519

When the Sacred Books began to be organized, the Mosaic books were followed by a history of that went from the to the Book of Kings. Their authors shared the prophets’ views that were also those of Deuteronomy: God made a covenant with Israel, then gave Israel the land, provided that they would remain faithful to the covenant. In the course of the centuries, more and more infi delities occurred, which not only divided the kingdom into two; but is also the reason why the two kingdoms, Israel and then Judah, lost their land. Yet, after the disaster, there was still hope. God did not go back on his promise: the Promised Land and the temple of remain at the center of God’s plan, and the conversion of the people will usher in a new age. In the fi fth century B.C., this hope encouraged those who were returning from the Exile, as well as the last prophets. Then, with Zerubbabel, Nehemiah and Ezra, the Temple and the city were rebuilt and the rules for worship were reorganized. Time was passing by and the Jewish community was getting used to being just a province of the Persian Empire: it was satisfi ed with having imposed its own identity under the leadership of its priests. This is when the books of the royal period seem dated. People no longer expected anything from the kings. Priests had full authority… There was no interest in the history of the kingdom but, rather, in the roles that priests had in it. The Mosaic books were rewritten to put the laws dealing with wor- ship in the fi rst place; and this type of work continued until the contemporary period of “Ezra’s reform.” The history of Israel will take its readers from Moses, who fore- saw everything, to Ezra, who reformed everything, by way of holy King who established the liturgy. The Book of Chronicles was written in this setting. The book is full of genealogies 1-2 CHR since the religious status of priests depended on their family of origin. Therefore, we should not be surprised by the fabulous genealogies at the beginning of the book. It is full of extraordinary numbers (this was also the case of Numbers with the 600,000 men of Exodus). This history is only interested in the Kingdom of Judah as it ignores or condemns a priori everything the other tribes of Israel had experienced. Did the authors want Chronicles to replace the previous books that we have men- tioned? God did not allow that to happen. Yahweh directed it such that Chronicles simply completed Samuel and Kings, even preserving strange traditions that the latter ignored. At times, they show the narrow-mindedness that characterizes people who base society on one or two principles. But they also offer us a grandiose vision of the worship of God, a people’s prayer and the conviction that this chosen people can, and must, have its own identity. Among other things, we will notice this con- viction: unity constitutes both the richness and the fi rst obligation of the people of God, that is to say, the condition for our obedience to God to be authentic. This assertion is still valid for the Church of Christ. 1 CHRONICLES 1 520 Peoples and cities and their relationships dants of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Ze- with the Israelites phi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna and Amalek. 1 2 37 Gen 5 Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalel, The descendants of Reuel were Nahath, 38 1 Jared, 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. The sons Gen 36: 20-28 4 Noah, Shem, Ham and Japheth. of Seir were: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 39 Gen 5 Sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, the Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. The clans 10:2-4 Me des, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, Tiras. 6 Sons descended from Lotan were Hori and Ho- of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Diphath, Togarmah. mam. Lotan’s sister was named Timna. 7 Sons of Javan: Elisha, Tarshish, the Kit- 40 The clans descended from Shobal were tim, the Daanites. Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. 8 Sons of Ham: Cush, Misraim, Put, Ca- The descendants of Zibeon were Aiah and naan. Anah. 41 Anah had a son named Dishon, 9 Sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, who was the ancestor of the clans of Ham- Raama, Sabteca, Sons of Raamah: Sheba, ran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 42 Ezer Dedan. 10 Cush became father of Nimrod, was the ancestor of the clans of Bilhan, the fi rst potentate on earth. Zaavan, and Jaakan. Sons of Dishau: Uz Gen 10: 11 Misraim became of the people of Lud, and Aran. 13-18 of Anam, of Lehab, of Naptu, 12 of Path- 43 Here are the kings who ruled in the Gen 36: ros, Casluh and Caphtor, from which the land of Edom before an Israelite king ruled: 31-39 Philistines came. 13 Canaan became father Bela son of Bero; his city was called Dinha- of Sidon, his fi rstborn, then Heth, 14 and bah. 44 When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah the Jebusites, the Amorites, Girgashites, from Bozrah became king. 45 When Jobab 15 Hivites, Sinites, 16 Arvadites, Zemarites, died, Husham of the land of the Temanites Hamathites. became king. 46 When Husham died, Hadad 17 Gen 10: Sons of Shem, Elam, Asshur, Arpach- son of Bedad became king; he defeated 22-29 shad, Lud, Aram. Sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, the Midianites in the country of Moab, and Gether and Meshech. 18 Arpachshad be- his city was called Avith. 47 When Hadad came father of Shelah, and Shelah became died, Samlah of Masrekah became king. father of Eber. 19 To Eber were born two 48 Samlah died and Saul of Rehoboth-han- sons; the fi rst was called Peleg, because it nahar became king. 49 When Saul died, was in his time the earth was divided, and Baal-hanan son of Achbor became king. his brother was called Joktan. 50 When Baal-hanan died, Hadad became 20 Joktan became father of Almodad, king. His city was called Pai; his wife’s Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 21 Hadoram, name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, Uzal, Diklah, 22 Ebal, Abimael, Sheba, from Mezahab. 23 51 Ophir, Havilah, Jobab; all these are sons After Hadad died, these were the Gen 36: of Joktan. chiefs of Edom: Chief of Timna, Chief of 40-43 24 25 Gen 11: Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber, Aliah, Chief Jetheth, 52 Chief Oholibamah, 10-26 Pe leg, Reu, 26 Serug, Nahor, Terah, 27 Abram, Chief of Elah, Chief Pinon, 53 Chief Ke- that is Abraham. naz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar, 54 Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These were the Descendants of Abraham chiefs of Edom. 28 Sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. 29 The sons of Israel and the Gen 25: Sons of Ishmael: Nebaioth (his fi rstborn) 13-16 then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 30 Mishma, Du- descendants of Judah 31 1 mah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Na phish These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Gen 35: and Kedemah. 2 Simeon, Levi and Judah; Issachar and 23-26 32 2 Gen Sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concu- Zebulun; Dan, Joseph and Benjamin, 25:2-4 bine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Nephtali; Gad and Asher. 3 Ish bak, and Shuah. Sons of Joksham: Judah had fi ve sons in all. The fi rst Gen 38: Sheba and Dedan. 33 Sons of Midian were three were born to him by Bath-shua the 2-5, 7 Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, Eldaah. Canaanite woman. They were Er, Onan Gen 34 15:19 Abraham was the father of Isaac and Shelah. Er, Judah’s fi rstborn, was so 35 4 Gen 36: who had two sons: Esau and Israel. The evil that Yahweh put him to death. By his Gen 38: 10-17 descendants of Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, daughter-in-law Tamar, Judah had two 27-30 Gen 36 5 Jeush, Jalam and Korah. The descen- more sons, Perez and Zerah. Perez had 46:12 521 1 CHRONICLES 2

6 1K 5:11 two sons, Hezron and Hamul. His brother the father of Ishi, who was the father of Zerah had fi ve sons: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Sheshan; Sheshan was the father of Ahlai. Calcol and Dara. 7 One of them, Achar, 32 Jada, Shammai’s brother, had two sons: son of Carmi—brought trouble upon the Jether and Jonathan. Jether died leaving people of Israel by keeping loot that had no sons. 33 Jonathan had two sons: Peleth been devoted to God. 8 Ethan had one son, and Zaza. Azariah. These were all descendants of Jerahmeel. 9 Hezron became the father of Jerah- 34 Sheshan had no sons, only daughters. 10 Num 1:7; meel, Ram, and Caleb. Ram was the 35 He had an Egyptian slave named Jarha Ru 4: 19-22 father of Amminadab; Amminadab of to whom he gave his daughter in marriage. Nah shan. 11 Nahshan, who was a prince 36 They had a son named Attai. The ances- of the , was the father of tral line from Attai to Elishama is as fol- Salmon; Salmon of Boaz; 12 Boaz of Obed; lows: Attai, Nathan, 37 Zabad, Ephlal, Obed, Obed of Jesse. 13 Jesse had seven sons: 38 Jehu, Azariah, 39 Helez, Eleasah, 40 Sismai, Eliab, the fi rstborn, Abinadab, Shammah, Shallum, 41 Jekamiah, and Elishama. 14 Nethanel, Raddai, 15 Ozem and David, 42 The fi rst-born son of Caleb, Jerah- the youngest. Jesse had two daughters: meel’s brother, was named Mesha. Mesha Zerwiah and Abigail. 16 Zerwiah had three was the father of Ziph, who was the fa - sons: Abishai, Joab and Asahel. 17 Abigail ther of Meresha. 43 Meresha was father of married Jether the Ishmaelite. They had a Hebron who had four sons: Korah, Tap - son named Amasa. puah, Rekem and Shema. 44 Shema be - 18 Jos 14:6; Caleb, son of Hezron, married Azubah came father of Raham and grandfather of 2:24; 4:11 and had a daughter named Jerioth. Jeri- Jorkeam. Rekem became father of Sham- oth had three sons: Jesher, Shobab and mai 45 and grandfather of Maon. Maon Ardon. 19 Azubah died, and Caleb married became father of Bethzur. Ephrath, and they had a son named Hur. 46 Caleb had a concubine named Ephah 20 Hur became father of Uri and grandfather who gave birth to Haran, Moza and Gazez. of Bezalel. Haran also had a son named Gazez. 47 Jah- 21 When Hezron was sixty years old he dai had six sons: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, married Machir’s daughter, the sister of Pelet, Ephah and Shaaph. 48 Caleb had Gilead. They had a son named Segub, another concubine, Maacah, who gave who had a son named Jair. 22 Jair ruled birth to Sheber and Tirhanah. 49 Later she twenty-three towns in the land of Gilead. had two more sons: Shaaph, who found- 23 But the kingdoms of Geshur and Aram ed the town of Madmannah, and Sheva, took from them the villages of Jair, that is who founded the towns of Machbenah and Kenath and its towns, sixty towns in all. All Gibea. The daughter of Caleb was Achsah. this had belonged to the descendants of 50 The following were also descendants Machir, father of Gilead. of Caleb. Hur was the fi rst-born son of 24 After Hezron’s death, his son Caleb Ephrath. Hur’s son Shobal was father of 1-2 CHR married Ephrathah, his father’s widow. Kiriath-jearim; 51 Salma, father of Bethle- They had a son named Ashur, the father hem, and Haroeh, father of Beth-gader. of Tekoa. 52 Shobal, the father of Kiriath-jearim was 25 Jerahmeel, Hezron’s eldest son, had the father of the people of Haroah, that is fi ve sons: Ram, his fi rstborn, Bunah, Oren, half of the Manahathites, 53 and also the Ozem and Ahijah. 26 Jerahmeel had anoth- clans living in Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, er wife called Atarah; she was the mother Puthites, Shumathites and Mishraites. The of Onam. people of the cities of and Eshtaol 27 Ram had three sons: Maaz, Jamin and belonged to these clans. Eker. 54 Sons of Salma: , Netophath, 28 Onam was the father of Shammai Atroth Beth-Joab, and the Zorites, who and Jada; Shammai, of Nadab and Abi- were one of the clans in Manaheth. 55 The shur. 29 Abishur’s wife was called Abihail; Soferites lived in the town of Jabez: the she bore him Ahban and Molid. 30 Nadab Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Sucathites. had two sons, Seled and Appaim, but They were Cainites, descendants of Jamat, Seled died leaving no son. 31 Appaim was the Rechabites’ ancestor. 1 CHRONICLES 3 522

The descendants of David Heads of families of the twelve tribes 1 1 2S These are the sons of David who were Some of the descendants of Judah 3:2-5 3 born to him while he was in Hebron: 4 are: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Sho- the fi rstborn Amnon, whose mother was bal. 2 Shobal was the father of Reaiah, who Ahinoam from Jezreel; second, Daniel, was the father of Jahath, the father of Ahu- whose mother was Abigail from Carmel; mai and Lahad: these people lived in Zorah. 2 third, Absalom, whose mother was Maa- 3 These were the descendants of Etam: cah, daughter of king Talmai of Geshur; Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash, whose sister fourth, Adonijah, whose mother was Hag- was called Hazzelelponi. 4 Penuel became gith; 3 fi fth, Shephatiah, whose mother was father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Abital; sixth, Ithream, whose mother was Hushah. These are the descendants of 4 14:3-7; Eglah. All six were born to him in Hebron, Hur, the fi rstborn of Ephrathah, father of 2S 5: 14-16 where he ruled for seven years and six Bethlehem. months. 5 Ashhur, father of Tekoa, had two wives: He ruled as king for thirty-three years in Helah and Naarah. 6 Naarah bore him four Jerusalem. 5 Many sons were born to him in sons: Ahuzaam, Hepher, Temeni and Haa- Jerusalem. By his wife Bathsheba, daugh- hashtari. 7 Ashur had three sons by Helah: ter of Ammiel, he had four sons: Shimea, Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan. 8 Koz became fa- Shobab, Nathan and Solomon. Nine other ther of Anub and Zobebah, and the clans sons were: 6 Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, 7 No- of Aharhel son of Harum. 9 Jabez was the gah, Nepheg, Japhia, 8 Elishama, Eliada, known of them. His mother had given him and Eliphelet. the name Jabez, to recall that: “In pain she 9 All these were sons of David, besides had given birth to him.” 10 Jabez called on other sons by the concubines. Tamar was the God of Israel, “Bless me by giving me their sister. more land. Be with me, and keep me from 10 These are the descendants of king anything that might harm or cause me So lomon from father to son: Rehoboam, pain.” God gave him what he had prayed for. Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, 11 Joram, Aha- 11 Chelub, the brother of Shuhah, be- ziah, Joash, 12 Amaziah, Azariah, Jotham, came the father of Mehir, who was the 13 14 12 Jdg 1:13 Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, and father of Eshton. Eshton, had three sons, Num Josiah. 15 Josiah had four sons: Johanan, Bethrapha, Paseah and Tehinnah. Tehin- 13:6 the fi rstborn, Jehoiakim second, Zedekiah nah was the father of Imahas. The descen- third, and Shallum fourth. 16 The sons of dants of these men lived in Recah. Jehoiakim were: Jeconiah and Zedekiah. 13 Kenaz had two sons, Othniel and Se - 17 These are the descendants of king raiah. Othniel also had two sons: Hathath Je coniah, who was taken captive by the and Meonothai, 14 who became the father Babylonians. Jeconiah had seven sons: of Ophrah. Seraiah became the father of Shealtiel, 18 Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenaz- Joab, the founder of Craftsmen’s Valley, zar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. where skilled workers lived. 19 Pedaiah had two sons: Zerubbabel and 15 Caleb, son of Jephunneh had three Shimei. Zerubbabel had two sons, Meshul- sons: Iru, Elah and Naam; and the son of lam and Hananiah, and one daughter, Elah: Kenaz. She lomith. 20 Meshullam had fi ve sons: 16 The sons of Jehallelel were: Ziph, Zi - Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, phah, Tiria, and Asarel. and Jushab-hesed. 21 Hananiah’s two sons 17 Ezrah had four sons: Jether, Mered, were Pelatish and Jeshiah. Jeshiah was Epher, and Jalon. Mered’s wife Bithiah, a the father of Rephaiah, who was the father daughter of the king of Egypt, gave birth to of Arnan, who was the father of Obadiah a daughter, Miriam, and two sons, Sham- and grandfather of Shecaniah. 22 She- mai and Ishbah. Ishbah was the father of caniah’s son was Shemaiah and his fi ve Eshtemoa. 18 Mered also had a wife from grandsons were: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, the tribe of Judah, who gave birth to three Nedariah, and Shaphat. 23 Neariah’s three sons: Jered, the father of Gedor; Heber, sons were: Elioenai, Hizkiah and Azrikam. father of Soco; and Jekuthiel, father of Gen 24 Elioenai’s seven sons were: Hodaviah, . 46:10; 19 Num Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Dela- Hodiah married the sister of . 26:12 iah, and Anani. Their descendants formed the clan of 523 1 CHRONICLES 5 Garm, which lived in the town of Keilah, through an anathema still in force today and the clan of Maacath, which lived in the and settled in their place, since there was town of Eshtemoa. pasturage for their fl ocks. 20 The sons of Shimon were: Amnon, 42 Some of them, belonging to the sons of Rin nah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. Simeon, reached Mount Seir: fi ve hundred The sons of Ishi were: Zoheth and Ben- men led by Pelathiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, zoheth. and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43 They defeat- 21 The descendants of Shelah son of ed the surviving fugitives of Amalek that Judah were: Er, father of Lecah; Laadah, had escaped, and still live there today. father of Mareshah; and the clans of linen weavers of Beth-ashbea; 22 Jokim and the 1 The sons of Reuben, Israel’s fi rstborn people who lived in Cozeba; Joash and 5 (Now, he was the fi rstborn, but when Saraph, who went to Moab to take wives he had defi led his father’s bed, his rights before returning to Bethlehem (these are as fi rstborn were given to the sons of events of long ago.) 23 They were potters Joseph, Israel’s son. So Reuben is not list- and lived in the towns of Netaim and Ged- ed as fi rstborn in the genealogical records. erah. They stayed with the king there, 2 Though Judah was the strongest among employed in his workshop. his brothers and a leader descended from 24 Simeon had fi ve sons; Nemuel, Jamin, him, the right of the fi rstborn belonged to 25 Joseph. Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul. Shaul’s son Gen 3 was Shallum. His grandson was and his Sons of Reuben, fi rstborn of Israel: Ha - 46:9; Num 26 great-grandson was Mishma. The sons noch, Pallu, Hezron, Carmi. 26:5 of Mishma were: Hammuel, Zakur, Simi. 4 Sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog 27 Simi had sixteen sons and daughters, but his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, his brothers did not have many children; Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his and none of their families increased as the son, whom Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria families of Judah did. carried off into exile. He was a prince of 28 Jos 19: They lived in Beersheba, Moladah and the Reubenites. 1-8 Hazarshual, 29 Bilhah, Ezem and Tolad, 7 His kinsmen, by clans, grouped accord- 30 Bethuel, Hormah and Ziklag,31 Beth-mar- ing to their kinship: Jeiel, the chief, Zecha- 8 caboth, Hazarsusim, Bethbiri, Shaaraim. riah, Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son Num 32:37 These were their towns until the reign of Joel. of David. 32 Their outlying villages were: These lived in Aroer as far as Nebo and Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen and Ashan, Baal-Mehon. 9 These extended to the east fi ve towns, 33 with all their surrounding vil- toward the River Euphrates, reaching the lages as far as Baalath. Here they had their desert, because their fl ocks had multiplied settlements and sorted themselves into in the land of Gilead. their various groups. 10 In the days of Saul they waged war 34 Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of against the Agarites who were defeated, 1-2 CHR 35 Amaziah, Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah, and they occupied their homes east of Jos 13: 36 Gilead. 24-28; son of Seraiah, son of Asiel, Elioenei, Gen 11 Jaa kobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Je- The sons of Gad lived opposite them, 46:16; 37 Num 26: simiel, Benaiah, Ziza, Ben-shiphi, Benal- in the land of Bashan, as far as Salecah. 15-18; lon, Ben-jedaiah, Ben-shimri, Ben-shema- 12 First, Joel, and then Shapham, Janai and Dt 3:10 iah. 38 These men came with their clans and Shaphat in Bashan. families. They grew in number and spread. 13 The other families of the tribe were 39 As they searched for pasture for their those of Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, fl ocks they traveled from the Gerar Pass Jacan, Zia, and Eber. to the eastern end of the valley, 40 where 14 These are the descendants of Abi- they found good, fat pasture. The land was hail, whose ancestors were traced back broad, untroubled, peaceful. as follows: Abihail, Huri, Jaroah, Gilead, Hamites had been living there before Michael, Jeshishai, Jahdo, Buz. 15 Ahi son them. 41 But in the time of Hezekiah king of of Abdiel, and grandson of Guni, was head Judah this group of Simeon’s tribe arrived of these clans. there, overran their tents and the dwellings 16 They had settled in the territory of they found there. They wiped them out Gilead and Bashan, in the towns there, 1 CHRONICLES 5 524 and all over the pasture lands of Sharon. The families of Levi 17 (All were listed in the family records in 1 Levi had three sons: Gershom, Kohath Num 3: the days of king Jotham of Judah and king 6 and Merari. 17-20 Jeroboam of Israel). 2 These are the names of the sons of 18 The people of Reuben, Gad, and half Gershom: Libni and Shimei. tribe of Manasseh, were 44,760 valiant 3 Sons of Kohath: Amran, Izhar, Hebron, men, well-trained in the use of shields, and Uzziel. 4 Sons of Merari: Mahli and Mu- swords, and bows, ready for service. shi. These are the families of Levi accord- 19 They waged war against the Hagrite ing to their ancestors. tribes of Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab, and 5 Descendants of Gershon from one gen- as they put their trust in God and called on eration to the next: Libni, Jahath, Zimmah, him for help, 20 they were victorious over 6 Joah, Iddo, Zerah, Jeatheral. the Hagrites and all their allies. 21 They 7 Descendants of Kohath from one gen- took with them from the Hagrites’ live- eration to the next: Amminadab, Korah, stock, 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, Assir, 8 Elkanah, Ebiasaph, Assir, 9 Tahath, and 2,000 donkeys. 22 They took 100,000 Uriel, Uzziah, Shaul. 10 Elkanah had two prisoners of war, but many of the enemy sons, Amasai and Ahimoth; 11 Elkanah, had been killed for it was God’s war. And son of Ahimoth, Zophai, Nahath, 12 Eliab, they settled in what had been Hagrite terri- Jeroham, Elkanah. 13 The sons of Elkanah tory until the exile. were: Samuel his fi rstborn, and Abijah. 23 Num The half tribe of Manasseh settled in Samuel had two sons: Joel, the fi rstborn, 32:39 the land between Bashan and Baal-her- and Abijah, the younger. mon, Senir and Mount Hermon; and they 14 Descendants of Merari from one gen- were very numerous. 24 These are the heads eration to the next: Mahli, Libni, 15 Shimei, of their clans: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jer- Uzzah, Shimea, Haggiah, Asaiah. emiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. These were 16 David named men to lead the singing famous warriors and leaders of their clans. in the temple of Yahweh when the Ark had 25 But they were unfaithful to the God of come to rest there. 17 They were respon- their ancestors and worshiped the gods of sible for the singing before the Holy Tent the peoples whom God had driven out of the of the tent of meeting until Solomon had land. 26 So the God of Israel brought against built the temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem. them the anger of Pul, king of Assyria, and They did their duties in accordance with of Tilgath-pilneser, king of Assyria, who the rules. deported the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the 18 These are the men who accomplished half-tribe of Manasseh. They were taken this ministry, and their sons: off to Halah near Hara and the river Gozan. Of the clan of Kohath: Heman, the lead- They are still there today. er of the fi rst choir, was the son of Joel. His ancestral line went back to Jacob as The ancestral line of the high priests follows: Heman, Joel, Samuel, 19 Elkanah, 27 20 Gen Sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath and Jeroham, Eliel, Toah, Zuph, Elkanah, 46:11; 28 21 Num 26: Merari. Sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Mahath, Amasai, Elkanah, Joel, Azari- 59-60 Hebron, and Uzziel. 29 Sons of Amram: ah, Zephaniah, 22 Tahath, Assir, Ebiasaph, , Moses and Miriam. Sons of Aaron: Korah, 23 Izhar, Kohath, Levi, Israel. Nadab and Abihu, and Ithamar. 24 His brother Asaph was leader of the 30 The descendants of Eleazar from one second choir. His ancestral line went back to generation to the next are as follows: Phi- Levi as follows: Asaph, Berechiah, Shimea, nehas, Abishua, Bukki, Uzzi, 31 Zerahiah, 25 Michael, Baaseiah, Malchijah, 26 Eth ni, Meraioth, 32 Amariah, Ahitub, 33 , Ahi- Zerah, Adaiah, 27 Ethan, Zimmah, Shimei, maaz, 34 Azariah, Johanan, 35 Azariah (the 28 Jahath, Gershon, Levi. one who served as priest in the temple that 29 Ethan of the clan of Merari, was the Solomon built in Jerusalem), 36 Amariah, leader of the third choir, at the left side. His Ahitub, 37 Zadok, Shallum, 38 Hilkiah, Aza- ancestral line went back to Levi as follows: riah, 39 Seraiah, Jehozadak. 40 Jehozadak Ethan, Kishi, Abdi, Malluch, 30 Hashabiah, was deported when Yahweh, through king Amaziah, Hilkiah, 31 Amzi, Bani, Shemer, Nebuchadnezzar, sent into exile the people 32 Mahli, Mushi, Merari, Levi. of Judah and Jerusalem. 33 Their brother Levites were in charge 525 1 CHRONICLES 7 of the Holy Tent of the temple of Yahweh. 56 The clan of Gershon, family by family, 34 Aaron and his descendants burned the was given the following towns with their offerings on the altar for burnt offering pasture lands: in the territory of the half and on the altar of incense. They were tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan, and responsible for all the worship in the Most Ashtaroth; 57 in the territory of Issachar: Holy Place and for the atonement for Isra- Kedesh, Daberath, 58 Ramoth, and Anem; el’s sins, according to the instructions of 59 in the territory of Asher: Mashal, Abdon, Moses, the servant of God. 60 Hukok, and Rehob;61 in the territory of 35 This is the line of Aaron’s descendants: Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Eleazar, Phinehas, Abishua, 36 Bukki, Uzzi, Kiriathaim. Zerahiah, 37 Meraioth, Amariah, Ahitub, 38 Za- 62 To the rest of the clan of Merari were dok, Ahimaaz. given the following towns with their pas- 39 Jos 21: These are the places they lived in, ac- ture lands: in the territory of Zebulun: 4-40; 63 21:4; cording to the boundaries of their settle- Rimmono and Tabor; in the territory of 21:10-19 ments: Reuben, beyond the Jordan River near Jer- 40 To the sons of Aaron of the Kohath icho: Bezer on the high, fl at land, Jahzah, clan (to whom the fi rst share of land was 64 Kedemoth, and Mephaath; 65 in the terri- assigned) they gave Hebron in the land of tory of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, Judah and the pasture lands nearby. 41 The 66 Heshbon, and Jazer. fi elds and villages of this town, however, had been given to Caleb, son of Jephun- Clans and families of the northern tribes 42 1 neh. The following towns were given to the Issachar had four sons: Tola, Puah, Gen 46:13; descendants of Aaron: Hebron, a city of ref- 7 Jashub, and Shimron. Num 26: uge, Jattir, Libnah, Eshtemoa, 43 Hilen, Debir, 2 23-24; Tola had six sons: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Je - Jdg 10:1 44 Ashan, and Beth-shemesh, with pasture riel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel. They lands near them. 45 In the territory of Ben- were heads of families of the clan of Tola jamin they were given the following towns and famous warriors. In the time of David, with their pasture lands: Geba, Alemeth, the descendants numbered 22,600. Uzzi and Anathoth. A total of thirteen towns were had one son, Izrahiah. 3 Izrahiah had four given them for all their families to live in. sons: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. 46 Jos 21: To the rest of the clan of Kohath, fam- All fi ve of these were chiefs; 4 and they 5-8, 9; 21:20-39 ily by family, ten towns were given from were obliged to enlist their troops: 36,000 the territory of the half tribe of Manasseh. men, for they had many wives and chil- 47 The clan of Gershom, family by family, dren. 5 The family records of all the clans were given thirteen towns from the territo- of Issachar listed a total of 87,000 men ries of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and from able to give military service. Gen 48 6 the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. The Benjamin had three sons: Bela, Bech- 46: 21; clan of Merari, family by family, were er, and Jediael. Num given twelve towns from the territories of 7 26:38; 1-2 CHR Bela had fi ve sons: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzz- 8:1 Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. 49 The people iel, Jerimoth and Iri. They were heads of of Israel gave these towns with their pas- families in the clan and famous warriors. ture lands to the Levites. Their family records listed 22,034 men 50 They received from the territories of able to give military service. 8 Becher had Judah, Simeon and Benjamin the towns to nine sons: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elio- which they gave names. enai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, 51 The clans of Kohath obtained towns by and Alemeth. 9 Their family records listed lot from the tribe of Ephraim. 52 They were 20,200 men able to give military service. given the following towns with their pas- Shuppin and Huppin also belonged to this ture lands: Shechem, the city of refuge in tribe. 10 Jediael had one son, Bilhan who the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer, 53 Jok- had seven sons: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, meam, Beth-horon, 54 Aijalon, and Gath Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahisha- Rimmon. 55 In the territory of the half tribe har. 11 They were heads of families in the of Manasseh, they were given the towns of clan and famous warriors, 17,200 ready for Aner and Beileam with their pasture lands. service in war. 12 Shuppin and Huppin were So much was given to the remaining fami- the sons of Ir, Hushim the son of Aher. Gen 13 lies of the son of Kohath. Naphtali had four sons: Jahziel, Guni, 46:24; 1 CHRONICLES 7 526

