441

The period of the kings is the third stage in Israel’s history. It follows the period of the Patriarchs (Abraham in the year 1750 B.C.) and that of the Exodus and the Conquest (Moses in the year 1250 B.C.). David captured Jerusalem around the year 1000 B.C. After Solomon’s death in the year 932 B.C., the kingdom of David and his son Solomon would be divided. The northern part, called the kingdom of Israel, would cease to exist as a nation two centuries later. The southern part, called the kingdom of Judah, would last until the year 587 B.C., the year of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and of the Exile to Babylon. This period covers a total of four centuries. These four centuries of the kings are the most important in sacred history because this is the period during which God raised up prophets from among his people. The greater part of Scripture was written during those four centuries. It was not only the major prophets who produced writings, e.g., Isaiah and Jeremiah. There 1-2 K were also groups of prophets of lesser importance who wrote much of Israel’s his- tory, such as the greater part of the pages of Genesis and Exodus, the Books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. We can say that the period of the kings is the most important period in sacred history. It is also the time which we know with the greatest precision. These four centuries would appear to be the time of the kingdom of Israel’s deca- dence if we paid attention only to its wealth and power. But during these four centu- ries, through trials, persecutions and diffi culties of all kinds, Israel’s faith matured to the point of reaching, in the great prophets, a sublimity and clarity which only Christ would enhance.

The Book of Kings In the beginning, the actual books of kings formed one book. This work is the fruit of the prophets’ refl ection and was edited during the exile in Babylon. It is a religious history. And the events which other historians would consider important are deliberately omitted. For instance, it hardly discusses the important reigns of Omri and of Jeroboam II in Samaria. Its judgment on the kings of Israel (kingdom of Samaria) is always negative, blaming them for the division of the 1 KINGS 442 ancient kingdom of David. Only a few kings of Judah are praised for their loyalty to Yahweh. We can easily note three parts: – the grandeur of Solomon’s reign and of the temple; – the history of the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah after their division; – after the destruction of the kingdom of Israel, the history of Judah until Jerusa- lem’s destruction in the year 587 B.C. The chapters referring to Elijah and Elisha form a unit apart: 1 Kings 17–19 and 2 Kings 2–8. 443 1 KINGS 1 David’s last years you not, my lord king, swear to your 1 King David was already a very handmaid that Solomon, my son, 1 old man who could no longer would reign after you and sit on your throne? Why then does Adonijah act keep warm even in very thick cloth- 14 ing. 2 So his servants said to him, as king?’ Then, while you are still “They should get for my lord king a speaking with the king, I will come in virgin girl to attend the king and nurse and confi rm what you say.” him. She could sleep with you, my 15 So Bathsheba went to the king, right lord king, and make you feel warm.” into his room. (Now the king was very old, 3 and Abishag the Shunamite was attending Song And so they looked for a beautiful 16 7:1 to him.) Bathsheba bowed in homage girl throughout the territory of Israel. to the king who asked her, “What do you They found Abishag the Shunamite, a want?” 17 She answered him, “My lord, you very beautiful girl; and brought her to swore to your handmaid by Yahweh your the king. 4 She attended to him, but God that Solomon, my son, would reign 18 the king had no intimate relations with after you and sit on your throne. But now, Adonijah acts as king without your her. knowing it, my lord king. 19 He has sacri- 5 2S 3:4 Now Adonijah, son of Haggith, fi ced oxen, fattened calves and plenty of had in mind that he would be king. So sheep, inviting all the king’s sons, Abia- he provided himself with a chariot and thar the priest, and Joab, commander of the army; but he did not invite Solomon horsemen, and fi fty men to run before 20 6 your servant. And now, my lord king, all him. His father had never interfered Israel is waiting for your decision as to who 21 by questioning his conduct: “Why have shall reign as your successor. If this is 2K 10:1; you done this or that?” He was a very not known when my lord the king passes 1K 11:1 handsome man born of Haggith after away, I and my son Solomon will be num- Absalom. 7 Adonijah conferred with bered among the criminals.” 22 While she was still speaking with the Joab, son of Zuriah, and with Abiathar, king, Nathan the prophet arrived 23 and the priest. These two sided with him; they told the king: “Here is Nathan the 8 but Zadok, the priest, and Benaiah, prophet.” When Nathan came in before the

son of Jehoiada; Nathan, the prophet; king, he bowed before him with his face to 1-2 K Shimei, Rei and David’s warriors did the ground, 24 and said, “My lord king, have you decided that Adonijah shall reign after not join Adonijah. you and sit on your throne? 25 For indeed, 9 Adonijah sacrifi ced sheep, oxen, today he has gone down to sacrifi ce oxen, and fattened calves at the stone Zohe- fattened calves and plenty of sheep. He leth, beside Engrogel, and invited his has invited all the king’s sons, Joab, the brothers, the king’s sons, and all the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest. They are now eating and drink- royal offi cials of Judah to join him; ing with him and proclaiming, ‘Long live 10 but not Nathan the prophet or Bena- king Adonijah!’ 26 But he has not invited iah, or the warriors, or his brother Sol- me, your servant, Zadok the priest, Bena- omon. iah the son of Jehoiada, nor your servant 27 11 Solomon. Has my lord king decided this 2S 11:3; Then Nathan spoke to Bathshe- 12:24 without having told us, your servants, who ba, mother of Solomon, “Have you is to sit on your throne after you?” heard that Adonijah, son of Haggith, acts as a king, unknown to David our David makes Solomon king 12 28 15:29 lord? Let me then give you advice King David then answered, “Call that could save both your life and Sol- Bathsheba to me.” So she came to omon your son. 13 Go, see king David the king. As she stood before him, immediately and tell him this, ‘Did 29 the king swore an oath and said, 1 KINGS 1 444 “As Yahweh lives, he who has deliv- this as they fi nished feasting. On ered me from all adversity, 30 so will hearing the sound of the horn, Joab I fulfi ll today the oath I swore to you asked, “What is all this commotion in by Yahweh, the God of Israel, when I the city?” 42 While he was still speak- said: “Solomon, your son, shall reign ing, Jonathan, the son of Abiathar after me; he shall sit on my throne in the priest, arrived and Adonijah said, my place.” 31 Then Bathsheba bowed “Come in, for you are a worthy man with her face to the ground and paid and bring good news.” 43 Jonathan homage to the king as she said, “May an swered Adonijah, “Not at all, for my lord king David live forever!” our lord king David has made Solo- 32 King David then said, “Call Zadok mon king. 44 The king sent him with the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the 33 Es 6:7; they came to the king who said to Cherethites and Plethites who made 6:9 them, “Take with you the servants of him ride on the king’s mule. your lord and make my son Solomon 45 Then Zadok the priest and Nathan ride on my own mule. Then bring him the prophet anointed him king at Gi - 34 1S 9:26 down to Gihon and let Zadok the hon. As they returned, all the city priest and Nathan the prophet anoint cheered; this is the noise that you have him there as king of Israel. Once this heard. 46 Solomon already sits on the is done, sound the horn and proclaim, royal throne 47 and the king’s servants ‘Long live king Solomon!’ 35 Then he came to congratulate our lord king shall sit on my throne in your pres- David, saying: ‘May your God make ence. From now on he will be king in the name of Solomon more famous my place for I have made him ruler of than yours and his reign greater than Israel and Judah.” yours.’ At this, the king bowed in wor- 36 Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, an - ship on his bed and said, 48 “Blessed swered the king, “Amen! May Yah- be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who weh, the God of my lord king, confi rm has granted one of my offspring to sit this. 37 As Yahweh has been with my on my throne this day when I can still lord king, may he also be with Solo- see it.” mon and make his reign even greater 49 All the guests of Adonijah trem- than that of my lord king David’s.” bled and left, each going his own way. 38 50 2S 8:18 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the In his fear of Solomon, Adonijah prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoia- went and held onto the horns of the da, together with the Cherethites and altar. 51 This was reported to Solomon, the Pelethites, went down and made “Adonijah is so afraid of king Solomon Solomon ride on king David’s mule that he has held onto the horns of the 39 2S 6:17; to Gihon. There Zadok the priest altar, and he says, ‘Let king Solomon 1S 16:1 took the horn of oil that was in the swear to me today that he will not slay Holy Tent and anointed Solomon. me with the sword’.” 40 They then sounded the horn and all 52 Solomon replied, “If he proves the people shouted, “Long live king to be a worthy man, not a hair of his Solomon!” They all went up after him head shall perish. But if he acts like playing on pipes; and their shouts a wicked man, he shall die.” 53 So were so great that the noise seemed king Solomon sent for him and they to rent the earth. brought him down from the altar. He 41 Adonijah and all his guests heard came before king Solomon and paid 445 1 KINGS 2

8 him homage; after that, Solomon sent With you also is Shimei, son of Gera, 2S 16:5; 19:17 him home. the Benjaminite from Bahurim who cursed me terribly the day I fl ed to Mahanaim. David’s testament When he came down to meet me at the • 1 When David was about to die, he Jordan, I swore to him by Yahweh, ‘I will 2 gave his son Solomon this instruction, not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now 2 Jos “I am about to go the way of all creatures. therefore, you, being a wise man, shall not 23:14 Be strong and show yourself a man. 3 Keep hold him guiltless. You will know what to the commandments of Yahweh your God do with him: his blood must be shed before and walk in his ways. Keep his statutes, he dies of old age.” his commands, his ordinances and dec- 10 Then David rested with his ances- larations written in the law of Moses, that tors and was buried in the city of David. you may succeed in whatever you do and 11 David reigned over Israel for forty years: 4 2S 7:12 wherever you go. If you do so, Yahweh seven years in Hebron and thirty-three will fulfi ll the promise he made to me: ‘If years in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on your sons take care to walk before me the throne of David his father and his reign faithfully with their whole heart and their was fi rmly established. whole soul, you shall always have one of your descendants on the throne of Israel.’ Solomon affi rms his power 5 Now you know what Joab, the son of 13 Then Adonijah, son of Haggith, came Zeruiah did to me—how he dealt with the to Bathsheba, mother of Solomon, who two commanders of Israel’s armies, Abner asked him, “Do you come in peace?” He the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of answered, “In peace,” 14 and added, “I have Jether. These two he murdered, avenging, something to tell you.” She said, “Speak;” in time of peace, blood which had been 15 and Adonijah said, “You know that the shed in time of war. He has thus stained kingdom was mine and that all Israel fully with innocent blood the belt I wear and the expected me to reign. But the kingdom sandals on my feet. 6 Act wisely, his blood has slipped from my hands and become must be shed before he dies of old age. 7 As my brother’s for it was given him by Yah- to the sons of Barzillai, the Gileadite, deal weh. 16 Now I have one thing to ask of you; kindly with them and let them be among and I beg you not to refuse me.” She said, those who eat at your table, for they them- “Speak,” 17 and he continued, “Please ask selves treated me with similar kindness king Solomon to give me Abishag the when I fl ed from your brother Absalom. Shunammite for my wife. I know that he 1-2 K

• 2.1 This fi rst part of the Book of Kings done for the king of Israel in the dissident king- straight away makes known the three institu- dom). When Jesus, the true descendant of David tions that are to shape the young nation: kings, comes, the Gospel reveals the woman chosen prophets and priests. The priests in the person of among all, the mother whom God, in his sover- Zadok, who is to supplant Abiathar, descendant eign authority, has destined to give birth to the of Heli (Is 3:32-35). The priests will be the stron- Son and Heir (Lk 1:31, 42; Heb 1:2). gest support of David’s descendants (2 K 11). Keep the commandments of Yahweh your The prophets, represented here by Nathan, God (v. 3). This is the wisdom of the prophets: will develop the consciousness of God’s prom- if the king and his people fulfi ll these laws, they ises to David (2 S 7:12), which consciousness will be prosperous. was not very signifi cant at the beginning. Peo- Joab… Shimei… (vv. 5 and 8) David had par- ple would slowly discover to what lengths God’s doned them; why did he now ask Solomon to fi delity would go. kill them? This has nothing to do with David’s At the end of his life, David, who had already holding grudges against them but rather with lost two sons in the pursuit of power (see 2 S his being as superstitious as the people of his 3:2), chooses the wife whose son would be heir time. For them, the curse uttered by Shimei (2 S to the throne. Bathsheba is therefore designated 16:6) (or by anyone else) remains active and can (1 K 1:17) as queen-mother and her son Solo- suddenly fall on David’s descendants. The most mon is to reign in place of his father David. From effective way to prevent the curse from harming this day onward, aware of the importance of the them is to have it fall on Shimei himself and thus Davidic dynasty in the history of salvation, the spare David’s descendants. In the same way, the Books of Kings mention for each reign the wife blood shed by Joab (2S 3:28) cries to heaven, who will be appointed queen-mother and whose and it is better to eliminate him so that God’s jus- son will be enthroned in Jerusalem (this was not tice may fall on him and not on David’s children. 1 KINGS 2 446 cannot refuse you.” 18 Bathsheba answered, Joab shed will be lifted from me and from 32 “Very well, I shall speak to the king on your my father’s family. Yahweh will repay him 2S 3:29; Mt behalf.” for the blood he shed because, without my 27:24; 19 So Bathsheba went to king Solomon father David’s knowledge, he attacked and Ezk 18 to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. The slew with the sword two men more righ- king met her and bowed to her. Then he teous and better than himself, Abner son sat on his throne and had a seat brought of Ner, commander of the Israelite army, for the king’s mother who sat on his right. and Amasa son of Jether, commander of 20 She said, “I have one small request to Judah’s army. make of you. Do not refuse me.” And the 33 Their blood shall be avenged on Joab king answered her, “Make your request, and his descendants forever; but David my mother, for I will not refuse you.” 21 She and his descendants, his family and throne then said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite shall enjoy peace from Yahweh forever.” be given to Adonijah your brother as his 34 Then Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, went wife.” 22 King Solomon answered his moth- up, struck Joab down and killed him. He er, “And why do you not ask for the king- was buried in his own house in the desert. dom to be given to him! For he is my elder 35 The king put Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, brother, and Abiathar the priest and Joab over the army in place of Joab; and Zadok the son of Zeruiah are on his side.” the priest, in place of Abiathar. 23 Then king Solomon swore this oath, 36 Then the king sent for Shimei and told “Yahweh do so to me and more if this him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem request does not cost Adonijah his life! and stay there, and do not leave the place 24 Now, therefore, as Yahweh lives, he who to go anywhere. 37 On the day you leave has established me and placed me on the and cross the brook Kidron, you shall sure- throne of David my father, and who has ly die and you shall be responsible for your established a kingly line as he promised, own death.” 38 Shimei answered the king, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.” “What you say is good. Your servant will 25 So king Solomon sent Benaiah, son of do as my lord the king has commanded.” Jehoiada, who killed him. So Shimei stayed in Jerusalem for many 26 2S Then the king said to Abiathar the days. 15:24; 39 1S priest, “Go to your estate at Anathoth. Three years later, two of Shimei’s 22:20 You deserve death but I will not put you slaves ran away to Achish, son of Maa- to death, because you carried the Ark of cha, king of Gath. When it was reported to God before my father David and shared Shimei that his slaves were in Gath, 40 he in all his trials.” 27 So Solomon removed saddled an ass and went to Achish in Gath Abiathar as priest of Yahweh, and fulfi lled in search of his slaves. 41 When Solomon the word spoken by Yahweh in Shiloh con- was informed that Shimei had left Jeru- cerning the descendants of Eli. salem for Gath and returned, 42 the king 28 This news reached Joab, who had sent for Shimei and said to him, “Did I not supported Adonijah but not Absalom. make you swear by Yahweh and warned He fl ed to the tent of Yahweh and held you severely that, on the day you left to onto the horns of the altar. 29 When it was go anywhere you would surely die? And reported to king Solomon that Joab had you answered me: ‘What you say is good; fl ed to the tent of Yahweh and was beside I shall obey!’ 43 Why then did you not keep the altar, the king sent Benaiah, son of your oath to Yahweh and obey the com- Jehoiada, with this command, “Go, strike mand I gave you?” 44 The king told Shimei, him down!” “Remember the evil you did to David my 30 So Benaiah went to the tent of Yahweh father. Now Yahweh will repay you for and said to Joab, “The king commands: what you did. 45 But king Solomon shall ‘Come forward.’” But he replied, “No, I will be blessed, and the throne of David shall die here.” stand fi rm before Yahweh forever.” 46 Then So Benaiah went back to the king with the king commanded Benaiah, son of Je - this report, “This is what Joab answered.” hoiada, who went out and struck Shimei 31 The king then replied. “Do as he has and killed him. said. Strike him down and have him bur- In this manner, Solomon fi rmly estab- ied. With this, the guilt for the blood which lished his reign. 447 1 KINGS 3

1 2S 5:7 • Solomon entered into a marriage father, although I am but a young boy 3 alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt. who does not know how to undertake He took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought 8 her to the city of David until he had fi n- anything. Meantime, your servant is Dt 7:7 ished building his own palace, Yahweh’s in the midst of your people whom you house and the wall around Jerusalem. have chosen—a people so great that 2 Mean time, the people were sacrifi cing at they can neither be numbered nor the high places because the house for the counted. Name of Yahweh had not yet been built. 9 Wis 3 Give me, therefore, an understand- 2K 18:4 This is why Solomon also sacrifi ced 8:10; and burnt incense at the high place, al - ing mind in governing your people Pro 2:6 though he loved Yahweh and followed the that I may discern between good and commands of David his father. evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?” Solomon’s dream 10 Yahweh was pleased that Solo- 4 11 1:3-12 • The king used to sacrifi ce at mon had made this request. And he Gibeon, the great high place; on the told him, “Because you have request- altar there he had offered a thousand ed this rather than long life or wealth burnt offerings. 5 It was in Gibeon, dur- or even vengeance on your enemies; ing the night, that Yahweh appeared indeed, because you have asked for to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask yourself understanding to discern 12 what you want me to give you.” what is right, I shall grant you your 2K 18:5; 6 23:25; Solomon answered, “You have request. I now give you a wise and Ecl 1:16; shown your servant David my father discerning mind such as no one has Sir 7:14 a great and steadfast love because had before you nor anyone after you he served you faithfully and was righ- shall ever have. teous and sincere towards you. You 13 “I will also give you what you have given him proof of your stead- have not asked for, both wealth and fast love in making a son of his sit on fame; and no king shall be your equal 7 14 his throne this day. And now, O Yah- during your lifetime. Moreover, if Dt 5: 33

weh my God, you have made your you will walk in my ways, keeping 1-2 K servant king in place of David my my statutes and commands, as your

• 3.1 The book shows Solomon in three • 4. Solomon’s “dream” is very famous. Per- activities which made a king famous: haps this dream is only a parable by which the – his wisdom, Chapters 3–5; author of the book describes Solomon’s disposi- – his constructions, Chapters 6–8; tion when he began his reign. – his enterprises, Chapters 9–10. Ask what you want (v. 5). This is God’s offer In Chapter 11, the story concludes with God’s to the young Solomon, his beloved one. It is judgment on the kingdom: divisions and rever- God’s offer to any young person who is faced sals are underway. with responsibilities for the fi rst time. Life will We already know that the daughter of Pha- not be a destiny imposed upon him or her; rath- raoh was among Solomon’s wives: proof of the er, one way or another, God will give people fame which the small country of Israel had in what they desire. What do you seek? (see Jn those years, since the daughters of pharaohs 1:38). were not given in marriage to just anyone. You have shown your servant David my It was said that he went to worship in the fath er a great and steadfast love (v. 6). The Sanctuaries called high places. This was to be young king does not start from scratch. He prohibited later when the temple of Jerusalem owes everything he has to his ancestors, and would be the only one acceptable to Yahweh. everything he has from them came from God. For the moment, there is no such rule, and Solomon knows that Yahweh committed him- Solomon goes to Gibeon where there is a very self to David forever: “I shall never reject your ancient Sanctuary. He himself sacrifi ces the children.” victims—an act which, before long, will be the Give me an understanding mind in governing privilege only of the priests of Levi’s tribe. your people (v. 9). Solomon is concerned about 1 KINGS 3 448 father David did, I shall give you long 23 Then the king said, “One says: life.” ‘This is my son who is alive; your son 15 Solomon awoke and knew that is dead’; the other says: ‘That is not this was a dream. So he went to Jeru- so, your son is dead; my son is the salem and, standing before the Ark of live one’.” 24 And the king said, “Bring the Covenant of Yahweh, he offered me a sword.” When they brought the up burnt offerings and peace offerings, king a sword, 25 he gave this order, and gave a feast for all his serv ants. “Divide the child in two and give half to one, half to the other.” 26 Then the The judgment of Solomon woman whose son was alive said to • 16 Then two harlots came to the the king out of pity for her son, “Oh, king and stood before him. 17 One of my lord, give her the living child but the two women said, “Oh, my lord, spare its life.” The other woman, how- this woman and I live in the same ever, said, “It shall be neither mine house, and I gave birth to a child while nor yours. Divide it!” she was there with me. 18 Three days 27 Then the king spoke, “Give the liv- after my child was born, this woman ing child to the fi rst woman and spare also gave birth. We were alone, and its life. She is its mother.” 28 When all there was no one in the house but the Israel heard of the judgment which two of us. 19 Then this woman’s son the king had given, they revered him, died during the night because she lay seeing that God’s wisdom was in him on him. 20 So during the night, she got to render justice. up, took my son from my side while I slept, laid it beside her and her dead Solomon’s grandeur son beside me. 21 When I got up in 1 King Solomon was king over all Israel 2 the morning to nurse my child, I saw 4 and had the following for his high offi - 2S 8:16 cials: Azariah, son of Zadok, was the priest; it was dead. But when I looked at it 3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha, closely in the morning, I saw that it were secretaries; Jehoshaphat, son of Ahi- was not my child.” lud, was recorder; 4 Benaiah, son of Jehoia- 22 The other woman said, “No, the da, was general of the army; Zadok and living child is mine; the dead child is Abiathar were priests; 5 Azariah, son of yours.” To this, the fi rst replied, “Not Nathan, was head of the offi cers; Zabud, son of Nathan, was priest and the king’s so, the dead child is yours; the living personal adviser; 6 Abishar was in charge child is mine.” And they quarreled this of the palace; and Adoniram, son of Abda way in the king’s presence. was in charge of forced labor. carrying out his responsibilities and does not want • 16. Here, the well-known judgment of Sol- the people to be robbed of their expectations. omon gives evidence to the wisdom he received Nevertheless, Solomon has in mind other for the good of his people. forms of “wisdom” that were appreciated in Let us look closer into Solomon’s conduct. He those days: could have dismissed the two women, saying to – to prepare for himself a long and quiet life, himself, “These people are not interesting. Let not to have problems or troubles, and to be them settle their own quarrel.” Solomon did not spared the sacrifi ces required by a noble life; regard their condition as prostitutes, but sought – wealth, enjoyment of life, “to be comfortable”; a mother among them. So he invented a solu- – the death of his enemies, i.e., strength that tion which was not provided for by law. leads to victory, satisfaction of one’s personal His action shows that justice cannot be ren- pride. dered through mere juridical texts. Those with I now give you a wise and discerning mind: I responsibility must look at the person with the will also give you what you have not asked for same understanding with which God probes the (vv. 12-13). This is the same teaching of Jesus depth of everyone’s heart. in Matthew 6:33. 449 1 KINGS 5 7 Solomon had twelve governors over under his vine and under his fi g tree, for as all Israel who provided food for the king long as Solomon lived. and his household; each one of them mak- 26 Solomon had forty thousand stalls of ing provisions for one month during the horses for his chariots and twelve thou- year. 8 These were their names: Benhur, sand horsemen. in the hill country of Ephraim; 9 Bendeker, 27 All these governors supplied provi- in Makaz; Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and sions for king Solomon and for all his Elonbeth-hanan; 10 Benhesed, in Arub- guests at table, each one providing during both (to him belonged Socoh and all the his assigned month, seeing that nothing land of Hepher); 11 Ben-abinadab, in all of was lacking. 28 They also brought barley Naphath-dor (he had Taphath, daughter and straw for the horses and swift studs of Solomon, for his wife); 12 Baana, son wherever the king stayed, each one doing of Ahilud, in Taanach; Megiddo and all of this during his appointed month. Beth-shean beside Zarethan below Jezreel, 29 God gave Solomon great wisdom and and from Beth-shean to Abelmeholah, as understanding, and knowledge as vast as far as Jokmeam and beyond; 13 Ben-geber, the sand on the shore, 30 so that his wis- in Ramoth-gilead (he had the villages of dom surpassed that of all the people of the Jair, son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead, east and of the Egyptians. 31 He was wiser as also the region of Argob in Bashan, than any man; wiser than Ethan, the Ezra- sixty big towns, walled and barred with hite, and Heman, Calcot and Darda, sons brazen bars); 14 Ahinadab, son of Iddo, in of Mahol; and his fame spread among all Mahanaim; 15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he had the surrounding nations. 32 He composed taken Basemath, daughter of Solomon, for three thousand proverbs, and his songs his wife); 16 Baana, son of Hushai, in Asher numbered a thousand and fi ve. 33 He took and Bealoth; 17 Jehoshaphat, son of Par- his examples from all the trees, from the uah, in Issachar; 18 Shimei, son of Ela, in cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows Benjamin; 19 Geber, son of Uri, in the land out of the wall; he spoke also of the beasts of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the and birds, and reptiles and fi sh. Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. And 34 People from all nations came to hear there was also an attendant in the land of the wisdom of Solomon; all the kings of Judah. the earth who had heard of his wisdom 20 Gen The people of Judah and Israel were sent messengers to listen to him. 22:17 as numerous as the sand on the seashore, eating and drinking, and making merry. • 1 Now, Hiram king of Tyre sent his 21 1-2 K Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms, 5 servants to Solomon when he heard 9:26; from the Euphrates to the land of the Phi- that he had been anointed king in place 2S 5:11 listines, and on to the frontiers of Egypt. of his father. For David had always been All these paid tribute and served Solomon Hiram’s friend. 2 Solomon then sent this during his lifetime. message to Hiram, 3 “You know that David 22 Solomon’s provision for one day was my father could not build a temple for thirty cors of fi ne fl our, sixty cors of meal, Yahweh his God because his enemies were 23 ten fat oxen, twenty pasture-fed cattle, at war with him until the time when Yah- a hundred sheep, besides harts, gazelles, weh gave him victory over them. 4 But now roebucks, and fattened fowl. 24 He ruled Yahweh my God has given me peace on over all the region west of the Euphra- all sides and there is no enemy or calam- tes, from Tipshah to Gaza and over all its ity that affl icts us. 5 And so I intend to build kings, and he had peace on all frontiers. a temple for Yahweh my God as Yahweh 25 Judah and Israel lived in security, from told David my father, ‘Your son, whom I Dan to Beersheba, and everyone was safe will set upon your throne, shall build the

• 5.1 Wise in his judgment, wise in adminis- when the most ancient books of the Scriptures tering his territory, wise in composing proverbs, were written. (See Introduction to Genesis.) sayings and psalms. From Solomon, or from his writers comes the Solomon brings writers together in his court nucleus of the Book of Proverbs. Later, whoever to gather and write down the traditions of Israel, would write a book on Wisdom would attribute which until this time were scattered or transmit- the work to Solomon: hence, in the Scriptures, ted merely by word of mouth. This was the time Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs and Wisdom 1 KINGS 5 450

6 10:26; house for my Name.’ Now, therefore, give in Lebanon for a month and at home for 1:14; 9:25 orders to have cedars of Lebanon cut for two months. Adoniram was in charge of 15 me. My servants will join yours and I will the draft of laborers. Solomon had sev- 2:2-3 pay your servants the wages you set, for enty thousand carriers and eighty thou- you know that none of us can cut timber sand stone cutters in the hill country, 16 in like the Sidonians.” addition to three thousand three hundred 7 When Hiram heard the answer of Solo- overseers in charge of the people engaged mon, he was exceedingly glad and said, in the work. 17 By order of the king, they “Blessed be Yahweh this day who has given quarried large and expensive stones to give David a wise son to rule over this great the temple a foundation of hewn stones. people.” 8 Then Hiram sent a messenger to 18 Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s build- Solomon with these words, “I have heard ers, along with the Gebalites did the hew- the message you sent me and I am ready ing and prepared both timber and stone to to do whatever you want concerning the build the temple. Ecl 1:16 cedar and cypress timber. 9 My servants shall have it sent down to the sea from Solomon builds the temple Lebanon. I will make it into rafts and deliv- 1 • In the four hundred and eighti- 3:1-7 er them by sea to the place you choose. I 6 will have the rafts broken up there and you eth year after the Israelites left can take the timber away. You, for your the land of Egypt, in the fourth year part, will provide food for my household.” of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in 10 So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the the month of Ziv, which is the sec- cedar and cypress timber that he wanted, 11 ond month, Solomon began to build while Solomon gave Hiram every year 2 twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for the temple of Yahweh. The house his household, and twenty thousand cors which king Solomon built for Yahweh of pure oil. 12 Yahweh gave wisdom to So- was sixty cubits long, twenty wide, lo mon as he had promised him, and there and thirty high. 3 The vestibule front- was peace between Hiram and Solomon ing the Sanctuary was twenty cubits who bound themselves by a treaty. 13 long from side to side, the width of the 1S 8:11 King Solomon conscripted thirty thou- sand men from all Israel for forced labor. temple, and ten cubits deep in front 4 14 He sent them to Lebanon in relays of ten of the house. He made windows with thousand a month, so that they would be recessed frames for the house.

are attributed to Solomon though they were in – There is also the desire to have something fact written later. beautiful which can be a visible image of the Glory of the invisible God. For the Israelites, • 6.1 Solomon’s fi rst construction is the the temple of Jerusalem was the pedestal of the house of Yahweh, that is, the temple of Jerusa- invisible temple where Yahweh is in his glory. lem, which will be counted among the wonders He forbade them to represent him by images of ancient times. of creatures; but at least the house could be The tent of the Ark in the desert had been the adorned with gold and precious wood. center of worship as practiced by nomadic tribes. – Finally there is the concern to have God From now on, the temple, somewhat similar to present to protect his people. Though Yahweh the Canaanite temples, will be the center of an says that he has no temple but the entire uni- urban and sedentary culture. The sacrifi ces and verse (8:27), he wants to be present in the midst feasts celebrated there are inspired by Canaanite of his people (Dt 12:5). In Jerusalem, Yahweh cults. Israel takes a new step forward in its culture, is “in his holy dwelling” (Jer 25:30), to defend and worship is also adapted to a new situation. his people (Is 31:5). Not God, but people need the temple (see 2 S Like Solomon, the Christian kings and author- 7:7). ities of past centuries wanted to adorn their – There is the sincere desire to honor Yah- churches with gold and silver. They believed weh by giving him the most beautiful house of that the house of God ought to be much more all. Hence, the temple is always called in the beautiful than their own. Let us respect their Scriptures, the house of Yahweh. piety; but today we understand that the city of – On the other hand, the people want to show God is governed by criteria different from those their prosperity and they feel proud to have a tem- of most people. The splendor of temples does ple that can compete with those of other people. not always help us to discover God’s greatness. 451 1 KINGS 6 5 Solomon had a structure built adjoining cedar boards from fl oor to rafter to the walls all around the house and enclos- serve as an inner Sanctuary—the Most ing both Sanctuary and inner Sanctuary. 17 He also made lateral rooms all around. Holy Place. The front of the house, 6 The lowest story was fi ve cubits wide; that is the Sanctuary, was forty cubits the middle, six cubits wide; and the third, long. 18 In all the interior of the house, seven cubits wide. Around the exterior of the cedar was carved in the form of the temple, he made offsets on the wall so gourds and open fl owers; all was of that the supporting beams would not be cedar and no stone was to be seen. inserted into walls of the temple. 19 7 The house was built with stones pre- The inner Sanctuary in the inner- pared at the quarry so that no hammer, or most part of the building had been ax, or any iron implement was heard in the destined to house the Ark of the temple during the construction. Covenant of Yahweh. 20 It was twenty 8 The entrance to the lowest story was on the right side of the house. A staircase cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and led up to the middle story; and from the twenty cubits high, overlaid with pure middle story, to the third. 9 So, Solomon gold. He also made an altar of cedar. built the house and fi nished it, making the 21 Solomon overlaid the interior of the ceiling of the house from cedar beams and house with pure gold. He closed the 10 planks. Each story of the structure which inner Sanctuary with golden chains he built surrounding the house was fi ve 22 cubits high joined to the house with cedar and overlaid it with gold. Solomon timber. overlaid the entire house with gold. 11 The word of Yahweh was directed to He also overlaid with gold the whole Solomon, 12 “If you observe my statutes, altar in the inner Sanctuary. obey my ordinances, keep all my com- 23 mands and follow them, I will fulfi ll every- In the inner Sanctuary, Solomon made 3:10-13 thing I said to David your father regarding two cherubim of olive wood, each ten this house. 13 There I will be in the midst cubits high. 24 The length of the wings of of the Israelites and not forsake my people each cherub was fi ve cubits each, hence, Israel.” ten cubits from tip to tip. 25 Both cherubim

