\id 2CH  
\h 2 Chronicles 
\toc1 2 Chronicles 
\toc2 2 Chronicles 
\mt1 2 Chronicles  
\c 1  
\s1 The Lord Gives Solomon Wisdom  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w solidified|strong="H2388"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w royal|strong="H4438"\w* \w authority|strong="H5921"\w*, \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w magnified|strong="H1431"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w greatly|strong="H4605"\w*.   
\p
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* addressed \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* commanded \w units|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* thousand \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* families.  
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w went|strong="H3212"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* worship center \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tent \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* met \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* located \w there|strong="H8033"\w*, \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wilderness|strong="H4057"\w*.  
\v 4  (\w Now|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* ark \w of|strong="H5927"\w* God \w from|strong="H5927"\w* \w Kiriath|strong="H7157"\w* Jearim \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w place|strong="H3559"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w pitched|strong="H5186"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* tent \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w in|strong="H1732"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 5  \w But|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w Bezalel|strong="H1212"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Uri, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hur|strong="H2354"\w*, \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w tabernacle|strong="H4908"\w*. \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* entire \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w prayed|strong="H1875"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w*.)  
\v 6  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w meeting|strong="H4150"\w* tent, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H8033"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* thousand \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w That|strong="H7200"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H3915"\w* said \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="H7200"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* replied \w to|strong="H6213"\w* God, “\w You|strong="H6213"\w* \w demonstrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w my|strong="H1732"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w have|strong="H5973"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w me|strong="H6213"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w may|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w be|strong="H1697"\w* \w realized|strong="H3588"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H7227"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w numerous|strong="H7227"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w dust|strong="H6083"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w earth|strong="H6083"\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="H1419"\w* discernment \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H4310"\w* effectively \w lead|strong="H3318"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Otherwise|strong="H3588"\w* \w no|strong="H5414"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* able \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* judicial decisions \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w yours|strong="H5414"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11  \w God|strong="H3808"\w* said \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, “\w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w desire|strong="H5315"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w riches|strong="H6239"\w*, \w wealth|strong="H6239"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w vengeance|strong="H7592"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w enemies|strong="H8130"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w did|strong="H5971"\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 but|strong="H3808"\w* \w requested|strong="H7592"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* discernment \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w can|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H4427"\w* judicial decisions \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w whom|strong="H5971"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*,  
\v 12  \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* \w granted|strong="H5414"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* discernment. Furthermore \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w am|strong="H1961"\w* \w giving|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w riches|strong="H6239"\w*, \w wealth|strong="H6239"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w* \w surpassing|strong="H3651"\w* \w that|strong="H3651"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w any|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w after|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”   
\p
\v 13  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w left|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w meeting|strong="H4150"\w* tent \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w worship|strong="H3478"\w* center \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\s1 Solomon’s Wealth  
\p
\v 14  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* accumulated \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w horses|strong="H6571"\w*. \w He|strong="H8147"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 1,400 \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 12,000 \w horses|strong="H6571"\w*. \w He|strong="H8147"\w* \w kept|strong="H1961"\w* \w them|strong="H8147"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w assigned|strong="H1961"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w plentiful|strong="H7230"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* stones; cedar \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w plentiful|strong="H7230"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w sycamore|strong="H8256"\w* fig \w trees|strong="H8256"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* lowlands.  
\v 16  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w acquired|strong="H4161"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w from|strong="H3947"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w from|strong="H3947"\w* Que; \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w traders|strong="H5503"\w* purchased \w them|strong="H3947"\w* \w from|strong="H3947"\w* Que.  
\v 17  \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w paid|strong="H3318"\w* 600 \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* pieces \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 150 \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* pieces \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w horse|strong="H5483"\w*. \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w also|strong="H3027"\w* \w sold|strong="H3318"\w* \w chariots|strong="H4818"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\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 to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Syria.   