Num 26: Jezer, and Shallum. They were descendants Shelesh, and Amal. 36 The sons of Zophah 48-50 of Bilhah. were: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri and 14 Manasseh had Asriel by his Aramean Imrah, 37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, concubine. She gave birth also to Machir, Ith ran and Beerah. 38 The sons of Jether: father of Gilead. 15 Now Machir married a Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. 39 The sons wife from the Huppites and Shuppites. (His of Ulla: Arah, Hamniel, and Rizia, 40 all of sister’s name was Maacah.) Zelophehad these were descendants of Asher. They was Manasseh’s second son; he only had were heads of families, and famous war- daughters. riors. Asher’s descendants included 26,000 16 Maacah, wife of Machir, gave birth to men able to give military service. two sons, whom they named Peresh and 1 Sheresh. Peresh had two sons: Ulam and Benjamin became father of Bela, his Gen 46:21; 17 Rakem. Ulam had a son named Bedan. 8 fi rstborn, Ashbel second, Ahiram third, Num 26: These were the descendants of Gilead, the 2 Nohah fourth, Rapha fi fth. 3 Bela had sons: 38-40 son of Machir and grandson of Manasseh: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman and 18 Gilead’s sister Molecheth had three sons: Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan and Hu ram. Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. 19 Shemida 6 These are the sons of Ehud. They had four sons: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi and were heads of families of the inhabitants of Aniam. Geba and led them into exile at Manahath: 20 7 Num These are the descendants of Ephraim Naaman, Ahijah and Gera. It was he who 26:35 from one generation to the next: Shuthelah, led them into exile; he became the father Bered, Tahath, Eleadah, Tahath, 21 Zabad, of Uzza and Ahihud. Shuthelah. Ephraim’s two other sons, Ezer 8 He became father of Shaharaim in the and Elead, were killed when they tried to plains of Moab after he had dismissed his steal the cattle belonging to the people wives, Hushim and Baara. 9 By his new wife of Gath. 22 Ephraim, their father, mourned he had sons: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Mal- for them for a long time and his brothers cam, 10 Jeuz, Sachia, Mirmah. These were came to comfort him. 23 Then Ephraim his sons, heads of families. went to his wife, and she conceived and 11 By Hushim he had sons: Abitub and gave birth to a son whom she called Beri- Elpaal. 12 Sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham ah, because of the trouble that had come and Shemed: it was he who built Ono and to their family. 24 Beriah’s daughter, Sheer- Lud with its outlying towns. ah, built Lower and Upper Beth-horon and 13 Beriah and Shema were the heads of Uzzen-sheerah. families of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who Ephraim also had a son named Rephah. put to fl ight the inhabitants of Gath. 14 Sha- The descendants of 25 Rephah were as fol- shak was his brother. lows: Resheph, Telah, Tahan, 26 Ladan, Am - Jeremoth, 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Mi- mihud, Elishama, 27 Nun, Joshua. 28 They chael, Ishpah, Joha were sons of Beriah. had lands and settlements in Bethel and 17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Haber, 18 Ish- its towns; in Naasan to the east; in Gezep, merai, Izliah, Jobab were sons of El paal. and its towns to the west; Shechem and its 19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 20 Elioenai, Zillethai, towns, as far as Ayyah and its towns. 29 Beth- Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah, Shimran were sons shean, Taanach, Megiddo, Dor, each with of Shimei. its towns, were controlled by the descen- 22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zichri, dants of Manasseh. In all these places lived Ha nan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, the descendants of Joseph, son of Jacob. 25 Iph deiah, Penuel were sons of Sha- 30 26 Gen Asher had four sons: Imnah, Ishvah, shak. Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 46:17; 27 Num Ishvi, and Beriah; and one daughter, Serah. Jaareshaiah, Elijah, Zichri were sons of 26:44 31 Sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. Mal- Jeroham. 28 These were the heads of fami- chiel was the father of Birzaith. 32 Heber had lies, grouped according to their kinship. three sons: Japhlet, Shomer and Hotham; They lived in Jerusalem. and one daughter Shura. 33 Japhlet had 29 At Gibeon lived Abi-gibeon, whose three sons: Pasah, Bimhal and Ashvath. wife was Macaah. 30 His fi rst-born son was 34 Shomar, his brother, also had three sons: Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, Rohgah, Hubbah and Aram. 35 His brother 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher 32 and Mikloth who Hotham had four sons: Zophah, Imna, became father of Shimeah. These also, 527 1 CHRONICLES 9 near their kinsmen, lived with their kins- seven hundred and sixty men who under- men in Jerusalem. took the duties of the temple of God. 33 1S 14: Ner was father of Kish, Kish father of 14 Of the Levites: Shemaiah son of Has- 49-51; 9:39-43 Saul, Saul father of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, shub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah of Abinadab and Eshbaal. 34 Son of Jonathan: the sons of Merari, 15 Bakbakkar, Heresh, Meribbaal. Meribbaal became father of Galal, Mattaniah son of Mica, son of Zichri, Micah. 35 Sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, son of Asaph, 16 Obadiah son of Shemaiah, Tarea, Ahaz. 36 Ahaz became father of Je- son of Galal, son of Jeduthun, and Bere- hoaddah, Jehoaddah father of Alemeth, chiah son of Asa, son of Elkanah, who Azmaveth and Zimri. Zimri became father lived in the villages of the Netophathites. 37 of Moza, Moza, father of Binea; Raphah 17 The keepers of the gate: Shallum, Ak- was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. kub, Talmon, Ahiman and their kinsmen. 38 Azel had six sons, whose names were Shallum, was their head; 18 and they still these: Azrikam, Bocheru, his fi rstborn, then keep station at the royal gate, to the east. Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, Hanan. All These were the gatekeepers of the camp 39 these were sons of Azel. Sons of Eshek of the Levites. 19 Shallum son of Kore, son his brother: Ulam, his fi rstborn, Jeush of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, with his brother sec ond, Eliphelet third. 40 Ulam had sons, Korahites, of the same family, were respon- stout fi ghting men and bowmen. They had sible for the liturgical service. They were numerous sons and grandsons, a hundred “keepers of the threshold for the Tent,” for and fi fty of them. their fathers had guarded the entrance of All these were sons of Benjamin. the camp of Yahweh. 20 At one time, Phine- has son of Eleazar had ruled them and they Inhabitants of Jerusalem after the exile served before Yahweh. 21 Zechariah son of 1 All the Israelites were classifi ed in Meshelemiah was keeper of the gate at the 9 related groups and were listed in the entrance to the tent of meeting. 22 All the Book of the Kings of Israel. As for those of keepers of the gate at the thresholds were Judah, they were deported to Babylon for picked men; there were two hundred and 2 Ne 11: their faithlessness. The fi rst who came twelve of them and they were registered in 3-19 back to their towns and their estates were their various villages. These were appoint- Israelites, priests, Levites and helpers. 3 So ed by David and Samuel the seer because in Jerusalem lived Judaeans, Benjamin- of their loyalty. 23 They and their sons had ites, Ephraimites and Manassites. the guardianship of the gates of the house 4 Uthai son of Ammihud, son of Omri, of Yahweh, the house of the Tent. 24 On the son of Imri, son of Bani, one of the sons four sides stood the keepers of the gate; of Perez, son of Judah. 5 Of the Shilonites: east, west, north, and south. 25 Their kins- Asaiah, the fi rstborn, and his sons. 6 Of the men in their villages would come to join sons of Zerah: Jeuel. Also their kinsmen: them for a week from time to time, 26 since six hundred and ninety. the four head gatekeepers themselves lived 1-2 CHR 7 Of the : Sallu son of there permanently. Some of them were Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Has- responsible for the chambers and treasur- senuah; 8 Ibneiah son of Jeroham; Elah ies of the house of God. 27 They spent the son of Uzzi, son of Michri; Mesullam son night in the precincts of the house of God, of Shephatiah, son of Reuel, son of Ibnijah. their duties being to guard it and they had 9 They had nine hundred and fi fty-six kins- the keys with them to open the rooms in men, grouped according to their kinship. the morning. All these men were heads of families. 28 Some of them were responsible for 10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, the furnishings of worship. They counted Jachin, 11 Azariah son of Hilkiah, son of them whenever they put them away and Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, took them out. 29 Others were in charge of son of Ahitub, ruler of the house of God. the furniture and all the sacred furnishings, 12 Adaiah son of Jeroham, son of Pash- the fi ne fl our, the wine, the oil, the incense, hur, son of Malchijah, Maasai son of Adiel, the spices; 30 but only the priests prepared son of Jahzerah, son of Meshullam, son of the mixture for the spices. Meshillemith, son of Immer. 13 They had 31 One of the Levites, Mattithiah the fi rst- kinsmen, heads of families, one thousand born of Shallum the Korahite, was respon- 1 CHRONICLES 9 528 sible for the offerings that were to be baked 8 When the Philistines came on the fol- on the pan. 32 Some of their kinsmen the lowing day to strip the dead, they found Saul Kohathites were responsible for the loaves and his sons lying on Mount Gilboa. 9 They to be set out in rows Sabbath by Sabbath. stripped him and, taking his head and his 33 These are the cantors, heads of the armor, had them carried around the land of levitical families. When free from service, the Philistines to proclaim the good news to they lived in the temple chambers, because their idols and their people. 10 They placed they were on duty day and night. his armor in the temple of their god, but 34 8:28 These were the heads of the families his head they hung in the temple of Dagon. of the Levites, grouped according to their 11 When all the people of Gilead heard all families. These heads lived in Jerusalem. that the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 the valiant men went and took the bodies of The family of king Saul Saul and his sons away and brought them 35 8:29-38 In the city of Gibeon lived Abigibeon to Jabesh. They buried their bones under and Jeiel, whose wife was called Maacah. the oak tree in Jabesh, and they fasted for 36 His fi rstborn was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, seven days. Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 Gedor, Ahio, Zecha- 13 Saul died because he had been un- riah, and Mikloth. 38 Mikloth became father faithful to Yahweh. He had disobeyed the of Shimeam. Their descendants lived in Je- commands of Yahweh; and he had even ru salem near other families of their clans. consulted the spirits of the dead. 14 As he 39 Ner became father of Kish, Kish father had not consulted Yahweh, Yahweh put of Saul, Saul father of Jonathan, Malchi- him to death and gave control of the king- shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal. 40 Jonathan’s dom to David son of Jesse. son Meribbaal, became father of Micah. 41 Micah had four sons: Pithon, Melech, David is anointed king 42 1 Tahrea and Ahaz. Ahaz became father of All the people of Israel went to 2S 5:1-3 Jarah, Jarah father of Alemeth, Azmaveth 11 David at Hebron and said: “Look, we and Zimri; Zimri became father of Moza, are your own fl esh and blood. 2 Even when 43 Moza father of Binea, whose son was Saul was our king, you led Israel in battle; 44 Rephaiah, whose son was Eleasah, whose and Yahweh your God said to you, ‘You are son was Azel. Azel had six sons; their the man who shall be shepherd of my peo- names were these: Azrikam, his fi rstborn, ple Israel and shall be ruler over them.’” then Ishmael, Bocheru, Sheariah, Obadiah, 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king Hanan. These were the sons of Azel. at Hebron, and David made a Covenant with them at Hebron in the presence of 1 1S 31: The Philistines attacked Israel, and Yahweh, and he became king of Israel, just 1-13 10 the Israelites fl ed or were killed on as Yahweh had promised through Samuel. Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines caught up 4 David with all the Israelites attacked with Saul and killed Jonathan, Abinadab Jerusalem (that is to say, Jebus); there 3 5 and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. The lived the Jebusites. They said to David, 2S 5: fi ghting grew heavy about Saul. He was hit “You will not get in here.” But David cap- 6-10 by enemy arrows and badly wounded. 4 Then tured the fortress of Zion, and it became Saul said to the young man carrying his the city of David. 6 David said, “The fi rst weapon, “Draw your sword and kill me. I do man to attack the Jebusites shall become not want these godless Philistines to come leader and commander of the army.” Joab and gloat over me.” But the young man was son of Zeruiah attacked fi rst and became afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his commander. 7 David went to live in the for- own sword and threw himself on it. 5 Then tress, and because of this it was called the the young man threw himself on his sword, city of David. 8 He then built a wall around too, and died. 6 And so Saul died, he and the city, and the Millo as well as the sur- his three sons and all his own, together. rounding wall, while Joab restored the rest 7 All the Israelites who were in the valley of the city. 9 David grew greater and great- heard that the army had fl ed and that Saul er, and Yahweh Sabaoth was with him. and his sons were dead. So they aban- doned their towns and ran away. The Phi- David’s champions 2S 23: 10 listines then came in and occupied them. These are the famous warriors of Da - 8-39 529 1 CHRONICLES 12 vid, those who, during his rule, struggled he was not as famous as The Three. David with him, and with all Israel, to make him put him in command of his bodyguard. king as Yahweh had promised. 11 This is 26 The other valiant warriors were: Asa- the list of David’s warriors: Jashobeam the hel the brother of Joab; Elhanan son of Hachmonite, leader of the three; one day Dodo, from Bethlehem; 27 Shammoth from he wielded his battle-ax against three hun- Harod, Helez the Pelonite; 28 Ira son of Ik- dred whom he killed at one time. kesh, from Tekoa; Abiezer from Anathoth; 12 After him, there was Eleazar son of 29 Sibbecai from Hushah; Ilai from Ahoh; Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three cham- 30 Maharai from Netophah; Heled son of pions. 13 He was with David at Pasdam- Baanah, from Netophah; 31 Ithai son of Ri- mim where the Philistines had gathered to bai, from Gibeah of Benjamin; Benaiah attack. There was a fi eld full of barley there. from Pirathon; 32 Hurai from the valleys When the Israelites started to run away, near Gaash; Abiel from Bethhaarabah; 14 Eleazar took a stand in the middle of the 33 Azmaveth from Baharum; Eliahba from fi eld, defended it and fought the Philistines. Shaalbon; 34 Benehashem from Gizon; Jon- So Yahweh brought about a great victory. athan son of Shagee, from Harar;35 Ahiam 15 The Thirty leading soldiers went down son of Sachar, from Harar; Eliphelet son to David at the rock, near the Cave of Adul- of Ur; 36 Hepher from Mecherah; Ahijah lam, while a company of Philistines was the Pelonite; 37 Hezro from Carmel; Naarai encamped in the Valley of the Rephaim. son of Ezbai; 38 Joel the brother of Nathan; 16 David was then on a fortifi ed hill, and a Mibhar son of Hagri; 39 Zelek the Ammo- group of Philistines had occupied Beth- nite; Naharai from Beeroth, armorbearer lehem. 17 David sighed, “Oh, if someone to Joab son of Zeruiah; 40 Ira from Jat- would fetch me a drink of water from the tir; Gareb from Jattir; 41 Uriah the Hittite; well by the gate of Bethlehem!” 18 At this Zabad son of Ahlai; The Three, forcing their way through the 42 Adina son of Shiza (a leading mem- Philistine camp, drew water from the well ber of the tribe of Reuben, with his own by the gate of Bethlehem and, bringing group of thirty soldiers); 43 Hanan son of it away, presented it to David. But David Maacah; Joshaphat the Mithnite; 44 Uzzia would drink none of it and poured it out as from Ashteroth; Shama and Jeiel, sons an offering to Yahweh. 19 “God keep me,” of Hotham the Aroerite; 45 Jediael son of he said, “from doing this! Am I to drink the Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite; blood of these men? For at the risk of their 46 Eliel the Mahavite; Jeribai and Joshavi- lives they brought it.” And so he would ah, sons of Elnaam; Ithmah the Moabite; not drink it. Such were the deeds of The 47 Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel from Zoba. Three. 20 Abishai, the brother of Joab, was David’s early followers leader of The Thirty. He fought with his 1 The following men came to David spear against three hundred whom he 12 in Ziklag where he had gone to es - 1-2 CHR killed, winning himself a name among The cape from king Saul. They were valiant Thirty. 21 He was the most famous of The and reliable warriors, members of the tribe Thirty and became their captain, but he of Benjamin, to which Saul belonged. 2 They was not as famous as The Three. were archers who could use either the right 22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a hero from or the left hand, both in slinging stones and Kabzeel, did many brave deeds; he killed in shooting arrows with the bow. 3 They the two Ariels of Moab. One snowy day, were: Ahiezer the leader, and Joash, sons he went down and killed a lion in a pit. of Hashemar from Gibeah; Jeziel and Pelet, 23 He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man, sons of Azmaveth; Berach and Jehu from seven and a half feet tall. The Egyptian Anathoth; 4 Ismaiah from Gibeon, a famous had a gigantic spear in his hand, but Bena- soldier and one of the leaders of The Thir- iah attacked him with a club, snatched the ty; 5 Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan and Jo- spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed zabad from Gederoth; 6 Eluzai, Jerimoth, the man with it. 24 Such were the deeds of Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah from Ha - Benaiah son of Jehoiada, winning him a riph, 7 Elkanah, Eshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Ja- name among the thirty leading soldiers. shobeam; Korahites: 8 Joe lah, Zebadiah, 25 He was famous among The Thirty, but sons of Jeroham from Gedor. 1 CHRONICLES 12 530 9 Some Gadites also joined David’s him in accordance with the command of troops when he was at the desert fort. They Yahweh: were valiant fi ghting men and experts with 25 Sons of Judah carrying shield and shield and spear. They were as fi erce- spear: 6,800 men equipped for battle. 26 Of looking as lions and as quick as moun- the sons of Simeon; 7,100 well-trained tain deer. 10 Ezer was the leader, Obadiah men. 27 Of the sons of Levi: 4,600 28 in addi- second, Eliab third, 11 Mishmannah fourth, tion to Jehoiada, in command of the Aar- Jeremiah fi fth. 12 Attai sixth, Eliel seventh, onites, with 3,700 men; 29 Zadok, a young 13 Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth, 14 Jere- and able fi ghter and 22 commanders of his miah tenth, Machbannai eleventh. 15 These family. sons of Gad were troop commanders, 30 Of the sons of Benjamin: 3,000 kins- each one in command of a unit, the junior men of Saul, most of them hitherto in the offi cers placed over a hundred, and senior service of the house of Saul. 31 Of the sons offi cers over a thousand. 16 These are the of Ephraim: 20,800 men famous in their men who crossed the Jordan in the fi rst families. 32 Of the half tribe of Manasseh: month, when it overfl owed its course, and 18,000 men assigned by name to go and scattered all the people who lived on its proclaim David king. 33 Of the sons of Issa- banks, both east and west. char, expert in knowing the times when 17 Those men from the tribes of Benja- Israel should take action, and the way to min and Judah came to David at the fort. do it: 200 leaders and all their kinsmen 18 David went to meet them and said, “If under their command. you come to me as friends, to give me 34 Of Zebulun: 50,000 men fi t for ser- help, then I am ready to join you. But if it is vice, ready to fi ght with weapons of every to betray me to my enemies, when I have kind. 35 Of Naphtali: 1,000 commanders, done no wrong, then may the God of our and with them 37,000 men armed with ancestors see and punish you.” shield and spear. 36 Of the Danites: 28,600 19 Then God’s spirit took control of one men ready for battle. 37 Of Asher: 40,000 of them, Amasai, leader of The Thirty, and men fi t for service, ready for battle. 38 From he called out: “Yours we are, David! We Transjordania: 120,000 men of Reuben, are with you, son of Jesse! Peace to you; Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh, with peace to him that helps you, for God is on weapons of every kind. your side.” 39 All these warriors, ready for battle, David welcomed them and made them came to Hebron willingly to proclaim David offi cers in his army. king over all Israel; and the rest of Israel, 20 Some people from the tribe of Manas- too, were all of one mind in making David seh went over to David’s side as he was king. 40 For three days they stayed there, setting out with the Philistines to fi ght eating and drinking with David, for their Saul. But David did not help the Philis- kinsmen had sent food for them. 41 More- tines, because their chiefs, after consulta- over from as far as Issachar and Zebulun tion, sent him back to Ziklag. They were and Naphtali, their neighbors brought pro- afraid he would betray them to his former visions, by donkey and camel, mule and master Saul. 21 He was on his way to Ziklag ox—fl our cakes, fi g cakes, bunches of when these Manassites joined him: Adnah, raisins, wine, oil, quantities of oxen and Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, sheep; for there was joy in Israel. Zillethai, commanders of thousands in Ma- nasseh. 22 They were reinforcements for The Ark is brought to Jerusalem David and his troops, since they were all 1 David consulted with the com- outstanding soldiers and became offi cers 13 23 manders of thousands, of hundreds, in the army. Indeed, new men joined Da- and with all the leaders. 2 To the whole vid’s forces almost every day, so that his assembly of Israel David said, “If you agree camp grew into an enormous camp. and if Yahweh our God wills it so, we will send messengers to the rest of our broth- The warriors who assured David’s kingship ers throughout the territories of Israel, and 24 These are the fi gures from the list of also to the priests and Levites in their experienced warriors who joined David towns and nearby lands, and tell them to at Hebron to transfer Saul’s kingship to gather here with us. 3 We will then go and 531 1 CHRONICLES 15 get the Ark of our God, for in the time of ing this, David went out to meet them. Saul we neglected it.” 9 When the Philistines arrived, they began 4 They agreed to this, for in the eyes of plundering the Valley of the Rephaim. all the people it was the right thing to do. 10 David consulted Yahweh, “Shall I attack 5 So David gathered all the people togeth- the Philistines? Will you turn them over to er, from the Shihor of Egypt to the Pass me?” Yahweh answered him, “Attack! I will of Hamath, to bring the Ark of God from turn them over to you.” 11 The Philistines Kiriath-jearim. 6 Then David and all Israel went up to Baal-perazim and there David went up to Baalah, to Kiriath-jearim in defeated them. David said, “God has bro- Judah, to bring up the Ark of God which ken through them by my hand just as water bears the name of Yahweh who is seated breaks through a dam.” For this reason on the Cherub. 7 At Abinadab’s house they that place was called Baal-perazim. 12 They placed the Ark of God on a new cart. Uzzah had left their gods behind them there, and and Ahio were leading the cart. 8 David and David ordered them to be burned. all Israel danced before God with all their 13 Again the Philistines started plunder- might, singing to the accompaniment of ing in the valley. 14 David again consulted lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and God, and God answered, “Do not attack trumpets. 9 When they came to the thresh- them from the front; go around and get ing fl oor of the Javelin, the oxen stumbled, ready to attack them from the other side, and Uzzah stretched out his hand and near the balsam trees. 15 When you hear the took hold of the ark. 10 Then the anger of sound of marching in the tops of the bal- Yahweh blazed out against Uzzah, and he sam trees, launch your attack, for God is killed him because he had laid his hand on going out ahead of you to defeat the army the ark, and he died there in the presence of the Philistines.” 16 David did as God had of God. 11 David was disturbed that Yahweh ordered, and they defeated the Philistine had punished Uzzah in anger, and so that army from Gibeon as far as Gezer. place has been called Perez-uzzah ever 17 David became famous everywhere, since. and Yahweh made every nation afraid of 12 David went in fear of God that day him. and said, “How can I bring the Ark of God to my home?” 13 So David did not take the 1 David put up buildings for himself Ark home to the city of David, but took it 15 in the city of David and prepared a to the house of a man named Obed-edom place for the Ark of God, and he put up a of Gath. 14 The Ark of God remained with tent for it. 2 Then he said, “Only the Levites the family of Obed-edom, in his house, shall move the Ark of God, since Yahweh for three months, and Yahweh blessed the has chosen them to carry the Ark and to family of Obed-edom and everything that serve him always.” belonged to him. 3 Then David gathered all Israel together in Jerusalem to bring the Ark of God up 1-2 CHR 2S 5: 1 Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messen- to the place he had prepared for it. 4 David 11-16 14 gers to David with cedar wood and called together the sons of Aaron and the stone masons and carpenters to build him sons of Levi: 5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel a palace. 2 David then knew that Yahweh the chief and his hundred and twenty kins- had established him as king over Israel, men; 6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah and and that, for the sake of his people Israel, his two hundred and twenty kinsmen; 7 of his kingdom was being made prosperous. the sons of Gershom, Joel and his hun- 3 8 3:5-8 At Jerusalem, David took more wives dred and thirty kinsmen; of the sons of and fathered more sons and daughters. Elizaphah, Shemaiah and his two hundred 4 These are the names of the children born kinsmen; 9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel and to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, eighty kinsmen; 10 of the sons of Uzziel, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Amminadab and his hundred and twelve 6 Nogab, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Bee- kinsmen. liada, Eliphelet. 11 David called in the priests Zadok and 8 2S 5: When the Philistines heard that David Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Jo - 17-21 had been anointed king of all Israel, they el, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab. 12 He all marched up to capture him. On hear- told them, “You are the heads of families 1 CHRONICLES 15 532 of the Levites. Purify yourselves, you and the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cym- your brothers, and bring the Ark of Yah- bals, making music with harp and lyre. weh, the God of Israel, up to the place I 29 Now, as the Ark of the Covenant of Yah- have prepared for it. 13 The fi rst time, you weh entered the city of David, Michal the were not there to carry it and Yahweh our daughter of Saul was watching from the God punished us for not consulting him as window and saw king David dancing and we should have done.” leaping with joy, and she despised him. 14 So the priests and the Levites purifi ed themselves to bring up the Ark of Yahweh, 1 They brought the Ark of God in the God of Israel, 15 and the Levites car- 16 and put it inside the tent that David ried the Ark of God with the poles on their had prepared for it; and they offered burnt shoulders, as Moses had ordered accord- offerings and peace offerings to God. 2 And ing to the command of Yahweh. when David had fi nished offering the sacri- 16 David then told the leaders of the Lev- fi ces, he blessed the people in the name of 3 ites to assign duties for some Levites to Yahweh. He then distributed to all the sing and play a joyful tune with their vari- Israelites, men and women, a loaf of bread ous musical instruments: harps and lyres each, a piece of roasted meat, and a raisin and cymbals. 17 The Levites then appoint- cake. ed Heman son of Joel, Asaph son of Bere- chiah, one of his brothers, Ethan son of David organizes the levitical cult Kushaiah, one of their Merarite kinsmen; 4 David appointed some of the Levites to 18 and with them, next in rank, their kinsmen minister before the Ark of Yahweh, to com- as keepers of the gate: Zechariah son of memorate, thank and praise Yahweh, the 5 Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, God of Israel: fi rst Asaph, second Zech- Ps 105: Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphele hu, ariah, then Uzziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, 1-15 Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel. 19 Heman, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, Asaph and Ethan the cantors, were to Jeiel. These were to play the harp and the clash the cymbals of bronze; 20 Zechariah, lyre, while Asaph was to clash the cym- Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, bals. 6 The priests Benaiah and Jahaziel Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the were to keep sounding the trumpet before keyed harp. 21 Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mik- the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh. 7 That neiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel and Azaziah, giv- day, David entrusted this song of praise to ing the beat, were to play the octave lyre. Asaph and his brethren: 22 Chenaniah was chosen to be in charge 8 Give thanks to Yahweh, call upon his of the transportation, because he was very name, proclaim his deeds to the peoples. skillful at doing these things. 23 Berechiah 9 Sing to him, sing his praise; tell of all and Elkanah were to be gatekeepers to the his marvels. ark. 24 The priests Shebaniah, Joshaphat, 10 Glory in his holy name, let the hearts Nethanel, Amasal, Zechariah, Benaiah and that seek Yahweh rejoice! Eliezer were to sound the trumpet before 11 Seek Yahweh and his strength, seek the Ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah his face untiringly; were to be gatekeepers to the ark. 12 Recall the wondrous deeds he has 25 2S 6: So David, with the leaders of Israel done, his miracles, the judgments from his 12-19 and the commanders of thousands, went mouth. to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of Yah- 13 Descendants of Israel his servant, weh from Obed-edom’s house with great sons of Jacob his chosen one, rejoicing. 26 And while God was securing 14 he is Yahweh our God; he rules over the Levites who carried the Ark of the Cov- all the earth. 15 He remembers his Cove- enant of Yahweh, they sacrifi ced seven nant forever, his promises for many gen- bulls and seven sheep. 27 David was wear- erations, ing a robe of fi ne linen, like all the Levites 16 the Covenant he made with Abraham, who carried the ark, as well as the cantors his promise to Isaac, and Chenaniah, the offi cer in charge of its 17 That he gave as law to Jacob, an transportation. David also wore the linen. everlasting Covenant for Israel. 28 Thus all Israel brought up the Ark of the 18 For he said, “I give you a land, Ca na- Covenant of Yahweh with shouts of joy to an, your own possession,” 533 1 CHRONICLES 17 19 when they were easily counted, few in offerings and to carry out all that is written number, strangers to the country. in the law of Yahweh laid down for Israel. 20 They wandered from nation to nation, 41 With them were Heman and Jeduthun from one kingdom to another. and the rest of those who were chosen and 21 But he let no one oppress them, and assigned by name to give praise to God, punished kings for their sake: for his love is everlasting. 42 With them 22 “Do not touch my anointed ones, do were Heman and Jeduthun who were to not harm my prophets.” sound the trumpets, cymbals and musi- Ps 96 23 Sing to Yahweh, all the earth. Pro- cal instruments accompanying the hymns claim his salvation day after day. to God. The sons of Jeduthun were given 24 Tell his glory among the nations and charge of the gate. 43 his wonders to every people. Then all went away, each to his own 2S 6: 19-20 25 Yahweh is great, and highly to be house, and David returned to bless his praised, more fearsome than all gods. household. 26 Nothingness are all the gods of the na- tions, Yahweh himself made the heavens; The prophecy of Nathan 27 1 splendor and majesty go before him, Once David was living in his pal- 2S 7: praise and joy are in his Sanctuary. 17 ace, he said to the prophet Nathan, 1-17 28 Give to Yahweh, families of the peo- “Here am I living in a house of cedar, while ples, give to Yahweh glory and praise. the Ark of Yahweh’s Covenant is under a 29 Give to Yahweh the glory due his name. tent.” 2 Nathan said to David, “Do all that is Bring out offerings and bow before him, in your mind, for God is with you.” worship Yahweh in his sacred ornaments. 3 But that very night Yahweh said to 30 Be quiet before him, all the earth! Firm Nathan, 4 “Go and tell my servant David, has he made the world, not to be moved. ‘Yahweh says this: You yourself are not 31 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth to build a temple for me to live in. 5 I have rejoice! Say among the nations, “Yahweh never lived in a temple from the day I is King!” brought Israel out until today, but went 32 Let the sea thunder and all that it from tent to tent, from one shelter to anoth- holds, let the fi elds exult and all that is in er. 6 In all my journeying with the whole of them, Israel, did I say to any one of the rulers of 33 let all the trees cry out for joy, and Israel whom I had appointed as shepherds rejoice before Yahweh, for he comes to of my people: Why do you not build me a rule the earth. temple of cedar wood? 34 Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, 7 This you must say to my servant his love endures forever. David: This is the word of Yahweh Sabaoth: 35 Ps 106: Say, “Save us, O God, our Savior, I took you from following the sheep, to be 1, 47-48 gather us and deliver us from among the leader of my people Israel. 8 I have been nations, that we may give thanks to your with you wherever you have gone, and I 1-2 CHR holy name and glory in praising you.” have defeated all your enemies as you 36 Blessed be Yahweh the God of Israel advanced. I will make your name as great from all eternity and forever! And let all the as the name of the greatest on earth. 9 I will people say, “Amen! Alleluia!” provide a place for my people Israel; I will 37 David left there, before the Ark of the plant them there and they shall live in that Covenant of Yahweh, Asaph and his broth- place and never be disturbed again; nor er Levites with the permanent charge of shall the wicked ever again oppress them, the worship that was held before the Ark as they did 10 in the days when I appointed as each day’s ritual required. 38 He left also judges over my people Israel. For now I Obed-edom, with his sixty-eight kinsmen. will subdue all their enemies. Moreover I Obed-edom son of Jeduthun, and Hosah tell you that I will build you a house. 11 And were to be keepers of the gate. when your days are ended, and you must 39 He left Zadok the priest and the die and be buried with your ancestors, I priests, his kinsmen, before the Holy Tent will raise up your offspring after you, one of Yahweh at the high place in Gibeon 40 to of your own sons, and I will make his king- offer burnt offerings to Yahweh regularly, dom strong. 12 He will build a temple for me morning and evening, on the altar for burnt and I will make his throne fi rm forever. 13 I 1 CHRONICLES 17 534 will be a father to him and he a son to me. feated the Moabites. The Moabites became I will not withdraw my support from him, subject to David, paying him taxes. as I withdrew it from Saul. 14 I will put him 3 At Hamath David defeated Hadadezer, in charge of my people and his kingdom king of Zobah, who was trying to gain con- shall be established forever.” trol of the territory by the river Euphrates. 15 Nathan told David accordingly all 4 David captured one thousand chariots, these words and this vision. seven thousand horsemen and twenty thousand foot soldiers from him. David David’s prayer hamstrung all the chariot teams, keeping 16 2S 7: King David then went in and, seated only a hundred of them. 5 The Arameans of 18-29 before Yahweh, said: “I am not worthy of Damascus came to the help of Hadadezer, what you have already done for me, Yah- king of Zobah, but David killed twenty-two weh God, nor is my family. 17 Yet in your thousand men of the Arameans. 6 Then eyes, O God, this is still not enough. For David established governors in Aram of you have made a promise for my descen- Damascus, and the Arameans became sub- dants reaching into the distant future and ject to David, paying him taxes. Wherever you have looked on me as a great man. David went, Yahweh gave him victory. 18 What more can I say to you? For you 7 David took the golden shields of the know your servant David. 19 You yourself guards of Hadadezer and brought them to have done this because you have looked Jerusalem. 8 From Tibhath and from Cun, kindly on your servant and you wanted to towns belonging to Hadadezer, David took show your own greatness. a great quantity of bronze. With this Solo- 20 O Yahweh, there is none like you, no mon would make the bronze Sea and the God except you alone, that we have ever bronze pillars and furnishings. heard of. 21 Is there another people on the 9 When Tou, king of Hamath, heard earth like your people Israel, whom you that David had defeated the entire army of rescued from slavery in Egypt to make Hadadezer, king of Zobah, 10 he sent his son them your own people, giving yourself a Hadoram to king David to greet him and to name for great and terrible things by driv- congratulate him on fi ghting and defeat- ing nations out before your people whom ing Hadadezer, since Hadadezer was the you rescued from Egypt? enemy of Tou. Hadoram brought articles 22 You made your people Israel your of every kind in gold, silver and bronze, own people forever; and you, Yahweh, 11 which king David also consecrated to have become their God. 23 Now, Yahweh, Yahweh, together with the silver and gold let the promise you have made to me and he had taken from all the nations: Edom, to my descendants be always kept. 24 May Moab, Ammonites, Philistines, Amalek. this promise hold good and your name be 12 After that, David defeated the Edo- exalted forever; may they say, ‘Yahweh mites in the Valley of Salt, eighteen thou- Sabaoth, the God of Israel, is God for Isra- sand of them. 13 He imposed governors on el.’ And let my descendants be established Edom, and all the Edomites became sub- before you forever. ject to David. Wherever David went, Yah- 25 O my God, you have just made known weh gave him victory. to me that you will build me a house; 14 David ruled over all Israel, adminis- 2S 8: because of this I have to offer this prayer 15-18 26 tering law and justice to all his people. in your presence. Yes, Yahweh, you are 15 Joab son of Zeruiah was in command God indeed, and you have made this kind 27 of the army. Jehoshapat son of Ahilud promise to me. Be pleased, then, to bless was recorder. 16 Zadok son of Ahitub and my house so that they may remain forever Abiathar son of were priests. in your favor. You, Yahweh, are the one Shavsha was secretary. 17 Benaiah son of who blesses, and your blessing will rest on Jehoiada was in command of the Chere- them forever.” tites and Pelethites. David’s sons were the chief assistants of the king. The wars of David

