\id 2CH - Copyright World Bible Translation Center 1987, 1999, 2006, 2008 
\ide UTF-8
\h 2 Chronicles 
\toc1 2 Chronicles 
\toc2 2 Chronicles 
\mt1 2 Chronicles 
\c 1  
\s1 Solomon Asks for Wisdom 
\p
\v 1 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w became|strong="H1431"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w very|strong="H4605"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w very|strong="H4605"\w* \w great|strong="H1431"\w*. 
\p
\v 2-3 The people of Israel and the captains, generals, judges, leaders, and heads of the families were all gathered together. Solomon spoke to them, and then they all went to the high place at Gibeon. They went there because God’s Meeting Tent was there. The LORD’S servant Moses made this tent when he and the Israelites were in the desert. 
\v 4 \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* Box \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* Agreement \w from|strong="H5927"\w* \w Kiriath|strong="H7157"\w* Jearim \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* where \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w set|strong="H3559"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* another \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*. 
\v 5 \w But|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Bezalel|strong="H1212"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Uri|strong="H0221"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hur|strong="H2354"\w*, \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Holy Tent \w at|strong="H3068"\w* Gibeon. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w went|strong="H6440"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w ask|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H4196"\w* advice. 
\v 6 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Meeting|strong="H4150"\w* \w Tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 \w That|strong="H7200"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w came|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H7592"\w* \w whatever|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* want \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 8 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w were|strong="H0430"\w* \w very|strong="H1419"\w* kind \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w my|strong="H1732"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w when|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* allowed \w me|strong="H5973"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w on|strong="H8478"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* throne after \w him|strong="H5973"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, continue \w to|strong="H5921"\w* keep \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* made \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w so|strong="H6258"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w like|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w dust|strong="H6083"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\v 10 \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w knowledge|strong="H4093"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H4310"\w* \w lead|strong="H3318"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* right \w way|strong="H2088"\w*. \w No|strong="H4310"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w could|strong="H4310"\w* \w rule|strong="H8199"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w* without \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w help|strong="H5971"\w*.” 
\p
\v 11 \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H1571"\w* \w attitude|strong="H3824"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w life|strong="H5315"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w riches|strong="H6239"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w yourself|strong="H5315"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w death|strong="H5315"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w enemies|strong="H8130"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w knowledge|strong="H4093"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* make \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H1571"\w* decisions. 
\v 12 \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w knowledge|strong="H4093"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w wealth|strong="H6239"\w*, \w riches|strong="H6239"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H0310"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* ever \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w so|strong="H3651"\w* \w much|strong="H0834"\w* \w wealth|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* future \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w much|strong="H0834"\w* \w wealth|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w*.” 
\p
\v 13 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w left|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Meeting|strong="H4150"\w* \w Tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w place|strong="H1116"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H0168"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\s1 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* Strengthens \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w Army|strong="H3389"\w* 
\p
\v 14 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w started|strong="H1961"\w* \w gathering|strong="H0622"\w* \w horses|strong="H6571"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w for|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w army|strong="H0622"\w*. \w He|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 1400 \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 12,000 horse \w soldiers|strong="H3967"\w*. \w He|strong="H8010"\w* kept \w them|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*\f + \fr 1:14  \fk chariot cities \ft Cities with special places to keep the horses and chariots.\f* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* where \w he|strong="H8010"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w*. 
\v 15 \w In|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* Solomon \w gathered|strong="H5414"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* common \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w rocks|strong="H0068"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w gathered|strong="H5414"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w cedar|strong="H0730"\w* wood \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* common \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w sycamore|strong="H8256"\w* \w trees|strong="H8256"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* western hill country. 
\v 16 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w imported|strong="H4161"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w from|strong="H3947"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* Kue.\f + \fr 1:16  \fk Kue \ft Or “Cilicia,” a country in what is now southern Turkey.\f* \w His|strong="H3947"\w* \w merchants|strong="H5503"\w* bought \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* Kue \w for|strong="H4714"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w set|strong="H0834"\w* \w price|strong="H4242"\w*. 
\v 17 \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* bought \w chariots|strong="H4818"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* 600 \w shekels|strong="H3701"\w*\f + \fr 1:17  \fk 600 shekels \ft 15 pounds (6.9 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* 150 \w shekels|strong="H3701"\w*\f + \fr 1:17  \fk 150 shekels \ft 3 3/4 pounds (1.725 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w*. \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w sold|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w chariots|strong="H4818"\w* \w to|strong="H4714"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Hittites|strong="H2850"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Arameans|strong="H0758"\w*. 
\c 2  
\s1 Plans for the Temple and Palace 
\p
\v 1 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* planned \w to|strong="H5921"\w* build \w a|strong="H5921"\w* Temple \w to|strong="H5921"\w* give honor \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* LORD’S name. \w He|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H8010"\w* planned \w to|strong="H5921"\w* build \w a|strong="H5921"\w* palace \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w himself|strong="H0376"\w*. 
\v 2 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* got 70,000 laborers \w and|strong="H4428"\w* 80,000 stonemasons \w to|strong="H0413"\w* cut stones \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* mountains. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w chose|strong="H6213"\w* 3600 \w foremen|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* supervise \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w workers|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\p
\v 3 \w Then|strong="H2009"\w* Solomon sent \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H5921"\w* Hiram \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Tyre: 
\b
\pi1 “Help \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* helped \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father David. \w You|strong="H6440"\w* sent \w him|strong="H5921"\w* cedar \w logs|strong="H1129"\w* \w so|strong="H0589"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* could \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H1129"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w himself|strong="H6942"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w live|strong="H8034"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 4 \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0430"\w* honor \w the|strong="H3605"\w* name \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* LORD \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w At|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* burn incense \w in|strong="H0430"\w* front \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* always put \w the|strong="H3605"\w* holy bread \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* special table. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* offer burnt \w offerings|strong="H3588"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* morning \w and|strong="H0430"\w* evening, \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Sabbath days, \w during|strong="H3605"\w* New Moon celebrations, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* special meeting days \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* LORD \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has|strong="H0430"\w* commanded \w us|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H0430"\w* celebrate. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* rule \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Israel \w to|strong="H0430"\w* obey forever. 
\pi1
\v 5 “\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H4310"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* great \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* greater \w than|strong="H3808"\w* all \w the|strong="H6440"\w* other gods. 
\v 6 No \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* really build \w a|strong="H7971"\w* house \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w put|strong="H7971"\w* \w our|strong="H0834"\w* \w God|strong="H7971"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* whole sky \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* highest heaven cannot contain \w our|strong="H0834"\w* \w God|strong="H7971"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* cannot build \w a|strong="H7971"\w* temple \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w put|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* only build \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w place|strong="H3559"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* burn incense \w to|strong="H7971"\w* honor \w him|strong="H7971"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 7 “\w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w would|strong="H0834"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* man \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* skilled \w in|strong="H5650"\w* working \w with|strong="H5973"\w* gold, silver, bronze, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* iron. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* must \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w how|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* work \w with|strong="H5973"\w* purple, red, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* blue cloth. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* work \w here|strong="H2009"\w* \w in|strong="H5650"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H7971"\w* Jerusalem \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* craftsmen \w my|strong="H7971"\w* father chose. 
\v 8 \w Also|strong="H3588"\w* send \w me|strong="H0589"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H6086"\w* cedar \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*, pine \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* algum \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*\f + \fr 2:8  \fk algum trees \ft Or “Almug,” as in 1 Kings. No one knows exactly what type of wood this was, but it might have been sandalwood.\f* \w from|strong="H6086"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* country \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Lebanon. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* know \w your|strong="H0834"\w* servants \w are|strong="H0834"\w* experienced \w at|strong="H1004"\w* cutting \w down|strong="H3588"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H6086"\w* Lebanon. \w My|strong="H0834"\w* servants \w will|strong="H0834"\w* help \w your|strong="H0834"\w* servants. 
\v 9 \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H5650"\w* need lots \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* because \w the|strong="H5414"\w* Temple \w I|strong="H5414"\w* am building \w will|strong="H5650"\w* \w be|strong="H5414"\w* very large \w and|strong="H6086"\w* beautiful. 
\v 10 \w This|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w pay|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* servants \w to|strong="H0413"\w* cut \w down|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* trees \w for|strong="H5921"\w* wood. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* 125,000 bushels\f + \fr 2:10  \fk 125,000 bushels \ft Literally, “20,000 \+tl cors\+tl*” (4,400,000 l).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* wheat \w for|strong="H5921"\w* food, 125,000 bushels \w of|strong="H4428"\w* barley, 115,000 gallons\f + \fr 2:10  \fk 115,000 gallons \ft Literally, “20,000 baths” (440,000 l).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* wine, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* 115,000 gallons \w of|strong="H4428"\w* oil.” 
\b
\p
\v 11 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Hiram \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* Solomon \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sent|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*: 
\b
\pi1 “Solomon, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* loves \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w why|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w chose|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w be|strong="H1288"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.” 
\v 12 Hiram \w also|strong="H3045"\w* said, “Praise \w the|strong="H3045"\w* LORD, \w the|strong="H3045"\w* \w God|strong="H7971"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Israel! \w He|strong="H7971"\w* \w made|strong="H3045"\w* heaven \w and|strong="H7971"\w* earth. \w He|strong="H7971"\w* \w gave|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w son|strong="H2450"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* King \w David|strong="H7971"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H7971"\w*, \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2450"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w understanding|strong="H0998"\w*. \w You|strong="H7971"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* building \w a|strong="H7971"\w* Temple \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* LORD. \w You|strong="H7971"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* \w also|strong="H3045"\w* building \w a|strong="H7971"\w* palace \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w yourself|strong="H3045"\w*. 
\v 13 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w send|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w skilled|strong="H2450"\w* craftsman named Huram \w Abi|strong="H0001"\w*.\f + \fr 2:13  \ft Or “I will send one of the craftsmen of my father Hiram.”\f* 
\v 14 \w His|strong="H0834"\w* mother \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w from|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H5650"\w* Dan, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* father \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w from|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H5650"\w* Tyre. Huram Abi \w has|strong="H0834"\w* skill \w in|strong="H5650"\w* working \w with|strong="H7971"\w* gold, silver, bronze, iron, \w stone|strong="H0834"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* wood. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* skill \w in|strong="H5650"\w* working \w with|strong="H7971"\w* purple, blue, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* red cloth \w and|strong="H7971"\w* expensive linen. Huram Abi \w can|strong="H0834"\w* design \w and|strong="H7971"\w* build anything \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* work \w with|strong="H7971"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* craftsmen \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w with|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* craftsmen \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* father King \w David|strong="H7971"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 15 “\w Now|strong="H0935"\w*, sir, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w give|strong="H0935"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* wheat, barley, oil, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* wine. \w Give|strong="H0935"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* servants, 
\v 16 \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* cut \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w much|strong="H0834"\w* wood \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w need|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* Lebanon. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* tie \w the|strong="H3605"\w* logs together \w and|strong="H3478"\w* float \w them|strong="H0310"\w* \w by|strong="H3478"\w* sea \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* town \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Joppa. \w Then|strong="H0310"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* carry \w the|strong="H3605"\w* wood \w to|strong="H3478"\w* Jerusalem.” 
\b
\p
\v 17 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* Solomon counted \w all|strong="H0505"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* foreigners living \w in|strong="H0505"\w* \w Israel|strong="H5971"\w*. (\w This|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H2022"\w* \w after|strong="H1992"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* time \w when|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H5647"\w* father David counted \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.) \w They|strong="H1992"\w* found 153,600 strangers \w in|strong="H0505"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w*. 
\v 18 Solomon chose 70,000 men to carry the stones, 80,000 men to cut the stone in the mountains, and 3600 men to supervise the workers. 
\c 3  
\s1 Solomon Builds the Temple 
\p
\v 1 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w on|strong="H7200"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Moriah|strong="H4179"\w*, \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w This|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w It|strong="H7200"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w threshing|strong="H1637"\w* \w floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Araunah\f + \fr 3:1  \fk Araunah \ft In Hebrew, “Ornan.”\f* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jebusite|strong="H2983"\w*.\f + \fr 3:1  \fk Jebusite \ft A person who lived in Jerusalem before the Israelites took the city. “Jebus” was the old name for Jerusalem.\f* 
\v 2 Solomon \w started|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H8141"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* on \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w day|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H1129"\w* \w fourth|strong="H0702"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H8141"\w* king \w of|strong="H8141"\w* Israel. 
\p
\v 3 \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are|strong="H0428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* measurements \w he|strong="H0430"\w* used \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w foundation|strong="H3245"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, using \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w old|strong="H7223"\w* \w cubit|strong="H0520"\w*.\f + \fr 3:3  \fk the old cubit \ft This was the Egyptian cubit, measuring about 20 3/8” (51.83 cm).\f* \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w foundation|strong="H3245"\w* \w was|strong="H0430"\w* 60 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 3:3  \fk 60 cubits \ft 102' 3/8” (31.1 m).\f* \w long|strong="H0753"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 3:3  \fk 20 cubits \ft 34' 1/8” (10.37 m). Also in verses 4, 8, 11, 13.\f* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*. 
\v 4 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* \w high|strong="H1363"\w*.\f + \fr 3:4  \fk 20 cubits high \ft 34' 1/8” (10.37 m). Some of the Hebrew texts have “120 cubits high.”\f* \w He|strong="H0834"\w* covered \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w pure|strong="H2889"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. 
\v 5 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w put|strong="H5927"\w* panels \w made|strong="H5927"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w cypress|strong="H1265"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* walls \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w larger|strong="H1419"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w put|strong="H5927"\w* \w pure|strong="H2896"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w cypress|strong="H1265"\w* panels \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w then|strong="H0853"\w* \w put|strong="H5927"\w* pictures \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w palm|strong="H8561"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w chains|strong="H8333"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. 
\v 6 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* put \w valuable|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w beauty|strong="H8597"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* used \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w from|strong="H2091"\w* \w Parvaim|strong="H6516"\w*.\f + \fr 3:6  \fk Parvaim \ft This was a place where there was much gold. It was probably in the country of Ophir.\f* 
\v 7 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w covered|strong="H2645"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* put \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ceiling|strong="H7023"\w* \w beams|strong="H6982"\w*, doorposts, \w walls|strong="H7023"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* carved \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w walls|strong="H7023"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Most|strong="H6944"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H6944"\w*. \w This|strong="H6944"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w as|strong="H1004"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w* \w as|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* put \w pure|strong="H2896"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* walls \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Most|strong="H6944"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H6944"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* weighed \w about|strong="H5921"\w* 22 1/2 tons.\f + \fr 3:8  \fk 22 1/2 tons \ft Literally, “600 talents” (20,700 kg).\f* 
\v 9 \w The|strong="H5944"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w nails|strong="H4548"\w* \w weighed|strong="H4948"\w* 1 1/4 pounds.\f + \fr 3:9  \fk 1 1/4 pounds \ft Literally, “50 shekels” (575 g).\f* He \w covered|strong="H2645"\w* \w the|strong="H5944"\w* \w upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w rooms|strong="H5944"\w* \w with|strong="H2091"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. 
\v 10 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels \w to|strong="H1004"\w* put \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Most|strong="H6944"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H6944"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w workers|strong="H6213"\w* covered \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. 
\v 11 \w Each|strong="H0259"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels \w was|strong="H0259"\w* 5 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 3:11  \fk 5 cubits \ft 8' 6” (2.6 m). Also in verse 15.\f* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*. \w The|strong="H5060"\w* total \w length|strong="H0753"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w was|strong="H0259"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*. \w One|strong="H0259"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w first|strong="H0259"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angel \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w wall|strong="H7023"\w* \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w side|strong="H7023"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H5060"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* second \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angel. 
\v 12 \w And|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* second \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angel \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w wall|strong="H7023"\w* \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w side|strong="H7023"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 13 \w So|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w two|strong="H1004"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels \w together|strong="H5921"\w* \w reached|strong="H5921"\w* \w across|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w*—\w a|strong="H5921"\w* total \w of|strong="H1004"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w facing|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Holy \w Place|strong="H1004"\w*.\f + \fr 3:13  \fk facing the Holy Place \ft Or “facing each other.” The Holy Place is the room in the Temple that was used by the priests to do their daily service to God.\f* 
\p
\v 14 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w curtain|strong="H6532"\w*\f + \fr 3:14  \fk curtain \ft This curtain was a large piece of cloth that hung between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place so that no one could see the LORD’S Box of the Agreement and Cherub angels that were in there.\f* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w blue|strong="H8504"\w*, \w purple|strong="H0713"\w*, \w and|strong="H8504"\w* red materials \w and|strong="H8504"\w* expensive \w linen|strong="H0948"\w*. \w There|strong="H5927"\w* \w were|strong="H3742"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w curtain|strong="H6532"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* put \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* 35 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 3:15  \fk 35 cubits \ft 59' 6 3/16” (18.14 m).\f* tall. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w part|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* 5 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*. 
\v 16 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w chains|strong="H8333"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* necklace \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w tops|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* 100 \w pomegranates|strong="H7416"\w*\f + \fr 3:16  \fk pomegranates \ft Small bells shaped like pomegranates, a red fruit with many tiny seeds covered with a soft, juicy part of the fruit. Also in 4:13.\f* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w chains|strong="H8333"\w*. 
\v 17 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* put \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1964"\w*. \w One|strong="H0259"\w* \w column|strong="H5982"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w column|strong="H5982"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w column|strong="H5982"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* “\w Jakin|strong="H3199"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:17  \fk Jakin \ft In Hebrew, Jakin seems to mean “he establishes.”\f* \w And|strong="H6965"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w column|strong="H5982"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* “\w Boaz|strong="H1162"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:17  \fk Boaz \ft In Hebrew, Boaz seems to mean “in him is strength.”\f* 
\c 4  
\s1 Furniture for the Temple 
\p
\v 1 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H7341"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H4196"\w* \w was|strong="H6967"\w* 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 4:1  \fk 20 cubits \ft 34' 1/8” (10.37 m).\f* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*, 20 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and|strong="H4196"\w* 10 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 4:1  \fk 10 cubits \ft 17' 1/16” (5.18 m).\f* \w tall|strong="H6967"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H5437"\w* large tank\f + \fr 4:2  \fk large tank \ft Literally, “sea.”\f* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* melted bronze. \w It|strong="H5437"\w* \w was|strong="H3220"\w* \w round|strong="H5439"\w* \w and|strong="H3220"\w* \w it|strong="H5437"\w* \w measured|strong="H5437"\w* 10 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* across \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w edge|strong="H8193"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w edge|strong="H8193"\w*. \w It|strong="H5437"\w* \w was|strong="H3220"\w* 5 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 4:2  \fk 5 cubits \ft 8' 6” (2.6 m).\f* \w tall|strong="H6967"\w* \w and|strong="H3220"\w* \w about|strong="H5439"\w* 30 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 4:2  \fk 30 cubits \ft 51' 3/16” (15.55 m).\f* \w around|strong="H5439"\w*. 
\v 3 \w There|strong="H8478"\w* \w were|strong="H1241"\w* \w images|strong="H1823"\w* \w of|strong="H8478"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* lip \w of|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* large bronze tank.\f + \fr 4:3  \fk large bronze tank \ft Literally, “sea.” Also in verses 10, 14.\f* \w They|strong="H8478"\w* \w were|strong="H1241"\w* \w in|strong="H0520"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* that \w went|strong="H5437"\w* 10 \w cubits|strong="H0520"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tank. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w were|strong="H1241"\w* molded \w in|strong="H0520"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w* when \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tank \w was|strong="H3220"\w* shaped. 
\v 4 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w large|strong="H1004"\w* bronze tank \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H4605"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w large|strong="H1004"\w* statues \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*. \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w north|strong="H6828"\w*. \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w west|strong="H3220"\w*. \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w south|strong="H5045"\w*. \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w large|strong="H1004"\w* bronze tank \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H4605"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w rear|strong="H0268"\w* ends \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* center. 
\v 5 \w The|strong="H2388"\w* large bronze tank \w was|strong="H8193"\w* 3 inches\f + \fr 4:5  \fk 3 inches \ft Literally, “1 handbreadth” (7.4 cm).\f* \w thick|strong="H5672"\w*. \w The|strong="H2388"\w* \w edge|strong="H8193"\w* \w of|strong="H4639"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* large tank \w was|strong="H8193"\w* \w like|strong="H7799"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w edge|strong="H8193"\w* \w of|strong="H4639"\w* \w a|strong="H2388"\w* \w cup|strong="H3563"\w*. \w The|strong="H2388"\w* \w edge|strong="H8193"\w* looked \w like|strong="H7799"\w* \w a|strong="H2388"\w* \w lily|strong="H7799"\w* \w blossom|strong="H6525"\w*. \w The|strong="H2388"\w* tank \w could|strong="H8193"\w* \w hold|strong="H2388"\w* about 17,400 \w gallons|strong="H1324"\w*.\f + \fr 4:5  \fk 17,400 gallons \ft Literally, “3000 baths” (66,000 l).\f* 
\p
\v 6 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w* \w on|strong="H3220"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w of|strong="H4639"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* large bronze tank \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w* \w on|strong="H3220"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w*. These \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w* were \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w be|strong="H8040"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w wash|strong="H7364"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w things|strong="H4639"\w* \w offered|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5930"\w*. \w But|strong="H3225"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* large bronze tank \w was|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w be|strong="H8040"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w for|strong="H5414"\w* \w washing|strong="H7364"\w* before \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w offered|strong="H5414"\w* sacrifices. 
\p
\v 7 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w of|strong="H4941"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* followed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w plans|strong="H4941"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H4941"\w* these \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w in|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1964"\w*. There \w were|strong="H4941"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H4941"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w*. 
\v 8 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w tables|strong="H7979"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w put|strong="H3240"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H7979"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1964"\w*. \w Five|strong="H2568"\w* \w tables|strong="H7979"\w* \w were|strong="H1964"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w tables|strong="H7979"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w in|strong="H7979"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1964"\w*. \w And|strong="H3967"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w to|strong="H7979"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* 100 \w basins|strong="H4219"\w*. 
\v 9 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w priests’|strong="H3548"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w*, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w*, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w that|strong="H1419"\w* open \w to|strong="H5178"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w to|strong="H5178"\w* cover these \w doors|strong="H1817"\w*. 
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H5414"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* large bronze tank \w on|strong="H3220"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H3233"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w of|strong="H5045"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple \w on|strong="H3220"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* southeast \w side|strong="H3802"\w*. 
\p
\v 11 \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w pots|strong="H5518"\w*, \w shovels|strong="H3257"\w*, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w basins|strong="H4219"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w on|strong="H4399"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*: 
\b
\li1
\v 12-16 2 columns; 
\li1 2 capitals shaped like bowls for the top of the columns; 
\li1 2 nets to go around the capitals; 
\li1 400 pomegranates for the two nets (two rows of pomegranates for each net to cover the two bowls for the capitals on top of the columns); 
\li1 10 carts with a bowl on each cart; 
\li1 the large tank with 12 bulls under it; 
\li1 the pots, small shovels, small bowls, and all the dishes for the LORD’S Temple. 
\b
\p All the things that Huram made for King Solomon were made of polished bronze. 
\v 17 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon first \w poured|strong="H3332"\w* these things \w in|strong="H4428"\w* clay molds. \w The|strong="H0996"\w* molds \w were|strong="H3383"\w* made \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0996"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w Valley|strong="H3603"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the|strong="H0996"\w* towns \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Zeredah|strong="H6868"\w*. 
\v 18 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H3627"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* tried \w to|strong="H5178"\w* \w weigh|strong="H2713"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\p
\v 19 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* dishes \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w golden|strong="H2091"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tables|strong="H7979"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* put \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Presence|strong="H6440"\w*. 
\v 20 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* made \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w* \w and|strong="H4941"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. These \w were|strong="H4941"\w* put \w inside|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Holy \w Place|strong="H4941"\w* \w in|strong="H6440"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Most Holy \w Place|strong="H4941"\w*. 
\v 21 \w He|strong="H1931"\w* used pure \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w to|strong="H2091"\w* make \w the|strong="H1931"\w* \w flowers|strong="H6525"\w*, \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w*, \w and|strong="H2091"\w* \w tongs|strong="H4457"\w*.\f + \fr 4:21  \fk tongs \ft A tool used to hold hot coals.\f* 
\v 22 \w He|strong="H1004"\w* used \w pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* make \w the|strong="H5462"\w* lamp \w snuffers|strong="H4212"\w*, \w bowls|strong="H4219"\w*, \w pans|strong="H3709"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w censers|strong="H4289"\w*.\f + \fr 4:22  \fk censers \ft Bowls used to carry fire.\f* \w He|strong="H1004"\w* used \w pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* make \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w Most|strong="H6944"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H6944"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* main \w hall|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\c 5  
\p
\v 1 \w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* completed \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w set|strong="H5414"\w* aside \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w furniture|strong="H3627"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* storage \w rooms|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\s1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* Box \w Carried|strong="H0935"\w* \w Into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* 
\p
\v 2 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* commanded \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H4294"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w families|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* meet \w together|strong="H6950"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* did \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w so|strong="H5927"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* could \w bring|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Box \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w*, \w Zion|strong="H6726"\w*. 
