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="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself before|strong="H6440"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w spokesman|strong="H6310"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He also|strong="H1571"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H4775"\w* \w against King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w*, \w who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made him vow allegiance|strong="H7650"\w* \w in the name of God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He was stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* \w and obstinate|strong="H3824"\w*, \w and refused to return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\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 14  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and people|strong="H5971"\w* \w became|strong="H4603"\w* \w more|strong="H7235"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w and committed the same horrible|strong="H8441"\w* \w sins practiced by the nations|strong="H1471"\w*. \w They defiled|strong="H2930"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\s1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Babylonians \w Destroy|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*  
\p
\v 15  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of their ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w continually warned|strong="H7971"\w* \w them through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his messengers|strong="H4397"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he felt|strong="H7971"\w* \w compassion|strong="H2550"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and his dwelling place|strong="H4583"\w*.  
\v 16  \w But they mocked|strong="H3931"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w*, \w despised|strong="H0959"\w* \w his warnings|strong="H1697"\w*, \w and ridiculed|strong="H8591"\w* \w his prophets|strong="H5030"\w*. \w Finally|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w got|strong="H5927"\w* \w very angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w at his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and there was no one|strong="H0369"\w* \w who could prevent his judgment|strong="H4832"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the Babylonians|strong="H3778"\w*, \w who slaughtered|strong="H2026"\w* \w their young men|strong="H0970"\w* \w in their temple|strong="H4720"\w*. \w He did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w spare|strong="H2550"\w* \w young men|strong="H0970"\w* \w or women|strong="H1330"\w*, \w or even the old|strong="H2205"\w* \w and aging|strong="H3486"\w*. \w God|strong="H3027"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w over|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 18  \w He carried away to Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w whether large|strong="H1419"\w* \w or small|strong="H6996"\w*, \w as well as what was 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* \w and in the treasuries|strong="H0214"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his officials|strong="H8269"\w*.  
\v 19  \w They burned down|strong="H8313"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and tore|strong="H5422"\w* \w down the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its fortified buildings|strong="H0759"\w* \w and destroyed|strong="H7843"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its valuable|strong="H4261"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w*.  
\v 20  \w He deported|strong="H1540"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w all who escaped|strong="H7611"\w* \w the sword|strong="H2719"\w*. \w They served|strong="H5650"\w* \w him and his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the Persian|strong="H6539"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* rose \w to|strong="H0413"\w* power.  
\v 21  \w This took place to fulfill|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w delivered|strong="H6310"\w* \w through Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w*. \w The land|strong="H0776"\w* \w experienced|strong="H7521"\w* \w its sabbatical|strong="H7676"\w* \w years|strong="H3117"\w*; \w it remained|strong="H7673"\w* \w desolate|strong="H8074"\w* \w for seventy|strong="H7657"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w as prophesied|strong="H4390"\w*.   
\s1 Cyrus Allows \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Exiles \w to|strong="H5704"\w* Go \w Home|strong="H0776"\w*  
\p
\v 22  \w In the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of the reign of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*, \w in fulfillment|strong="H1571"\w* \w of the promise he delivered through|strong="H5674"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w moved|strong="H7307"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w* \w to issue|strong="H6963"\w* \w a written decree|strong="H4385"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his kingdom|strong="H4438"\w*.  
\v 23  \w It read: “This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: ‘\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of the heavens|strong="H8064"\w* \w has given|strong="H5414"\w* \w to me all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w*. \w He has appointed|strong="H6485"\w* \w me to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w for him a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w May|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w energize|strong="H5973"\w* \w you who|strong="H4310"\w* \w belong to his people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w so you may|strong="H5973"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* able \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w back|strong="H5927"\w* \w there|strong="H5927"\w*!”