1 1 2S 8: After this, David defeated the Phi- Afterwards Nahash, king of the 2S 10: 1-14 18 listines and subdued them, taking 19 Ammonites, died and his son Hanun 1-5 Gath and its outlying villages. 2 He also de- became king. 2 David thought, “I will show 535 1 CHRONICLES 20

16 kindness to Hanun, son of Nahash, since Seeing that they had been defeated 2S 10: his father was kind to me.” And David sent by Israel, the Aramaeans sent messengers 15-19 messengers with his condolences on his and mobilized the Aramaeans from beyond father’s death. But when David’s servants the river, with Shophach, commander of reached Hanun in the land of the Ammo- Hadadezer’s army, at their head. 17 News of nites to present these condolences, 3 the this was brought to David, who gathered Ammonite leaders said to Hanun, “Do you the Israelite troops, crossed the Jordan, think David means to honor your father and met them. David drew up his line of when he sends you messengers of sympa- battle facing the Aramaeans, and the fi ght- thy? On the contrary he has sent them ing began. 18 But the Aramaeans fl ed before here as spies to explore the land, so that Israel, and David killed seven thousand of he can conquer it.” 4 Hanun had David’s their chariot teams and forty thousand foot servants seized, shaved their beards, cut soldiers. He also killed Shophach, their their clothes half-way up to the hips and general. 19 When the kings who were sub- sent them away. 5 As soon as David was ject to Hadadezer saw that they had been told what had happened to these men, he defeated by Israel, they made peace with sent someone to meet them, for the men David and became subject to him. After were too ashamed to return home. And he this the Aramaeans refused to give help to said, “Stay in Jericho, until your beards the Ammonites. have grown again, and come back then.” 6 1 2S 10: The Ammonites saw that they had At the turn of the year, the time 2S 11:1; 6-14 20 12:26, made David their enemy. So Hanun and when kings go to war, Joab set out 30-31 the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of with the army to invade the land of the silver to hire chariots and charioteers from Ammonites and went to lay siege to Rab- the Aramaeans of Upper Mesopotamia, of bah. David, however, remained in Jeru- Maacah and of Zobah. 7 They hired thirty- salem. Joab attacked Rabbah and de- two thousand chariots, as well as the king stroyed it. 2 David took the gold crown from of Maacah with his army. These came the head of the Ammonite idol Milcom. and encamped before Medeba; while the They found that it weighed about seventy- Ammonites came out from all their cities fi ve pounds. In it was set a precious stone and got ready to fi ght. 8 When David heard which made an ornament for David’s this, he sent Joab with the whole army and head. He carried off a great quantity of loot the warriors. 9 The Ammonites marched out from the town. 3 He brought away its popu- and took up their positions at the entrance lation and set them to work with saws, iron to the town, but the kings who had come picks and axes. David treated all the remained in the open country. 10 Joab, Ammo nite towns in the same way. Then seeing that he had to fi ght on two fronts, David and the whole army returned to to his front and to his rear, chose the best Jerusalem.