\v 3 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* met \w together|strong="H6950"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon \w during|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* special \w festival|strong="H2282"\w*\f + \fr 5:3  \fk the special festival \ft That is, the Festival of Shelters. See “Festival of Shelters” in the Word List.\f* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w year|strong="H7637"\w*. 
\p
\v 4 \w When|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H2205"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*\f + \fr 5:4  \fk Levites \ft Or “priests from the tribe of Levi.”\f* \w lifted|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Box \w of|strong="H2205"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Agreement 
\v 5 \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w it|strong="H0834"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H4150"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*\f + \fr 5:5  \fk the priests and the Levites \ft Or “The priests from the tribe of Levi.”\f* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Meeting|strong="H4150"\w* \w Tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3881"\w* \w it|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H4150"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple \w in|strong="H3881"\w* Jerusalem. 
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* met \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Box \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Agreement \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w offer|strong="H2076"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w*. \w There|strong="H7230"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* could \w count|strong="H5608"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w carried|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Box \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* prepared \w for|strong="H8478"\w* \w it|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Most|strong="H6944"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H4725"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Box \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels. 
\v 8 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w Cherub|strong="H3742"\w* angels stood \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Box \w of|strong="H0727"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Agreement \w and|strong="H4725"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w poles|strong="H0905"\w* \w that|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* carry \w it|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 9 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w poles|strong="H0905"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w still|strong="H5704"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w too|strong="H4480"\w* \w long|strong="H5704"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Most|strong="H4480"\w* Holy \w Place|strong="H1961"\w*, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w ends|strong="H7218"\w* \w could|strong="H2088"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w anyone|strong="H7200"\w* standing \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Holy \w Place|strong="H1961"\w*, \w although|strong="H3808"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w could|strong="H2088"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 10 \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w only|strong="H7535"\w* \w things|strong="H8147"\w* \w inside|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Holy Box \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w tablets|strong="H3871"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* Matthew \w Horeb|strong="H2722"\w*. \w This|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* agreement \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w after|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. 
\p
\v 11 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w did|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ceremony \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w make|strong="H3588"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w*, \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H6944"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* stood together, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w in|strong="H4672"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* special groups. 
\v 12 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w side|strong="H4217"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w singing|strong="H7891"\w* \w groups|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*, \w Heman|strong="H1968"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w dressed|strong="H3847"\w* \w in|strong="H3847"\w* \w white|strong="H0948"\w* \w linen|strong="H0948"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H1121"\w* \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w*, \w lyres|strong="H3658"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w harps|strong="H3658"\w*. \w There|strong="H5975"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 120 \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* 120 \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*. 
\v 13 \w Those|strong="H3588"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w those|strong="H3588"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w sang|strong="H7891"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* person. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* thanked \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w loud|strong="H7311"\w* \w noise|strong="H6963"\w* \w with|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*, \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w music|strong="H7892"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w singing|strong="H7891"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*. 
\q2 \w His|strong="H3068"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w last|strong="H5769"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*.” 
\b
\p \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w with|strong="H4390"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w*. 
\v 14 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w continue|strong="H5975"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Glory|strong="H3519"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\c 6  
\p
\v 1 \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* chose \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w live|strong="H7931"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w dark|strong="H6205"\w* \w cloud|strong="H6205"\w*. 
\v 2 \w But|strong="H0589"\w*, Lord, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have|strong="H0589"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H1129"\w* beautiful \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*.” 
\s1 Solomon’s Speech 
\p
\v 3 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H5975"\w* \w turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w gathered|strong="H5437"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\v 4 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\b
\pi1 “\w Praise|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H3027"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\v 5 ‘\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w ago|strong="H3117"\w*. \w And|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w place|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w lead|strong="H3318"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 6 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w now|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H3478"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w place|strong="H1961"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w I|strong="H3478"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* lead \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’ 
\pi1
\v 7 “\w My|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w wanted|strong="H3824"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 8 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*, ‘\w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w good|strong="H2895"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*, 
\v 9 \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Your|strong="H3588"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w my|strong="H3318"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*.’ 
\v 10 \w Now|strong="H1696"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* done \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* do. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* new \w king|strong="H3678"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w Now|strong="H1696"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w king|strong="H3678"\w*. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 11 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Box \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* box.” 
\s1 Solomon’s Prayer 
\p
\v 12-13 Solomon had made a bronze platform and placed it in the middle of the outer courtyard. The platform was 5 cubits\f + \fr 6:12-13  \fk 5 cubits \ft 8' 6” (2.6 m).\f* long, 5 cubits wide, and 3 cubits\f + \fr 6:12-13  \fk 3 cubits \ft 5' 1 3/16” (1.55 m).\f* tall. Solomon stood on the platform and faced the LORD’S altar. In front of all the Israelites who were gathered together, Solomon kneeled, spread his hands out toward heaven, 
\v 14 \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\b
\pi1 “\w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w or|strong="H0369"\w* \w on|strong="H1980"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w*. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w*. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* kind \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w follow|strong="H1980"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3820"\w*. 
\v 15 \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w promise|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w promise|strong="H1696"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w promise|strong="H1696"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* own \w mouth|strong="H6310"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* own \w hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w it|strong="H1696"\w* \w come|strong="H4390"\w* true \w today|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\v 16 \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H0376"\w* promises \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w carefully|strong="H8104"\w* \w obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w*, \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w always|strong="H7535"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w someone|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w family|strong="H0001"\w* \w ruling|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’ 
\v 17 \w Again|strong="H1696"\w*, \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* ask \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* keep \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 18 “\w But|strong="H3588"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w really|strong="H2088"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w here|strong="H2009"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w*? \w The|strong="H0834"\w* whole \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w highest|strong="H8064"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w contain|strong="H3557"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w contain|strong="H3557"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w either|strong="H3588"\w*. 
\v 19 \w But|strong="H6437"\w* \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w request|strong="H6440"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* \w praying|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* today. 
\v 20 \w In|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* past \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* honored \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.’ \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w watch|strong="H5869"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w day|strong="H3119"\w*. \w And|strong="H1004"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w turn|strong="H7760"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. 
\v 21 \w And|strong="H3478"\w* \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w our|strong="H4480"\w* prayers \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* future \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* turn \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* know \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* ask \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w our|strong="H4480"\w* prayer \w there|strong="H2088"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 22 “Whoever \w does|strong="H2088"\w* \w wrong|strong="H2398"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w someone|strong="H0376"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w be|strong="H0376"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w they|strong="H0518"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* \w not|strong="H2088"\w* guilty, \w they|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w make|strong="H5375"\w* \w an|strong="H0935"\w* \w oath|strong="H0423"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* promise \w that|strong="H2088"\w* \w they|strong="H0518"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* innocent. 
\v 23 \w Please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. If \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w are|strong="H7563"\w* \w guilty|strong="H7563"\w*, \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w show|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w are|strong="H7563"\w* \w guilty|strong="H7563"\w*. \w And|strong="H7725"\w* if \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w are|strong="H7563"\w* \w innocent|strong="H6663"\w*, \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w show|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w are|strong="H7563"\w* \w not|strong="H1870"\w* \w guilty|strong="H7563"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 24 “Sometimes \w your|strong="H7725"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* defeat \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w praise|strong="H3034"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 25 \w In|strong="H0413"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* prayers \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 26 “Sometimes \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w stop|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* falling \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H4725"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w praise|strong="H3034"\w* \w your|strong="H7725"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w make|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w suffer|strong="H1961"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* sorry \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \w sins|strong="H2398"\w*. 
\v 27 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* prayer. \w Then|strong="H0859"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w sins|strong="H2403"\w*. \w Teach|strong="H3384"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w live|strong="H1870"\w* \w right|strong="H2896"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0859"\w*, \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w send|strong="H5414"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 28 “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* might \w become|strong="H1961"\w* very dry \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w no|strong="H3605"\w* food \w will|strong="H1961"\w* grow \w on|strong="H0776"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*. \w Or|strong="H5061"\w* maybe \w a|strong="H1961"\w* great \w sickness|strong="H4245"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* spread \w among|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w*. Maybe \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* food \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H0776"\w* growing \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* destroyed \w by|strong="H1961"\w* insects. \w Or|strong="H5061"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w* might \w be|strong="H1961"\w* attacked \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H8179"\w* \w by|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*. \w Or|strong="H5061"\w* many \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w* might get sick. 
\v 29 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w happen|strong="H1961"\w*, \w people|strong="H5971"\w* feel \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w need|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 30 \w Please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* prayer \w while|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* home \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* help \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w Only|strong="H0905"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* really thinking, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w only|strong="H0905"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* judge \w them|strong="H5414"\w* fairly. 
\v 31 \w Do|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w so|strong="H4616"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w fear|strong="H3372"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w respect|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w live|strong="H2416"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 32 “\w People|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w other|strong="H2088"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* hear \w about|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w greatness|strong="H1419"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w far|strong="H7350"\w* \w away|strong="H5186"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 33 \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* prayers. \w Please|strong="H8085"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w other|strong="H2088"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w* ask \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w fear|strong="H3372"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w respect|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w same|strong="H2088"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w everywhere|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 34 “Sometimes \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w command|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* turn \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. 
\v 35 \w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* home \w in|strong="H8085"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w and|strong="H8064"\w* help \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 36 “\w Your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* know \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w everyone|strong="H0120"\w* \w sins|strong="H2398"\w*. \w And|strong="H0776"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w angry|strong="H0599"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Their|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* prisoners \w and|strong="H0776"\w* carry \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* some faraway \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\v 37 \w In|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* faraway \w land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w think|strong="H3824"\w* \w about|strong="H0413"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w happened|strong="H2398"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w be|strong="H0776"\w* sorry \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w sins|strong="H2398"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* pray \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w done|strong="H2398"\w* \w wrong|strong="H2398"\w*.’ 
\v 38 \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w be|strong="H8034"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* faraway \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* enemies, \w but|strong="H1870"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* feel sorry \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* sins \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3820"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w soul|strong="H5315"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* look \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w chose|strong="H0977"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. 
\v 39 \w Please|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* home \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*. \w Accept|strong="H8085"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* beg \w for|strong="H4941"\w* \w help|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w help|strong="H5971"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w Forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. 
\v 40 \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w I|strong="H6258"\w* ask \w you|strong="H6258"\w*, \w open|strong="H6605"\w* \w your|strong="H4994"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H4994"\w* \w ears|strong="H0241"\w*. \w Listen|strong="H0241"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w pay|strong="H0241"\w* \w attention|strong="H0241"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w we|strong="H6258"\w* \w are|strong="H5869"\w* praying \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. 
\b
\q1
\v 41 “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w come|strong="H6965"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* special place, 
\q2 \w the|strong="H3068"\w* Box \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* Agreement \w that|strong="H3068"\w* shows \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w strength|strong="H5797"\w*. 
\q1 \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w may|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w dressed|strong="H3847"\w* \w with|strong="H3847"\w* \w salvation|strong="H8668"\w*, 
\q2 \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w may|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w true|strong="H3068"\w* \w followers|strong="H2623"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* about these \w good|strong="H2896"\w* things. 
\q1
\v 42 \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, accept \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w anointed|strong="H4899"\w* king. 
\q2 \w Remember|strong="H2142"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.” 
\b
\c  7  
\s1 The Temple Dedicated to the Lord 
\p
\v 1 \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w praying|strong="H6419"\w*, \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w came|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* burned \w up|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offering|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Glory|strong="H3519"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 2 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Glory|strong="H3519"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*. 
\v 3 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w come|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* heaven \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Glory|strong="H3519"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w pavement|strong="H7531"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w faces|strong="H0639"\w* \w low|strong="H3766"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* thanked \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, singing, 
\b
\q1 “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*. 
\q2 \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w last|strong="H5769"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*.” 
\b
\p
\v 4 \w Then|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 5 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* 22,000 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 120,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*. \w So|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* showed \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H2596"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0430"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\v 6 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* ready \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* work. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* use \w to|strong="H5921"\w* play \w music|strong="H7892"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* use \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w sang|strong="H7892"\w*, “\w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w last|strong="H5769"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*.” \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2690"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w across|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 King \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H6942"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w part|strong="H8432"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* offered \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, grain \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* animals \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* fellowship \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w too|strong="H3808"\w* small \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w hold|strong="H3557"\w* \w all|strong="H3201"\w* \w these|strong="H0834"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple, King \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w festival|strong="H2282"\w*.\f + \fr 7:8  \fk festival \ft This was probably Passover.\f* \w People|strong="H1931"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w away|strong="H5973"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w Hamath|strong="H2574"\w* \w Pass|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* north \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w border|strong="H0935"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* south. \w This|strong="H1931"\w* huge \w crowd|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* enjoyed themselves \w for|strong="H4714"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\v 9 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w eighth|strong="H8066"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* holy meeting \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* holy \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w be|strong="H3117"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* only \w for|strong="H3588"\w* worshiping \w the|strong="H3588"\w* Lord. \w And|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\v 10 \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 23rd \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w told|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w home|strong="H0168"\w*. \w All|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* thanked \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w*, said goodbye, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* went \w home|strong="H0168"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w happy|strong="H8056"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H7969"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* servant \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\s1 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* \w Comes|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* 
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* building \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* planned \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* building \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w himself|strong="H3820"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, 
\b
\pi1 “\w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w I|strong="H7200"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w I|strong="H7200"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* myself \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*. 
\v 13 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H0518"\w* \w close|strong="H6113"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w that|strong="H3808"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w is|strong="H0776"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w*, \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w command|strong="H6680"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w locusts|strong="H2284"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* destroy \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* sicknesses \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* 
\v 14 \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w become|strong="H7495"\w* \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w look|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w ways|strong="H1870"\w*, \w then|strong="H0853"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w heal|strong="H7495"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w are|strong="H5869"\w* \w open|strong="H6605"\w*, \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w ears|strong="H0241"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w pay|strong="H0241"\w* \w attention|strong="H0241"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* prayed \w in|strong="H4725"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. 
\v 16 \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w chosen|strong="H0977"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w it|strong="H8033"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w place|strong="H1961"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* honored \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*. \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w watch|strong="H5869"\w* \w over|strong="H0853"\w* \w it|strong="H8033"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w think|strong="H3820"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w it|strong="H8033"\w* \w always|strong="H5769"\w*. 
\v 17 \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w must|strong="H0518"\w* \w serve|strong="H1980"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w a|strong="H0518"\w* pure \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w honest|strong="H4941"\w* heart, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w must|strong="H0518"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w laws|strong="H2706"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w laws|strong="H2706"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w rules|strong="H2706"\w*, 
\v 18 \w then|strong="H6965"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w make|strong="H3772"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H3772"\w* strong \w king|strong="H3678"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* great. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* agreement \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* always \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4910"\w* \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* descendants. 
\pi1
\v 19 “\w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* don’t \w obey|strong="H1980"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* laws \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, 
\v 20 \w then|strong="H2088"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w take|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H2088"\w* \w out|strong="H6440"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w And|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* leave \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* something \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* speak evil \w about|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 21 \w Everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* sees \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* amazed. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w ask|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* terrible \w thing|strong="H2088"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*?’ 
\v 22 \w People|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w This|strong="H2063"\w* \w happened|strong="H0935"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w but|strong="H2388"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w decided|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w follow|strong="H3068"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w began|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w why|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w caused|strong="H0430"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H2063"\w* \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* happen \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.’” 
\c 8  
\s1 The Cities Solomon Built 
\p
\v 1 \w It|strong="H1961"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* King \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* king’s \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* Hiram \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w then|strong="H0853"\w* moved \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w into|strong="H5414"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\v 3 \w After|strong="H5921"\w* this \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* went \w to|strong="H5921"\w* Hamath \w of|strong="H5921"\w* Zobah \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w captured|strong="H2388"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 4 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Tadmor|strong="H8412"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w Hamath|strong="H2574"\w* \w to|strong="H0834"\w* \w store|strong="H4543"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w*. 
\v 5 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w Upper|strong="H5945"\w* Beth Horon \w and|strong="H0853"\w* \w Lower|strong="H8481"\w* Beth Horon. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w made|strong="H1129"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* into strong forts \w with|strong="H1280"\w* strong \w walls|strong="H2346"\w*, \w gates|strong="H1817"\w*, \w and|strong="H0853"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gates|strong="H1817"\w*. 
\v 6 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Baalath|strong="H1191"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* stored \w things|strong="H3605"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* kept \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* horse \w riders|strong="H7393"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w wanted|strong="H2836"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w country|strong="H0776"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* king. 
\p
\v 7-8 There were many people left in the land who were not Israelites. There were Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The Israelites had not been able to destroy them, but Solomon forced them to work for him as slaves. They are still slaves today. 
\v 9 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w any|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w*, government \w officials|strong="H8269"\w*, \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*, \w captains|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* drivers. 
\v 10 \w There|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* 250 supervisors \w over|strong="H8269"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* projects. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w supervised|strong="H7287"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\p
\v 11 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w Pharaoh’s|strong="H6547"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w My|strong="H3068"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* Box \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Temple \w porch|strong="H0197"\w*. 
\v 13 Solomon \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* sacrifices \w every|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w*. Sacrifices \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w be|strong="H1697"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*, \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w New|strong="H2320"\w* \w Moon|strong="H2320"\w* \w celebrations|strong="H6471"\w*, \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w at|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w yearly|strong="H3117"\w* \w festivals|strong="H4150"\w*. \w The|strong="H3117"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w yearly|strong="H3117"\w* \w festivals|strong="H4150"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w*, \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* Harvest, \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Shelters|strong="H5521"\w*. 
\v 14 \w Solomon|strong="H5975"\w* followed \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w instructions|strong="H1697"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* chose \w the|strong="H0853"\w* groups \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w duties|strong="H4931"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* lead \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* help \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* do \w what|strong="H1697"\w* needed \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H0376"\w* done \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple \w service|strong="H5656"\w*. \w And|strong="H0430"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* chose \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* groups \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w is|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w instructed|strong="H1697"\w*. 
\v 15 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* change \w or|strong="H3808"\w* disobey \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon’s \w instructions|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* change \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w instructions|strong="H1697"\w*, \w even|strong="H3808"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w should|strong="H3548"\w* \w keep|strong="H4687"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H1697"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="H5704"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w completed|strong="H3615"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Work|strong="H4399"\w* began \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* laid \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w foundation|strong="H4143"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* continued without stopping \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*. 
\p
\v 17 \w King|strong="H5921"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H8010"\w* built ships \w at|strong="H0413"\w* Ezion Geber. This town \w is|strong="H0776"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w Elath|strong="H0359"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w shore|strong="H8193"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Red \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w*. 
\v 18 Hiram \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. Hiram’s \w own|strong="H5973"\w* \w men|strong="H5650"\w* sailed \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w ships|strong="H0591"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H5650"\w* skilled \w at|strong="H0413"\w* sailing \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w sea|strong="H3220"\w*. \w His|strong="H3947"\w* \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ophir|strong="H0211"\w*\f + \fr 8:18  \fk Ophir \ft A place where there was much gold. Today no one knows where Ophir really was. Also in 9:10.\f* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* 17 tons\f + \fr 8:18  \fk 17 tons \ft Literally, “450 talents” (15,525 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. 
\c 9  
\s1 The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon 
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w test|strong="H5254"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w hard|strong="H3515"\w* \w questions|strong="H2420"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* group \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w valuable|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w traveled|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* group \w of|strong="H3605"\w* servants. \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w carrying|strong="H5375"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, jewels, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* lot \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w met|strong="H5375"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w asked|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w questions|strong="H2420"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* \w could|strong="H5375"\w* \w think|strong="H3824"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w answered|strong="H5046"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w questions|strong="H1697"\w*. \w None|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w questions|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w too|strong="H3808"\w* hard \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H1697"\w* \w explain|strong="H5046"\w*. 
\v 3 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* very \w wise|strong="H2451"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* beautiful \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*. 
\v 4 \w She|strong="H0834"\w* saw \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w food|strong="H3978"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* king’s \w table|strong="H7979"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* saw \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w officials|strong="H5650"\w* meeting together. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* saw \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* good clothes \w they|strong="H0834"\w* wore. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* saw \w his|strong="H3068"\w* parties \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* sacrifices \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* amazed, \w she|strong="H0834"\w* could hardly breathe! 
\p
\v 5 \w Then|strong="H8085"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* stories \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w country|strong="H0776"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* great \w works|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w true|strong="H0571"\w*. 
\v 6 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w believe|strong="H0539"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w own|strong="H5869"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w*. \w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w even|strong="H5704"\w* greater \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w*. \w Your|strong="H5921"\w* \w wealth|strong="H3808"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w much|strong="H1697"\w* greater \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Your|strong="H8085"\w* wives\f + \fr 9:7  \fk wives \ft This is from the ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text has “men.”\f* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w officers|strong="H5650"\w* \w are|strong="H0428"\w* very fortunate! \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w can|strong="H5975"\w* \w serve|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w every|strong="H0376"\w* day. 
\v 8 \w Praise|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*! \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w pleased|strong="H2654"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w loves|strong="H0160"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w follow|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* law \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w treat|strong="H6213"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w fairly|strong="H4941"\w*.” 
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* 4 1/2 tons\f + \fr 9:9  \fk 4 1/2 tons \ft Literally, “120 talents” (4140 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w a|strong="H1961"\w* huge \w amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w more|strong="H3966"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w anyone|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* ever \w brought|strong="H5414"\w* \w into|strong="H1961"\w* Israel. 
\p
\v 10 \w Hiram’s|strong="H2438"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Ophir|strong="H0211"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* jewels \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* special kind \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w*.\f + \fr 9:10  \fk special … wood \ft Literally, “algum” or “Almug,” as in 1 Kings. No one knows exactly what type of wood this was, but it might have been sandalwood.\f* 
\v 11 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H3068"\w* special \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w steps|strong="H4546"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. Solomon \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w algum|strong="H0418"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w lyres|strong="H3658"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w harps|strong="H3658"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3808"\w* ever \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w such|strong="H3808"\w* beautiful \w things|strong="H1992"\w* \w like|strong="H0776"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w algum|strong="H0418"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w country|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\p
\v 12 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* more \w than|strong="H4428"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w left|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* own \w country|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\s1 \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* Great Wealth 
\p
\v 13 \w Every|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* got almost 25 tons\f + \fr 9:13  \fk 25 tons \ft Literally, “666 talents” (22,977 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. 
\v 14 \w In|strong="H0935"\w* addition \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w by|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* traveling \w merchants|strong="H5503"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w traders|strong="H5503"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Arabia|strong="H6152"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w governors|strong="H6346"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w also|strong="H8010"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* 200 large \w shields|strong="H6793"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* hammered \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* 15 pounds\f + \fr 9:15  \fk about 15 pounds \ft Literally, “600 \+add shekels\+add*” (6.9 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H0259"\w* \w shield|strong="H6793"\w*. 
\v 16 \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* 300 smaller \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* hammered \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w used|strong="H5414"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* 7 1/2 pounds\f + \fr 9:16  \fk about 7 1/2 pounds \ft Literally, “300 \+add shekels\+add*” (3.45 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H0259"\w* \w shield|strong="H4043"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Forest-of-Lebanon \w House|strong="H1004"\w*.\f + \fr 9:16  \fk Forest-of-Lebanon House \ft The largest of king Solomon’s palace buildings. See 1 Kings 7:2-5.\f* 
\p
\v 17 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H4428"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w with|strong="H6823"\w* \w ivory|strong="H8127"\w* decorations. \w It|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* covered \w with|strong="H6823"\w* \w pure|strong="H2889"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. 
\v 18 \w There|strong="H2088"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w* leading \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* back \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w was|strong="H4725"\w* round \w at|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H5921"\w*. \w There|strong="H2088"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* armrests \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w both|strong="H8147"\w* \w sides|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w there|strong="H2088"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w lions|strong="H0738"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sides|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w under|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* armrests. 
\v 19 \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H0738"\w* \w also|strong="H2088"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w lions|strong="H0738"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w*, \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* end. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w was|strong="H4467"\w* \w nothing|strong="H3808"\w* \w like|strong="H3651"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H2088"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w cups|strong="H4945"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* glasses \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w And|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* dishes\f + \fr 9:20  \fk dishes \ft The Hebrew word can mean “dishes,” “tools,” or “weapons.”\f* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* building called \w the|strong="H3605"\w* “\w Forest|strong="H3293"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*” \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H3117"\w* \w pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w Nothing|strong="H0369"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H3117"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w There|strong="H0369"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w so|strong="H0369"\w* \w much|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* people \w did|strong="H3117"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w think|strong="H2803"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* important! 