\c 2  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* ordered \w a|strong="H3068"\w* temple \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H2022"\w* built \w to|strong="H5921"\w* honor \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd Lord\nd*, \w as|strong="H2022"\w* well \w as|strong="H2022"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* royal palace \w for|strong="H5921"\w* himself.  
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* 70,000 common \w laborers|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* 80,000 stonecutters \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* hills, \w in|strong="H3427"\w* addition \w to|strong="H7971"\w* 3,600 supervisors.   
\p
\v 3  Solomon \w sent|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w King|strong="H5921"\w* Huram \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Tyre: “Help \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father David, \w when|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w sent|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* cedar \w logs|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w construction|strong="H1129"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 4  Look, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* am ready \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* honor \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* God \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* dedicate \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* order \w to|strong="H1004"\w* burn fragrant incense before \w him|strong="H3605"\w*, \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w set|strong="H1129"\w* \w out|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* bread \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3605"\w* regularly displayed, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* offer burnt sacrifices \w each|strong="H3605"\w* morning \w and|strong="H1419"\w* evening, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w on|strong="H1004"\w* Sabbaths, new moon festivals, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* times appointed \w by|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* God. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3605"\w* \w something|strong="H3605"\w* Israel must \w do|strong="H3605"\w* \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* permanent basis.  
\v 5  \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H4310"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H6440"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w is|strong="H4310"\w* greater \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w all|strong="H6440"\w* gods.  
\v 6  \w Of|strong="H6213"\w* course, \w who|strong="H3063"\w* \w can|strong="H6213"\w* really \w build|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* temple \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*, \w since|strong="H6258"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* sky \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* highest heavens \w cannot|strong="H3045"\w* contain \w him|strong="H7971"\w*? \w Who|strong="H3063"\w* am \w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w that|strong="H3045"\w* \w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w should|strong="H6213"\w* \w build|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* temple! \w It|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H3063"\w* really \w be|strong="H3389"\w* only \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w place|strong="H3559"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w offer|strong="H6213"\w* sacrifices \w before|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*.   
\p
\v 7 “\w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w man|strong="H3045"\w* \w who|strong="H5650"\w* \w is|strong="H2009"\w* skilled \w in|strong="H5650"\w* working \w with|strong="H5973"\w* gold, silver, bronze, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* iron, \w as|strong="H3588"\w* \w well|strong="H3045"\w* \w as|strong="H3588"\w* purple, crimson, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* violet colored fabrics, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w who|strong="H5650"\w* \w knows|strong="H3045"\w* \w how|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* engrave. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H5650"\w* work \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w my|strong="H3045"\w* skilled craftsmen \w here|strong="H2009"\w* \w in|strong="H5650"\w* Jerusalem \w and|strong="H7971"\w* Judah, \w whom|strong="H3588"\w* \w my|strong="H3045"\w* father \w David|strong="H5973"\w* \w provided|strong="H3045"\w*.  
\v 8  Send \w me|strong="H3559"\w* cedars, evergreens, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* algum \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H6086"\w* Lebanon, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* know \w your|strong="H3588"\w* servants \w are|strong="H1004"\w* adept \w at|strong="H1004"\w* cutting \w down|strong="H3588"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* Lebanon. \w My|strong="H3588"\w* servants \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w work|strong="H6381"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w your|strong="H3588"\w* servants  
\v 9  \w to|strong="H5414"\w* supply \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w with|strong="H3772"\w* large quantities \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w timber|strong="H6086"\w*, \w for|strong="H6086"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* am building \w a|strong="H3068"\w* great, magnificent temple.  
\v 10  \w Look|strong="H3068"\w*, \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w pay|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* servants \w who|strong="H5971"\w* cut \w the|strong="H5921"\w* timber 20,000 kors \w of|strong="H4428"\w* ground wheat, 20,000 kors \w of|strong="H4428"\w* barley, 120,000 gallons \w of|strong="H4428"\w* wine, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* 120,000 gallons \w of|strong="H4428"\w* olive oil.”   