4 1-2 CHR fi ghters of the Israelites and drew them up After this, war broke out again with the 2S in line facing the Aramaeans. 11 He placed Philistines at Gezer. This was when Sib- 21:18-22 the rest of the troops under the command becai of Hushah killed Sippai, a descen- of his brother Abishai, to face the Ammo- dant of the Rephaim. The Philistines were nites. He said to him, 12 “If the Aramaeans defeated. 5 War with the Philistines broke prove too strong for me, you shall come out again, and Elhanan son of Jair killed to my help. If the Ammonites prove too Lahmi, the brother of Goliath of Gath, the strong for you, I will come to yours. 13 Take shaft of whose spear was as thick as a courage and fi ght hard for the sake of our weaver’s beam. 6 There was another bat- people and the towns of our God. And may tle at Gath, where there was a giant with Yahweh do as he thinks right.” six fi ngers on each hand and six toes on 14 Joab and the force with him advanced each foot, twenty-four in all. He too was to attack the Aramaeans, who fl ed before a descendant of Raphaim. 7 He defi ed Isra- him. 15 When the Ammonites saw that the el and Jonathan, son of David’s brother Aramaeans were running away, they too Shimea, killed him. fl ed before Abishai, Joab’s brother, and 8 These men were descended from withdrew into their town. Then Joab came Raphaim of Gath and they were killed by back to Jerusalem. David and his guards. 1 CHRONICLES 21 536 The census ready to destroy Jerusalem. Then David 2S 24: 1 Satan wanted to bring trouble on and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell 1-9 21 the people of Israel. So he made on their faces. 17 And David prayed to God, David take a census of the Israelites. “Was it not I who sinned, by ordering this 2 David said to Joab and to the senior army wicked census? But these, this fl ock, what offi cers, “Go, and take a census of Israel, have they done? Yahweh my God, let your from Beersheba to Dan, then come back hand lie heavy on me and on my family; that I may know their number.” 3 Joab said, but let your people escape the plague.” 18 “May Yahweh multiply the people a hun- The angel of Yahweh then said to 2S 24: dred times! My lord king, are they not all Gad, “David must go up and build an altar 18-25 your servants? Why do you want to do to Yahweh on the threshing fl oor of Ornan this? Will you bring guilt upon Israel?” the Jebusite.” 19 So David obeyed the com- 4 But the king enforced his order on Joab, mand which Gad had spoken in the name and Joab went away, traveling through the of Yahweh. 20 Now Ornan, as he turned, whole country of Israel before he returned had seen the angel and had hidden, with to Jerusalem. 5 Joab gave David the fi gures his four sons. for the census of the people: the whole of Ornan was threshing wheat 21 when Israel numbered one million, one hundred David came to him. When Ornan looked up thousand men capable of drawing sword, and saw David coming, he left the thresh- and Judah four hundred and seventy thou- ing fl oor and with his face to the ground sand capable of drawing sword. 6 But Joab did homage to David. 22 Then David said disapproved of the king’s command, and, to Ornan, “Sell me your threshing fl oor, to because of this he had not taken any cen- build an altar to Yahweh. Let me have it at sus of Levi or of Benjamin. its full price, that the plague may be turned 7 23 2S 24: God looked with displeasure on what away from the people.” “Take it,” Ornan 10-17 had been done and so he began to pun- said to David, “and let my lord the king do ish Israel. 8 Then David said to God, “I have as he thinks right. Look, I will give you the sinned greatly by doing this. But now I beg oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing sled you to forgive me for this fault. I have been for the wood and the wheat for the grain very foolish.” 9 Then Yahweh spoke to Gad, offering; I give them all.” David’s prophet, 10 “Go and say to David, 24 But king David said to Ornan, “No, I ‘Yahweh says this: I offer you three things; must buy it from you at the full price; I will choose one of them for me to do to you.” not take for Yahweh what is yours, or offer 11 So Gad went to David and said, “Yahweh burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 25 So says this, ‘Take your choice: 12 three years David gave Ornan six hundred gold coins of famine, three months running away for the threshing place. from the armies of your enemies, or three 26 David built an altar there to Yahweh and days of Yahweh’s own sword, an epidem- offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. ic in your land, with Yahweh’s destroying He called on Yahweh, and Yahweh answered angel bringing death throughout Israel.’ him with fi re from heaven on the altar for Now decide how I am to answer him who burnt offerings 27 and ordered the angel to sends me.” 13 David said to Gad, “This is a put his sword away. 28 Then David saw that hard choice, but let me rather fall into the Yahweh had answered him on the threshing power of Yahweh, since his mercy is very fl oor of Ornan the Jebusite, so he kept on great; and not into the power of men.” offering sacrifi ces there. 29 The Holy Tent of 14 So Yahweh sent an epidemic on Israel, Yahweh that Moses had made in the wilder- and seventy thousand Israelites died. 15 God ness and the altar for burnt offerings were at sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, that time at the high place at Gibeon, 30 but but as he was about to destroy it, Yahweh David had not been able to go there before looked and changed his mind; and he said God to consult him, so fearful was he of the to the destroying angel, “Enough! Now sword of the angel of Yahweh. withdraw your hand.” The angel of Yahweh was standing beside the threshing fl oor of 1 Then David said, “Here is where Ornan the Jebusite. 16 David saw the angel 22 the temple of Yahweh God will be; of Yahweh standing between the heavens and this is where the people of Israel are to and earth with a naked sword in his hand, offer burnt offerings.” 537 1 CHRONICLES 23 Preparations for the building of the temple ited. Set to work, then, and may Yahweh 2 David gave orders to gather all the be with you!” strangers living in the land of Israel and he 17 David then commanded all the Israel- set stone cutters to prepare stone blocks ite leaders to help his son Solomon, 18 “Is for building the temple of God. 3 David fur- not Yahweh your God with you? He has thermore stored up great quantities of iron given you peace on all sides, since he has to make nails for the wooden gates, and let me conquer all the people who lived in for clamps, and more bronze than could this land, and the land has been subdued 19 be weighed; 4 logs of cedar too, beyond for Yahweh and for his people. So now number—the Sidonians and Tyrians hav- devote heart and soul to the search for ing brought cedar logs to David in great Yahweh your God. Begin to build the Sanc- quantities. tuary of Yahweh your God, so that the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh and the holy 5 Then David said, “My son Solomon is things of God may be brought to the tem- young and inexperienced, and the temple ple that is built for the name of Yahweh.” to be built for Yahweh must be of great splendor, and famous for its magnifi cence The work of the Levites in every country. I will make preparations 1 for him.” And so, before he died, David 23 When David was very old, he made laid away large amounts of the materials his son Solomon king over Israel. 2 He then gathered all the Israelite leaders needed. 6 He then sent for his son Solo- together, with the priests and Levites. mon and instructed him to build a temple 3 for Yahweh, the God of Israel: 7 “My son, A census was taken of those Levites thirty years old or older. The total was thir- my heart was set on building a temple for 4 the name of Yahweh my God. 8 But Yah- ty-eight thousand; twenty-four thousand weh told me, ‘You have shed much blood of these were responsible for the services of the house of Yahweh; six thousand were and fought great battles; it is not for you 5 to build a temple for my name, since you scribes and judges; four thousand were have shed so much blood on the earth in keepers of the gate; four thousand praised my presence. 9 But now a son is born to Yahweh on the instruments David had you. He shall be a man of peace, and I will made for that purpose. give him peace from all the enemies that 6 Then David divided the Levites into surround him; for Solomon is his name, three groups, according to their clans: Ger- and in his days I will give Israel peace shon, Kohath and Merari. and quiet. 10 He shall build a temple for 7 For the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. my name. He shall be a son to me and I 8 Sons of Ladan: Jehiel fi rst, Zetham, Joel; a father to him. His dynasty will rule Israel three in all. 9 Sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, forever. 11 Now, my son, may Yahweh be Haziel, Haran; three in all. These are the with you and give you success in building heads of families of Ladan. 10 Sons of Shi- a temple for Yahweh your God, as he has mei: Jahath, Zirah, Jeush, Beriah; these 1-2 CHR said concerning you. 12 Yet may he give were the sons of Shimei; four in all. 11 Ja - you insight and wisdom so that you may hath was the eldest, Zirah the second, then govern Israel according to his law. 13 Suc- Jeush and Beriah, who had not many chil- cess will be yours if you carefully observe dren and were counted as one family. the statutes and the ordinances that Yah- 12 Sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Heb ron, weh has prescribed to Moses for Israel. Be Uzziel; four in all. 13 Sons of Amram: Aaron strong and stand fast, be fearless, be con- and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were fi dent. 14 Poor as I am, I have set aside for set apart to be in charge of the sacred objects the temple of Yahweh four thousand tons forever, to burn incense in the presence of of gold, and nearly forty thousand tons of Yahweh, to serve him and to bless the peo- silver and more bronze and iron than can ple in his name forever. 14 As for Moses, the be weighed. I have stored up wood and man of God, his sons were included among stone too, to which you must add more. the Levites. 15 Sons of Moses: Gershom and 15 You will have many workmen, stone cut- Eliezer. 16 Sons of Gershom: Shebuel, the ters, masons, carpenters, skilled artisans fi rst: 17 Eliezer had sons: Rehabiah, the fi rst. of every kind, 16 while your supply of gold Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of and silver, bronze and iron, will be unlim- Rehabiah were very numerous. 1 CHRONICLES 23 538 18 Sons of Izhar: Shelomith, the fi rst. sons of Eleazar were found to have more 19 Sons of Hebron: Jeriah fi rst, Amariah leading men than the sons of Ithamar. sec ond, Jahaziel third, Jekameam fourth. Accordingly, from the heads of families of 20 Sons of Uzziel: Micah fi rst, Isshiah sec- the sons of Eleazar they made sixteen ond. groups, and from those of the sons of 21 Sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. Sons Ithamar, eight. 5 They divided them, both of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 22 Eleazar died parties, by lot: there were temple offi cials leaving no sons but only daughters; their and spiritual leaders among the sons of cousins, the sons of Kish, married these. Eleazar, as well as among the sons of 23 Sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, Jeremoth; Ithamar. 6 One of the Levites, the scribe three in all. Shemaiah son of Nethanel, recorded them 24 These were the sons of Levi by their in the presence of the king, his offi cers, families, the heads of families, and those Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abia- registered by name, individually. Whoever thar and the heads of the priestly and levit- was twenty years old or older had his duty ical families. They took turns in drawing in the service of the temple of Yahweh. lots for each family of the sons of Eleazar 25 For David had said, “Yahweh, the God and for the sons of Ithamar. of Israel, has given peace to his people, 7 The fi rst lot fell to Jehoiarib, to Jeda- and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. 26 The iah the second, 8 Harim the third, Seorim Levites are no longer required to carry the the fourth, 9 Malchijah the fi fth, Mijamin Holy Tent or anything used in its service.” the sixth, 10 Hakkoz the seventh, Abijah 27 According to the last words of David, the eighth, 11 Jeshua the ninth, Shecaniah the Levites who had been registered were the tenth, 12 Eliashib the eleventh, Jakim of twenty years and older. 28 Their duty is the twelfth, 13 Huppah the thirteenth, Ish- to assist the sons of Aaron with the ser- baal the fourteenth, 14 Bilgah the fi fteenth, vice of the temple of Yahweh, in the courts Immer the sixteenth, 15 Hezir the seven- and chambers, to purify everything that is teenth, Happizzez the eighteenth, 16 Petha- sacred. Their duty is to serve the temple hiah the nineteenth, Jehezkel the twenti- of God. 29 They are also responsible for the eth, 17 Jachin the twenty-fi rst, Gamul the loaves set out in rows; and for the fl our for twenty-second, 18 Delaiah the twenty-third, the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened Maaziah the twenty-fourth. bread, the cakes baked on the griddle or 19 These men were registered according mixed; and they are to weigh and measure to their various duties, to enter the temple the temple offerings. 30 They have to be of Yahweh according to the regulations present every morning to give glory and that Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given praise to Yahweh, and also in the evening, through Aaron, their ancestor. 31 and at every burnt offering to Yahweh on 20 Regarding the rest of the sons of Levi: the Sabbath, New Moon or solemn feast, Sons of Aaron: Shubael. Sons of Shuba- in such numbers as are prescribed. They el: Jehdeiah. 21 For Rehabiah, for the sons must always be present before Yahweh. of Rehabiah: the eldest, Isshiah. 22 Izharites: 32 In serving the temple of Yahweh they Shelomoth: Jahath. 23 Sons of Hebron: Jeri- observe the ritual of the tent of meeting, ah the fi rst, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the ritual of the Sanctuary and the ritual of the third, Jekameam the fourth. 24 Sons of their brethren, the sons of Aaron. Uzziel: Micah; sons of Micah: Shamir; 25 the brother of Micah: Isshiah; of the sons of The classifi cation of the priests Isshiah, Zechariah. 26 Sons of Merari: Mahli 1 27 Num These are the groups to which the and Mushi. Sons of Jaaziah: Beno; sons 3:3-4 24 descendants of Aaron belong. Sons of Merari: for Jaaziah his son: Shoham, of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar. Zaccur, Ibri: 28 for Mahli: Eleazar who had 2 Nadab and Abihu died in their father’s no sons; 29 for Kish: the sons of Kish: Jer- lifetime leaving no children, so Eleazar and ahmeel. 30 Sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, Jer- Ithamar became priests. 3 David divided imoth. them into groups with the help of Zadok, 31 These were the sons of Levi by their one of Eleazar’s sons, and Ahimelech, one families. The head of each family and one of the sons of Ithamar, and made a register of his younger brothers drew lots for their of them according to their duties. 4 The assignments, just as their relatives, the 539 1 CHRONICLES 26 priests descended from Aaron, had done. twelve. 17 The tenth was Shimei, he and King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the his sons and brothers were twelve. 18 The heads of families of the priests and of the eleventh was Azarel, he and his sons and Levites were witnesses. brothers were twelve. 19 The twelfth was Hashabiah, he and his sons and brothers The cantors were twelve. 20 The thirteenth was Shubael, 1 For the liturgy, David and the sen- he and his sons and brothers were twelve. 25 21 The fourteenth was Mattithiah, he and his ior army offi cers set apart the sons 22 of Asaph, of Heman and of Jeduthun, who sons and brothers were twelve. The fi f- teenth was Jeremoth, he and his sons and prophesied playing lyre and harp and cym- 23 bal; and a list was made of those with these brothers were twelve. The sixteenth was Hananiah, he and his sons and brothers duties to perform. 24 2 Sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Neth- were twelve. The seventeenth was Josh- bekashah, he and his sons and brothers aniah, Asharelah. The sons of Asaph were 25 under the direction of Asaph who proph- were twelve. The eighteenth was Hanani, he and his sons and brothers were twelve. esied whenever the king commanded. 26 3 The nineteenth was Mallothi, he and For Jeduthun: sons of Jeduthun: Ge - 27 daliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, his sons and brothers were twelve. The twentieth was Eliathah, he and his sons Mattithiah; there were six of them under 28 the direction of their father Jeduthun who, and brothers were twelve. The twenty- fi rst was Hothir, he and his sons and broth- to the sound of the lyre, sang praise and 29 thanks to Yahweh. ers were twelve. The twenty-second was 4 Giddalti, he and his sons and brothers were For Heman: sons of Heman: Bukki- 30 ah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, twelve. The twenty-third was Mahazioth, he and his sons and brothers were twelve. Hana niah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Ro - 31 mantiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, The twenty-fourth was Romamtiezer, he Mahazioth. 5 All these were sons of Heman, and his sons and brothers were twelve. the king’s seer; these sounded the trum- The keepers of the gate pet when Yahweh’s word came. God gave 1 Heman fourteen sons and three daughters; These are the assignments of work 9:17-27 6 all of them sang in the temple of Yahweh 26 for the Levites who served as tem- under their father’s direction to the sound ple guards. For the Korahites: Meshele- of cymbal, harp and lyre, for the liturgy in miah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. the house of Yahweh at the king’s direc- 2 Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the tion. fi rstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the 7 All of these, whether of Asaph, Jedut- third, Jathniel the fourth, 3 Elam the fi fth, hun or Heman, who were trained in singing Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the sev- to Yahweh, all of them skilled men, were enth. altogether two hundred and eighty-eight. 4 Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the 1-2 CHR 8 They drew lots to determine the assign- fi rstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the ment of duties of each of them whether they third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fi fth, were young or old, experts or beginners. 5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, 9 The fi rst lot fell to the Asaphite, Joseph. Peullethai the eighth; God had indeed The second was Gedaliah, he and his sons blessed him. 6 Shemaiah had sons who and brothers were twelve. 10 The third was were important men in their clan because Zaccur, he and his sons and brothers were of their great ability. 7 Sons of Shemaiah: twelve. 11 The fourth was Izri, he and his Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad and his sons and brothers were twelve. 12 The fi fth brothers, Elihu and Semachia, brave men. was Nethaniah, he and his sons and broth- 8 All these were sons of Obed-edom. These ers were twelve. 13 The sixth was Bukkiah, and their sons and brothers were highly he and his sons and brothers were twelve. qualifi ed for this work. For Obed-edom, 14 The seventh was Jesharelah, he and sixty-two. his sons and brothers were twelve. 15 The 9 Meshelemiah had sons and brothers: eighth was Jeshaiah, he and his sons and eighteen brave men. brothers were twelve. 16 The ninth was Mat- 10 Hosah, son of Merari, had sons: Shim- taniah, he and his sons and brothers were ri was the fi rst for, although he was not 1 CHRONICLES 26 540 the fi rstborn, his father had made him the 30 For the Hebronites: Hashabiah and chief. 11 Hilkiah was the second, Tebaliah his kinsmen, one thousand seven hundred the third, Zechariah the fourth. Altogether fi ghting men, were appointed as overseers thirteen members of Hosah’s family were of all Israel west of Jordan, for all the ser- temple guards. vice of Yahweh and the service of the king. 12 The temple guards were divided into 31 For the Hebronites: Jerijah the chief. groups, according to their families; and In the fortieth year of David’s reign, the they were assigned duties in the temple, family line of the Hebronite families was just as the other Levites were. 13 They drew investigated and fi ghting men were found lots, junior and senior family alike, to see belonging to them at Jazer in Gilead. 32 King which gate each would be responsible for. David appointed two thousand seven hun- 14 For the east side, the lot fell to Shelemi- dred fi ghting men, kinsmen to Jerijah and ah, whose son Zechariah was a shrewd heads of families, as overseers of the Reu- counselor; when they drew lots, the lot for benites, the Gadites and the half tribe of the north side fell to the latter. 15 To Obed- Manasseh for all the service of Yahweh edom went the south, and to his sons the and the sacrifi ces of the king. storehouse. 16 The lots for the West Gate and the Shalleketh Gate on the upper road Military and civil organization fell to Shuppim and Hosah. One guard 1 Census of the sons of Israel; The was adjacent to another. 17 On the east, six 27 heads of families, the commanders daily; on the north, four daily; on the south, of thousands and hundreds, and other offi - four daily; at the storehouse, two each side; cers who served the king in all that referred 18 at the court on the west there were four to the divisions of twenty-four thousand posted on the road and two at the court. men each, that were on duty for a month, 19 These were the orders of the gatekeepers each month of the year: 2 For the fi rst among the Korahites and Merarites. month Jashobeam, son of Zabdiel, 3 son of 20 Others of their fellow Levites were Perez, and chief of all the offi cers of the in charge of the temple treasury and the division, had charge of a division of twen- storerooms for gifts dedicated to God. ty-four thousand men. 4 For the second 21 The sons of Ladan, sons of Gershon, month Dodai, the Ahohite had charge of a through Ladan, had the Jehielites for division of twenty-four thousand men. 5 For heads of the families of Ladan the Ger- the third month Benaiah son of Jehoiada, shonite. 22 The Jehielites, Zetham and Joel the chief priest, had charge of a division of his brother, were responsible for the trea- twenty-four thousand men. 6 Benaiah who suries of the temple of Yahweh. was champion of The Thirty, was overseer 23 Regarding the Amramites, Izharites, for The Thirty and for his division. Ammiza- Hebronites, and Uzzielites; bad was his son. 7 For the fourth month 24 Shebuel son of Gershom, son of Mo - was Asahel, the brother of Joab; his son ses, was the offi cer responsible for the Zebadiah succeeded him. He had charge treasuries. 25 His kinsmen through Eliezer: of a division of twenty-four thousand men. Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram 8 For the fi fth month, Shamhuth the Izrahite his son, Zichri his son, Shelomoth his son. had charge of a division of twenty-four 26 This Shelomoth and his kinsmen were in thousand men. 9 For the sixth month, Ira charge of all the gifts dedicated to Yahweh son of Ikkesh of Tekoa had charge of a by king David and by the heads of families division of twenty-four thousand men. as offi cers of thousands, of hundreds, or as 10 For the seventh month, Helez the Pelo- other senior offi cers. 27 There was a part of nite, an Ephraimite, had charge of a divi- the loot they captured in battle and dedi- sion of twenty-four thousand men. 11 For cated for use in the temple 28 and also the the eighth month, Sibbecai of Hushah, a things that Samuel, the seer, and Saul son Zerahite, had charge of a division of twen- of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of ty-four thousand men. 12 For the ninth Zeruiah had dedicated. All that had been month, Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjamin- dedicated was under the responsibility of ite, had charge of a division of twenty-four Shelomoth and his kinsmen. thousand men. 13 For the tenth month, 29 For the Izharites: Chananiah and his Maharai of Netophah, a Zerahite, had sons were in charge of Israel’s civil affairs charge of a division of twenty-four thou- as offi cials and judges. sand men. 14 For the eleventh month, 541 1 CHRONICLES 28 Benaiah of Pirathon, an Ephraimite, had succeeded Ahithophel. Joab was com- charge of a division of twenty-four thou- mander of the king’s armies. sand men. 15 For the twelfth month, Heldai from Netophah, of Othniel, had charge of David’s instructions for the temple a division of twenty-four thousand men. 1 16 David held a meeting in Jerusalem Overseers for the tribes of Israel: Eliezer 28 of all the offi cials of Israel, the over- son of Zichri was chief offi cer for the Reu- seers for the tribes, and the offi cials in the benites, Shephatiah, son of Maacha for the 17 royal service, the commanders of thou- Simeonites, Hashabiah, son of Kemuel sands, the commanders of hundreds, the for the Levites, Zadok for the Aaronites, overseers for all the property and livestock 18 Elihu, a brother of David, led Judah, Om- 19 of the king and his sons, together with the ri son of Michael led Issachar. Ishmaiah, palace offi cials, leading soldiers, and im- son of Obadiah for the Zebulunites, Jere- portant men. 2 Then king David got up and moth, son of Azriel for the Naphtalites, 20 said: Hoshea, son of Azaziah for the Ephraim- “My brothers and my people, listen to ites, Joel, son of Pedaiah for the half tribe 21 me. I had set my heart on building a set- of Manasseh, Iddo, son of Zechariah for tled home for the Ark of the Covenant of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Yahweh, as a footstool for our God. I have Jaasiel, son of Abner for the Benjaminites, 3 22 made preparations for building, but God Azarel, son of Jeroham for the Danites. has said to me, ‘You are not to build a These were the offi cials for the tribes of temple for my name, for you have been a Israel. man of war and have shed blood.’ 23 David took no census of those who 4 Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me were twenty years old and under, since and my descendants to rule Israel forever. Yahweh had promised to make Israel as He chose Judah for leader, my family with- numerous as the stars of heaven. 24 Joab, in the tribe of Judah, and of my father’s son of Zeruiah began a census, but he sons, myself. He was pleased to make did not fi nish it for God punished Israel me king of all Israel. 5 Of all my sons—he because of this census. The fi nal fi gures has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the were never recorded in the offi cial records throne of Yahweh over Israel. 6 He said to of king David. me, ‘Solomon your son is the man to build 25 This is the list of those who admin- my temple and my courts, for I have cho- istered the king’s property. Overseers for sen him to be a son to me and I will be a the king’s storerooms: Azmaveth son of father to him. 7 I will make his kingdom last Adiel. Commissioner for the stores in pro- forever if he continues to obey carefully all vincial towns, villages, castles: Jonathan my laws and commands as he does now.’ son of Uzziah. 26 For the agricultural work- 8 So now in the sight of all Israel and of ers employed on the land: Ezri son of Che- the assembly of Yahweh, and in the hear- lub. 27 For the vineyards: Shimei of Ramah. ing of our God, I tell you to observe and 1-2 CHR For those in the vineyards who looked after meditate on all the commandments of the wine cellars: Zabdi of Shepham. 28 For Yahweh your God, so that you may pos- the olives and sycamores in the lowlands: sess this prosperous land and leave it to Baal-hanan of Geder. For the stores of oil: your children after you as an inheritance Joash. 29 For cattle in pasture at Sharon: forever. Shitrai of Sharon. For cattle in the valleys: 9 And you, Solomon my son, know the Shaphat son of Adlai. 30 For camels: Obil, God of your father, serve him with an undi- the Ishmaelite. For donkeys: Jehdeiah of vided heart and a willing mind; for Yahweh Meranoth. 31 For fl ocks: Jaziz, the Hagrite. knows all our thoughts and desires. If you All these were overseers for king David’s seek him, he will let you fi nd him; but if property. you turn away from him, he will abandon 32 Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a skill- you forever. 10 Realize at this moment that ful adviser and a scholar. Jehiel son of Yahweh has chosen you to build a house Hachmoni attended the king’s sons. 33 Ahi - for him as Sanctuary. Be strong and set to thophel was the king’s counselor. Hu - work.” shai the Archite was friend of the king. 11 David gave his son Solomon the plans 34 Jehoiada, son of Benaiah, and Abiathar, for the vestibule, the buildings, the treasur- 1 CHRONICLES 28 542 ies, the upper rooms, the inner apartments the walls of the buildings. 5 Whatever gold and the room where the mercy seat would you have, whatever silver, or workmanship be. 12 He also gave him a description of all of the craftsman’s hand, will each of you he had in mind for the courts of Yahweh’s offer it to Yahweh today?” house, all the surrounding apartments, 6 Then the heads of families, the offi cials the treasuries of Yahweh’s house and the for the tribes of Israel, the commanders treasuries of votive offerings; 13 also of the of thousands and of hundreds, and those orders of priests and Levites, the liturgical who managed the king’s affairs, 7 gave duties in Yahweh’s house. 14 He instructed for the service of the house of God 168 him about how much silver and gold was tons of gold, 336 tons of silver, 606 tons to be used for making the utensils, 15 the of bronze, and 3,365 tons of iron. 8 Those bullion for the golden lampstands and their who had precious stones brought them to lamps, the gold bullion for the silver lamp- Jehiel, the Gershonite for the treasury of stand, for the lampstand and its lamps Yahweh’s house. 9 The people rejoiced at according to the requirements for each what had been given so readily, since their lampstand, 16 gold bullion for the tables on gifts to Yahweh had been made whole- which the rows of bread were set, for each heartedly. King David, too, was fi lled with of these tables, the silver for the silver joy. 10 David praised Yahweh before the tables, 17 the forks, the sprinkling bowls, entire assembly: basins of pure gold, the gold bullion for “May you be praised, Yahweh God the bowls, for each of the bowls, 18 the bul- of Israel our ancestor, forever and ever! lion of refi ned gold for the altar of incense. 11 Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the He gave him the plans for the chariot, for power, splendor, length of days, glory; for the golden cherubim with wings outspread all that is in the heavens and on the earth covering the Ark of the Covenant of Yah- is yours. Yours is the sovereignty forever, weh—19 all this in accordance with the plan O Yahweh; you are supreme ruler over all. drawn according to the instructions which 12 Riches and honor go before you; you are Yahweh himself gave him to carry out. ruler of all; in your hand lie strength and 20 Then David said to his son Solo- power. You are the one who gives great- mon, “Be strong, stand fi rm; be fearless, ness and strength to all. be determined and set to work, because 13 At this time, our God, we give you Yahweh God, my God, is with you. He will thanks, we praise the splendor of your not fail you or abandon you before you name. 14 For who am I, and what is my have fi nished all the work to be done for 21 people, to have received all that we give the house of Yahweh. Here are the orders you back now? All comes from you. What of priests and Levites for all the duties of we have received from your own hand we the house of God; every willing man of any have given to you. 15 For we are strangers aptitude will help you in all this work; the before you, settlers only, as all our ances- offi cials and all the people are entirely at tors were; our days on earth pass like a your command.” shadow, and there is no hope beyond. 1 Then king David said to the whole 16 Yahweh, our God, all this wealth that 29 assembly, “Solomon my son, whom we have brought together to build a house Yahweh has chosen, is still young and the for your holy Name, comes from your work is great; this palace is not for people hand; all is yours. 17 O my God, I know that but for Yahweh God. 2 With all my means, I you examine the heart and delight in hon- have provided for the house of my God, esty, and in honesty of heart I have willingly adding gold to gold, silver to silver, bronze given all this; and now with joy I have seen to bronze, iron to iron, wood to wood, onyx, your people here offer their gifts willingly. inlaid stones, colored and striped stones, 18 O Yahweh, God of our fathers, Abraham, precious stones of every kind, masses of Isaac, and Israel, keep such thoughts in the alabaster. 3 What is more, the gold and sil- hearts and minds of your people forever, ver that I have in my own treasury I give and direct their hearts toward you. 19 Give out of love for the house of God, above Solomon my son a heart determined to what I have provided already for the holy keep your commandments, your decrees, house—4 101 tons of the fi nest gold, gold your statutes; may he practice them all, and of Ophir, 214 tons of pure silver for plating build this palace I have prepared for you.” 543 1 CHRONICLES 29 20 David told the entire assembly, “Praise fi delity to king Solomon. 25 Yahweh exalted Yahweh your God!” And the whole assem- Solomon greatly in the eyes of all Israel, bly praised Yahweh, the God of their an - and gave him a glorious reign such as had cestors, and went on their knees to give not been enjoyed by any king over Israel honor to Yahweh and to the king. 21 The before him. 26 following day, the Israelites offered sac- David son of Jesse had reigned over 1K 2:11 rifi ces and burnt offerings to Yahweh: a the whole of Israel. 27 His reign over Israel thousand bulls, a thousand rams, a thou- lasted forty years; he reigned in Hebron for sand lambs with their wine offerings, as seven years and in Jerusalem for thirty- well as many sacrifi ces for the whole of three. 28 He died at a good old age, with his Israel. 22 They ate and drank that day in fi ll of days, of riches, of honor. Then his Yahweh’s presence with great joy. Then son Solomon succeeded him. 29 The his- they made Solomon, son of David, their tory of king David, from fi rst to last, can be second king and anointed him to rule over found in the records of Samuel, the proph- them in the name of Yahweh, and anoint- et, the records of Nathan the prophet, and ed Zadok as priest. 23 Solomon sat on the the records of Gad, the prophet. 30 These throne of Yahweh, in place of David his records tell how he ruled, how powerful father. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed he was, and all the things that happened him. 24 All the offi cials, all the champions, to him, to Israel, and to the surrounding and even all the sons of king David, swore kingdoms. 1-2 CHR 544

Solomon’s gift of wisdom of whom I have made you king; 12 therefore 1 1K 3: Solomon, son of David, took fi rm con- wisdom and knowledge are granted you. 4-15 1 trol of the kingdom of Israel. Yahweh, I give you riches too, and treasures, and his God, was with him and exalted him honor such as none of the kings had that greatly. 2 Solomon then spoke to all Israel, were before you, nor shall any have that to commanders of thousands and of hun- come after you.” dreds, to the judges, and to all the princes 13 Solomon left the high place and the of Israel, the heads of families. 3 Then Sol- tent of meeting at Gibeon and returned to 14 omon, and with him the whole assembly, Jerusalem. Solomon built up a force of 1K 10: 26-29; went to the high place at Gibeon, where chariots and horses. He had one thousand 9:25 God’s tent of meeting was, which Moses, four hundred chariots and twelve thousand the servant of God, had made in the wil- horses. These he stationed in the chariot derness. 4 David, however, had brought the towns and with the king in Jerusalem. Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place 15 During his reign, silver and gold became he had prepared for it, having set up a tent as common in Jerusalem as stone, while for it in Jerusalem. 5 The bronze altar that cedar wood was as plentiful as the ordi- Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, had made nary sycamore trees in the foothills of stood there in front of the Holy Tent of Yah- Judah. 16 Solomon’s horses were imported weh. Solomon, with the assembly, came from Cilicia. The king’s agents took deliv- to this altar, looking for Yahweh’s pres- ery of them from Cilicia at a fi xed rate. ence. 6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar 17 They imported chariots from Egypt for that was by the tent of meeting, and offered 600 pieces of silver each, and horses for a thousand burnt offerings on it. 150 each. These men acted in the same 7 That night, God appeared to Solomon way for all the kings of the Hittites and the and said, “Ask what you would like me to kings of Aram. 18 Solomon decided to build give you.” 8 Solomon replied to God, “You a house for Yahweh’s Name and a palace showed great kindness to David my father; for himself. and you have made me king in his place. 9 Yahweh God, the promise you made to Solomon and Huram 1 David my father has now been fulfi lled, He put 70,000 men to work transport- 2:17; 1K 5: since you have made me king over a peo- 2 ing materials, 80,000 to quarry in the 29-30 ple who are so many that they cannot be hill country, and 3,600 supervisors in charge counted. 10 Therefore now give me wisdom of them. 2 Solomon then sent this message and knowledge to act as leader of this to Huram king of Tyre: “Deal with me as people, for who could govern a people so you dealt with my father David when you great as yours?” sent him cedars to build a house to live in. 11 3 God said to Solomon, “Since that is I am now building a house to honor Yah- 1K 5: what you want, you have asked, not for weh, my God, to acknowledge his holi- 15-20 riches, treasure, honor, the lives of your ness, by burning incense of scented spices enemies, or even for a long life, but for wis- in his presence, by the loaves that are per- dom and knowledge to govern my people petually set out, by offerings morning and 545 2 CHRONICLES 3 evening, on the Sabbath, New Moon, and assigned seventy thousand of these for the solemn festivals of Yahweh our God— carrying loads, eighty thousand as stone and this forever in Israel. 4 The house I am cutters in the hill country, and three thou- building will be large, for our God is greater sand six hundred as overseers to make than all gods. 5 Yet no one can really build sure the people worked. a temple for God since heaven, even high- est heaven, cannot contain him. And I can- The building of Yahweh’s house 1 not build him a house for anything more Solomon then began to build Yah- 1K 6 than to burn incense in his presence. 6 So 3 weh’s house in Jerusalem on Mount send me a man skilled in working with Moriah, where David his father had a gold, silver, bronze, iron, scarlet, crimson, vision. It was the place prepared by David, violet, and the art of engraving too. He is the threshing fl oor of Ornan the Jebusite. to work with the skilled men whom my 2 Solomon began building in the second father David provided here in Judah and month of the fourth year of his reign, on Jerusalem. 7 Also send me boards of cedar, the second day. 3 Solomon laid the founda- cypress and cabinet wood from Lebanon, tion for God’s temple. Its length (deter- since I know your servants are experts in mined according to the old standard of felling the trees of Lebanon. My servants measure) was 90 feet and its width was 30 will work with yours. 8 They will prepare feet. 4 The porch in front of the main hall wood in bulk for me, since the house I wish was 30 feet long, corresponding to the to build is to be of astounding size. 9 For width of the temple, and its height was 30 the woodmen who are to fell the trees I feet. He plated it on the inside with pure assign twenty thousand cors of ground gold. 5 The Great Room he faced with juni- wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, per which he plated with pure gold; and on twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty it set palms and festoons. 6 He adorned the thousand baths of oil—this is for the main- building with precious stones of great tenance of your servants.” beauty. The gold was gold from Parvaim, 10 In a letter sent to king Solomon, Hu - 7 and with this, he faced the house, the ram king of Tyre replied, “Because Yah- beams, thresholds, walls and doors. On weh loves his people he has made you the walls he carved cherubs. king. 11 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of 8 He then built the Holy of Holies. Its Israel, who has made the heavens and the length, across the width of the Great Room, earth, and given king David a wise son, full was 30 feet, and its width 30 feet. He plat- of understanding and skill, who is going ed it with 18 tons of fi ne gold; 9 the gold to build a house for Yahweh and a palace nails weighed 20 ounces. He also plated for himself and his court. 12 And I am also the upper rooms with gold. 10 In the Holy sending you a skilled craftsman, Huram- of Holies he made two cherubs of wrought abi, 13 the son of a Danite woman by a Tyr- metal work and plated them with gold. 11 ian father. He is skilled in the use of gold, The total span of the cherubs’ wings was 1-2 CHR silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, scarlet, 30 feet, each being 7-1/2 feet long, with violet, fi ne linen, crimson, in engraving one wing touching the wall of the room, of all kinds, and in the execution of any while the other touched that of the other design suggested to him. Let him be put to cherub. 12 One wing of a cherub, 7-1/2 feet work with your craftsmen and those of my long, touched the wall of the apartment; lord David, your father. 14 So now let my the second, 7-1/2 feet long, touched the lord send his servants the wheat, barley, wing of the other cherub. 13 The spread of oil and wine, as already suggested. these cherubs’ wings was 30 feet. They 15 1K 5: For our part, we will cut down all the stood on their feet, facing the Hall. 22-26 cedar trees you need from Lebanon, and 14 He made the Veil of violet, scarlet, bring them to you in rafts by sea to Joppa, crimson and fi ne linen. He worked cherubs and you will transport them to Jerusalem.” on it. 16 Solomon took a count of all the for- 15 In front of the Great Room he made two eigners living in the land of Israel, follow- pillars 52 feet high, and on the top of each a 1K 7: ing the census that David his father had capital measuring 7 feet. 16 He set festoons 15-22 taken. It was found there were a hundred like in the Holy of holies, at the tops of the and fi fty-three thousand six hundred. 17 He pillars, and a hundred pomegranates which 2 CHRONICLES 3 546 he placed on the festoons. 17 He set up the burnished bronze for king Solomon, for pillars in front of the house, one on the Yahweh’s house. 17 The king made them right, the other on the left; the one on the by the process of sand casting, near the right he called Jachin, the one on the left Jordan between Succoth and Zeredah. Boaz. 18 Solomon made all these articles in such quantities, that the weight of bronze could 1 1K 7: He made an altar of bronze, 30 feet not be reckoned. 23-26 4 long, 30 feet wide and ten high. 2 He al- 19 Solomon placed all the furnishings so made the big bronze basin called “The he had made in the house of God: the Sea.” It measured 15 feet from rim to rim, golden altar and the tables for the loaves circular in shape and 7 feet high; a cord 44 of offering; 20 the lamp stands of pure gold feet long gave the measurement of its with their lamps to burn, as prescribed, girth. 3 Under it and completely encircling before the Sanctuary, of pure gold; 21 the it were pomegranates. They went around fl oral work, the lamps, the extinguishers of “The Sea” over a length of 44 feet. The po- gold (and it was pure gold); 22 the knives, megranates were in two rows, of one and the sprinkling bowls, incense boats, of the same casting with the rest. 4 It rested fi ne gold; the door of the temple, the inner on twelve oxen, three facing north, three doors (for the Holy of Holies) and the tem- facing west, three facing south, three fac- ple doors (for the Hekal), of gold. ing east. On these, their hindquarters all turned inward, stood the Sea. 5 It was a The Ark is brought to the temple hand’s breadth in thickness, and its rim 1 So all the work that Solomon did for was shaped like the rim of a cup, like a 5 Yahweh’s house was completed, and fl ower. It could hold 15,000 gallons of Solomon brought the dedicated offerings water. of his father David, the silver and the gold 6 1K 7: He made ten washing basins. He put and the vessels, and put them in the tem- 38-39; 7:49-50 fi ve on the south side and fi ve on the north ple storerooms. side. In them they rinsed the items used 2 Then Solomon called the leaders of the 1K 8:1-9 for burnt sacrifi ces. The priests washed in tribes and clans of Israel together in Jeru- “The Sea.” 7 He made the ten golden lamp salem to bring the Ark of the Covenant of stands in the way prescribed, and placed Yahweh up from the city of David, which them in the temple, fi ve on the right and is Zion. 3 All the men of Israel assembled fi ve on the left. 8 He made ten tables and around the king in the seventh month, at had them set in a nave, fi ve to the right the time of the feast. 4 All the leaders of and fi ve to the left; and he made a hundred Israel came, and the Levites took up the golden sprinkling bowls. Ark 5 and the tent of meeting with all the 9 1K 7:12 He made the court of the priests and sacred vessels that were in it. The levitical the great court with its gates, and plated priests carried them. 10 the gates with bronze. He placed “The 6 King Solomon, and all the community Sea” some distance from the right-hand of Israel gathered with him in front of the side, to the southeast. Ark, sacrifi ced countless and innumerable 11 1K 7: Huram-abi also made the pots, the sheep and oxen. 7 The priests brought the 40-51 shovels and the bowls. Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh to its place, Thus he completed the work he had to in the Sanctuary of the house, that is, in the do for king Solomon in the house of God: Holy of Holies, under the cherubs’ wings. 12 the two pillars; the two moldings of the 8 For there, where the Ark was placed, the capitals surmounting the pillars; the two cherubs spread out their wings and shel- sets of fi ligree to cover the two moldings tered the Ark and its poles. 9 The poles of of the capitals surmounting the pillars; the Ark were long enough for their ends to 13 the four hundred pomegranates for the be seen from the Holy Place in front of the two sets of fi ligree, with the pomegran- Sanctuary, but not from outside; they are ates of each fi ligree in two rows; 14 the ten still there today. 10 There was nothing in stands and the ten basins on the stands; the Ark except the two stone tablets that 15 the Sea and the twelve oxen beneath it; Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where 16 the pots, the shovels, the forks, and all Yahweh had made a Covenant with the their accessories made by Huram-abi of Israelites when they came out of Egypt. 547 2 CHRONICLES 6