\p
\v 21 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* cargo \w ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Tarshish|strong="H8659"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* trade \w things|strong="H7969"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* countries. Hiram’s \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w were|strong="H5650"\w* \w on|strong="H1980"\w* these \w ships|strong="H0591"\w*. \w Every|strong="H0259"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w would|strong="H4428"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* new \w load|strong="H5375"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w ivory|strong="H8143"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w apes|strong="H6971"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* baboons. 
\p
\v 22 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w became|strong="H1431"\w* \w greater|strong="H1431"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w riches|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w than|strong="H4428"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w on|strong="H0776"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\v 23 \w People|strong="H0834"\w* \w everywhere|strong="H3605"\w* \w wanted|strong="H1245"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w see|strong="H0834"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w wanted|strong="H1245"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w great|strong="H0430"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 24 \w Every|strong="H0376"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w see|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* king, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w gift|strong="H4503"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w made|strong="H3627"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w clothes|strong="H8008"\w*, \w weapons|strong="H3627"\w*, \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w horses|strong="H5483"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w mules|strong="H6505"\w*. 
\p
\v 25 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 4000 \w stalls|strong="H0723"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* keep \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w He|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 12,000 \w horse|strong="H5483"\w* soldiers. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* built special \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w for|strong="H4428"\w* these \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* kept \w in|strong="H4428"\w* these \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H8010"\w* kept some \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 26 Solomon \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H4910"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Euphrates|strong="H5104"\w* \w River|strong="H5104"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w border|strong="H1366"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. 
\v 27 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Solomon \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* common \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w rocks|strong="H0068"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w And|strong="H4428"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w cedar|strong="H0730"\w* wood \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* common \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w sycamore|strong="H8256"\w* \w trees|strong="H8256"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* hill country. 
\v 28 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w to|strong="H4714"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w countries|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\s1 \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* Death 
\p
\v 29 Everything \w else|strong="H3808"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w*, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w end|strong="H0314"\w*, \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* writings \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \bk \+w The|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Prophecy|strong="H5016"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\+w*\bk* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* Shiloh, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \bk \+w The|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Visions|strong="H2378"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Iddo|strong="H3260"\+w* \+w the|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Seer|strong="H2374"\+w*\bk*. \w Iddo|strong="H3260"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w seer|strong="H2374"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*. 
\v 30 \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* 40 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 31 \w Then|strong="H1732"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* died\f + \fr 9:31  \fk died \ft Literally, “slept with his ancestors.”\f* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1732"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* next \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. 
\c 10  
\s1 Rehoboam Acts Foolishly 
\p
\v 1-3 Jeroboam son of Nebat was still in Egypt where he had run away from Solomon. When he heard about Solomon’s death, he returned to his city, Zeredah, in the hills of Ephraim. 
\p Rehoboam and all the Israelites went to Shechem to make Rehoboam the king. The people said to Rehoboam, 
\v 4 “\w Your|strong="H5414"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* forced \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w work|strong="H5656"\w* \w very|strong="H6258"\w* \w hard|strong="H7186"\w*. \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w easier|strong="H7043"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*. Stop \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w heavy|strong="H3515"\w* \w work|strong="H5656"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* forced \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H5647"\w* \w and|strong="H0001"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.” 
\p
\v 5 Rehoboam \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H5750"\w* \w answer|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w*.” \w So|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w left|strong="H7725"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w some|strong="H5971"\w* \w older|strong="H2205"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* helped \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w make|strong="H7725"\w* decisions \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w should|strong="H0001"\w* \w do|strong="H2088"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w How|strong="H0349"\w* \w do|strong="H2088"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w think|strong="H0559"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w should|strong="H0001"\w* \w answer|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*?” 
\p
\v 7 \w They|strong="H0518"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w do|strong="H0518"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w please|strong="H7521"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w kindly|strong="H2896"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w they|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w always|strong="H3117"\w* \w work|strong="H1697"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w*.” 
\p
\v 8 \w But|strong="H5800"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H1431"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* not listen \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w older|strong="H2205"\w* \w men|strong="H2205"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* asked \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H3206"\w* \w men|strong="H2205"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* friends. 
\v 9 Rehoboam \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w easier|strong="H7043"\w* \w work|strong="H1697"\w* \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*.’ \w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w think|strong="H0559"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w answer|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*? \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*?” 
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H3206"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w grew|strong="H1431"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Those|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H0001"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Your|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* forced \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* work very hard. \w Now|strong="H3541"\w* \w make|strong="H1431"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* work \w easier|strong="H7043"\w*.’ \w So|strong="H3541"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w should|strong="H0001"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, ‘\w My|strong="H5921"\w* \w little|strong="H6995"\w* \w finger|strong="H6995"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* stronger \w than|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* whole \w body|strong="H4975"\w*. 
\v 11 \w My|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* forced \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* work \w hard|strong="H3515"\w*, \w but|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0589"\w* \w make|strong="H3254"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* work \w much|strong="H3515"\w* harder! \w My|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w punished|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w whips|strong="H7752"\w*, \w but|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0589"\w* \w punish|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w whips|strong="H7752"\w* \w that|strong="H0001"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* sharp metal tips.’” 
\p
\v 12 \w Three|strong="H7992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w later|strong="H7992"\w*, \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\v 13 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* did not listen \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w from|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w older|strong="H2205"\w* \w men|strong="H2205"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* rude \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w*. 
\v 14 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w did|strong="H3254"\w* \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* friends \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H3254"\w* \w and|strong="H0001"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w My|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* forced \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* work hard, \w but|strong="H1696"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0589"\w* \w make|strong="H3254"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* work \w much|strong="H5921"\w* harder! \w My|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w punished|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w whips|strong="H7752"\w*, \w but|strong="H1696"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0589"\w* \w punish|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w whips|strong="H7752"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* sharp metal tips.” 
\v 15 \w So|strong="H4616"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H3027"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w wanted|strong="H4616"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w happen|strong="H1961"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w order|strong="H4616"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w keep|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nebat|strong="H5028"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w sent|strong="H3027"\w* \w Ahijah|strong="H0281"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophet|strong="H1696"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* Shiloh, \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* part \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w*? 
\q2 \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w get|strong="H7725"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jesse’s|strong="H3448"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w*, \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w*? 
\q1 \w So|strong="H3808"\w*, \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, let’s \w go|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* 
\q2 \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w let|strong="H6258"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w rule|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*!” 
\b
\m \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 17 \w But|strong="H5921"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w still|strong="H3427"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 \w A|strong="H7971"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* named Adoniram \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* directed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* workers. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* Adoniram \w to|strong="H4191"\w* talk \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*, \w but|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* threw \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w until|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w escaped|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 19 \w So|strong="H2088"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H6586"\w* \w against|strong="H6586"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* how \w things|strong="H3478"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w even|strong="H5704"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\c 11  
\p
\v 1 \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6950"\w* \w together|strong="H5973"\w* \w an|strong="H0935"\w* \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* 180,000 \w men|strong="H0970"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w families|strong="H0505"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w take|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*. 
\v 2 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* named \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\v 3 “Talk \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. 
\v 4 \w Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* war \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*. \w Everyone|strong="H0376"\w*, \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*! \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w happen|strong="H1961"\w*.’” \w So|strong="H3541"\w* \w all|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* Rehoboam’s \w army|strong="H5927"\w* \w obeyed|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*. 
\s1 Rehoboam Strengthens Judah 
\p
\v 5 \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* strong \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* defend \w against|strong="H3389"\w* attacks. 
\v 6 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* repaired \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities \w of|strong="H1129"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*, \w Etam|strong="H5862"\w*, \w Tekoa|strong="H8620"\w*, 
\v 7 Beth Zur, \w Soco|strong="H7755"\w*, \w Adullam|strong="H5725"\w*, 
\v 8 \w Gath|strong="H1661"\w*, \w Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w*, \w Ziph|strong="H2128"\w*, 
\v 9 \w Adoraim|strong="H0115"\w*, \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w*, \w Azekah|strong="H5825"\w*, 
\v 10 \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w*, \w Aijalon|strong="H0357"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. \w These|strong="H0834"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H0834"\w* strong. 
\v 11 When Rehoboam \w made|strong="H5414"\w* these cities \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*, \w he|strong="H5414"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* commanders \w in|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w supplies|strong="H5414"\w* \w of|strong="H0214"\w* \w food|strong="H3978"\w*, \w oil|strong="H8081"\w*, \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w in|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Also|strong="H1144"\w*, \w he|strong="H3063"\w* \w put|strong="H2388"\w* \w shields|strong="H6793"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w spears|strong="H7420"\w* \w in|strong="H1961"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*. \w He|strong="H3063"\w* kept \w the|strong="H3605"\w* peoples \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* under \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w control|strong="H2388"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* agreed \w with|strong="H5921"\w* Rehoboam \w and|strong="H3478"\w* joined \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 14 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* grasslands \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H0272"\w* fields \w and|strong="H1121"\w* came \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* did \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* refused \w to|strong="H3068"\w* let \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w serve|strong="H3547"\w* \w as|strong="H3547"\w* \w priests|strong="H3547"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w Jeroboam|strong="H5975"\w* \w chose|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* own \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H5975"\w* \w serve|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w set|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w goat|strong="H8163"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w calf|strong="H5695"\w* idols \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\v 16 \w When|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Levites \w left|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w fathers|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\v 17 These \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w supported|strong="H0553"\w* \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H1980"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* during \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H8141"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* lived \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* lived. 
\s1 \w Rehoboam’s|strong="H7346"\w* Family 
\p
\v 18 \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Mahalath|strong="H4258"\w*. \w Her|strong="H3947"\w* father \w was|strong="H1732"\w* Jerimoth. \w Her|strong="H3947"\w* mother \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w Abihail|strong="H0032"\w*. Jerimoth \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Abihail|strong="H0032"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w Eliab’s|strong="H0446"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Eliab|strong="H0446"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w Jesse’s|strong="H3448"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 19 Mahalath \w gave|strong="H3205"\w* Rehoboam these \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*: \w Jeush|strong="H3266"\w*, \w Shemariah|strong="H8114"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zaham|strong="H2093"\w*. 
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* Rehoboam \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w*. \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w was|strong="H3205"\w* \w Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* \w granddaughter|strong="H1323"\w*.\f + \fr 11:20  \fk granddaughter \ft Literally, “daughter.”\f* \w And|strong="H1323"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w gave|strong="H3205"\w* Rehoboam \w these|strong="H3947"\w* \w children|strong="H3205"\w*: \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w*, \w Attai|strong="H6262"\w*, \w Ziza|strong="H2124"\w*, \w and|strong="H1323"\w* \w Shelomith|strong="H8019"\w*. 
\v 21 \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w loved|strong="H0157"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w more|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w loved|strong="H0157"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* slave \w women|strong="H0802"\w*. \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w had|strong="H3205"\w* 18 \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 60 slave \w women|strong="H0802"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* 28 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 60 \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* chose \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w among|strong="H0251"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* own \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* did \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* planned \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w make|strong="H3588"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. 
\v 23 Rehoboam \w acted|strong="H0995"\w* \w wisely|strong="H0995"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w spread|strong="H6555"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w through|strong="H6555"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w areas|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* strong \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* Rehoboam \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w plenty|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w supplies|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w also|strong="H1144"\w* \w looked|strong="H0995"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\c 12  
\s1 Shishak King of Egypt  //  Attacks Jerusalem 
\p
\v 1 \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w strong|strong="H2393"\w* king \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3559"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w strong|strong="H2393"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Judah\f + \fr 12:1  \fk Judah \ft Literally, “Israel.”\f* refused \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w obey|strong="H8451"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\p
\v 2 \w During|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* people \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judah \w rebelled|strong="H4603"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 3 Shishak \w had|strong="H0834"\w* 12,000 \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*, 60,000 horse \w riders|strong="H7393"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w an|strong="H0935"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0369"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w count|strong="H4557"\w*. \w In|strong="H0935"\w* Shishak’s large \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* Libyan \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w*, Sukkite \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Ethiopian|strong="H3569"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\v 4 Shishak defeated \w the|strong="H0853"\w* strong \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Shishak \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\p
\v 5 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w together|strong="H0622"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H0622"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* afraid \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w*. \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: ‘\w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* refused \w to|strong="H0413"\w* obey \w my|strong="H3068"\w* law. \w So|strong="H3541"\w* \w now|strong="H0935"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w leave|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* without \w my|strong="H3068"\w* help.’” 
\p
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Rehoboam \w were|strong="H3478"\w* sorry \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H3665"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w right|strong="H6662"\w*.” 
\p
\v 7 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* king \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* leaders \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Judah \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H1992"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* king \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* leaders \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H1992"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* save \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w soon|strong="H4592"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w use|strong="H1961"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w pour|strong="H5413"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w anger|strong="H2534"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 8 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Jerusalem \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* Shishak’s \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w happen|strong="H1961"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w may|strong="H1961"\w* \w learn|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w serving|strong="H5656"\w* \w me|strong="H5650"\w* \w is|strong="H0776"\w* different \w from|strong="H1961"\w* \w serving|strong="H5656"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* kings \w of|strong="H0776"\w* other \w nations|strong="H4467"\w*.” 
\p
\v 9 \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w treasures|strong="H0214"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\v 10 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w more|strong="H5921"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w put|strong="H6485"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w*, \w but|strong="H4428"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w guards|strong="H7323"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w duty|strong="H5921"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w gates|strong="H6607"\w*. 
\v 11 Every \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w guards|strong="H7323"\w* \w took|strong="H5375"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* shields \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* finished, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* shields \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* wall \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w guardroom|strong="H8372"\w*. 
\p
\v 12 Rehoboam \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w stopped|strong="H7725"\w* \w being|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w*. \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w completely|strong="H3617"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* Rehoboam. \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w made|strong="H7760"\w* \w himself|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* 41 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w became|strong="H2388"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah. \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 17 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w chose|strong="H0977"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H2388"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w chose|strong="H0977"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Rehoboam’s|strong="H7346"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Naamah|strong="H5279"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w an|strong="H7760"\w* Ammonite. 
\v 14 Rehoboam \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* decide \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w heart|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* king, \w from|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w end|strong="H0314"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w rule|strong="H1697"\w*, \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* writings \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w in|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* writings \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H5714"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w seer|strong="H2374"\w*. \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* family histories. \w And|strong="H3117"\w* \w there|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H1992"\w* \w wars|strong="H4421"\w* \w between|strong="H4421"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w both|strong="H3605"\w* kings ruled. 
\v 16 \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* rested \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1732"\w* \w Rehoboam’s|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* next \w king|strong="H4427"\w* after \w him|strong="H5973"\w*. 
\c 13  
\s1 Abijah, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. This \w was|strong="H4428"\w* during \w the|strong="H5921"\w* 18th \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w that|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* son \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Nebat \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* Israel. 
\v 2 \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for|strong="H3389"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w His|strong="H1961"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* Maacah. \w She|strong="H0517"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w Uriel|strong="H0222"\w*, \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* town \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w And|strong="H3389"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*. 
\v 3 \w Abijah’s|strong="H0029"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* 400,000 \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w*. \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* led \w that|strong="H4421"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w into|strong="H0376"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*. \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* 800,000 \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w*. \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* got \w ready|strong="H0631"\w* \w to|strong="H0376"\w* \w have|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H0376"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w*. 
\p
\v 4 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Zemaraim|strong="H6787"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w*! 
\v 5 \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* right \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* right \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w salt|strong="H4417"\w*.\f + \fr 13:5  \fk agreement of salt \ft When people ate salt together, it meant their agreement of friendship would never be broken. Abijah was saying here that God had made an agreement with David that would never be broken.\f* 
\v 6 \w But|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* turned \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w*. \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nebat|strong="H5028"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w worthless|strong="H1100"\w*, \w evil|strong="H1100"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* friends \w with|strong="H5921"\w* Jeroboam. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* Jeroboam \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* bad \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w turned|strong="H1961"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*, \w Solomon’s|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* experience. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3808"\w* \w could|strong="H0376"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w stop|strong="H3808"\w* Jeroboam \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* bad friends. 
\p
\v 8 “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w decided|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* defeat \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*—\w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* ruled \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w golden|strong="H2091"\w* \w calves|strong="H5695"\w*—\w the|strong="H0559"\w* ‘gods’ \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. 
\v 9 \w You|strong="H3605"\w* threw \w out|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* threw \w out|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w chose|strong="H6213"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w on|strong="H0776"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w does|strong="H6213"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w now|strong="H1961"\w*, \w anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w young|strong="H1121"\w* \w bull|strong="H6499"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w* \w can|strong="H6213"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w serve|strong="H1961"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* ‘no-gods.’ 
\p
\v 10 “\w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* us, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* obey \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H0430"\w*. \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aaron’s|strong="H0175"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* help \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w*. 
\v 11 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w burn|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w spices|strong="H5561"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w every|strong="H1242"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w every|strong="H1242"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* put \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w rows|strong="H4635"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* special \w table|strong="H7979"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w take|strong="H8104"\w* \w care|strong="H4931"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w golden|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstand|strong="H4501"\w* \w so|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* shines bright \w each|strong="H7979"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w every|strong="H1242"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* very \w carefully|strong="H8104"\w* serve \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w have|strong="H0859"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 12 \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w himself|strong="H3808"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* ruler, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* blow \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* wake \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w make|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* excited \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w coming|strong="H2009"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w succeed|strong="H6743"\w*!” 
\p
\v 13 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* sent \w a|strong="H1961"\w* group \w of|strong="H6440"\w* soldiers \w to|strong="H0935"\w* sneak \w behind|strong="H0310"\w* Abijah’s army. \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* army \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* Abijah’s army. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* hidden soldiers \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* army \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w behind|strong="H0310"\w* Abijah’s army. 
\v 14 \w When|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H4421"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* Abijah’s \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w around|strong="H6440"\w*, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w saw|strong="H2009"\w* Jeroboam’s \w army|strong="H4421"\w* attacking \w both|strong="H4421"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w back|strong="H0268"\w*.\f + \fr 13:14  \fk When the soldiers … in back \ft The standard Hebrew text has “The battle was in front and in the back.”\f* \w The|strong="H6440"\w* men \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w shouted|strong="H6817"\w* \w out|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Abijah’s|strong="H0029"\w* army \w shouted|strong="H7321"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w shouted|strong="H7321"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* army. \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* army \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w Abijah’s|strong="H0029"\w* army \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 16 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H5127"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* army \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* army \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 17 \w Abijah’s|strong="H0029"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* greatly \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* 500,000 \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* best \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w*. 
\v 18 \w So|strong="H3588"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* defeated, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* won. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* army \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* won \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* depended \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\p
\v 19 \w Abijah’s|strong="H0029"\w* army \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w Jeroboam’s|strong="H3379"\w* army, \w and|strong="H1323"\w* \w they|strong="H0310"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*, \w Jeshanah|strong="H3466"\w*, \w and|strong="H1323"\w* \w Ephron|strong="H6085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*. \w They|strong="H0310"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w* \w and|strong="H1323"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* small \w villages|strong="H1323"\w* \w near|strong="H3920"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* became \w strong|strong="H3581"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w* \w while|strong="H5750"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* lived. \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, 
\v 21 \w but|strong="H2388"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w became|strong="H3205"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*. \w He|strong="H0802"\w* \w married|strong="H0802"\w* 14 \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* 22 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 16 \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*. 
\v 22 Everything else \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* did \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H1697"\w* books \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H1697"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H5714"\w*. 
\c 14  
\p
\v 1 \w When|strong="H6213"\w* Abijah died, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w buried|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H0430"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* City \w of|strong="H0430"\w* David. Abijah’s son \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* became \w the|strong="H3068"\w* new king after \w him|strong="H0430"\w*. \w There|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w peace|strong="H3477"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* country \w for|strong="H3068"\w* ten years \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* time. 
\s1 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w*, King \w of|strong="H0430"\w* Judah 
\p
\v 2 Asa did what \w the|strong="H0853"\w* LORD \w his|strong="H5493"\w* God said was good \w and|strong="H4196"\w* right. 
\v 3 \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* away \w the|strong="H0853"\w* altars \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* foreigners \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* high \w places|strong="H0559"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* smashed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* memorial stones \w and|strong="H3068"\w* cut down \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Asherah poles. 
\v 4 \w He|strong="H0853"\w* commanded \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* follow \w the|strong="H3605"\w* LORD, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* God \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w had|strong="H3063"\w* worshiped, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* obey \w his|strong="H3605"\w* laws \w and|strong="H3063"\w* commands. 
\v 5 \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* removed all \w the|strong="H3588"\w* high places \w and|strong="H3068"\w* incense altars \w from|strong="H0776"\w* all \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w So|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* kingdom \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* Asa \w was|strong="H0369"\w* king. 
\v 6 Asa \w built|strong="H1129"\w* strong \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w while|strong="H5750"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w peace|strong="H5117"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* no war \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* years \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w peace|strong="H5117"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* said \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, “Let’s build \w these|strong="H0428"\w* towns \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w make|strong="H5375"\w* walls around \w them|strong="H5375"\w*. Let’s \w make|strong="H5375"\w* \w towers|strong="H5375"\w*, gates, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* bars \w in|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* gates. Let’s \w do|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H0428"\w* \w while|strong="H1961"\w* \w we|strong="H3605"\w* still live \w in|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H0428"\w* country. \w This|strong="H0428"\w* country \w is|strong="H3605"\w* ours \w because|strong="H3605"\w* \w we|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* followed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* LORD \w our|strong="H3605"\w* God. \w He|strong="H1144"\w* \w has|strong="H1961"\w* given us peace \w all|strong="H3605"\w* around us.” \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H0428"\w* built \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* success. 
\p
\v 8 Asa \w had|strong="H0935"\w* \w an|strong="H0935"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H0505"\w* 300,000 men \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0505"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H0935"\w* 280,000 men \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0505"\w* Benjamin. \w The|strong="H0413"\w* men \w from|strong="H0935"\w* Judah \w carried|strong="H0935"\w* large shields \w and|strong="H0935"\w* spears. \w The|strong="H0413"\w* men \w from|strong="H0935"\w* Benjamin \w carried|strong="H0935"\w* small shields \w and|strong="H0935"\w* shot arrows \w from|strong="H0935"\w* bows. \w All|strong="H5704"\w* \w of|strong="H0505"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w were|strong="H2428"\w* \w strong|strong="H2428"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*. 
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* Zerah \w from|strong="H3318"\w* Ethiopia\f + \fr 14:9  \fk Ethiopia \ft Or “Cush.”\f* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w*. \w He|strong="H3318"\w* \w had|strong="H0609"\w* 1,000,000 men \w and|strong="H6440"\w* 300 chariots \w in|strong="H6440"\w* \w his|strong="H6440"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w*. \w His|strong="H6440"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w as|strong="H3318"\w* far \w as|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* town \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w*. 
\v 10 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w against|strong="H5921"\w* Zerah. \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w* got ready \w for|strong="H3588"\w* battle \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Valley \w of|strong="H0430"\w* Zephathah \w at|strong="H0413"\w* Mareshah. 
\p
\v 11 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* called \w out|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* said, “\w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, only \w you|strong="H6440"\w* can help weak people \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w those|strong="H0853"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* strong! Help \w us|strong="H6440"\w*, \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*! We depend \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. We fight \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w this|strong="H3068"\w* large army \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* name. \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*! Don’t let anyone defeat \w you|strong="H6440"\w*!” 
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* used \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* Judah \w to|strong="H5704"\w* defeat \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Ethiopian|strong="H3569"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* ran \w away|strong="H5375"\w*. 
\v 13 Asa’s army chased \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Ethiopian army \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Gerar|strong="H1642"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* Ethiopians \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* could \w not|strong="H1961"\w* get \w together|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* army \w to|strong="H1961"\w* fight \w again|strong="H1961"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* crushed \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* army. Asa \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* army \w carried|strong="H5921"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w away|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* enemy. 
\v 14 Asa \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w all|strong="H7230"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* towns near Gerar. \w The|strong="H5221"\w* people living \w in|strong="H7725"\w* those towns \w were|strong="H1581"\w* afraid \w of|strong="H0168"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* LORD. Those towns \w had|strong="H0168"\w* \w very|strong="H1571"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* valuable things. Asa’s \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w took|strong="H7617"\w* those valuable things \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* those towns. 
\v 15 His army also attacked the camps where the shepherds lived and took many sheep and camels. Then they went back to Jerusalem. 
\c 15  
\s1 Asa’s Changes 
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* Obed’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 2 Azariah \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w meet|strong="H6440"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* look \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*, \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w leave|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*, \w he|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w leave|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w*. 