\p
\v 11  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Tyre \w sent|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H6213"\w* letter \w to|strong="H3478"\w* Solomon: “\w Because|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* loves \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*, \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 12  \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w also|strong="H2361"\w* said, “Worthy \w of|strong="H3045"\w* praise \w is|strong="H2450"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w God|strong="H7971"\w* \w of|strong="H3045"\w* Israel, \w who|strong="H3045"\w* \w made|strong="H3045"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* sky \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* earth! \w He|strong="H7971"\w* \w has|strong="H3045"\w* given \w David|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w son|strong="H2450"\w* \w who|strong="H3045"\w* \w has|strong="H3045"\w* discernment \w and|strong="H7971"\w* insight \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w will|strong="H2450"\w* build \w a|strong="H3068"\w* temple \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* \nd Lord\nd*, \w as|strong="H6258"\w* \w well|strong="H3045"\w* \w as|strong="H6258"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* royal palace \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w himself|strong="H3045"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Now|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* am sending \w you|strong="H5414"\w* Huram \w Abi|strong="H6213"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w skilled|strong="H2450"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* capable \w man|strong="H2450"\w*,  
\v 14  \w whose|strong="H5650"\w* mother \w is|strong="H5650"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* Danite \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w whose|strong="H5650"\w* father \w is|strong="H5650"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* Tyrian. \w He|strong="H7971"\w* knows how \w to|strong="H7971"\w* work \w with|strong="H7971"\w* gold, silver, bronze, iron, stones, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* wood, \w as|strong="H5650"\w* well \w as|strong="H5650"\w* purple, violet, white, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* crimson fabrics. \w He|strong="H7971"\w* knows how \w to|strong="H7971"\w* do \w all|strong="H7971"\w* kinds \w of|strong="H5650"\w* engraving \w and|strong="H7971"\w* understands any design \w given|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*. \w He|strong="H7971"\w* \w will|strong="H5650"\w* work \w with|strong="H7971"\w* \w your|strong="H7971"\w* skilled craftsmen \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* skilled craftsmen \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w my|strong="H7971"\w* lord \w David|strong="H7971"\w* \w your|strong="H7971"\w* father.  
\v 15  \w Now|strong="H5921"\w* let \w my|strong="H3605"\w* lord \w send|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* servants \w the|strong="H3605"\w* wheat, barley, olive oil, \w and|strong="H6086"\w* wine \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w has|strong="H3389"\w* promised;  
\v 16  \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w get|strong="H4672"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* timber \w you|strong="H3605"\w* need \w from|strong="H3478"\w* Lebanon \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w bring|strong="H1732"\w* \w it|strong="H4672"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* raft-like bundles \w by|strong="H3478"\w* sea \w to|strong="H3478"\w* Joppa. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* can \w then|strong="H1732"\w* haul \w it|strong="H4672"\w* \w on|strong="H3605"\w* \w up|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* Jerusalem.”   
\p
\v 17  Solomon \w took|strong="H5971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* census \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w all|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* male resident foreigners \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* land \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w Israel|strong="H5971"\w*, \w after|strong="H1992"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* census \w his|strong="H6213"\w* father David \w had|strong="H5971"\w* \w taken|strong="H6213"\w*. \w There|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* 153,600 \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 18  He designated 70,000 as common laborers, 80,000 as stonecutters in the hills, and 3,600 as supervisors to make sure the people completed the work.   
\c 3  
\p
\v 1  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|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="H4725"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w This|strong="H7200"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w threshing|strong="H1637"\w* \w floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Ornan \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w Jebusite|strong="H2983"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H8141"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w building|strong="H1129"\w* \w on|strong="H8145"\w* \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 the|strong="H1129"\w* fourth \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H1129"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w laid|strong="H3245"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w foundation|strong="H3245"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w its|strong="H3245"\w* length (determined according \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w old|strong="H7223"\w* \w standard|strong="H4060"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w measure|strong="H4060"\w*) \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 90 feet, \w and|strong="H6242"\w* \w its|strong="H3245"\w* \w width|strong="H7341"\w* 30 feet.  