11 1K 8: Finally, the priests came out of the Solomon’s prayer 10-13 12 Sanctuary. All the priests were present, Then, in the presence of the whole 1K 8: for they had purifi ed themselves, whatever assembly of Israel, Solomon stood before 22-29 group they belonged to. 12 All the Levite the altar of Yahweh and stretched out his musicians, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun hands. 13 Solomon had made a bronze with their sons and brothers, were stationed pedestal and had placed it in the middle to the east of the altar, robed in fi ne linen of the court. It was 7 feet long, 7 feet wide and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres. and 7 feet high. Solomon mounted it, and A hundred and twenty priests accompa- knelt down on it in the presence of the nied them on the trumpet. 13 All those who whole assembly of Israel. He stretched played the trumpet, or who sang, united out his hands to heaven 14 and said, “Yah- in giving praise and glory to Yahweh. Lift- weh, God of Israel, not in heaven nor on ing their voices to the sound of the trum- earth is there such a God as you; you are pet and cymbal and instruments of music, true to your Covenant and show gracious- they gave praise to Yahweh: “For he is ness toward your servants when they live good, for his love is everlasting.” Just then in wholehearted obedience to you. 15 You a cloud fi lled the Sanctuary, the building of have kept the promise you made to your Yahweh. servant David my father. What you prom- 14 Because of the cloud the priests could ised with your mouth, today you have car- no longer perform their duties, for the glory ried out by your hand. 16 And now, Yahweh, of Yahweh fi lled the house of God. God of Israel, keep the promise you made your servant David when you said, ‘You 1 Then Solomon said: “Yahweh has shall always have someone from your line 6 chosen to live in the thick cloud. Yes, I to rule as king of Israel; if only your sons have built you a majestic temple, 2 a place are careful how they behave, following my for you to live in forever.” law as you yourself have done.’ 3 17 1K 8: Then the king turned and asked God’s So now, God of Israel, let the words 14-21 blessing on the whole assembly of Isra- come true which you spoke to your servant el, who were standing there. 4 He said, David my father. 18 Yet will God really live “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, with men and women on the earth? Why, who has spoken through the mouth of the heavens and their own heavens can- David, my father and has now carried out not contain you! How much less this house by his hand what he said: 5 ‘From the day I that I have built! 19 Listen to the prayer and brought my people out of Egypt until now I grant the requests of your servant, Yahweh did not choose any city in the land of Israel my God; listen to the cry and to the prayer as the place to build a house where my your servant makes to you. 20 Day and Name would be, and I did not choose any- night let your eyes watch over this house, one to be prince of my people Israel. 6 But where you have promised that your Name now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place would be. 1-2 CHR 21 where my Name will be, and you, David, to Hear the prayers of your servant and 1K 8: rule my people.’ 7 My father David had set of Israel your people as they pray in this 30-51 his heart on building a house for the Name place. From heaven where your dwelling of Yahweh, the God of Israel, 8 but Yahweh is, hear; and, as you hear, forgive. said to him, ‘You have set your heart on 22 If anyone sins against his neighbor, building a temple for my name, and in this and the neighbor calls down a curse on you have done well; 9 and yet, you are not him and makes him swear an oath before the man to build the house; your son, born your altar in this house, 23 hear from heav- of your own body, shall build me a house.’ en, and act; decide between your servants: 10 Yahweh has kept the promise he made. punish the wicked one, bringing his con- I have succeeded David my father and am duct down on his own head; and vindicate seated on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh the innocent, rewarding him as his inno- promised; and now I have built a house for cence deserves. the Name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, 24 If Israel your people are defeated 11 and have placed in it the Ark containing by the enemy because they have sinned the Covenant that Yahweh made with the against you, but they return to you and people of Israel.” praise your name and humbly pray to you 2 CHRONICLES 6 548 for forgiveness, in this house, 25 hear from they turn again to you with all their heart heaven. Forgive the sin of your people and soul in the country of their captivity Israel, and bring them back to the land you to which they have been deported, and gave to them and to their ancestors. pray, turning toward the land you gave 26 When the heavens are shut and there their ancestors, toward the city you have is no rain because they have sinned against chosen, and toward the house I have built you, if they pray in this place and praise for your name, 39 hear from heaven where your name, having been humbled by you, your home is. Hear their prayer, be mer- and repent of their sin, 27 hear from heaven ciful to them, and forgive your people the and forgive the sin of your servant and of sins they have committed against you. 40 your people Israel. Teach them to do what Now, O my God, may your eyes be 1K 8:52 is right; and send rain on your land which open and your ears attentive to the prayer 41 you have given your people as an inheri- offered in this place. And now rise Yah- Ps 132: tance. weh God, come to your resting place, you 8-10 28 Should there be famine in the land and the Ark of your power. Let your priests, or epidemic or the crops are destroyed Yahweh God, be blessed in all they do, and by scorching winds or swarms of locusts, your faithful people rejoice in prosperity. should this people’s enemies lay siege to 42 Yahweh God, do not reject the face of one of their cities, if there is any plague your anointed king and remember David or sickness, 29 if any person, or all Israel your servant.” your people, should, out of heartfelt sor- row, pray, stretching out his hands toward Dedication of Yahweh’s house 30 this house, hear from heaven where your 1 When Solomon had fi nished his 1K 8: home is. Forgive, and deal with each as 7 prayer, fi re came down from heaven 62-66 his conduct deserves, for you know each and burned up the sacrifi ces that had been heart—you alone know the hearts of all offered; and the glory of Yahweh fi lled the humankind—31 that they may come to you temple. 2 The priests could not enter the and follow your ways as long as they live temple of Yahweh’s house because the in the land you gave to our ancestors. glory of Yahweh fi lled his house. 3 All the 32 And the foreigner too, not belonging people of Israel, seeing the fi re come down to your people Israel, if he comes from a and the glory of God resting on the house, distant country for the sake of your Name bowed down on the pavement with their and of your mighty hand and outstretched faces to the earth. They worshiped and arm, if he comes and prays in this house, gave praise to Yahweh, “for he is good, for 33 hear from heaven where your home is, his love is everlasting.” 4 Then the king and and grant all the foreigner asks, so that all all the people offered sacrifi ce before Yah- the people of the earth may come to know weh. 5 King Solomon offered twenty-two your Name and, like your people Israel, thousand oxen and a hundred and twenty revere you, and know that your Name thousand sheep in sacrifi ce; and so the dwells in this house I have built. king and all the people dedicated Yah- 34 If your people go out to war against weh’s house. 6 The priests stood in their their enemies whatever way you send places, and also the Levites who gave them, and if they turn toward the city praise to Yahweh on the instruments that you have chosen and toward the house I David had made to accompany the canti- have built for your Name and pray to you, cles of Yahweh, “for his love is everlast- 35 hear from heaven their prayer and give ing.” They played and sang the hymns of them victory. praise that David had composed. By their 36 If they sin against you—for there is no side were the priests sounding the trum- one who does not sin—and you are angry pet, while all Israel stood. with them and deliver them to the enemy, 7 Solomon consecrated the inside part and they are led away captive to a land far of the court that is in front of Yahweh’s or near, 37 if in the land of their exile they house. He offered the burnt offering there come to themselves and repent, and in the and the fatty parts of the peace offerings country of their captivity they pray to you since the bronze altar Solomon had made saying, ‘We have sinned, we confess how could not hold the burnt offering, the grain sinful and wicked we have been,’ 38 and if offering and the fatty part. 8 Solomon then 549 2 CHRONICLES 8 celebrated the feast for seven days. Enor- them out of the land of Egypt, and they mous crowds of Israelites gathered togeth- adopted other gods, which they worshiped er with him from the Pass of Hamath to the and served. That is why he has brought all border of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they these disasters on them.’” held a closing celebration, for they had been seven days celebrating the dedica- Solomon’s works 10 1 tion of the altar. On the twenty-third day Solomon spent twenty years in build- 1K 9: of the seventh month Solomon dismissed 8 ing Yahweh’s house and his own pal- 10-25 the people who returned to their homes, ace. 2 Then he rebuilt the towns that Huram rejoicing and with happy hearts for the had given him and settled Israelites in goodness Yahweh had shown to David, to them. 3 He went against Hamath of Zobah Solomon and to his people Israel. and conquered it: 4 he built Tadmor in the 1K 9: 11 Solomon fi nished Yahweh’s house wilderness and all the storing towns which 1-9 and the royal palace and successfully con- he built in Hamath. 5 He rebuilt Upper beth- cluded all he had set himself to do in both horon and Lower Beth-horon, fortifi ed of them. 12 Then Yahweh appeared to Solo- towns with walls and gates and bars, 6 also mon in the night and said, “I have heard Baalath and all the storing towns owned by your prayer. I choose this house to be the Solomon, all the towns for his chariots and place where sacrifi ces are to be offered horses, and all it pleased Solomon to build to me. 13 When I close the skies and there in Jerusalem, in Lebanon and in all the is no rain, when I command the locust to countries subject to him. 7 Solomon em - devour the land, when I send an epidemic ployed for forced labor all those who re - among my people, 14 and my people who mained of the Hittite, Amorite, Perizzite, bear my name humble themselves, and Hivite and Jebusite people, that is the non- pray and look for me, and turn from their Israelites 8 whose descendants were left in wicked ways then I myself will hear from the country and had not been killed by the heaven and forgive their sins and restore Israelites. Their descendants continue to their land. 15 From now on, my eyes are be slaves down to the present time. 9 Upon open and my ears attentive to the prayer the Israelites, however, Solomon did not that is offered in this place. 16 From now impose slave labor. These served as fi ght- on, I have chosen and consecrated this ing men. They were offi cers of his chariots house as the place where my name will and commanders of horsemen. be forever. My eyes and my heart will be 10 Solomon appointed two hundred and there forever. fi fty overseers to make all these people 17 For your part, if you serve me faith- work. fully as David your father did, if you do all 11 Solomon brought Pharaoh’s daughter that I order you and keep my statutes and from the city of David up to the house he my ordinances, 18 I will make your royal had built for her. For he said, “I can’t let a throne secure, according to the promise woman live in the palace of David king of 1-2 CHR I made to David your father when I said: Israel; these are holy places where the Ark ‘Israel will always be ruled by one of your of Yahweh has been.” descendants.’ 19 But if you turn away from 12 Solomon then offered burnt offerings me and forsake the commandments and to Yahweh on Yahweh’s altar which he had statutes I have set before you, and go and built in front of the porch. 13 Observing the serve other gods and worship them, 20 then daily rule for burnt offerings according to I will cast the Israelites out from the land I the requirements of Moses for Sabbaths, have given them, and I will reject this house New Moons and the three annual feasts: that I have consecrated as the place where the feast of Unleavened Bread, the feast my Name would be, so that it may be an of Weeks and the feast of Tabernacles. example for all the nations. 21 All those who 14 He established the priestly orders in their pass by this place which is now so exalted, duties according to the regulations of his will be astounded. They will whistle and father David. He also enforced the rules say, ‘Why has Yahweh treated this country affecting the Levites who offered praise and this temple like this?’ 22 And the answer and served with the priests according to will be, ‘Because they abandoned Yahweh, the daily ritual, and the different orders the God of their ancestors, who brought of gatekeepers at each gate, for such had 2 CHRONICLES 8 550 been the commandments of David, the from Ophir, brought algummim wood and man of God. 15 They did not change any- precious stones. 11 Of the algummim wood thing of the royal ordinances applying to the king made fl oorboards for Yahweh’s the priests and the Levites, not even in the house and for the royal palace, and lyres matter of treasurership. 16 In this way all of and harps for the musicians; nothing like Solomon’s work was completed from the them had ever been seen before in the land day when the foundations of Yahweh’s of Judah. 12 And king Solomon, in his turn, house were laid, until the end—and so... gave the queen of Sheba everything she Yahweh’s house was fi nished. expressed any wish for, besides returning 17 1K 9: Then Solomon went as far as Ezion- what she had brought to the king. Then 26-28 geber and Elath on the shores of the sea, in she went home, she and her servants, to the land of Edom. 18 Huram sent him ships her own country. 13 manned by his own men, who were expe- The weight of gold coming to Solo- 1K 10: rienced sailors. These men went with Solo- mon in one year was over twenty-fi ve tons, 14-20 mon’s men to Ophir and from there they 14 not counting the taxes paid by the trad- brought back almost sixteen tons of gold, ers and merchants. All the kings of Ara- which they delivered to king Solomon. bia and the governors of the country also brought gold and silver to Solomon. 15 King The queen of Sheba Solomon made two hundred great shields 1 1K 10: The fame of Solomon having reached of beaten gold, and plated each shield 1-13 9 the queen of Sheba, she came to Jeru- with about fi fteen pounds of gold, 16 and salem to test him with diffi cult questions. also three hundred small shields of beaten She came with immense riches, camels gold, and plated each of these with about loaded with spices, great quantities of gold eight pounds of gold; and he put them in and precious stones. On coming to Solo- the Hall of the Forest of Lebanon. 17 The mon, she asked him all the questions that king also made a great ivory throne and she had in mind, 2 and Solomon had an plated it with purest gold. 18 The throne had answer for all her questions, not one was six steps, with a platform behind and arms too diffi cult for him to explain. 3 When the at either side of the seat. Two lions stood queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solo- beside the arms, 19 and twelve lions stood on mon, the palace he had built, 4 the food at either side of the six steps. No throne like his table, the accommodations for his offi - this was ever made in any other kingdom. 20 cials, the organization of his staff and the All king Solomon’s drinking vessels 1K 10: way they were dressed, his cup bearers, were of gold, and all the furnishings in the 21-25 and the burnt offerings he offered in the Hall of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure temple of Yahweh, it left her breathless; gold. Silver was not considered valuable 5 and she said to the king, “What I heard in in the time of Solomon. 21 And the king my own country about you and your wis- also had ships that went to Tarshish with dom was true, then! 6 I did not believe these Huram’s men; and once every three years things until I came and saw them with my the ships of Tarshish would come back own eyes. Indeed, I did not hear even half bringing gold and silver, ivory, apes and the story! 7 How happy your wives are! How baboons. 22 King Solomon was richer and happy these servants of yours who wait on wiser than any other king in the world. 23 All you always and hear your wisdom! the kings of the earth consulted Solomon 8 Blessed be Yahweh your God who loves to hear the wisdom God had given him, you and made you king to rule in his name. 24 and each would bring his own present: Because your God loves Israel and wants gold vessels, silver vessels, robes, armor, to preserve them forever, he has made you spices, horses and mules; and this went on their king to administer law and justice.” year after year. 9 25 And the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon had four thousand stalls for 1K 5:6; 10:26; Solomon almost fi ve tons of gold and great his horses and chariots, and twelve thou- 1:14 quantities of spices and precious stones. sand horses. These were stationed in the There never were spices like those the chariot towns and near the king in Jerusa- 26 queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. lem. Solomon extended his power over 1K 5:1; 10 10:27- Similarly the servants of Huram and the all the kingdoms from the river to the land 28; servants of Solomon, who carried gold of the Philistines and the Egyptian border. 1:15 551 2 CHRONICLES 11 27 In Jerusalem the king made silver as to what the king had said, “Come back to common as stone, and cedars as plentiful me on the third day.” 13 King Rehoboam, as the sycamores of the Lowlands. 28 Hors- rejecting the advice of the elders, gave es were imported for Solomon from Cilicia them a harsh answer 14 and spoke to them and all the other countries too. as the young advisers had recommended, 29 1K 11: The rest of the history of Solomon, “My father made you bear a heavy burden, 41-43 from fi rst to last, is recorded in the His- but I will make it heavier still. My father tory of Nathan the prophet, in the Proph- beat you with whips; I am going to beat ecy of Ahijah of Shiloh, and in the Vision you with bullwhips!” 15 The king in fact paid of Iddo, the seer concerning Jeroboam son no attention to the people’s wishes, and of Nebat. 30 Solomon reigned in Jerusalem this was brought about by God to carry over all Israel for forty years. 31 Then Solo- out what Yahweh had spoken through Ahi- mon rested with his fathers and was bur- jah of Shiloh to Jeroboam son of Nebat. ied in the city of David his father. His son 16 When all Israel saw that the king paid no Rehoboam succeeded him. attention to their wishes, they gave him this answer: “Down with David and his The division of the kingdom descendants! What have they ever done 1K 12: 1 Rehoboam went to Shechem where for us? To your tents, men of Israel; let’s 1-19 10 all the people of northern Israel had go home. From now on let David look out gone to proclaim him king. 2 As soon as for himself!” Jeroboam son of Nebat heard the news— 17 So the people of Israel rebelled and he was still in Egypt where he had gone to Rehoboam was left with those people of escape from king Solomon—he returned Israel who lived in the towns of Judah. from Egypt. 3 The people of the northern 18 King Rehoboam sent Adoram who was tribes sent for him, and he came with the in charge of forced labor, but the Israelites whole assembly. stoned him to death; 19 whereupon king And they said this to Rehoboam, 4 “Your Rehoboam was obliged to mount his char- father placed heavy burdens on us. If you iot and escape to Jerusalem. And the peo- make these burdens lighter for us, we will ple of Israel have been in rebellion against serve you.” 5 He said, “Come back to me in the family of David until the present day. three days.” And the people went away. 6 King Rehoboam consulted the older 1 Rehoboam went to Jerusalem and 1K 12: men who had served as advisers to his 11 called together the tribes of Judah 21-24 father Solomon and asked them, “What and Benjamin, a hundred and eighty thou- reply do you advise me to give to this sand selected warriors, to fi ght the north- people?” 7 They said, “If you are kind to ern tribes of Israel and win back the king- these people and listen to them and treat dom to Rehoboam. 2 But the word of them fairly, then they will serve you for- Yahweh came to the prophet Shemaiah, 3 ever.” 8 But he rejected the advice given “Say this to Rehoboam son of Solomon, 1-2 CHR him by the elders and consulted the young king of Judah, and to all the Israelites in advisers who had grown up with him. 9 He Judah and Benjamin, ‘Yahweh says this: asked, “How do you advise us to answer 4 Do not attack your fellow Israelites; let these people who have said to me, ‘Lighten everyone go home, for what has happened the burden your father put on us’?” 10 The is my doing.’” 5 They obeyed Yahweh’s young advisers who had grown up with command and went back, instead of fi ght- him replied, “Give this answer to these ing against Jeroboam. people who have said, ‘Your father gave us a heavy burden to bear, you must lighten it Rehoboam for us.’ Say this to them, ‘My little fi nger is Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built thicker than my father’s loins! 11 My father fortifi ed towns in Judah. 6 He rebuilt Bethle- made you bear a heavy burden, but I will hem, Etam, Tekoa, 7 Bethzur, Soco, Adul- make it heavier still! My father beat you lam, 8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, 9 Adoraim, with whips; I am going to beat you with Lachish, Azekah, 10 Zorah, Aijalon, Hebron; bullwhips!’ ” these were fortifi ed towns in Judah and 12 Jeroboam with all the people came Benjamin. 11 He fortifi ed them with walls to Rehoboam on the third day according and put commanders in them with stores 2 CHRONICLES 11 552 of food, oil and wine. 12 In each of these boam and the Judaean captains, at the towns were shields and spears. He made advance of Shishak, had gathered near them very strong to keep Judah and Ben- Jerusalem. To them came Shemaiah the jamin under control. prophet; and he said, “Yahweh says this: 13 From all the territory of Israel, priests ‘As you have abandoned me, now I have and Levites came south to Judah. 14 The abandoned you into the hands of Shishak.’” Levites, indeed, abandoned their pasture 6 Then the Israelite captains and the king lands and their holdings, and came to humbled themselves and said, “Yahweh is Judah and Jerusalem, since Jeroboam just!” 7 When Yahweh saw that they had and his sons did not recognize them as humbled themselves, the word of Yahweh the only priests of Yahweh 15 and had came to Shemaiah. “They have humbled appointed priests of his own to serve at themselves; because of this I will not de- the high places to worship the goats and stroy them. In a little while I will grant them the bull-calves he had made. 16 Members deliverance. My anger shall not fall on of all the tribes of Israel, people who sin- Jerusalem through the power of Shishak. cerely wanted to worship Yahweh the 8 Nevertheless they shall become his slaves, God of Israel, followed them and came so that they may come to understand the to Jerusalem to sacrifi ce to Yahweh, the difference between serving me and serving God of their ancestors. 17 These Israelites the kings of foreign countries.” 9 added strength to the kingdom of Judah, Shishak the king of Egypt attacked 1K 14: and gave their support to Rehoboam son Jerusalem and took all the treasures from 26-28 of Solomon for three years, because dur- the temple of Yahweh and from the royal ing three years he followed the example of palace. He took everything, including the David and Solomon. golden shields that Solomon had made. 10 1K 11: 18 Rehoboam took as wife Mahalath the In place of them king Rehoboam had 1-13 daughter of Jerimoth, son of David and of bronze shields made, entrusting them to the care of the offi cers of the guard who Abihail, daughter of Eliab, son of Jesse. 11 19 She bore him sons: Jeush, Shemariah guarded the king’s palace gate. Whenev- and Zaham. 20 After her, he married Maacah er the king went to the temple of Yahweh, daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abi- the guards would come out carrying them, 21 and return them to the guardroom after- jah, Attai, Ziza and Shelomith. Rehoboam 12 loved Maacah, daughter of Absalom, more ward. Since he had submitted to Yahweh, than all his other wives and concubines. the anger of Yahweh did not completely He had in fact a total of eighteen wives and destroy him. There was still something sixty concubines, twenty-eight sons and good in Judah. 13 sixty daughters. 22 Rehoboam favored Abi- King Rehoboam was able to strength- 1K 14:21 jah, Maacah’s son over all his other chil- en his position in Jerusalem and to gov- dren, choosing him as the one to succeed ern. Now Rehoboam was forty-one years him as king. 23 Rehoboam ruled prudently old when he became king and he reigned by scattering his sons throughout Judah for seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city and Benjamin in the fortifi ed towns, where chosen by Yahweh out of all the tribes of he provided them with generous provisions Israel, as the place where his Name would and many wives. be. Rehoboam’s mother was Naamah, the Ammonitess. 14 He did evil, because he had 1 As soon as Rehoboam had estab- not set his heart on seeking Yahweh. 15 12 lished his authority as king and had The history of Rehoboam, from fi rst to 1K 14: become powerful, he and all his people last, is all recorded in the Annals of Shema- 29-31 abandoned the law of Yahweh. 2 In the fi fth iah the prophet and of Iddo the seer. There year of Rehoboam, Shishak the king of was constant warfare between Rehoboam Egypt attacked Jerusalem, since it had and Jeroboam. 16 Then Rehoboam rested been unfaithful to Yahweh. 3 With twelve with his fathers and was buried in the city hundred chariots and sixty thousand hors- of David. His son Abijah succeeded him. es and a countless army of Libyans, Suk- kiim and Ethiopians who came from Egypt Abijah 4 1 with him, he captured the fortifi ed towns In the eighteenth year of king Jero- 1K 15: of Judah and reached Jerusalem. 5 Reho- 13 boam, Abijah became king of Judah 1-2, 7 553 2 CHRONICLES 14 2 and reigned for three years in Jerusalem. the priests sounded the trumpets, 15 the His mother was Micaiah, daughter of Uriel, men of Judah raised the war cry. And as from Gibeah. Abijah and Jeroboam were they raised the war cry, God scattered at war. 3 Abijah went into battle with an Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah army of brave fi ghters, four hundred thou- and the people of Judah. 16 The Israelites sand picked men, while Jeroboam drew fl ed before the Judahite army, and God up his battle line against him with eight delivered them over to the men of Judah. hundred thousand picked men, brave sol- 17 Abijah and his army infl icted a crushing diers. defeat on them: fi ve hundred thousand of 18 4 Abijah went up Mount Zemaraim, in Israel’s chosen men were killed. And so the hill country of Ephraim, and cried, the people of Israel were humbled and the “Jeroboam and all Israel, listen to me! 5 Do people of Judah were victorious because you know that Yahweh the God of Israel they relied on Yahweh, the God of their has given the kingship of Israel to David ancestors. forever? It is an unbreakable Covenant for 19 Abijah pursued Jeroboam’s army and him and for his sons. 6 Yet Jeroboam son of captured towns from him: Bethel with its Nebat, a servant of Solomon son of David, outlying villages, Jeshanah with its out- has rebelled against his king; 7 worthless lying villages and Ephron with its outly- men, scoundrels, have rallied to him and ing villages. 20 So in the lifetime of Abijah, opposed Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Jeroboam could no longer maintain his Rehoboam, then a young man and timid, power. Yahweh struck him down, and he was unable to resist them. 8 Now you pro- died. 21 But Abijah grew in strength. He took pose to subdue the kingdom of Yahweh fourteen wives and had twenty-two sons that he gave to David’s descendants. You and sixteen daughters. 22 The rest of the stand here with a huge army, but you are acts of Abijah, his behavior and his deeds, bringing the golden calves that Jeroboam are written in the story of the prophet Iddo. made you for gods! 9 Have you not driv- 23 Then Abijah rested with his fathers and en out the priests of Yahweh, the sons of they buried him in the city of David. His Aaron and the Levites, to make priests of son Asa succeeded him. your own like the people of foreign coun- In his time the country was at peace for tries? Anyone who comes with a bull and ten years. seven rams can ask to be consecrated and become priest of what is no god at all! 10 As Asa for us, our God is Yahweh, and we have 1 Asa did what is good and right in 1K 15: not abandoned him: the sons of Aaron 14 the eyes of Yahweh. 2 He removed 12-11 minister to Yahweh, and the Levites as the pagan altars and the high places, well. 11 Every morning, every evening, we smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down burn burnt offerings to Yahweh our God, the Asherah poles. 3 He commanded the we have the incense of sweet spices, the people of Judah to do the will of Yahweh, 1-2 CHR loaves set out in rows on the pure table, the God of their ancestors, and to observe the golden lamp stand with its lamps that the law and its commands. 4 He removed burn each evening; for we observe the the high places and the altars of incense in ritual of Yahweh our God, that you have every town of Judah. The kingdom was at abandoned. 12 See how God is with us, at peace under his rule. 5 He rebuilt the forti- our head; see his priests with the trumpets, fi ed towns of Judah, since the country was which they will sound against you. People at peace, and there was no war during those of Israel, do not fi ght against Yahweh, the years, for Yahweh granted him peace. God of our ancestors, for you will not suc- 6 He told the people of Judah, “Let us ceed.” rebuild these towns and surround them 13 Now Jeroboam had sent some men to with walls and towers, with gates and bars ambush the Judahite army from behind. while we have control of this land, since we The main army was in front of the Juda- have done the will of Yahweh our God; and hite army; the ambushers were behind it. he has protected us and given us peace on 14 The men of Judah, turning about, found every side.” themselves attacked from the front and They built and prospered. 7 Asa had an the rear. They called on Yahweh and while army of three hundred thousand men from 2 CHRONICLES 14 554 Judah armed with buckler and spear, and he then repaired the altar of Yahweh that two hundred eighty thousand Benjaminites stood in front of the Hall of Yahweh. 9 He bearing shield and wielding the bow, all of gathered all Judah and Benjamin together, them brave, well-trained men. and also the Ephraimites, Manassites and 8 Zerah the Cushite, with an army of Simeonites who had settled with them, one million strong men and three hundred since great numbers of Israelites had gone chariots, made an incursion which reached over to Asa’s side when they saw that Yah- to Mareshah. 9 Asa marched against him weh was with him. 10 In the third month of and drew up his battle line in the Valley the fi fteenth year of Asa they assembled in of Zephathah, at Mareshah. 10 He called Jerusalem; 11 and they sacrifi ced to Yahweh on Yahweh, his God: “Yahweh, no one but that day seven hundred oxen and seven you can stand up for the powerless against thousand sheep out of the spoil they had the powerful. Come to our help, Yahweh brought back. 12 They made a Covenant our God! We rely on you, and fi ght against in which they agreed to seek Yahweh, the this huge army in your name. Yahweh, you God of their ancestors, with all their heart are our God. Let no one defeat you.” and soul; 13 anyone who would not seek 11 Yahweh defeated the Cushites when Yahweh the God of Israel was to be put to 14 Asa and the army of the Jews attacked death, young or old, man or woman. They them. The Cushites fl ed, 12 and Asa pur- pledged their oath to Yahweh aloud, with sued them with his army as far as Gerar. shouts to the sound of trumpet and horn. 15 The Cushites fell even to the last, for they All Judah rejoiced at the oath they had had been overpowered by Yahweh and his wholeheartedly taken. They sought Yah- camp. They collected great amounts of weh so earnestly that he let them fi nd him, loot. 13 They conquered all the towns in the and granted them peace on every side. 16 area of Gerar, for the terror of Yahweh had King Asa took from his mother Maa- 1K 15: fallen on these towns; and they plundered cah her title of queen mother, because she 13-15 them all since they were full of loot. 14 They had made a hideous idol for Asherah. Asa also attacked the camps of some shepherds cut down the idol, and burned it at the Wadi and carried off great numbers of sheep and Kidron. 17 Though the high places were not camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem. abolished in Israel, the heart of Asa was blameless all his life. 18 He deposited the 1 The spirit of God came on Azariah, offerings dedicated by his father and his own 15 son of Obed. 2 He went out to meet offerings too, in the house of God, silver and Asa and said, “Listen to me, Asa, and all gold and furnishings. 19 Up to the thirty-fi fth you of Judah and of Benjamin. Yahweh is year of Asa’s reign there was no war. with you so long as you are with him. When you look for him, he lets you fi nd him. 1 In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s 1K 15: When you turn away, he will abandon you. 16 reign, Baasha king of Israel invaded 16-22 3 For a long time Israel will be without the Judah and fortifi ed Ramah to blockade true God, and without priest to teach the Asa king of Judah. 2 Asa then took the sil- law, 4 but when trouble comes, they will ver and gold from the treasuries of Yah- turn to Yahweh, the God of Israel. They will weh’s house and the royal palace, and sent look for him and fi nd him. 5 When that time it with the following message to Ben-hadad comes, there will be no peace for anyone, king of Aram who lived in Damascus: 3 “Let for many troubles will come upon all the there be a Covenant between myself and inhabitants of the earth. 6 One nation will you, as between my father and your father! oppress another nation, and one city With this I send you silver and gold. Come, another city, because God will bring trou- break off your alliance with Baasah king of ble and distress on them. 7 But for your Israel, so that he goes away from me. part, take courage, and be strong, for your 4 Ben-hadad agreed, and sent his generals deeds will be rewarded.” against the towns of Israel. He conquered 8 When Asa heard these words and this Ijon, Dan, Abelmaim and all the garrison prophecy, he was encouraged to do away towns of Naphtali. 5 When Baasha heard with all the idols throughout the land of this he stopped fortifying Ramah, aban- Judah and Benjamin, and in the towns he doning this work. 6 King Asa then brought had captured in the highlands of Ephraim; all the people of Judah, who took away the 555 2 CHRONICLES 18 stones and timber with which Baasha had Nethanel and Micaiah, to give instruc- been fortifying Ramah, and the king used tion in the towns of Judah. 8 With them them to fortify Geba and Mizpah. went the Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, 7 It was then that Hanani, the proph- Zebadiah, Asaherel, Shemiramoth, Jeho- et, came to Asa king of Judah and said, nathan, Adonijah and Tobijah. The Lev- “Since you have relied on the king of Aram ites, together with the priests, Elishama and not on Yahweh your God, the army and Jehoram 9 gave instruction in Judah, of the king of Aram will escape from you. having with them the book of the law of 8 Did not the Cushites and Libyans form a Yahweh; and went around all the towns of vast army with great numbers of chariots Judah instructing the people. and horses? And were they not delivered 10 The fear of Yahweh came upon all into your power because you relied on the kingdoms surrounding Judah, so that Yahweh? 9 Yahweh keeps close watch over they did not war against Jehoshaphat. the whole world, to give strength to those 11 Some of the Philistines brought him gifts who are devoted to him wholeheartedly. and silver in tribute. The Arabs them- You have acted foolishly in this matter, so selves brought him, in small stock, seven from now on you will have wars.” thousand seven hundred rams and seven 10 Asa was very angry with the prophet thousand seven hundred he-goats. 12 Jeho- and had him put in chains in prison, for shaphat became more and more powerful. he was angry because of these words. At Throughout Judah he built fortresses and the same time Asa treated some others towns with storage places. harshly too. 13 He had many workers in the towns of 11 1K 15: The history of Asa, from fi rst to last, is Judah and a garrison of outstanding offi - 14 23-24 recorded in the Book of the Kings of Judah cers in Jerusalem. This was their dispo- and Israel. 12 A disease attacked Asa from sition by families: for Judah, commanders head to foot in the thirty-ninth year of his of thousands; Adnah, the commanding reign; and, what is more, he turned in his offi cer, with three hundred thousand out- sickness, not to Yahweh, but to doctors. standing offi cers under his command, 15 13 Then Asa rested with his fathers in the Jehohanan with two hundred and eighty 16 forty-fi rst year of his reign. 14 They buried thousand; Amasiah son of Zichri, who him in the tomb he had ordered to be dug had volunteered for Yahweh’s service, with for himself in the city of David. They laid two hundred thousand valiant warriors. him on a couch entirely covered with spic- 17 From Benjamin: the valiant warrior es and varied ointments, products of the Eliada with two hundred thousand, armed perfumer’s skill, and lit a huge fi re for him. with bow and shield: 18 under his command, Jehozabad with a hundred and eighty thou- Jehoshaphat sand equipped for war. 1 His son Jehoshaphat succeeded 19 These were the men who served the 17 him and strengthened his position king, not counting those the king had put 1-2 CHR against Israel. 2 He put troops in all the for- in the fortifi ed towns throughout Judah. tifi ed towns of Judah, and appointed gover- nors in the land of Judah and in all the towns Jehoshaphat and Ahab 1 of Ephraim captured by his father Asa. Jehoshaphat, then, enjoyed great 1K 22: 3 Yahweh blessed Jehoshaphat because 18 wealth and honor and allied himself 1-35 he followed the example of David his by marriage to Ahab. 2 After some years he father and did not worship Baal.4 He served went to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaugh- the God of his father, following his com- tered for him and for his retinue great num- mandments and not following the example bers of sheep and oxen; then urged him to of Israel. 5 So Yahweh made the kingship attack Ramoth-gilead. 3 And he asked secure in his hands. All the people of Judah Jehoshaphat, “Will you come with me to brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, and ample Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered riches and honor were his. 6 He took pride the king of Israel, “I am with you, my men in serving Yahweh and destroyed all the are yours, and we will fi ght together.” high places and Asherah’s trunks in Judah. 4 Jehoshaphat, however, said to the king 7 In the third year of his reign he sent of Israel, “First, please consult the word of his offi cers: Benhail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Yahweh.” 5 So the king of Israel called the 2 CHRONICLES 18 556 prophets who were four hundred men, and left. 19 Yahweh said, ‘Who will trick Ahab asked them, “Should we march to attack king of Israel so that he goes and falls at Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” They Ramoth-gilead?’ At which some answered replied, “Go, because Yahweh will deliv- one way, and some another. 20 Then a spir- er it into your power.” 6 But Jehoshaphat it stepped forward, approached Yahweh said, “Is there no other prophet of Yahweh and said, ‘I will trick him.’ Yahweh asked, here for us to consult?” 7 The king of Israel ‘How?’ 21 He replied, ‘I will go and become answered, “There is one more man through a lying spirit in the mouths of all his proph- whom we can consult Yahweh, but I hate ets.’ Yahweh said, ‘You shall trick him and him because he never tells me good things succeed. Go and do it.’ 22 So Yahweh has but only discouraging words. He is Mica- put a lying spirit into the mouths of your iah son of Imlah.” Jehoshaphat said, “The prophets here, because he himself wants king should not say such things.” 8 Accord- you to meet with disaster!” ingly the king of Israel summoned one of 23 Then Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah his offi cials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of came up and slapped Micaiah’s face; and Imlah immediately.” he asked, “When did the spirit of Yah- 9 The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat weh leave me, to talk to you?” 24 Micaiah king of Judah were both sitting on their replied, “This is what you will fi nd out, the thrones in royal garments. They sat at the day you fl ee from house to house to hide.” threshing-fl oor outside the gate of Sama- 25 The king of Israel said, “Seize Micaiah ria, with all the prophets raving in front of and hand him over to Amon, governor of them. 10 Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had the city, and to Prince Joash, 26 and say: made himself iron horns and said, “Yah- This is the king’s order: Put this man in weh says this: You will gore the Arameans prison and feed him on nothing but bread till you make an end of them.” 11 And all and water until I come back safe and the prophets prophesied the same saying, sound.” 27 Micaiah said, “If you come back “March to Ramoth-gilead, for you will suc- safe and sound, Yahweh has not spoken ceed. Yahweh will deliver it into the power through me.” of the king.” 28 The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat 12 In the meantime, the messenger who king of Judah went to attack the city of had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, Ramoth in Gilead. 29 The king of Israel said “All the prophets as one man are foretell- to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself ing victory to the king. Try to speak like as we go into battle, but I want you to one of them and foretell success.” 13 But wear your royal clothes.” 30 The king of Micaiah answered, “As Yahweh lives, what Aram had given his chariot commanders my God says, that will I utter!” 14 When the following order: “Do not attack any- he came to the king, the king asked him, one of whatever rank, except the king of “Micaiah, should we go to attack Ramoth- Israel.” 31 When the chariot commanders gilead, or should I refrain?” He answered, saw Jehoshaphat, they thought he was “Go and you will succeed. They will be the king of Israel; and they wheeled to the delivered into your power.” 15 But the king attack. But Jehoshaphat gave a shout and said, “How often must I beg you to tell me Yahweh came to his help. God rescued nothing but the truth in the name of Yah- him and turned the attack away from him. weh?” 16 Then Micaiah said, “I have seen 32 The chariot commanders realized that all Israel scattered on the mountains like he was not the king of Israel and called off sheep without a shepherd. And Yahweh their pursuit. said, ‘These have no master, let each one 33 By chance, however, one of the sol- go home in peace.’” diers shot an arrow which struck the king of 17 At this, the king of Israel said to Jeho- Israel between the joints of his armor. The shaphat, “Did I not tell you that he never king said to his charioteer, “Turn around foretells me good things, but only what is and get me out of the battle; I have been discouraging?” 18 Micaiah went on. “Listen hurt.” 34 But the battle grew fi ercer so that to the word of Yahweh. I have seen Yah- they held the king upright in his chariot weh seated on his throne; all the array facing the Aramaeans until evening; and of heaven stood to his right and to his at sunset he died. 557 2 CHRONICLES 20 1 Jehoshaphat came back safe and sage: “A large army is advancing against 19 sound to Jerusalem. 2 Jehu, son of you from Edom, from the other side of the Hanani the prophet, went to meet him and sea. They are already at Hazaaon-tamar, said to king Jehoshaphat, “Should a man that is, Engedi.” 3 Jehoshaphat was fright- give help to the wicked? Should you love ened and prayed to Yahweh for guidance. those who hate Yahweh? Because of this Then he ordered that a fast be observed you have brought his anger on you! 3 There throughout the country. 4 Judah assembled is some good in you, however, since you to seek help from Yahweh. They came have removed from your land Asherah’s seeking Yahweh’s guidance from every trunks and have set your heart on seeking single town in Judah. God.” 5 Then Jehoshaphat stood before this 4 Jehoshaphat stayed for a time in Jeru- assembly of the people of Judah and salem. After that, he would again visit his Jerusalem in Yahweh’s house, before the people regularly, from Beersheba to the new court 6 and said, “Yahweh, God of our highlands of Ephraim, to bring them back ancestors, are you not the God who dwells to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 5 He in heaven? Do you not rule over all the appointed judges in the country in every kingdoms of the world? Such power and one of all the fortifi ed towns of Judah. 6 He might are in your hands that no one can said to these judges, “Give due thought to oppose you. 7 Are you not our God, you your duties, since you are not judging in who drove out the people who were living people’s name but in the name of Yahweh, here before your people Israel and gave who is with you whenever you pronounce the land to the descendants of your friend sentence. 7 May the fear of Yahweh now be Abraham forever? 8 They have settled in it on you. Keep the law, apply it, for Yahweh and built a Sanctuary in it for your name, our God does not tolerate fraud or partial- 9 saying, ‘Should disaster strike us, or war, ity or the taking of bribes.” punishment, epidemic, or famine, then we 8 In addition, Jehoshaphat appointed shall stand before this house and before priests, Levites and heads of Israelite fami- you, for your Name rests on this house. lies in Jerusalem, as judges in cases involv- From the depths of our distress we shall ing a violation of the law or legal disputes cry to you, and you will hear and save us.’ between people living in the city. They 10 Here now are the Ammonites and lived in Jerusalem; 9 and Jehoshaphat gave Moab and the folk of Seir. When Israel them the following instructions: “You are came out of the land of Egypt you would to perform these duties in the fear of Yah- not let Israel invade them. Instead, Israel weh, as upright and honest men. 10 What- turned away from them and did not destroy ever dispute comes before you from your them, 11 and this is how they reward us, by brothers living in their towns: either about coming to drive us out of the possessions crimes or questions of the law, you are to you have given us as our inheritance. 12 Will teach them the commandments, statutes you, our God, not punish them, since we 1-2 CHR or ordinances, so that they do not become are helpless in the face of this large army guilty of sinning against Yahweh, lest his that attacks us? We ourselves do not know anger come on you and your brothers. Do what to do; but we look to you.” this and you will not be guilty. 13 All the men of Judah, even down to 11 Amariah, the chief priest, will have their youngest children and their wives, fi nal authority over you in all religious stood there at the house. 14 In the middle of matters, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the assembly the spirit of Yahweh came on governor of Judah, in all matters affect- Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, ing the king. The Levites will serve as your son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah the Levite, scribes. Be courageous, carry out these one of the sons of Asaph. 15 And he cried, instructions, and Yahweh will be there to “Listen all you people of Judah and you bring success.” who live in Jerusalem, and you, king Jeho- shaphat! Yahweh says this to you: You 1 After this, the Moabites and Ammo- must not be discouraged or afraid to face 20 nites, with some of the Meunites, this large army; this battle is not yours but started to make war on Jehoshaphat. God’s. 16 March out against them tomor- 2 Jehoshaphat received the following mes- row. They are coming up by the Slope of 2 CHRONICLES 20 558 Ziz and you will come on them in the Val- fi lled them with joy at the expense of their ley of Soph, near the wilderness of Jeruel. enemies. 28 To the music of harp and lyre 17 You will not need to fi ght there, but only and trumpet they came to Jerusalem and take up your position, stand fi rm, and see to Yahweh’s house. 29 When the kingdoms what salvation Yahweh has in store for of foreign countries heard how Yahweh you. Judah and Jerusalem, be fearless, be had defeated Israel’s enemies, they were dauntless; go out to battle tomorrow and all terrifi ed. 30 In the meantime, the king- Yahweh will be with you.” dom of Jehoshaphat was calm, and God 18 Jehoshaphat bent his head, his face to granted him peace on every side. 31 the ground, and all Judah, with those who Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He 1K 22: lived in Jerusalem, fell down before Yah- was thirty-fi ve years old when he became 41-51 weh, worshiping him. 19 Then the Levites— king and he reigned for twenty-fi ve years Kohathites and Korahites—began praising in Jerusalem. His mother was Azubah, Yahweh the God of Israel at the top of their daughter of Shilhi. 32 He followed the voices. example of his father Asa without waver- 20 They rose early in the morning and ing, doing what is right in the eyes of Yah- left for the wilderness of Tekoa. As they weh. 33 The high places however, were not were setting out, Jehoshaphat stood and destroyed. The people had still not turned said, “Listen to me Judah and all who live their hearts to the God of their ancestors. in Jerusalem! Put your trust in Yahweh 34 The rest of the history of Jehoshaphat, your God and you will stand your ground; from fi rst to last, is recorded in the Annals have faith in his prophets and you will be of Jehu son of Hanani which have been successful.” 21 Then, having held a confer- transcribed into the Book of the Kings of ence with the people, he ordered some Israel. musicians to put on the robes they wore 35 After this, Jehoshaphat king of Judah on sacred occasions and to march at the allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, head of the army, to sing praises to him: who led him into evil ways. 36 He combined “Give praise to Yahweh, for his love is ever- with him to build big ships that would sail lasting.” 22 As they began to sing their joy to Tarshish. These were built at Ezion- and their praise, Yahweh threw the invad- geber. 37 Eliezer, son of Dodavahu of Mare- ing armies into a panic and completely shah, then made a prophecy against Jeho- destroyed them. The Moabites and the shaphat, “Because you have allied yourself Ammonites struck the people of Seir and with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your there was a disaster; 23 for the Ammonites plans.” In fact, the ships broke up and were and Moabites turned on the mountain folk never fi t to sail to Tarshish. of Seir in savage fi ghting and after they had destroyed them, they began to kill one Jehoram another. 1 Jehoshaphat rested with his ances- 24 When the men of Judah reached the 21 tors and was buried in the city of spot that looks out on the wilderness, and David. His son Jehoram succeeded him. turned to face the enemy, they found only 2 Jehoram had six brothers, sons of dead bodies lying on the ground; no one Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, had escaped. 25 Jehoshaphat came with Azariahu, Michael and Shepatiah. These his troops to plunder them, and found were all the sons of Jehoshaphat king of quantities of cattle, goods, clothing and Israel. 3 Their father had made them many valuables. They collected more than they gifts of silver, gold and jewels, and of forti- could take away. The loot was so plenti- fi ed towns in Judah, but he made Jehoram ful that they were three days gathering his successor since he was the fi rstborn. it. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in 4 When Jehoram was in fi rm control of the the Valley of Beracah; and there, they did kingdom, he had all his brothers killed, as indeed praise Yahweh for all he had done. well as some Israelite offi cials. 5 Because of this, this valley was named the Jehoram was thirty-two years old 2K 8: Valley of Beracah which it is still called. when he became king and he reigned for 17-19 27 Then all the men of Judah and Benja- eight years in Jerusalem. 6 He followed the min, with Jehoshaphat at their head, went wicked example of the kings of Israel and back joyfully to Jerusalem, for Yahweh had did as the family of Ahab had done, for he 559 2 CHRONICLES 22 had married one of Ahab’s daughters; and in Jerusalem. He passed away with no one he did what was evil in the eyes of Yah- to regret him; and they buried him in the weh. 7 Yahweh, however, did not intend to city of David, though not in the tombs of destroy the descendants of David, because the kings. of the Covenant he had made with David, when he promised to leave a lamp for him Ahaziah and his policy 1 and his sons forever. The people of Jerusalem pro- 2K 8: 8 24-29 2K 8: In his time, Edom revolted against 22 claimed his youngest son, Ahaziah, 20-22 Judah and set up a king for itself. 9 Jehoram king in place of him, since the armed band invaded Edom with his commanders and that had broken into the camp with the all his chariots. He rose during the night Arabs had killed all the elder sons. So Aha- and broke through and escaped from the ziah son of Jehoram became king of Edomites encircling him and his chariot Judah. commanders. 10 Thus Edom became inde- 2 Ahaziah was forty-two years old when pendent of Judah, and has remained free he became king and he reigned for one to the present day. Libnah also revolted year in Jerusalem. His mother was Ath- against Jehoram at the same time, for aliah, a granddaughter of Omri. 3 He too he had deserted Yahweh, the God of his followed the example of Ahab’s family, ancestors. 11 He also set up high places since his mother gave him wicked advice. in the highlands of Judah and caused the 4 He sinned against Yahweh as Ahab’s people living in Jerusalem and Judah to family had done, for they were his advis- sin against Yahweh. ers after his father’s death, and they led 12 Then something written by the proph- him to his downfall. 5 He followed their et Elijah came into his hand. It read: “This advice and joined Ahab’s son, king Joram is the word of Yahweh, the God of David of Israel, in a battle against king Hazael of your ancestor. You have not followed the Syria at Ramoth-gilead, in which the Syr- 6 example of your father Jehoshaphat or of ians defeated Joram. Joram returned to 2K 9:21; 13 10:12-14; Asa king of Judah, but the wicked exam- Jezreel to recover from the wounds he 9:28-29 ple of the kings of Israel, and have caused received from the Syrians in Ramah when Judah and the people living in Jerusalem he fought against king Hazael of Syria. to sin against Yahweh, just as Ahab and Ahaziah son of king Jehoram of Judah his successors did. You have also mur- went down to visit Joram son of Ahab in dered your brothers, your own family, bet- Jezreel, because he had been wounded. ter men than yourself. 14 Because of this 7 Yahweh brought about Ahaziah’s downfall Yahweh will strike you with a great calam- through his visit to Joram. When Ahaziah ity, which will come upon your people, arrived, he went out with Joram to meet your descendants, your wives and all your Jehu son of Nimshi, whom Yahweh had property. 15 You yourself will suffer a pain- commissioned to wipe out Ahab’s family. ful intestinal disease that will grow worse 8 While Jehu was busy carrying out God’s 1-2 CHR day by day until it causes your bowels to sentence against Ahab’s family, he came come out.” across the offi cials of Judah and the kins- 16 Yahweh stirred up against Jehoram men of Ahaziah who were in the king’s the Philistines and the Arabs bordering on service and killed them. 9 He then went in the Cushites. 17 They attacked Judah and search of Ahaziah who was captured while invaded it, carrying off all they found in the he tried to hide in Samaria. He was taken king’s palace, including his sons and his to Jehu who put him to death. But they wives. The only son left him was Ahaziah, gave him burial, for they said, “This was the youngest of them. 18 And after all this, a son of Jehoshaphat who sought Yahweh Yahweh brought on him a painful disease of with all his heart.” the intestines. 19 It lasted for more than one year, and when the two years were over Athaliah 10 and his last hour had come, he died in great There was no one left in the royal 2K 11: pain. The people did not light a bonfi re in family of Ahaziah strong enough to reign. 1-3 mourning for him as they had for his father. As soon as Athaliah, the mother of Aha- 20 2K 8:24 He was thirty-two years old when he ziah, learned that her son was dead, she became king and he reigned for eight years promptly gave orders for all the members 2 CHRONICLES 22 560 of the royal family of Judah to be killed. tect the king. 11 Then they brought out the 11 But Jehosheba, daughter of king Joram, king’s son, crowned him and put on him secretly rescued Joash, her brother’s son, the ornaments; and they proclaimed him from among the sons of the king who were king. Jehoiada and his sons then anointed being murdered, and put him with his him and shouted, “Long live the king!” nurse in the sleeping quarters. In this way 12 Athaliah, on hearing the shouts of the Jehosheba the daughter of king Joram people who were rushing to the king and and wife of Jehoiada the priest (a sister, acclaiming him, went to Yahweh’s house too, of Ahaziah) hid him from Athaliah, where the people were. 13 When she saw the and prevented her from killing him. 12 He king standing there at the entrance beside stayed with them for six years, hidden in the pillar, with the captains and trumpet- the house of God, while Athaliah governed ers at his side, and all the people from the the country. countryside rejoicing and sounding trum- pets, and the cantors with their musical 1 2K 11: In the seventh year Jehoiada made instruments leading the hymns, Athaliah 4-16 23 a bold move. He made a pact with tore her clothes in distress and shouted, the offi cers of the units of hundreds: Aza- “Treason, treason!” 14 Then Jehoiada the riah son of Jehoram, Ishmael son of Jeho- priest called out the military offi cers and chanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah ordered them, “Take her outside the tem- son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zi - ple, and kill anyone who follows her.” And chri. 2 They went through Judah, gathering he also said, “You must not put her to the Levites from all the towns of Judah, death in Yahweh’s house.” 15 They seized and the heads of the Israelite families. her, and when she had reached the palace They came to Jerusalem, 3 and this whole at the entry to the Gate of the Horses, they assembly made a pact with the king in the put her to death there. 16 house of God. Jehoiada told them, “Here Jehoiada made a Covenant between 2K 11: is the son of the king, let him rule as king the king and all the people, by which they 17-20 as Yahweh has promised regarding the would be the people of Yahweh. 17 All the descendants of David! 4 This is what you people then went to the house of Baal and must do: one third of you, priests, Levites tore it down. They smashed his altars and and keepers of the gate, must come in for his images and killed Mattan, priest of the Sabbath, 5 one third must be at the Baal, in front of the altars. royal palace, one third at the Gate of Foun- 18 Jehoiada posted sentries to guard dation, and all the people will be in the Yahweh’s house under the authority of 6 court of Yahweh’s house. No one is to the levitical priests. David had appointed enter Yahweh’s house except the priests them in Yahweh’s house to offer the burnt and the Levites on duty, since they are offerings of Yahweh according to the law consecrated and may enter. The people of Moses, and to sing joyfully the songs of must all obey Yahweh’s instructions and David. 19 He stationed gatekeepers at the 7 stay outside. The Levites must surround gates of the temple of Yahweh so that no the king, each with his weapons in his one who was in any way unclean might hand; anyone who tries to enter the temple enter. 20 Then taking the commanders of is to be put to death. Stay with the king hundreds, the nobles, the ranking offi cials, wherever he goes.” and all the people from the countryside, 8 The Levites and all Judah carried out he brought the king in procession from all the orders of Jehoiada the priest. Every the house to the palace. They entered commander summoned both those who the royal palace through the main gate went off duty on the Sabbath, and those and seated the king on the royal throne. coming on duty, because Jehoiada did not 21 All the people from the countryside were exempt anyone. 9 Then Jehoiada the priest delighted, and the city was quiet. Athaliah provided the commanders of hundreds with was put to death. king David’s spears and large and small shields, which were in the house of God. Joash 10 1 He stationed the men from the west wing Joash was seven years old when 2K 12: to the east wing, between the house and 24 he became king and he reigned for 1-17 the altar, each with spear in hand, to pro- forty years in Jerusalem. His mother was 561 2 CHRONICLES 24 Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 Joash did what is offered sacrifi ces regularly in Yahweh’s pleasing to Yahweh throughout the lifetime house. 15 Then Jehoiada, growing old, had of Jehoiada the priest. 3 Jehoiada found his fi ll of days and died. He died at the him two wives and he had sons and daugh- age of a hundred and thirty years, 16 and ters. 4 After that, Joash decided to repair they buried him with the kings in the city Yahweh’s house. of David because he had served Israel well 5 Calling the priests and the Levites to - and also God and his house. gether, he said, “Go out to the towns of 17 After the death of Jehoiada, the offi - Judah, and collect enough money from cials of Judah came to pay court to the all the Israelites to make possible annual king, and the king now turned to them for repairs on the house of God. Do this quick- advice. 18 The Judaeans abandoned the ly.” But the Levites were in no hurry. 6 So house of Yahweh, the God of their ances- the king called Jehoiada, for he was their tors, and worshiped the Asherah poles and head, and said, “Why have you not insist- idols. Because of this sinful activity, God ed on the Levites collecting from Judah was angry with Judah and Jerusalem. 19 He and Jerusalem the tax which Moses, the sent them prophets to bring them back to servant of Yahweh, required the people to Yahweh, but when the prophets spoke, pay for the maintenance of the tent of the they would not listen. 20 The spirit of God meeting? 7 Athaliah and her sons, whom took control of Zechariah, son of Jehoiada she perverted, damaged the house of God the priest. He stood up before the people and even used many of the sacred objects and said, “God says this: Why are you dis- in the worship of Baal.” 8 So the king obeying the commandments of Yahweh? ordered them to make a chest and to place You cannot prosper. You have abandoned it outside the gate of Yahweh’s house. Yahweh and he will abandon you.” 21 They 9 And they announced throughout Judah then plotted against him and, by order of and Jerusalem that they had to bring to the king, stoned him in the court of Yah- Yahweh the tax Moses, that servant of weh’s house. 22 King Joash forgot the kind- God, had required in the wilderness. 10 All ness of Jehoiada, the father of Zechariah, the offi cials and all the people came joy- and killed Jehoiada’s son who cried out as fully with their contribution, dropping it he died, “Let Yahweh see and do justice!” 23 into the chest until all was paid. When a year had gone by, the Ara- 2K 12: 11 The chest was taken to the royal maean army made war on Joash. They 18-22 offi ce of control by the Levites, whenever reached Judah and Jerusalem, and killed they saw that there was a great amount all the offi cials among the people, sending of money in it. The king’s secretary then back to the king of Damascus all that they came with representatives of the chief had plundered from them. 24 Though the priest to take the chest, empty it of money Aramaean army was small, Yahweh deliv- and later return it to its place. They did ered into its power an army of great size this every day, and collected a large sum for they had abandoned him, the God of 1-2 CHR of money. 12 The king and Jehoiada gave their ancestors. the money to those who were in charge of 25 The Aramaeans wounded Joash and repairing the house, and they hired men, when they withdrew they left him a very masons and carpenters, who set about sick man; and his offi cers, plotting against restoring Yahweh’s house; craftsmen in him to avenge the death of the son of iron and bronze also worked on the repair- Jehoiada the priest, murdered him in his ing of it. 13 The supervisors having once bed. So he died, and they buried him in made a start, the repairs went ahead. They the city of David, though not in the tombs rebuilt the house of God as it was before, of the king. 26 These were the conspira- as solid as ever. 14 When they had fi nished, tors: Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammo- they brought the balance of the money to nite woman, and Jehozabad son of Shim- the king and Jehoiada; and from this, fur- rith the Moabitess. 27 Regarding his sons, nishings were made for Yahweh’s house, the heavy tribute he demanded, and the vessels for the liturgy and for the burnt restoration of the house of God, this is all offerings, incense boats and objects of recorded in the commentary on the Book gold and silver. of the Kings. His son Amaziah succeeded So, for as long as Jehoiada lived, they him. 2 CHRONICLES 25 562 Amaziah Edomites with him and set these up as gods 1 2K 14: Amaziah was twenty-fi ve years old for himself, bowing down before them and 2-6 25 when he became king, and he burning incense to them. 15 Then Yahweh reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusa- became angry with Amaziah and he sent lem. His mother was Jehoaddan from him a prophet, who said, “Why have you Jerusalem. 2 He did what is pleasing to looked to this people’s gods, who could not Yahweh, though not steadily. 3 As soon as save their own people from your power?” he was fi rmly in power, he killed those of 16 He was still speaking when Amaziah his offi cers who had murdered the king his interrupted him, “Have we appointed you father. 4 But he did not put their sons to a royal counselor? If you do not want to be death, in obedience to what is written in hurt, be quiet!” The prophet paused; then the law, in the book of Moses, where Yah- he said, “Now I know that God has decided weh has ordered, “Fathers must not be put to destroy you, since after having acted to death for sons, nor sons for fathers; but like this, you refuse to listen to me.” 17 everyone will pay for his own crime.” After consulting his advisers, Amaz- 2K 14: 8-14 5 Amaziah called the people of Judah iah king of Judah sent a message to Joash together and organized them in families, son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Isra- with commanders of thousands and of el, challenging him to fi ght. 18 Joash king of hundreds for all Judah and Benjamin. He Israel sent back word to Amaziah king of counted those who were twenty years old Judah, “The thorn bush of Lebanon sent a or older, and found there were three hun- message to the cedar of Lebanon, saying, dred thousand of selected warriors fi t for ‘Give my son your daughter in marriage’; military service, and for handling spear but the wild animals of Lebanon trampled and shield. 6 Next, he enrolled one hundred the thorn bush down as they passed. You thousand from Israel as mercenaries, for are very proud because you have defeat- about four tons of silver. 7 A man of God ed the Edomites —Boast on, but stay at then came to him and said, “O king, don’t home. 19 Why stir up trouble that will only take these Israelite soldiers with you, for bring disaster on you and your people?” Yahweh is not with Israel or with any of 20 But Amaziah would not listen. It was the Ephraimites. 8 If they come, whatever God’s will for him to be defeated, because be the number of your men, God will still he had worshiped the Edomite idols. 21 And bring you down before your enemies, for at Beth-shemesh Judah, they made their God’s is the power to uphold or to throw trial of strength, Joash and Amaziah king down.” 9 Amaziah answered the man of of Judah. 22 Judah was defeated by Israel, God, “And what about the four tons of sil- and everyone fl ed to his tent. 23 The king of ver I have given the Israelite soldiers?” The Judah, Amaziah son of Joash, son of Aha- man of God replied, “Yahweh can give you ziah, was taken prisoner at Bethshemesh far more than that.” 10 At this, Amaziah dis- by Joash, king of Israel who led him off to missed from his army the troops that had Jerusalem, where Joash tore down the city come to him from Ephraim and sent them wall from the Gate of Ephraim to the Gate home. These men were furious with Judah of the Corner, a distance of two hundred and went home in great anger. yards. 24 He took all the gold and silver, 11 2K 14:7 Amaziah led his army to Salt Valley all the furnishings to be found with Obed- and defeated ten thousand men of Seir. edom in the house of God, the treasures 12 The men of Judah took ten thousand of the royal palace, and hostages besides, captives alive and, taking them to the top and then returned to Samaria. of the cliff, threw them off the top. They 25 Amaziah son of Joash, king of Judah, 2K 14: were all dashed to pieces. 13 Then the Isra- lived for fi fteen years after the death of 17-20 elite troops which Amaziah had dismissed Joash son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. and not allowed to fi ght with him raided 26 The rest of the history of Amaziah, the towns of Judah, from Samaria as far from fi rst to last, is all recorded in the Book as Beth-horon, but they were defeated by of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 27 After a troop of three thousand men who recov- the time when Amaziah rebelled against ered great quantities of plunder. Yahweh, there had been a plot against him 14 On returning from his defeat of the in Jerusalem. He fl ed to Lachish, but he Seirites, Amaziah brought the gods of the was followed to Lachish and put to death 563 2 CHRONICLES 27 there. 28 He was brought back by horse, spread far and wide; for he was extraordi- and buried with his ancestors in the city nary in getting help until he was strong. of David. 16 But, as his power increased, he be - came so proud that he lost what he had Uzziah gained. He defi ed Yahweh his God by going 1 2K 14: All the people of Judah took Uzz- into the house to burn incense on the altar 21-22; 17 15:2-4 26 iah, who was sixteen years old and of incense. Azariah the priest followed made him king in place of his father Ama- king Uzziah in, with eighty brave priests of ziah. 2 He rebuilt Elath and recovered it for Yahweh, 18 to resist him. They said to him, Judah, after the death of Amaziah. 3 Uzziah “Uzziah, it is not for you to burn incense was sixteen years old when he became to Yahweh, but for the priests, the sons of king and he reigned for fi fty-two years in Aaron, consecrated for the purpose. Leave Jerusalem. His mother was Jecoliah, of the Sanctuary; you have offended Yahweh Jerusalem. 4 He did what is pleasing to God and you no longer have his blessing.” Yahweh, just as his father Amaziah had 19 Uzziah, censer in hand for the burning done. 5 He sought God in the lifetime of incense, became angry with the priests and Zechariah, who taught him the fear of God. immediately, leprosy broke out on his fore- And for as long as he sought Yahweh, God head in the presence of the priests, in Yah- gave him prosperity. weh’s house; there, by the altar of incense. 6 He went out to fi ght the Philistines, 20 Azariah the chief priest and all the other tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh and priests turned toward him and saw the lep- Ashdod, then rebuilt the towns in the area rosy on his forehead. They quickly hurried of Ashdod and in Philistine territory. 7 God him out; and he himself was anxious to go, helped him defeat the Philistines, the since Yahweh had punished him. 21 Arabs, the inhabitants of Gurbaal and the King Uzziah was a leper till his dying 2K 15: Meunites. 8 The Ammonites paid tribute to day. He lived in an isolated house, a leper, 5-7 Uzziah. His fame spread as far as the bor- excluded from Yahweh’s house. Jotham, der of Egypt, since he had become very his son, was master of the palace, and powerful indeed. ruled the people of the country. 9 Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem, at the 22 The rest of the history of Uzziah, from Gate of the Corner, at the Gate of the Val- fi rst to last, has been written by the proph- ley and at the Angle; and he fortifi ed these. et Isaiah son of Amoz. 23 Then Uzziah rest- 10 He built towers in the wilderness too, and ed with his ancestors and they buried him dug a great many cisterns, for he had large in the ground where the tomb of the kings herds in the lowlands and on the tableland; is, for they said, “He is a leper.” His son and he had farmers and vine dressers in Jotham succeeded him. the hills and on the fertile lands. He was fond of agriculture. Jotham