14 had the same measurement and the same • So, Solomon built the house form, 26 both being ten cubits high. 27 When

15 1-2 K 3:8-9; and fi nished it. He covered the inte- the cherubim were put in the innermost 37:1 rior walls of the temple with cedar part of the house their wings were so boards; so that in the interior from the spread out that a wing of one touched one fl oor of the house to the rafters of the wall, while a wing of the other touched the other wall. Their other wings touched each ceiling only wood could be seen. The other at the center of the house. 28 The fl oor also was covered with cypress cherubim were also overlaid with gold. 16 boards. Solomon covered twenty 29 Solomon had all the surrounding cubits of the rear of the house with walls of the house carved with fi gures of

• 14. The most sacred part of the temple, not approach God without the required prepa- the most holy place, contained only the Ark ration. Even though Yahweh remains in the with the stone tablets on which the Covenant midst of his people, his mystery continues to be of Yahweh with his people had been confi rmed. inaccessible. Before this room was another one, the holy This arrangement refl ects in some way what is place, where the sacred candlesticks burned and innermost to humans, the true Temple of God. incense was kindled. Here, too, were placed There is, in us, a very intimate place where God the twelve loaves that were offered every week. is present (see Jn 14:23). When Jesus asks us to (See 1 S 21:5.) An entrance hall completed the “meet the Father in secret” (Mt 6:6), it means house and all around were wide and spacious not only to pray in a place apart, but to seek courtyards where the people stood praying. within our own selves the Most Sacred Place This arrangement of several rooms leading where the Spirit communicates his way of feel- into the most sacred place is a common thing in ing and of thinking. many ancient religions. It teaches that we can- 1 KINGS 6 452 cherubim, palm trees and open fl owers corresponding to another opposite it. 5 All both in the interior and exterior rooms. the doorways and windows had square 30 He also had the fl oor of the house, in frames and each window corresponded to both the interior and exterior rooms, over- the one opposite it. laid with gold. 6 The Hall of Pillars measured fi fty cubits 31 Solomon had doors made of olive long and thirty cubits wide. It had a porch wood for the entrance to the inner Sanc- in front, with pillars and a canopy over tuary of which the lintel and doorposts them. 7 The Hall of the Throne where Solo- formed the fi fth part. 32 He covered the two mon was to pronounce judgment, that is, olive wood doors with carvings of cheru- the Hall of Judgment, was fi nished with bim, palm trees and open fl owers. He then cedar from fl oor to rafters. overlaid them with gold and spread gold 8 His own house, where he was to live, on the cherubim and the palm trees. and which was in the other court behind 33 He did the same for the olive wood the hall, was built in like manner. Solo- doorposts at the entrance to the Sanctu- mon also made a house similar to this for ary, which formed the fourth part of the Pharaoh’s daughter whom he had taken in door. 34 Both the right and left sides of the marriage. door had two folding panels of cypress 9 All these were made of costly stones, 35 Gen wood. He had cherubim, palm trees and hewn according to measure, sawn on their 3:24; Ezk 10 open fl owers carved on them and overlaid inner and outer faces even from the foun- the carvings with gold evenly applied. dation to the coping, and from the court of 36 As for the interior court, Solomon had Yahweh’s house to the big court. it built with three courses of hewn stone 10 The foundation was of huge, costly and one course of cedar beams. stones of eighty and ten cubits. 11 Above 37 In the month of Ziv of the fourth year, were costly stones, hewn according to 12 the foundation of Yahweh’s house was laid. measure, and cedar wood. The great 4:9 38 In the month of Bul, the eighth month of court was surrounded by a wall of hewn the eleventh year, the House was fi nished, stones and a course of cedar beams, like complete and according to all specifi ca- the interior court of Yahweh’s house and tions. It took Solomon seven years to build its vestibule. it. 13 King Solomon sent for and brought from Tyre, Hiram, 14 who was the son of a The palace and the temple widow of Naphtali’s tribe. His father was • 1 Solomon took thirteen years to build from Tyre and an artisan in bronze-work, 7 his own palace. 2 He built the house and he himself was very knowledgeable of the Forest of Lebanon which measured and skilled in all kinds of bronze-work. one hundred cubits long, fi fty cubits wide, Hiram came and did all the work that Solo- and thirty cubits high. It was built on three mon asked of him. 15 rows of cedar pillars with cedar beams on He cast two brazen pillars, both of 3:15-17 the pillars. 3 It had a cedar ceiling, above which measured eighteen cubits high and the beams that were on the forty-fi ve pil- had a circumference of twelve cubits. Both lars, fi fteen in each row. 4 There were three were hollow and measured four fi ngers in window frames at either end, each window thickness. 16 He also made two capitals of

• 7.1 Solomon will build his palace on the and the king will reside on the holy mountain, mountain of the Temple beside the house of and the people below. God. This transfer of the royal residence from Samuel had fi rmly warned Saul, the fi rst king, the lower city to the mountain of the Temple that the demands of the law were valid for both might seem to be without interest to us. But hid- king and people (2 S 12:14-15). Solomon turns den behind this is a new concept of the power a deaf ear; like so many princes and dictators, that Solomon brings to Israel. David his father, he intends to give his power absolute authority this “king after God’s heart,” had built his palace equal to that of God. He distances himself from in the midst of his people (2 S 5:9) and when he the people and installs himself beside God. This had raised an altar to Yahweh, he built it on the deviation from the meaning of power would be hill that dominated the town in the north. Solo- criticized by the prophets (Jer 22:13-19), and mon abandoned his father’s palace and built his Jesus will show by his own example that power sumptuous residence on this hill beside the tem- lies in service (Mk 10:41-45). ple. It is a signifi cant gesture. Henceforth God 453 1 KINGS 7 molten bronze to set on the tops of the pil- chariot wheels; their axles, rims, spokes lars, both measuring fi ve cubits high. 17 He and hubs were all of cast metal. also made two pieces of network with a The four legs of each stand had cast chainlike mesh for each of the capitals braces supporting a basin and had wreaths on top of the pillars. 18 Likewise, he made on each side. 34 These four braces, extend- pomegranates arranged in two rows encir- ing to the corners of each stand, were of cling each piece of network to cover each one piece with the stand. capital on top of the pillars. 19 The capitals 35 On top of the stand was a round band on top of the pillars in the vestibule had a half a cubit high, with supports and pan- lotus design measuring four cubits. 20 They els which were of one piece with the stand. were on the two pillars above the nodes This was topped by a crown one cubit and beside the network, encircled by two high within which was a rounded open- hundred pomegranates arranged in two ing, the way a pedestal is made, a cubit rows. and a half deep. Its opening had carvings • 21 and its panels were square and not round. Hiram set up the pillars at the vesti- 36 bule of the temple; one to the right called On the surface of its supports, as also on Yakin, and one to the left called Boaz. 22 In its panels, and wherever there was space, were carvings of cherubim, lions and palm this way the work on the pillars was com- 37 pleted. trees, with wreaths all around. This was 23 how the ten stands were made—all of them 4:2-5 Hiram then cast the great round bowl called the “Sea,” measuring ten cubits from with the same cast, same measurement, one brim to the opposite; it was fi ve cubits and same form. 38 Hiram also made ten brazen basins, 4:6; high and had a circumference of thirty 30:17 cubits. 24 Under its brim, it was encircled each holding forty baths and measuring with gourds, ten for each cubit, arranged four cubits. There was a basin for each in two rows and cast along with the Sea. of the ten stands. 39 He placed fi ve of the 25 This rested on twelve oxen, three facing stands on the south side of the house, and north, three facing west, three facing south, fi ve on the north side. The Sea he placed and three facing east, with their haunches at the southeast corner of the temple. 40 towards the center. 26 It was a handbreadth Hiram also made the bowls, shovels 4:11-18; 27:3 in thickness, its brim resembling a cup or and basins, and thereby fi nished all the a lily fl ower, and had a capacity of two work that he had undertaken for king Solo- thousand baths. mon on Yahweh’s house. 41 Hence, two pil- 27 Hiram also made ten brazen stands, lars, two bowls on the capitals at the top of 1-2 K each measuring four cubits long, four cu - the pillars, 42 four hundred pomegranates bits wide and three cubits high; 28 and this for two networks, two rows of pomegran- was how the stands were constructed: they ates for each network to cover the two had framed panels 29 on which were lions, bowls of the capitals at the top of the pil- oxen and cherubim. On the frames above lars, 43 ten stands, ten basins on the stands, and below the lions and oxen were wreaths 44 the Sea, and twelve oxen underneath the in relief. 30 Each stand had four brazen Sea. wheels and axles; its four feet had shoul- 45 Now the bowls, shovels and basins— derings under the basin. 31 Its mouth mea- all these vessels which Hiram made in sured one and a half cubits from where the Yahweh’s house for king Solomon—were shoulderings met the top; its mouth was of burnished bronze. 46 The king had them round like a rest for a vessel; and on the cast in the plain of Jordan, in the clay mouth there were engravings, too. The ground between Succoth and Zarethan. crosspieces, however, were rectangular, 47 Solomon left all the vessels unweighed not round. 32 The four wheels were below since there were so many of them. And so the panels; their axles being one piece with the weight of the bronze was not known. 48 the stands. Each wheel was a cubit and a So Solomon made all the vessels that 4:7-8; half high. 33 The wheels were made like were in Yahweh’s house: the golden altar, 25:23

• 21. Yakin means: he has established. Boaz God however will someday cast down all this: means: with strength. This refers at the same everything he has given must someday give way time to the temple and to the dynasty of David. to something better. 1 KINGS 7 454 the golden table for the bread of Presence, its place in the inner Sanctuary of the 49 the lampstands of pure gold, fi ve on the house—the Most Holy Place—under- right side and fi ve on the left in front of the 7 inner Sanctuary; the fl owers, lamps and neath the wings of the cherubim. The tongs of gold; 50 the cups, snuffers, basins, cherubim had their wings spread out dishes for incense, and fi repans of pure over the place of the ark, providing a gold; and the golden hinges for both the covering above the Ark and its poles. 8 doors of the innermost part of the house, The poles were so long that their 25:13 the Most Holy Place, and the doors of the ends were seen from the Holy Place Sanctuary of the house. 51 in front of the inner Sanctuary but not 5:1; When all the work that king Solomon 2S 8:11 did on Yahweh’s house was completed, from the outside; and they remain 9 he brought in the things which David his there to this day. There was noth- 25:16; Dt 10:1; father had dedicated—the silver, the gold, ing in the Ark except the two tablets Heb 9:4 and the vessels—and stored them in the of stone which Moses placed there at treasuries of Yahweh’s house. Horeb, where Yahweh made a Cov- Dedication of the Temple enant with the Israelites when they 10 1 5:2-10 came out of the land of Egypt. And 5:11—6 Then Solomon assembled before him 2; 8 in Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all when the priests came out of the Holy 40:34 the heads of the tribes, as well as the lead- Place, such a cloud fi lled Yahweh’s 11 ers of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, house that the priests could not Ezk to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of Yah- 43:4; continue to minister. Indeed, the glory Rev weh from the city of David, which is Zion. 15:8 of Yahweh fi lled his house. 12 Ps 2 Then Solomon said, “Yahweh has 18:12; • All the Israelites assembled 1Tim said that he would dwell in thick dark- 6:16 near king Solomon in the month of 13 3 ness. So the house I have built you 2S 7:13; 2S 6 Ethanim, the seventh month. When Ps all the elders of Israel arrived, the will be your house, a place for you to 132:14 priests carried the Ark of Yahweh 4 and dwell in forever.” brought it up together with the Tent of 14 The king turned and blessed the entire 6:3-11 Meeting and all the holy vessels that assembly of Israel, as they stood, 15 saying, were in the tent. After the priests and “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who 5 has fulfi lled by his hand what he promised Levites had brought them up, king personally to David my father when he Solomon with the entire congregation said, 16 ‘Since the day I brought my people of Israel that had assembled before Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city in all the him and were with him before the Ark, tribes of Israel in which to build a resting sacrifi ced so many sheep and oxen place for my Name, but now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, as I that they could neither be counted chose David to be the king of my people 6 nor numbered. Then the priests laid Israel.’ 17 Now David my father wanted to the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh in build a house for the Name of Yahweh, the

• 8.2 On the day of the temple’s inaugura- K 23:4-7.) Yet it is not said that Yahweh aban- tion, God makes his presence felt by means of doned his Sanctuary where he remained out of the cloud. In Exodus, this was the visible sign of fi delity to his Covenant. Yahweh’s presence which protected the Israel- It was only in the last years of the Kingdom ites (Ex 14:19 and 40:34). Later on, the Israel- that the prophet Ezekiel had a vision where the ites continued trusting in this presence of God cloud left the temple: this meant that Yahweh accompanying them (Jer 7) from Jerusalem, would now live among his faithful ones exiled in wherever they were. Babylon (Ezk 9:3). In the course of time, many indecent things Much later, the apostle John will see this occurred in the courtyards of the temple; they cloud in the heavenly temple (Rev 15:8) after even built up altars to idols and practiced sacred having seen it over the person of Jesus during prostitution according to pagan customs. (See 2 his transfi guration. 455 1 KINGS 8 God of Israel; 18 but Yahweh told David my you made to David when you said, ‘You father, ‘You meant well to build a house shall always have someone from your for my Name. 19 Nevertheless, not you but family on the throne of Israel, provided your son who shall be born to you shall that your sons are careful to serve me as build this house for my Name’.” you have done.’ 26 Now, therefore, O God 20 Yahweh has fulfi lled his promise, for I of Israel, confi rm the promise you have have succeeded David my father and am given to David my father. 27 sitting on the throne of Israel; and, as Yah- But will God really live among people Is 66:1; Acts weh promised, I have built this house for on earth? If neither heavens nor the highest 7:48; the Name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. heavens can contain you, how much less 17:24 21 There I have provided a place for the Ark can this house which I have built! 28 Yet, lis- with the Covenant which Yahweh made ten to the prayer and supplication of your with our fathers when he brought them out servant, O Yahweh my God; hearken to the of the land of Egypt.” cries and pleas which your servant directs 29 to you this day. Watch over this house of Dt 12:11; Solomon’s prayer which you have said, ‘My Name shall rest 12:5 22 6:12-20 • Then Solomon stood before the altar there.’ Hear the prayer of your servant in of Yahweh in the presence of all the assem- this place.

bly of Israel. He raised his hands towards 30 heaven 23 and said, “O Yahweh, God of • Listen to the supplication of 6:21-31 Israel, there is no God like you either in your servant and your people Israel heaven or on earth! You keep your Cov- when they pray in this direction; listen enant and show loving-kindness to your from your dwelling place in heaven servants who walk before you wholeheart- 24 and, on listening, forgive. edly. You have foretold this day to your 31 servant David, my father, and this day you When people charged with a have fulfi lled your promise. 25 Now, O Yah- crime against their neighbor come weh, God of Israel, keep this other promise and take their oath before your altar

• 22. Yahweh has fulfi lled his promise (vv. one country belongs to him in a very special 20 and 25). way—it is the Land of a Promise. In this Prom- David had received two promises from God. ised Land all the towns are his; but one among The fi rst was that his son would build the temple; them is especially dear. And in this city, in the the second, that his descendants would keep the heart of this city is the holy mountain on which throne of Israel. Yahweh’s dwelling place has been built. 1-2 K It is worth noting how God, being the invis- The temple is thus like the pivot around which ible God and Creator of the Universe, wills to be, the whole universe revolves. For this reason it is in some way, at a defi nite place, Jerusalem, and understandable that its destruction in 587 was among a defi nite people, David’s descendants. for the faith of Israel an unimaginable trial: with- This visible center of divine presence is now the out the temple of Jerusalem, the universe lost Church. The kingdom of God is universal, yet the its center. Church relates with Christ through a well-defi ned If the universe had by degrees been centered series of people: the Bishops and the Pope. around the temple, with the New Testament, This prayer of Solomon, composed probably on the contrary, it is the Christ—the New Tem- by a prophet at the time of the kings, empha- ple—who becomes the point of departure for sizes both the importance and the relativity of the expansion of salvation: “You will be my wit- the temple. It is there that the “Name” of God nesses, in Judea and Samaria and to the ends of resides, there God will hear the prayers of his the earth” (Acts 1:8). people (vv. 30-53). And yet this temple built by human hands “could not contain God in his • 30. After making a request for his descen- Glory.” The invisible heavens “cannot contain dants, Solomon makes a request for his people. him,” how much less this earthly dwelling. Let us underline some points: This vision of the temple will be continually Vindicate the righteous (v. 32). The fi rst peti- present in the teaching of the prophets. How- tion is in line with a custom of that period. (See ever great, the temple will never be a “magic Num 5:11.) If the truth in some crime could not charm” for Israel. It is the sign and reminder of be established, the accused had to swear that he the presence of the holy God. was innocent and that he would accept any pun- Gradually, because of this, all theology of Isra- ishment from God if he had perjured himself. el will be centered on the temple. The earth and The people were convinced that God would not the heavens belong to God, but on this earth leave the liar unpunished. 1 KINGS 8 456

32 41 in this temple, then hear from heav- Likewise, when a foreigner who 6:32-39 en and do justice. Condemn the guilty is not from your people Israel, comes and let his evildoing fall upon him, but from a far country because of your vindicate the righteous and reward Name 42 (for they shall hear of your him according to his righteousness. great Name, your mighty hand and 33 Lev When your people Israel are de - outstretched arm), and prays in this 26:14; 43 26:17 feated by the enemy for having sinned house, listen from the heavens, your against you, and when they turn back dwelling place, and do for the foreign- to you and acknowledge their sins, er whatever he asks of you, so that praying and making supplications to all the peoples of the earth may know you in this house; 34 then listen from your Name and fear you, as do your heaven and forgive your people Isra- people Israel, and may know that el. Bring them back to the land which your name rests on this house which you gave to their fathers. I have built. 35 Dt 11:17 When the heavens are shut and 44 If your people go to war wherever you no rain falls because they have sinned send them, and they pray to Yahweh in the against you, and they pray in this direction of the city which you have cho- place, acknowledging and repenting sen and the house which I have built for of their sin because you have affl icted your Name, 45 then from heaven listen to them, 36 then listen from heaven and their prayers and supplications and defend their cause. forgive your servants, your people Is - 46 If they sin against you (and there is no Dt 28:63 rael, and teach them the way to live; one who does not sin), and, in your anger, and send rain on your land which you deliver them to an enemy who takes you have given to your people as an them captive into enemy territory, whether inheritance. near or far off; 47 and if, in the land where 37 they have been carried captive, they sin- Dt If there is famine in the land, or pes- 28:21; cerely repent and plead with you and say, 28:28 tilence such as blight or mildew, locust ‘We have sinned and have acted wrongly or caterpillar; if their enemy attacks and wickedly’; 48 if they do repent with sin- them in any of their cities; if they suffer cerity while in the land of their captors and from any plague or sickness; 38 what- pray to you, turning towards the land which ever be the prayer or sup plication of you gave to their ancestors, the city which you have chosen, and the house which I anyone showing re pentance and rais- have built for your Name; 49 then listen from ing his hands in the direction of this heaven, your dwelling place, to their prayer house, 39 then listen from heaven, your and supplication and defend their cause. dwelling place, and forgive. Do to 50 Forgive your people who have sinned each, whose heart you know, accord- against you; forgive all their offenses, and make their captors have compassion on ing to his conduct (for you alone know 51 40 them. (For they are your people—your Dt 4:20 the hearts of all) so that they may heritage which you brought out of Egypt fear you as long as they live in the land from the heart of the iron furnace). 52 which you gave our fathers. Open your eyes to the pleadings of 6:40

No rain falls because they have sinned take him seriously and to respect him. But it against you (v. 35). Prayer is for people who is also true that at times we need to fear God are sinners and who know themselves to be and his punishments because his love is not yet such. They fear God’s punishment but believe strong enough in us to protect us against our that God forgives; they believe that God cannot weakness. be won over by prayers and ceremonies but by When a foreigner comes from a far country repentance. (v. 41). This prayer was written centuries later, So that they may fear you (v. 40). In the when the missionary efforts of the Jews had Scriptures, to fear God means oftentimes: to brought many pagans to their faith. 457 1 KINGS 9 your servant and to those of your people Solomon’s activities 1 Israel, and listen to them whenever they After Solomon had fi nished building 7:11-21 53 Dt 7:6 call on you. For you took them from 9 Yahweh’s house, the royal palace, and among all the peoples of the earth to be everything he wanted to build, 2 Yahweh your heritage, as you declared through ap peared to him a second time, as he had 3 Moses your servant when you brought our appeared to him at Gibeon. Yahweh said Dt 12:5 ancestors out of Egypt, O Yahweh God.” to him, “I have heard the prayer and sup- 54 When Solomon fi nished offering all plication you made before me. I have con- this prayer and entreaty to Yahweh, he rose secrated this house you have built, that my from before the altar of Yahweh where he Name may be there forever. My eyes and had knelt with hands raised towards heav- my heart will be there forever. 4 As for you, en and, 55 standing, blessed all the assem- if you will live in my presence, the way your 56 Dt 12:10 bly of Israel with a loud voice, “Blessed father David did, with sincerity and upright- be Yahweh who has given rest to his peo- ness, doing all that I have commanded you ple Israel as he promised; for not one of his and keeping my decrees and laws, 5 I will promises, given to Moses his servant, has affi rm your kingship in Israel forever, as I been broken. 57 May Yahweh our God be promised your father David when I said, with us as he was with our fathers. May he ‘You shall always have someone from your not leave or forsake us; 58 may he incline family on the throne of Israel.’ 6 our hearts towards him and make us walk But if you or your children refuse to fol- Dt 6:2 in all his ways, keeping his commands, his low me, and disobey my commands and statutes and regulations which he com- laws which I have set before you; if they 59 7 manded our fathers. Let my prayer to serve and worship other gods, then I will Dt 28:15; Yahweh be with our God day and night. Jer 19:8; cut off Israel from the land which I have 22:9 May he defend my cause and the cause of given them; and I will remove from my 60 Is 45:6 his people Israel in their daily life; in this sight this house I have consecrated for my way all the peoples of the earth may know Name. Israel will become a proverb and a that Yahweh is God and there is no other. byword among all peoples. 8 This house will 61 As for you, let your heart be wholly true be reduced to a heap of stones; and every- to Yahweh our God, following his laws and one passing by will be astonished and jeer: keeping his commands as at this time.” ‘Why has Yahweh done such a thing to this 62 7:4-10 Then the king and all the Israelites land and to this house?’ 9 Then people will with him offered sacrifi ces before Yahweh. answer: ‘Because they abandoned Yahweh 63 Num 7:1; Solomon offered twenty-two thousand

their God who brought their ancestors out 1-2 K Ezra 6:17 oxen and a hundred and twenty thousand of the land of Egypt, and they followed sheep as peace offerings to Yahweh. So other gods, worshiping and serving them. the king and all the Israelites dedicated That is why Yahweh has brought all this Yahweh’s house. 64 That same day, the evil on them’.” 10 king consecrated the middle of the court During these twenty years, in which 8:1-6 in front of Yahweh’s house, for it was there Solomon had built the two houses—Yah- that he offered the burnt offerings, the weh’s house and the royal house—11 Hiram cereal offerings and the fat of the peace king of Tyre had supplied Solomon with offerings since the bronze altar that was as much cedar, cypress, timber and gold before Yahweh was too small to receive as he wanted. Then king Solomon gave the burnt offering, the cereal offering and Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. the fat of the peace offerings. 12 But when Hiram left Tyre to visit the cit- 65 So at this time Solomon, together with ies which Solomon had given him, he was a large assembly of Israelites that gathered displeased 13 and said, “What kind of cit- from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook ies have you given me, my brother?” And of Egypt, celebrated the festival before that is why, to this day, they are called the Yahweh for seven days. 66 On the eighth land of Cabul. 14 Hiram, however, had sent day, Solomon dismissed the people. the king one hundred and twenty talents After bidding farewell to the king, they of gold. went home rejoicing and happy because of 15 This is the account of the forced labor all the kindness that Yahweh had shown to imposed by king Solomon for the building his servant David and to his people Israel. of Yahweh’s house and his own palace, 1 KINGS 9 458 the Millo as well as the wall of Jerusa- near Elath on the shore of the Red Sea, lem; the cities of Hazor, Megiddo and Ge - in the land of Edom. 27 Hiram sent his ser- zer. 16 (Pharaoh king of Egypt had cap- vants, seamen who were familiar with the tured and burned Gezer, putting to death sea, to serve in the fl eet, together with the the Canaanites who dwelt there. Then he servants of Solomon. 28 They sailed for had given the city as dowry to his daugh- Ophir and brought back to king Solomon ter, Solomon’s wife.) 17 So Solomon rebuilt gold amounting to four hundred and twen- Gezer, Lower Beth-horon, 18 Baalath and ty talents. Tamar in the desert, in the land of Judah, 19 all the store-cities that Solomon had, The queen of Sheba visits Solomon 1 the cities for his chariots and those for his • The queen of Sheba heard 9:1-12; horsemen, and whatever Solomon wanted 10 about Solomon’s fame, and Mt 12:42 to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon and in came to test him with diffi cult ques- all the land of his dominion. 2 20 tions. She arrived in Jerusalem with 8:7-10 On all the people who were left of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the a vast retinue and with camels loaded Hivites and the Jebusites, who were not with spices and an abundance of gold of the people of Israel—21 their descen- and precious stones. When she came dants who were left in the land and whom to Solomon, she told him all that the Israelites were unable to completely she had on her mind 3 and Solomon destroy—on all of these Solomon imposed forced labor and it remains so to this day. answered all her questions. There 22 Of the people of Israel, however, Solo- was nothing that the king could not mon made no slaves. They were the sol- explain to her. 4 And when the queen diers, his offi cials, his commanders, his of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of captains, his chariot commanders and 23 Solomon, the palace he had built, horsemen. The overseers of Solomon’s 5 work, in charge of those who were work- the food on his table, the residence ing, were fi ve hundred and fi fty. of his offi cials, the attendance of his 24 8:11 When Pharaoh’s daughter went up servants and their clothing, his cup- from the city of David to her own house bearers, and the burnt offerings which that Solomon had built for her, he began he offered at Yahweh’s house, it left building the Millo. her breathless. 25 7:12-16 After Solomon had fi nished the house, 6 Then she said to the king, “All that he came three times a year to offer up I heard in my own land concerning burnt offerings and peace offerings on the 7 altar which he had built to Yahweh, burn- you and your wisdom was true. But I 26 8:17-18 ing incense before Yahweh. King Solo- did not believe the reports until I came mon built a fl eet of ships at Ezion-geber, and saw with my own eyes. And what

• 10.1 Solomon undertakes business. He much importance to the commercial aspect of acquires a fl eet of Tarshish ships for long jour- this visit which will only appear toward the end neys and he sends them to get gold and per- in the barter mentioned in verses 10 and 13. fume from Africa. He sells Egyptian chariots to Solomon’s meeting with the queen of Sheba the Hittites in the north, and to the Egyptians, becomes a historical scene: Hittite horses. The fame of his wealth and his – The wise Solomon and his people discover wisdom reaches the queen of Sheba in southern the wealth and products of other countries. “So Arabia. the world is bigger than we thought!” These In reality, Israel was very small compared to contacts help the Israelites gain a broader reli- the two big empires of Egypt and Babylon. It gious vision. Yahweh is not only the God of a happened that during the period of David and small nation, but is also sovereign over the wide Solomon, these empires were peaceful and universe. were practically dormant. This was enough to – The queen of Sheba is a wealthy woman, allow the Israelites to think of themselves as the but she is not satisfi ed. There is no mention fi rst country in the world, and they saw in Solo- of her husband. She is attracted by the divine mon the most magnifi cent king of all times. wisdom manifested in the king, “the Beloved of The queen of Sheba came to test him with Yahweh” (2 S 12:29). Jesus will later recall this diffi cult questions (v. 1). Scripture does not give visit in Matthew 12:42. 459 1 KINGS 10 did I see! I was told only half the story; els of gold going into each shield. 17 And he for your wisdom and wealth surpass made three hundred shields of beaten gold the report I heard. with three minas of gold in each shield. 8 And the king put them in the house of the Fortunate are your wives! Fortu- Forest of Lebanon. 18 The king also made nate are your servants who are ever in a huge ivory throne and overlaid it with your presence and hear your wisdom! the fi nest gold. 19 The throne had six steps, 9 Blessed be Yahweh your God, who a rounded back, and on each side of the has looked kindly on you and has put seat were arm rests with two lions standing beside the arm rests. 20 The six steps had you on the throne of Israel! Because twelve lions, one on each end of a step. of Yahweh’s eternal love for Israel, he Nothing like this was ever made in any has made you king so that you may kingdom. 21 All of king Solomon’s drinking dispense justice and righteousness.” vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of 10 Then she gave the king a hun- the house of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold and none of silver, for silver was dred and twenty talents of gold, spic- not considered of much value in the days es in abundance, and precious stones. of Solomon. 22 Such an abundance of spices as those The king had a fl eet of Tarshish ships 22:49; Ezk which the queen of Sheba gave to at sea with Hiram’s fl eet, and once every 27:12 king Solomon was never again seen. three years the fl eet of Tarshish ships 11 Moreover, the fl eet of Hiram, would bring gold, silver, ivory, apes and which brought gold from Ophir, also peacocks. brought from Ophir a huge amount • 23 King Solomon surpassed all the of almug wood and precious stones. kings of the earth in wealth and wis- 12 The king used the almug wood to dom. 24 And the whole world sought make supports for Yahweh’s house audience with Solomon to hear the and the royal palace, and also to make wisdom which God had put into his lyres and harps for the singers. Such mind. 25 Everyone who came brought almug wood has never again been a present: articles of silver and gold, brought or seen to the present day. garments, myrrh, spices, horses and 13 King Solomon, in turn, gave the mules, so much every year. 1-2 K queen of Sheba all that she desired 26 Solomon gathered together char- 1:14-17; and all that he in his generosity wanted iots and horses—fourteen hundred Dt 17:16 to give her. Then she went back to her chariots and twelve thousand horses own land together with her servants. which he stationed in the chariot cities 14 27 9:13-24 Now the weight of gold that Solomon and with the king in Jerusalem. The received in one year was six hundred and king made silver as common as stone 15 sixty-six gold talents, not counting that in Jerusalem, and cedar as plentiful brought by traders, merchants, the kings 28 of Arabia and the governors of the land. as sycamore in the lowland. Solo- 16 King Solomon made two hundred large mon acquired his horses from Egypt shields of beaten gold, six hundred shek- and from Cilicia. The king’s traders

• 23. For a while, the Israelites marveled at pride the splendor of his kingdom and showed Solomon’s wealth and the numerous chariots greater appreciation for justice. and horses that made up his army. Some cen- The believer who truly desires the prosperity turies later, they saw how little this power had of his nation, cannot be dazzled by illusions of benefi ted them and how much it had cost the grandeur. The church will always denounce the country: the politics of fame and of grandiose sin involved in military expenses or in expens- works demanded the imposition of forced labor es solely to acquire fame. Everyone knows the on the people. This was one of the reasons why world’s military budget far exceeds what would the kingdom split at the death of Solomon. This suffi ce to industrialize all countries. is why, afterward, they ceased to recall with 1 KINGS 10 460 purchased them from Cilicia at the Ammonites. 8 He did the same for all prevailing price. 29 A chariot could be his foreign wives who burned incense imported from Egypt for six hundred and sacrifi ced to their gods. 9 shekels of silver, and a horse for a Yahweh became angry with Solo- 3:5; hundred and fi fty. They were exported mon because his heart had turned 9:2 in the same way to all the kings of the away from Yahweh, the God of Israel. Hittites and the kings of Syria. 10 Yahweh appeared to him twice and commanded him not to follow other Solomon turns away from Yahweh gods. But he did not obey Yahweh’s 1 Dt • King Solomon loved many 11 17:17; command. Therefore, Yahweh said Sir 11 foreign women besides the 47:19 to Solomon, “Since this has been daugh ter of Pharaoh. There were your choice and you have kept nei- Moa bite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sido- ther my Covenant nor the statutes I 2 nian and Hittite women from nations commanded you, I will take the king- about which Yahweh had command- dom from you and give it to your ser- ed the Israelites, “You shall not marry v ant. 12 Nevertheless, I will not do this them; nor shall they marry you, lest during your lifetime for the sake of they win over your heart to their your father David; I will take it from gods.” Solomon, however, imitated your son. 13 But I will not take it all; I these peoples because of his love. will reserve one tribe for your son for 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal the sake of David my servant, and for birth, and three hundred concubines, the sake of Jerusalem, the city which and they won his heart. I have chosen.” 4 In Solomon’s old age, his wives led him astray to serve other gods Solomon’s enemies and, unlike his father David, his heart 14 And Yahweh raised up an adver- was no longer wholly given to Yah- sary against Solomon. This was Hadad, 5 the Edomite of the royal house in Edom. Jdg 2:13 weh his God. For he served Astarte 15 Indeed, when David had defeated Edom, 2S 8:13 the goddess of the Sidonians, and and Joab the commander of the army went Milcom, the idol of the Ammonites. up to bury the slain, he slew every male in 6 He did what displeased Yahweh and, Edom. 16 Joab and the Israelites remained unlike his father David, was unfaith- in the place for six months until he had 17 ful to him. 7 Solomon even built a high destroyed every male in Edom. However Hadad, then still only a boy, fl ed to Egypt place for Chemosh, the idol of Moab, together with some Edomites, his father’s on the mountain east of Jerusalem servants. 18 They left Midian for Paran; and, and also for Molech, the idol of the taking along with them some of the men