\v 3 \w For|strong="H3117"\w* \w a|strong="H3808"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w without|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w true|strong="H0571"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w And|strong="H3478"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w without|strong="H3808"\w* \w a|strong="H3808"\w* \w teaching|strong="H8451"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w without|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w*. 
\v 4 \w But|strong="H1245"\w* \w when|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w trouble|strong="H6862"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w looked|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 5 \w In|strong="H3427"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* times \w of|strong="H0776"\w* trouble, \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0369"\w* could travel \w safely|strong="H7965"\w*. \w There|strong="H0369"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w great|strong="H7227"\w* trouble \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\v 6 \w One|strong="H3605"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w would|strong="H3605"\w* \w destroy|strong="H3605"\w* another \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w would|strong="H3605"\w* \w destroy|strong="H3605"\w* another \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H0430"\w* happening \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* gave \w them|strong="H3807"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w kinds|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w trouble|strong="H6869"\w*. 
\v 7 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* Asa, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H0408"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H3027"\w* Benjamin, \w be|strong="H0408"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H0408"\w* weak \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* give up, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* get \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w reward|strong="H7939"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H3588"\w* good \w work|strong="H6468"\w*!” 
\p
\v 8 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* felt \w encouraged|strong="H2388"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* Obed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w removed|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* hated \w idols|strong="H8251"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w area|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w removed|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* hated \w idols|strong="H8251"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* Temple. 
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Asa \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H6908"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H6908"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Simeon|strong="H8095"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* moved \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* country \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w live|strong="H1481"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* country \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w A|strong="H3588"\w* \w great|strong="H7230"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H6908"\w* \w came|strong="H5307"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, Asa’s \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* these \w people|strong="H6908"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w on|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H6908"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H6908"\w* 15th \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w rule|strong="H4438"\w*. 
\v 11 \w At|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* 700 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* 7000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* goats \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. Asa’s army \w had|strong="H3068"\w* taken \w the|strong="H0935"\w* animals \w and|strong="H0935"\w* other valuable things \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* enemies. 
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w an|strong="H0935"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* serve \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w soul|strong="H5315"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* served. 
\v 13 \w Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* serve \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w*. \w It|strong="H5704"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* matter \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w person|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w important|strong="H5704"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w person|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*. 
\v 14 \w Then|strong="H3068"\w* Asa \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* people \w made|strong="H7650"\w* \w an|strong="H7650"\w* \w oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w shouted|strong="H8643"\w* \w it|strong="H3068"\w* \w out|strong="H1419"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* blew \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* rams’ \w horns|strong="H7782"\w*. 
\v 15 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w about|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w oath|strong="H7621"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H7650"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* followed \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w looked|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w so|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H5117"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w peace|strong="H5117"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* country. 
\p
\v 16 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w*, \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*, \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w being|strong="H3772"\w* \w queen|strong="H1377"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w set|strong="H0834"\w* \w up|strong="H0853"\w* \w one|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* awful poles \w to|strong="H4428"\w* honor \w the|strong="H0853"\w* goddess \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w*. \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w down|strong="H3772"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* pole, smashed \w it|strong="H6213"\w* \w into|strong="H5493"\w* small pieces, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* pieces \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*. 
\v 17 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w even|strong="H3808"\w* though \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w life|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 Asa \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* given some special \w gifts|strong="H6944"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. Asa \w put|strong="H0935"\w* these \w gifts|strong="H6944"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* other \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 19 \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w more|strong="H3808"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* 35th \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w rule|strong="H4438"\w*.\f + \fr 15:19  \fk 35th year of Asa’s rule \ft About the year 880 B.C.\f* 
\c 16  
\s1 Asa’s Last Years 
\p
\v 1 \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* 36th \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H0935"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*,\f + \fr 16:1  \fk 36th year as king \ft About the year 879 B.C.\f* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w keep|strong="H0935"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w leaving|strong="H3318"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w any|strong="H5414"\w* kind \w of|strong="H4428"\w* military \w campaign|strong="H5927"\w*. 
\v 2 \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w treasuries|strong="H0214"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w it|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* officials \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ben-Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w*. \w Ben-Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* son \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Tabrimmon. Tabrimmon \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* son \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Hezion. \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* Ben-Hadad’s \w capital|strong="H3427"\w* city. 
\v 3 Asa \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this|strong="H2009"\w* message: “\w My|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* peace \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w*. \w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w I|strong="H2009"\w* want \w to|strong="H5921"\w* make \w a|strong="H7971"\w* peace \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w*. \w I|strong="H2009"\w* am \w sending|strong="H7971"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w this|strong="H2009"\w* gift \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. Please \w break|strong="H6565"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* make \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w leave|strong="H5927"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* alone.” 
\p
\v 4 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ben-Hadad|strong="H1130"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* agreement \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ijon|strong="H5859"\w*, \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*, Abel Maim, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* area \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*. 
\v 5 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* these attacks, \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w stopped|strong="H2308"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1129"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w and|strong="H8085"\w* \w went|strong="H1961"\w* \w back|strong="H2308"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* Tirzah. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w stopped|strong="H2308"\w* all \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* doing. 
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w gave|strong="H3947"\w* \w an|strong="H1129"\w* order \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w with|strong="H3605"\w* \w no|strong="H3605"\w* exceptions. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* go \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w carry|strong="H5375"\w* \w out|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w stone|strong="H0068"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* using \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* material \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w Geba|strong="H1387"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* Benjamin \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w used|strong="H3947"\w* \w it|strong="H5375"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* strengthen \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w two|strong="H3947"\w* cities. 
\p
\v 7 \w At|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* seer \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Asa|strong="H0609"\w*, \w you|strong="H5921"\w* depended \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* help \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w That’s|strong="H3651"\w* \w why|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w army|strong="H2426"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w escaped|strong="H4422"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 8 \w Did|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* forget \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ethiopians|strong="H3569"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Libyans|strong="H3864"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w powerful|strong="H2428"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* horse \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*? \w That|strong="H3068"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* depended \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* help \w you|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 9 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* go \w around|strong="H5921"\w* looking \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H5869"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H5869"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w so|strong="H6258"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H5869"\w* \w make|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*. Asa, \w you|strong="H3588"\w* did \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w foolish|strong="H5528"\w* \w thing|strong="H2063"\w*. \w So|strong="H6258"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \w wars|strong="H4421"\w*.” 
\p
\v 10 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w angry|strong="H3707"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* Hanani \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w said|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w so|strong="H4480"\w* mad \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* Hanani \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w prison|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H6256"\w* very rough \w and|strong="H1004"\w* cruel \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w then|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\p
\v 11 Everything \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* did, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w end|strong="H0314"\w*, \w is|strong="H2009"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H5921"\+w* History \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w the|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w Judah|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w and|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w*\bk*. 
\v 12 \w Asa’s|strong="H0609"\w* \w feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w became|strong="H2456"\w* infected \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* 39th \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* king.\f + \fr 16:12  \fk 39th year as king \ft About the year 875 B.C.\f* \w Even|strong="H1571"\w* \w though|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* infection \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H5704"\w* serious, \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* go \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* help. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* went \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* doctors \w instead|strong="H3588"\w*. 
\v 13 \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* 41st \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H0001"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*\f + \fr 16:13  \fk 41st year as king \ft About the year 873 B.C.\f* \w and|strong="H0001"\w* rested \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H0609"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\v 14 \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* Asa \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* own \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w* \w for|strong="H4390"\w* himself \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4390"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w laid|strong="H7901"\w* \w him|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w bed|strong="H4904"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w with|strong="H4390"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* different \w kinds|strong="H2177"\w* \w of|strong="H4390"\w* \w mixed|strong="H4842"\w* perfumes, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w fire|strong="H8316"\w* \w for|strong="H4390"\w* \w him|strong="H6912"\w*.\f + \fr 16:14  \ft This probably means the people burned spices in honor of Asa, but it could also mean they burned his body.\f* 
\c 17  
\s1 Jehoshaphat, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 Asa’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w became|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* new \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w after|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* Judah \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w so|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3478"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* could fight \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 2 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* groups \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w into|strong="H0776"\w* fortresses. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* built fortresses \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w*. 
\p
\v 3 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* young life \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* good \w things|strong="H7223"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w follow|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* idols. 
\v 4 \w He|strong="H3588"\w* looked \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w live|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* same \w way|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* lived. 
\v 5 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* strong king \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w brought|strong="H5414"\w* \w gifts|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w wealth|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w*. 
\v 6 \w His|strong="H3068"\w* \w heart|strong="H3820"\w* found pleasure \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ways|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* country \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 During \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w third|strong="H7969"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* Jehoshaphat’s \w rule|strong="H4427"\w*,\f + \fr 17:7  \fk third year of Jehoshaphat’s rule \ft About the year 871 B.C.\f* \w he|strong="H7971"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w teach|strong="H3925"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. These \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* Ben Hail, \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4322"\w*. 
\v 8 Jehoshaphat also sent \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* these leaders. These \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Nethaniah|strong="H5418"\w*, \w Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w*, \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*, \w Shemiramoth|strong="H8070"\w*, \w Jehonathan|strong="H3083"\w*, \w Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w Tobijah|strong="H2900"\w*. He also sent \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w Elishama|strong="H0476"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*. 
\v 9 \w These|strong="H3605"\w* leaders, Levites, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* priests \w taught|strong="H3925"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \bk \+w Book|strong="H5612"\+w* \+w of|strong="H3068"\+w* \+w the|strong="H3605"\+w* \+w Law|strong="H8451"\+w* \+w of|strong="H3068"\+w* \+w the|strong="H3605"\+w* \+w LORD|strong="H3068"\+w*\bk* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5437"\w* \w through|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w taught|strong="H3925"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H4467"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w afraid|strong="H6343"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* start \w a|strong="H1961"\w* war \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*. 
\v 11 \w Some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w gifts|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w* \w because|strong="H4480"\w* \w they|strong="H0935"\w* knew \w he|strong="H4480"\w* \w was|strong="H6430"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w very|strong="H1571"\w* powerful king. \w Some|strong="H4480"\w* Arabian people \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w flocks|strong="H6629"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* 7700 \w rams|strong="H0352"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* 7700 \w goats|strong="H8495"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w*. 
\p
\v 12 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* more \w and|strong="H1980"\w* more powerful. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w fortresses|strong="H1003"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* country \w of|strong="H5704"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 13 \w He|strong="H3389"\w* kept \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w supplies|strong="H4399"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* storage \w towns|strong="H5892"\w*. \w And|strong="H3063"\w* Jehoshaphat kept trained \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 14 \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w were|strong="H0428"\w* \w listed|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H5973"\w* tribes. \w This|strong="H0428"\w* \w is|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* list \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* Jerusalem: 
\b
\li1 \w From|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w were|strong="H0428"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w generals|strong="H8269"\w*: 
\li1 Adnah \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w general|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* 300,000 \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*. 
\li1
\v 15 \w Jehohanan|strong="H3076"\w* \w was|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w general|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* 280,000 \w soldiers|strong="H3967"\w*. 
\li1
\v 16 \w Amasiah|strong="H6007"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* general \w of|strong="H1121"\w* 200,000 \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*. \w Amasiah|strong="H6007"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* Zicri’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Amasiah|strong="H6007"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* happy \w to|strong="H5921"\w* give \w himself|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* serve \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\li1
\v 17 \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* these \w were|strong="H1144"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* generals: 
\li1 \w Eliada|strong="H0450"\w* \w had|strong="H2428"\w* 200,000 \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w who|strong="H1368"\w* used \w bows|strong="H7198"\w*, \w arrows|strong="H7198"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*. \w Eliada|strong="H0450"\w* \w was|strong="H2428"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* \w very|strong="H2428"\w* \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* soldier. 
\li1
\v 18 \w Jehozabad|strong="H3075"\w* \w had|strong="H6635"\w* 180,000 \w men|strong="H6635"\w* ready \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w war|strong="H6635"\w*. 
\b
\m
\v 19 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* soldiers \w served|strong="H8334"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Jehoshaphat. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w other|strong="H0428"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w fortresses|strong="H4013"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* country \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\c 18  
\s1 Micaiah Warns King Ahab 
\p
\v 1 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* very \w rich|strong="H3519"\w* \w and|strong="H6239"\w* famous. \w He|strong="H0256"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* agreement \w with|strong="H1961"\w* King \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* through \w marriage|strong="H2859"\w*.\f + \fr 18:1  \ft Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram, married Athaliah, Ahab’s daughter. See 2 Chronicles 21:6.\f* 
\v 2 \w A|strong="H2076"\w* few \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w later|strong="H7093"\w*, Jehoshaphat visited \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* town \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H6629"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* Jehoshaphat \w and|strong="H6629"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* encouraged Jehoshaphat \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w join|strong="H3381"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w an|strong="H2076"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* city \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. 
\v 3 \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w Will|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* go \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w attack|strong="H4421"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*?” \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “Yes, \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w I|strong="H0559"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w be|strong="H3478"\w* \w as|strong="H3644"\w* \w one|strong="H4428"\w*—\w my|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w be|strong="H3478"\w* \w as|strong="H3644"\w* yours \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*. 
\v 4 \w But|strong="H3117"\w* \w first|strong="H3117"\w* \w let’s|strong="H4994"\w* \w ask|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w advice|strong="H1697"\w*.” 
\p
\v 5 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* meeting \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*. \w There|strong="H5927"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w about|strong="H0413"\w* 400 \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w time|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*, “\w Should|strong="H0376"\w* \w we|strong="H0518"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w not|strong="H2308"\w*?” 
\p \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w*, “Yes, \w because|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.” 
\p
\v 6 \w But|strong="H0369"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “Doesn’t \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w another|strong="H5750"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w here|strong="H6311"\w*? Let’s \w ask|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* what \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*.” 
\p
\v 7 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Yes|strong="H3588"\w*, \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w another|strong="H0259"\w* \w prophet|strong="H0376"\w*. \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w name|strong="H0559"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Imlah|strong="H3229"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w hate|strong="H8130"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w never|strong="H0369"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w anything|strong="H3605"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w speaks|strong="H0559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w always|strong="H3117"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w like|strong="H3651"\w*.” 
\p \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* shouldn’t \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w like|strong="H3651"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w*!” 
\p
\v 8 \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H7121"\w* \w officers|strong="H5631"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* go \w and|strong="H1121"\w* find \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w*. 
\p
\v 9 \w At|strong="H3427"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w two|strong="H3427"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w thrones|strong="H3678"\w*, \w with|strong="H3847"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w robes|strong="H0899"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w*, \w at|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* judgment \w place|strong="H3605"\w* \w near|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* standing \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w prophesying|strong="H5012"\w*. 
\v 10 \w One|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* prophets \w was|strong="H3068"\w* named \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kenaanah|strong="H3668"\w*. \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w some|strong="H0428"\w* \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w horns|strong="H7161"\w*\f + \fr 18:10  \fk iron horns \ft These were a symbol of great strength.\f* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w use|strong="H3615"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w horns|strong="H7161"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* fight against \w the|strong="H0853"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w*. \w You|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* defeat \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w destroy|strong="H3615"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.’” 
\v 11 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* agreed \w with|strong="H3068"\w* Zedekiah \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Your|strong="H3068"\w* \w army|strong="H5927"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* march \w now|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* fight \w against|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Arameans \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w win|strong="H6743"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* battle. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12 \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* happening, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* officer \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* find \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* found \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* officer \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w All|strong="H0259"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w succeed|strong="H4994"\w*, \w so|strong="H1980"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w should|strong="H1980"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w same|strong="H0259"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w*.” 
\p
\v 13 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w As|strong="H0834"\w* \w surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* only \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*.” 
\p
\v 14 \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w stood|strong="H0935"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w*, \w should|strong="H0518"\w* \w we|strong="H0518"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Arameans \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w not|strong="H2308"\w*?” 
\p \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “Yes, \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w be|strong="H3027"\w* \w successful|strong="H6743"\w*! \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w take|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city.” 
\p
\v 15 \w But|strong="H7535"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w many|strong="H4100"\w* \w times|strong="H6471"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*? \w Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w truth|strong="H0571"\w*. \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w does|strong="H4100"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*?” 
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* army \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w scattered|strong="H6327"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hills|strong="H2022"\w*, \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* lead \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w This|strong="H0428"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: ‘\w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* leaders. \w Let|strong="H3808"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w go|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 17 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w See|strong="H0518"\w*, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*! \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w prophet|strong="H0559"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w anything|strong="H3808"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* always \w says|strong="H0559"\w* something \w bad|strong="H7451"\w*.” 
\p
\v 18 \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*: \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* heaven’s \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w*. 
\v 19 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Which|strong="H4310"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* fool \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w into|strong="H5307"\w* attacking \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Arameans \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w so|strong="H3602"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3478"\w* \w killed|strong="H5307"\w*?’ \w The|strong="H0853"\w* angels discussed many different plans. 
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w a|strong="H3318"\w* \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* fool \w him|strong="H0413"\w*!’ \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w it|strong="H6440"\w*?’ 
\v 21 \w He|strong="H3651"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H3651"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H6310"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H7307"\w* \w lies|strong="H8267"\w* \w in|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w mouths|strong="H6310"\w* \w of|strong="H7307"\w* Ahab’s \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*—\w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w speak|strong="H0559"\w* \w lies|strong="H8267"\w*.’ \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Lord \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Yes|strong="H1571"\w*, \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* fool \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w*. \w Go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H6310"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w*!’ 
\p
\v 22 “\w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H6310"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* happened \w here|strong="H2009"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w lie|strong="H8267"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* himself decided \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w bring|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H0428"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 23 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophet|strong="H1696"\w* \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w went|strong="H5066"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w hit|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* face. \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w How|strong="H1870"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* left \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*?” 
\p
\v 24 \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Look|strong="H7200"\w*, \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* happen! \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w*, \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* deepest \w part|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* house \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w hide|strong="H2244"\w*!” 
\p
\v 25 \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* arrest \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w*. \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “Arrest \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w take|strong="H3947"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w governor|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w prince|strong="H8269"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w*. 
\v 26 \w Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H0559"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w prison|strong="H3608"\w*. \w Give|strong="H7760"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w* nothing \w but|strong="H4428"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w*. Keep \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w there|strong="H2088"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* battle.” 
\p
\v 27 \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H7725"\w*, \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w*! \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w*, \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* alive \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* battle, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w spoken|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H3605"\w* \w me|strong="H7725"\w*.” 
\s1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Battle \w at|strong="H3068"\w* Ramoth Gilead 
\p
\v 28 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahab \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w the|strong="H0413"\w* Arameans \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. 
\v 29 \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w Disguise|strong="H2664"\w* \w yourself|strong="H0859"\w* \w when|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*, \w but|strong="H0859"\w* \w wear|strong="H3847"\w* \w your|strong="H0935"\w* own \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w*. \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w I|strong="H0559"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w disguise|strong="H2664"\w* myself.” \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w dressed|strong="H3847"\w* \w like|strong="H3478"\w* \w an|strong="H0935"\w* ordinary \w soldier|strong="H4421"\w*. 
\p
\v 30 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* 32 \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w command|strong="H6680"\w*, “\w Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* go \w after|strong="H3588"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3588"\w* \w except|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w no|strong="H3808"\w* matter \w how|strong="H0834"\w* \w important|strong="H1419"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w*!” 
\v 31 \w During|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w battle|strong="H3898"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w thought|strong="H0559"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w went|strong="H5437"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* kill \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w started|strong="H1961"\w* \w shouting|strong="H2199"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w turn|strong="H5437"\w* \w away|strong="H4480"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*. 
\v 32 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahab, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w stopped|strong="H7725"\w* \w chasing|strong="H0310"\w* \w him|strong="H0310"\w*. 
\p
\v 33 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* soldier \w pulled|strong="H4900"\w* \w back|strong="H3318"\w* \w on|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w bow|strong="H7198"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w shot|strong="H4900"\w* \w an|strong="H4480"\w* arrow \w into|strong="H2015"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* air. \w By|strong="H3027"\w* chance \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w hit|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w two|strong="H4480"\w* pieces \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w armor|strong="H8302"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7395"\w* \w driver|strong="H7395"\w*, “I’ve been \w hit|strong="H5221"\w*! \w Turn|strong="H2015"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7395"\w* \w around|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w take|strong="H3318"\w* \w me|strong="H4480"\w* \w off|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* battlefield!” 
\p
\v 34 \w The|strong="H0935"\w* armies \w continued|strong="H1961"\w* fighting \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahab leaned \w against|strong="H4421"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* side \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* hold \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w*, facing \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w Arameans|strong="H0758"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* watched \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w*, \w just|strong="H5975"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* setting, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\c 19  
\p
\v 1 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w came|strong="H0413"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 2 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w prophet|strong="H2374"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hanani|strong="H2607"\w*, \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w meet|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “Why did \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w those|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H7563"\w* \w wicked|strong="H7563"\w*? Why \w do|strong="H3318"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w love|strong="H0157"\w* \w those|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w hate|strong="H8130"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*? That’s \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w reason|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* now. 
\v 3 Fortunately, \w you|strong="H3588"\w* did \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H3588"\w* life. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* did remove \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w country|strong="H0776"\w*, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* did decide \w to|strong="H0430"\w* \w ask|strong="H1875"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w advice|strong="H1697"\w*.” 
\s1 Jehoshaphat Chooses \w Judges|strong="H0430"\w* 
\p
\v 4 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w but|strong="H5971"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w among|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w throughout|strong="H0413"\w* Judah, \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Beersheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* helped \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* worshiped. 
\v 5 Jehoshaphat went \w from|strong="H0776"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w to|strong="H0776"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* fortresses \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 6 \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w*, “\w Be|strong="H3808"\w* careful \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w judging|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w decisions|strong="H4941"\w*. 
\v 7 \w You|strong="H3588"\w* must \w fear|strong="H6343"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Protect|strong="H8104"\w* justice \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* right \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* fair. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w does|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w treat|strong="H6213"\w* some people \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w more|strong="H0369"\w* important \w than|strong="H5921"\w* others, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w does|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* accept \w bribes|strong="H7810"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* change \w his|strong="H8104"\w* judgments.” 
\p
\v 8 \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* chose \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w families|strong="H0001"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w be|strong="H1571"\w* judges. These \w men|strong="H7218"\w* lived \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* used \w the|strong="H4480"\w* law \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* settle problems \w among|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* people. 
\v 9 Jehoshaphat \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w You|strong="H6680"\w* must serve \w faithfully|strong="H0530"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* all \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*. \w You|strong="H6680"\w* must \w fear|strong="H3374"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 10 \w People|strong="H3427"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* country \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* problems \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w listen|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* cases \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* broken \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w command|strong="H4687"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* maybe killed someone. \w In|strong="H3427"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* cases \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w warn|strong="H2094"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* sin \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w get|strong="H0935"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* punish \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w*. 
\p
\v 11 “\w Amariah|strong="H0568"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* high \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* final decision \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people’s responsibilities \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ishmael|strong="H3458"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* final decision \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people’s responsibilities \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H1961"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* scribes \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w*. \w Be|strong="H1961"\w* brave \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w right|strong="H2896"\w*! \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* judges.” 
\c 20  
\s1 Jehoshaphat Faces War 
\p
\v 1 \w Later|strong="H0310"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5984"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* some Meunites\f + \fr 20:1  \fk Meunites \ft In some copies of the ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text has “Ammonites.”\f* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* start \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Some|strong="H7227"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w There|strong="H2009"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w large|strong="H7227"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w* \w coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0758"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H0758"\w* \w coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w other|strong="H5676"\w* \w side|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Dead \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H0758"\w* already \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Hazazon Tamar!” (Hazazon Tamar \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H0935"\w* \w called|strong="H0559"\w* En Gedi.) 
\v 3 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* became \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* decided \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w ask|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* announced \w a|strong="H5414"\w* time \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w fasting|strong="H6685"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 4 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H6908"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* ask \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* help. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H1245"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* ask \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* help. 
\v 5 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w new|strong="H2319"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* meeting \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* people \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* 
\v 6 \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\b
\pi1 “\w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w strength|strong="H1369"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0369"\w* \w can|strong="H0369"\w* \w stand|strong="H3320"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. 
\v 7 \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*! \w You|strong="H0859"\w* forced \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Abraham|strong="H0085"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*. \w Abraham|strong="H0085"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w friend|strong="H0157"\w*. 
\v 8 \w His|strong="H1129"\w* descendants \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* this land, \w and|strong="H3427"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H1129"\w* \w Temple|strong="H4720"\w* \w for|strong="H3427"\w* \w your|strong="H0559"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*. 
\v 9 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0413"\w*, ‘\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w trouble|strong="H7451"\w* \w comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*—\w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*, punishment, sicknesses, \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w famine|strong="H7458"\w*—\w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H2719"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w Your|strong="H5921"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H2719"\w* shout \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w trouble|strong="H7451"\w*. \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H2719"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*.’ 