1 1-2 CHR 11 Uzziah had an army ready for battle. Jotham was twenty-fi ve years old 2K 15: They set out for war by turns, according to 27 when he became king and he 32-38 the census carried out by the scribe Jeiel reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His and the registrar Maaseiah. Their com- mother was Jerushah, daughter of Zadok. mander was Hananiah, one of the king’s 2 He did what is pleasing to Yahweh, just as offi cers. 12 The total number of heads of his father Uzziah had done. But he did not families among these valiant warriors was enter the Sanctuary of Yahweh. As for the two thousand six hundred. 13 Under their people, they went on sinning. command was a trained army of three 3 He built the Upper Gate of Yahweh’s hundred and seven thousand fi ve hundred house and carried out considerable work fi ghting men, a powerful force to support on the wall of the Ophel. 4 He built towns in the king against the enemy. 14 Uzziah pro- the highlands of Judah, and fortifi ed plac- vided them with shields, spears, helmets, es and towers in the fertile lands. coats of armor, bows and sling stones, for 5 He fought against the king of the each battle. 15 In Jerusalem he constructed Ammonites. He defeated them; and that engines, invented by experts, which were year the Ammonites gave him four tons of mounted on the towers and at the corners, silver, fi fty thousand bushels of wheat and to fi re arrows and great stones. His fame ten thousand of barley. And they had to 2 CHRONICLES 27 564 pay him the same for the second and third your God. 11 Now listen to me: release the years. 6 Jotham became powerful because prisoners you have taken of your brothers, he faithfully obeyed Yahweh his God. or Yahweh will punish you in his anger.” 7 The rest of the deeds of Jotham, all 12 Some of the Ephraimite chieftains his wars and his policy, are recorded in the then stood up in opposition to those who Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 8 He returned from the war: Azariah son of was twenty-fi ve years old when he became Jehohanan, Berechiah son of Meshillem- king and he reigned for sixteen years in oth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum and Amasa Jerusalem. 9 Then Jotham rested with his son of Hadlai. 13 They said, “You must not ancestors and they buried him in the city bring the captives in here, for we are guilty of David. His son Ahaz succeeded him. enough before Yahweh. Will you add to our sins and to our guilt? But our guilt is Ahaz already heavy and the fi erce anger of Yah- 1 14 2K 16: Ahaz was twenty years old when weh is hanging over Israel.” So in the 2-4 28 he became king, and he reigned for presence of the offi cials and of the whole sixteen years in Jerusalem. He did not do assembly, the army gave up the captives what is pleasing to Yahweh, as his ances- and the loot. 15 Four men were appointed tor David had done. 2 He followed the to provide the prisoners with clothing. example of the kings of Israel, and even From the loot they clothed all those who had Baal’s idols made of metal. 3 He offered were naked. They gave them clothing incense in the Valley of Ben-Hinnom and and sandals, provided them with food and even sacrifi ced his own sons as burnt offer- drink, and washed them. Those who were ings to disgusting idols, copying the shame- too weak to walk they put on donkeys and ful practice of the people whom Yahweh took them back to their kinsmen at Jer- had driven out of the land he would give to icho, the city of palm trees. Then they the Israelites. 4 He offered sacrifi ces and returned to Samaria. 16 incense at the high places, on the hills and It was then, that king Ahaz sent ask- 2K 16:7; under every spreading tree. ing the kings of Assyria to come to his Is 7—8 5 17 2K 16; Yahweh his God let the king of the Ara- assistance, for the Edomites once again Is 7—9 maeans defeat him and take great num- invaded and defeated Judah, and carried bers of his people captive, carrying them off prisoners. 18 The Philistines were raid- off to Damascus. He was also delivered ing the towns in the lowlands and in the into the power of the king of Israel, who Negeb of Judah. They took Beth-shem- defeated him. 6 In a single day, Pekah son esh, Aijalon, Gederoth, and Soco with its of Remaliah killed a hundred and twenty outlying villages, Timnah with its outlying thousand in Judah, all brave fi ghting men. villages, Gimzo with its outlying villages; This was because they had abandoned and they settled in them. Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 7 Zichri, 19 Yahweh humbled Judah on account an Ephraimite champion, killed Maaseiah, of Ahaz, king of Israel, who let Judah go its son of the king, Azrikam the controller of own way and was not faithful to Yahweh. 20 the palace, and Elkanah the king’s sec- Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria attacked 2K 16:8; 8 16:12- ond-in-command. Of their brothers, the and besieged him but could not defeat 13, 17 Israelites took two hundred thousand cap- him. 21 Ahaz however had to take part of tive including wives, sons, and daughters. the goods in Yahweh’s house and in the They also took quantities of loot, carrying palaces of the king and princes, to hand everything off to Samaria. over to the king of Assyria, yet he received 9 A prophet of Yahweh, named Oded, no help from him. 22 During the time Jeru- was there and he went out to meet the salem was under siege, king Ahaz sinned troops returning to Samaria and said, “Yah- against Yahweh more than ever, 23 by offer- weh, the God of your ancestors, was angry ing sacrifi ces to the gods of Damascus who with Judah and so he delivered them into had defeated him. He said, “Since the gods your power, but you have slaughtered with of the kings of Aram have been of help to such fury as reaches to heaven. 10 And you them, I will sacrifi ce to them so that they intended to make the men and women of may be of help to me.” But they proved to Jerusalem and Judah your slaves. But you be his downfall and that of Israel. yourselves are also guilty before Yahweh 24 Ahaz then took implements of the 565 2 CHRONICLES 29 house and broke them in pieces; he closed 12 The Levites set to work: Mahath son the doors of Yahweh’s house and put up of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah, of the altars at every street corner in Jerusalem. Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah 25 He set up high places in every town of son of Jehallelel of the Merarites; Joah Judah to offer incense to other gods, and son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah of so brought on himself the anger of Yah- the Gershonites; 13 Shimri and Jeuel of the weh, the God of his ancestors. sons of Elizaphan; Zechariah and Mat- 26 14 2K 16: The rest of his history, his whole pol- taniah of the sons of Asaph; Jehiel and 19-20 icy, from fi rst to last, is recorded in the Shimei of the sons of Heman; and Shem- Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. aiah and Uzziel of the sons of Jeduthun. 27 Then Ahaz rested with his ancestors and 15 They assembled their brothers and con- they buried him in the city, in Jerusalem, secrated themselves. Then they went in to though he was not taken into the tombs of purify Yahweh’s temple, just as the king the kings of Israel. His son Hezekiah suc- had ordered, in accordance with the word ceeded him. of the Lord. 16 The priests went inside the house of Hezekiah Yahweh to make it clean. They brought 2K 18: 1 Hezekiah became king when he was everything unclean they found in the Sanc- 1-3 29 twenty-fi ve years old and reigned tuary of Yahweh, out into the court of Yah- for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His weh’s house; and the Levites collected it mother was Abijah, daugther of Zechariah. and carried it outside, into the Kidron Val- 2 He did what is pleasing to Yahweh, just as ley. 17 They began this consecration on the his ancestor David had done. fi rst day of the fi rst month, and were able 3 In the fi rst month of the fi rst year of his to enter the Hall of Yahweh on the eighth reign, he reopened the gates of Yahweh’s of the month. They then took eight days to house and repaired them. 4 Then he brought consecrate Yahweh’s house; and fi nished the priests and the Levites, assembled them on the sixteenth day of the fi rst month. in the eastern square, 5 and said to them: 18 They then went into the palace of “Listen to me, Levites! Sanctify your- king Hezekiah and said: “We have puri- selves now and consecrate the house of fi ed the whole temple of Yahweh, the altar Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, and for burnt offerings with all its furnishings, remove from the house everything that and the table on which the rows of bread defi les it. 6 Your ancestors have been are set with all its furnishings. 19 All the fur- unfaithful and have done what is displeas- nishings king Ahaz took away during those ing to Yahweh our God. They have aban- years he was unfaithful to Yahweh we have doned him. They have turned their faces put back and consecrated. They are now away from the place Yahweh has made his in front of the altar of Yahweh.” home. They have turned their backs on 20 King Hezekiah lost no time, but called him. 7 They have even closed the doors of the offi cials of the city together and went 1-2 CHR the Vestibule. They have put out the lamps up to Yahweh’s house. 21 They brought and offered neither incense nor burnt offer- seven bulls, seven rams and seven lambs, ings to the God of Israel in the Sanctuary. with seven he-goats as a sacrifi ce for sin, 8 So the anger of Yahweh has fallen on on behalf of the royal house, of the Sanc- Judah and Jerusalem; and what he has tuary, and of Judah. The king then told done to them has shocked and frightened the priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer everyone, as you can see for yourselves. the burnt offering on the altar of Yah- 9 This is why our ancestors have fallen by weh. 22 They slaughtered the bulls and the the sword, and our sons, our daughters, priests took up the blood and poured it on and our wives have been taken captive. the altar. They then slaughtered the rams 10 But now I have decided to make a and poured their blood on the altar. 23 Then Covenant with Yahweh, the God of Isra- they brought the he-goats, the sacrifi ce el, so that his fi erce anger may be turned for sin, before the king and the assembly away from us. 11 My people, be negligent who laid their hands on them. 24 The priests no longer, for Yahweh has chosen you to slaughtered them, and, with their blood on stand in his presence and serve him, to the altar, offered a sacrifi ce to take away worship him, and offer him incense.” the sin of all the people—since the king 2 CHRONICLES 29 566 had ordered the burnt offering and the sac- salem to celebrate a Passover in honor of rifi ce for sin on behalf of all Israel. Yahweh, the God of Israel. 2 The king and 25 He then ordered the Levites to stand in his offi cials and all the assembly in Jerusa- Yahweh’s house with cymbals, harps and lem had agreed to celebrate it in the sec- lyres, in accordance with the ordinances ond month, 3 being unable to celebrate it at of David, of Gad the king’s prophet and of the proper time, since the priests had not Nathan the prophet; the order had in fact purifi ed themselves in suffi cient numbers, come from Yahweh through his prophets. and the people had not assembled in Jeru- 26 When the Levites had taken their plac- salem. 4 The king and all the assembly es with David’s musical instruments, and were pleased with their plan. 5 They issued the priests with their trumpets, 27 Heze- a decree to be proclaimed throughout Isra- kiah ordered the burnt offering to begin. el, from Dan to Beer-sheba, calling all the The hymns of Yahweh began too, and the people to come to Jerusalem and cele- trumpets sounded, to the accompaniment brate a Passover in honor of Yahweh, the of the instruments of David king of Israel. God of Israel, for they had not celebrated it 28 The whole assembly worshiped, cantors for a long time. 6 Messengers went out with singing, trumpets sounding, until the holo- letters from the hands of the king and his caust was over. offi cials for every part of Israel and Judah. 29 When the offering was at an end, the They had orders from the king to say, king and all there with him fell to their knees “People of Israel, come back to Yahweh and worshiped. 30 Then king Hezekiah and the God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Israel, the offi cials told the Levites to sing praise and he will come back to those of you who to Yahweh in the words of David and of are left and have escaped the grasp of the Asaph the prophet. They sang praises till kings of Assyria. 7 Do not be like your their joy was full and then they fell down fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to and worshiped. 31 Hezekiah spoke again, Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, and “Now you are dedicated to the service of whom he punished severely as you can Yahweh. Come forward, bring sacrifi ces see. 8 Do not harden your hearts as your and thanksgiving offerings into Yahweh’s ancestors did, but reconcile with Yahweh house.” The assembly brought sacrifi ces and come to his house which he has con- and thanksgiving offerings. All the gener- secrated forever. Serve Yahweh your God ous people brought burnt offerings. 32 The and he will turn his fi erce anger from you. number of victims for these burnt offer- 9 If you come back sincerely to Yahweh, ings was: seventy bulls, a hundred rams your brothers and your sons will win the and two hundred lambs, all as burnt offer- mercy of their conquerors and return to ings for Yahweh; 33 six hundred bulls and this land, for Yahweh your God is gracious three hundred sheep were sacrifi ced. 34 The and merciful. If you come back to him, he priests were too few, however, and could will not turn his face from you.” not slaughter all these animals, so the Lev- 10 The messengers went from town to ites helped them until the work was done town through the land of Ephraim and and the other priests were sanctifi ed; for Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun. But the the Levites were more educated than the people laughed at them and made fun priests regarding the requirements of puri- of them, 11 though a few men from Asher fi cation. 35 There were indeed many burnt and Manasseh and Zebulun were hum- offerings besides the fat of the peace offer- ble enough to come to Jerusalem. 12 But ings which was to be burnt together with in Judah, the hand of God was upon the the drink offerings. So was completed the people and made them of one mind to consecration of Yahweh’s house. 36 Heze- obey the order of the king and the offi - kiah and all the people rejoiced that God cials according to the word of Yahweh. 13 A had helped the people to act so promptly. great number of people gathered in Jeru- salem to celebrate the feast of Unleavened The great Passover Bread in the second month. A very great 1 Hezekiah sent messengers to all assembly 14 set to work removing the altars 30 Judah and Israel (for he also wrote that had been used in Jerusalem and all letters to Ephraim and Manasseh), inviting the altars for burning incense, and throw- them to come to Yahweh’s house in Jeru- ing them into the Wadi Kidron. 567 2 CHRONICLES 31