• 11.1 Scripture is not scandalized at Solo- honors. Later the prophets would recall that mon’s having several wives. At that time, to power, wealth and luxury numb the heart of a have many wives was an indication of a man’s ruler (Dt 17:14). All people in the course of his- wealth. Scripture rebukes him for taking pagan tory have had the same experience. Even in the wives. In this way, Solomon entered into an alli- Church, for centuries the faithful thought it fi t- ance with these people who did not know God, ting that their bishops and popes assume the imitating them in their materialism. appearance of nobles, and we are still paying Luxury corrupts wisdom. Solomon makes a the consequences of that error. show of his manliness, unaware of the fact that You have kept neither my Covenant nor his wives are ordering him around. These for- the statutes (v. 11). Solomon’s real sin con- eign women arrive with their priests and their sists in directing his life and his nation without pagan cults that will draw Israel into idolatry and seeking God’s will. He lives like any other king materialism. and works out his own ambitions, thinking it is The people thought that the king blessed by enough to ask Yahweh’s blessings. Yahweh had to be surrounded with luxury and 461 1 KINGS 11 from Paran, they went on to Egypt, to Pha- worth and an able worker, he put him raoh, king of Egypt, who gave Hadad a in charge of all the forced labor of the house, promised him food and gave him 19 tribes of Joseph. land. Hadad pleased Pharaoh, who gave 29 him as wife the sister of Queen Tahpenes, Once, when Jeroboam went out his own wife. 20 The sister of Tahpenes bore of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah of him a son, Genubath, whom Tahpenes Shiloh found him on the road. The weaned in Pharaoh’s house, and who lived two of them were alone in the open there, together with Pharaoh’s sons. country 30 when Ahijah, who had a 21 And so when Hadad heard in Egypt that David had slept with his fathers, and new garment on, clutched and tore it 31 that Joab the commander of the army was into twelve pieces. He then said to also dead, he said to Pharaoh, “Let me Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for your- go back to my own country.” 22 Pharaoh self for this is the word of Yahweh, the asked him, “What have I not done that you God of Israel: want to leave for your own country?” But ‘I am about to tear the kingdom he answered him, “Please, let me go.” And 32 he came back to his land. He ruled over from Solomon’s hands to give you Edom and hated Israel. ten tribes. Only one tribe shall be left to 23 God raised up Rezon son of Eliada, him for the sake of my servant David another adversary, who had fl ed from his and Jerusalem, the city which I have master Hadadezer king of Zobah. 24 Rezon chosen out of all the tribes of Israel. gathered men around him and became the 33 leader of a marauding band. After David For Solomon has forsaken me and fought them and killed some of them, they worshiped Astarte, the goddess of the went to live in Damascus where they made Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, Rezon king. 25 He was an adversary of Isra- and Milcom the god of the Ammo- el during Solomon’s lifetime. nites. Unlike his father David, he has Ahijah foretells the not walked in my ways to do what is division of the kingdom right before me and to keep my com- mandments and decisions. • 26 Jeroboam also rebelled against 34 the king. He was the son of Nebat, an Nevertheless, it is not from him that I

will take the kingdom. I will let him reign 1-2 K Ephraimite of Zeredah. His mother, during his lifetime for the sake of David my Zeruah, had been left a widow. He was servant, whom I chose and who kept my one of Solomon’s offi cials. 27 This was commandments and statutes. 35 But I will the reason for his rebellion: Solomon take the kingship from his son’s hand and 36 make you king over ten tribes. One tribe 15:4; was building the Millo and was closing 2K 8:19; will be left for his son so that my servant 2S up the breach of the city of David his David may always have a lamp before me 21:17 father. 28 When he noticed that Jero- in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen boam was a man of great personal to put my Name. 37 I will let you reign over

• 26. Jeroboam also rebelled against the neighbor, Simeon, a very small group. In the king. In the last years of Solomon, several of his north, there are the tribes of Ephraim and Ben- opponents stir up rebellion. Now appears the jamin, heading the other tribes of lesser impor- man who will take most of the country from Sol- tance. After David united them, Absalom, and omon’s son and defi nitively divide the people. others after him, stimulated the desire for auton- In the poem about the Tower of Babel (Gen omy in the north. Solomon’s dictatorship, which 11), the division of the people was presented as weighed more heavily on the northern tribes, the consequence of and punishment for arro- prepared for the separation. gant politics. It will be the same for the King- The prophet Ahijah says that Yahweh will dom of Israel. divide the kingdom to punish Solomon. This is I am… to give you ten tribes (v. 32). Israel a way of speaking. Everyone prepares his own counts twelve tribes. In reality, one could speak punishment and the division comes directly from of two. In the south, there is Judah with its the errors and the sins of the king. 1 KINGS 11 462 all you wish; you shall be king of Israel. he returned from Egypt. 3 They called 38 Now, if you obey all that I command you, for him, and he came with all the follow me and do what is right in my eyes, if you keep my commandments and my assembly of Israel. statutes, as my servant David did, I will be The people of Israel went to Reho- 4 with you and establish your family for a boam with this demand, “Your father 1S 8:17 long time, as I did for David. I will entrust made our yoke heavy. So now lighten 39 Ezk Israel to you. In this way I will humble the 37:22 the heavy yoke and the hard labor family of David for a time’.” your father imposed on us and we 40 Solomon wanted to kill Jeroboam, will serve you.” 5 Rehoboam answered but Jeroboam took refuge in Egypt with Shishak king of Egypt, where he remained them, “Leave now, but come back until the death of Solomon. on the third day.” And so the people 41 9:29-31 Now the rest of the events of Solo- went their way. mon’s reign, his deeds and his wisdom, 6 King Rehoboam sought advice are written in the book of the acts of Solo- from the elderly counselors who mon. 42 Solomon reigned over all Israel in served his father Solomon while he Jerusalem for forty years. 43 Then he rested with his fathers and was buried in the city was still alive, and he asked them, of David. Rehoboam his son reigned in his “How would you advise me to answer place. this people?” 7 To this they replied, “If you attend to this people today, The political schism making yourself their servant, and 1 10 • Rehoboam went to Shechem speak to them with good words, they 12 because all Israel had gath- will serve you forever.” 8 But Reho- ered there to make him king. 2 When boam disregarded the advice of the Jeroboam, son of Nebat, heard of this old counselors and asked the opin- in Egypt, where he had fl ed from king ion of the greenhorns who had grown Solomon and where he still remained, up with him and were in his service.

• 12.1 Soon after Solomon’s death, what During the fi fteenth century the Church was the prophet Ahijah announced comes true: the like an empire with more human interests than kingdom is divided. The author singles out the humble service of God. Its leaders, often urged culpability and folly of Rehoboam. The king did by the desire to leave behind them an indestruc- not listen to the people (v. 15). Neither had Sol- tible witness to their own greatness, crushed the omon listened to them, while he lived isolated in faithful with taxes in order to fi nance the build- his splendor. ing of magnifi cent basilicas, rather than respond When the people of Israel separate, they lose to the spiritual thirst of believers. These rebelled the benefi t of the promises that God made to in the name of greater fi delity to the Gospel, David, and which he will not withdraw even and gave rise to Protestantism. from his guilty descendants. The kingdom of the However, while recognizing all that is good north (or kingdom of Israel) will be given some with the protestants and evangelists, it is clear great prophets: Elijah, Hosea. But there will be that after separation from the successors of the no stability in power, and many usurpers will apostles, they have had to face continual divi- become kings without their descendants being sions, always seeking a union they have been able to maintain their kingship. It would seem unable to fi nd. The Catholic Church has known that God treats each of them according to his many crises for which she bears full responsibil- own merits. ity, and yet it would seem that God has treated On the contrary, during this time in Judea, her according to his promises, and not according the kings—descendants of David, good and to her merits, in order to put her again on the bad—succeed each other without interruption right path. The Church must of course recog- during four centuries: their history is governed nize these aspects of her structures and present and dominated by God’s promise. The letter practice far from the spirit of the Gospel, even to the Hebrews says that the events of the Old as she knows she may count on the promise of Testament prefi gure what happens with Jesus Christ. The Church is the center, the place of and the Church (Heb 9). Here we have a picture communion, around which all must one day be of the divisions that have torn apart the unique reunited (see Ez 16:52-59; Ps 87). church of Christ. 463 1 KINGS 12 9 He asked them, “What do you say dwelt in the cities of Judah let Reho- we should answer this people who boam reign over them. tell me: ‘Lighten the yoke which your 18 Rehoboam sent Adoram, task- father imposed on us’?” 10 The green- master of the forced labor, but the Isra- horns who had grown up with him elites stoned him to death; and king answered, “Since these people said Rehoboam had to mount his chariot to you, ‘Your father made our yoke and fl ee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel has heavy, but you should now lighten it been in rebellion against the house of for us,’ tell them this: ‘My little fi nger David to the present time. 11 is thicker than my father’s loin. My 20 Once Jeroboam had returned and was father laid a heavy yoke on you, but with them at the assembly, having been I will make it heavier yet. My father called by them, they made him king of Is - chastised you with whips, but I will fi x rael. And so, with the exception of the tribe iron points to the lashes.” of Judah, no one followed the house of David. 12 On the third day, Jeroboam, to - 21 When Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, 11:1-4 gether with the people, went back to he called together all the people of Judah Rehoboam just as the king said, for he and the tribe of Benjamin, numbering a had said to them, “Come back on the hundred and eighty thousand select war- third day.” 13 Ignoring the advice given riors, to fi ght against the people of Israel in 14 a bid to restore the kingship of Rehoboam, him by the elderly counselors, the son of Solomon. 22 But the word of God was king answered the people harshly in directed to Shemaiah, the man of God, the way the greenhorns had advised 23 “Give Rehoboam, son of Solomon, king him. He said, “My father made your of Judah, and all the people of Judah and yoke heavy, but I will make it even Benjamin, and the rest of the people, this message from Yahweh: 24 ‘You shall not go 14:30 heavier. My father chastised you with up to fi ght against your kinsmen, the Isra- whips, but I will fi x iron points to the elites. Let everyone return to his home for 15 11:29 lashes.” The king did not listen to I am the author of this.’” When they heard the people. It was, indeed, Yahweh this word they went back home according to what Yahweh had ordered. who brought about this fateful event, 1-2 K 25 Jeroboam fortifi ed Shechem in the hill fulfi lling the word he had spoken to country of Ephraim and lived there. Then, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, through he set out to fortify Penuel. Ahijah the Shilonite. 16 All Israel realized that the king The religious division refused to listen to them, and they • 26 Jeroboam thought, “The king- answered the same way, “What have dom could return to the house of we to do with David? Is the son of David. 27 Should this people go up Jesse from our tribes? Let the son to offer sacrifi ces in Yahweh’s house of David deal with his own; and you, in Jerusalem, their heart would turn people of Israel, go back to your again to their master, Rehoboam king homes!” And so the Israelites left for of Judah. They would kill me and go their homes. 17 Only the Israelites who back to him.”

• 26. The twelve tribes are united by the prohibition against making a representation of same religion, but Jeroboam realizes that his the invisible God and reducing him to the level authority will be weak as long as the Israel- of an animal. ites go up to Jerusalem to offer their sacrifi ces In narrating the deeds of the kings of Isra- there. He ensures political separation through a el in the north, Scripture constantly repeats: schism, that is, a religious separation. He has a “They followed and committed the sin of Jero- calf made to represent Yahweh in spite of the boam.” Thus Scriptures emphasized the need 1 KINGS 12 464 28 And so the king sought advice and 3 And at once the man gave a sign. made two golden calves. Then he said He said, “This is the proof that Yahweh to the people, “You have been going has spoken. The altar shall be torn down up to Jerusalem long enough. Here and the ashes on it shall be scattered.” are your gods, O Israel, who brought 4 When the king heard the man of you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 He God shouting and cursing the altar put one of these in Bethel, the other of Bethel, he stretched out his hand in Dan. 30 This caused Israel to sin; from the altar and said, “Arrest him!” the people went to Bethel and Dan to 5 Immediately the hand which he worship the calves. pointed out against the man dried up 31 Jeroboam also built temples on and he could not draw it back. The al- high places, appointing priests who tar itself crumbled; and the ashes on it were not from the Levites. 32 Jero- were scattered, according to the sign boam also appointed a feast on the that had been given. 6 fi fteenth day of the eighth month in And so the king said to the man of 1S 7:5; imitation of the feast in Judah, and he God, “Entreat the favor of Yahweh your Jer 37:3 himself offered sacrifi ces on the altar. God and pray for me so that my hand This he did in Bethel; and sacrifi ced may be restored.” The man of God en- to the calves that he had made. There treated Yahweh and the king’s hand he placed priests for the high places was restored as it had been before. he had made. 33 On the fi fteenth day 7 The king then said to the man of of the eighth month, the month which God, “Come home with me and refresh he had arbitrarily chosen, he ordained yourself. I will give you a reward.” 8 But a feast for the Israelites and went up the man of God answered the king, to the altar to burn incense. “Even if you give me half your house, I will not go in with you; nor will I eat The story of Judah’s man of God or drink in this place, for this was com- • 1 A man of God came out of manded me by Yahweh. 9 He precise- 13 Judah following a command ly said to me: ‘You shall neither eat of Yahweh; and he arrived at Bethel bread nor drink water, nor return by while Jeroboam was standing by the way you came.’” 10 And the man 2 2K the altar to burn incense. The man did not return by the way he had come 23:15 shouted, cursing the altar, “O altar, to Bethel, but he went another way. altar, thus says Yahweh: ‘There shall 11 Now there was an old prophet liv- be born to the family of David a son by ing in Bethel; and his sons came to tell the name of Josiah. He shall sacrifi ce him what the man of God had done on you the priests of the high places on that day in Bethel, and everything who burn incense on you; and human he had said to the king. 12 Their father bones shall be burned on you.’” then asked them, “Which way did he

to remain united to the center which God for remaining faithful to the only church which established in Jerusalem. It is not enough to ought to be catholic, or universal. think: “We serve the same God,” “We serve in our own way.” • 13.1 Obedience is worth more than sacri- Jeroboam is the model of other rulers who, fi ce (1 S 15:22). Such was Yahweh’s word when much later, tried to establish national churches: he renounced Saul in similar circumstances. in England, at the time of the Reformation; The present text highlights various aspects of in France, after the Revolution; in China and true obedience which pleases God. The prophet socialist countries, after a communist revolu- himself should have remained fi rm, knowing tion. Many Catholics were persecuted and died that God does not change his orders. 465 1 KINGS 14 go?” and they told him which way the passed by saw the body thrown on man of God from Judah had taken. the road with the lion standing by; and 13 He then said to his sons, “Saddle they reported this in the city where the the ass for me;” and they did so. 14 He old prophet lived. took off after the man of God whom 26 When the prophet heard of this, he found sitting under an oak tree. He he said, “It is the man of God who dis- asked him, “Are you the man of God obeyed the word of Yahweh. Yahweh from Judah?” He answered, “Yes, I has delivered him to the lion which am.” 15 He then said to him, “Come has torn and slain him just as Yahweh home with me and eat something.” had told him.” 27 Then he said to his 16 But he replied, “I can’t go back with sons, “Saddle the ass for me.” 28 They you or eat and drink with you in this saddled it and he went and found the place, 17 for this was the command of body thrown on the road, with the ass Yahweh: ‘You shall neither eat bread and the lion standing beside it. 29 The nor drink water there, nor shall you lion had neither eaten the body nor return by the way you came.’” 18 But torn the ass. And so the prophet took the old prophet from Bethel said up the body of the man of God, laid to him: “I am also a prophet as you it on the ass and brought it back to are; and an angel told me on behalf the city to mourn and to bury him. of Yahweh: ‘Bring him back with you 30 He laid the body in his own grave into your house that he may eat bread and they mourned over him with the and drink water.’” 19 The old prophet lament, “Alas, my brother!” in fact, was lying. And so the man of 31 After that, the old prophet said to God went back with him and ate and his sons, “When I die, bury me in the drank in his house. grave where the man of God is buried 20 As they sat at table, the word of and lay my bones beside his bones. Yahweh came to the prophet who had 32 For everything he said at Yahweh’s 21 Gal 1:8 brought him back. And he said in command, cursing the altar in Bethel a loud voice to the man of God who and all the Sanctuaries of the high 1-2 K came from Judah, “Thus says Yahweh: places in the cities of Samaria, will be ‘You have disobeyed me and have not fulfi lled.” 33 observed the command I gave you. After this, however, Jeroboam 12:31 22 Instead, you have come back and did not abstain from doing evil. In- eaten and drunk although I told you not stead he made priests for the high to eat bread or drink water. Because places from among the people. He of this, your body shall not be laid in consecrated anyone who wanted to be the tomb of your ancestors.’” a priest for the high places. 34 And this 23 After he had eaten and drunk, became the sin of the family of Jero- the old prophet who had brought him boam for which it was to be cut off and back saddled the ass for him and the destroyed from the face of the earth. 24 20:36 prophet from Judah went away. But a lion met him on the road and killed Ahijah’s prophecy against Jeroboam him. His body was thrown on the road • 1 At that time, Abijah, son of 25 2 with the lion beside it. People who 14 Jeroboam, fell ill. So the king 1S 28:8; 1K 11:29

• 14.1 Ahijah’s words announce the fi rst and sons of the one overthrown will be killed. coup d’état in the history of Israel. There will Following this episode is the history of the two be many others and, each time, the relatives kingdoms during their fi rst fi fty years. 1 KINGS 14 466 told his wife. “Go, disguise yourself weh has spoken!’ 12 Leave now, and so that no one may recognize you as go back home! As soon as you enter Jeroboam’s wife. Go to Shiloh where the city, the child will die. 13 All Israel you will fi nd Ahijah the prophet who will mourn for him and bury him. He foretold that I would be king over this alone of Jeroboam’s line will be bur- 3 1S 9:7 people. Take with you ten loaves, a ied, for in him alone has Yahweh, the few cakes, and a jar of honey. Enter God of Israel, found something good. his house and he will tell you what 14 Yahweh himself will raise up for shall happen to the child.” himself a king of Israel; it is he who 4 Jeroboam’s wife did as she was will destroy Jeroboam’s family. told and left for Shiloh. She entered 15 Yahweh will strike Israel like a reed the house of Ahijah who was now so tossed about in the water; and root them old that he could not see. out from this good land which he gave 5 to their ancestors. He will scatter them But Yahweh had told Ahijah, “Jero- beyond the river Euphrates because they boam’s wife is coming to consult you made him angry with the sacred poles they about her sick son, and this is what set up. 16 Yahweh will scatter Israel because you must tell her. She will be com- of the sins Jeroboam has committed and ing in disguise.” 6 And so when Ahijah by which he dragged Israel into sin.” heard the sound of her footsteps, as 17 So Jeroboam’s wife went home. she entered the door, he said, “Come On her arrival at Tirzah, and as soon as in, wife of Jeroboam. Why have you she crossed the threshold of her house, disguised yourself? I have been told the child died. 18 The child was buried to give you unpleasant news. 7 Go, and all Israel mourned over him just as therefore; bring Jeroboam this mes- Yahweh had prophesied through his sage of Yahweh, the God of Israel: 8 ’I servant the prophet Ahijah. made you rise from the midst of the people and established you as the Rehoboam, king of Judah leader of Israel. I took the kingdom 19 The rest of the acts of Jeroboam, his from David’s family to give it to you. achievements in war and his reign, are recorded in the Book of Chronicles of the Yet you have not been like my ser- Kings of Israel. 20 Jeroboam reigned for vant David, who kept my commands twenty-two years. When he rested with his and followed me with his whole heart, fathers, his son Nadab succeeded him as doing only what was pleasing to me. king. 21 9 You have done worse than anyone As for Rehoboam, son of Solomon, he 12:13- was forty-one when he began to reign over 14 before you. You have made me angry Judah. He reigned for seventeen years in with your strange gods and the imag- Jerusalem, the city which Yahweh chose es you have made; and you have for- out of all the tribes of Israel to put his saken me. Name there. His mother Naamah was an 10 Ammonite. 21:21 Now, I shall bring disaster on the 22 The people of Judah did what dis- family of Jeroboam. I will cut off every pleased Yahweh and, by their sins, angered male in Jeroboam’s line, whether him even more than their ancestors had 23 slave or freeman in Israel, and I will done. They also built for themselves Jer 2:20 wipe out the descendants of Jeroboam high places, pillars and sacred poles on every high hill and under every green tree. just as they wipe out the dung till all is 24 11 They even had male cult prostitutes in 16:4 gone. He who dies in the city will be their land. Judah followed all the abomina- devoured by dogs; he who dies in the ble practices of the nations whom Yahweh fi eld, by the birds of the sky. So Yah- had driven out before the Israelites. 467 1 KINGS 15

25 12:2, In the fi fth year of the reign of king Re - removed all the idols his ancestors had 9-11 13 hoboam, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked made. He also deposed his grandmother 15:16- 26 18 10:16 Jerusalem and looted everything, includ- Maacah as queen mother, for having made ing the treasures of Yahweh’s house and an abominable image for Asherah. Asa of the royal palace. As he had taken the destroyed Asherah’s image and burned it 14 golden shields made under Solomon, at the brook Kidron; he did not, however, 2K 23:4 27 Rehoboam replaced them with brazen close down the high places. Nevertheless, shields and entrusted them to the offi cers Asa remained faithful to Yahweh for the of the guard who watched at the door of rest of his life. 15 He brought into Yahweh’s the king’s palace. 28 Every time the king house both the votive gifts of his father and went into Yahweh’s house, the guards took his own: silver, gold and vessels. 16 them out and then brought them back to Asa and Baasha, king of Israel, were 16:1-6 the guardroom. at war during their reigns. 17 Baasha, king of 29 The rest of the events of Rehoboam’s Israel, attacked Judah and fortifi ed Ramah reign, including his deeds, are all written in to cut off all communication with Asa, king the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of of Judah. 18 Asa, in the meantime, col- Judah. 30 There was incessant war between lecting all the silver and gold remaining 31 12:16 Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Then Reho- in the treasuries of the temple of Yahweh boam rested with his fathers and was bur- and the royal palace, entrusted them to ied with his ancestors in the city of David. his servants whom he sent to Ben-hadad, His mother Naamah was an Ammonite. son of Tabrimmon, son of Hezion, king of His son Abijam succeeded him as king. Syria who reigned in Damascus. 19 He sent Abijam, king of Judah him this message, “Let us together make 1 a treaty just as my father and your’s did. I 13:1-2 In the eighteenth year of the reign am sending you silver and gold; so please 15 of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, Abijam 2 break your treaty with Baasha, king of Israel became king of Judah and reigned for that he may withdraw from my territory.” three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s 20 name was Maacah, daughter of Abisha- Ben-hadad acceded to king Asa’s request and sent his offi cers to harass the lom. 3 He imitated all the sins his father had committed before him and, unlike his cities of Israel, capturing Ijon, Dan, Abel- beth-maacah, all the land of Chinneroth ancestor David, was not wholly faithful to 21 4 and the region of Naphtali. On hearing 2K 8:19 Yahweh, his God. Yet Yahweh had prom- ised David that he would keep his lamp this, Baasha stopped the fortifi cation of Ramah and moved to Tirzah, where he 1-2 K burning in Jerusalem. He would raise his 22 descendants after him and establish Jeru- lived. Then king Asa issued an order to all of Judah, excluding no one, to take salem. 5 This was because David had pleased Yahweh and did not disobey any away the stones and timber which Baasha of his commands as long as he lived, ex - had been using to fortify Ramah. With 6–7 these materials, king Asa built Geba of 13:2 cept in the case of Uriah the Hittite. The 23 Benjamin and Mizpah. The rest of Asa’s 16:11- rest of the events of Abijam’s reign and 14 everything he did are written in the Book reign, his bravery, his deeds and the cities of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. which he built are written in the Book of There was war between Abijam and Jero- the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. In his 8 old age, Asa suffered from a foot disease. 13:23 boam. When Abijam rested with his 24 fathers, he was buried in the city of David, Asa then rested with his fathers and was and his son Asa reigned in his place. buried in the city of David his ancestor. His son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place. Asa, king of Judah Nadab and Baasha, kings of Israel 9 In the twentieth year of the reign of Je- roboam, king of Israel, Asa, king of Judah, 25 Nadab, son of Jeroboam, began to began to reign and 10 was king for forty-one reign over Israel in the second year of the years, ruling in Jerusalem. His grandmoth- reign of Asa, king of Judah. 26 He reigned er was Maacah, daughter of Abishalom. over Israel for two years, doing what dis- 11 14:1-3 Asa did what was right before Yahweh, pleased Yahweh and dragging Israel into 12 Dt 23:18 just as his ancestor David had done. He sin as his father had done. rid the land of male cult prostitutes and 27 Baasha, son of Ahijah of the family of 1 KINGS 15 468 Issachar, plotted against him and struck king for two years. 9 But his servant Zimri, him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines commander of half his chariots, plotted when Nadab and the Israelites were laying against him. While Elah was getting him- siege to this city. 28 Baasha killed Nadab in self drunk in the house of Arza, governor of the third year of the reign of Asa, king of Tirzah, 10 Zimri came in, struck him down Judah and reigned in his place. 29 As soon and killed him. This happened in the twen- as he was king, he killed off the entire fam- ty-seventh year of the reign of Asa, king of ily of Jeroboam, leaving him no one alive, Judah. Then Zimri reigned in his place. but wiping them out according to the word 11 As soon as Zimri began to reign, he which Yahweh had spoken through his had the entire family of Baasha killed, servant Ahijah, the Shilonite. 30 This hap- leaving him not a single male relative or 12 pened because of Jeroboam, who aroused friend. Zimri wiped out the entire house of 14:10 the anger of Yahweh, the God of Israel, by Baasha according to Yahweh’s pronounce- sinning and dragging Israel into sin. ment against him as spoken by Jehu, the 31 The rest of the events of Nadab’s prophet. 13 And this happened be cause of reign and his achievements are written in the sins which Baasha and his son had the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of committed, dragging Israel into sin and Israel. 32 Asa and Baasha were at war dur- making Yahweh angry with their idols. ing their reigns. 14 Now the rest of the events of Elah’s reign 33 In the third year of the reign of Asa king and all his deeds are written in the Book of of Judah, Baasha, son of Ahijah, began the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. to reign over all Israel at Tirzah where he 34 14:9 reigned for twenty-four years. He did Omri, king of Israel what displeased Yahweh and sinned just 15 It happened in the twenty-seventh as Jeroboam, who dragged Israel into sin, year of the reign of Asa, king of Judah, had done. that Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. 16 For the army was besieging Gibbethon of 1 Yahweh spoke to Jehu, son of Ha - the Philistines when Zimri plotted against 16 nani, to condemn Baasha. He said, Elah, and, on hearing that he had killed 2 “I have raised you from the dust to make the king, they proclaimed Omri, com- you rule over my people Israel, but you mander of the army, king of Israel. 17 Omri have made me angry by going the way of went up with the Israelites from Gibbethon Jeroboam and dragging my people Israel and attacked Tirzah. 18 When Zimri saw into sin. 3 I will therefore sweep away Baa- that the city was to be captured, he went sha and his family and deal with them as I into the citadel of the royal palace. He set did with Jeroboam, son of Nebat. 4 Dogs the royal palace on fi re, and he died. 19 He will devour those of Baasha’s line who die died thus because of the sins he had com- in the City, the birds of the air will feed on mitted, doing what displeased Yahweh those who die in the country.” and going the way of Jeroboam by drag- 5 The rest of the events of Baasha’s reign, ging Israel into sin. 20 The rest of the acts of his deeds and achievements are written in Zimri and his plot are written in the Book the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. of Israel. 6 Baasha rested with his fathers 21 The Israelites were then divided. Half and was buried at Tirzah, while Elah his of them followed Tibni, son of Ginath to son reigned in his place. 7 Yahweh indeed make him king; half followed Omri. 22 Those spoke through the prophet Jehu, son of who followed Omri overcame those who Hanani, to condemn Baasha and his fami- followed Tibni, son of Ginath. And so, ly, not only for doing what displeased Yah- Tibni died and Omri became king. 23 In the weh, making him angry as Jeroboam had thirty-fi rst year of the reign of Asa, king of done, but also because he murdered the Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel. He family of Jeroboam. reigned for twelve years, six years of which he reigned in Tirzah. 24 Then he bought the Elah, king of Israel hill of Samaria from Shemer for two tal- 8 In the twenty-sixth year of the reign of ents of silver. He built a city on the hill and Asa, king of Judah, Elah, son of Baasha, called it Samaria, after Shemer, the owner began to reign over Israel in Tirzah and was of the hill. 469 1 KINGS 17 25 Omri did what displeased Yahweh, to make an Asherah. So Ahab did even more than all those who preceded 26 everything that could make Yahweh 14:9; him. He went the way of Jeroboam, son of 15:34 Nebat, and dragged Israel into sin, thereby angry, even more than any of the provoking the anger of Yahweh, the God kings of Israel who ruled before him. 34 of Israel, by their idols. 27 The rest of the During his reign, Hiel of Bethel Jos 6:26 acts of Omri and his bravery are written in rebuilt Jericho. On laying its founda- the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of tion he sacrifi ced Abiram, his fi rst- Israel. 28 Then Omri rested with his fathers born. And when he set up the gates and was buried in Samaria while Ahab, his son, reigned in his place. of the city, he sacrifi ced his young- est son, Segub, in accordance with Ahab, king of Israel the word of Yahweh spoken through • 29 Ahab, son of Omri became king Joshua, son of Nun. in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Asa, king of Judah, and he reigned The prophet Elijah 1 over Israel in Samaria for twenty- • Now Elijah, the prophet from Jas 5:17; two years. 30 Ahab, son of Omri did 17 Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, Rev 11:6 what displeased Yahweh, even more “As Yahweh, the God of Israel whom I than all those who preceded him. serve lives, neither dew shall drop nor 31 Apparently the example and the rain fall except at my command.” sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat were 2 Then the word of Yahweh came not enough for him. He even married to Elijah, 3 “Leave this place and go Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of eastward. Hide yourself by the brook the Sidonians. So he served Baal and Cherith, east of the Jordan. 4 You shall worshiped him. 32 He set up an altar drink from the brook and, for your for Baal in the temple of Baal which food, I have commanded the ravens he built in Samaria 33 and proceeded to feed you there.” 5 So Elijah obeyed