\v 4  \w The|strong="H6440"\w* porch \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* main \w hall|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 30 feet \w long|strong="H6440"\w*, \w corresponding|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w width|strong="H7341"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w its|strong="H5921"\w* \w height|strong="H1363"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 30 feet. \w He|strong="H1004"\w* \w plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w pure|strong="H2889"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H1004"\w* paneled \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w main|strong="H1419"\w* \w hall|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* boards \w made|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* evergreen \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* plated \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w fine|strong="H2896"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w decorated|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w palm|strong="H8561"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w chains|strong="H8333"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H1004"\w* decorated \w the|strong="H6823"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w precious|strong="H3368"\w* stones; \w the|strong="H6823"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w he|strong="H1004"\w* used came \w from|strong="H2091"\w* \w Parvaim|strong="H6516"\w*.  
\v 7  \w He|strong="H1004"\w* \w overlaid|strong="H2645"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*’s rafters, \w thresholds|strong="H5592"\w*, \w walls|strong="H7023"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*; \w he|strong="H1004"\w* \w carved|strong="H6605"\w* decorative \w cherubim|strong="H3742"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w walls|strong="H7023"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w most|strong="H6944"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place|strong="H6944"\w*; \w its|strong="H5921"\w* \w length|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 30 \w feet|strong="H6944"\w*, \w corresponding|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w width|strong="H7341"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w its|strong="H5921"\w* \w width|strong="H7341"\w* 30 \w feet|strong="H6944"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* plated \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* 600 \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w fine|strong="H2896"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 9  \w The|strong="H5944"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w nails|strong="H4548"\w* \w weighed|strong="H4948"\w* 50 \w shekels|strong="H8255"\w*; he also plated \w the|strong="H5944"\w* \w upper|strong="H5944"\w* areas \w with|strong="H2645"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 10  \w In|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w most|strong="H6944"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place|strong="H6944"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w images|strong="H6816"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w cherubim|strong="H3742"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 11  \w The|strong="H5060"\w* combined \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* span \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 30 feet. \w One|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* first \w cherub|strong="H3742"\w*’s \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* seven \w and|strong="H6242"\w* one-half feet long \w and|strong="H6242"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w one|strong="H3671"\w* \w wall|strong="H7023"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w its|strong="H5060"\w* \w other|strong="H3671"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* also seven \w and|strong="H6242"\w* one-half feet long \w and|strong="H6242"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w one|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* second \w cherub|strong="H3742"\w*’s \w wings|strong="H3671"\w*.  
\v 12  Likewise \w one|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* second \w cherub|strong="H3742"\w*’s \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* seven \w and|strong="H1004"\w* one-half feet long \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w other|strong="H3671"\w* \w wall|strong="H7023"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w its|strong="H5060"\w* \w other|strong="H3671"\w* \w wing|strong="H3671"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* also seven \w and|strong="H1004"\w* one-half feet long \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w one|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5060"\w* first \w cherub|strong="H3742"\w*’s \w wings|strong="H3671"\w*.  