15 They killed the lambs for the Passover 1 When all this was over, all the Isra- 2K 18:4 sacrifi ce on the fourteenth day of the sec- 31 elites who were there set off for the ond month. The priests and the Levites felt towns of Judah to smash the pillar, cut ashamed, so they sanctifi ed themselves; down the sacred trunks and wreck the high and were able to bring burnt offerings into places and the altars. So they did through- Yahweh’s house. 16 Then they took up their out Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Ma - places in the house according to the instruc- nasseh and did away with them. Then all tions in the law of Moses, the man of God. the Israelites returned to their towns, each The priests poured out the blood handed man to his home. to them by the Levites.17 Since there were 2 Hezekiah reestablished the priestly many people in the assembly who had not and levitical orders, each man in his prop- sanctifi ed themselves the Levites were to er order according to his duties, whether slaughter the Passover lambs on behalf of priest or Levite, whether for burnt offering, those who lacked the requisite purity in peace offering, liturgical service, thanks- order to consecrate them to Yahweh. 18 For giving or praise, within the gates of the many people, especially from Ephraim, camp of Yahweh. 3 The king set aside a Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not portion of his own possessions for the purifi ed themselves and so had eaten the morning and evening burnt offerings, and Passover without observing the regulations. the burnt offerings of Sabbath, New Moon, But Hezekiah interceded for them, say- and solemn feast, as laid down in the law ing, 19 “Yahweh, God of our ancestors, in of Yahweh. 4 He then told the people of your goodness forgive those who seek you Jerusalem to give the priests and the Lev- with all their heart, even though they are ites their share so that they might devote not clean.” 20 Yahweh heard Hezekiah and themselves to the law of Yahweh. left the people unharmed. 5 As soon as the order had been pub- 21 For seven days the Israelites rejoiced lished, the Israelites gathered in the fi rst and celebrated in Jerusalem the feast of fruits of their grain, wine, oil, honey, and Unleavened Bread, while each day the all agricultural produce, and brought in Levites and the priests praised Yahweh a generous gift of everything. 6 The Isra- with all their might. 22 At the end, Hezekiah elites and people of Judah living in other encouraged the Levites who had shown towns of Judah also brought in the tithe of themselves skilled in the worship of Yah- cattle and sheep, and the tithe of the holy weh. So, for seven days, the celebration things dedicated to Yahweh their God, pil- continued. Peace offerings were sacri- ing them up, heap after heap. 7 They began fi ced and the people confessed their sins making these heaps in the third month and to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. fi nished them in the seventh. 23 Then all the assembly agreed to continue 8 When Hezekiah and his offi cials saw the celebrations for a further seven days how much had been given, they praised which they made seven days of rejoic- Yahweh and praised his people Israel. 1-2 CHR ing. 24 Hezekiah king of Judah had provid- 9 Hezekiah questioned the priests and the ed a thousand bulls and seven thousand Levites about the heaps, 10 and Azariah, sheep for the assembly, and the offi cials the chief priest, of the family of Zadok, another thousand bulls and ten thousand answered him, “Since the contributions sheep, and now the priests were ready in were fi rst brought to Yahweh’s house, we great numbers. 25 So the whole assembly have had enough to eat and still have plenty of Judah rejoiced, the priests too, and the left over, for Yahweh has blessed his peo- Levites, and all who had come from Israel, ple. This huge pile is what is left.” 11 Heze- the refugees of Israel living in Judah and kiah then ordered them to have store- the people of Judah. 26 There was great rooms prepared in Yahweh’s house. They rejoicing in Jerusalem, for since the time did this; 12 and then brought in the contri- of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, butions, tithes and consecrated things, to nothing like this had happened in Jerusa- keep them in a safe place. Conaniah the lem. 27 The levitical priests began to bless Levite was offi cer-in-charge of them, with the people. Their voices were heard and Shimei his brother as his assistant. their prayer received in heaven, His holy 13 Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jer- dwelling place. imoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahat, 2 CHRONICLES 31 568 and Benaiah were appointed supervisors had the broken parts of the wall repaired, under the command of Conaiah and his built towers on it, constructed a second brother Shimei, by order of king Hezekiah wall on the outer side, strengthened the and of Azariah the High Priest. 14 Kore, son Millo of the city of David and made quanti- of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the eastern ties of spears and shields. 6 He then ap - gate, was made responsible for the vol- pointed generals to command the people, untary offerings to God. He provided the had them assemble in the square by the portion set aside for Yahweh and the most city gate and spoke as follows to encour- holy offerings. 15 Under his command he age them, 7 “Be strong and stand fi rm; be had Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, fearless, be confi dent when you face the Amariah and Shecaniah, who resided per- king of Assyria and the whole army he manently in the towns of the priests to dis- brings with him, since he that is with us is tribute these gifts to their kinsmen great or stronger than he that is with him. 8 He has small according to their orders. only an arm of fl esh, but we have Yahweh 16 In addition to this, there was the orga- our God to help us and fi ght our battles.” nization by related groups of all those men The people were encouraged by the words thirty years old or older who went to Yah- of Hezekiah king of Judah. weh’s house, by daily rotation, to perform 9 Next, Sennacherib king of Assyria, 2K 18: 17-37; the ritual duties appropriate to their orders. who was then outside Lachish with all his Is 36: 17 There was also the organization of priests army, sent his servants to Jerusalem, to 1-22 by families; as also that of Levites twenty Hezekiah king of Judah, and to all the years old or older, by duties and orders. Judehites who were in Jerusalem. They 18 There was also the organization of all said, 10 “Hear the message from Sennach- their families for the whole assembly, since erib king of Assyria, ‘What gives you the they were busy with the holy ministry. confi dence to stay in Jerusalem under 19 Regarding the priests, the sons of Aaron, siege? 11 Is not Hezekiah deceiving you? who lived in the pasture lands belonging Is he not condemning you to die of hun- to their towns, or in the towns themselves, ger and thirst when he says: Yahweh our appointed men, who distributed the food to God will save us from the king of Assyria? every male among the priests and also to 12 Is not Hezekiah the very man who has the inscribed Levites who were enrolled. destroyed the high places and the altars 20 Hezekiah enforced these arrange- of Yahweh, and given the order to Judah ments throughout Judah. He did what is and to Jerusalem: Before one altar only good and right and loyal before Yahweh are you to worship, and on that alone offer his God. 21 He was successful, because incense? 13 Do you not know what I have everything he did for the temple or in done, I and my ancestors, to all the people observance of the law, he did as one seek- of other countries? Have the gods of any ing God with all his heart. nation in those countries ever been able to save them from me? 14 Who among all the Invasion of Sennacherib gods of those nations was able to save his 1 2K 18:13 After Hezekiah had faithfully done people from me? What makes you think 32 all this, Sennacherib king of Assyria that God can do any better? 15 Do not let invaded Judah. He pitched camp before Hezekiah deceive you. Do not let him mis- the fortifi ed towns and gave orders for his lead you like this. Do not believe him, for army to break their way through the walls. no god of any nation or kingdom has been 2 Hezekiah realized that Sennacherib in - able to save his people from me or from tended to attack Jerusalem also, 3 so he my ancestors. No more will your god be able to save you from me.” summoned his offi cers and champions and 2K 19: they decided to cut off the water supply 16 His offi cials were still speaking against 9-13; Is 37: from the springs situated outside the city. Yahweh God, and his servant Hezekiah, 9-13 4 So a large number of people banded 17 when Sennacherib wrote a letter insulting together to block all the springs and cut off Yahweh the God of Israel. This is what he the watercourse fl owing through the fi elds. said about him: “Just as the gods of the They said, “Why should the king of Assyria nations in other countries have failed to fi nd plenty of water when he arrives?” save their people from me, so will the god 5 Hezekiah strengthened his defenses: he of Hezekiah fail to save his people.” 18 They 569 2 CHRONICLES 33 shouted this out in the language of Judah, and his deed of piety, are recorded in the to the people of Jerusalem who were on vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz the city wall, to confuse and frighten them, and in the Book of the Kings of Judah and and so that they might capture the city. Israel. 33 Then Hezekiah rested with his 19 They spoke of the God of Jerusalem in fathers and they buried him on the slope the same way they talked of the gods of going up to the tombs of the sons of David. the people of the world, the work of human At his death, all of Judah and the inhabit- hands. ants of Jerusalem did him honor. His son 2K 19:15; 20 19:35-37; Then king Hezekiah and the prophet Manasseh succeeded him. 20:12; Is 37:15; Isaiah son of Amoz prayed and cried out to 37:36-38 heaven. 21 And Yahweh sent an angel who Manasseh 1 made all the mighty warriors, command- Manasseh was twelve years old 2K 21: ers and offi cers die in the camp of the king 33 when he came to the throne and he 1-18 of Assyria. So the emperor went back to reigned for fi fty-fi ve years in Jerusalem. Assyria very ashamed. And as he came 2 He did what was evil in the eyes of Yah- into the temple of his god, some of his own weh, and followed the disgusting practices sons struck him with their swords. 22 So of the nations that Yahweh had removed Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the people of from the land before giving it to Israel. 3 He Jerusalem from the power of Sennacherib rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah king of Assyria and from everyone else, had wrecked. He set up altars to the Baals and he gave them peace on every side. and made sacred trunks. He worshiped the 23 Many people brought grain offerings to whole array of heaven and served it. 4 He Yahweh in Jerusalem and gifts for Heze- built altars in Yahweh’s house of which kiah king of Judah. From then on, all the Yahweh had said, “In Jerusalem shall my nations held Hezekiah in honor. Name be forever.” 24 2K 20:1; In those days, Hezekiah fell ill and 5 He built altars to the whole array of 20:12-19; Is 38:1; was at the point of death. He prayed to heaven in the two courts of Yahweh’s 39:1-8 Yahweh, who heard him and granted him house. 6 He caused his sons to pass through a sign. 25 But Hezekiah did not show grati- the fi re in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He tude for what Yahweh had done for him. practiced soothsaying, magic and witch- His heart grew proud and Judah and Jeru- craft, and introduced necromancers and salem suffered for it. 26 Finally, however, wizards. He did many things displeasing Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem to Yahweh, thus provoking his anger. 7 He humbled themselves, and so Yahweh did placed the idol he had made in the house not punish the people until after Hezekiah’s of which God had said to David and to his death. 27 Hezekiah enjoyed immense riches son Solomon, “In this house and in Jerusa- and honor. He built himself store rooms for lem, the city I chose out of all the tribes of gold, silver, precious stones, spices, gems Israel, I will give my Name a home forever.