\pi1
\v 10 “\w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w here|strong="H2009"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w Ammon|strong="H5983"\w*, \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w lands|strong="H0776"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.\f + \fr 20:10  \fk You would not let … Egypt \ft See Deuteronomy 2:4-9, 19.\f* \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w turned|strong="H5493"\w* \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H8045"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 11 \w But|strong="H2009"\w* \w see|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* kind \w of|strong="H5921"\w* reward \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w give|strong="H0935"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* not destroying \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* force \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w out|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* land \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Our|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, punish \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1995"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w strength|strong="H3581"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w stop|strong="H3808"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w large|strong="H7227"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*! \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* looking \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* help.”\f + \fr 20:12  \fk We are … help \ft Literally, “But our eyes are on you!”\f* 
\b
\p
\v 13 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w babies|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 14 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jahaziel|strong="H3166"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*. (\w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*.) \w Jahaziel|strong="H3166"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* family \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*. \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* meeting, 
\v 15 Jahaziel \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Listen|strong="H7181"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*! \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*: ‘\w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w worry|strong="H3372"\w* \w about|strong="H4428"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w large|strong="H7227"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*. \w It|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*! 
\v 16 \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3381"\w* \w come|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w through|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ziz|strong="H6732"\w* Pass. \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H3381"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w end|strong="H5490"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w valley|strong="H5158"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* other side \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* Jeruel. 
\v 17 \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w battle|strong="H3898"\w*. \w Just|strong="H5975"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w watch|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w save|strong="H3444"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w worry|strong="H3372"\w*, \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w those|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 18 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*. 
\v 19 \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* Kohath family \w groups|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Korah|strong="H7145"\w* family \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* sang \w very|strong="H4605"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w Early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* next \w morning|strong="H1242"\w*, \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w into|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Tekoa|strong="H8620"\w*. \w As|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w*, \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H3427"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H3318"\w*, \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Have|strong="H5030"\w* \w faith|strong="H0539"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H1242"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* strong! \w Have|strong="H5030"\w* \w faith|strong="H0539"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H1242"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w succeed|strong="H6743"\w*!” 
\p
\v 21 Jehoshaphat encouraged \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* instructions. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Temple \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* special clothes \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w sang|strong="H7891"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w Give|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*! 
\q2 \w His|strong="H3068"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w last|strong="H5769"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*.” 
\b
\m
\v 22 \w As|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* sing \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w praise|strong="H8416"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w set|strong="H5414"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w ambush|strong="H0693"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* army \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Ammon|strong="H5983"\w*, \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w attack|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* enemy \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w*! 
\v 23 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* started \w to|strong="H5921"\w* fight \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w*. \w After|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* killed \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* turned \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w themselves|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* killed \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w other|strong="H7453"\w*. 
\p
\v 24 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* men \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w lookout|strong="H4707"\w* point \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* enemy’s large \w army|strong="H1995"\w*, \w but|strong="H0369"\w* all \w they|strong="H5921"\w* saw \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w dead|strong="H6297"\w* \w bodies|strong="H6297"\w* \w lying|strong="H5307"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w*. \w There|strong="H0369"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w survivors|strong="H6413"\w*. 
\v 25 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w take|strong="H0962"\w* \w things|strong="H7969"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bodies|strong="H6297"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w animals|strong="H1961"\w*, riches, clothes, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w other|strong="H0369"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H7969"\w*. \w It|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w more|strong="H0369"\w* \w than|strong="H7227"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w carry|strong="H4853"\w* \w away|strong="H5337"\w*. \w There|strong="H0369"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* spent \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w taking|strong="H0935"\w* everything \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w dead|strong="H6297"\w* \w bodies|strong="H6297"\w*. 
\v 26 \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* Jehoshaphat \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H6010"\w* met \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Beracah|strong="H1294"\w*.\f + \fr 20:26  \fk Beracah \ft This word means “blessing” or “praise.”\f* \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w That|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w why|strong="H3651"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w still|strong="H5704"\w* \w call|strong="H7121"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Beracah|strong="H1294"\w*.” 
\p
\v 27 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w very|strong="H8055"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* marched \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* front. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w very|strong="H8055"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* defeated \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemy|strong="H0341"\w*. 
\v 28 \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w lyres|strong="H3658"\w*, \w harps|strong="H3658"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\p
\v 29 \w People|strong="H8085"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* surrounding \w kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w afraid|strong="H6343"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 30 \w That|strong="H0430"\w* \w is|strong="H0430"\w* why there \w was|strong="H0430"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w* \w for|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w*—\w his|strong="H3092"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* brought \w him|strong="H5117"\w* \w rest|strong="H5117"\w* \w from|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H5439"\w* enemies \w that|strong="H0430"\w* \w were|strong="H0430"\w* \w all|strong="H5439"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w him|strong="H5117"\w*. 
\s1 Summary \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jehoshaphat’s|strong="H3092"\w* \w Rule|strong="H4438"\w* 
\p
\v 31 \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* country \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* 35 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 25 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Azubah|strong="H5806"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shilhi|strong="H7977"\w*. 
\v 32-33 Like his father Asa, Jehoshaphat was good and did everything that the LORD wanted, except he did not destroy the high places. Also, the people did not turn back to the God their ancestors worshiped. 
\p
\v 34 \w Everything|strong="H0834"\w* else \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w*, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w end|strong="H0314"\w*, \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \bk \+w The|strong="H0834"\+w* Official \+w Records|strong="H1697"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Jehu|strong="H3058"\+w* \+w Son|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Hanani|strong="H2607"\+w*\bk*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* copied \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w included|strong="H5927"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H0834"\+w* History \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w the|strong="H0834"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w*\bk*. 
\p
\v 35 \w Later|strong="H0310"\w* \w on|strong="H5973"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H2266"\w* agreement \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* very \w evil|strong="H7561"\w*. 
\v 36 Jehoshaphat \w joined|strong="H2266"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* Ahaziah \w to|strong="H5973"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w to|strong="H5973"\w* go \w to|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* town \w of|strong="H0591"\w* \w Tarshish|strong="H8659"\w*. \w They|strong="H6213"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* some \w ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w at|strong="H5973"\w* Ezion Geber. 
\v 37 \w There|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* town \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w* named \w Eliezer|strong="H0461"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dodavahu|strong="H1735"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, since \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w joined|strong="H2266"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7665"\w* \w what|strong="H4639"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* built.” \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w ships|strong="H0591"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* wrecked, \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w able|strong="H4639"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* send \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Tarshish|strong="H8659"\w*. 
\c 21  
\p
\v 1 \w Then|strong="H1732"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* died \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1732"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* next \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. 
\v 2 Jehoram’s \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Michael|strong="H4317"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*. \w They|strong="H0428"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah.\f + \fr 21:2  \fk Judah \ft Literally, “Israel.”\f* 
\v 3 Jehoshaphat \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w sons|strong="H0001"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w gifts|strong="H4979"\w* \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w precious|strong="H4030"\w* \w things|strong="H5973"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* strong \w fortresses|strong="H4694"\w* \w in|strong="H0001"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* Jehoshaphat \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w oldest|strong="H1060"\w* son. 
\s1 \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*, King \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* 
\p
\v 4 \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w took|strong="H2388"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w himself|strong="H2388"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 5 \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* 32 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* began \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w rule|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 6 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* same \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* same \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w*. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* Jehoram \w married|strong="H0802"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* Jehoram \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w*. 
\v 7 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w would|strong="H0014"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* keep \w a|strong="H3772"\w* \w lamp|strong="H5216"\w* burning \w for|strong="H4616"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w forever|strong="H3117"\w*.\f + \fr 21:7  \fk He … forever \ft Here, the writer means that one of David’s descendants would always rule.\f* 
\p
\v 8 \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H0123"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* broke away \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w Judah’s|strong="H3063"\w* \w authority|strong="H3027"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* people \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* chose \w their|strong="H5921"\w* own \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\v 9 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w went|strong="H5437"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Edomite army \w surrounded|strong="H5437"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w*. \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* fought \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w*. 
\v 10 \w Since|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w now|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* country \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H6586"\w* \w rebellious|strong="H6586"\w* \w against|strong="H3027"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* town \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Libnah|strong="H3841"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* turned \w against|strong="H3027"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H5800"\w*. \w This|strong="H2088"\w* happened \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H5800"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H0123"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* followed. 
\v 11 Jehoram \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w on|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* caused \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* start worshiping other gods. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w led|strong="H5080"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w away|strong="H5080"\w* \w from|strong="H1571"\w* \w their|strong="H1571"\w* God. 
\p
\v 12 \w Jehoram|strong="H0935"\w* \w received|strong="H0935"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*: 
\b
\pi1 “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w*, \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Jehoram|strong="H0935"\w*, \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* lived \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* lived. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* lived \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Asa|strong="H0609"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* lived. 
\v 13 \w But|strong="H1571"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w*. \w You|strong="H0853"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* caused \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* stop \w doing|strong="H1870"\w* \w what|strong="H2896"\w* God wants. \w That|strong="H4480"\w* \w is|strong="H1571"\w* \w what|strong="H2896"\w* \w Ahab|strong="H0256"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w his|strong="H4480"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* did. \w They|strong="H1571"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H2181"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* God. \w You|strong="H0853"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w your|strong="H4480"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w they|strong="H1571"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w better|strong="H2896"\w* \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\v 14 So \w now|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* soon punish \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* terrible suffering. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* punish \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w*, \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w property|strong="H7399"\w*. 
\v 15 \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H5704"\w* \w have|strong="H0859"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* painful \w sickness|strong="H2483"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H5704"\w* \w get|strong="H3318"\w* worse \w and|strong="H3117"\w* worse. \w Your|strong="H5921"\w* \w intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w will|strong="H5704"\w* \w finally|strong="H5704"\w* \w come|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w*.’” 
\b
\p
\v 16 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w caused|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Arabs living \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ethiopians|strong="H3569"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H3027"\w* angry \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*. 
\v 17 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w away|strong="H7617"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* riches \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w took|strong="H7617"\w* Jehoram’s \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*. \w Only|strong="H0518"\w* Jehoram’s \w youngest|strong="H6996"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Ahaziah|strong="H3059"\w*,\f + \fr 21:17  \fk Ahaziah \ft Literally, “Jehoahaz.”\f* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w left|strong="H7604"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* happened, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* Jehoram \w sick|strong="H2483"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w disease|strong="H2483"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* could \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* cured. 
\v 19 \w His|strong="H1961"\w* \w intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w fell|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H3117"\w* \w later|strong="H7093"\w* \w because|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w sickness|strong="H2483"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in|strong="H4191"\w* very \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w pain|strong="H7451"\w*. \w The|strong="H3117"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* large \w fire|strong="H8316"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* honor Jehoram \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\v 20 Jehoram \w was|strong="H1961"\w* 32 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w He|strong="H1732"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3808"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* sad \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* died. \w The|strong="H1961"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* Jehoram \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w graves|strong="H6913"\w* \w where|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w*. 
\c 22  
\s1 Ahaziah, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* chose \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H3088"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H3088"\w* \w youngest|strong="H6996"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Arabs \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w attack|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H3088"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H3088"\w* \w older|strong="H7223"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w So|strong="H0935"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w began|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w rule|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 2 \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* 22 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* began \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w rule|strong="H4427"\w*.\f + \fr 22:2  \fk He was … rule \ft The standard Hebrew text has “42 years old.” 2 Kings 8:26 says Ahaziah was 22 years old when he began to rule.\f* \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H0274"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w*. \w Her|strong="H3389"\w* father’s \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w*. 
\v 3 Ahaziah \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* encouraged \w him|strong="H1931"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w do|strong="H7561"\w* wrong \w things|strong="H1961"\w*. 
\v 4 Ahaziah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w*. \w That|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w advice|strong="H3289"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* Ahaziah \w after|strong="H0310"\w* Ahaziah’s \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* Ahaziah \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w advice|strong="H3289"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* led \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w death|strong="H4194"\w*. 
\v 5-6 Ahaziah followed the advice of Ahab’s family and joined King Joram to fight against King Hazael from Aram. They fought near the town of Ramoth in Gilead. Joram, who was the son of King Ahab of Israel, was wounded in the battle. He went back to the town of Jezreel to heal from the wounds he suffered at Ramoth. King Ahaziah\f + \fr 22:5-6  \fk Ahaziah \ft Literally, “Azariah.”\f* went there later to visit him. 
\p
\v 7 \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* death \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w visit|strong="H0935"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w*. \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w meet|strong="H3318"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nimshi|strong="H5250"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w chose|strong="H4886"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w destroy|strong="H3772"\w* \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 8 \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* punishing \w Ahab’s|strong="H0256"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w served|strong="H8334"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w looked|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w*. \w Jehu’s|strong="H3058"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w caught|strong="H3920"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w tried|strong="H1245"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w hide|strong="H2244"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* town \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Ahaziah|strong="H0274"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w followed|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*.” \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w power|strong="H3581"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w hold|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah together. 
\s1 Queen Athaliah 
\p
\v 10 \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w she|strong="H3588"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*, \w she|strong="H3588"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* king’s \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 11 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* Jehosheba \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w hid|strong="H5641"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. Jehosheba \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w nurse|strong="H3243"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w inside|strong="H8432"\w* \w bedroom|strong="H2315"\w*. Jehosheba \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram’s|strong="H3088"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jehoiada’s|strong="H3077"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*. \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* Jehosheba \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w Ahaziah’s|strong="H0274"\w* \w sister|strong="H0269"\w*. \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* Jehosheba \w hid|strong="H5641"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 12 Joash \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w hidden|strong="H2244"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* priests \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w During|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H8141"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* queen. 
\c 23  
\s1 Priest Jehoiada and King Joash 
\p
\v 1 \w After|strong="H8141"\w* six \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* showed \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w strength|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w an|strong="H3947"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w captains|strong="H8269"\w*. \w These|strong="H3947"\w* \w captains|strong="H8269"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeroham|strong="H3395"\w*, \w Ishmael|strong="H3458"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehohanan|strong="H3076"\w*, \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Obed|strong="H5744"\w*, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Adaiah|strong="H5718"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Elishaphat|strong="H0478"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zicri|strong="H2147"\w*. 
\v 2 \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w families|strong="H0001"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 3 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* meeting \w together|strong="H5973"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w an|strong="H3772"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\p \w Jehoiada|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w rule|strong="H4428"\w*. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 4 \w Now|strong="H2088"\w*, \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* must \w do|strong="H6213"\w*: \w One-third|strong="H7992"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w duty|strong="H1697"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* guard \w the|strong="H0834"\w* doors. 
\v 5 \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w one-third|strong="H7992"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w one-third|strong="H7992"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Foundation|strong="H3247"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w But|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* stay \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* yards \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 6 \w Only|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* permitted \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H0518"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w only|strong="H0518"\w* \w ones|strong="H6944"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3605"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let|strong="H0408"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w else|strong="H3605"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w others|strong="H5971"\w* \w must|strong="H0518"\w* \w do|strong="H0408"\w* \w only|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* work \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* given \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. 
\v 7 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w stay|strong="H0854"\w* \w near|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Every|strong="H0376"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* sword \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w If|strong="H0376"\w* \w anyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w tries|strong="H0854"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w that|strong="H1961"\w* \w person|strong="H0376"\w*. \w You|strong="H0935"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w stay|strong="H0854"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w everywhere|strong="H5439"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w goes|strong="H3318"\w*.” 
\p
\v 8 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* obeyed \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w*. \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* excuse \w anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* groups \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* captain \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w spears|strong="H2595"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w large|strong="H4043"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w small|strong="H7982"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* belonged \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* weapons \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w kept|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Jehoiada told \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w*. \w Every|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w weapon|strong="H7973"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w right|strong="H3233"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w left|strong="H8042"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\v 11 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w crown|strong="H5145"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* copy \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* agreement.\f + \fr 23:11  \fk a copy of the agreement \ft Literally, “testimony.” This could be a copy of the Law of Moses (see Deuteronomy 17:18) or a special agreement between God and the king (see 1 Sam. 10:25; 2 Kings 11:17).\f* \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* Joash \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w anointed|strong="H4886"\w* Joash \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “Long \w live|strong="H2421"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*!” 
\p
\v 12 \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w noise|strong="H6963"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w running|strong="H7323"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. She \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\v 13 She \w looked|strong="H7200"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w column|strong="H5982"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* front \w entrance|strong="H3996"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w were|strong="H8269"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w were|strong="H8269"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w blowing|strong="H8628"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w were|strong="H8269"\w* playing \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w music|strong="H7892"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* led \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w singing|strong="H7891"\w* \w praises|strong="H1984"\w*. \w Then|strong="H2009"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w*\f + \fr 23:13  \fk tore her clothes \ft A way to show that she was very upset.\f* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Treason|strong="H7195"\w*! \w Treason|strong="H7195"\w*!”\f + \fr 23:13  \fk Treason \ft Turning against the government. Here, Athaliah was blaming the people for turning against her government.\f* 
\p
\v 14 \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w captains|strong="H8269"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Take|strong="H3318"\w* Athaliah \w outside|strong="H3318"\w* \w among|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w*. Use \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3588"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w follows|strong="H0559"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*.” \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w warned|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*, “\w Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* Athaliah \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*.” 
\v 15 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* those men grabbed Athaliah \w when|strong="H0935"\w* she \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w entrance|strong="H3996"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Horse|strong="H5483"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* agreed \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\v 17 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* idol \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w tore|strong="H5422"\w* \w it|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w broke|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* idols \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H6440"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* Baal’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Mattan|strong="H4977"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="H4872"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* chose \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H3027"\w* responsible \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* job \w of|strong="H1004"\w* being responsible \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w way|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* commanded. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* sacrifices \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w much|strong="H3027"\w* \w joy|strong="H8057"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w singing|strong="H7892"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w way|strong="H5921"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* commanded. 
\v 19 Jehoiada \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w guards|strong="H7778"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* prevent \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w unclean|strong="H2931"\w* \w person|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w entering|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 Jehoiada \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w captains|strong="H8269"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w rulers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* Jehoiada \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w through|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*. 
\v 21 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Judah \w were|strong="H0776"\w* \w very|strong="H8055"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Jerusalem \w had|strong="H0853"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w* \w because|strong="H3605"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w with|strong="H0776"\w* \w a|strong="H0776"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*. 
\c 24  
\s1 Joash Rebuilds the Temple 
\p
\v 1 \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 40 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H8034"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Zibiah|strong="H6645"\w*. \w Zibiah|strong="H6645"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H8034"\w* town \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Beersheba|strong="H0884"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w right|strong="H3477"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* front \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* living. 
\v 3 \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w chose|strong="H5375"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H0802"\w* Joash. Joash \w had|strong="H3205"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*. 
\p
\v 4 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w later|strong="H0310"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w*, \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* decided \w to|strong="H1961"\w* rebuild \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 5 Joash \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w gather|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w pay|strong="H3701"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*. Use \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* rebuild \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Hurry|strong="H4116"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w do|strong="H3318"\w* \w this|strong="H1697"\w*.” \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w hurry|strong="H4116"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H0935"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leading|strong="H7218"\w* priest. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*, \w why|strong="H4069"\w* \w haven’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tax|strong="H4864"\w* money \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*? \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* used \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w tax|strong="H4864"\w* money \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Agreement.” 
\p
\v 7 \w In|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* past, Athaliah’s \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w broke|strong="H6555"\w* \w into|strong="H6555"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* worship \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w very|strong="H1571"\w* \w wicked|strong="H4849"\w* \w woman|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Joash \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w command|strong="H0559"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* box \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Levites \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w announcement|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* told \w the|strong="H5921"\w* people \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w tax|strong="H4864"\w* money \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w That|strong="H3068"\w* \w tax|strong="H4864"\w* money \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H6963"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* required \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w while|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. 
\v 10 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H8269"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* money \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H5704"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* box. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* continued giving \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* box \w was|strong="H3605"\w* \w full|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\v 11 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w would|strong="H3548"\w* \w take|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* box \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* officials. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* box \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w full|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w secretary|strong="H5608"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leading|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest’s|strong="H3548"\w* \w officer|strong="H6496"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w took|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* box. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w took|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* box \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w its|strong="H0853"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* often \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Joash \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* money \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* people \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w worked|strong="H2388"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* people \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w worked|strong="H2388"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w hired|strong="H7936"\w* \w skilled|strong="H2796"\w* woodcarvers \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w carpenters|strong="H2796"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* rebuild \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w hired|strong="H7936"\w* \w workers|strong="H4399"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* knew \w how|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* rebuild \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H6213"\w* \w who|strong="H0430"\w* \w supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* very faithful. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* rebuild \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H0430"\w* successful. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w way|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H0430"\w* \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w stronger|strong="H0553"\w*. 
\v 14 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w workers|strong="H6213"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w left|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w service|strong="H8335"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* bowls \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* priests \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w while|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* alive. 
\p
\v 15 \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w became|strong="H7646"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H7646"\w* \w a|strong="H3117"\w* very \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w life|strong="H3117"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* 130 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 16 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* people \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* Jehoiada \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* people \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* Jehoiada there \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* life \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* much \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\p
\v 17 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*, \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H0935"\w*. \w The|strong="H0413"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w listened|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w*. 
\v 18 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* all stopped \w worshiping|strong="H5647"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H5647"\w*. \w Instead|strong="H0430"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w started|strong="H1961"\w* \w worshiping|strong="H5647"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles \w and|strong="H3068"\w* other \w idols|strong="H6091"\w*. \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* sinned \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w way|strong="H2063"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 19 \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w bring|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w The|strong="H0413"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w listen|strong="H0238"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* filled \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* front \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: ‘\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w refuse|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* obey \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w commands|strong="H0559"\w*? \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w successful|strong="H6743"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w So|strong="H3541"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*!’” 
\p
\v 21 \w But|strong="H4687"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* people \w made|strong="H7194"\w* plans \w against|strong="H5921"\w* Zechariah. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* people \w to|strong="H5921"\w* kill Zechariah, \w so|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* threw \w rocks|strong="H0068"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w until|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* dead. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* people did \w this|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 22 \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w remember|strong="H2142"\w* \w Jehoiada’s|strong="H3077"\w* \w kindness|strong="H2617"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* Zechariah’s \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* Zechariah, \w Jehoiada’s|strong="H3077"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Before|strong="H5973"\w* Zechariah \w died|strong="H4191"\w*, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* punish \w you|strong="H0834"\w*!” 
\p
\v 23 \w At|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* end \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Aramean|strong="H0758"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Joash|strong="H0935"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* killed \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*. 
\v 24 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Aramean|strong="H0758"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* only \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w small|strong="H4705"\w* group \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* larger \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Judah. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w punishment|strong="H3027"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Judah \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* worshiped. 
\v 25 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Arameans \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w Joash|strong="H4251"\w*, \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w badly|strong="H7227"\w* wounded. \w His|strong="H5921"\w* own \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w made|strong="H7194"\w* plans \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w Joash|strong="H4251"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* Zechariah \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Joash|strong="H4251"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* own \w bed|strong="H4296"\w*. \w After|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w place|strong="H6913"\w* \w where|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w*. 
\p
\v 26 \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are|strong="H0428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* servants \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H7194"\w* plans \w against|strong="H5921"\w* Joash: \w Zabad|strong="H2066"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehozabad|strong="H3075"\w*. Zabad’s mother \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shimeath|strong="H8100"\w*, \w a|strong="H5921"\w* woman \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammon|strong="H5985"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* Jehozabad’s mother \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shimrith|strong="H8116"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4125"\w*. 
\v 27 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* story \w about|strong="H5921"\w* Joash’s \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w great|strong="H7230"\w* prophecies \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* how \w he|strong="H0430"\w* rebuilt \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk Commentary \+w on|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w the|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w*\bk*. Joash’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w after|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\c 25  
\s1 Amaziah, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* 25 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H3389"\w* 29 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H0558"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jehoaddin|strong="H3086"\w*. \w Jehoaddin|strong="H3086"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 2 Amaziah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w wanted|strong="H3824"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w but|strong="H7535"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* all \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*. 
\v 3 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w officials|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\v 4 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0001"\w* obeyed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \bk \+w Book|strong="H5612"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Moses|strong="H4872"\+w*\bk* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* official’s \w children|strong="H1121"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w*, “\w Parents|strong="H0001"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* something \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* something \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w parents|strong="H0001"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w*. \w People|strong="H0376"\w* \w should|strong="H0376"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w* only \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w themselves|strong="H5921"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w*.”\f + \fr 25:4  \fk Parents … did \ft See Deuteronomy 24:16.\f* 
\p
\v 5 \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* grouped \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w by|strong="H8141"\w* \w families|strong="H0505"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w put|strong="H6485"\w* \w generals|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w captains|strong="H8269"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w charge|strong="H6485"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w groups|strong="H1121"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w charge|strong="H6485"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H3967"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0970"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* chosen \w to|strong="H0001"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H3967"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w older|strong="H4605"\w*. \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w there|strong="H4672"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 300,000 \w skilled|strong="H0970"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H3967"\w* ready \w to|strong="H0001"\w* fight \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w spears|strong="H7420"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w shields|strong="H6793"\w*. 