• 16.29 Ahab, son of Omri did what dis- The Baals were gods, masters of life, sex, rain pleased Yahweh, even more than all those and the seasons (see Introduction to Judges). who preceded him (v. 30). Starting with this Believing that these gods had control over fecun- 1-2 K text and in the following six chapters, the story dity, people made vows to them about meeting enlarges on the rule of Ahab in Israel. For this prostitutes consecrated to them. Because of this was the time when Israel’s faith was saved by the word prostitution in Scripture refers both to the greatest of the prophets, Elijah, and his suc- licentiousness and to abandoning Yahweh by cessor, Elisha. prostituting oneself to other gods. Not every- He even married Jezebel, daughter of Eth- thing was bad in this very permissive religion: baal, king of the Sidonians (v. 31). The Tyrians it did not err in celebrating life. Nevertheless, it and Sidonians were an ancient and prosperous kept the people at the level of their instincts. people living in the northern ports of Palestine; Jezebel uses her power to bring about a they were also called Phoenicians. Their king, bloody persecution. First to be assassinated are Hiram, had been David’s ally but, from their cit- Yahweh’s prophets. These are the fellow proph- ies, pagan infl uences reached Israel. The reign ets whom we presented in 1 Samuel 19:18 and of Ahab brought to Israel years of prosperity 2 Kings 2:15. They are opposed by rival com- and military glory but the crisis of faith reached munities of the prophets of Baal. its highest point as well. Hiel sacrifi ced his youngest son, Segub (v. By his victories, David had integrated numer- 34). With the infl uence of pagan cults, the prac- ous Canaanite groups into his kingdom. They tice of sacrifi cing children increased. held onto their pagan practices which contami- nated Israel’s faith. Fervor visibly diminished. • 17.1 Now Elijah appears; his name will When the culture of the Tyrians, who were of remain the greatest among the prophets. At the same religion as the Canaanites, strongly Jesus’ transfi guration, Elijah will be beside him entered, it suddenly became clear that this reli- (Mk 9:2). gion had supplanted the people’s faith in Yah- Elijah’s name is symbolic, meaning: Yahweh weh: the Israelites allowed themselves to be is my God. He is from Tishbe, a town beyond the dragged to the table of Baal and Asheroth. Jordan. This poor and remote region, protected 1 KINGS 17 470 the word of Yahweh and went to live something for myself and my son to by the brook Cherith, east of the Jor- eat—and die.” 6 13 16:8; dan. There the ravens brought him Elijah then said to her, “Do not be 16:12 bread in the morning and meat in afraid. Go, and do as you have said. the evening; and he drank from the But fi rst make me a little cake of it brook. and bring it to me. Then make some for yourself and your son. 14 For this is The widow of Zarephath the word of Yahweh, the God of Israel, • 7 After a while, the brook dried up ‘The jar of meal shall not be emptied because no rain had fallen in the land. nor shall the jug of oil fail, until the 8 9 2K 4:1-7; Then Yahweh spoke to Elijah, “Go day when Yahweh sends rain to the Lk 4: 25-26 to Zarephath of the Sidonites and stay earth.” there. I have given word to a widow 15 So she went and did as Elijah there, to give you food.” 10 So Elijah told her; and she had food for herself, went to Zarephath. On reaching the Elijah and her son from that day on. gate of the town, he saw a widow 16 The jar of fl our was not emptied nor gathering sticks. He called to her and did the jug of oil fail, in accordance said, “Bring me a little water in a ves- with what Yahweh had said through sel that I may drink.” Elijah. 11 As she was going to bring it, he The widow’s son raised to life called after her and said, “Bring me 2K 4: 12 17 18-37; also a piece of bread.” But she • After this, the son of this house- Lk 7: 11-17; answered, “As Yahweh your God wife became ill. And such was his ill- 8:55 lives, I have no bread left, but only a ness that he stopped breathing. 18 She handful of fl our in a jar and a little oil then said to Elijah, “What did you in a jug. I am just now gathering some do, O man of God? Have you come sticks so that I may go in and prepare to uncover past sins and cause my

from new infl uences, had remained faithful to • 7. Go to Zarephath (v. 9). The drought its faith. harms everybody, including Elijah who had Facing apostasy, i.e., the infi delity of all the asked God for this sign. But for the believer, people, Elijah stands alone. He feels himself the very plague is an opportunity to experience responsible for God’s cause, and acts without that the heavenly Father does not abandon the waiting for others to begin. believer. Neither dew shall drop nor rain fall (v. 1). I have given word to a widow there to give Elijah, the man of faith, knows that his words you food. The prophet will receive his food, and come from God and will be true. With regard to he will also get comfort from God through dis- this, see James 5:17 where Elijah is presented covering this believing woman. the poor widow as a model of faith. has something to give the great prophet, and There will be neither dew nor rain: Drought this is a grace for both of them. is a natural event, of course. God, however, Bring me a little water (v. 10) is a fi rst step. without directly intervening at every moment, Bring me also a piece of bread (v.11). Elijah arranges events. The faith of the believer is a tests her faith: “First you shall make me a lit- force, like the physical laws of the universe, and tle bread,” and the widow gives him this. This when we ask of God the impossible, confi dent widow is similar to the one whom Jesus praises that he himself wants to give it, he is not without in Mark 12:41. the means to make this happen. The jar of meal shall not be emptied (v. 14). The people consider the Baals as gods of rain God rewards this kind of faith which goes to the and nature. The drought that comes will show extent of risking everything one possesses. them that Yahweh, God of Hosts, is also God of creation. • 17. This is the fi rst resurrection we encoun- Elijah begins his mission as a prophet by ter in the Scriptures. attacking the greatest disorder: failing to place God usually directs the world and his church God above all. through the natural process of things, by the 471 1 KINGS 18 son’s death?” 19 He answered, “Give bread and water.) 5 Then Ahab told Oba- me your son.” diah, “Let’s go and check all the water springs and the valleys through the land, Taking him from her lap, he carried looking for grass so that the horses and him to the upper room where he was mules may be kept alive and not perish.” staying and laid him on his own bed. 6 So Ahab and Obadiah divided the land 20 Then he called on Yahweh, “O Yah- between them and each of them went his own way. weh, my God, will you affl ict even the 7 widow with whom I am residing, by let- As Obadiah was going his way, Elijah 21 met him. Recognizing Elijah, Obadiah fell ting her son die?” Then he stretched on his face and said, “Is that you, my mas- himself on the child three times and ter Elijah?” 8 He answered him, “It is I. Go called on Yahweh, “O Yahweh, my tell your master that I am here.” 9 But Oba- God, let this child’s breath re turn to diah replied, “What evil have I done that him.” 22 Yahweh listened to the plead- you expose me to Ahab’s anger? Surely you want me to die. 10 By Yahweh, your ing of Elijah; and the child’s breath God, there is no people or nation where returned to him, and he lived. 23 Elijah my master has not searched for you; and then took the child and brought him if they said, ‘Elijah is not here,’ he would down from the upper room. He gave make them take an oath that they had not found you. 11 Yet now as soon as I leave to him to his mother and said, “See, your 12 inform Ahab of your presence, the spirit 2K 2:16 son is alive.” of Yahweh will transport your goodness 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, elsewhere; and when Ahab fails to fi nd you, “Now I am certain that you are a man he will kill me. But I have served Yahweh of God, and that your words really from my youth. 13 Do you not know that came from Yahweh.” when Jezebel had the prophets of Yahweh killed, I hid a hundred of them in two caves 14 1 and fed them with bread and water? Now 17:1 18 After several days (in the third if I notify Ahab of your presence, as you year) Yahweh spoke to Elijah and want me to do, he will surely kill me!” said, “Go, show yourself to Ahab that I 15 2 But Elijah said to him, “By Yahweh may let it rain on the earth.” So Elijah of Hosts whom I serve, I will show myself went to show himself to Ahab. 16 3 to him today.” So Obadiah went to give Now the famine in Samaria was se - Ahab this message and Ahab came to 1-2 K vere. Ahab therefore called Obadiah, who meet Elijah. was in charge of the household. 4 (Obadiah was a faithful servant of Yahweh. When The sacrifi ce at Carmel Jezebel slew the prophets of Yahweh he himself took a hundred prophets and hid • 17 On seeing Elijah, Ahab said to them by fi fties in caves, feeding them with him, “Is it you, the plague of Israel?”

effect of the laws of nature which he himself who would fail to recognize Christ who comes established. He also reserves to himself the right to unite himself closely with humanity to com- to make exceptions to these laws sometimes: municate to it the power of resurrection? the water changes into wine, the bread is mul- Yahweh listened to the pleading of Elijah tiplied. (v. 22). Elijah is the man chosen to reverse a Have you come to uncover past sins and desperate situation and to upset all human fore- cause my son’s death? (v. 18). The death of her sight. Yahweh allows him to resuscitate the wid- only son is enough to arouse in the poor woman ow’s son and, a little later on Mount Carmel, he the unfounded fears of those who see God as an will let him resuscitate the faith of his people. accuser who spies on people to punish them. She thinks that the prophet’s presence has • 18.17 The sacrifi ce on Mount Carmel is attracted Yahweh’s attention to her house and one of God’s great manifestations in the Old that he is punishing her with this grief. Testament. Yahweh takes the initiative to stir up He stretched himself on the child three an indifferent people. times (v. 21). In this gesture of the prophet, Baal or Yahweh? The people do not see clear- who communicates life with his own breath, ly the difference between the two. They consider 1 KINGS 18 472 18 Elijah replied, “Who is troubling Is - fi re is the true one.” Then the people rael? Isn’t it you and your family answered, “That is right.” who have disobeyed the commands 25 Then Elijah told the prophets of of Yahweh and followed instead the Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull Baals? 19 Now, therefore, give an order and prepare it fi rst, for you are many. for the Israelites to gather before me Then call on the name of your god at Mount Carmel, together with the lest you are left without fi re!” 26 So four hundred and fi fty prophets of they took the bull and prepared it, Baal who are sustained by Jezebel.” and they called on the name of Baal, 20 So Ahab sent for all the people “Baal, answer us!” But there was no of Israel and gathered the prophets voice; and no one answered them at Mount Carmel. 21 Then Elijah ad - while they went on, dancing on one dressed the people and asked, “How foot around the altar they had built. long will you follow two ways at the 27 By noontime, Elijah began to same time? If Yahweh is God, follow mock them, “Shout out louder. Baal is him; but if Baal is God then follow a busy god; or he may have gone out, him.” The people remained silent. or perhaps he has gone on a trip, or 22 So Elijah continued, “I am the he is sleeping and must be wakened.” only prophet of Yahweh left here to 28 So they shouted louder gashing their face Baal’s four hundred and fi fty skin with knives, as they are used to 23 29 prophets. Get us two bulls. Let them doing, until they bled. It was already 2K 3:20; choose one bull for themselves, cut it past noon and they were still raving Dn 9:21 into pieces and lay it on the wood; and on, until the time of the evening offer- I will do the same with the other bull. ing. But still there was no voice. No But we will not set it on fi re. 24 Then one answered or gave a sign of life. you shall call on the name of your 30 Then Elijah said to the people, gods while I shall call on the name of “Draw closer to me,” and the people Yahweh. The God who answers with drew closer to him. He then repaired them as two powers or persons endowed with God answers and hears our prayer? God is not different capabilities but equally useful. Yahweh obliged to satisfy all our desires, but we have the is God of the race, a sure help in combat. While obligation to ask him in such a way and with Baal is at the service of the peasant: through such perseverance that he will manifest proofs offerings and feasts, they ask him for rain. of his presence among us. How long will you follow two ways at the You are turning back their hearts to you same time? (v. 21). Elijah obliges the Israelites (v. 37). The fi re, the miracle, the rain have no to make a decision. The believer should not other purpose: Yahweh loves Israel and wants have two masters: to awaken their love once more. He does not – God or money (Mt 6:24); want to frighten them or make them marvel, – for Christ or against him (Mt 12:30); but rather to make this people discover that – cooperating member of the church or part God lives and is concerned about searching of a lukewarm audience whom God will one day them out. vomit out of his mouth (Rev 3:6). The victory at Carmel is Yahweh’s victory. The God who answers with fi re is the true It is also Elijah’s victory. God needs prophets one (v. 24). This will be the sign: the fi re that and saves through them. We are shocked at the destroys, purifi es, transforms; the fi re that ef- massacre that follows; but Elijah lived in a vio- fects the consecration of the sacrifi cial victims lent world where death was the normal lot of to God. Israel also needs to be transformed “by those conquered, and his thinking was in accor- fi re,” and later with Jesus, we shall be baptized, dance with those times. or rather purifi ed and renewed “through fi re and Besides, this brutal punishment teaches us the Holy Spirit” (see Lk 3:16). that to lose one’s life is not as serious as to lose They called on the name of Baal… and no oneself serving false values, deceiving oneself one answered them (v. 26). We who read about and deceiving everyone. Elijah’s mockery of Baal, are we convinced that 473 1 KINGS 19 the altar of Yahweh which had been weh is God! Yahweh is God!” 40 Then 31 24:4; thrown down. He took twelve stones Elijah commanded them, “Seize the Jos 4:3; Gen corresponding to the number of tribes prophets of Baal and let none of them 32:29 of the sons of Jacob whom Yahweh escape.” And so they seized them. had addressed saying, “Israel shall be Then Elijah brought them down to the your name.” 32 With these stones, he brook Kidron and had them slaugh- built an altar to the Name of Yahweh; tered there. and dug a trench around it that would 41 Elijah then said to Ahab, “Go up, contain about thirty liters. 33 He then eat and drink, for the sound of rain is 42 arranged the fi rewood, cut the bull in rushing in.” So Ahab went up to eat Jas 5:16 pieces and laid them on the wood. and drink. Elijah, in the meantime, Then, he said, “Fill four jars with went to the top of Carmel, bowed to water and pour it on the burnt offering the ground and put his face between and on the fi rewood.” 34 He said, “Do his knees. 43 Then he said to his ser- it again;” and they did it again; “one vant, “Go up and look in the direction more time,” and they did it a third of the sea.” The man went up, looked, time. 35 The water ran around the altar and said, “There is nothing.” Then and fi lled the trench. Elijah said, “Go again;” and seven 36 44 3:6; When the time of the evening times he went. At the seventh time, Mt 22:32; offering came, Elijah the prophet came he perceived a little cloud, the size of Num 16:28; near and said, “O Yahweh, God of Abra- a man’s hand, rising out of the sea. Jn 12:28 ham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known Elijah told him, “Go, tell Ahab: Pre- today that you are God in Israel; and pare your chariot and go down before that I am your servant, doing all these the rain stops you.” 45 A little later the things at your command. 37 Answer sky grew dark with clouds and wind, me, O Yahweh, answer me so that this and a strong rain fell. Ahab was riding 46 people may know that you, O Yahweh, on his way to Jezreel. As for Elijah, 2K 3:15 are God; and that you are turning back the hand of Yahweh was on him, and their hearts to you.” 38 Then the fi re of tucking his cloak in his belt, he ran 1-2 K Yahweh fell and consumed the burnt before Ahab to the entrance of Jez- offering, together with the wood, the reel. stones also, and the dust; the water also dried up in the trench. Elijah fl ees to Horeb 39 1 All the people witnessed this. Then • Ahab told Jezebel every- 18:40 they fell on their faces and said, “Yah- 19 thing Elijah had done and how

• 19.1 Elijah was scared and fl ed for his tells the eucharistic bread which Jesus will give life (v. 3). Thus, the miracle does not miracu- for our spiritual journey (Jn 6:8). lously solve the problems of faith. The conver- He traveled for forty days and forty nights sion of the people will be a long and painful (v. 8; see Ex 24:18). Elijah goes to encounter work. Yahweh. Jesus himself will go to the desert We can see on the map how Elijah crossed as a necessary proof and we, too, at certain the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah from moments need “to go to the desert” (sometimes north to south. Carmel is 250 kilometers from God himself puts us in the desert: Hos 2:16). Beersheba, the last town before the desert south Elijah’s solitary journey shows the itinerary of Judah. which those who seek God have to undertake. The journey is too long for you (v. 7). Eli- However, much as we need the support of our jah only looks for the entrance to the desert to spouse, of our companions, of the Church, save himself, but God brings him much farther. each one makes his or her own journey, and He is given a mysterious bread which recalls the God calls people personally to seek this encoun- manna of the Hebrews in the desert and fore- ter with him. 1 KINGS 19 474 he had slain all the prophets with the word of Yahweh came to him, “What sword. 2 Jezebel then sent word to Eli- are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He jah, “May I be cursed if by this time answered, “I am burning with jealous tomorrow I have not dealt with you as love for Yahweh, the God of Hosts, you dealt with them.” because the Israelites have forsaken 3 Elijah was scared and fl ed for his your Covenant, thrown down your life. He reached Beer-sheba of Judah altars, and slain your prophets with and left his servant there. 4 He himself the sword. No one is left but myself disappeared into the desert going on and they are still trying to kill me as a day’s journey. Then he sat down well.” 11 Then Yahweh said, “Go up under a broom tree and prayed to die, and stand on the mount, waiting for “That is enough, Yahweh, take away Yahweh.” And Yahweh passed by. my life for I am dying.” There was fi rst a windstorm, wild 5 He lay down and went to sleep wind which rent the mountains and under the broom tree. Then an angel broke the rocks into pieces before touched him and said, “Get up and Yahweh, but Yahweh was not in the eat.” 6 Elijah looked and saw, at his wind. After the storm, an earth- head, a cake baked on hot stones and quake, but Yahweh was not in the 12 a jar of water. He ate and drank, and earthquake; after the earthquake, a Gen 3:8 went back to sleep. 7 The angel of Yah- fi re, but Yahweh was not in the fi re; weh came a second time to him, say- after the fi re, the murmur of a gentle 13 ing, “Get up and eat, for the journey is breeze. When Elijah perceived it, he 33:20; 8 Is 6:5 24:18; too long for you.” He got up, ate and covered his face with his cloak, went Num 14:33 drank, and on the strength of that food, out and stood at the entrance of the he traveled for forty days and forty cave. nights to Horeb, the mount of God. Then he heard a voice addressing him again, “What are you doing here, The encounter with God 14 Elijah?” He answered, “I am burn- Rom 9 11:3 34:1; • On reaching the place, he came ing with jealous love for Yahweh, the 39:18 to the cave and stayed in it. Then the God of Hosts, because the Israelites

• 9. Thus Elijah arrives at Horeb: it is the – Jehu will destroy Ahab’s family and annihi- other name of Sinai, where Yahweh had re- late the worshipers of Baal. vealed himself to Moses four centuries earlier. – Elisha will transmit the menacing words of Go up and stand on the mount, waiting for Yahweh. Yahweh (v. 11). To him who is afi re with a jeal- Nevertheless, Israel will not totally disappear, ous love for God, God manifests his tenderness for God reserves a Remnant, expressed in sym- beyond all that we can imagine. Thus, Yahweh bolic form by 7,000 Israelites who have not reveals himself in the gentle breeze more than knelt before Baal. in the hurricane or in the earthquake. This revelation clarifi es the mission of the What are you doing here, Elijah? (v. 9). First, prophets of the Scriptures. The majority of God asks a question and obliges the prophet to them, and the greatest among them, lived dur- discover the depth of his heart. There is nothing ing the three centuries in which Israel passed in Elijah but his jealous love for Yahweh. Yah- from the glory of Solomon to the Exile. So the weh, in turn, reveals his infallible plans. prophets: Hazael, Jehu, Elisha (vv. 15-16). Yahweh – tried to hold back the infi delity of the cho- tells Elijah about the future of Israel with all sen people who were heading to their ruin; its tragic truth: the kingdom, gloriously begun – called for inner conversion, that of the with David and Solomon, is destined to disap- heart; pear. This will be the result of the people’s dis- – taught the marvelous future which God had obedience. reserved for the “remnant” of Israel, after the – Hazael, king of Syria, is the enemy king destruction of their material kingdom in the land who will conquer and humiliate Israel. of Palestine. 475 1 KINGS 20 have forsaken your Covenant, thrown to Ahab, king of Israel, and said to him, down your altars and slain your proph- “Thus says Ben-hadad: 3 Your silver and gold are mine and so are your fairest wives ets with the sword. No one is left but and children.” 4 The king of Israel answered, myself, yet they still seek my life to “As you say, my master, O king, I am take it away.” yours with all that I possess.” 5 Again Ben- 15 2K 8:7 Yahweh said to him, “Take the hadad sent messengers to say, “I sent this road back through the desert and go message to you: ‘Hand over to me your silver and gold, along with your wives and to Damascus, for you must anoint 6 16 children,’ but now I will send my servants 2K 9 Hazael as king of Syria. You shall to you tomorrow about this time. They also anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as shall search your house and those of your king over Israel. And Elisha, son of offi cials and take with them whatever they Shaphat, from Abel Meholah, you want to take.” shall anoint as prophet in your place. 7 Then the king of Israel summoned all 17 the elders of the land and said, “Look now Whoever escapes from the sword of and see how this man acts with evil inten- Hazael will be slain by Jehu and who- tions. He will send his offi cers to take my ever escapes from the sword of Jehu, wives and children, and my silver and gold, 18 Rom Elisha will execute. Yet I will spare although I agreed to deliver all to him.” 11:4-5 seven thousand in Israel who have not 8 The elders and the people said to him, knelt before Baal and whose lips have “Pay no attention to him and do not agree to what he asks.” 9 So the king of Israel told not kissed him.” Ben-hadad’s messengers, “Tell my mas- 19 2K 2:13; • Elijah left. He found Elisha, son ter, the king, I will do everything you fi rst Lk 9:62 of Shaphat, who was plowing with demanded of me, but now it is too much.” The messengers left and reported this to twelve yoke of oxen; he was follow- 10 Ben-hadad who then answered, “May I be ing the twelfth. Elijah passed by him cursed if enough dust remains of Samaria and cast his cloak over him. 20 Elisha to give a handful to all the people who fol- left the oxen, ran after Elijah and said, low me.” 11 But the king of Israel answered, “Let me say goodbye to my father and “Let not he who puts on his armor boast like one who takes it off.” 12 Ben-hadad was mother; then I will follow you.” Elijah drinking with the kings in the booths when said to him, “Return if you want, don’t he heard this message. So he said to his 1-2 K worry about what I did.” 21 However, offi cers, “Take your positions.” And they Elisha turned back, took the yoke took their positions against the city. of oxen and slew them. He roasted 13 Then a prophet approached Ahab their meat on the pieces of the yoke king of Israel and said, “Have you seen this immense crowd? This is the word of Yah- and gave it to his people who ate of weh: ‘I will deliver it into your hands today it. After this, he followed Elijah and and you shall know that I am Yahweh.’” began ministering to him. 14 Ahab asked, “Who is to win over him?” The prophet replied, “The guards of the The siege of Samaria governors of the districts, for this is Yah- 1 Ben-hadad, king of Aram, gath- weh’s order.” Again the king asked, “Who 20 ered together his entire army. With shall begin the battle?” He replied, “You!” him were thirty-two kings. With horses and 15 And so the king of Israel mustered the chariots, he went to Samaria and besieged guards of the governors of the districts, it. 2 He then sent messengers into the city numbering two hundred and thirty-two.

• 19. Elijah passed by Elisha and cast his answers him: “Go back if you want, it was noth- cloak over him. He calls him in the same way ing of importance.” But Elisha merely wanted to as Jesus will call his apostles: “Follow me.” say goodbye to his relatives in a decent manner Perhaps Elijah interprets the answer, “Let me (see Lk 9:61). From now on, Elisha will be Eli- embrace my parents,” as a hesitation on Elisha’s jah’s disciple and his successor in Israel. part to leave everything and, for this reason, he 1 KINGS 20 476 After that, he mustered all the Israelites, hundred thousand Aramean foot soldiers. numbering seven thousand. 30 As the rest fl ed into the city of Aphek, 16 They set out at noon while Ben-hadad the wall fell on the twenty-seven thousand was drinking himself drunk in the booths, men that were left. Ben-hadad himself fl ed together with the thirty-two kings who and entered an inner room in the city. 31 His helped him. 17 The guards of the governors offi cers said to him, “People say that the of the districts went out fi rst. Someone kings of Israel are merciful kings. Let us reported to Ben-hadad, “People are com- put sackcloth around our waists; perhaps ing out from Samaria.” 18 He said, “If they he will spare your life.” have come out for peace, take them alive; 32 So, putting sackcloth around their if for war, take them alive as well.” waists and ropes around their necks, they 19 So the guards of the governors of the went to the king of Israel and said, “Your city went out, and the army followed them, servant, Ben-hadad, pleads, ‘Please, let 20 and each one began to kill his man. The me live.’” He then asked, “Is he still alive? Arameans fl ed, with the Israelites pursuing He is my brother.” 33 They quickly took up them. Ben-hadad, king of Aram was able his word and said, “Yes, Ben-hadad is your to escape on a horse with horsemen, 21 but brother.” The king of Israel then said, “Go, the king of Israel captured horses and char- bring him here.” iots and utterly defeated the Arameans. Ben-hadad came to him and he let Ben- 22 Then the prophet came again to the hadad get into his chariot. 34 Ben-hadad king of Israel and said to him, “Courage, then said to him, “I will give back the cities be on your guard and ponder well your which my father took from your father; and next action, for next year the king of Aram you may put up business establishments will come up against you.” for yourself in Damascus, just as my father 23 The offi cers of the king of Aram said did in Samaria.” He then made an agree- to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. ment with Ben-hadad and let him go. That is why they were stronger than us. 35 Now the word of Yahweh was directed 24 Let us fi ght against them on the plain to one of the fellow prophets, so he said and we shall overcome them. But you to his companion, “Strike me, please.” But must also replace the princes with offi cers his companion refused to strike him. 36 So appointed by you. 25 When you have gath- he said to him, “Since you have not obeyed ered an army like the one you have lost, the voice of Yahweh, once you leave me, with the same amount of horses and chari- a lion shall kill you.” And, indeed, as soon ots, we will fi ght on the plain, then we shall as he had left, a lion found him and killed see who is stronger.” Ben-hadad listened him. to their advice and did just that. 37 Then the fellow prophet found anoth- er man to whom he said, “Please, strike Victory over the Arameans me.” This man struck him, wounding him. 26 In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered 38 Then this prophet left, disguising himself the Arameans and set out for Aphek to with a bandage over his eyes, and waited fi ght against Israel. 27 The Israelites were for the king along the road. 39 When the also mustered; and they set out against the king passed, he called to him and said, “O Arameans. As they encamped, the Israel- king! I, your servant, went into the thick ites looked like two little herds of goats, of the battle, when a soldier left the line whereas the Arameans fi lled the coun- and brought me a man, saying: ‘Guard this tryside. 28 A man of God approached the man. Should he escape, your life shall be king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says in exchange for his, or else you shall pay a Yahweh: ‘Because the Arameans have talent of silver.’ 40 While I was busy running said: “Yahweh is a god of the hills but not around, my prisoner disappeared.” The of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver this king of Israel said to him, “You yourself immense crowd into your hands and you have said what your sentence shall be.” 29 41 shall know that I am Yahweh.’” And they At once the man removed the bandage Dt 7:2 encamped, facing each other for seven from his eyes and the king of Israel recog- days. nized him as one of the prophets. 42 Then On the seventh day, the battle was en- the prophet told him, “Because you have gaged; and that day the Israelites killed a released the man whom I have decreed to 477 1 KINGS 21 die, your life shall be in exchange for his near Naboth. 9 This is what she wrote and your people for his people.” 43 And the in the letters: “Declare a fast and put king of Israel went back home to Samaria, 10 resentful and sad. Naboth on trial. Get two scoundrels Dt 17:6 to accuse him in this way: ‘You have Naboth’s vineyard cursed God and the king.’ Then take • 1 Now Naboth, a man from him out and stone him to death.” 11 21 Jezreel, owned a vineyard just The people, the elders and the beside the palace of Ahab, king of important persons who lived in his Samaria. 2 Ahab asked Naboth, “Give city did as Jezebel had instructed me your vineyard which is near my them in the letters she sent to them. 12 house that I may use it for a vegetable They declared a fast and put Naboth 13 garden. I will give you a better vine- on trial. The two worthless fellows 2K 9:26 yard in exchange. Or, if you prefer, I came in and sat facing him, accusing will pay you its price.” Naboth before the people, “Naboth 3 cursed God and the king!” So the Num But Naboth said to Ahab, “Yah- 36:7 people took him outside the city and weh forbid that I should give you the 14 inheritance of my fathers.” stoned him to death. They then sent 4 word to Jezebel that Naboth had been So Ahab went home angry and stoned and was dead. sad because of what Naboth had told 15 As soon as Jezebel heard that him, that he would not give him the Naboth had been stoned and was inheritance of his fathers. So he lay dead, she told Ahab, “Now take pos- down on his bed with his face turned session of the vineyard of Naboth, toward the wall and refused to eat. the man of Jezreel who refused 5 His wife Jezebel came to him and to sell it to you, for Naboth is now 16 said, “Why are you so angry that dead.” As soon as Ahab heard that Mic 2:1 you refuse to eat?” 6 He answered, “I Naboth was dead, he went down to spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and the vineyard of Naboth and took asked him to sell me his vineyard pos session of it. 1-2 K or to exchange it for another one in 17 Then Yahweh spoke to Elijah of exchange; but he answered: I will not Tishbe, 18 “Go down to meet Ahab, give you my vineyard.” king of Israel, in Samaria. He is taking 7 His wife Jezebel said to him, “Are possession of the vineyard of Naboth. you not king of Israel? Get up and eat 19 Say to him: ‘Have you killed and and be joyful, for I will give you the have taken possession at the same vineyard of Naboth of Jezreel.” time?’ Then give him this word of 8 Pro 1:11 So Jezebel wrote letters using mine: ‘Dogs shall lick your blood in Ahab’s name and sealed them with the very place where the dogs licked his seal, and sent the letters to the the blood of Naboth.’” elders and important persons living 20 Ahab then said to Elijah, “Who,

• 21.1 Naboth keeps his vineyard, more out have to be Naboth and, in this way, Jezebel will of respect for the inheritance received from his have him killed legally. fathers than for his personal convenience. Have you killed and have taken possession Declare a fast (v. 9). Surely Jezebel takes at the same time (v. 19)? Ahab’s crime is no advantage of a calamity of that time, a drought worse than David’s who had Uriah killed so that or a pestilence. The elders of the city must he could take his wife (2 S 12). Elijah goes to assemble all the people for a solemn fast and an Ahab in the manner that Nathan had gone to assembly, where they will fi nd out “who attract- rebuke David. ed this punishment of God.” The guilty one will 1 KINGS 21 478

better than my enemy, could fi nd me • 1 There was no war between Aram 18:2-3 here and now!” Elijah answered, “I 22 and Israel for three years. 2 But in the third year, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, have come to you because you have 3 21 came down to the king of Israel. The king 2K 10:1 done what Yahweh abhors. This is of Israel then talked to his offi cers, “Have Yahweh’s word: ‘I will bring disgrace you forgotten that Ramoth-gilead belongs to on you. I will sweep you away and cut us? Yet we do nothing to take it back from off every male of your family, from the Arameans.” 4 So he asked Jehoshaphat, 22 “Will you come with me to conquer Ramoth- 15:29 the lowliest to the greatest. Your gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered the king of family will disappear like the families Israel, “I am with you, my people are with of Jeroboam and Baasa, because you your people, and my horses with yours.” have offended me and have dragged 23 2K 9:36 Israel into sin.’ There is another word Micaiah and the false prophets 5 of Yahweh to Jezebel: ‘The dogs shall • Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, said 18:4-11 devour Jezebel within the territory of to the king of Israel, “Let us consult Jezreel.’ 24 If anyone of Ahab’s line Yahweh before setting out for war.” 6 dies in the city, he shall be devoured So the king of Israel gathered all the 2K 3:11 by dogs; if in the green country, the prophets, numbering about four hun- birds of the air shall feed on him.” dred men, and asked them, “Shall I 25 There was no one like Ahab, urged go to conquer Ramoth-gilead, or shall by his wife Jezebel, in doing what Yahweh I hold back?” They replied, “Go, for abhorred. 26 He did horrible things and ran Yahweh will deliver the city into your after unclean idols just as the Amorites hands.” had done, from whom Yahweh had taken 7 the land to give it to Israel. Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no 27 On hearing these words, Ahab tore other prophet of Yahweh around here his clothes and put on sackcloth. He fasted whom we might ask?” 8 The king of as he lay in sackcloth and moved around Israel answered, “There is still one 28 2S despondently. Then Yahweh said to Eli- through whom we may ask for Yah- 12:13 jah the Tishbite, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself? 29 Because of this I weh’s counsel; but I hate him, for he will not bring about the disaster during his never prophesies good about me but reign; during his son’s reign disgrace will only evil. It is Micaiah, son of Imlah.” fall on his family.” Then Jehoshaphat said, “Don’t speak