\v 13  \w The|strong="H6440"\w* combined \w wingspan|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w these|strong="H1992"\w* \w cherubim|strong="H3742"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* 30 \w feet|strong="H7272"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w upright|strong="H5975"\w*, \w facing|strong="H6440"\w* \w inward|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w curtain|strong="H6532"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w violet|strong="H8504"\w*, \w purple|strong="H8504"\w*, \w crimson|strong="H3758"\w*, \w and|strong="H8504"\w* white fabrics, \w and|strong="H8504"\w* embroidered \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* decorative \w cherubim|strong="H3742"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \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 he|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w had|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* combined \w length|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* 52½ feet, \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w each|strong="H8147"\w* having \w a|strong="H3068"\w* plated \w capital|strong="H6858"\w* seven \w and|strong="H1004"\w* one-half feet \w high|strong="H7218"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* ornamental \w chains|strong="H8333"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w one|strong="H6213"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w pomegranate-shaped|strong="H7416"\w* ornaments \w and|strong="H3967"\w* arranged \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w within|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w chains|strong="H8333"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w set|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w temple|strong="H1964"\w*, \w one|strong="H3225"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w other|strong="H7121"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w*. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w named|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w one|strong="H3225"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w Jachin|strong="H3199"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w one|strong="H3225"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w Boaz|strong="H1162"\w*.   
\c 4  
\p
\v 1  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*, 30 feet long, 30 feet \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and|strong="H6242"\w* 15 feet \w high|strong="H6967"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w big|strong="H3332"\w* bronze basin called “\w The|strong="H6213"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.” \w It|strong="H6213"\w* \w measured|strong="H5437"\w* 15 feet \w from|strong="H5437"\w* \w rim|strong="H8193"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w rim|strong="H8193"\w*, \w was|strong="H6967"\w* \w circular|strong="H5696"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* shape, \w and|strong="H7970"\w* \w stood|strong="H6967"\w* seven \w and|strong="H7970"\w* one-half feet \w high|strong="H6967"\w*. \w Its|strong="H6213"\w* \w circumference|strong="H5437"\w* \w was|strong="H6967"\w* 45 feet.  
\v 3  \w Images|strong="H1823"\w* \w of|strong="H8478"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w were|strong="H1241"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w it|strong="H5439"\w* \w all|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* way \w around|strong="H5439"\w*, \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w every|strong="H5439"\w* eighteen inches \w all|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* way \w around|strong="H5439"\w*. \w The|strong="H8478"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w were|strong="H1241"\w* \w in|strong="H3220"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w and|strong="H1241"\w* had been \w cast|strong="H3332"\w* \w with|strong="H3220"\w* “\w The|strong="H8478"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.”  
\v 4 “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*” \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H4605"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w twelve|strong="H8147"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*. \w Three|strong="H7969"\w* \w faced|strong="H6437"\w* \w northward|strong="H6828"\w*, \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w westward|strong="H3220"\w*, \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w southward|strong="H5045"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w eastward|strong="H4217"\w*. “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*” \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w placed|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H4605"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w faced|strong="H6437"\w* outward.  
\v 5  \w It|strong="H2388"\w* \w was|strong="H8193"\w* \w four|strong="H7969"\w* fingers \w thick|strong="H5672"\w* \w and|strong="H2388"\w* its \w rim|strong="H8193"\w* \w was|strong="H8193"\w* \w like|strong="H7799"\w* \w that|strong="H8193"\w* \w of|strong="H4639"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w cup|strong="H3563"\w* \w shaped|strong="H4639"\w* \w like|strong="H7799"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w lily|strong="H7799"\w* \w blossom|strong="H6525"\w*. \w It|strong="H2388"\w* \w could|strong="H8193"\w* \w hold|strong="H2388"\w* 18,000 \w gallons|strong="H1324"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w washing|strong="H7364"\w* \w basins|strong="H3595"\w*; \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w south|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w north|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w*. \w In|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* rinsed \w the|strong="H5414"\w* items \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*; \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w washed|strong="H7364"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* “\w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w according|strong="H4941"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* specifications \w and|strong="H4941"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w temple|strong="H1964"\w*, \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H4941"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\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 set|strong="H3240"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w temple|strong="H1964"\w*, \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w one|strong="H6213"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w bowls|strong="H4219"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w enclosure|strong="H5835"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w its|strong="H6213"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w*; \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w plated|strong="H6823"\w* \w their|strong="H6213"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w with|strong="H6213"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* “\w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*” \w on|strong="H3220"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w south|strong="H5045"\w* \w side|strong="H3802"\w*, \w in|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w southeast|strong="H5045"\w* \w corner|strong="H3802"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w Abi|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w pots|strong="H5518"\w*, \w shovels|strong="H3257"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w bowls|strong="H4219"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w all|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H4399"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w had|strong="H8010"\w* \w been|strong="H3615"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H6213"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 12  \w He|strong="H8147"\w* \w made|strong="H3680"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w bowl-shaped|strong="H1543"\w* \w tops|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w latticework|strong="H7639"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w bowl-shaped|strong="H1543"\w* \w tops|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w*,  