\v 6 Amaziah \w also|strong="H3478"\w* \w hired|strong="H7936"\w* 100,000 \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w He|strong="H3478"\w* paid 3 3/4 tons\f + \fr 25:6  \fk 3 3/4 tons \ft Literally, “100 talents” (3450 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H3603"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w hire|strong="H7936"\w* these \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*. 
\v 7 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Amaziah \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w King|strong="H4428"\w*, \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let|strong="H0408"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w or|strong="H0408"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. 
\v 8 Maybe \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w yourself|strong="H0859"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* ready \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w can|strong="H0518"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* win \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* lose.” 
\v 9 \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, “\w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* about \w the|strong="H0559"\w* money \w I|strong="H0834"\w* already \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* army?” \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* plenty. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H4100"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w much|strong="H7235"\w* \w more|strong="H7235"\w* \w than|strong="H7235"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w*.” 
\p
\v 10 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w sent|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Israelite army \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H4725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w These|strong="H0834"\w* men \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* king \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H4725"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H4725"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w*. 
\p
\v 11 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w became|strong="H2388"\w* very brave \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w led|strong="H5090"\w* \w his|strong="H5221"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Salt|strong="H4417"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* country \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Edom. There \w his|strong="H5221"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 10,000 \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w*.\f + \fr 25:11  \fk Seir \ft Or “Edom,” a country east of Judah.\f* 
\v 12 \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w also|strong="H0935"\w* \w captured|strong="H7617"\w* 10,000 \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* Seir \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w took|strong="H7617"\w* \w them|strong="H7617"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w cliff|strong="H5553"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them|strong="H7617"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cliff|strong="H5553"\w* \w while|strong="H7617"\w* \w they|strong="H0935"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* still \w alive|strong="H2416"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* bodies \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w broken|strong="H1234"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w rocks|strong="H5553"\w* below. 
\p
\v 13 Meanwhile, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Israelite \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w attacking|strong="H5221"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* Beth Horon \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w way|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 3000 \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w took|strong="H0962"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H7969"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* angry \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* didn’t let \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w join|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w*. 
\p
\v 14 \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* home \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w he|strong="H0310"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Edomites|strong="H0130"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* idols \w that|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w started|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w those|strong="H1121"\w* idols. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H5221"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w burned|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\v 15 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w very|strong="H2734"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w*, \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w*, \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* worshiped \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* worship? \w Those|strong="H0834"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w even|strong="H3808"\w* \w save|strong="H5337"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* own \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*!” 
\p
\v 16 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w*, \w Amaziah|strong="H3289"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, “\w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* advisor \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Be|strong="H1961"\w* quiet! \w If|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* quiet, \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w*.” \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* quiet, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has|strong="H0430"\w* \w decided|strong="H3289"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w*.” 
\p
\v 17 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* talked \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* advisors. \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w he|strong="H7971"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* message \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Jehoash \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Jehoash, “\w Let’s|strong="H1980"\w* \w meet|strong="H6440"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w*.” Jehoash \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jehoahaz’s|strong="H3059"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jehu’s|strong="H3058"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Jehoash \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w*. Jehoash \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. Jehoash \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* story: “\w A|strong="H5414"\w* little thornbush \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* message \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* big \w cedar|strong="H0730"\w* tree \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* little thornbush \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Let|strong="H7971"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w marry|strong="H0802"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*.’ \w But|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w wild|strong="H7704"\w* \w animal|strong="H2416"\w* \w came|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* walked \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* thornbush \w and|strong="H1121"\w* destroyed \w it|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 19 \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w yourself|strong="H0859"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H2009"\w* \w have|strong="H0859"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w*!’ \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w proud|strong="H5375"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* brag. \w But|strong="H0859"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w at|strong="H3427"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w There|strong="H2009"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* no need \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* get \w into|strong="H5307"\w* \w trouble|strong="H7451"\w*. \w If|strong="H2009"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* fight \w me|strong="H5973"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w be|strong="H3820"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H5221"\w*.” 
\p
\v 20 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* happen. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* planned \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* Israel \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* Judah, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* Judah followed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* followed. 
\v 21 \w So|strong="H5927"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Jehoash \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* met \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* town \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Beth Shemesh \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 22 \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Every|strong="H0376"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w home|strong="H0168"\w*. 
\v 23 Jehoash \w captured|strong="H8610"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* Beth Shemesh \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w took|strong="H8610"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w*. Jehoash \w tore|strong="H6555"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Corner \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w a|strong="H0935"\w* section \w about|strong="H4428"\w* 600 \w feet|strong="H0520"\w*\f + \fr 25:23  \fk 600 feet \ft Literally, “400 cubits” (207.33 m).\f* \w long|strong="H5704"\w*. 
\v 24 \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* Obed Edom \w was|strong="H0430"\w* responsible \w for|strong="H1004"\w*. Jehoash \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w treasures|strong="H0214"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w as|strong="H1121"\w* \w hostages|strong="H8594"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. 
\p
\v 25 \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w lived|strong="H2421"\w* 15 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* Jehoash \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. \w Amaziah’s|strong="H0558"\w* father \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 26 Everything \w else|strong="H3808"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w*, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w end|strong="H0314"\w*, \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H5921"\+w* History \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w the|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w Judah|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w and|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w*\bk*. 
\v 27 \w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5493"\w* obeying \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w made|strong="H7194"\w* plans \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* town \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w*. \w But|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* men \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\v 28 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* body \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\c 26  
\s1 Uzziah, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* chose \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w to|strong="H0001"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* new \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w*. \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w Uzziah’s|strong="H5818"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* 16 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Uzziah|strong="H1931"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* town \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Elath|strong="H0359"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w gave|strong="H7725"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* did \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0001"\w* died \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* buried \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\p
\v 3 \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* 16 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H4480"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H4480"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 52 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H4480"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jecoliah|strong="H3203"\w*. \w Jecoliah|strong="H3203"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 4 Uzziah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* wanted \w him|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* obeyed \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* same \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H0558"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\v 5 Uzziah followed \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* Zechariah’s \w life|strong="H3117"\w*. \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w taught|strong="H0995"\w* Uzziah how \w to|strong="H1961"\w* respect \w and|strong="H3068"\w* obey \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* Uzziah \w was|strong="H1961"\w* obeying \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w gave|strong="H0995"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w success|strong="H6743"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 Uzziah \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w a|strong="H1129"\w* war \w against|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w tore|strong="H6555"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w walls|strong="H2346"\w* around \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w Gath|strong="H1661"\w*, \w Jabneh|strong="H2996"\w*, \w and|strong="H6430"\w* \w Ashdod|strong="H0795"\w*. Uzziah \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* near \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w Ashdod|strong="H0795"\w* \w and|strong="H6430"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* other places among \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. 
\v 7 \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* Uzziah fight \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Arabs \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* town \w of|strong="H0430"\w* Gur Baal, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Meunites|strong="H4586"\w*. 
\v 8 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5984"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*. \w His|strong="H5414"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w became|strong="H2388"\w* \w famous|strong="H8034"\w* \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w way|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w border|strong="H0935"\w* \w of|strong="H8034"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w famous|strong="H8034"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w very|strong="H5704"\w* \w powerful|strong="H2388"\w*. 
\p
\v 9 \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Corner|strong="H6438"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* place \w where|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* wall turned. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*. 
\v 10 \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w also|strong="H3588"\w* dug \w many|strong="H7227"\w* wells. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w cattle|strong="H4735"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w and|strong="H2022"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* flat \w lands|strong="H0127"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w farmers|strong="H0406"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w* \w and|strong="H2022"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w lands|strong="H0127"\w* \w where|strong="H1129"\w* growth \w was|strong="H1961"\w* good. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w also|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* men \w who|strong="H3588"\w* \w took|strong="H1961"\w* care \w of|strong="H2022"\w* vineyards. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w loved|strong="H0157"\w* farming. 
\p
\v 11 \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w trained|strong="H6635"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H4421"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w put|strong="H3318"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* groups \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w secretary|strong="H5608"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w officer|strong="H8269"\w*. \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w leader|strong="H8269"\w*. \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w counted|strong="H5608"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H4421"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w put|strong="H3318"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* groups. \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w one|strong="H1961"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*. 
\v 12 \w There|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H2428"\w* 2600 \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w over|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*. 
\v 13 These \w family|strong="H0505"\w* leaders \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w an|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* 307,500 \w men|strong="H6635"\w* \w who|strong="H4428"\w* fought \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w great|strong="H2428"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*. These \w soldiers|strong="H4421"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w enemy|strong="H0341"\w*. 
\v 14 \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* gave \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*, \w spears|strong="H7420"\w*, \w helmets|strong="H3553"\w*, \w armor|strong="H8302"\w*, \w bows|strong="H7198"\w*, \w and|strong="H0068"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* slings. 
\v 15 \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, Uzziah \w made|strong="H6213"\w* machines \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w invented|strong="H4284"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* clever \w men|strong="H1419"\w*. These machines \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w put|strong="H3318"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w corner|strong="H6438"\w* walls. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w shot|strong="H3384"\w* \w arrows|strong="H2678"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w rocks|strong="H0068"\w*. Uzziah \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w famous|strong="H8034"\w*. People knew \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w away|strong="H3318"\w* places. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w much|strong="H5921"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w powerful|strong="H2388"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w But|strong="H0935"\w* \w when|strong="H0935"\w* Uzziah \w became|strong="H4603"\w* \w strong|strong="H2393"\w*, \w his|strong="H5921"\w* pride \w caused|strong="H0430"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H3820"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H7843"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* not faithful \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w burn|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w*. 
\v 17 \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 80 \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* served \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* Uzziah \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* Temple. 
\v 18 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* wrong. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w job|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w burn|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w right|strong="H0175"\w*. \w That|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Aaron’s|strong="H0175"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w*, \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w do|strong="H3318"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* only \w ones|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w been|strong="H4603"\w* prepared \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* work \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w*. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H4603"\w* faithful, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w must|strong="H1121"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Most|strong="H4480"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w Place|strong="H4720"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w*.” 
\p
\v 19 \w But|strong="H5973"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* angry. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* bowl \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w*. \w While|strong="H5973"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* very angry \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w leprosy|strong="H6883"\w* \w broke|strong="H2224"\w* \w out|strong="H6440"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w forehead|strong="H4696"\w*. \w This|strong="H3068"\w* happened \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w*. 
\v 20 \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leading|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H1931"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w could|strong="H1571"\w* \w see|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* leprosy \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w forehead|strong="H4696"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w quickly|strong="H1765"\w* forced \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple. \w Uzziah|strong="H1931"\w* \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w hurried|strong="H1765"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* punished \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 21 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w leper|strong="H6879"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* \w enter|strong="H8199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* controlled \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* governor \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 Everything else \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* did, \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w to|strong="H1697"\w* \w end|strong="H0314"\w*, \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w by|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H1697"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amoz|strong="H0531"\w*. 
\v 23 \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* died \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w field|strong="H7704"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w burial|strong="H6900"\w* \w places|strong="H0559"\w*. \w This|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* leprosy.” \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w Uzziah’s|strong="H5818"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. 
\c 27  
\s1 Jotham, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* 25 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 16 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H3147"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jerusha|strong="H3388"\w*. \w Jerusha|strong="H3388"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Zadok’s|strong="H6659"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*. 
\v 2 Jotham \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* wanted \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* obeyed \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. \w But|strong="H7535"\w* Jotham \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* burn incense \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w*. \w But|strong="H7535"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w continued|strong="H5750"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* wrong. 
\v 3 Jotham \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* did \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w place|strong="H1004"\w* named \w Ophel|strong="H6077"\w*. 
\v 4 \w He|strong="H3063"\w* \w also|strong="H3063"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H3063"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w fortresses|strong="H1003"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* forests. 
\v 5 Jotham \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* army \w and|strong="H1121"\w* defeated \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w So|strong="H5414"\w* each \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w three|strong="H7992"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* Jotham 3 3/4 tons\f + \fr 27:5  \fk 3 3/4 tons \ft Literally, “100 talents” (3450 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, 62,000 bushels\f + \fr 27:5  \fk 62,000 bushels \ft Literally, “10,000 \+tl \+w cors|strong="H3734"\+w*\+tl*” (2,200,000 l).\f* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w wheat|strong="H2406"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 62,000 bushels \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w barley|strong="H8184"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w became|strong="H2388"\w* \w powerful|strong="H2388"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* faithfully obeyed \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w else|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* did \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w wars|strong="H4421"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H3605"\+w* History \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w the|strong="H3605"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w* \+w and|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w Judah|strong="H3063"\+w*\bk*. 
\v 8 Jotham \w was|strong="H1961"\w* 25 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 16 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* died \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w Jotham’s|strong="H3147"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. 
\c 28  
\s1 Ahaz, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 16 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* live \w right|strong="H3477"\w*, \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestor \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* wanted \w him|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\v 2 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* followed \w the|strong="H1571"\w* bad \w example|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H1571"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* molds \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* idols \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w worship|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H1571"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* gods. 
\v 3 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w burned|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ben \w Hinnom|strong="H2011"\w*\f + \fr 28:3  \fk Valley of Ben Hinnom \ft Later, called “Gehenna.” This valley was west and south of Jerusalem. Many babies and young children were sacrificed to false gods in this valley.\f* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* sacrificed \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w own|strong="H6440"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w by|strong="H0784"\w* \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* terrible sins \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* peoples living \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3069"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* forced \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w out|strong="H3423"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* entered \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*. 
\v 4 Ahaz \w offered|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w burned|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hills|strong="H1389"\w*, \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w green|strong="H7488"\w* \w tree|strong="H6086"\w*. 
\p
\v 5-6 Because Ahaz did these things, the LORD his God let the king of Aram defeat him. The king and his army defeated Ahaz and took many people of Judah as prisoners to the city of Damascus. Ahaz also suffered a terrible defeat by the king of Israel, Pekah son of Remaliah. Pekah and his army killed 120,000 of the bravest soldiers in Judah in one day. All this happened because the people of Judah had turned away from the LORD, the God their ancestors worshiped. 
\v 7 \w Zicri|strong="H2147"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H2026"\w* brave soldier \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Azrikam|strong="H5840"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w officer|strong="H5057"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* charge \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Elkanah|strong="H0511"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w second|strong="H4932"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* command \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* army \w captured|strong="H7617"\w* 200,000 \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* own \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* living \w in|strong="H0935"\w* Judah. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w took|strong="H7617"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w*, \w children|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H1992"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w carried|strong="H7617"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. 
\v 9 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w one|strong="H1961"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Oded|strong="H5752"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w Oded|strong="H5752"\w* met \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Israelite \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Israelite \w army|strong="H6635"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* worshiped, \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* people \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w now|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* seen \w how|strong="H2009"\w* cruel \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w killing|strong="H2026"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 10 \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* plan \w to|strong="H0559"\w* keep \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w*. \w But|strong="H7535"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w guilty|strong="H0819"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* sinning \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\v 11 \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w me|strong="H7725"\w*. Send \w back|strong="H7725"\w* all \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w captured|strong="H7617"\w*, \w your|strong="H3068"\w* own \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* sisters, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* terrible \w anger|strong="H0639"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* saw \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Israelite \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w coming|strong="H0935"\w* home \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w war|strong="H6635"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* met \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Israelite \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* warned \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehohanan|strong="H3076"\w*, Berekiah \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshillemoth|strong="H4919"\w*, \w Jehizkiah|strong="H3169"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hadlai|strong="H2311"\w*. 
\v 13 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* soldiers, “\w Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* prisoners \w from|strong="H0935"\w* Judah \w here|strong="H2008"\w*. \w If|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w do|strong="H3254"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w*, \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w add|strong="H3254"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H3254"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w guilt|strong="H0819"\w* \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w even|strong="H3588"\w* worse \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w now|strong="H2008"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* already \w very|strong="H7227"\w* \w angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!” 
\p
\v 14 \w So|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* soldiers gave \w the|strong="H3605"\w* prisoners \w and|strong="H6440"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w*. 
\v 15 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* leaders (Azariah, Berekiah, Jehizkiah, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* Amasa) \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w helped|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* prisoners. \w These|strong="H3605"\w* four \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w clothes|strong="H3847"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelite army \w took|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w gave|strong="H8248"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w naked|strong="H4636"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* leaders \w also|strong="H0935"\w* \w gave|strong="H8248"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w sandals|strong="H5274"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H8248"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* prisoners \w from|strong="H4480"\w* Judah something \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w drink|strong="H8248"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* rubbed oil \w on|strong="H3847"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* soften \w and|strong="H0935"\w* heal \w their|strong="H3605"\w* wounds. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* leaders \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H8034"\w* \w put|strong="H3847"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w weak|strong="H3782"\w* prisoners \w on|strong="H3847"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w took|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H8034"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* families \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jericho|strong="H3405"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w palm|strong="H8558"\w* \w trees|strong="H8558"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* four leaders \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H8034"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. 
\p
\v 16-17 At that same time the people from Edom came again and defeated the people of Judah. The Edomites captured people and took them away as prisoners. So King Ahaz asked the king of Assyria to help him. 
\v 18 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* attacked \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* hills \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w south|strong="H5045"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* Beth Shemesh, \w Aijalon|strong="H0357"\w*, \w Gederoth|strong="H1450"\w*, \w Soco|strong="H7755"\w*, \w Timnah|strong="H8553"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Gimzo|strong="H1579"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w villages|strong="H1323"\w* \w near|strong="H3920"\w* these \w towns|strong="H1323"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\v 19 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* gave troubles \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* encouraged \w the|strong="H0853"\w* people \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* sin. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H4604"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 20 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Tiglath Pileser \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w gave|strong="H2388"\w* Ahaz trouble \w instead|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* helping \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 21 \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* some valuable \w things|strong="H3808"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* prince’s \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w help|strong="H5833"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w Ahaz’s|strong="H0271"\w* troubles, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* sinned worse \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H4603"\w* \w more|strong="H3254"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 23 \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w* worshiped. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* Ahaz. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w thought|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* himself, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w* \w worship|strong="H3478"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w offer|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, maybe \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w me|strong="H5221"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w*.” Ahaz worshiped \w these|strong="H1992"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w In|strong="H0430"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* sinned, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* sin. 
\p
\v 24 \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* broke \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w pieces|strong="H7112"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w closed|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w put|strong="H0622"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* street \w corner|strong="H6438"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 25 \w In|strong="H0430"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* Ahaz \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* worship \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. Ahaz \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* obeyed, very \w angry|strong="H3707"\w*. 
\p
\v 26 \w Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w else|strong="H3605"\w* Ahaz did, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w end|strong="H0314"\w*, \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H3605"\+w* History \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w the|strong="H3605"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w Judah|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w and|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w*\bk*. 
\v 27 \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* died \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w bury|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* same \w burial|strong="H6913"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w* \w where|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w*. \w Ahaz’s|strong="H0271"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. 
\c 29  
\s1 Hezekiah, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* 25 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* 29 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H2396"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w*. \w Abijah|strong="H0029"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* Zechariah’s \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*. 
\v 2 Hezekiah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* wanted \w him|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w right|strong="H3477"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* ancestor \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\p
\v 3 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2388"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w opened|strong="H6605"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* again. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* did \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w after|strong="H8141"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w became|strong="H2388"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. 
\v 4-5 Hezekiah called the priests and Levites together in one assembly. He had a meeting with them in the courtyard on the east side of the Temple. Hezekiah said to them, “Listen to me, Levites! Make yourselves ready for holy service. Make the Temple of the LORD God ready for holy service. He is the God your ancestors obeyed. Take away the things from the Temple that don’t belong in there. These things make the Temple unclean. 
\v 6 \w Our|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w were|strong="H5869"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* faithful \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* says \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* stopped following \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w no|strong="H5414"\w* longer \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w any|strong="H6440"\w* \w attention|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* house\f + \fr 29:6  \fk LORD’S house \ft Another name for the Temple in Jerusalem.\f* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w backs|strong="H6203"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 7 \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w shut|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w let|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* fire \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w out|strong="H0853"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* stopped \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H6944"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 8 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* very \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* punished \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* badly \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* shocks \w and|strong="H3068"\w* scares \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* hear \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*. \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* laugh \w and|strong="H3068"\w* shout \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w* insults \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* know \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w true|strong="H3068"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w happen|strong="H1961"\w*. 
\v 9 \w That|strong="H5307"\w* \w is|strong="H2009"\w* why \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w killed|strong="H2719"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* battle. \w Our|strong="H5921"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H0802"\w* \w prisoners|strong="H7628"\w*. 
\v 10 \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H6258"\w*, Hezekiah, \w have|strong="H3068"\w* decided \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w make|strong="H3772"\w* \w an|strong="H4480"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6258"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* not \w be|strong="H3478"\w* \w angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H7725"\w* anymore. 
\v 11 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*,\f + \fr 29:11  \fk my sons \ft Here, Hezekiah is speaking to the priests like a father to his sons. They are not really his children.\f* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* lazy \w or|strong="H0408"\w* waste \w any|strong="H1961"\w* \w more|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H6258"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* chose \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \add \+w in|strong="H3068"\+w* \+w the|strong="H6440"\+w* Temple\add* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w burn|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12-14 This is a list of the Levites who started to work: 
\b
\li1 From the Kohath family there were Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah. 
\li1 From the Merari family there were Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel. 
\li1 From the Gershon family there were Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joab. 
\li1 From Elizaphan’s descendants there were Shimri and Jeiel. 
\li1 From Asaph’s descendants there were Zechariah and Mattaniah. 
\li1 From Heman’s descendants there were Jehiel and Shimei. 
\li1 From Jeduthun’s descendants there were Shemaiah and Uzziel. 
\b
\p
\v 15 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* these Levites \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w together|strong="H0622"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w made|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* ready \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w service|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* obeyed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w command|strong="H4687"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w clean|strong="H2891"\w* \w it|strong="H6942"\w*. 
\v 16 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w part|strong="H6441"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w clean|strong="H2891"\w* \w it|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w unclean|strong="H2932"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w there|strong="H4672"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w unclean|strong="H2932"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*. 
\v 17 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Levites \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w make|strong="H3615"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* ready \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w service|strong="H1004"\w*. \w By|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w eighth|strong="H8083"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* cleaning \w all|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* area \w up|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w porch|strong="H0197"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w For|strong="H1004"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* more \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* cleaned \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* itself \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w make|strong="H3615"\w* \w it|strong="H6942"\w* ready \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w use|strong="H3615"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 16th \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*, \w we|strong="H3605"\w* cleaned \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* burning \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w We|strong="H3605"\w* cleaned \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w rows|strong="H4635"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* bread \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w*. 
\v 19 \w During|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* time \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Ahaz|strong="H0271"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* rebelled \w against|strong="H0854"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* threw \w away|strong="H3605"\w* many \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple. \w But|strong="H4428"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* repaired \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3559"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* \w ready|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H4196"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* special use. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w now|strong="H2005"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.” 
\p
\v 20 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* next \w morning|strong="H7925"\w*. 
\v 21 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w*, \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w*, \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w young|strong="H1121"\w* \w male|strong="H3532"\w* \w goats|strong="H5795"\w*. \w These|strong="H0175"\w* animals \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Holy|strong="H4720"\w* \w Place|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* make \w it|strong="H5921"\w* clean, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w King|strong="H5921"\w* Hezekiah \w commanded|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aaron|strong="H0175"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w these|strong="H0175"\w* animals \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. 
\v 22 \w So|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w killed|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* kept \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H3548"\w* \w sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* bulls’ \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H3548"\w* \w killed|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* rams’ \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H3548"\w* \w killed|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* lambs’ \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. 
\v 23-24 Then the priests brought the male goats in front of the king, and the people gathered together. The goats were the sin offering. The priests put their hands on the goats and killed the goats. They made a sin offering with the goats’ blood on the altar. They did this so that God would forgive the sins of the Israelites. The king said that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all the Israelites. 
\p
\v 25 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Hezekiah \w put|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w*, \w harps|strong="H3658"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w lyres|strong="H3658"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Gad|strong="H1410"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w seer|strong="H2374"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w*. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w command|strong="H4687"\w* came \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*. 
\v 26 \w So|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* ready \w with|strong="H1732"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H3627"\w* music, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* ready \w with|strong="H1732"\w* \w their|strong="H5975"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*. 
\v 27 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w order|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* sacrifice \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w When|strong="H6256"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w*, \w singing|strong="H7892"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* blown, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* played. 
\v 28 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w sang|strong="H7891"\w*, \w and|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpet|strong="H2689"\w* players \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* offering \w was|strong="H3605"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*. 
\p
\v 29 After \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sacrifices \w were|strong="H4428"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Hezekiah \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0854"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*. 