• 22.1 In those times, war was something of strategy of the king and unforeseen events a routine. A people could not exist without con- come together to accomplish what had been tinually fi ghting with others. To fi ght, to kill and announced: the king will die and the dogs will to die were but signs of life (see 2 S 11:1). lick up his blood; For once, the kings of Israel and Judah are – the contradiction between true and false united, but the writer speaks very differently prophets. about the two. False prophets are fellows who live at the king’s expense and claim to be inspired. Actu- • 5. This Micaiah is not to be confused with ally they only think of pleasing the king in order the other prophet Micah of Moresheth (see Mic to retain their livelihood and their privileges. The 1:1). The kings were seated by the entrance true prophets instead are servants of the word gate (v. 10). In those days, the entrance to the of God whatever the trials they have to endure. city was very often the gate of the wall surround- This is why Micaiah will say: I will speak what ing the town. It was the place where people Yahweh tells me to (v. 14). gathered, as they do today in the plaza. There, I saw Yahweh (v. 19). The vision of Micaiah the tribunal executed judgment and cases were tells us clearly that one should not trust in dreams heard; there, the elders spent hours conversing and imaginings that come from one’s own spirit. in their seats. Neither should one believe blindly those who The present text aims to teach two things: pretend to be inspired, such as politicians, theo- – God’s word condemning Ahab’s family is rists, business people and all who promise to realized infallibly: the lies of the prophets, the make us happy. 479 1 KINGS 22 in this manner.” 9 So the king of Israel of heaven standing beside him on his called an offi cial and told him, “Bring right and on his left. 20 Then Yahweh quickly Micaiah, son of Imlah.” asked: ‘Who will entice Ahab that he 10 Meantime, the king of Israel and may go and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, were One said one thing and another, seated on their thrones, fully robed. another thing. 21 Then a spirit came They were both at the threshing forward and stood before Yahweh, 22 fl oor, by the entrance gate of Sama- saying: ‘I will deceive him.’ Yahweh Ezk 14:9 ria, where the prophets continued to then asked him, ‘What will you do?’ prophesy before them. 11 There was To this, he replied: ‘I will go and make Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah who myself a lying spirit on the lips of all made for himself horns from iron; and his prophets.’ Then Yahweh said, ‘You said, “Thus says Yahweh: ‘With these shall succeed. Go, and do just that.’ horns you shall strike the Arameans 23 You must know that Yahweh has until they are destroyed.’” put a lying spirit in the mouths of all 12 All the prophets said the same: these prophets of yours because he “Go to Ramoth-gilead and triumph. willed to bring evil on you.” Yahweh will deliver it into the hands 24 Then Zedekiah, son of Chenaa- of the king.” nah, approached Micaiah, struck him, 13 18: The offi cial who went to sum- and said, “Has the spirit of Yahweh 12-27; 25 Is 30:10 mon Micaiah said to him, “Look here, left me to speak to you?” Micaiah all the prophets agree to foretell a replied, “You shall discover for your- happy end to the king. You, too agree self on the day you fl ee from house to 14 Num to speak favorably.” But Micaiah house to hide.” 22:18 replied, “As Yahweh lives, I will speak 26 Then the king of Israel ordered, what Yahweh tells me to.” “Seize Micaiah and take him back to 15 When he had come, the king Amon, governor of the city, and to 27 asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Joash, the king’s son. Give them Jer conquer Ramoth-gilead or shall we this order: ‘Throw this man in prison 20:1 hold back?” Then Micaiah answered, and feed him with scant fare of bread 1-2 K “Go and triumph! Yahweh will give and water until I come in peace.’” 28 the city into the hands of the king!” Then Micaiah said, “If you return Jer 28:9 16 But the king said to him, “How in peace, then Yahweh has not spo- many times shall I ask you to speak ken through me.” seriously to me and tell me the truth 17 Death of the king of Israel Ezk in the name of Yahweh?” Then Mic- 34:5; 29 Mt 9:36 aiah said, “I saw all Israel scattered on So the king of Israel went up to 18: the mountains like sheep without a Ramoth-gilead, together with the king 28-34 shepherd. Then Yahweh said: ‘These of Judah. 30 The king of Israel told have no master; so let each return to Je hoshaphat, “I will disguise myself his home in peace.’” be fore the battle, but you wear your 18 So the king of Israel said to Jeho- robes.” So the king of Israel disguised shaphat, “Did I not tell you that he himself before the battle. would not prophesy good about me, 31 Now the king of Aram had com- but only evil?” manded the thirty-two captains of his 19 Is 6:1; Micaiah replied, “Listen again to chariots, “Attack no one, big or small, Job 1:6; 32 Ps 93:2 this word of Yahweh. I saw Yahweh sit- but only the king of Israel.” When the ting on his throne with the entire host captains of the chariots saw Je ho sha- 1 KINGS 22 480

41 phat, they thought, “That sure ly is Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, began to 20:31— reign over Judah in the fourth year of the 21:1 the king of Israel.” So they turned to 42 attack him. But when Jehoshaphat reign of Ahab, king of Israel. He was 33 thirty-fi ve years old when he began to shouted his cry of war, the captains reign, and he reigned for twenty-fi ve years of the chariots saw that it was not the in Jerusalem. His mother was Azubah, king of Israel and they no longer pur- daughter of Shilhi. 43 He conducted himself sued him. like his father Asa, and did what pleased 44 34 In the meantime, one of the Ara- Yahweh without hesitation. Yet, he did not remove the high places where the peo- means drew his bow, without knowing ple continued to sacrifi ce and burn incense. 45 at whom he aimed, and hit the king Jehoshaphat had peace with the king of 2K 3:7 of Israel between the scale armor and Israel. the breastplate. The king then ordered 46 The rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, the driver of his chariot, “Turn around his bravery and his war exploits are written and carry me out of the battle for I am in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings wounded.” 35 The battle raged fi ercely of Judah. 47 He also removed from the land the remaining male cult prostitutes, com- on that day. Meanwhile, the king was pleting the work of his father Asa. propped up in his chariot, facing the 48 There was no king in Edom but a Arameans, until the evening, when he gov ernor ruled over it. 49 Jehoshaphat had died. The blood from his wound fl owed Tarshish ships go to Ophir for gold, but down into the bottom of the chariot. the venture failed when the ships were 36 At about sunset, a cry went through wrecked at Eziongeber. 50 Then Ahaziah, the camp, “Everyone to his city, and son of Ahab, said to Jehoshaphat, “Let everyone to his country! 37 The king my servants go in the ships with your serv ants.” Jehoshaphat, however, refused. has died!” 51 When Jehoshaphat rested with his fa- The king was brought to Sama- thers, he was buried with them in the city ria and was buried there. 38 But they of his ancestor David and his son Jehoram washed the chariot by the pool of reigned in his place. Samaria. So the dogs licked up his 52 Ahaziah, son of Ahab, began to reign blood, while the harlots bathed in it, over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth in accordance with the word spoken year of the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. He reigned over Israel for two by Yahweh. years. 53 He did what displeased Yahweh, 39 Am 3:15 • The rest of the acts of Ahab, his imitating the conduct of both his father deeds, the ivory house he built, and the cit- and mother, as well as of Jeroboam, son ies he restored are all written in the Book of of Nebat, who dragged Israel into sin. He the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 40 So served Baal and worshiped him, offending Ahab rested with his ancestors and his son Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the same way Ahaziah reigned in his place. his father had done.

• 39. This remark referring to Ahab makes in 22:20. Surely, this account referred in the one think that he died a natural death. One notes beginning to Joram, son of Ahab (2 K 9:14-16), that all previous passages spoke only about the and in him Elijah’s prophecy in 1 Kings 21:21 king of Israel, and mentioned Ahab only once was fulfi lled. 481

The second Book of Kings continues to look at the progressive decline of the two kingdoms to the North and to the South, Israel and Judah. It would be a mistake to believe that the nation prospered at fi rst because it had good and just kings, David and Solomon, and that after them the bad kings ruined everything; or that the Jewish people who were destroyed by the Chaldeans were more sinful than David’s contemporaries. When we read attentively, we realize that the author of the book does not judge the founders of the kingdom and their successors with the same severity. Was Jero- boam II, who restored prosperity and independence to Israel and brought peace for forty years, inferior to Solomon? Was he, perhaps, less of a believer? And yet, the fi rst Book of Kings delights in describing Solomon’s luxury, vanity and greatness, whereas the second Book of Kings gives Jeroboam II only one paragraph, as if the fact of having a temple other than the one in Jerusalem was a priori a condemnation of all his achievements. Here we must see God’s way of teaching. At fi rst he encourages his people with the possibility of achieving independence and prosperity, because they live in the historical moment when this conquest must be accomplished. God does not show them all the negative aspects of what they are doing; he does not point out Solo- mon’s faults or the vanity of his luxury. But later, God invites his people to observe 1-2 K with a critical eye, and while the great dream of Solomon’s kingdom is vanishing, God teaches them to seek another more lasting and important conquest, that of the Reign of Justice. 2 KINGS 1 482 1 After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled 13 The king sent a third captain with his 2 8:9 1 against Israel. In Samaria, king Ahaz- fi fty men. This third one went up, and, as iah fell through the window from the sec- he came, he fell on his knees before Elijah ond fl oor of his house and was badly and said to him, “Man of God, I beg you injured. So he sent messengers to consult to pardon me as well as my fi fty men; we Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, “Ask him are all your servants. 14 I have heard that whether I shall survive this accident.” fi re came down from heaven twice and 3 1K 17:1 Then an angel of Yahweh said to Elijah of devoured the two captains with their fi fty the town of Tishbe, “Arise, and go up to men. So now, do spare my life.” meet the messengers of the king of Sama- 15 Then the angel of Yahweh said to ria. You will say to them: Why have you Elijah, “Go down with him and do not be come to consult Baal-zebub, the god of afraid.” 16 So he stood up and went down Ekron? Is it because there is no God in with them to the king. And Elijah said to Israel? 4 Now Yahweh himself gives you the king, “Listen to this word of Yahweh: this answer: ‘You shall not rise again from ‘Because you sent your messengers to the bed where you lay down, but shall die consult Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, you there.’” So Elijah went. shall not rise again from the bed on which 5 Then the messengers returned to Aha- you lie but shall die there.’” ziah who asked, “How is it that you have 17 Ahaziah died according to what Yah- returned?” 6 They answered, “A man met weh had said through the mouth of Eli- us on the way, and he said to us: ‘Return to jah; and since he had no sons, his brother the king who sent you and say to him in the Jehoram reigned in his place, in the sec- name of Yahweh: Why do you send men ond year of the reign of Jehoram, son of to consult Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. 18 Everything Is there no God in Israel? Because of this, referring to Ahaziah and his deeds is writ- you shall not rise again from the bed where ten in the Book of the Chronicles of the you lay down, but shall die there.’” Kings of Israel. 7 The king asked them, “What was the appearance of the man who met you on Elijah is taken up to heaven 8 Zec the way and told you this?” They answered 13:4; • 1 Mt 3:4 him, “The man wore a mantle of fur with a Yahweh took Elijah up to heav- leather belt around his waist.” The king then 2 en in a whirlwind. It happened said, “He is Elijah from the town of Tishbe.” this way: Elijah and Elisha had left 9 1K Ahaziah sent a captain of fi fty men Gilgal, and Elijah said to Elisha, 2 “I 17:24 who went up with his fi fty men to get him. Elijah was seated at the top of the beg you to stay here, for Yahweh is mountain. The captain said to him, “Man sending me to Bethel.” Elisha said, “I of God, the king commands you to come swear by Yahweh and by your life that down.” 10 Elijah answered the captain, “If I will never leave you.” So they went I am a man of God, then may fi re come down to Bethel together. 3 The fellow down from heaven and devour you and prophets in Bethel went out to wel- your men.” Fire came down from heaven and devoured him with his fi fty men. 11 The come Elisha and said to him, “Don’t king again sent to him another captain of you know that today Yahweh will take fi fty who went up and said to him, “Man of your master away from you?” He God, the king says that you are to come answered them, “Yes, I also know it. 12 Num down at once.” Elijah answered, “If I am 16:35; So, be quiet.” Lk 9:54; a man of God, then may fi re come down 4 Rev Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay 20:9 from heaven and devour you and your men.” Fire came down from heaven and here, for Yahweh is only sending me devoured them all. to Jericho.” Elisha answered, “I swear

• 2.1 The end of Elijah is one fi nal testimony God does not let him die as others do. Like to the living God who gives life to humans. Moses, whose tomb was totally unknown (Dt Elijah, the solitary prophet, seems to live on 34:6), Elijah, too, will seem in a certain way, to high, far from human corruption. That is why evade death. These two pillars of the Old Testa- 483 2 KINGS 2 by Yahweh and by your life that I will between them, and Elijah was taken 5 12 never leave you.” So they went on to up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha 13:14 Jericho. saw him and cried out, “Father, my The fellow prophets in Jericho father, chariots of Israel and its horse- approached Elisha and said to him, men!” “Do you not know that Yahweh is to When Elisha lost sight of him, he take your master away today?” Elisha took hold of his own clothes and tore answered, “Yes, I know it. Be quiet.” them. 13 He then picked up the man- 6 Elijah said once more to Elisha, tle which had fallen from Elijah and “Stay here, I beg you, for Yahweh is returned to the banks of the Jordan. only sending me to the Jordan.” But 14 He took the cloak that had fallen off Elisha answered, “I swear by Yahweh Elijah, hit the water with it, and asked, and by your life that I will never leave “Where is the Yahweh, the God of Eli- you.” And as they went on their way, jah?” When he hit the water again, it 7 1K fi fty fellow prophets of Jericho fol- divided and Elisha crossed over. 19:19 15 lowed them at a certain distance. The fellow prophets of Jericho saw Num 11:25; When Elijah and Elisha stood by him from the other side, and said, “The Is 11:2; the Jordan 8 Elijah took his mantle, spirit of Elijah rests upon Elisha.” And 1P 4:14 rolled it, and struck the water with it. as they came to him, they bowed to the ground before him saying, 16 “There are 1K The water parted to both sides and 18:12; fi fty valiant men here with us. Let them Ezk 3:14 they crossed over on dry ground. go in search of Elijah, for it may be that 9 Is 61:1 After they had crossed, Elijah said the spirit of Yahweh has left him on some to Elisha, “What shall I do for you be - mountain or some valley.” Elisha replied, 17 fore I am taken away from you? Ask “Do not send anyone.” But they insisted Dt 34:6 so much that Elisha let them go, and they me.” Elisha said, “May I receive a 18 10 sent fi fty men to search for Elijah. After double portion of your spirit.” Elijah three days they had not found him and answered, “Your request is most diffi - they returned to Elisha, who had stayed in cult. Yet if you see me while I am being Jericho. He commented, “Did I not tell you taken from you, then you shall have not to go?” 1-2 K it. But if not, you shall not have it.” • 19 The men of the city said to Elisha, 1Mac 11 2:58; As they were talking on the way, a “The location of this city is good, as my Sir 48: 9, 12; chariot of fi re with horses of fi re stood lord can see, but the water is bad, and Gen 5:24; Lk 24:51 ment, Moses and Elijah, will be with Jesus dur- strength and who became for them the chariots ing his transfi guration. Nothing, not even death and the horses at the same time. Here Elijah is can overcome the one who burned with jealous taken up to heaven by the divine carriage. love for Yahweh, his God, and who fought for Elijah’s strange disappearance will encourage him alone. the Jews who hope for the Lord’s triumphant Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirl- coming to begin the defi nitive kingdom. The wind (v. 11). When Scripture says that Elijah conviction arises among the Jews that Elijah will was taken up to heaven, we must not insist on return at that time and prepare for the coming the image of “going up” (as in the Ascension of of the Lord (see Sir 48:1 and Mal 3:32). See Jesus). In those days, people believed that God what Jesus says to that effect (Mk 9:12). lived on high, and God, who speaks to people Scripture leaves us in the dark as to what of every age according to their own concepts, happened to Elijah. Thus, it prepares us for the wanted Elijah to disappear visibly, as if taken up announcement of Jesus’ resurrection and the to heaven. faith of the church in the assumption of Mary, My father, chariots of Israel and its horse- his mother. men (v. 12)! The meaning of Elisha’s excla- mation is made clear by Israel’s past. Before • 19. Of all the people in the Scriptures, their Canaanite enemies who had war chari- Elisha appears as the man most gifted in work- ots and horses, the Israelites, poorly equipped, ing miracles, but he is not considered greater placed their trust in the Lord, who was their only than any others because of that. He lives among 2 KINGS 2 484 so the land is unproductive.” 20 He said to 9 The kings of Israel, of Judah and of them, “Bring me a new pot with salt in it.” Edom had been going around for seven When they brought it to him, 21 Elisha went days, and there was no water for the sol- to the fountain and threw salt in it saying, diers and for the animals that followed “This is what Yahweh says: ‘I have healed them. 10 Then the king of Israel said, “Yah- this water, never more will it cause death or weh has called us three kings to give us into 22 11 sickness.’” And the water has remained the hands of Moab.” Then Jehoshaphat 1K 22:7 wholesome to this day, just as Elisha said. asked, “Is there no prophet of Yahweh 23 From there, he went up to Bethel. He here, through whom we may consult Yah- was on his way when some youths came weh?” One of the servants of the king of out from the city and made fun of him say- Israel said, “Elisha, son of Shaphat, is here. ing, “Go up, bald head! Go up, bald head!” It was he who poured water on the hands 24 Elisha turned around, looked at them, of Elijah.” 12 And Jehoshaphat agreed, and cursed them in the name of Yahweh. “Indeed, God’s word comes to him.” So At once, two she-bears came out of the the king of Israel, the king of Edom and 25 3:11 forest and killed forty-two of them. From Jehoshaphat went down to Elisha. 13 there, Elisha set out for Mount Carmel, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What 1K 18:19 from there, he returned to Samaria. have I to do with you? Go see the proph- ets of your father or those of your moth- 1 Jehoram, son of Ahab, began to reign er.” But the king of Israel asked him, “Has 3 over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth Yahweh perhaps called us three together year of the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of to deliver us into the hands of Moab?” 14 Judah, and he reigned for twelve years. Elisha replied, “Had not Jehoshaphat the 1K 2 He did what was displeasing to Yahweh, king of Judah been before me, I swear by 18:15 but not as his father or mother had done, Yahweh God of Hosts whom I serve, that for he removed the statue of Baal which I would not attend to you nor look at you. 3 15 1K 12:28 his father had made. Nonetheless he Now, bring me someone who plays the 1S 10:6; Is 8:11; clung to the sin of Jeroboam, the son of harp.” As the musician played, the hand of Ezk 1:3 Nebat, which had become the sin of Israel, Yahweh came upon Elisha 16 and he said, and did not depart from it. “This is the word of Yahweh: ‘Dig trenches and more trenches in this valley, 17 for Yah- Expedition of Israel and weh says: “You shall not see wind or rain, Judah against Moab but the valley shall be fi lled with water, and 4 Mesha, the king of Moab, had fl ocks of you, your troops and your livestock will sheep. He paid the king of Israel a hun- drink.’” 18 This is an easy thing for Yahweh, dred thousand lambs and a hundred thou- for he shall give Moab into your hands. sand rams with their wool annually. 5 But 19 You shall conquer all the fortifi ed cities, when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled cut down all fruit-bearing trees, close up against the king of Israel. all the springs of water, and scatter stones 6 At that time, king Jehoram set out in all the plowed fi elds.” from Samaria to mobilize the whole of 20 In the morning, at the time of the of - 1K 7 18:29; 1K 22 Israel. He also sent word to Jehoshaphat, fering, water came from the direction of Lk 1:10 the king of Judah: “The king of Moab has Edom, and the whole country was fl ooded. rebelled against me; will you come with 21 The Moabites had learned that the me to fi ght against Moab?” Jehoshaphat kings had come to attack them, so they answered him, “I will go with you for you gathered together all the men able to bear and I are one. My men and my horses are at arms and positioned them at the border. your disposal.” 8 Jehoram asked, “By which 22 When they woke up in the morning, they way shall we go up?” And he answered, saw the sun shining upon the water, and “By the way of the desert of Edom.” this appeared to them as if it were blood.

the sons of prophets, meaning fellow proph- Elisha receives Elijah’s spirit and continues his ets. These are poor men, with a touch of fanati- mission. Many of his miracles are related in the cism in their faith; living in religious communi- following chapters. Some may have been expand- ties with their wives and children. They will help ed or distorted by tradition for teaching purpos- Elisha in his mission (see 1 S 19:18). es (as for example with the forty-two children). 485 2 KINGS 4 23 So the Moabites said, “Look at the blood; the vessels. And when they are fi lled, the kings have surely turned against one set them aside.” another and killed each other. Let us now 5 go and gather the booty!” 24 But when they The woman went and locked her- came to the camp, the Israelites confront- self in her house with her sons. They ed, defeated and routed them. The Isra- handed her the vessels and she fi lled 25 Dt 20:19 elites pursued and entered Moab. They them all. 6 She said to one of her sons, destroyed the cities of Moab; and each “Bring me another vessel,” and he man threw stones on the fertile land, until it was covered. They closed up the springs answered, “There are no more.” Then of water and cut down fruit trees. Only the oil stopped fl owing. Kir-hareseth was left with stones, but men 7 When she went back to tell this to armed with slings, surrounded the city and the man of God, he said to her, “Go began harassing it. and sell the oil to pay for your debts. 26 When the king of Moab saw that his enemies were winning, he gathered seven You and your sons can live on the hundred warriors to break through the money that is left.” blockade, opposite the king of Edom. But 27 The resurrection of the Jdg they did not succeed. So he took his fi rst- 11:30; Shunammite’s son Mic 6:7 born son who was to succeed him as king, and sacrifi ced him in the fi re upon the wall. • 8 One day Elisha went to Shunem, The fury that came upon the Israelites was and a rich woman invited him to eat. great, so they withdrew from there and returned to their own land. Afterward, whenever he went to that town, he would go to her house to eat. The widow’s oil 9 The woman said to her husband, 1 21:2; • The widow of one of the fellow “See, this man who constantly passes Ne 5:1; 10 Mt 18:25 4 prophets called Elisha saying, by our house is a holy man of God. If “You know that my husband feared you want, we can make a small upper God. But now his creditor has come room for him, and place a bed, a table, to collect payment. And as we could a chair and a lamp in it. So when he not pay, he wanted to take my two comes, he may stay and rest.” 2 11 sons as slaves.” Elisha said, “What One day when Elisha came, he 1-2 K can I do for you? Tell me what you went to the upper room and lay down. have in your house?” She answered, 12 Then he said to Gehazi, his manser- “I have but a little oil.” 3 Elisha said to vant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” her, “Go and ask your neighbors for She came when called and stood be- empty jars. 4 Get as many as you can. fore Elisha. Then go into your house with your 13 Elisha said to him: “Say to her, sons and close the door. Pour oil into ‘You have taken all this trouble for us.

• 4.1 Of all the prophets of Israel, Elisha is guished heart of a mother who does not resign the one nearest to the poor and marginalized of herself to the death of the son of her womb, her his time. It is in their midst and in their favor that call of despair to the man of God. he works most of his miracles. Because of this, We must meditate on the very moving resur- the accounts handed down to us still keep the rection at the hands of Elisha: mouth to mouth, fl avor and the colorful way these fi rst witnesses eyes on eyes, hand in hand to communicate his have related them. Even if they belong more to warmth and restore life. It is an unusually con- legend than to history, these texts nevertheless crete image of what Christ achieves in us when tell us how these simple people recognized the he “resurrects” us and fi lls us with life by his in- power given by God to his prophet in order to timate touch. As St. Patrick, fi lled with enthu- help and console them. siasm in his missionary journeys, used to say: “Christ ahead of me, Christ behind me; Christ • 8. All the elements of human tragedy are at my left; Christ at my right; Christ in me, joined here: hope, happy life, death, the an - Christ over me.” 2 KINGS 4 486 Tell me: what then can we do for you? “Everything is all right.” 27 She went Would you like me to say something to the man of God, and embraced his to the king or the commander of the feet. Then Gehazi came to draw her army for you?’” But she answered, “I away, but the man of God said to him, do not need anything in this land.” “Leave her, for her soul is in bitter 14 So Elisha said to Gehazi, “What distress, and Yahweh has not made can we do for her?” The young man known to me nor has he revealed it answered, “She has no children and to me.” her husband is now old.” 28 She said, “Did I ask, my lord, for 15 And so Elisha said to him, “Call a son? Why have you deceived me?” 29 her.” The young man called her; and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Get ready, Lk 10:4; as the woman stood by the door, take my staff and go. If you meet any- 4:17 16 Gen Elisha said, “By this time next year, one, do not stop to greet him; and if 18:10 you will hold a son in your arms.” someone greets you, do not greet him She answered, “No, my lord, O man in return. And as soon as you arrive, of God, you are deceiving your maid- place my staff on the boy’s face.” serv ant.” 30 But the boy’s mother said, “I swear 17 Gen But the woman gave birth to a by Yahweh and by your life that I will 21:1; Ps 113:9 son precisely at the time Elisha had not leave you.” So Elisha arose and told her. followed her. 18 The boy grew. One day, when 31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid he had gone out to his father among the staff on the boy’s face, but the boy the harvesters, he had a severe head- did not move or give any sign of life, ache. 19 So the father ordered his ser- so Gehazi returned to meet them and 20 1K vant, “Carry him to his mother.” The said, “The boy has not revived.” 17:17 serv ant brought him to his mother, 32 Elisha came into the house, and and the boy sat on her lap till noon, found the dead boy lying on his bed. when he died. 33 He entered, closed the door behind 21 Then the mother went up and laid him, and prayed to Yahweh. 34 Then him on Elisha’s bed and she left, clos- he lay upon the boy, put his mouth ing the door. 22 Then she called her upon the boy’s mouth, his eyes upon husband, “Send me one of the ser- his eyes, his hands upon the boy’s vants with an ass. I am going to the hands, and warmth returned to the man of God, and I will come back.” boy’s body. 35 Elisha came down and 23 He asked, “Why are you going to began walking to and fro. Then he him? It is not the new moon yet nor went upstairs to stretch himself upon the Sabbath.” But she said, “Do not the boy, and the boy sneezed seven worry.” times and opened his eyes. 24 36 She saddled the ass, and said to Elisha then called Gehazi and 1K 17:23; her servant, “Lead on, and don’t stop said, “Call the woman.” And when Lk 8:55 until I tell you.” 25 So she set off and she came, Elisha told her, “Take your arrived at Mount Carmel where the son.” 37 She bowed at his feet, then man of God was. she took her son and went out. Elisha saw her from afar, so he 38 Elisha returned to Gilgal. There said to his servant, “Here comes our was great scarcity of food in the Shunamite. 26 Run to meet her and region, and when the fellow prophets ask: Are you well? How is your hus- came to sit with Elisha, he said to his band? And your son?” She answered, servant, “Take the big pot and prepare 487 2 KINGS 5

44 some broth for the fellow prophets.” have some left over.’” So the man Mt 14:20 39 One of them went out into the fi eld set it before them; and they ate and to gather herbs. He found a wild plant, had some left, as Yahweh had said. from which he gathered poisonous fruits, enough to fi ll his cloak. When Naaman healed of leprosy he came back, he cut them into piec- • 1 Naaman was the army com- es and put them in the pot where the 5 mander of the king of Aram. broth was being prepared, for he did This man was highly regarded and not know what they were. 40 Then the enjoyed the king’s favor, for Yahweh broth was served to the men to eat. had helped him lead the army of the But as soon as they tasted the soup, Arameans to victory. But this valiant they cried out, “Man of God, this is man was sick with leprosy. pure poison!” So they did not eat any 2 One day some Aramean soldiers more. 41 Then Elisha said, “Bring me raided the land of Israel and took a fl our.” And he put it into the pot. Then young girl captive who became a ser- he said, “Serve these men and let vant to the wife of Naaman. She said them eat.” And there was no longer to her mistress, 3 “If my master would anything harmful in the pot. only present himself to the prophet in Samaria, he would surely cure him of The multiplication of loaves his leprosy.” 42 4 Lev • A man came from Baal-shal- Naaman went to tell the king what 23:17 ishah bringing bread and wheat to the young Israelite maidservant had the man of God. These were from the said. 5 The king of Aram said to him, fi rst part of the harvest, twenty loaves “Go to the prophet, and I shall also of barley and wheat. Elisha told him, send a letter to the king of Israel.” “Give the loaves to these men that So Naaman went and took with they may eat.” him ten silver talents, six thousand 43 Mt His servant said to him, “How am gold pieces and ten festal garments. 14:16 I to divide these loaves among one 6 On his arrival, he delivered the letter 1-2 K hundred men?” Elisha insisted, “Give to the king of Israel. It said, “I present Gen 30:2; them to the men that they may eat, my servant Naaman to you that you Dt 32:39; for Yahweh says: ‘They shall eat and may heal him of his leprosy. 1S 2:6

• 42. We should compare this multiplica- which will bring about good to those who seek tion of loaves with the two multiplications at the to be cured. The Good News is not only com- hand of Jesus; they are related in very similar municated and spread through the work of the ways and, yet, each has a different meaning (see great apostles. In the Gospel (Lk 4:27) Jesus especially Jn 6). points to the healing of this foreigner in prefer- ence to all the lepers in Israel, as a proof that • 5.1 Naaman’s healing holds a special place God cares for everyone and not only for those among Elisha’s miracles. Here, we can eas- who are offi cially the faithful. ily discover a prefi gurement of baptism which Elisha then sent a message (v. 8). To the cleanses us from sin. prophet, the great general is no more than any Even though Naaman is a famous general, other person. He receives no privileges, nor he can do nothing about his leprosy. He wants special attention through a private consultation. to be renewed, to leave his contaminated skin Since he did not even get down from his chariot, behind and hope is offered to him: such mira- Elisha does not go out to greet him. cles take place in Israel. Go to the river Jordan and wash (v. 10). The girl said to her mistress (v. 2). It all be - Naaman expected something like “magic,” a gins with the word of a girl, Naaman’s serv ant. gesture or words fi lled with divine power. Yet, Similarly, any believer today has many oppor- his healing will come through simple contact tunities to say something or to do something with the waters fl owing through the land of 2 KINGS 5 488 7 When the king read the letter, he had ordered you to do something dif- tore his clothes to show his indig- fi cult, would you not have done it? But nation, “I am not God to give life or how much easier when he said: ‘Take death. And the king of Aram sends a bath and you will be cleansed.’” 14 me this man to be healed! You see, he So Naaman went down to the Jor- Lk 4:27 is just looking for an excuse for war.” dan where he washed himself seven 8 Elisha, the man of God, came to times as Elisha had ordered. His skin know that the king of Israel had torn became soft like that of a child and he his clothes, so he sent this message to was cleansed. him: “Why have you torn your clothes? 15 Then Naaman returned to the Let the man come to me, that he may man of God with all his men. He know that there is a prophet in Israel.” entered and said to him, “Now I know 9 So Naaman came with his horses that there is no other God anywhere and chariots, and stopped before the in the world but in Israel. I ask you to 10 Jn 9:7 house of Elisha. Elisha then sent a accept these gifts from your servant.” messenger to tell him, “Go to the river 16 But Elisha answered, “I swear by Jordan and wash seven times, and Yahweh whom I serve, I will accept your fl esh shall be as it was before, nothing.” And however much Naa- and you shall be cleansed.” man insisted, Elisha would not accept 11 Mt 8:3 Naaman was angry, so he went his gifts. away. He thought: “On my arrival, 17 So Naaman told him, “Since you he should have personally come out, refuse, let me get some sacks of soil and then paused and called on the from your land—the amount that two name of Yahweh, his God. And he mules can carry. I shall use it to build should have touched with his hand the an altar to Yahweh, for I shall not offer infected part, and I would have been sacrifi ces to any other god but him. healed. 12 Are the rivers of Damascus, 18 But may Yahweh pardon me: when Abana and Pharpar not better than all my king goes to the temple of his god the rivers of the land of Israel? Could I Rimmon, he leans on my arm, and I not wash there to be healed?” bow down with him. May Yahweh par- 13 His servants approached him and don me for this.” 19 Elisha answered, said to him, “Father, if the prophet “Go in peace.” And Naaman went.