and every sort of valuable. 28 He had store 8 I will no longer turn Israel’s footsteps away 1-2 CHR houses for his returns of grain, wine and from the land I assigned to their ancestors, oil, buildings for his different sorts of cat- provided they observe all I have ordered tle, and sheep runs for his sheep. 29 He built them in accordance with the whole law, royal cities and, further, acquired donkeys the statutes and the ordinances, given and enormous herds and fl ocks. God had through Moses.” 9 Manasseh led Judah and indeed given him very great riches. the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, so 30 2K 20: It was Hezekiah who stopped the upper that they did more evil than those nations 20-21 outlet of Gihon Spring and channeled the Yahweh had destroyed before the Israel- water down to the west side of the city of ites. 10 Yahweh spoke to Manasseh and his David. Hezekiah succeeded in all he under- people, but they paid no attention. took. 31 However, when the authorities in 11 Then Yahweh sent the generals of the Babylon sent to him to inquire about the king of Assyria against them, who cap- extraordinary thing that had taken place in tured Manasseh with hooks, put him in the country, God abandoned him only to chains and led him away to Babylon. 12 In test him, and to discover the secrets of his his distress he sought to appease Yahweh heart. his God. Humbling himself deeply before 32 The rest of the history of Hezekiah, the God of his ancestors, he prayed to 2 CHRONICLES 33 570

him, 13 and God changed his mind. Hear- he was still a youth, he began to seek the 2K 22: ing his plea, he allowed him to come back God of his father David. In the twelfth year 4-20 to Jerusalem and reign again. Manasseh he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem realized then that Yahweh is God. 14 After of the high places, the sacred trunks and that, he rebuilt the outer wall of the Citadel the molten idols. 4 He looked on while they of David, west of Gihon in the wadi, as far smashed the altars of Baal, and he himself as the Fish Gate. It encircled the Ophel; tore down the incense altars near them. and he increased its height very consider- He reduced to dust the symbols of Ash- ably. He stationed military governors in all erah and the other idols and then threw the the fortifi ed towns of Judah. dust over the graves of those who had sac- 15 He removed the alien gods and the rifi ced to them. 5 He burned the bones of idol from Yahweh’s house and all the altars their priests on their altars, and so purifi ed he had built on the mountain of Yahweh’s Judah and Jerusalem. 6 He did the same in house and in Jerusalem, and threw them the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, out of the city. 16 He rebuilt the altar of Yah- and as far as Naphtali, and in the devas- weh and offered peace offerings and praise tated areas around them. 7 There, too, he offerings on it, and ordered Judah to serve destroyed the altars and symbols of the Yahweh the God of Israel. 17 However, the goddess, smashed the sacred trunks and people continued to sacrifi ce on the high the idols and ground them to powder, and places, although only to Yahweh their God. tore down all the altars of incense through- 18 2K 21: The rest of the history of Manasseh, out the land of Israel. Then he returned to 17-18 his prayer to God, and the words of the Jerusalem. 8 seers who spoke to him in the name of In the eighteenth year of his reign, with 2K 22: Yahweh the God of Israel, can be found the objective of purifying land and temple, 3-7 in the Annals of the Kings of Israel. 19 His he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maa- prayer and how God heard his prayer, all seiah governor of the city and the herald his sins, his unfaithfulness, the sites where Joah son of Joahaz, to repair the house he built high places and set up sacred of Yahweh his God. 9 These men went to trunks and idols before he humbled him- the high priest Hilkiah and handed over to self are recorded in the Annals of Hozai. him the money that had been brought to 20 Then Manasseh rested with his ances- the house of God. The Levite gatekeepers tors and was buried in his palace. His son had collected this money from Manasseh, Amon succeeded him. Ephraim and all the rest of Israel, and from 21 2K 21: Amon was twenty-two years old when all of Judah, Benjamin, and from the peo- 19-26 he became king and he reigned for two ple living in Jerusalem. 10 They handed it years in Jerusalem. 22 He did what is dis- over to the masters of works of Yahweh’s pleasing to Yahweh, as Manasseh his father house and these men used it for the repair had done. Amon offered sacrifi ce and wor- and restoration of the house. 11 They gave ship to all the idols Manasseh his father it to the carpenters and builders for buying had made, 23 but he did not humble himself the stones and timber for the beams and before Yahweh like Manasseh his father had framework of the buildings which the kings done. Instead he made the guilt of Judah of Judah had let go to ruin. worse. 24 His offi cers plotted against him and 12 The men worked conscientiously. killed him in his palace. 25 But the people of Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah, the nation struck down all those who had Levites of the sons of Merari; together with plotted against king Amon and proclaimed Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of his son Josiah as his successor. Kohath, as supervisors. These Levites were all skilled liturgical musicians; 13 but they Josiah also directed the carriers and the masters 1 2K 22: Josiah was eight years old when of works of the various jobs. Other Levites 1-2 34 he became king and he reigned for were scribes, clerks and gatekeepers. thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 He did what is pleasing to Yahweh, and walked in The book of the law discovered 14 the ways of his father David, without turn- When they were taking out the money 2K 22: ing aside. that had been brought to Yahweh’s house, 8-13 3 In the eighth year of his reign, when Hilkiah the high priest found the book of 571 2 CHRONICLES 35 the law given through Moses. 15 At once death. I will let you die in peace.” They Hilkiah told Shaphan the secretary, “I have took this answer to the king. 29 found the book of the law in Yahweh’s The king then had all the elders of 2K 23: house.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Judah and of Jerusalem summoned, 30 and 1-3 Shaphan. 16 Shaphan took the book to the the king went up to Yahweh’s house, with king, and reported to him, “Your servants all the people of Judah and the inhabit- are carrying out the commands you gave ants of Jerusalem, priests, Levites and all them: 17 they have melted down the silver the people, great and small alike. In their which was in Yahweh’s house and have hearing he read out everything that was handed it over to the supervisors and mas- said in the Book of the Covenant found in ters of works.” 18 After which Shaphan the Yahweh’s house. 31 The king stood beside secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the the pillar, and in the presence of Yahweh priest has given me a book”; and Shaphan he made a Covenant to follow Yahweh and read from it in the king’s presence. to keep his laws and commands with all 19 When the king heard the book being his heart and soul, as written in that book. read, he tore his garments, 20 and gave the 32 He committed everyone there in Jeru- following order to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of salem or in Benjamin to obey the require- Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan ments of the Covenant of God, the God of the secretary and Asaiah the king’s minis- their ancestors. 33 Josiah removed all the ter, 21 “Go and consult Yahweh, for me and disgusting idols throughout the territories for the people who still remain in Israel and belonging to the people of Israel. For the Judah, about the words of the book that rest of his life he made sure that every has been found. Great indeed must be the member of Israel served their God. They anger of Yahweh to be poured down on us did not fail to follow Yahweh, the God of because our ancestors did not observe the their ancestors. word of Yahweh nor do according to what is written in this book.” The Passover of Josiah 22 1 2K 22: Hilkiah and the king’s men went to Josiah then celebrated a Passover 2K 14-20 Huldah the prophetess, wife of Shallum 35 in honor of Yahweh in Jerusalem 23:21 son of Tokhath, son of Hasrah, the keeper and they killed the passover lamb on the of the temple robes. She lived in Jerusalem fourteenth day of the fi rst month. 2 He in the new town. They spoke to her about appointed certain functions to the priests this, 23 and she answered, “This is the word and let them discharge the duties of Yah- of Yahweh for the man who sent you to me: weh’s house. 3 Then he said to the Levites, 24 I am going to punish Jerusalem and all who were to instruct all Israel and who its people, carrying out all the curses writ- were consecrated to Yahweh, “The holy ten in the book that has been read in the Ark has been put in the house built by Sol- presence of the king of Judah, 25 because omon son of David, king of Israel, and it is they have abandoned me and have burned no longer a burden for your shoulders. So 1-2 CHR incense to other gods, stirring up my anger you shall serve Yahweh your God and Isra- by everything they have done. Because of el your people in this way. 4 Stand in the this my anger is aroused against Jerusa- holy place by families and orders, accord- lem, and it will not die down. ing to the written decree of David king of 26 And you will tell the king of Judah Israel and his son Solomon; 5 and let some who sent you to consult Yahweh, that thus be available to help each family of the answers Yahweh, the God of Israel, regard- people of Israel; for the Levites are to have ing the words you have heard: 27 Since a portion in each family. 6 Kill the animals your heart has been touched and you have for the festival, sanctify yourselves, and be humbled yourself before God on hearing at the disposal of your brothers in acting in what he has threatened against Jerusalem accordance with the word of Yahweh which and those who live in it, since you have was spoken through Moses.” humbled yourself before me and torn your 7 Josiah then provided for the use of garments and wept before me, I for my part the people, lambs and kids from the fl ocks have heard —this is Yahweh’s word. 28 The to the number of thirty thousand, all as punishment which I am going to bring on Passover offerings for all who were pres- Jerusalem, will not come until after your ent, and three thousand bulls as well; all 2 CHRONICLES 35 572 these animals came from the king’s pos- of Judah and of Israel who were present, sessions. 8 His offi cials, for their part, made and the people of Jerusalem. provision for what the people, the priests and the Levites would use. The senior offi - The tragic end of the reign 2K 19 cials of the house of God, Hilkiah, Zecha- This Passover was celebrated in the 23:23; riah and Jehiel, also gave the priests two eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah. 23:29-30 thousand six hundred lambs and kids and 20 After all this, when Josiah had already three hundred bulls as Passover victims. repaired the house, Neco king of Egypt 9 The heads of the Levites, Conaniah, She- came up to fi ght at Carchemish on the maiah and his brothers Nathanel, Hasha- Euphrates and Josiah marched out to stop biah, Jeiel and Jozabad, provided fi ve him. 21 Neco sent him messengers to say, thousand lambs and kids and fi ve hundred “There is no quarrel between me and you, bulls as Passover victims for the Levites. king of Judah. I have not come today to 10 When everything for the Passover attack you, but to fi ght my enemies, and had been prepared, the priests took their God has told me to hurry. Do not oppose posts, and the Levites also, in their orders, God who is with me, lest he destroy you.” as commanded by the king. 11 They killed 22 But Josiah continued to challenge the lambs and goats, and while the priests him for he was determined to fi ght him, sprinkled the blood they received, the Lev- and would not listen to what God was say- ites cut up the victims. 12 They put aside ing through Neco. So he went out to fi ght the animals for the burnt offering and dis- in the plain of Megiddo. 23 Egyptian arrows tributed to family groupings of the lay peo- struck king Josiah, and the king said to ple, giving to each his offering to Yahweh, his followers, “Take me away. I am badly as is written in the Book of Moses. They wounded.” 24 His servants lifted him out of did the same with the bulls. 13 They roasted his own chariot, transferred him to anoth- the Passover, as ordained, and boiled the er one and took him back to Jerusalem, sacred foods in pots, dishes, and pans, where he died. He was buried in the tombs carrying them speedily to the people. of his ancestors. All Judah and Jerusalem 14 Afterward they prepared the Passover for mourned for Josiah. 25 Jeremiah composed themselves and for the priests. Because a lament for Josiah which all the women the priests, the sons of Aaron, had been singers use when speaking of Josiah in busy till nightfall offering the burnt offer- their laments to this day. This has become ing and the fatty parts, the Levites pre- a custom in Israel. The song is found in the pared the Passover for themselves and collection of laments. for the priests, the sons of Aaron. 15 The 26 The rest of the history of Josiah and musicians, the sons of Asaph, were at their all his good deeds according to the law, places, in accordance with the ordinances 29 and his acts from the fi rst to last, are of David; neither Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel the king’s prophet, nor the keepers of each and Judah. gate had to leave their duties, since their brothers the Levites made all the prepara- The last kings 1 tions for them. The people of the nation took Je - 2K 23: 16 So the whole service of Yahweh was 36 hoahaz, son of Josiah and made 30-34 prepared that day to celebrate the Pass- him king in Jerusalem in succession to his over and to offer burnt offerings on the father. 2 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years altar of Yahweh, in accordance with the old when he became king and he reigned ordinances of king Josiah. for three months in Jerusalem. 3 The king 17 The Israelites who were present cel- of Egypt took him prisoner and made the ebrated the Passover and, for seven days, people of Judah pay 7,500 pounds of sil- 18 4 2K the feast of Unleavened Bread. No Pass- ver and 75 pounds of gold as tribute. The 23:22 over like this one had ever been celebrat- king of Egypt then made Eliakim, brother ed in Israel since the days of the prophet of Jehoahaz, king of Judah and Jerusa- Samuel. No king of Israel had ever cele- lem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. brated a Passover like the one celebrated Neco took his brother Jehoahaz to Egypt. 2K 23: 5 by Josiah with the priests, the Levites, all Jehoiakim was twenty-fi ve years old 36-37; 24:1…5 573 2 CHRONICLES 36 when he became king and he reigned for prophets to warn his people, since he had eleven years in Jerusalem. He did what compassion on them and on his dwelling was evil in the eyes of Yahweh his God. place. 16 But they mocked the messengers 6 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked of God, ignored his words, and laughed at him, put him in chains and carried him off his prophets, until at last the anger of Yah- to Babylon. 7 Nebuchadnezzar also carried weh rose so high against his people that off to Babylon some of the treasures of the there was no further remedy. house and put them in his palace at Baby- 17 Then he brought against them the lon. 8 The rest of the history of Jehoiakim, king of the Chaldeans who killed with the disgusting things he did and those dis- the sword the young men of Judah even covered to his discredit, these are recorded in the house; he spared neither youth nor in the Book of Kings of Israel and Judah. virgin, neither old man nor aged cripple: 18 His son Jehoiachin succeeded him. God handed them all over to him. All the 2K 9 25:14; 2K 24: Jehoiachin was eight years old when furnishings of the house of God, large and 25:9 8-17 he became king and he reigned for three small, the treasures of Yahweh’s house, months and ten days in Jerusalem. He the treasures of the king and his offi cials, did what was evil in the eyes of Yahweh. he carried off to Babylon. 10 When spring came, king Nebuchadnez- 19 They burned down the house of God, zar sent for him and had him taken to Bab- broke down the walls of Jerusalem, set fi re ylon as a prisoner, with the treasures of the to all its palaces, and destroyed everything temple and made Zedekiah, his brother, of value in it. 20 The survivors were deport- king of Judah and Jerusalem in his place. ed by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon; they 11 2K 24: Zedekiah was twenty-one years old were to serve him and his descendants as 18-20; Jer 52: when he became king and he reigned for slaves until the kingdom of Persia came to 1-3 eleven years in Jerusalem. 12 He did what power. 21 This is how the work of Yahweh was evil in the eyes of Yahweh his God. He was fulfi lled that he spoke through Jeremi- did not listen humbly to the prophet Jere- ah, “The land will lie desolate for seventy miah, accredited by Yahweh himself. 13 He years, to make up for its Sabbath rests that also rebelled against king Nebuchadnez- have not been observed.” 22 zar who had forced him to swear in God’s And in the fi rst year of Cyrus king of Ezra name that he would be loyal. He became Persia, to fulfi ll what he had said through 1:1-3 stubborn, and obstinately refused to return the prophet Jeremiah, Yahweh stirred up to Yahweh the God of Israel. the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue the following command and send it out in Conclusion writing to be read aloud everywhere in his 14 Furthermore, all the heads of the priest- kingdom: 23 “Thus speaks Cyrus king of hood, and the people, too, were exceed- Persia: Yahweh, the God of heaven, who ingly unfaithful, following the disgusting has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,

example of the nations around them, and has ordered me to build him a house in 1-2 CHR so they defi led the house which Yahweh Jerusalem, in Judah. Now, all of you who himself had made holy. 15 Yahweh, the belong to his people, go there; and may God of their ancestors, continued to send Yahweh your God be with you.” 574

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