\v 30 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w ordered|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* give \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* sang songs \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Asaph|strong="H0623"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w seer|strong="H2374"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* written. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H1697"\w* \w happy|strong="H8057"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 31 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3820"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Judah \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H3027"\w* \w yourselves|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w near|strong="H5066"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w thank|strong="H8426"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8426"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*.” \w Then|strong="H6030"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3820"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w thank|strong="H8426"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8426"\w*. \w Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H0559"\w*, \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8426"\w*. 
\v 32 \w This|strong="H0428"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w how|strong="H0834"\w* \w many|strong="H4557"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Temple: 70 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*, 100 \w rams|strong="H0352"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* 200 \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w animals|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* sacrificed \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 33 There \w were|strong="H1241"\w* also 600 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 3000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* goats that \w were|strong="H1241"\w* sacrificed \w as|strong="H6942"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* offerings. 
\v 34 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w enough|strong="H4592"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w skin|strong="H6584"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* cut \w up|strong="H5704"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w animals|strong="H1961"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5930"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w helped|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w other|strong="H0251"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w make|strong="H2388"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* ready \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w service|strong="H4399"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w more|strong="H3808"\w* serious \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w making|strong="H3605"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* ready \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w serve|strong="H1961"\w*. 
\v 35 \w There|strong="H7230"\w* \w were|strong="H1571"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* fellowship \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* drink \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*. \w So|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* began again. 
\v 36 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H8055"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w And|strong="H0430"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* did \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* quickly! 
\c 30  
\s1 Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover 
\p
\v 1 \w King|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* messages \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w letters|strong="H0107"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*\f + \fr 30:1  \fk Ephraim and Manasseh \ft Joseph’s sons. Since these were the largest tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh sometimes means the whole northern kingdom of Israel.\f* \w also|strong="H1571"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* invited \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* people \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w could|strong="H1571"\w* celebrate \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 2 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Hezekiah agreed \w with|strong="H3389"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w have|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. 
\v 3 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* celebrate \w the|strong="H3588"\w* Passover Festival \w at|strong="H0622"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* regular \w time|strong="H6256"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w enough|strong="H6213"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* ready \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* service \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w in|strong="H0622"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 4 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1697"\w* satisfied \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Hezekiah \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*. 
\v 5 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* sent \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w announcement|strong="H3068"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* town \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Beersheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* town \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* celebrate \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Not|strong="H3808"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* celebrating \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w described|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* law. 
\v 6 \w So|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w messengers|strong="H7323"\w* \w took|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w letters|strong="H0107"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w This|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H6413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w letters|strong="H0107"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*: 
\b
\pi1 “\w Children|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w Abraham|strong="H0085"\w*, \w Isaac|strong="H3327"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* obeyed. \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w still|strong="H7725"\w* \w alive|strong="H7604"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w escaped|strong="H6413"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w or|strong="H0408"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w but|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w turned|strong="H5414"\w* against \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* hate \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* speak evil \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w* eyes \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w true|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 8 \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H0408"\w* \w stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w*. \w But|strong="H0935"\w* obey \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* willing heart. \w Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H4720"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w be|strong="H0408"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*. \w Serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6258"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* fearful \w anger|strong="H0639"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. 
\v 9 \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* obey \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* find \w mercy|strong="H7356"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w captured|strong="H7617"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* kind \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w merciful|strong="H7349"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\b
\p
\v 10 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w messengers|strong="H7323"\w* \w went|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* every \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w area|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w went|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w way|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w area|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w*, \w but|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w* \w laughed|strong="H7832"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w messengers|strong="H7323"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* fun \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 11 \w But|strong="H0389"\w*, \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* areas \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Asher|strong="H0836"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Also|strong="H1571"\w*, \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w* \w united|strong="H0259"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H3820"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w concerning|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w Many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* came \w together|strong="H0622"\w* \w in|strong="H0622"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w celebrate|strong="H2282"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H6951"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w in|strong="H0622"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. \w It|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H3389"\w* \w a|strong="H3389"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w crowd|strong="H6951"\w*. 
\v 14 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w took|strong="H5493"\w* \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w in|strong="H4196"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* false gods \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* false gods. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w into|strong="H7993"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w killed|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lamb \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* 14th \w day|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. \w The|strong="H0935"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* felt \w ashamed|strong="H3637"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* ready \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w service|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H0935"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H6453"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 16 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* regular places \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple \w as|strong="H0376"\w* described \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* gave \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* altar. 
\v 17 \w There|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* group \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w made|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* ready \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* service, \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* permitted \w to|strong="H5921"\w* kill \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w why|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* responsible \w for|strong="H3588"\w* killing \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w clean|strong="H2889"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w made|strong="H6942"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* lamb \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\p
\v 18-19 Many people from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not prepared themselves in the right way for the Passover Festival. They did not celebrate the Passover the right way, as the Law of Moses says. But Hezekiah prayed for the people. So he said this prayer, “LORD God, you are good. These people sincerely wanted to worship you in the right way, but they did not make themselves clean as the law says. Please forgive these people. You are the LORD, the God our ancestors worshiped. Forgive them, even if some did not make themselves clean as the rules of the Most Holy Place say.” 
\v 20 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w listened|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* King \w Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* prayer \w and|strong="H3068"\w* forgave \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\v 21 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w joy|strong="H8057"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w every|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3117"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w strength|strong="H5797"\w*.\f + \fr 30:21  \fk with all their strength \ft Or “with mighty instruments of the LORD.”\f* 
\v 22 \w King|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* encouraged \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w understood|strong="H7919"\w* very \w well|strong="H2896"\w* how \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* service \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3820"\w* celebrated \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w festival|strong="H4150"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* fellowship \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w gave|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w praise|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\p
\v 23 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people agreed \w to|strong="H3117"\w* stay \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w more|strong="H0312"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* joyful \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Passover \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w more|strong="H0312"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\v 24 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* gave 1000 \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* 7000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* kill \w and|strong="H3063"\w* eat. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* gave 1000 \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* 10,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*. \w Many|strong="H7230"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* prepared \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* service. 
\v 25 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* travelers \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w moved|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*—\w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w very|strong="H8055"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w*. 
\v 26 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w much|strong="H1419"\w* \w joy|strong="H8057"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w celebration|strong="H8057"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 27 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* asked \w God|strong="H8064"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w bless|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w Their|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place|strong="H6944"\w* where \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w lives|strong="H0935"\w*. 
\c 31  
\s1 King Hezekiah Makes Improvements 
\p
\v 1 \w When|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Passover celebration \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* Jerusalem \w for|strong="H4196"\w* Passover \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* stone idols \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w*. \w These|strong="H2063"\w* stone idols \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w used|strong="H3615"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w worship|strong="H3478"\w* false gods. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w cut|strong="H1438"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H3615"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w through|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* areas \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w did|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w same|strong="H0853"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* area \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w did|strong="H0376"\w* \w these|strong="H2063"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H3615"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w used|strong="H3615"\w* \w for|strong="H4196"\w* worshiping \w the|strong="H3605"\w* false gods. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w*. 
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\v 2 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3068"\w* divided \w into|strong="H5921"\w* groups, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* group \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w its|strong="H0853"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* special \w job|strong="H5656"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* do. \w So|strong="H5975"\w* \w King|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* told these groups \w to|strong="H5921"\w* begin doing \w their|strong="H3068"\w* jobs again. \w So|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* again \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w job|strong="H5656"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w offering|strong="H8002"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* fellowship \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w job|strong="H5656"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w serving|strong="H8334"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple \w and|strong="H3068"\w* singing \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* doors \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* house.\f + \fr 31:2  \fk LORD’S house \ft Or “LORD’S Camp,” that is, the courtyard of the Temple in Jerusalem.\f* 
\v 3 Hezekiah gave \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* own animals \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* offered \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H4480"\w*. These animals \w were|strong="H4428"\w* used \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* daily \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H4480"\w* \w that|strong="H4480"\w* \w were|strong="H4428"\w* given each \w morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* each \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H4428"\w* offered \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* days, during \w New|strong="H2320"\w* \w Moon|strong="H2320"\w* celebrations, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* other special \w meeting|strong="H4150"\w* days, \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* commands. 
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\v 4 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* supposed \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* part \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* crops \w and|strong="H3068"\w* things \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. \w So|strong="H4616"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2388"\w* \w commanded|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w share|strong="H5414"\w*. \w In|strong="H3427"\w* \w that|strong="H4616"\w* way \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w spend|strong="H5414"\w* all \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* time doing what \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* do. 
\v 5 \w People|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* around \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w country|strong="H7704"\w* heard \w about|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w command|strong="H1697"\w*. \w So|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w gave|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w first|strong="H7225"\w* \w part|strong="H4643"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w harvest|strong="H8393"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w grapes|strong="H8492"\w*, \w oil|strong="H3323"\w*, \w honey|strong="H1706"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H0935"\w* \w grew|strong="H7235"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* one-tenth \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w*. 
\v 6 \w The|strong="H0935"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* one-tenth \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* one-tenth \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* special \w place|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w only|strong="H1571"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H1571"\w* \w these|strong="H1992"\w* \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* piles. 
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\v 7 \w The|strong="H3245"\w* \w people|strong="H2490"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H2320"\w* bring these things \w in|strong="H2320"\w* \w the|strong="H3245"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w and|strong="H2320"\w* \w they|strong="H2320"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* bringing \w the|strong="H3245"\w* collection \w in|strong="H2320"\w* \w the|strong="H3245"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. 
\v 8 \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w*, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* piles \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w things|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* collected. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
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\v 9 \w Then|strong="H3548"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w asked|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* piles \w of|strong="H5921"\w* things. 
\v 10 \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* high \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Zadok’s|strong="H6659"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Hezekiah, “\w From|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w time|strong="H5704"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w started|strong="H2490"\w* \w bringing|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8641"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H7646"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w plenty|strong="H7646"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H7646"\w* \w eaten|strong="H0398"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w full|strong="H7646"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w there|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w still|strong="H5704"\w* \w plenty|strong="H7646"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w*! \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w really|strong="H2088"\w* \w blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w That|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w why|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H7646"\w* \w so|strong="H0935"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
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\v 11 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w commanded|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* priests \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w make|strong="H3559"\w* storerooms \w ready|strong="H3559"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w So|strong="H3559"\w* \w this|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H3559"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* priests \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8641"\w*, \w tithes|strong="H4643"\w*,\f + \fr 31:12  \fk tithes \ft One-tenth of a person’s crops or animals.\f* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w other|strong="H0251"\w* \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w that|strong="H0935"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w be|strong="H0251"\w* given only \w to|strong="H0935"\w* God. All these \w things|strong="H6944"\w* collected \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* storerooms \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Temple. \w Conaniah|strong="H3562"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w was|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* everything \w that|strong="H0935"\w* \w was|strong="H0935"\w* collected. \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w was|strong="H0935"\w* \w second|strong="H4932"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* these \w things|strong="H6944"\w*. \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w was|strong="H0935"\w* Conaniah’s \w brother|strong="H0251"\w*. 
\v 13 \w Conaniah|strong="H3562"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H3027"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* supervisors \w of|strong="H4428"\w* these men: \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w Azaziah|strong="H5812"\w*, \w Nahath|strong="H5184"\w*, \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*, \w Jerimoth|strong="H3406"\w*, \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w Eliel|strong="H0447"\w*, \w Ismakiah|strong="H3253"\w*, \w Mahath|strong="H4287"\w*, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the|strong="H3027"\w* official \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w charge|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* chose these men. 
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\v 14 \w Kore|strong="H6981"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5071"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w freely|strong="H5071"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* responsible \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w giving|strong="H5414"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* collections \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* responsible \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w giving|strong="H5414"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gifts|strong="H6944"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w*. \w Kore|strong="H6981"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gatekeeper|strong="H7778"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w East|strong="H4217"\w* Gate. \w His|strong="H5414"\w* father’s name \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w Imnah|strong="H3232"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Eden|strong="H5731"\w*, \w Miniamin|strong="H4509"\w*, \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Amariah|strong="H0568"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w* \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* Kore. These \w men|strong="H1419"\w* served \w faithfully|strong="H0530"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* living. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* collection \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w things|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* each group \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* same \w things|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w more|strong="H1419"\w* \w important|strong="H1419"\w* people \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w less|strong="H6996"\w* \w important|strong="H1419"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* collection \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w males|strong="H2145"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w older|strong="H4605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* names \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Levite \w family|strong="H1004"\w* histories. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w males|strong="H2145"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w daily|strong="H3117"\w* \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* responsible \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w*. \w Each|strong="H3605"\w* group \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Levites \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* own \w responsibility|strong="H4931"\w*. 
\v 17 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* given \w their|strong="H3548"\w* part \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* collection. This \w was|strong="H1004"\w* done \w by|strong="H8141"\w* \w families|strong="H1004"\w*, \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* way \w they|strong="H8141"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w listed|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* histories. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w older|strong="H4605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* given \w their|strong="H3548"\w* part \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* collection, according \w to|strong="H0001"\w* \w their|strong="H3548"\w* \w groups|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w responsibilities|strong="H4931"\w*. 
\v 18 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Levites’ \w babies|strong="H0802"\w*, \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w also|strong="H3588"\w* got part \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* collection. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w done|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Levites \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* listed \w in|strong="H0802"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* family histories. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Levites \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w faithful|strong="H0530"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* always \w keep|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* ready \w for|strong="H3588"\w* service. 
\p
\v 19 \w Some|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aaron’s|strong="H0175"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, lived \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w or|strong="H7704"\w* \w on|strong="H3605"\w* farms near \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w living|strong="H0376"\w*. \w Men|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* chosen \w by|strong="H3187"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* part \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* collection \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w males|strong="H2145"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* family histories \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* got part \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* collection. 
\p
\v 20 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* King \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w right|strong="H3477"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w faithful|strong="H0571"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\v 21 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w success|strong="H6743"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w work|strong="H4639"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w*—\w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* obeying \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* following \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. Hezekiah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*. 
\c 32  
\s1 The King of Assyria Attacks Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* Hezekiah \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H0571"\w* done everything \w the|strong="H0559"\w* LORD \w commanded|strong="H0559"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w attack|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* country \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* army \w camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w outside|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* fortresses. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* did \w this|strong="H0428"\w* \w so|strong="H0935"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w he|strong="H0310"\w* \w could|strong="H1697"\w* \w make|strong="H1234"\w* plans \w to|strong="H0413"\w* defeat \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w*. \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H0413"\w* win \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w himself|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* knew \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w attack|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 3 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Hezekiah talked \w to|strong="H4325"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* army \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* all agreed \w to|strong="H4325"\w* \w stop|strong="H5640"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w waters|strong="H4325"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* springs \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* army \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* Hezekiah. 
\v 4 \w Many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5640"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w springs|strong="H4599"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w stream|strong="H5158"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w flowed|strong="H7857"\w* \w through|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w country|strong="H0776"\w*. \w They|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w will|strong="H0776"\w* \w not|strong="H0776"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w much|strong="H7227"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w when|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w here|strong="H4672"\w*!” 
\v 5 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2388"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* Jerusalem \w stronger|strong="H2388"\w*. \w This|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3605"\w* \w how|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*: \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* parts \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1732"\w* \w broken|strong="H6555"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w another|strong="H0312"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w first|strong="H0312"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w places|strong="H3605"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* east side \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* old \w part|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* Jerusalem. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w weapons|strong="H7973"\w* \w and|strong="H1732"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*. 
\v 6-7 Hezekiah chose officers of war to be in charge of the people. He met with these officers at the open place near the city gate. He talked to the officers and encouraged them. He said, “Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid or worry about the king of Assyria or the large army with him. There is a greater power with us than the king of Assyria has with him! 
\v 8 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria only \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*. \w But|strong="H4428"\w* \w we|strong="H1697"\w* \w have|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*! \w Our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w battles|strong="H4421"\w*!” \w So|strong="H1697"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* encouraged \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* made \w them|strong="H5921"\w* feel stronger. 
\p
\v 9 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* camped \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* town \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w* \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w could|strong="H2088"\w* defeat \w it|strong="H1931"\w*. \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w officers|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w officers|strong="H5650"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w message|strong="H3389"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\b
\pi1
\v 10 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w trust|strong="H0982"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w makes|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w under|strong="H5921"\w* attack \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*? 
\v 11 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* fooling \w you|strong="H5414"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w being|strong="H0430"\w* tricked \w into|strong="H5414"\w* staying \w in|strong="H0430"\w* Jerusalem \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w hunger|strong="H7458"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w thirst|strong="H6772"\w*. \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w save|strong="H5337"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*.” 
\v 12 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w took|strong="H5493"\w* \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* belonged \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w god|strong="H0559"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w burn|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w only|strong="H0259"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. 
\v 13 \w Of|strong="H0776"\w* course, \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w peoples|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w countries|strong="H0776"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w countries|strong="H0776"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w save|strong="H5337"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w stop|strong="H3808"\w* \w me|strong="H0589"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* destroying \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\v 14 \w My|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* destroyed \w those|strong="H0428"\w* countries. \w There|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w no|strong="H4310"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H4310"\w* stop \w me|strong="H5337"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* destroying \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* think \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w can|strong="H4310"\w* \w save|strong="H5337"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w me|strong="H5337"\w*? 
\v 15 \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let|strong="H0408"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* fool \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* trick \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w believe|strong="H0539"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w has|strong="H0430"\w* ever \w been|strong="H6258"\w* \w able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* keep \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* safe \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w me|strong="H3808"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* think \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w can|strong="H3201"\w* \w stop|strong="H0408"\w* \w me|strong="H3808"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* destroying \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.’” 
\b
\p
\v 16 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w officers|strong="H5650"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* Assyria \w said|strong="H1696"\w* worse things \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*, \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*. 
\v 17 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Assyria \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w letters|strong="H5612"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* insulted \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Assyria \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w letters|strong="H5612"\w*: “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* other \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w stop|strong="H3808"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* destroying \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w same|strong="H3651"\w* \w way|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w able|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w stop|strong="H3808"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* destroying \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.” 
\v 18 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Assyrian officers \w shouted|strong="H7121"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H6963"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* spoke \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w language|strong="H3066"\w* \w of|strong="H6963"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3066"\w* \w so|strong="H4616"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* understand \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w be|strong="H6963"\w* frightened enough \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Assyrians \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w capture|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H6963"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 19 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* insulted \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w just|strong="H1696"\w* \w as|strong="H0776"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* insulted all \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* other \w nations|strong="H5971"\w*—\w even|strong="H0776"\w* though \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w are|strong="H3027"\w* only \w things|strong="H4639"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w hands|strong="H3027"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amoz|strong="H0531"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* problem. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* very loudly \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*. 
\v 21 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w an|strong="H8033"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria’s \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*. \w That|strong="H3605"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w killed|strong="H2719"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*, \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Assyrian \w army|strong="H2428"\w*. \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H6440"\w* \w country|strong="H0776"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3582"\w* \w were|strong="H2428"\w* ashamed \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*. \w He|strong="H8033"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w some|strong="H8033"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H6440"\w* sons \w killed|strong="H2719"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*. 
\v 22 \w So|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* cared \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 23 \w Many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H1471"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w gifts|strong="H4503"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w valuable|strong="H4030"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w From|strong="H0935"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* time \w on|strong="H0935"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w respected|strong="H5869"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*. 
\p
\v 24 \w It|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* became \w very|strong="H5704"\w* \w sick|strong="H2470"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w near|strong="H5704"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w sign|strong="H4159"\w*.\f + \fr 32:24  \fk The LORD spoke … sign \ft See Isaiah 38:1-8 for the story about Hezekiah and how the LORD gave him 15 more years to live.\f* 
\v 25 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* \w heart|strong="H3820"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w proud|strong="H1361"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* thanks \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* kindness. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3820"\w* \w why|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 26 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* changed \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w hearts|strong="H3820"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w lives|strong="H3427"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* became \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w stopped|strong="H0935"\w* being proud. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* anger \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w while|strong="H1931"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* alive. 
\p
\v 27 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w many|strong="H7235"\w* \w riches|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w much|strong="H7235"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w places|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w keep|strong="H6213"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w valuable|strong="H3368"\w* \w jewels|strong="H3627"\w*, \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*, \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w kinds|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H3627"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\v 28 Hezekiah had \w storage|strong="H4543"\w* buildings \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w new|strong="H8492"\w* \w wine|strong="H8492"\w*, \w and|strong="H0929"\w* \w oil|strong="H3323"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* people sent \w to|strong="H0929"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* had \w stalls|strong="H0723"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cattle|strong="H0929"\w* \w and|strong="H0929"\w* \w stalls|strong="H0723"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sheep. 
\v 29 Hezekiah \w also|strong="H0430"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* got \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w flocks|strong="H6629"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w much|strong="H7230"\w* \w wealth|strong="H7399"\w*. 
\v 30 \w It|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5640"\w* \w up|strong="H5640"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w upper|strong="H5945"\w* source \w of|strong="H4325"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w waters|strong="H4325"\w* \w of|strong="H4325"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Gihon|strong="H1521"\w* \w Spring|strong="H4161"\w* \w in|strong="H4639"\w* Jerusalem \w and|strong="H1732"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w waters|strong="H4325"\w* flow \w straight|strong="H3474"\w* \w down|strong="H4295"\w* \w on|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w west|strong="H4628"\w* \w side|strong="H4628"\w* \w of|strong="H4325"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4325"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w And|strong="H1732"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w successful|strong="H6743"\w* \w in|strong="H4639"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H4639"\w*. 
\p
\v 31 \w One|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* messengers \w to|strong="H1961"\w* Hezekiah. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* messengers \w asked|strong="H7971"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* strange \w sign|strong="H4159"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H0776"\w*.\f + \fr 32:31  \fk a strange sign … nations \ft See Isaiah 38:1-8.\f* \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* Hezekiah \w alone|strong="H3045"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w test|strong="H5254"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Hezekiah’s \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*.\f + \fr 32:31  \fk in Hezekiah’s heart \ft See 2 Kings 20:12-19.\f* 
\p
\v 32 Everything else \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* did \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w ways|strong="H1697"\w* \w he|strong="H5921"\w* served God \w faithfully|strong="H2617"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Vision|strong="H2377"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w the|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Prophet|strong="H5030"\+w* \+w Isaiah|strong="H3470"\+w* \+w Son|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Amoz|strong="H0531"\+w*\bk* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H5921"\+w* History \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w the|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Judah|strong="H3063"\+w* \+w and|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w*\bk*. 
\v 33 \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w on|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* hill \w where|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w graves|strong="H6913"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*. \w Hezekiah’s|strong="H2396"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* new \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. 
\c 33  
\s1 Manasseh, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H3389"\w* 55 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 2 Manasseh \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* said \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w wrong|strong="H7451"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* followed \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w terrible|strong="H7451"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* sinful ways \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* forced \w out|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 3 \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w broken|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w*. \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* gods \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* constellations\f + \fr 33:3  \fk constellations \ft Groups of stars. These are probably the twelve “signs of the Zodiac.” Some people thought the stars, not God, controlled their life.\f* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* groups \w of|strong="H0001"\w* stars. 
\v 4 \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* false gods \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, “\w My|strong="H3068"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*.” 
\v 5 \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* groups \w of|strong="H1004"\w* stars \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* yards \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 6 \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* burned \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H5869"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* sacrifice \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ben \w Hinnom|strong="H2011"\w*.\f + \fr 33:6  \fk Valley of Ben Hinnom \ft Later, called “Gehenna.” This valley was west and south of Jerusalem. Many babies and young children were sacrificed to false gods in this valley.\f* \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* magic \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w soothsaying|strong="H6049"\w*, \w divination|strong="H5172"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sorcery|strong="H3784"\w*.\f + \fr 33:6  \fk soothsaying, divination, and sorcery \ft Different ways people try to do magic or tell what will happen in the future.\f* \w He|strong="H1931"\w* talked \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w mediums|strong="H0178"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* wizards. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w many|strong="H7235"\w* things \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* said \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w angry|strong="H3707"\w*. 
\v 7 Manasseh \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H7760"\w* \w statue|strong="H5566"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w an|strong="H7760"\w* \w idol|strong="H6459"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w it|strong="H7760"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*—\w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w same|strong="H2088"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* talked \w about|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*—\w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w chose|strong="H6213"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* cities \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w*—\w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H8034"\w* \w there|strong="H2088"\w* forever! 
\v 8 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w continue|strong="H3254"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w off|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0127"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w chose|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w give|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w*, \w rules|strong="H2706"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w commands|strong="H6680"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w give|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.” 
\p
\v 9 \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* encouraged \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w wrong|strong="H7451"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w worse|strong="H7451"\w* \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*—\w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H8045"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w The|strong="H0413"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w listen|strong="H7181"\w*. 