God. Israel is a very small country, yet the riches Naaman knows there is no other God than the of the Lord are hidden there. God of Israel. But he cannot desert the world in If the prophet had ordered you to do some- which he lives and where other gods are hon- thing diffi cult, would you not have done it (v. ored. Elisha’s answer shows that God under- 13)? People expect wonders: he only asks the stands the situation. simple following of a command. Jesus will pro- The same understanding toward people of ceed the same way (Jn 4:46). It is not important good will who follow other religions is expressed to achieve extraordinary things, but rather what in some texts of Genesis and Exodus which God asks. We often miss his kingdom because were precisely written by prophets of the same we want to make great efforts instead of doing groups around Elisha (see Gen 20:1-7 and Ex the simple things that God asks. 18:1-20). Healing is a gift. The fabulous treasure Naa- Naaman represents a man of good will affl ict- man brought with him is useless. The Lord is ed with an incurable disease, which is sin, who the one who gives, he does not charge nor does comes to the Church from far away because he he want us to pay him. All he asks is that if we discovers that there is a hidden source of life discover his merciful love, we love him in return in it. The water of baptism does not work by for his love. itself; its effectiveness comes from the fact that When my king goes to the temple of his god it is through baptism that we join the people of Rimmon,… I bow down with him (v. 18). Now Christ, the Church. 489 2 KINGS 6 Naaman was already at a certain yards, sheep, cattle, and male and fe- 20 27 distance, when Gehazi, Elisha’s ser- male servants. Therefore, Naaman’s Num vant, thought: “Imagine that my lord skin disease will affl ict you and your 12:10 refused to take the gifts that Aramean descendants forever!” When Ge hazi brought! As Yahweh lives, I will run went out from his presence, his skin after him and get some of them!” was as white as snow. 21 Gehazi went after Naaman and Naaman saw Gehazi running after 1 Now the fellow prophets said to him, so he jumped out of his chariot 6 Elisha, “See, the place where we to greet him. 22 Gehazi said to him, are gathered has become too small “Pardon me, lord, my master sent me for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan, and to say to you: ‘Two young men from let each of us get a log to build a shed the community of the prophets have where we can gather.” Elisha an - just come to me from the mountain swered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said of Ephraim, kindly give me a talent to him, “Why do you not come along of silver and two new garments for with us?” 4 So Elisha went with them. them.’” Naaman replied, 23 “Please And when they arrived at the Jordan, accept two talents of silver.” they began to cut down the trees. 5 But He insisted that Gehazi accept as one of them was cutting a tree, the them, so he put the two talents of iron ax blade fell into the water, and silver with two new garments in two he exclaimed, “O my master, it was sacks, and handed them over to two of borrowed!” The man of God asked him, his servants who carried them before 6 “Where did it fall?” And he showed Gehazi. 24 When they reached Ophel, Elisha the place. Elisha cut off a stick, Gehazi took them from their hands threw it in there, and the iron piece and put them away in his house. Then fl oated. 7 Elisha said, “Get it.” The man he sent the two servants of Naaman reached out his hand and took it. away, and they left. 25 When he appeared before his Elisha captures an armed band 1-2 K master, Elisha asked him, “Where of Arameans have you been, Gehazi?” He answered, • 8 At that time when the king of “Your servant has not been any place.” Aram was raiding Israel, he consulted 26 6:12; Elisha replied, “I was there in spirit with his offi cials, and told them, “Let 1K 14:5; 9 Jn 1:48 when a man turned and got down us attack that people.” But the man from his chariot to meet you. This is of God sent a message to the king not the proper time to accept silver or of Israel, “Guard this place for the to accept clothes, olive groves, vine- Arameans shall go there.” 10 So the

• 6.8 We single out this narrative adorned peo ple of Israel could not mature (and neither by legends, which shows Elisha’s intervention in can people now) without a long experience of the life of the nation. Elisha received the mission violence, injustice and lies as well as a way of to change the king of Israel who was respon- covering these things. sible for the religious infi delity of his people, as Give them bread and water (v. 22)—a pro- well as the king of Aram. Joram and Ben-hadad phetic gesture: overcome evil through good. mentioned here will shortly be murdered. Open his eyes… Blind them (vv. 17, 18, 20). The prophets of Israel are messengers entrust- These words show the contrast between those ed by God with the salvation of Israel, and this who see the situation as God does and those salvation does not only mean that our souls go who get lost in their own wisdom. How much to heaven as many people believe, but rather time we waste, how often we are paralyzed by that the entire life of a people must bring them our own fears, instead of taking risks and pro- to greater awareness and responsibility. The ceed, in the trust that God cannot fail! 2 KINGS 6 490 king of Israel sent men to the place that they may see;” and they saw they indicated by the man of God, and they were in Samaria. kept watch there. And this happened 21 When the king of Israel saw them, several times. 11 The king of Aram was he said to Elisha, “My father, should I worried because of these things, so he kill them?” 22 He answered, “If you do called his offi cials and told them, “Go not kill those whom you have captured and fi nd out who is revealing our plans with your sword and your bow, how can to the king of Israel.” 12 One of his offi - you kill these men? Give them bread cials said, “None of us has betrayed and water so they may eat and drink, you, my king, but Elisha, the prophet and let them return to their master.” who is in Israel, makes known to his 23 So the king served them a grand king even the words you say in your banquet, and they ate and drank. Then bedroom.” he sent them away to their master. 13 The king answered them, “Go then From that day on, the troops of Aram and fi nd out where he lives, that I may did not return any more to invade the send people to arrest him.” When they territories of Israel. told him that Elisha was in Dothan, 14 he sent chariots, horses and strong Famine and the liberation of Samaria troops, who arrived there by night and 24 Afterwards Ben-hadad, the king of surrounded the city. 15 On the follow- Aram, gathered together all his troops ing day, when the servant of the man and went to lay siege to Samaria. of God rose early in the morning, he 25 There was great famine in Samaria; went out and saw the Arameans sur- so great was the misery that the head rounding the city with their chariots and of an ass was sold for eighty pieces of horses. He said to Elisha, “O my mas- silver, and a half-liter of wild onions ter, what shall we do?” 16 He answered, for fi ve pieces of silver. “Do not fear, for those who are with 26 The king of Israel was walking by us are more than those who are with upon the wall when a woman cried them.” 17 Elisha prayed and said, “Yah- out to him, “Save me, my lord King!” weh, open his eyes that he may see.” 27 The king answered, “In what way Yahweh opened the eyes of the ser- can I help you? If Yahweh does not vant, and he saw the hill full of hors- give you bread, where shall I get it? es and chariots of fi re around Elisha. 28 What is the matter?” She answered, 18 Gen As the Arameans came down to “That woman told me: ‘give up your 19:1; Wis him, Elisha again prayed to Yahweh, son that we may eat him today, and 19:17; Acts “Blind them.” So Yahweh made them then we will eat my son tomorrow.’ 13:11 29 unable to see as Elisha had asked. So we cooked my son and ate him. Lev 19 Elisha told them, “This is not the But on the next day, when I said to 26:29 way nor is this the city. Follow me and her: ‘Take your son that we may eat I shall bring you to the man whom you him’, she had hidden him.” seek.” And he led them to Samaria. 30 When the king heard the words 20 When they had entered Samaria, of the woman, he tore his clothes. He Elisha said, “Yahweh, open their eyes was upon the wall, and the people saw

May God punish me, if the head of Elisha, proph ets who in their time witnessed the justice the son of Shaphat, remains on his shoulders of God were not afraid of assuming responsibil- today (v. 31). The king’s words tell us that Elisha ity in national problems, why should Christians, had encouraged resistance to the Arameans God’s prophets today, be absent from the politi- while the leaders did not dare do so. If the cal life of their time? 491 2 KINGS 7 that he was wearing sackcloth under of chariots and horses, the sound of his tunic. 31 The king swore: “May God a great army. And they had thought: punish me, if the head of Elisha, the “The king of Israel has sent money to son of Shaphat, remains on his shoul- the kings of the Hittites and Moshrites ders today.” And the king sent a guard to come and attack us.” to Elisha’s house. 7 So they fl ed as it was getting 32 Elisha was seated in his house dark to save themselves, abandon- and the elders were sitting with him. ing their tents, their horses, and their Before the messenger’s arrival, Elisha asses, leaving the camp just as it was. said to them, “Do you not know that 8 When these lepers reached the camp this murderer has ordered someone boundary, they went into a tent. They to cut my head off? Well then, when ate and drank; they took the silver, the messenger comes, shut the door gold and clothes, and hid them there and do not let him in. Behind him, I in the ground. They entered another hear the sound of his master’s foot- tent and took whatever they found, steps.” 33 He was still talking to them, and hid them in the same way. when the king arrived. The king said, 9 Then they thought: “What we are “If all this evil comes from Yahweh, doing is not good. Today is a day of why should I still trust him?” good tidings, and if we keep silent until tomorrow, we shall be guilty. So let 1 But Elisha answered, “Listen to us go and tell this to the king’s men.” 7 the word of Yahweh: Tomorrow at 10 Returning to the city, they called out this same time, at the gate of Sama- to the city guards, saying, “We went ria, a measure of fl our shall be sold to the camp of the Arameans but no for a shekel, and two measures of one was there, not a trace of anyone, barley for a shekel, too.” 2 The shield only horses and asses tied, and the bearer, on whose arm the king leaned, tents just as they were left.” 11 The said to the man of God, “Even if Yah- guards cried out the news and it was weh opens the windows of heaven for told within the king’s household. it to rain wheat, how could this thing 12 The king arose in the night and 1-2 K be?” Elisha answered, “You shall see said to his offi cials, “The Arameans it with your own eyes, but you shall know that we are hungry. They have not eat of it.” left their camp and have hidden in the 3 Four men were at the city gates, fi eld, waiting for us to come out of the outside, at the other side of the wall. city that they may take us alive and They were lepers. And on that day, they then get into the city.” 13 One of the said to one another, “Shall we sit here offi cials answered, “Let some men until we die? 4 If we decide to enter the take fi ve of the remaining horses for, city, there we shall die of hunger. But if at any rate, these are also bound to we stay here, we die as well. So let us die of hunger, as are all the people go over to the camp of the Arameans. of this city. Dispatch them and see.” If they spare our lives, then we live; 14 So they took two chariots and their and if they kill us, then let us die!” horses, and the king sent the horse- 5 They arose as it was getting dark men after the Arameans. 15 They went to go to the camp of the Arameans. as far as the Jordan, and all the way But when they reached the camp, was littered with clothes and equip- they found no one there. 6 Yahweh ment which the Arameans had thrown had let the Arameans hear the noise away in their fl ight. 2 KINGS 7 492 The messengers returned and told with all the produce of her fi eld from the this to the king. 16 Then the people day she left her land until now.” went out and plundered the camp of Elisha and Hazael of Damascus the Arameans. A measure of fl our 7 Elisha went to Damascus. Ben-hadad, was sold for a shekel and a double the king of Aram, was sick. When he was measure of barley was also sold for a told that the man of God had come, 8 he shekel, as Elisha had said. 17 The king said to Hazael, “Go to the man of God and consult Yahweh through him, that I may had appointed his shield bearer to know if I shall recover from this sickness. keep watch at the city gates. But he But take with you a good gift.” was crushed right there by the crowd, 9 So Hazael went to see Elisha, tak- so that he died; 18 just as Elisha had ing with him all the best he could fi nd in told him when the king had come Damascus, forty camel loads of gifts. When he came before Elisha, he said to him, down to see him. “Your son, Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, For when Elisha had said to the king, has sent me to ask you: ‘Shall I recover “Tomorrow at this hour, at the gate of Sa - from this sickness?’” 10 Elisha answered, maria, two measures of barley as well as a “Go and tell him that he shall recover. But measure of fl our shall be sold for a shekel,” Yahweh has shown me that he shall cer- 19 the shield bearer had said to the man of tainly die.” God, “Even if Yahweh opens the windows of 11 Then the face of the man of God heaven for it to rain down wheat, what you became rigid, his gaze fi xed; and he began 12 say will not happen.” Then Elisha had told to weep. Hazael asked him, “Why do you 15:16; 10:32; him, “You shall see it with your own eyes, weep, my lord?” He answered, “Because 12:18; but you shall not eat of it.” 20 So it happened. I have just seen the evil you will do to the Am 1:13 The people ran over him and crushed him children of Israel: you shall set on fi re their at the city gates, and there he died. fortresses, kill their young men by the sword, crush their children, and rip open 4:18 1 Now Elisha had said to the woman the womb of pregnant women.” 13 Hazael 8 whose son he had brought back to life, told him, “Who am I, your servant, that “Arise, and go with your family to live in I should carry out such exploits?” Elisha another place, wherever it seems best for answered, “I have just had a vision: Yah- you, because Yahweh has called for a fam- weh has made you king of Aram.” ine and it will come upon the land for seven 14 Hazael left Elisha and returned to his years.” 2 The woman did what the man of master who asked him, “What has Elisha God told her to do—she went with her fam- said to you?” He answered, “He has told ily to the land of the Philistines and stayed me that you shall surely live.” 15 But on there for seven years. the following day, Hazael took a mantle, 3 At the end of the seven years, the dipped it in water, and pressed it down on woman came back to her land and went the king’s face until he died. And so, Haz- to ask the king for her house and fi eld. ael succeeded him as king of Aram. 4 16 5:27 The king was talking with Gehazi, the ser- In the fi fth year of the reign of Joram, 21:5-7 vant of the man of God, saying, “Tell me son of Ahab and king of Israel, Jehoram, all the marvelous things Elisha has done.” son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah began 5 As Gehazi was narrating how Elisha had to reign. 17 He was thirty-two years old restored the dead to life, the woman showed when he began his reign, and he reigned 18 up, she whose very son Elisha had raised for eight years in Jerusalem. He followed 1K from the dead. She was claiming back from the footsteps of the kings of Israel and 16:30 the king her house and fi eld. Gehazi said, acted in everything like the family of Ahab. “This, my lord, is the woman, and this is Because he had married the daughter of her son whom Elisha raised from the dead.” Ahab, he acted very badly with Yahweh. 6 19 The king asked her about what had However, Yahweh would not destroy 2S 7:11; Ps happened, and she recounted it to him. Judah for the sake of his servant David, 132:10; Then the king immediately sent a palace according to the promise he had made 1K 11:36 offi cial with her, and said to him, “See to to keep his lamp burning forever, which it that all her properties are returned to her referred to David’s descendants. 493 2 KINGS 9

20 21:8-10 In his days, the Edomites rebelled open the door and fl ee without delay.” against the rule of Judah, and proclaimed 4 21 So the young man went to Ra moth. a king of their own. Then Joram went to 5 attack the city of Zair with all his chari- When he arrived, the command- ots of war. Rising by night he managed to ers of the army were seated together; escape from the Edomites, who had sur- and he said, “I have to talk with you, rounded him and his chariot commanders, commander.” Jehu asked, “To which but the troops had fl ed. 22 Thus Edom has of us?” He answered, “To you, com- rebelled against Judah to this day. At that mander.” 6 So Jehu arose and went time, the city of Libnah also rebelled. 23 The rest of the deeds of Joram and in to the house. his bravery are written in the Book of the Then the young man poured the 24 21:20 Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. When oil on Jehu’s head, and said to him, Joram died, they buried him with his “Yahweh, the God of Israel, has con- fathers in the city of David, and his son secrated you king of the people of Ahaziah succeeded him. 7 ’ Israel. Thus says Yahweh: You shall 1K 21: 21-24 Ahaziah, king of Judah overthrow the kings of the family of 22:1-6 25 In the twelfth year of the reign of Jo - Ahab, that I may avenge the blood ram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, Aha- of my servants, the prophets, whom ziah the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, Jezebel has murdered. 8 I shall destroy began to reign. 26 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began his reign, and he the family of Ahab and all their men 9 reigned for a year in Jerusalem. His moth- shall perish. The family of Ahab shall 1K 14:10 er was Athaliah, daughter of Omri, king be like the family of Jeroboam and of Israel. 27 He followed in the footsteps the family of Baasha. 10 And regard- of Ahab and acted badly towards Yah- ing Jezebel, no one shall bury her, weh like those in the family of Ahab had done, since he was related to Ahab’s fam- for the dogs shall devour her in the 28 9:14; ily. He went with Joram, the son of Ahab, fi eld of Jezreel.’” Then the young man 1K 22:3 to make war against Hazael, the king of opened the door and fl ed. 29 11 Aram, at Ramoth of Gilead. But the Ara- Jehu came out to join the offi - 1S means wounded Joram who returned from 10:11; cers of the king. They said to him, Hos Ramoth to Jezreel to recover from his 9:7 wounds. After a while, Ahaziah, the king “What happened? Why did that fool 1-2 K of Judah, went to Jezreel to visit him as he call you?” Jehu answered, “You know was recuperating. that fellow and you also know why he came.” 12 They said, “We do not know Jehu is anointed king of Israel anything. Tell us what he said to you.” • 1 The prophet Elisha called one He answered, “These are his exact 9 of the fellow prophets, and said words: ‘Yahweh has consecrated you to him, “Prepare to go to the city of king of Israel.’” 13 Ramoth in Gilead taking this bottle of Then all the commanders, the Mt 21:7 oil. 2 Look there for Jehu, the son of companions of Jehu, took their cloaks Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi. Make him and put them on a wooden platform in leave his companions, and lead him the shape of a throne. And with blast 3 1K to a place apart from them. There, of trumpets, they proclaimed, “Jehu 19:16 you shall take the bottle and pour is king!” the oil on his head, saying: ‘Yahweh 14 Thus Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, has anointed you king of Israel.’ Then son of Nimshi, conspired against Jo ram.

• 9.1 While the descendants of David continue to rule in Judah, in Israel there is one “coup” after another. Elisha is the one who had Jehu anointed, namely, consecrated with oil. 2 KINGS 9 494 At that time, Joram was with the Isra- chariot, to meet Jehu. They met him elites defending the city of Ramoth in in the fi eld of Naboth of Jezreel. Gilead against Hazael, king of Aram, 15 but Joram had retreated to Jezreel Jehu murders Joram to recover from the wounds he had 22 When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, received in battle. “Do you bring peace, Jehu?” Jehu Jehu said, “If it seems good to you, an swered, “Why do you ask for peace let no one leave the city, lest they go when the prostitution of your mother, and tell the news to the king in Jez- Jezebel, and her many sorceries still reel.” 16 Jehu then mounted his chariot continue?” 23 So Joram turned his and went to Jezreel, where Joram lay chariot around and fl ed, saying to sick, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, had Aha ziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!” gone to visit him. 24 Jehu then drew his bow with all his 17 The watchman at the tower in strength and shot Joram in the back, Jezreel saw the retinue of Jehu com- so that the arrow pierced his heart. ing and said, “I see a company.” Jo - And Joram fell dead in his chariot. ram said, “Take your horse and run to 25 Jehu said to his shield bearer Bidkar, meet them, and ask them if they have “Take the body and throw it in the fi eld of any news.” Naboth of Jezreel; for remember, when we 18 So the man went out to meet served together in the cavalry of his father, Ahab, Yahweh pronounced this sentence them and said, “The king sent me 26 against him: ‘I swear that in this fi eld, I 1K to ask if you have any news.” Jehu shall take vengeance on you, for the blood 21:19 answered, “Do not worry about the of Naboth and for the blood of his sons news. Turn around and follow me.” which I saw you shed yesterday.’ So take And the watchman immediately re - his body and throw it into the fi eld accord- ing to the word of Yahweh.” ported, “The messenger reached them, 27 but he has not returned.” As for Ahaziah, the king of Judah, 22:8-9 19 he fl ed in the direction of Beth-haggan. They sent another messenger who Jehu pursued him, crying out, “Kill him, came to them and said, “The king too!” And they shot him in his chariot at wants to know if you bring any news.” the slope of Gur near Ibleam. He reached And Jehu again answered, “Do not Megiddo, took refuge there and died. 28 His worry about the news, turn around and servants carried his body in a chariot to 20 Jerusalem, and buried him with his fathers 2S ride behind me.” Again the watch- 29 18:27 in the city of David. Ahaziah had begun man reported, “He has reached them, his reign in Judah in the eleventh year of but has not returned. The way of driv- the reign of Joram, son of Ahab. ing of him who comes resembles that of Jehu, son of Nimshi, for he drives Jezebel is killed like a madman.” • 30 Jehu entered the city of Jez- 21 22:7-8 Joram then said, “Harness the reel. When Jezebel learned this, she horses of my chariot.” And Joram, painted her eyes, adorned her neck, 31 the king of Israel, went out with Aha- and looked out of the window. As 1K 16:9 ziah, the king of Judah, each in his Jehu entered the gates, she said to

• 30. Jehu will only be a good soldier. It prophets expected that he would suppress all seems that he was not even successful in his the infl uence of the foreign religions introduced wars and lost the province to the east of the by Jezebel, which he did. Jordan, the land of Gilead. Jezebel dies: she will be considered in the Scrip- However, he was dedicated to the faith (see tures as an example of a godless woman and a mur- 10:22) and to the service of Yahweh and the deress of the servants of Yahweh (see Rev 2:20). 495 2 KINGS 10 him, “Do you bring peace? Will you The king had seventy sons and they not have Zimri’s fate after murdering were growing up in the houses of promi- nent families of the city. your master?” 7 32 When they received the letter, they Jehu looked up to the window seized the king’s sons and executed all and cried out, “Who is on my side?” seventy of them and placed their heads in Two or three eunuchs looked down at large baskets which they sent to Jezreel. him. 33 He ordered them, “Throw her 8 The messenger came to where Jehu was down.” They threw her down through and said to him, “Here, they send you the heads of the king’s sons.” He answered, the window, and her blood splashed “Lay them in two heaps at the entrance of on the walls and on the horses, and the gate of Jezreel until tomorrow.” Jehu in his chariot ran over her. 9 In the morning, Jehu went out and said 34 Jehu entered Jezreel. After he had to all the people, “Be fair, tell me: if I have eaten and drunk, he gave these orders, conspired against my king and have killed “Take care of that cursed woman and him, who then has beheaded all these? 10 Know then, that none of the words Yah- bury her, for she was a king’s daugh- weh has spoken against the family of Ahab 35 ter.” They went to bury her, but they shall be without effect. Everything he said found no more than her hands and feet through the mouth of his servant Elijah has 36 1K with the skull. When they told Jehu been fulfi lled.” 21:23 about it, he said, “This is what Elijah 11 Jehu then killed all who remained of Tishbe said in the name of Yahweh: loy al to Ahab in Jezreel—all his ministers, relatives, priests—without sparing anyone. ‘In the fi eld of Jezreel, the dogs shall 12 Then he left for Samaria; and in Beth- 22:8 37 eat Jezebel. Her body shall be as eked of the Shepherds, 13 he met the broth- dung on the land, so that no one can ers of Ahaziah, king of Judah. He asked say: “This was Jezebel.”’” them, “Who are you?” They an swered, “We are the brothers of Ahaziah, and we Ahab’s family is wiped out go to greet the sons of the king and the 1 14 Jdg 9:5 The seventy sons of Ahab lived in sons of the queen.” Jehu said, “Take 10 Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and them alive.” They took them alive and sent them to Samaria, to the leaders of the beheaded them all by the well of Beth- eked. They were forty-two men, and none

city, to the judges and to those who took 1-2 K care of the sons of Ahab, saying, 2 “As was left alive. 15 soon as this letter comes to you who have Setting out from there, he met Jeho- Jer the king’s sons, chariots of war and horses, nadab, son of Rechab, who came out to 35:1-11 fortifi ed cities and weapons, 3 select the meet him. Jehu greeted him and said, best and most fi t of your master’s sons and “Would you be faithful to me as I am to make him sit on his father’s throne; then you?” Jehonadab answered, “Yes.” So prepare to defend the family of your lord.” Jehu said to him, “Give me your hand.” He 4 They were in great fear, and they said, gave him his hand, and Jehu took him up “If the two kings were not able to stand up with him into his chariot, and said, 16 “Come to him, how then can we resist him?” 5 The with me and see my zeal for Yahweh.” And palace chamberlain, the military commis- he had him ride in his chariot. sioner of the city, the judges and the tutors 17 When Jehu came to Samaria, he killed sent this response to Jehu: “We are your all the survivors loyal to Ahab in that city, servants, and we will do whatever you and he did not spare anyone. So the word say. We will not proclaim anyone king; do Yahweh had said through the mouth of Eli- whatever seems best to you.” jah was fulfi lled. 6 18 1K Then he sent them a second let- Jehu gathered together all the inhab- 15:29; Hos 1:4 ter which said, “If you are on my side itants and said, “Ahab served Baal, but I and among those who obey me, take the will serve him still better.” 19 And he added, heads of the sons of the king, your lord, “Summon all the prophets of Baal, all his and come to talk to me tomorrow at this faithful followers and priests. 20 Let no one time in Jezreel.” be missing at the solemn sacrifi ce I will 2 KINGS 10 496 offer to Baal. Whoever is absent shall die.” what seems just to me, and have dealt with Jehu did this with cunning, for he was the family of Ahab according to my will, determined to kill all who were faithful to your sons until the fourth generation shall Baal. They themselves proclaimed the sit on the throne of Israel.” 31 But Jehu did sacred solemnity that Jehu had command- not completely walk according to the Law ed. And Jehu, for his part, 21 sent messen- of Yahweh, since he did not give up the gers throughout Israel for all the faithful of sins into which Jeroboam had led Israel. 32 Baal to come without any exception. In those days, Yahweh began to re- Am 1:3 When they entered the temple of Ba- duce the land of Israel, and Hazael con- al, they were so many that they hardly quered the Israelites taking their territory touched the ground. 22 Then Jehu ordered 33 from the Jordan to the East, all the land those in charge of the vestments to bring of Gilead, of the tribes of Gad, Reuben, Ma- out the sacred vestments reserved for the nasseh, from Aroer by the brook of Arnon, faithful of Baal and to distribute these to all the land of Gilead and Bashan. them. 23 Jehu who was accompanied by 34 Now the rest of the story of Jehu, all Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, said insis- that he did and his bravery are written in tently to the faithful of Baal, “Make sure the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of that none of the faithful of Yahweh has Israel. 35 When Jehu died, they buried him entered with you, that there is no one here in Samaria, and his son Jehoahaz reigned except all the true servants of Baal.” in his place. 36 Jehu reigned over Israel in 24 Then they entered to prepare the sac- Samaria for twenty-eight years. rifi ce. But Jehu had stationed eighty men outside, and said to them, “Whoever of you Athaliah in Judah 1 lets anyone escape of those who must die • When Athaliah, the mother 22:9— 25 shall pay with his own life.” And when the 11 of Ahaziah, saw that her son 23:21 sacrifi ce was fi nished, Jehu gave this order to the soldiers and offi cers, “Go in and kill had died, she was determined to wipe all of them, let none of them escape.” So, out all the descendants of the king. they went in and put everyone to the sword, 2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king going as far as the Sanctuary of the house Joram and sister of Ahaziah, took of Baal. 26 They pulled out the sacred pillar Joash, her nephew, and brought him of the house of Baal and burned it. 27 They destroyed the altar and pulled down the away from among the king’s sons who temple, which remains a garbage dump to were about to be killed, and put him this very day. with his wet nurse in the bedroom. 28 This was how Jehu wiped out the name Thus she hid him from Athaliah, so 29 1K of Baal from Israel. But Jehu did not turn 3 12:29 that the boy was saved. And Joash aside from the sins which Jeroboam, the remained hidden in the house of son of Nebat, had caused Israel to commit, for they kept the golden calves of Bethel Yahweh for six years while Athaliah and Dan. 30 In spite of this, Yahweh said to reigned over the land. 4 Jehu, “Since you have acted well, doing In the seventh year, Jehoiada the 2S 8:18

• 11.1 Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab in the fourth century A.D., the errors of Arius— and Jezebel. When her son Ahaziah, the king of who denied the divinity of Christ—were accept- Judah dies, she thinks of taking over the king- ed by many bishops who were infl uenced by the dom by killing all her grandchildren. This would Roman emperor. In a church where authority mean the end of David’s descendants, or the came from above but where, in fact, the emper- failure of Yahweh’s promises. Joash escapes or named the bishops, the situation seemed des- death under miraculous circumstances. Six years perate in spite of the courage of a few great later, the head of the priests succeeds in a plot bishops such as St. Hilary and St. Athanasius. with the help of the “people of the land,” that It was the resistance of Christian people that is to say, the free men who enjoy full rights as assured the victory of the faith. citizens (vv. 14, 18, 19…). These remain faith- The chief priest restores the child king and ful to David’s family. he also tries to give him directions. An agree- History shows that on several occasions the ment is signed according to which the people people have been the ones who preserve the and the king commit themselves to be faithful to faith when the authorities failed to do so. Thus, the Covenant of Yahweh. 497 2 KINGS 12 chief priest, summoned the offi cers of 14 The king was standing by the pil- the royal guard and of the Carites to lar, according to the custom, and the the house of Yahweh. After conclud- offi cers and the trumpeters were with ing a pact with them under oath, he him. The people were fi lled with joy showed them the king’s son. and they were blowing trumpets. On 5 Then he gave them these orders, seeing this, Athaliah tore her clothes “One third of your men who come on and cried out, “Treason, treason!” duty on the Sabbath shall guard the 15 Jehoiada the priest commanded king’s house, 6 another third shall be the offi cers, “Surround her and bring at the foundation gate, and the last her out to the courtyard, and kill any- third at the back gates. Keep watch one who tries to defend her.” He gave continuously. 7 Now about those who this order, because he thought, “She come off duty on the Sabbath, two should not die in the house of Yahweh.” divisions of them shall guard the 16 They brought her out, and when house of Yahweh and surround king they reached the palace of the king, Joash. 8 You shall be at his side, each by the horses’ entrance, there, they with drawn weapons, and you will kill killed her. 17 all who would cross your line. Take Jehoiada made a Covenant be - Dt 4:20; care of the king wherever he goes.” tween Yahweh and the king and the Jer 34:8 9 The commanders of the guards people so they would be the people of did what Jehoiada the priest had told Yahweh. 18 All the citizens went to the them to do; and they showed up with temple of Baal and destroyed it. They all their men, those who were to go broke the altars and the images into off duty on the Sabbath as well as pieces, and killed Mattan, the priest of those who were to come on duty on Baal, before his altar. 10 1S that day. Jehoiada entrusted to the Then Jehoiada, the priest, posted 21:10; 2S 8:7 offi cers the spears and shields of king guards over the house of Yahweh. David which were in the house of 19 He led the offi cers, the guards of the 11 king, the Carites guards and the citi- Yahweh. And then the guards stood 1-2 K from the southern corner of the house zens, and they accompanied the king to the north, surrounding the altar and to the palace, passing through the the house of Yahweh. Gate of the Guards. King Joash sat 12 20 2S 2:4; Then Jehoiada, the priest, brought on the royal throne. All the citizens 1K 1:39 out the king’s son, crowned him and were happy and the city was at peace. put the bracelets on him, then pro- Now regarding Athaliah, she had died claimed and consecrated him king. by the sword in the king’s palace. All clapped their hands, shouting and Reign of Joash in Judah crying out, “Long live the king!” • 1 24:1-6 13 Joash was seven years old when When Athaliah heard the noise of 12 he began his reign. 2 It was then the the people, she approached the crowd seventh year of the reign of Jehu, and he surrounding the house of Yahweh. reigned for forty years in Jerusalem. His

• 12.1 The following six chapters relate the In Israel, at fi rst the sons of Jehu suffer many history of the kingdom of Israel and Judah from setbacks. Their third descendant, Jeroboam II, Joash to the destruction of the kingdom of Israel will achieve a period of prosperity thanks to his (the northern kingdom) in the year 721 B.C., a victories. period of over a hundred years. Meanwhile, the powerful kings of Assyria In Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, there are only conquer everywhere and soon threaten Israel four kings, the fi rst two rule for forty years each. with their armies and their power. 2 KINGS 12 498

3 Dt mother was Zibiah of Beer-sheba. Joash the money offered for the expiation of sins 17:18; Jer did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh was for the priests. 24: 18:18 18 as long as the priest Jehoiada guided him. At that time Hazael, king of Aram, 23-27; 14:4; 4 But he did not demolish the Sanctuaries 2K 10:32 1K went up to fi ght against Gath. He captured 19 22:43 on the hillsides where people continued it and was heading for Jerusalem. So 1K offering sacrifi ces and burning incense. Joash, king of Judah, took all the pre- 15:18 5 Joash said to the priest, “All the money cious things that his fathers, Jehoshaphat, from the sacred contributions which the Jehoram and Ahaziah, kings of Judah, people bring to offer in the house of Yah- had consecrated, with all that he himself weh, the money in cash, that which is had consecrated, and all the gold he could offered as personal assessment, and that fi nd in the treasury of the house of Yahweh which is freely and voluntarily given in and in those of the king’s house. Then he the house of Yahweh—6 all these you can sent them to Hazael, king of Aram, who receive. Let each one receive from the left Jerusalem with them. hand of those to whom he attends, but you 20 Now the rest regarding Joash and all are to repair the house of Yahweh, when that he did is written in the Book of the anything needs to be repaired.” Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. 7 By the twenty-third year of the reign of 21 Some of his offi cials plotted a con- Joash, the priests had not yet carried out spiracy against him, and they killed him the repairs needed in the house of Yahweh. in Beth-Millo, as he was going to Silla. 8 So the king summoned Jehoiada the 22 Jozacar, son of Shimeath, and Jehoza- priest and the other priests with him, and bad, son of Shomer, struck him down, and said to them, “Why have you not carried he died. He was buried with his fathers in out the repairs of the house yet? From now the city of David, and his son Amaziah on, you will no longer keep any money reigned in his place. during your service, but shall set it aside for the repair of the house.” 9 The priests Jehoahaz, king of Israel agreed that henceforth, they would not 1 In the twenty-third year of the reign accept money from the people and would 13 of Joash, son of Ahaziah, king of not be in charge of the repair of the house. Judah, Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, began to 10 So Jehoiada, the priest, had a box made rule over Israel from Samaria, its capital; with a hole in the cover. He placed this by he reigned for seventeen years. 2 He acted the altar, to the right side of those entering badly towards Yahweh and persisted in the the house of Yahweh, and the priests who sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which had were at the gates put in it all the money become the sins of Israel, without turning offered in the house of Yahweh. away from them. 3 So the anger of Yahweh 11 Whenever they saw that the box was burned against Israel, and he delivered full, a secretary of the king would come, them into the hands of Hazael, king of and together with the high priest, they Aram, and into the hands of Ben-hadad, would take and count the money. 12 Then son of Hazael, throughout that time. they would turn the amount over into the 4 But Jehoahaz prayed to Yahweh, and hands of those responsible for the work Yahweh listened to him for he had seen the of the house, who would, in turn, pay with oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram this money the carpenters and bricklayers oppressed them. 5 And Yahweh gave Israel doing the repairs. 13 From this amount, they a liberator who would free them from the also bought the stones, wood and every- oppression of Aram, so the Israelites could thing necessary for the repair of the house live peacefully in their homes as before. 14 6 of Yahweh. But of this money given for (But they did not turn away from the sins 14:4; 1K the house of Yahweh, they did not make by which Jeroboam made Israel sin, for 22:44 any silver cups, or cutting tools, or water the sacred pillar still remained standing in jars, or trumpets, or any golden or silver Samaria.) 7 No more than fi fty horsemen, objects, 15 but all the money was used to ten chariots of war and ten thousand sol- pay those who were repairing the house of diers were left of the army of Jehoahaz, for Yahweh. 16 Accounts were not asked from the king of Aram had wiped out all the rest those responsible for paying the laborers, like dust. since they acted with great honor. 17 Only 8 The rest about Jehoahaz, all that he 499 2 KINGS 14 did and his bravery are written in the Book the bones of Elisha, the man revived and of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. stood on his feet. 9 When Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, 22 Hazael, king of Aram, oppressed the they buried him in Samaria and his son Israelites throughout the reign of Jehoa- Joash reigned in his place. haz. 23 But Yahweh had pity and took com- passion on them. He turned towards them Joash, king of Israel because of his Covenant with Abraham, 10 Jehoash son of Jehoahaz began to Isaac and Jacob, and would not utterly rule over Israel in the thirty-seventh year of destroy them, or cast them far from his king Joash’s reign in Judah. He reigned in face. 24 Hazael, the king of Aram, died; and Samaria sixteen years. 11 He did what was his son Ben-hadad reigned in his place. evil in the eyes of Yahweh; he did not turn 25 Then Joash, son of Jehoahaz, again took away from the sins which Jeroboam, son from Ben-hadad the cities which Hazael 14:15-16 of Nebat, made Israel commit. 12 The rest had taken from Jehoahaz. Joash defeat- about Joash and all that he did, his brav- ed him thrice and recovered the cities of ery and how he fought against Amaziah, Israel. king of Judah are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 13 When Amaziah, king of Judah 1 Joash slept with his fathers, he was bur- Amaziah, son of Joash, king of 25:1-4 ied in Samaria, together with the kings of 14 Judah, began to reign in the second Israel, and Jeroboam sat upon his throne. year of the reign of Joash, king of Israel. 2 He was twenty-fi ve years old when he Death of Elisha began to reign, and he reigned for twenty-

14 nine years in Jerusalem. His mother was 2:12 When Elisha became very sick and 3 was about to die, Joash, king of Israel, Jehoaddin of Jerusalem. He did what was went down to him and went before him, right in the eyes of Yahweh, yet not like his father David; rather he acted like his father saying, “My father! My father! Chariot 4 and horses of Israel!” 15 Elisha said to him, Joash. The Sanctuaries on the hillside still “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a stood. There the people continued to offer bow and arrows. 16 Elisha then said to the sacrifi ces and to burn incense. king, “Draw the bow,” and the king drew 5 When the kingdom was fi rmly in his the bow. Then Elisha put his hand on the hands, Amaziah killed the offi cers who 6 17 Jos 8:18 king’s hand and said, “Open the window had murdered the king, his father, but did not kill the sons of the assassins, accord- towards the east.” He opened it. Elisha 1-2 K ing to what is written in the Law of Moses Dt then said, “Shoot!” And he shot. Elisha 24:16; said, “Yahweh’s arrow of victory, arrow of where Yahweh gave this command: “You Ezk 18 victory over Aram! You shall defeat Aram shall not put the fathers to death because in Aphek until you utterly destroy them!” of their sons, nor shall you put the sons to 18 And he added, “Take the arrows.” And death because of their fathers, but every- he took them. Elisha said to the king, one shall be punished on account of his “Strike the ground with them.” He struck own crimes.” 7 three times and stopped. 19 So the man of Amaziah conquered ten thousand Edo - 25:11-12 God became angry at him, and said, “You mites in the valley of Salt, and conquered should have struck fi ve or six times, then the Rock by arms, calling it Joktheel, which you would have struck down Aram com- is its name to this day. 8 pletely. But now, you will strike down Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jo - 25:17-28 Aram only three times.” ash, son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king 20 Elisha died and they buried him. A of Israel, to say to him, “Come up and let little later, a detachment of Moabites con- us see which of the two of us is better.” ducted a raid as they used to do at the 9 Joash, king of Israel, sent as an answer beginning of every year. 21 It happened that to Amaziah, king of Judah: “A thorn bush at that time some people were burying a of Lebanon sent this message to a cedar dead man, when they saw the Moabites. of Lebanon: ‘Give me your daughter to be So they quickly threw the body into the my son’s wife.’ But the wild beasts of Leb- grave of Elisha, and then fl ed to safety. anon passed by and trampled down the But as soon as the man’s body touched bush. 10 You now feel very proud since you 2 KINGS 14 500 conquered the Edomites. Be content with teenth year of the reign of Amaziah, king your fame and be quiet in your own house of Judah. He reigned for forty-one years, lest disgrace befall you and the people of 24 and during his reign he acted badly Judah.” towards Yahweh, for he did not turn away 11 But Amaziah did not listen. So Joash, from the sins which Jeroboam, son of king of Israel, came and confronted him Nebat, made Israel commit. 25 He restored in Beth-shemesh of Judah. 12 Judah was the border of Israel from the entrance of defeated by Israel, and everyone of them Hamath up to the Dead Sea, according to fl ed to his home. 13 Joash, king of Israel, the word which Yahweh, the God of Israel, took Amaziah, son of Ahaziah, as pris- had said through the mouth of his servant, oner in Beth-shemesh, and brought him to the prophet Jonah, the son of Amittai Jerusalem. from Gath-hepher. 26 Yahweh had seen the He made an opening one hundred eighty extreme bitter misery of Israel; there was meters wide in the wall of Jerusalem, from no one left, neither slave nor freeman, who 14 27 the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. He would help Israel. But Yahweh did not Dt 7:24 took all the gold and silver, all that he found decide to wipe out the name of Israel from in the house of Yahweh and in the treasur- under the heavens, so he saved them by ies of the king’s house, and hostages as the hand of Jeroboam, son of Joash. well, and then returned to Samaria. 28 Now the rest regarding Jeroboam, all 15 13:12-13 Now the rest about Joash, about his that he did and his bravery, how he fought bravery and how he fought against Ama- and restored Hamath and Damascus to Isra- ziah, king of Judah, is written in the Book el, is written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. of the Kings of Israel. 29 When Jeroboam 16 When Joash rested with his fathers, they died, he was buried with the kings of Israel, buried him in Samaria with his ances- and his son Zechariah reigned in his place. tors, and his son Jeroboam reigned in his place. Azariah, king of Judah 17 1 Now about Amaziah: he lived fi fteen Azariah, son of Amaziah, king of 26:3-4 more years after the death of Joash, king 15 Judah, began to reign in the twenty- of Israel. 18 The rest of the history of Amaz- seventh year of the reign of Jeroboam in iah is written in the Book of the Chronicles Israel. 2 He was sixteen years old when he 19 12:21 of the Kings of Judah. There were people began his reign. He reigned for fi fty-two who conspired against him in Jerusalem. years in Jerusalem. His mother was Jeco- So Amaziah took refuge in Lachish, but liah of Jerusalem. they pursued him and killed him in that 3 He did what pleased Yahweh, like his city. 20 His body was brought from there in a father Amaziah had done. 4 But the Sanctu- chariot, and they buried him in Jerusalem aries of the hillsides were not demolished, 21 26:1-2 with his fathers in the city of David. Then, and the people still offered sacrifi ces and all the people of Judah took Azariah, who burned incense on them. 5 was sixteen years old, and proclaimed him Yahweh struck down the king. He be - 26: 22 21-23; king in place of his father Amaziah. He came sick with leprosy, and he remained a Lev rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah, after leper to the day of his death. He lived in an 13:46 the king, his father, died. isolated house, while Jotham, his son, was head of the king’s household and adminis- Jeroboam II, king of Israel tered justice in the kingdom. • 23 Jeroboam, son of Joash, king of 6 Now the rest about Azariah and all that Israel, began to reign in Samaria in the fi f- he did is written in the Book of the Chroni-

• 14.23 Scripture dedicates only this para- everyone’s disbelief—that this prosperity will be graph to Jeroboam II, king of Israel (the years brief because it is not based on justice. At the 783-743 B.C.), in spite of his having restored death of Jeroboam, the kingdom of Samaria greatness and prosperity to the kingdom. comes to an end. In Jeroboam’s victories, the author only sees Religious division continues and the Israelites God’s last favor for his humiliated people. of the north, isolated from the religious center This prosperity, however, brings about the of Jerusalem, do not succeed in preserving their exploitation of the people. This is the time when faith when confronted with pagan infl uence. the prophets Hosea and Amos announce—to 501 2 KINGS 15 cles of the Kings of Judah. 7 When Azariah silver from each one. With this, the king of died, they buried him with his fathers in Asshur turned back and did not stay there the city of David, and his son Jotham suc- in the land. ceeded him. 21 Now the rest regarding Menahem and all that he did is written in the Book of the The last kings of Israel Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 22 When 8 Zechariah, son of Jeroboam, began to Menahem died, his son Pekahiah succeed- reign over Israel in Samaria, its capital, in ed him. the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Aza- 23 Pekahiah, son of Menahem, began to riah, king of Judah. For the six months reign over Israel in Samaria in the fi ftieth 9 1K that he stayed in power, he acted badly year of the reign of Azariah, king of Judah. 12:28 towards Yahweh, as his fathers had done, He reigned for two years, 24 during which for he did not turn away from the sins he acted badly towards Yahweh. He did not which Jeroboam, son of Nebat, made Isra- turn away from the sins which Jeroboam, el commit. son of Nebat, made Israel commit. 10 Shallum, son of Jabesh, conspired 25 His offi cer Pekah, son of Remali ah, con- against him, and struck him down at Ibleam. spired against him. He and fi fty Gileadites He killed him and reigned in his place. assassinated Pekahiah, as well as Argob 11 Now the rest regarding Zechariah is and Arieh, in Samaria in the fortress of the written in the Book of the Chronicles of the royal palace. With the king dead, Pekah Kings of Israel. 12 In this way the promise succeeded him. Yahweh had made to Jehu was fulfi lled: 26 The rest about Pekahiah and all that “Your sons until the fourth generation shall he did is written in the Book of the Chroni- sit upon the throne of Israel.” And so it was. cles of the Kings of Israel. 13 Shallum, son of Jabesh, began to 27 In the fi fty-second year of the reign reign in the thirty-ninth year of the reign of Azariah, king of Judah, Pekah, son of of Uzziah, king of Judah, and he reigned Remaliah, began to reign over Israel in for a month in Samaria. 14 Then Menahem, Samaria, its capital. He reigned for twenty son of Gadi, rebelled against him in Tirzah. years, and he acted badly towards Yah- He came to Samaria and killed Shallum in weh, 28 for he did not turn away from the that city. Having killed Shallum, Menahem sins which Jeroboam made Israel commit. reigned in his place. 29 In the time of Pekah, king of Israel, 15 Now the rest about Shallum and the Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, came and conspiracy which he plotted is written in seized Iyon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, 1-2 K the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Kedesh, Hazor, the territory of Gilead and Israel. Galilee, and the whole land of Naphtali, 16 Then Menahem seized Tappuah and and deported their inhabitants to Asshur. killed its inhabitants, devastating its terri- 30 Then Hoshea, son of Elah, conspired tory from Tirzah onwards, since they would against Pekah, son of Remaliah, killed him not open the gates to him. And he ripped and reigned in his place. 31 The rest about open all the pregnant women. Pekah and all that he did is written in the 17 Menahem, son of Gadi, began to Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. reign in the thirty-ninth year of the reign of Azariah, king of Judah. He reigned for Jotham, king of Judah 18 32 ten years in Samaria, and he, too, acted Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, 27:1-4 badly towards Yahweh, for he did not turn began to reign in the second year of the away from the sins of Jeroboam, son of reign of Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Nebat, which he made Israel commit. Israel. 33 Jotham was twenty-fi ve years old 19 In his days, Pul, the king of Assyria, when he began to reign, and he reigned invaded the land of Israel. And Menahem for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother had to give him a thousand talents of silver was Jerusha, daughter of Zadok. so that the king of Asshur would receive 34 He did what pleased Yahweh, as his him as an ally and keep him in power. father had done, 35 but he did not abolish Jer 20:2 20 Menahem exacted the money from all the Sanctuaries on the high places where the wealthy and prominent people of Israel the people continued to offer sacrifi ces to give to the king of Asshur: fi fty pieces of and burn incense. 2 KINGS 15 502 He built the Upper Gate of the house ment of that altar, together with the design 27:7-9 of Yahweh. 36 The rest about Jotham and which he copied exactly in all its details. all that he did is written in the Book of 11 The priest Uriah built the altar accord- the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. 37 In ing to the design the king had sent him those days, Yahweh began to send Rezin, from Damascus. He fi nished it before king 12 king of Aram, and Pekah, son of Remaliah, Ahaz arrived from Damascus. When the 1K 38 12:33; against Judah. When Jotham died, they king returned from Damascus, he saw the 13:1 13 buried him with his fathers in the city of altar, approached it and went up to it. He 28:23 his ancestor David, and his son Ahaz suc- burned on that altar his holocausts and ceeded him. sacrifi ces. There he made his libation and shed the blood of his peace offerings. 14 He Ahaz, king of Judah removed the altar of bronze that was before 1 In the seventeenth year of the reign Yahweh, from the front of the house, from 16 of Pekah, son of Remaliah, Ahaz the between the new altar and the house of son of Jotham, king of Judah, began to Yahweh, and he placed it on the north side 2 28:1-4 reign. Ahaz was then twenty years old of his new altar. and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusa- King Ahaz ordered the priest Uriah, lem. He did not do what pleased Yahweh, 15 “Upon this great altar you shall burn the 3 Dt his God, as his father David had done. He morning holocaust and the evening sacri- 12:31; Jer 7:31 walked in the way of the kings of Israel, fi ce, the king’s holocaust and his sacrifi ce, and even sacrifi ced his son in the fi re, the holocausts of the people of the land, according to the hateful practices of those their sacrifi ces and libations. You shall nations which Yahweh had expelled from shed upon it all the blood of the holocausts the land, so the children of Israel could and sacrifi ces. But the bronze altar shall be 4 1K occupy their place. He offered sacrifi ces 16 14:23; mine for consultation.” The priest Uriah Jer 2:20 in the Sanctuaries on the hills, on the did as the king had commanded him. 17 slopes and under every green tree. 28:24 5 The king dismantled the paneling of 28:5; Then Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, Is 7—8 the stands, removed the washbasins from son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up on top of them, took down the big bronze to fi ght Jerusalem. They surrounded it, but 6 basin from the top of the oxen that sup- 28:17 could not conquer it. At that time Rezin, ported it, and placed it upon the stone king of Aram, recovered Elath for the pavement. Now, about the throne which Edomites, expelling the Jews from there. had been built within the house of Yahweh The Edomites then entered Elath and lived 18 and the outer entrance for the king, he Ezk 46:2 there until now. 7 removed them from the house of Yahweh 28:16 Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath- because of the king of Asshur. pileser, king of Asshur, to tell him, “I am 19 The rest regarding Ahaz and all that he 28:26-27 your servant and your son. Come then and did is written in the Book of the Chronicles rescue me from the hands of the king of of the Kings of Judah. 20 When Ahaz died, Aram and of the king of Israel, who wage 8 they buried him with his fathers in the city 1K war against me.” Ahaz took the silver 15:18; of David, and his son Hezekiah succeeded 28:21 and gold that was in the house of Yahweh him. and the treasures from the house of the king, and sent them as a gift to the king End of the kingdom of Israel of Asshur. 9 The king of Asshur paid heed to him and went to attack Damascus; he in the north seized that city and exiled its inhabitants to • 1 Hoshea, son of Elah, began Kir, then he killed Rezin. 17 to reign in Israel in the twelfth 10 So king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet with Tiglath-pileser, king of Asshur. year of the reign of Ahaz, king of And when he saw the altar in Damascus, Judah. He reigned for nine years in he sent to Uriah the priest, the measure- the city of Samaria, 2 and he acted

• 17.1 Here we have the description of the deported to an extreme place of the Assyrian fall of the northern kingdom. Samaria is cap- empire, and residents from those remote prov- tured in the year 721 B.C. The people are inces are brought to Samaria to mix with the 503 2 KINGS 17 badly towards Yahweh though not as weh, their God. They built Sanctuar- badly as the previous kings of Israel. ies in all the cities, from the watch- 3 10 Shalmaneser, king of Asshur, towers to the fortifi ed cities. They 1K came with his army to attack Hoshea, placed images and sacred pillars on 14:23 who surrendered to him and began all the hills and under every green paying taxes to him. 4 But the king of tree. 11 There they burned incense in Asshur discovered that Hoshea was their Sanctuaries on the hills, like the plotting against him, for Hoshea had nations Yahweh had dispossessed for sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, them. and did not pay him the taxes as he They did wicked things, provoking had done every year. Shalmaneser Yahweh to anger. 12 They served their arrested him, then put him in prison. fi lthy idols in spite of what Yahweh 5 18:9-11 The army of the king of Asshur had told them: “You must not do such 13 subjected the whole of Israel, coming a thing.” Yahweh warned Israel and Jer 18:11; to Samaria and laying siege to it for Judah through the mouth of every 25:5; 6 Ezk Dt three years. In the ninth year of the prophet and seer, saying: “Turn from 33:11 28:36; Hos 9:3; reign of Hoshea, the king of Assyria your evil ways and keep my com- Am 5:27 captured Samaria, exiled the Israel- mandments and precepts according ites to Asshur and made them settle to the laws which I commanded your in Halah, at the banks of Habor, the fathers and which I have sent to you river of Gozan, as well as in the cities by my servants, the prophets.” 14 of the Medes. But they did not listen and refused, Jer 7:26 as did their fathers, who did not believe Causes of the fall of Israel 15 in Yahweh, their God. They despised Jer 2:5 7 32:4; • This happened because the his statutes and the Covenant he had Jdg 2:1; Jer 2:6; children of Israel had sinned against made with their fathers, and the warn- Mic 6:4; Ps 81 Yahweh, their God, who had brought ings he had given them. They went them out of the land of Egypt, where after worthless idols and they them- they were subject to Pharaoh. But selves became worthless, following 1-2 K they had turned back to other gods. the nations which surrounded them, 8 They followed the customs of the in spite of what Yahweh had said, “Do nations which Yahweh had driven out not do as they do.” before them. 16 They abandoned all the com- 9 The children of Israel introduced mandments of Yahweh and fashioned many innovations that offended Yah- two calves of bronze. They made sa cred

people in the countryside. Such was the prac- • 7. The kingdom of Israel disappeared when tice of the Assyrian conquerors: displacing and Samaria was conquered by the Assyrians. It intermingling the people to prevent rebellion. was too small and isolated to resist its powerful From that time on, the Samaritans, or the neighbor. Scripture, however, makes us discov- Israelites of the north, are racially and religiously er the deeper cause of this disaster: they had mixed, and the Israelites of Judah never consid- sinned against Yahweh their God. er them as their equals. Seven centuries later, in They served their fi lthy idols (v. 12). Though Jesus’ time, the Samaritans were still neighbors the fi rst meaning of idol was image, images of to be avoided, because the suspicions and the Christ and his servants the saints are not idols, confl icts had overcome the common memories. as short-sighted believers think. An idol is every- Thus, the most important of the kingdoms thing that takes the place of the one God in our from David and Solomon disappears two cen- heart and our lives. He is the living God and turies after Solomon’s death. Among the Jews, gives life to those who serve him. The fi lthy the hope remains that when the Messiah comes idols bring sickness and confusion to the society he will reunite Judah and Israel and call all those which serves them. Whether they be gadgets, scattered among the nations (see Ezk 37:15). elements of a luxurious life, idols of fl esh and 2 KINGS 17 504 pillars and knelt before all the stars of cities of Samaria in place of the Israel- heaven, and worshiped Baal. ites. These people occupied the country of 17 Samaria and resided in its cities. 16:3 They sacrifi ced their sons and 25 When they fi rst settled there they did daughters in the fi re, practiced divina- not worship Yahweh, so Yahweh sent lions 26 tion and magic, and sold themselves which killed many of them. Then it was Ezk 5:17 to evildoing in the sight of Yahweh, reported to the king of Asshur, “The people enkindling his anger. you deported and sent to Samaria to settle 18 So Yahweh became indignant with in its cities do not know how Yahweh, the God of the land, should be honored, so he Israel and cast them far away from his has sent lions which are killing them.” presence, leaving only the tribe of Judah. 27 So the king of Asshur commanded, 19 But neither did Judah keep the com- “Let one of the priests we have banished mandments of Yahweh, their God; on from Samaria return there. Let him go and the contrary, they followed the customs live with those people and teach them how 28 practiced in Israel. 20 Because of this, Yah- to honor the God of that land.” So, one of weh rejected the whole race of Israel. He the priests, who had been banished from humbled them and delivered them into the Samaria, came back, and, staying in Beth- hands of plunderers, until the day came el, taught these people how they should when he drove them far away from his honor Yahweh. presence. 29 Yet each of these nations made its 21 When he divided the kingdom of Da - own gods, and placed them in the Sanctu- vid, Israel chose Jeroboam, son of Nebat, aries on the hills which the Samaritans had as king: he made them commit a great sin built. Each of these nations put their god in by separating themselves from Yahweh. the city where they settled: 30 the Babylo- 22 The Israelites followed Jeroboam in his nians set up the idol Succoth, the inhabit- sins, and did not turn away from them ants of Cuth made Negal, the inhabitants 31 23 until Yahweh had removed Israel from his of Hamath made Ashima, those of Avva presence, according to the warning given made Nibjaz and Tartak. Those of Sep- them through his servants, the prophets. harvaim burned their children in the fi re in So Israel was exiled from its land to the honor of Adrammelech and Anammelech, country of Asshur until this day. their gods. 32 They worshiped Yahweh, but they The origin of the Samaritans appointed for themselves priests from • 24 The king of Asshur brought people among their people, who served Yahweh from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and in the Houses on the hills. 33 They honored Sepharvaim, and he settled them in the Yahweh but at the same time, served their

blood, when we choose them we are always left They went after worthless idols and they sad and unclean. themselves became worthless (v. 15). Jeremiah Yet the idols had another signifi cance for will also say: “They served foreign gods and so Israel, a small kingdom less advanced than the I will send them to foreign lands as slaves” (Jer neighboring nations. The idols were the sym- 16:11-13). See also Judges 3:7 and Romans bol and the instrument of a foreign and alienat- 1:24. ing culture. The Canaanite and Assyrian idols included the worship of sex, greed and violence. • 24. The foreigners who are brought to The Israelites who were enticed by them forgot Samaria meet with hardships which arouse reli- the problems of their own society and lost a gious restlessness in them: can the god of this thirst for justice which was their inheritance. land be angry with us because we do not offer It is the same now when people of a develop- sacrifi ces to him? ing nation are enslaved by the idols of a con- Answering the doubts of these basically reli- sumerist society… When families are submissive gious people, the author highlights the demands to the T.V., religiously watching the advertising of faith: of greed, the erotic shows and whatever has – it is not enough to honor the Lord along been planned for them, they become unable to with the other gods, he is the only One and he improve their own life in the context of their asks us to destroy all the gods we have made for own reality. Then the building of a nation in jus- ourselves; tice become no more than a beautiful but unre- – it is not enough to offer sacrifi ces to the alistic dream. Lord: we must do his will. 505 2 KINGS 18 own gods, according to the customs of the twenty-nine years. His mother was nations from where they had been banished. 3 Abijah, daughter of Zechariah. He 14:3; 34 Until this very day, they still ob serve 15:3 the old customs. They do not honor Yah- did what was right in the eyes of Yah- weh since they do not follow the precepts weh, like David, his ancestor. 4 and customs, the law or the command- He did away with the Sanctuaries 31:1; Num ments which Yahweh had given to the chil- on the hills, demolished the standing 21:6; dren of Jacob, to whom he had given the stones and cut down the sacred pillars. Jn 3:14 name Israel. 35 Yahweh had made a Cov- He also destroyed the bronze ser- enant with them, commanding them, “Do not honor other gods or bow down before pent that Moses had fashioned in the them, or serve them or offer them sacrifi c- desert for, until that time, the Israel- es. 36 You shall honor Yahweh alone, who ites were offering sacrifi ces to it and brought you out of the land of Egypt with called it Nehushtan. the strength of his arm; before him you 5 He trusted in Yahweh more than 23:25 shall bow and to him alone shall you offer sacrifi ces. 37 Keep the precepts, the ordi- any of the kings of Judah who pre- nances, the Law and the commandments ceded or succeeded him and he never he wrote for you. Fulfi ll them all your days departed from Yahweh. 6 He kept the and do not adore strange gods. 38 Do not commandments Yahweh had given 7 forsake the Covenant he made with you through Moses. For that reason, Yah- Dt 5:29 and do not adore strange gods, 39 but adore weh was with him. He succeeded in all only Yahweh, your God, and he shall free you from the hand of all your enemies.” his undertakings. He rebelled against 40 But they did not pay attention; instead the king of Assyria and was no lon- they followed their ancient customs. ger subject to him. 8 He imposed his 41 Ezra 4:2 So these people honored Yahweh, but, authority on the Philistines as far as at the same time, also served their idols; Gaza, and seized their land from the and after them, their children and their watchtowers to the fortifi ed cities. children’s children continued doing what 9 their fathers had done. In the fourth year of king Heze- 17:1-6 kiah’s reign (it was the seventh year Hezekiah, king of Judah of the reign of Israel’s king Hoshea, 1 29:1-2 • In the third year of the reign son of Elah), king Shalmaneser of 1-2 K 18 of Israel’s king Hoshea son of Assyria marched up against Sama- Elah, Ahaz’s son Hezekiah became ria and besieged it. 10 At the end of king over Judah. three years, he conquered it. In the 2 He was twenty-fi ve years old then, sixth year of the reign of Hezekiah, and his reign in Jerusalem lasted for which was the ninth year of the reign

• 18.1 Here begins the last part of the Book with its better educated priests and Levites look- of Kings: the history of the kingdom of Judah. ing after the purity of the faith, Hezekiah pro- The fall of Samaria and the disappearance of motes religious reform. the northern kingdom bring about a religious As to the bronze serpent which Hezekiah renewal in the south. destroyed, see Numbers 21:4. Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of It is also true that many fugitive priests had Yahweh (v. 3). This is the time when the proph- come from the north during the last days of et Isaiah is present at the side of king Hezekiah Samaria. Some of them had succeeded in main- (the years 716–687 B.C.). taining faith in Yahweh and religious unity. They He did away with the Sanctuaries on the brought along sacred books and kept many hills (v. 4). Here we note the effort on the part ancient traditions of Moses and Israel’s past. of the kings of Judah to see to it that the only This contribution would be extremely important place of worship would be the Jerusalem tem- for the writing of the Scriptures and also for ple. In the many rural Sanctuaries, people went Josiah’s reform a century later (2 K 22). to offer their sacrifi ces to Yahweh in ways that The reforms of Hezekiah are told more in were usually mixed with pagan practices. By detail in 2 Chronicles 29–31. highlighting the Jerusalem temple’s monopoly 2 KINGS 18 506 of Hoshea, king of Israel, Samaria was three hundred talents of silver and conquered. 11 The king of Assyria de - thirty of gold. ported the Israelites to Assyria and 15 Hezekiah then handed over to settled them in Halah, on the Habor, him all the money that was found in the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the house of Yahweh and in the trea- the Medes. suries of the royal palace. 16 It was at 12 This happened to them because that time that Hezekiah ordered that they did not listen to the voice of Yah- the gold sheets, with which he him- weh, their God, and had broken his self had adorned the doorposts, be Covenant. They did not listen to nor put stripped from the gates of the house into practice what Moses, the servant of Yahweh, and given to the king of of Yahweh, had commanded them. Assyria. 17 From Lachish the king of Assyr- 32:9-19; Sennacherib’s invasion Is 36: ia sent his fi eld commander with a 2-22; 13 7:3 32:1; • In the fourteenth year of Heze- large army to king Hezekiah in Jeru- Is 36:1 kiah’s reign, Sennacherib, king of salem. They halted at the channel of Assyria, came up and invaded Judah. the Upper Pool on the highway to the He laid siege to all the fortifi ed cit- Fuller’s Field. The fi eld commander 14 18 ies and seized all of them. Heze- called for the king; and Eliakim son Is 22:15 kiah, king of Judah, sent a message of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, to Sennacherib, who was in Lachish, went out to him, together with Sheb- “I have acted badly, stop your attack nah, the secretary and Joah son of and I will do whatever you demand of Asaph, the recorder. me.” The king of Assyria demanded 19 The fi eld commander said to them, that Hezekiah give a contribution of “Give Hezekiah this message from the

• 13. In the year 701 B.C. Sennacherib be- liberation, and in Isaiah 37, the story of the sec- sieged Jerusalem and Hezekiah had to pay a ond one. high price to keep him away. Make your peace with me and surrender (v. Beginning with verse 7 to the end of Chapter 31). The Assyrian king proposes peace under 19, we have the story of the miraculous libera- the condition that the people be deported. For tion of Jerusalem. Actually there are two stories the Jews this dispersal would mean the loss of that may correspond to two liberations from their national and religious life by being dis- two Assyrian invasions. persed in other lands. It would also mean that In the year 701 B.C. he king of Assyria sends David’s descendants are now deprived of power his generals from Lachish to demand Hezekiah’s and, according to the mentality of that time, that surrender. He is forced to return to his country Yahweh had been defeated by the gods of the and cannot carry out his threats. This story is in conqueror. That is why God does something. verses 17-19, and it concludes in 19:36-37. All along these two chapters, the prophetic In the year 690 B.C. there is another inter- account emphasizes the difference between vention related in 19:9-35. This time “the angel the worthless gods of the nations and the God of the Lord came out and killed one hundred of Israel who knows the good time for him to eighty-fi ve thousand soldiers in the camp” reverse the course of history. (19:35). The famous pagan historian, Herodo- These events invite us to trust in God’s help. tus, relates the sudden destruction of this army When God commits himself to act, he cannot fail by an epidemic. A most natural event! And yet, if we do not get tired of hoping in him. Against at the time when the Holy City is about to fall all human hope, Jerusalem remains untouched. and when God’s promises seem to fail, some This is the image of a ruler whom people want to rats are spreading the deadly virus. The bibli- depose because of his honesty but who remains cal author makes no mistake in seeing this as a steadfast. Or the student who stays fi rm even manifestation of God. Jerusalem was liberated though his friends mock his faith. Or the young as Isaiah had predicted. people who remain pure in a culture without These two chapters appear almost word for morality. Or the church reduced to a few faithful word in the book of Isaiah, Chapters 36–37. which is seemingly defeated by political forces Here we only emphasize the story of the fi rst and yet remains victorious. 507 2 KINGS 19