\v 11 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria’s \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w attack|strong="H0935"\w* Judah. \w These|strong="H0834"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w made|strong="H0631"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w prisoner|strong="H0631"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w hooks|strong="H2336"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w brass|strong="H5178"\w* \w chains|strong="H5178"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* hands \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w took|strong="H3920"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* country \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*. 
\p
\v 12 \w When|strong="H3068"\w* these troubles came \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H2470"\w* begged \w for|strong="H0430"\w* help \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\v 13 \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* begged \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* help. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* begging \w and|strong="H3068"\w* felt sorry \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w so|strong="H7725"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* let \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w throne|strong="H4438"\w*. \w Then|strong="H8085"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w knew|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w true|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\p
\v 14 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w happened|strong="H0935"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w an|strong="H1129"\w* \w outer|strong="H2435"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w west|strong="H4628"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Gihon|strong="H1521"\w* \w Spring|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* Kidron \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*, \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entrance|strong="H0935"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Fish|strong="H1709"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* hill \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Ophel|strong="H6077"\w*.\f + \fr 33:14  \fk Ophel \ft The upper part of the City of David, just south of the Temple area.\f* \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w made|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* tall. \w Then|strong="H3651"\w* \w he|strong="H0310"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* fortresses \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w took|strong="H5493"\w* \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w strange|strong="H5236"\w* \w idol|strong="H5566"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w took|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w idol|strong="H5566"\w* \w out|strong="H7993"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w took|strong="H5493"\w* \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w out|strong="H7993"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 16 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w set|strong="H3559"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* fellowship \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w thank|strong="H8426"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H2076"\w* \w command|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* all \w the|strong="H0853"\w* people \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 17 \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w continued|strong="H5750"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w offer|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w but|strong="H7535"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w were|strong="H0430"\w* \w only|strong="H7535"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 Everything else \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* did, \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w seers|strong="H2374"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H1697"\w* written \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* book, \bk \+w The|strong="H5921"\+w* Official \+w Records|strong="H1697"\+w* \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w the|strong="H5921"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w*\bk*. 
\v 19 Manasseh’s \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w how|strong="H0834"\w* God \w listened|strong="H6279"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* felt sorry \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \bk \+w The|strong="H3605"\+w* Book \+w of|strong="H1697"\+w* \+w the|strong="H3605"\+w* Seers\bk*. \w Also|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w sins|strong="H2403"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* wrongs \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w*, \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w set|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \bk \+w The|strong="H3605"\+w* Book \+w of|strong="H1697"\+w* \+w the|strong="H3605"\+w* Seers\bk*. 
\v 20 So \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* died \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H8478"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w The|strong="H8478"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H8478"\w* \w own|strong="H5973"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Manasseh’s|strong="H4519"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* new \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H8478"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. 
\s1 \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w*, \w King|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah 
\p
\v 21 \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* 22 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H3389"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 22 \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w before|strong="H5869"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w carved|strong="H6456"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* statues \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w*. 
\v 23 \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w like|strong="H3808"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H1931"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w* sinned \w more|strong="H3808"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w more|strong="H3808"\w*. 
\v 24 \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w made|strong="H7194"\w* plans \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* Amon \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* own \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 25 \w But|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* servants \w who|strong="H3605"\w* planned \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amon|strong="H0526"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* chose \w Amon’s|strong="H0526"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\c 34  
\s1 Josiah, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w was|strong="H0259"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H0259"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H0259"\w* 31 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 2 \w He|strong="H6213"\w* lived \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w pleased|strong="H5869"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, always \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w*, \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. Josiah \w never|strong="H3808"\w* changed \w this|strong="H3068"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* life. 
\v 3 \w When|strong="H4480"\w* Josiah \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w eighth|strong="H8083"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H3063"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* follow \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* worshiped \w by|strong="H8141"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* ancestor. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w when|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* obey \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w When|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* twelfth \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H3063"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* destroy \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w carved|strong="H6456"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w made|strong="H1875"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* molds \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 4 \w As|strong="H0834"\w* Josiah watched, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w broke|strong="H7665"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* gods. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w cut|strong="H1438"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w incense|strong="H2553"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* stood \w high|strong="H4605"\w* \w above|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w broke|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w carved|strong="H6456"\w* \w and|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H0834"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* molds. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* beat \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w powder|strong="H1854"\w* \w and|strong="H4196"\w* \w sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w powder|strong="H1854"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w graves|strong="H6913"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* gods. 
\v 5 Josiah \w even|strong="H0853"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w of|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* served \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Baal gods \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* own \w altars|strong="H4196"\w*. This \w is|strong="H3063"\w* how \w he|strong="H0853"\w* destroyed idols \w and|strong="H3063"\w* idol worship \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 6 Josiah did \w the|strong="H5704"\w* same \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* areas \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w Simeon|strong="H8095"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w all|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w way|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* did \w the|strong="H5704"\w* same \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w ruins|strong="H5892"\w* \w near|strong="H5704"\w* \w all|strong="H5439"\w* these \w towns|strong="H5892"\w*.\f + \fr 34:6  \fk ruins near all these towns \ft The Hebrew text here is hard to understand.\f* 
\v 7 Josiah \w broke|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* poles. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w beat|strong="H3807"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w into|strong="H0776"\w* \w powder|strong="H1854"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w cut|strong="H1438"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w incense|strong="H2553"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* Baal \w worship|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w country|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w When|strong="H7971"\w* Josiah \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* 18th \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah, \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w*, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joah|strong="H3098"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* rebuild \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w repair|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azaliah|strong="H0683"\w*. \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w leader|strong="H8269"\w*. \w Joah|strong="H3098"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joahaz|strong="H3099"\w*, wrote \w about|strong="H1004"\w* what happened. 
\p \w So|strong="H7971"\w* Josiah commanded \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* could \w make|strong="H2388"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w clean|strong="H2891"\w*. 
\v 9 \w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1419"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1419"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w doorkeepers|strong="H5592"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w collected|strong="H0622"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H5414"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w collected|strong="H0622"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Levites \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H6485"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w supervisors|strong="H6485"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w workers|strong="H4399"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 11 \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* money \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w carpenters|strong="H2796"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w builders|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w buy|strong="H7069"\w* \w large|strong="H1004"\w* \w rocks|strong="H0068"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* already cut, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w buy|strong="H7069"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w used|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w rebuild|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w buildings|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w beams|strong="H6086"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w buildings|strong="H1004"\w*. \w In|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* past, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* not \w take|strong="H5414"\w* care \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w buildings|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w buildings|strong="H1004"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* become old \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w ruined|strong="H7843"\w*. 
\v 12-13 The men worked faithfully. Their supervisors were Jahath and Obadiah. Jahath and Obadiah were Levites, and they were descendants of Merari. Other supervisors were Zechariah and Meshullam. They were descendants of Kohath. The Levites who were skilled in playing instruments of music also supervised the laborers and all the other workers. Some Levites worked as secretaries, officials, and doorkeepers. 
\s1 The Book of the Law Found 
\p
\v 14 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Levites \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w At|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w time|strong="H3318"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \bk \+w Book|strong="H5612"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1004"\+w* \+w the|strong="H0853"\+w* \+w Law|strong="H8451"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1004"\+w* \+w the|strong="H0853"\+w* \+w LORD|strong="H3068"\+w*\bk* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H3027"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w secretary|strong="H5608"\w*, “\w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \bk \+w Book|strong="H5612"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1004"\+w* \+w the|strong="H0853"\+w* \+w Law|strong="H8451"\+w*\bk* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*.\f + \fr 34:15  \fk the LORD’S house \ft Another name for the Temple in Jerusalem.\f*” \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w*. 
\v 16 \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Josiah. \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w reported|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, “\w Your|strong="H3605"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\v 17 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* got \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3027"\w* \w paying|strong="H3701"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w supervisors|strong="H6485"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w workers|strong="H4399"\w*.” 
\v 18 \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Josiah, “\w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w*.” \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\v 19 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Josiah \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w being|strong="H1961"\w* read, \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w his|strong="H8085"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w*.\f + \fr 34:19  \fk tore his clothes \ft A way of showing that a person was upset. Josiah was upset because his people had not obeyed the Lord’s laws. Also in verse 27.\f* 
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w a|strong="H6680"\w* \w command|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*, \w Ahikam|strong="H0296"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w*, \w Abdon|strong="H5658"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w*, \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w secretary|strong="H5608"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Asaiah|strong="H6222"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*. 
\v 21 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w*, “Go, \w ask|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H7604"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Ask|strong="H1875"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w says|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*.” 
\p
\v 22 \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* servants\f + \fr 34:22  \fk the king’s servants \ft Literally, “those … of the king.”\f* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* newer \w part|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w see|strong="H0834"\w* \w Huldah|strong="H2468"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w prophetess|strong="H5031"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Tokhath|strong="H8445"\w*, \w whose|strong="H0834"\w* father \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w Hasrah|strong="H2641"\w*. \w Shallum|strong="H7967"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w job|strong="H8104"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* taking \w care|strong="H8104"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w*. \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* servants \w told|strong="H1696"\w* \w Huldah|strong="H2468"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* happened. 
\v 23 Huldah \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: \w Tell|strong="H0559"\w* King Josiah \w that|strong="H0834"\w* 
\v 24 \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w trouble|strong="H7451"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w here|strong="H2088"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w terrible|strong="H7451"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 25 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w do|strong="H4639"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w me|strong="H3707"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w burned|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w* \w me|strong="H3707"\w* \w angry|strong="H3707"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* bad \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H4639"\w*. \w So|strong="H4616"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w pour|strong="H5413"\w* \w out|strong="H3605"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w anger|strong="H3707"\w* \w on|strong="H3027"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. \w Like|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w hot|strong="H2534"\w* \w burning|strong="H6999"\w* fire, \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w anger|strong="H3707"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w put|strong="H3518"\w* \w out|strong="H3605"\w*!’ 
\p
\v 26 “\w Go|strong="H7971"\w* \w back|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Josiah \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w ask|strong="H0559"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* wants. \w Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, ‘\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w about|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w being|strong="H0430"\w* read: 
\v 27 Josiah, \w when|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* city \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w its|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w*, \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w were|strong="H1697"\w* sorry \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w yourself|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*. \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w even|strong="H1571"\w* \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w show|strong="H8085"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w sorrow|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w cried|strong="H1058"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*. \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w tender|strong="H7401"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. 
\v 28 \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w take|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*.\f + \fr 34:28  \fk take you to be with your ancestors \ft This means that Josiah would die.\f* \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w grave|strong="H6913"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trouble|strong="H7451"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w here|strong="H2088"\w*.’” Hilkiah \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* servants \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Josiah. 
\p
\v 29 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Josiah called \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* come \w and|strong="H3063"\w* meet \w with|strong="H3389"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*. 
\v 30 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w both|strong="H3605"\w* \w important|strong="H5704"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* not \w important|strong="H5704"\w*, \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* Josiah. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \bk \+w Book|strong="H5612"\+w* \+w of|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w the|strong="H3605"\+w* \+w Agreement|strong="H1285"\+w*\bk*. \w That|strong="H3605"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 31 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H5977"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H6440"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w agreed|strong="H5975"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*, \w laws|strong="H5715"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w rules|strong="H2706"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w agreed|strong="H5975"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w soul|strong="H5315"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*. 
\v 32 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Josiah \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w promise|strong="H1285"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* accept \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* obeyed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* obeyed. 
\v 33 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* idols \w from|strong="H5493"\w* many different \w countries|strong="H0776"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* destroyed \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* terrible idols. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* alive, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* continued \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. 
\c 35  
\s1 Josiah Celebrates Passover 
\p
\v 1 King \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lamb \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w killed|strong="H7819"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* 14th \w day|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. 
\v 2 Josiah chose \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* do \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w duties|strong="H4931"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w encouraged|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w while|strong="H1004"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H5921"\w* \w serving|strong="H5656"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 3 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w taught|strong="H0995"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w service|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, “\w Put|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* Box \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0369"\w* \w carry|strong="H4853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* Box \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w place|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w place|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w shoulders|strong="H3802"\w* again. \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 4 \w Make|strong="H3559"\w* yourselves \w ready|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w service|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3559"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H3559"\w* tribes. Do \w the|strong="H3559"\w* jobs \w that|strong="H1732"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* gave \w you|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* do. 
\v 5 \w Stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0251"\w* \w Holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w Place|strong="H6944"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w a|strong="H5975"\w* group \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. Do \w this|strong="H5975"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w each|strong="H5971"\w* different \w tribe|strong="H0251"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0251"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w so|strong="H5975"\w* \w that|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H5971"\w* \w can|strong="H5975"\w* \w help|strong="H5971"\w* \w them|strong="H5975"\w*. 
\v 6 \w Kill|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w yourselves|strong="H3027"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Get|strong="H3559"\w* \w ready|strong="H3559"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* help \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w fellow|strong="H0251"\w* Israelites. \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* everything \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* commanded \w us|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* laws \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.” 
\p
\v 7 \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* gave \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites 30,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w goats|strong="H5795"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* kill \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* sacrifices. \w He|strong="H1241"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* gave 3000 \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* animals \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah’s|strong="H2977"\w* own animals. 
\v 8 Josiah’s \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w also|strong="H0430"\w* \w freely|strong="H5071"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* animals \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w things|strong="H7969"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* use \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w*. \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w high|strong="H7311"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w charge|strong="H5414"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H5971"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* 2600 lambs \w and|strong="H3967"\w* goats \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 300 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* sacrifices. 
\v 9 \w Also|strong="H8269"\w* \w Conaniah|strong="H3562"\w* \w with|strong="H1241"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, \w his|strong="H7311"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w* gave 500 sheep \w and|strong="H3967"\w* goats \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 500 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w for|strong="H1241"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* sacrifices \w to|strong="H0251"\w* \w the|strong="H0251"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. These \w men|strong="H8269"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H0251"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w When|strong="H5656"\w* everything \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w ready|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Passover \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* begin, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* went \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* places. \w This|strong="H5975"\w* \w is|strong="H4428"\w* \w what|strong="H3559"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w*. 
\v 11 \w The|strong="H7819"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w killed|strong="H7819"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w skinned|strong="H6584"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* animals \w and|strong="H3027"\w* gave \w the|strong="H7819"\w* blood \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*. \w The|strong="H7819"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* blood \w on|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* altar. 
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H3651"\w* \w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* animals \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w used|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* different tribes. \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* done \w so|strong="H3651"\w* \w that|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3068"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w offered|strong="H7126"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w way|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* Law \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* taught. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w did|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w same|strong="H3651"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*. 
\v 13 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Levites \w roasted|strong="H1310"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6944"\w* \w over|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H4941"\w* \w they|strong="H7323"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* commanded. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H7323"\w* \w boiled|strong="H1310"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w offerings|strong="H6453"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w pots|strong="H5518"\w*, \w kettles|strong="H1731"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w pans|strong="H6745"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H7323"\w* \w quickly|strong="H7323"\w* gave \w the|strong="H3605"\w* meat \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\v 14 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* finished, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w got|strong="H5927"\w* meat \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w themselves|strong="H0310"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*. \w These|strong="H1992"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* kept \w very|strong="H5704"\w* busy, working \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w got|strong="H5927"\w* dark. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w worked|strong="H5704"\w* hard burning \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* sacrifices. 
\v 15 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* Asaph’s family got \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* places \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* chosen \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* stand. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*, \w Heman|strong="H1968"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w prophet|strong="H2374"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H8179"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* did \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w leave|strong="H5493"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* places \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w made|strong="H3559"\w* everything \w ready|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Passover. 
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* worship \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H6453"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. 
\v 17 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w there|strong="H4672"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\v 18 \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* hadn’t \w been|strong="H3644"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w since|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Samuel|strong="H8050"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*! \w None|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* ever \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w there|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H3427"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* very special \w way|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\v 19 \w They|strong="H8141"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Josiah’s|strong="H2977"\w* 18th \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w as|strong="H8141"\w* king. 
\s1 \w The|strong="H6213"\w* Death \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* 
\p
\v 20 \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H2063"\w* good \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Later|strong="H0310"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Neco|strong="H5224"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w an|strong="H3559"\w* \w army|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* town \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Carchemish|strong="H3751"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Euphrates|strong="H6578"\w* River. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Neco|strong="H5224"\w*. 
\v 21 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* Neco \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Josiah. 
\b
\pi1 \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w King|strong="H4428"\w* Josiah, \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* problem. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* come \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* enemies. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w hurry|strong="H0926"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w side|strong="H5973"\w*, \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* bother \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w If|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*!” 
\b
\p
\v 22 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w away|strong="H4480"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w put|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* different clothes \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w hide|strong="H2664"\w* \w who|strong="H0430"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w battle|strong="H3898"\w*. \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* warning \w Neco|strong="H5224"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w received|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w plain|strong="H1237"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Megiddo|strong="H4023"\w*. 
\v 23 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w shot|strong="H3384"\w* \w by|strong="H3588"\w* arrows \w while|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* battle. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, “Take \w me|strong="H5650"\w* \w away|strong="H5674"\w*, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* am \w wounded|strong="H2470"\w* \w badly|strong="H3966"\w*!” 
\p
\v 24 \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w took|strong="H4191"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* another \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* brought \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* battle. \w Then|strong="H5674"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w took|strong="H4191"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* very sad \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\v 25 \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w sang|strong="H7891"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* funeral songs \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*. \w And|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w women|strong="H6969"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w still|strong="H5704"\w* \w sing|strong="H7891"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* sad songs \w today|strong="H3117"\w*. \w It|strong="H5414"\w* became something \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w always|strong="H3117"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w*—\w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w sing|strong="H7891"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* sad \w song|strong="H7891"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*. \w These|strong="H3605"\w* songs \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* book, \bk Funeral Songs\bk*. 
\p
\v 26-27 Everything else Josiah did while he was king, from the beginning to the end of his rule, is written in the book, \bk The History of the Kings of Israel and Judah\bk*. The book tells about the way he served God faithfully by obeying the law of the LORD. 
\c 36  
\s1 Jehoahaz, King of Judah 
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah chose \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* new \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w Josiah’s|strong="H2977"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 2 \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* 23 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for|strong="H3389"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*. 
\v 3 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Neco \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* made Jehoahaz \w a|strong="H0776"\w* prisoner. Neco made \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judah \w pay|strong="H3701"\w* 3 3/4 tons\f + \fr 36:3  \fk 3 3/4 tons \ft Literally, “100 talents” (3450 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 75 pounds\f + \fr 36:3  \fk 75 pounds \ft Literally, “1 talent” (34.5 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w a|strong="H0776"\w* \w fine|strong="H3701"\w*. 
\v 4 \w Neco|strong="H5224"\w* chose Jehoahaz’s \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Eliakim|strong="H0471"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w be|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Neco|strong="H5224"\w* \w gave|strong="H3947"\w* \w Eliakim|strong="H0471"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* new \w name|strong="H8034"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w*. \w But|strong="H0935"\w* \w Neco|strong="H5224"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3099"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. 
\s1 \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* 
\p
\v 5 \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* 25 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* new \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for|strong="H0259"\w* \w eleven|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H1121"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* considered \w evil|strong="H7451"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* Judah. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H0631"\w* Jehoiakim \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w prisoner|strong="H0631"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w put|strong="H5927"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w chains|strong="H5178"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Then|strong="H5927"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w took|strong="H5927"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Jehoiakim \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w took|strong="H0935"\w* some \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w things|strong="H3627"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w carried|strong="H0935"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* own \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 8 \w Everything|strong="H0834"\w* else \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* terrible sins \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w everything|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* guilty \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*, \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w book|strong="H5612"\w*, \bk \+w The|strong="H0834"\+w* History \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w the|strong="H0834"\+w* \+w Kings|strong="H4428"\+w* \+w of|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Israel|strong="H3478"\+w* \+w and|strong="H1121"\+w* \+w Judah|strong="H3063"\+w*\bk*. \w Jehoiakim’s|strong="H3079"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiachin|strong="H3078"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*. 
\s1 \w Jehoiachin|strong="H3078"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* 
\p
\v 9 \w Jehoiachin|strong="H3078"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* 18 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H1121"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* considered \w evil|strong="H7451"\w*. 
\v 10 \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w spring|strong="H8666"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* some servants \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w get|strong="H0935"\w* Jehoiachin. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* Jehoiachin \w and|strong="H0935"\w* some \w valuable|strong="H2532"\w* treasures \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*. \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* chose \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* new \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w one|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Jehoiachin’s \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w*. 
\s1 \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* 
\p
\v 11 \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w was|strong="H0259"\w* 21 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judah. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H0259"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for|strong="H0259"\w* \w eleven|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 12 Zedekiah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H6310"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* considered \w evil|strong="H7451"\w*. \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w told|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* messages \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* Zedekiah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H6310"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w said|strong="H6310"\w*. 
\s1 Jerusalem \w Is|strong="H3068"\w* Destroyed 
\p
\v 13 Zedekiah \w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w*. \w In|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* past \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* forced Zedekiah \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w make|strong="H7725"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w promise|strong="H7650"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H1571"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. Zedekiah \w used|strong="H7650"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* name \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H7650"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H1571"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w*. \w But|strong="H1571"\w* Zedekiah \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H1571"\w* \w change|strong="H7725"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* life. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w refused|strong="H6203"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* obey \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 14 \w Also|strong="H1571"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Judah sinned worse \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H4603"\w* \w more|strong="H7235"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* followed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* evil example \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w ruined|strong="H2930"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H2930"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 15 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*, \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* prophets \w again|strong="H7925"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w again|strong="H7925"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w warn|strong="H5971"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* did \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* felt sorry \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* Temple. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* didn’t want \w to|strong="H5921"\w* destroy \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w or|strong="H0001"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* Temple. 
\v 16 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* fun \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* refused \w to|strong="H5704"\w* listen \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w them|strong="H1961"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* hated \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w messages|strong="H1697"\w*. \w Finally|strong="H5704"\w*, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w could|strong="H1697"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* hold \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w anger|strong="H2534"\w* \w any|strong="H0369"\w* \w longer|strong="H0369"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w nothing|strong="H0369"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w could|strong="H1697"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* stop \w it|strong="H5704"\w*. 
\v 17 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Babylon \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H3027"\w* Jerusalem.\f + \fr 36:17  \ft This happened in the year 586 B.C., when Jerusalem was finally destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon.\f* \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Babylon \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w young|strong="H0970"\w* \w men|strong="H0970"\w* \w even|strong="H3808"\w* \w when|strong="H5927"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H3808"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H2550"\w* \w mercy|strong="H2550"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H3027"\w* Jerusalem. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Babylon \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w young|strong="H0970"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w old|strong="H2205"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w*. \w He|strong="H3808"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w men|strong="H0970"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w women|strong="H1330"\w*. \w He|strong="H3808"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* sick \w and|strong="H3027"\w* healthy \w people|strong="H3808"\w*. \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w permitted|strong="H5414"\w* Nebuchadnezzar \w to|strong="H5921"\w* punish \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judah \w and|strong="H3027"\w* Jerusalem. 
\v 18 Nebuchadnezzar \w carried|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w away|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w took|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* valuable \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w*. 
\v 19 Nebuchadnezzar \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w broke|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w Jerusalem’s|strong="H3389"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w houses|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* belonged \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* king \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* officials. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w or|strong="H1004"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H7843"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w valuable|strong="H4261"\w* \w thing|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\v 20 Nebuchadnezzar \w took|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w still|strong="H5704"\w* alive \w back|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* forced \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* stayed \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* Persian \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* defeated \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*. 
\v 21 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Judah \w became|strong="H1697"\w* \w an|strong="H3068"\w* empty desert \w and|strong="H3068"\w* stayed \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* 70 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w rested|strong="H7673"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w make|strong="H8074"\w* \w up|strong="H5704"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* rests\f + \fr 36:21  \fk Sabbath rests \ft The Law said that every seventh year the land was not to be farmed. See Leviticus 25:1-7.\f* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0776"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H0776"\w* kept. \w This|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w just|strong="H1697"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w happen|strong="H1697"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* warning \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w gave|strong="H4390"\w* \w through|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* prophet \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w*.\f + \fr 36:21  \fk warning … Jeremiah \ft See Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10.\f* 
\p
\v 22 \w During|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w first|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w*\f + \fr 36:22  \fk the first year … Cyrus \ft This was about 539–538 B.C.\f* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Persia|strong="H6539"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w caused|strong="H1697"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w make|strong="H3615"\w* \w a|strong="H0259"\w* special \w announcement|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* did \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w so|strong="H1571"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H0559"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophet|strong="H0559"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w really|strong="H0559"\w* \w happen|strong="H1697"\w*. \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w sent|strong="H0559"\w* messengers \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* carried \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w*: 
\b
\mi
\v 23 \w This|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Persia|strong="H6539"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: 
\pi1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w responsibility|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Now|strong="H5414"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w free|strong="H5973"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w may|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. 