31 great king of Assyria: ‘How can you but to what the king of Assyria says, 1K 5:5; 20 Hos be so confi dent? You thought that ‘Make your peace with me and sur- 2:14; words are as good as wisdom and render. Then I will let each of you eat Mic 4:4 replace strength in time of war? On of your vine and of your fi g tree and whom are you relying that you rebel drink the water of your cistern until 21 32 Is 30:1-7 against me? You rely on Egypt, a I come again. Then I will take you Dt 7:13 broken staff which pierces the palm to a land like your own land, a land of him who leans on it. Such is Pha- of grain and new wine, of bread and raoh, king of Egypt, for all who rely on vineyards, of oil and honey, that you him. 22 Yes, you may say to me: “We may live and not die. rely on Yahweh our God.” But isn’t he Hezekiah is misleading you when the one whose altars and high plac- he says that Yahweh will save you. es Hezekiah removed when he com- 33 Have the gods of the nations res- manded Judah and Jerusalem: “You cued their land from the hands of the shall worship before this altar?’” king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods 23 Come now, make a bargain with of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the my master, the king. I will give you gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah? two thousand horses if you are able to And have the gods delivered Samaria 24 35 Is 31:1 supply riders. How could you ever from my hand? Who among all the repulse one of the least of my mas- gods of these nations has been able ter’s generals? And you rely on Egypt to save his country from me? Do you 25 Is 7:17 for chariots and horsemen! Do you think that Yahweh will deliver Jerusa- think that I have come to attack and lem from my hand?” destroy this land without consulting 36 The people were silent and did Yahweh? He himself said to me: ‘Go not respond, for the king had ordered, up to this land and conquer it!’” 26 Then “Don’t respond to him.” Eliakim, Shebna and Joah said to the 37 Then Eliakim, with Shebna and fi eld commander, “Speak to your ser- Joah came to Hezekiah with their v ants in Aramaic. We understand it. clothes torn and told him what the Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the fi eld commander had said. 1-2 K hearing of these people on the walls.” 27 1 Is But the fi eld commander said, When king Hezekiah heard this, 37:1-7; Gen “Do you think that my master sent 19 he tore his clothes, covered him- 37:34; 2S 3:31; me to speak these words only to your self with sackcloth and went to the 1K 21:27; master and to you? Is it not also to the house of Yahweh. 2 He sent Eliakim, Es 4:1 men on the walls who, with you, will the overseer of the palace, Shebna, have to eat their own dung and drink the secretary, and the elders among their own urine?” the priests, all wearing sackcloth, to 28 Then the fi eld commander stood the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 3 and cried out with a loud voice in And they said to Isaiah, “This is Hos Hebrew: “Hear the words of the great what Hezekiah says: ‘Today is a day of 13:13 king of Assyria: 29 ’Do not let Hezekiah distress, rebuke and disgrace, as when deceive you! No, he will not be able to children are at the point of birth and help you! 30 Do not listen to him when there is no strength to deliver them. he tells you to trust in Yahweh, say- 4 Would that your God might hear the ing, “Yahweh will save us. This city words of the fi eld commander, whom will not be given over to the king of his master the king of Assyria has Assyria.’’’ Do not listen to Hezekiah sent. May Yahweh your God rebuke 2 KINGS 19 508 him for the words he said, insult- our God, save us from his hand and let all ing the living God. Therefore of fer a the kingdoms of the earth know that you prayer for the few of us that are left.’” alone, Yahweh, are God.” 5 When king Hezekiah’s offi cials Isaiah intervenes 6 20 came to Isaiah, he said to them: “Tell Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent word Is 37: your master this word of Yahweh: ‘Do to Hezekiah: “You have called upon Yah- 21-35 not fear because of the words you have weh and he has heard your prayer regard- 21 ing Sennacherib, king of Assyria. This is Lm heard, with which the servants of the 2:15; what Yahweh has spoken against him: king of Assyria have insulted me. 7 Lis- Is 1:8 ten! I will let him be frightened. Then ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion he will return to his country, and there despises and scorns you; the Daughter of Jerusalem I will have him slain by the sword.’” shakes her head behind you. 8 22 Is The fi eld commander returned Whom have you insulted and Ps 20:8 37:8-9 and found the king of Assyria fi ght- blasphemed? ing against Libnah, for he had heard Against whom have you raised your voice 9 and lifted up your eyes in arrogance? Is 37: that the king had left Lachish. This 9-20; Against the Holy One of Israel! 32:17 was because king Sennacherib had 23 Through your servants heard that Tirhakah, the Cushite king you have insulted Yahweh. of Egypt, was going out to fi ght him. For you have said: “With the enormous number of my Sennacherib’s letter to Hezekiah chariots, Again Sennacherib sent messengers to I have ascended the heights of the 10 Is 37:10 Hezekiah with these words, “Say to Heze- mountains, kiah, king of Judah that his God in whom the topmost recesses of Lebanon. he trusts may be deceiving him in saying I have cut down its tallest cedars that Jerusalem will not be given into the and its choicest fi r trees. hands of the king of Assyria. 11 Surely you I have climbed its remotest heights to have heard what the kings of Assyria have the densest of its forests. done to all the lands they have destroyed! 24 I have dug wells and drunk waters; And will you be spared? 12 Have their I have dried up with the soles of my feet gods saved the nations that my fathers all the streams of Egypt.” 25 destroyed? Gozan and Haran, Rezeph and Have you not heard Is 10:7 the sons of Eden who were in Telassar? how I decreed it long ago, 13 Where is the king of Hamath, the king of how I planned from days of old Arpad, the kings of the city of Sepharvaim, what now I have brought to pass? of Hena and Ivvah?” Your ordained role was 14 Hezekiah took the letter from the mes- to lay waste fortifi ed cities, sengers, and when he had read it he went to turn them into ruinous heaps. to the house of Yahweh; where he unrolled 26 Shorn of power, their inhabitants 15 32:20 the letter and prayed saying, “O Yah- have been dismayed and confounded; weh, God of Israel, enthroned above the they have been as the grass cherubim! You alone are God over all the and green plants in the fi eld, as the kingdoms of the earth; you have made the grass on the housetops, heavens and the earth. 16 Give ear, Yah- scorched before it has grown. weh, and hear! Open your eyes and see! 27 I know whenever you rise or sit, when- Listen to all the words of Sennacherib who ever you go out or come in; and I know has sent men to insult the living God! 17 It your rage against me. is true, Yahweh, that the kings of Assyr- 28 Because of your rage against me ia have laid waste all the countries of the and your arrogance that I have heard of, 18 Jer earth. They have thrown their gods into I will put my hook in your nose 10:1; Dt 4:28 the fi re and destroyed them, for they were and my bridle in your mouth,

1K 8:60; not true gods but gods made of wood and and I will turn you back 18:24 stone by human hands. 19 Now, O Yahweh on the way by which you came.’ 509 2 KINGS 20 29 This will be a sign for you, O Hezeki- for my sake and for the sake of David my ah: This year you will eat the after-growth servant.’” 8 grain, and next year what grows from that, Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be Jdg but in the third year, sow and reap, plant the sign that Yahweh will heal me and that 6:17 vines and eat the fruit. I shall go up to the house of Yahweh within 30 A remnant of the house of Judah shall three days?” 9 Isaiah answered, “This shall take root below and produce fruit above. be the sign for you in Yahweh’s name, 31 Is 1:9; For a remnant will come from Jerusalem that Yahweh shall do what he has said: Do 4:2 and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal you wish the shadow of the second story of Yahweh of Hosts will accomplish this. to go forward ten steps or to go back?” 32 That is why Yahweh has said this con- 10 Hezekiah said, “It is easy for the shadow cerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not to lengthen ten steps, but it shall be won- enter this city nor shoot his arrows. He shall derful if the shadow goes back ten steps.” not raise a shield to oppose it nor build a 11 The prophet Isaiah called on Yahweh, siege ramp against it. 33 He shall leave by and Yahweh made the shadow go back ten the way he came and he shall not enter the steps, line by line, on the ten steps it had city, word of Yahweh. 34 I will protect this covered on the stairway. city and so save it for my own sake and 7 Isaiah ordered, “Get a fi g cake.” So 32:21- for the sake of David, my servant.’” 35 It they did as he had ordered and placed it 22; Is 37: happened that the angel of Yahweh went on the ulcerated sore, and he recovered. 36-38; 12 Gen out that night and struck one hundred and At that time Merodach-baladan, son Is 39; 19:13; eighty-fi ve thousand men in the Assyrian of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters 32:23; 12:23; 32:25-29 2S 24:16 camp. When the people rose early next and a gift to Hezekiah after hearing that he morning there were all the corpses. was recovering from an illness. 13 Hezekiah 36 So Sennacherib, king of Assyria, de- rejoiced, so he showed the envoys his trea- parted, returned home and lived in Nineveh. sure house—the silver, the gold, the spic- 37 While he was worshiping in the temple of es, the fragrant oils, his weapons and all his god, Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech that was in the treasury. There was noth- and Sharezer slew him with the sword and ing in this palace, or in all he possessed then escaped to the land of Ararat. And that Hezekiah did not show. Esarhaddon, his son, succeeded him as 14 Then the prophet Isaiah went to the king. king and said, “What did these men say? Where did they come from?” The king Hezekiah’s illness

answered, “They have come from a far 1-2 K 1 32:24; In those days Hezekiah fell mortal- country, from Babylon.” 15 Isaiah said, Is 38:1-8 20 ly ill and the prophet Isaiah, son of “And what have they seen in your house?” Amoz, went to him with a message from The king answered, “They have seen all Yahweh, “Put your house in order for you that is in my house; there is nothing in my shall die; you shall not live.” treasuries that I did not show them.” 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall 16 So Isaiah said to the king, “Listen to and prayed to Yahweh, 3 “Ah, Yahweh! this word of Yahweh: 17 ‘The days are com- Remember how I have walked before you ing when all that is in your house and all in truth and wholeheartedly, and have done that your fathers have stored up to this day what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah shall be taken to Babylon; nothing shall wept bitterly. be left, says Yahweh. 18 Some of your own 4 Isaiah had still not reached the central sons who are born of your blood shall be courtyard when the word of Yahweh came taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in to him, 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the the palace of the king of Babylon.’” 19 Heze- ruler of my people, what Yahweh, the God kiah answered Isaiah, “What you say is a of his father David, says: ‘I have heard good word from Yahweh”; for he thought, your prayer and I have seen your tears. “What does it matter, just so I have peace And now I will cure you. On the third day and security in my own lifetime?” 20 you will go up to the house of Yahweh. Now the rest regarding Hezekiah and 32:30; 6 Is 22:11; See! I am adding fi fteen years to your life all about his bravery, how he built the great Sir and I will save you and this city from the reservoir and how it supplied water to the 48:17 power of the king of Assyria. I will defend it city is written in the Book of the Chronicles 2 KINGS 20 510 of the Kings of Judah. 21 When Hezekiah 11 “Manasseh, king of Judah, has mul- slept with his fathers, his son Manasseh tiplied the wretched practices and has reigned in his place. acted worse than the Amorites. He has made the people of Judah sin with his re - Manasseh, king of Judah pugnant images. 12 33:1-10 • Manasseh was twelve years old Therefore, I shall bring upon Jeru- 1S 3:11 21 when he began his reign, and he salem and upon Judah an evil so great reigned for fi fty-fi ve years in Jerusalem. that the ears of those who hear of it shall His mother’s name was Hephzibah. buzz. 13 Jerusalem and its kings shall suf- 2 He treated Yahweh very badly, imitat- fer the fate of Samaria and of the family of ing the wretched practices of the people Ahab. I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes Yahweh had driven out from the land in a plate to clean it, and then turns it upside 3 14 18:4 order to give it to the Israelites. He rebuilt down. I shall drive away the rest of my the Sanctuaries on the hills, which had people and give them over into the hands been destroyed by Hezekiah his father. of their enemies so that they shall become He built altars to the god Baal and made a their prey and booty. 15 For they did what sacred pillar similar to the one Ahab, king displeased me and made me angry from of Israel, had made. He knelt before all the the day when their ancestors came out of 17:16 stars of heaven and worshiped them. 4 He Egypt to this day.” built altars in the courtyard of the house 16 Manasseh also shed innocent blood of Yahweh, about which Yahweh had said, in such quantity that it fi lled up Jerusalem “Jerusalem shall be the dwelling place of from one end to the other, besides the sins my Name.” which he made Judah commit, doing what 17 5 He built altars for all the stars of heav- is wrong in the sight of Yahweh. The rest 33:18-20 en in the two courtyards of the house of regarding Manasseh, all that he did and the Yahweh. 6 He sacrifi ced his son by fi re. sins he committed, is written in the Book He practiced soothsaying and magic, he of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. brought in seers and wizards, doing with- 18 When Manasseh died, they buried him out ceasing what Yahweh condemned, and in the garden of his house, in the garden thus provoking his anger. 7 He even put up of Uzza, and his son Amon reigned in his the sacred pillar of the goddess Asherah place. in the house of Yahweh in spite of what 19 Amon was twenty-two years old when 33:21-25 Yahweh had said to David and to his son, he began his reign, and he reigned for two Solomon: “I shall let my Name rest forever years in Jerusalem; his mother’s name in this house, for I have chosen Jerusalem was Meshullemeth, daughter of Haruz, of from among all the tribes of Israel. 8 I shall the city of Jotbah. 20 He treated Yahweh no longer let Israel wander out of the land I badly, as his father Manasseh had done. gave to their fathers, provided that you try 21 He completely followed in the footsteps to live according to all the Law I gave you of his father—he served the idols his father through my servant Moses.” had served and bowed down before them. 9 But they did not listen, and Manasseh 22 He abandoned Yahweh, the God of his led them into doing things worse than ancestors, and did not walk in the way of those nations had done whom Yahweh had Yahweh. expelled before the Israelites. 10 So Yahweh 23 The offi cials of Amon conspired spoke through the mouth of his servants, against him, and murdered him in his 24 the prophets, saying, house. But the citizens killed all who had 11:20; 14:20; 23:30 • 21.1 The miraculous liberation of Jerusa- Israel a century before. With his godless, crime- lem did not reverse, in fact, the decadence of fi lled reign, Manasseh succeeds in destroying the kingdom. Even before Hezekiah’s death, the hope placed in David’s descendant by Heze- Judah is totally submitted to Assyrian rule. This kiah’s reforms. explains partly why Manasseh, Hezekiah’s son, His reign lasted fi fty-fi ve years, during which begins refraining, and then persecuting Yah- both faithful and prophets had to remain silent weh’s party which was the living spirit of Judah’s or hide. The betrayal of Yahweh’s Covenant was nationalism. such that after Manasseh’s death, the prophets Manasseh openly promotes idolatry and per- considered him responsible for the fall of Jeru- secutes Yahweh’s people as Jezebel had done in salem. 511 2 KINGS 22 plotted against the king, and they pro- not ask from them any account of the claimed his son Josiah king in his place. money, for they are honorable men.” 25 The rest regarding Amon and all that 8 At that moment Hilkiah, the high Dt he did is written in the Book of the Chroni- 28:61; cles of the Kings of Judah. 26 They buried priest, said to Shaphan, the secretary, Jos 1:8 him in his tomb, in the garden of Uzza, and “I have found the Book of the Law in his son Josiah reigned in his place. the house of Yahweh.” And he entrust- ed the Book to Shaphan who read it. The Book of the Law is discovered 9 Then Shaphan went to the king and 1 34:1-2 • Josiah was eight years old said, “We have gathered the money in 22 when he began to govern, the house, and this has been turned and he reigned for thirty-one years in over to the caretakers of the house to Jerusalem. His mother was Jedidah, make the repairs.” 2 10 12:3; daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. He And Shaphan added, “The priest 18:3; Dt 2:27 did everything that was right in the Hilkiah has turned over a book to me.” eyes of Yahweh, and followed in the And Shaphan read the book to the 11 footsteps of David, his father, without king. When the king heard the con- 34:19-28 turning aside either to the right or to tents of the book, he tore his clothes the left. and 12 commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam, 3 34:8-18 In the eighteenth year of his Achbor, the secretary Shaphan, and reign, king Josiah sent his secre- Asaiah, his minister, to do the follow- 13 ing, “Go and consult Yahweh about 1K 22:7; tary Shaphan, son of Azaliah, son of Jer 21:2 Meshullam, to the house of Yahweh, the threats in this book which you 4 12:10 saying, “Go up to the high priest have found. Consult him for me, for Hilkiah and give him the amount of the people and for the whole of Judah, money which the people offer for the since our fathers did not listen to what house of Yahweh, and that which the this book says nor to its ordinances. gatekeepers have collected, and when This is why the anger of Yahweh is these have been smelted down, 5 let ready to burn against us.” 14 them turn it over to those in charge The priest Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, 1-2 K of the house of Yahweh. 6 It shall be Shaphan and Asaiah went to consult the 15:20; Jdg 4:4; given to those carpenters and con- prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum, son of Ne 6:4; struction workers who do the repairs Tikva, son of Harhas, keeper of the ward- Lk 2:36 robe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the new of the house. In the same way, they city. shall buy the wood and stones needed 15 She answered them, 16 “You will say to for the repair of the house. 7 But do the one who sent you to me: This is what

• 22.1 Josiah followed in the footsteps of last book had been brought by the Levites and David, his father (v. 2). In the last days of the the priests who had come from the north when kingdom of Judah, a king “like David” dedicates Samaria fell. It insisted on fi delity to the Cov- himself to renewal of the faith and Yahweh’s enant, declaring without hesitation that it was Covenant, to the reconquest of his ancestors’ a matter of life or death for the people of God. territories. We can see the impact of the sacred word. Following the death of the kings who perse- From then on, Josiah (who was then twenty- cuted them, the faithful slowly awaken. In the six years old) focuses on shaping his life, and year 622 B.C. the accidental discovery of the that of his people, according to the demands of “law” shakes the kingdom. the law. He realizes that the Lord’s protection I have found the book of the law in the is the only thing that can save his people from house of Yahweh (v. 8). During the previous the great powers. The description of all that had kingdoms, the sacred books had been forgotten to be destroyed gives us an idea of the wave of or hidden. What was discovered was certainly paganism which had invaded every aspect of life most of Genesis, Exodus and Deuteronomy. This in Manasseh’s days. 2 KINGS 22 512 Yahweh says: ‘I shall bring evil upon this burned outside Jerusalem, in the idle place and upon its inhabitants accord- land of Kidron, and had their ashes ing to all the words of the book which the 17 brought to Bethel. king of Judah has read, for this people 5 have abandoned me and they have burned The kings of Judah had appointed incense in honor of other gods. Because of pagan priests who offered sacrifi ces in all they have done, I am angry about this the Sanctuaries on the hills, in the dif- place, and the fi re of my anger will not be ferent cities of Judah and in the sub- quenched.’ urbs of Jerusalem. Josiah did away 18 You shall deliver this answer to the with them and with those who offered king of Judah, who has sent you to con- sult Yahweh: Yahweh, the God of Israel incense to Baal, to the sun, the moon, says this—‘The warnings in this book shall the stars and all the heavenly hosts. not reach you, 19 for your heart has been 6 The Sacred Pillar that was in the touched and you have done penance in house of Yahweh was brought out of the presence of Yahweh when you heard Jerusalem and was taken to the brook what I have said against this place and its inhabitants, that this place shall be deso- Kidron, where it was burned and its late and cursed. You have torn your gar- ashes thrown on the public grave. ments and wept before me, and I have 7 The king demolished the house heard you, says Yahweh. 20 Therefore, you of the effeminate men who dedicated shall join your fathers; you shall die and be themselves to prostitution (as was buried in peace, without seeing any of the done in the cult of Asherah). This was evils I shall send against this place.’” within the courtyards of the house Josiah’s religious reform of Yahweh, and in this house too the

1 women wove veils for Asherah. 34:29-31 The king summoned to his side 8 23 all the leaders of Judah and Je- Right after this, he made all the 2 priests from the cities of Judah come 24:7 rusalem. Then he went up to the house of Yahweh, followed by all the to Jerusalem, and he destroyed all the people of Judah and Jerusalem. The Sanctuaries on the hills where they priests with the prophets and all the had offered sacrifi ce from Beersheba people went with him, from the young- in the south to Geba in the north. He est to the oldest. When all were gath- destroyed the Sanctuary of the Gates ered, he read to them the Book of the that was at the entrance of the gate Law found in the house of Yahweh. of Joshua, the city governor. It was 3 on the left side of the entrance gate to Dt 4:29 The king stood by the pillar; he the city. made a Covenant in the presence of 9 The priests who had served in the Dt 18:6 Yahweh, promising to follow him, to Sanctuaries on the hills could not offer keep his commandments and laws, and sacrifi ces in the house of Yahweh; to respect his ordinances. He prom- they only ate the unleavened bread ised to keep this Covenant according with the priests of Jerusalem. to what was written in the book with all 10 The king had the place for burning hu- his heart and with all his soul. And all man sacrifi ces in the valley of Ben-hinnom the people promised with him. destroyed, so that no one could sacrifi ce 4 34:3-5; Then the king commanded the high his sons or daughters in the fi re according 2K 21:3 priest Hilkiah, as well as the priests of to the ritual of Molech. 11 The horses which lesser rank, and all the gatekeepers, the kings of Judah had dedicated to the were removed from the entrance of the to bring out all the objects which had house of Yahweh; these were in the atri- been made for Baal, Asherah and for um, near the house of the palace offi cial, all the stars of heaven. He had them Nathanmelech. And the chariots of the sun 513 2 KINGS 23

12 Jer were burned. There were altars which them and did to them as he had done to 19:13 the kings of Judah had built on the roof of the temple of Bethel. the palace of Ahaz. There were also altars 20 He slaughtered upon the altars all the built by Manasseh in the two courtyards of priests of the Sanctuaries on the hills who the house of Yahweh. Josiah had them all were found there, and he burned human destroyed and reduced to dust, which was bones on the altars. Then he returned to thrown into the brook Kidron. Jerusalem. 13 21 18:4 The king destroyed the Sanctuaries The king gave this order to all the 35:1 on the hills facing Jerusalem, to the south people, “Celebrate the Passover in honor of the Mount of Olives. Solomon, king of of Yahweh, our God, as it is written in this Israel, had built them for Ashtoreth the idol Book of the Covenant.” 22 of the Sidonians, for Chemosh, the idol A Passover like this had not been cel- 35:18-19 of Moab, and for Milcom, the idol of the ebrated since the days of the Judges who 14 Lev Ammonites. The king broke in pieces had governed Israel, or during the time 21:1; Num 9:6 the images of the false gods, cut down when the kings of Israel and the kings of the sacred pillars, and fi lled the places in Judah reigned. 23 This Passover was cele- which these had been with human bones brated in Jerusalem in the eighteenth year to make them unclean. of the reign of king Josiah. 24 Josiah obeyed all the words of the Law Dt • 15 There was also the Sanctuary of Be- 18:11; written in the book which the priest Hilki- Gen thel, with the altar which Jeroboam, king 31:19; ah had found in the house of Yahweh. He Hos 3:4 of Israel, had made. This cult had been immediately did away with the mediums the sin of Israel. The king destroyed it. and seers, the small household gods and He set the Sanctuary on fi re and burned the idols, and all those loathsome things the sacred pillar. 16 Looking around on all seen in the lands of Judah and Jerusalem. 25 sides, Josiah saw the tombs on the moun- There had never before been a king Dt 6:5; tain; he had the bones taken out of the Mk like him who returned to Yahweh with all 12:30 tomb and burned on the altar. So the word his heart, with all his soul, and with all his of Yahweh was fulfi lled which the man of strength, observing all the law of Moses; God had proclaimed when Jeroboam was nor was another like him seen again. standing by the altar during a feast. Josiah 26 17 In spite of this, Yahweh did not turn 1K noticed the tomb of this man of God, and 12:33 from the fi re of his anger. He was angry with he said, “What is that monument that I Judah because of all the evils Manasseh see?” The people of the city said to him, had done. 27 So Yahweh declared, “I shall 1-2 K “That is the tomb of the man of God who also cast Judah away from my presence came from Judah to announce what you as I have cast Israel; I shall no longer take Dt 12:5 have just done with the altar of Bethel.” 18 Jerusalem into consideration, though it The king commanded, “Leave the tomb is the city I have chosen and there is the in peace, and let no one touch his bones.” house of which I have said: My Name And his bones, together with the bones of dwells here.” the prophet of Samaria, were not touched. 19 Josiah also removed all the Sanctu- • 28 The rest regarding Josiah and all 35:26-27 aries on the hills in the cities of Samaria. that he did is written in the Book of the 29 These Sanctuaries had been made by the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. In 35:20-24 kings of Israel and they had provoked those days, the Pharaoh Neco crossed the the anger of Yahweh. The king destroyed river Euphrates and went to join the king

• 23.15 Taking advantage of the decadence they even saw a sign of the happy times when of the Assyrian empire, Josiah reconquered the Messiah would reunite again Judah and Isra- part of the land of Israel to the north which had el as one people with one Covenant (Jer 31:31). become an Assyrian province a hundred years before. There, too, he destroyed all the Sanc- • 28. Josiah, the reformist king, dies a victim tuaries, idols and practices that offend Yahweh of a political mistake. For centuries, Israel had and go against his demands. been squeezed between Egypt and Assyria (or For a few years the prophets believed that Asshur). Assyria was the most brutal and cruel Yahweh’s threats predicting the total destruction nation of those days. When Babylon began to of Israel would not be fulfi lled. In the reconquest, destroy Assyrian power, the Pharaoh, worried 2 KINGS 23 514

of Asshur. King Josiah set out to confront 2 Yahweh then sent against Jehoiakim, Is 5:26; him, but Neco killed him in Megiddo when bands of Chaldeans, Arameans, Moabites Jer 1:14 30 36:1 he saw him. Josiah’s servants brought his and Ammonites. They raided the land of body in a chariot from Megiddo to Jerusa- Judah and destroyed it according to the lem, and they buried him in his tomb. Then word Yahweh had spoken through his ser- the people took Jehoahaz, son of Josiah, v ants, the prophets. to anoint him and make him king in place 3 All this happened only because Yah- of his father. weh had ordered it so. He willed to cast the people far away from his presence Josiah’s sons because of the sins of Manasseh, and all 31 4 36:2-4 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old the evils he had done. And also because 21:16 when he began to reign, and he reigned of the innocent blood he had shed that for three months in Jerusalem. His mother fi lled Jerusalem. Because of all this, Yah- was Hamutal, daughter of Jeremiah of Lib- weh would not pardon them. 32 nah. He did what displeases Yahweh, imi- 5 33 The rest regarding Jehoiakim and all tating his ancestors. The Pharaoh Neco that he did is written in the Book of the bound Jehoahaz in chains in Riblah, in the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. 6 When land of Hamath, since he did not want him Jehoiakim died, his son Jehoiachin suc- to reign in Jerusalem. Then he imposed ceeded him. on the land a contribution of one hundred 7 34 The king of Egypt did not leave his Jer talents of silver and ten of gold. And he 22:13 own land again because the king of Baby- installed as king another son of Josiah, lon had conquered all that belonged to the Eliakim, as the successor to his father, and king of Egypt, from the river of Egypt to changed his name to Jehoiakim. But he the Euphrates River. took Jehoahaz away and brought him to Egypt, where Jehoahaz died. The fi rst exile 35 Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold to 8 the Pharaoh to pay the contribution which • Jehoiachin was eighteen years 36:9-10 the Pharaoh himself exacted from him, old when he succeeded his father, through a tax imposed on all the land. and he reigned for three months in Everyone had to pay his quota according to what he possessed. So Jehoiakim col- Jerusalem. His mother was Nehushta, lected from all the people the gold and sil- daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. ver demanded by the Pharaoh. 9 Jehoiachin treated Yahweh badly, as 36 36:5 Jehoiakim was twenty-fi ve years old his father had done. when he began to reign, and he reigned for 10 At that time, the offi cials of Nebu- eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother was Zebidha, daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. chadnezzar, king of Babylon, came 37 He did what displeased Yahweh, imitat- to attack Jerusalem, surrounding the ing his fathers. city. 11 Nebuchadnezzar came while the city was being besieged by his men. Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion 12 1 Jehoiachin, king of Judah, sur- 36:6-8 In those days, Nebuchadnezzar, 24 king of Babylon, invaded the land, rendered, together with his mother, and Jehoiakim became subject to him for his servants, his leaders and the pal- three years, after which he rebelled. ace offi cials. It was the eighth year of

by the dynamism of this new “great” power, end by a mistake he would have made (2 Chr wanted to help the weakened Assyria, forgetting 35:21). His death, in part, inspires the great the old rivalry. prophecy of Zechariah 12:10 and, in the Scrip- Josiah refused to allow it. Jewish conscious- tures, the name Megiddo becomes the symbol ness longed for the destruction of “the cruel of a curse (Rev 16:16). nation” (see Nahum’s prophecies). How could God allow the death of Josiah, the • 24.8 The destruction of the kingdom of holy king of the reforms? It was such a stum- Judah takes place in two stages: bling block for Jewish consciousness that the – The year 598 B.C. Jehoiakim has just died. author of this book prefers to say nothing about His son, Jehoiachin surrenders in the city under it. Much later, they tried to justify Josiah’s tragic siege. First exile of the elite to Babylon. The 515 2 KINGS 25

13 20:17 the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebu- ence. And Zedekiah rebelled against chadnezzar captured them and he the king of Babylon. took away the treasures of the house of Yahweh and of the king’s house. He The Chaldeans conquer and also destroyed all the objects of gold destroy Jerusalem 1 which Solomon, king of Israel, had In the ninth year of Zedekiah’s Jer 39:1-7; made for the Sanctuary of Yahweh. 25 reign, on the tenth day of the 52:3-11 So the word Yahweh had spoken, was tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of fulfi lled. Babylon marched with his entire army 14 Jer Nebuchadnezzar carried off into and laid siege to Jerusalem. They 52:28 exile all the leaders and prominent camped outside the city and built men, the blacksmiths and locksmiths, siege works all around it. 2 The city all the men of valor fi t for war. A total was under siege up to the eleventh of ten thousand were exiled to Bab- year of the reign of Zedekiah. ylon. Only the poorest sector of the 3 On the ninth day of the fourth population was left. 15 Nebuchadnez- month famine became a serious prob- zar also carried away Jehoiachin, with lem in the city, and throughout the his mother, his wives, the ministers of land there was no bread for the peo- the palace, and the prominent men of ple. 4 When the city was opened by a the land. breach in the wall, the Judean army 16 So all the prominent people, num- fl ed through the gate between the two bering seven thousand, the black- walls near the king’s garden, while smiths, numbering a thousand, and the Chaldeans were still around the all the men fi t for war were deported city; and they fl ed towards the Ara- to Babylon by the king of Babylon. bah. 5 The Chaldeans followed in hot 17 He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s pursuit of king Zedekiah and caught uncle, king of Jerusalem, in place of up with him in the plains of Jericho. Jehoiachin. And he changed his name All his army deserted him and scat- to Zedekiah. tered. 1-2 K 18 6 36:11- Zedekiah was twenty-one years The Chaldeans seized the king 13; Jer old, and he reigned in Jerusalem for and led him away to Riblah in the ter- 52:1-3 eleven years. His mother was Hamutal, ritory of Hamath and there the king daughter of Jeremiah. 19 He did what of Babylon passed sentence on him. displeased Yahweh, as Jehoiakim had 7 There at Riblah the king of Baby- done; 20 so the punishment of Yahweh lon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah fell on Jerusalem and Judah, until in his presence. He then put out the he cast them far away from his pres- eyes of Zedekiah, bound him with a

Chaldeans (people of Babylon) force Zedekiah rises from its ashes sixty years after its destruc- to be king. tion. History shows that the great empires—the – The year 587 B.C. Zedekiah rebels against Hittites, the Assyrians, the Chaldeans—disap- the Chaldeans who come to destroy Jerusalem peared forever. We fi nd their statues in muse- and its temple. Second exile to Babylon. ums and their archives recovered after thirty Scripture states that this destruction—as that centuries of complete oblivion. The people of of Samaria—would not have occurred, because Judah, however, go back to their land. Purifi ed God is faithful to his Covenant, if there had not by their trials and encouraged by the prophets, been such an accumulation of sins and rebel- they return seeking a new Covenant, a more lions. To the very last moment, everything could sincere and interior one, with their God. They have been saved if Zedekiah had listened to the come back from the exile under the guidance warnings of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 38). of Zerubbabel, a descendant of king Jehoiachin However, against all hope, the Jewish nation and Jesus’ ancestor. 2 KINGS 25 516 double bronze chain and took him to commander of the bodyguard took the Babylon. basins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, 8 lampstands, ladles and bowls—all that was Jer 52: On the seventh day of the fi fth 12-27; made of gold or silver. 39:8-10 month in the nineteenth year of the 16 The two pillars, the Sea, the movable reign of Nebuchadnezzar king of Bab- stands which king Solomon had made for ylon, Nebuzaradan, commander of the house of Yahweh—all this bronze was the captain of the royal guard and ser- of immeasurable weight. 17 The height of vant of the king of Babylon, entered the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and on 9 it was a bronze capital; the height of the 36:19 Jerusalem and set fi re to the house capital was three cubits; latticework and of Yahweh and the royal palace, as pomegranates, all of bronze, were on the well as to all the houses in Jerusalem. capital all around. The second pillar had 10 The Chaldean army under the com- the same, with the latticework. mander of the bodyguard completely demolished all the walls around Jeru- salem. 11 Jer 21:9 Nebuzaradan, commander of the bodyguard, carried off into exile the last of the Jews left in the city, those who had deserted to the king of Baby- lon and the remainder of the artisans. 12 But he left those among the very poor who were capable of working in vineyards and cultivating the soil. 13 36:18; The Chaldeans broke into pieces 1K 7:15 the bronze pillars, and the big bronze basin called the “Sea” in the house of Yahweh and carried off all this bronze to Babylon. 14 They also took the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, the spoons and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. 15 The 517 2 KINGS 25 18 The commander of the bodyguard their men most solemnly, “Do not be afraid took captive Seraiah the chief priest and of submitting yourselves to the Chaldeans. Zephaniah the next priest in rank, as well Live in the country obeying the king of as three doorkeepers. Babylon, and all will be well with you.” 19 He also took from those in the city a 25 In the seventh month, however, Ish- eunuch in command of the fi ghting men, mael, son of Nethaniah son of Elishama, fi ve personal advisers to the king who were who belonged to the king’s family, came discovered in the city, the commander’s with ten of his men and killed Gedaliah as secretary, responsible for military con- well as the Judeans and the Chaldeans 26 scription, and sixty of his men who were Jer 42 20 who were with him at Mizpah. Then all found in the city. Nebuzaradan took the people, from the greatest to the least, all these away to the king of Babylon at 21 set out with the commanders of the troops Riblah. There at Riblah in the territory of and took refuge in Egypt, in fear of the Hamath the king of Babylon had them put Chaldeans. to death. So Judah was taken away cap- 27 On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth Jer 52: tive from its own land. 31-34 22 month in the thirty-seventh year of the exile Jer As for the remnant of the people 40:5; of Jehoiachin king of Judah, Evil-merodah, 26:24 whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had left behind, he appointed Gedaliah, king of Babylon, in the year he came to the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, as their throne pardoned Jehoiachin king of Judah 28 23 and released him from prison. He spoke Jer governor. When the commanders of the 40:7— kindly to him, and gave him more honor- 41:18 troops and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as gov- able treatment than the other kings who 29 ernor, they went to him at Mizpah. These were with him in Babylon. Jehoiachin put 1K 2:7 were Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, Johanan, aside his prison garment and for the rest of son of Kareah, Seraiah, son of Tanhumeth, his life ate at the king’s table. from Natophah, Jaazaniah the Macaathite, 30 Day by day, for as long as he lived, he with their men. 24 Gedaliah told them and was maintained by the king of Babylon. 1-2 K 518

(Blank page 518)