\v 13  \w the|strong="H6440"\w* four \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w pomegranate-shaped|strong="H7416"\w* \w ornaments|strong="H3805"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w latticework|strong="H7639"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w pillars|strong="H5982"\w* (\w each|strong="H8147"\w* \w latticework|strong="H7639"\w* \w had|strong="H7416"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w rows|strong="H2905"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w these|strong="H8147"\w* \w ornaments|strong="H3805"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w bowl-shaped|strong="H1543"\w* \w top|strong="H3805"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w pillar|strong="H5982"\w*),  
\v 14  \w the|strong="H5921"\w* ten movable \w stands|strong="H4350"\w* \w with|strong="H6213"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* ten \w basins|strong="H3595"\w*,  
\v 15  \w the|strong="H8478"\w* big bronze basin called “\w The|strong="H8478"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*” \w with|strong="H3220"\w* \w its|strong="H8478"\w* \w twelve|strong="H8147"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w underneath|strong="H8478"\w*,  
\v 16  \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w pots|strong="H5518"\w*, \w shovels|strong="H3257"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* meat \w forks|strong="H4207"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6213"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w Abi|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w were|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w polished|strong="H4838"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The|strong="H3332"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* them \w cast|strong="H3332"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* earthen foundries \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3332"\w* \w region|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3332"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* between \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* Zarethan.  
\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 these|strong="H6213"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w weigh|strong="H4948"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w these|strong="H6213"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*: \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tables|strong="H7979"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \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* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w kept|strong="H6213"\w*,  
\v 20  \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstands|strong="H4501"\w* \w and|strong="H4941"\w* \w their|strong="H6440"\w* \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w* \w which|strong="H2091"\w* \w burned|strong="H1197"\w* \w as|strong="H6440"\w* specified \w at|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* entrance \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w inner|strong="H1687"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w*,  
\v 21  \w the|strong="H1931"\w* pure \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w flower-shaped|strong="H6525"\w* ornaments, \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w*, \w and|strong="H2091"\w* \w tongs|strong="H4457"\w*,  
\v 22  \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w trimming|strong="H4212"\w* shears, \w basins|strong="H4219"\w*, \w pans|strong="H3709"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w censers|strong="H4289"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w door|strong="H6607"\w* sockets \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w inner|strong="H6442"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H6944"\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 for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* main \w hall|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5462"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\c 5  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H6213"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w finished|strong="H7999"\w* \w constructing|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* belonged \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w* (\w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w articles|strong="H3627"\w*) \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* treasuries \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\s1 Solomon Moves the Ark into the Temple  
\p
\v 2  \w Then|strong="H5927"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w convened|strong="H6950"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*’s \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* – \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w tribes|strong="H4294"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w families|strong="H1121"\w* – \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w so|strong="H5927"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* could witness \w the|strong="H3605"\w* transferal \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ark \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w from|strong="H5927"\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="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6950"\w* before \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w during|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 4  \w When|strong="H5375"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*’s \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* arrived, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w lifted|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ark.  
\v 5  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ark, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tent where God appeared \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* people, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tent.  
\v 6  \w Now|strong="H3478"\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* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembled|strong="H3259"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \w went|strong="H3478"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ark \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w more|strong="H7230"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w than|strong="H3808"\w* could \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w counted|strong="H5608"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w numbered|strong="H5608"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w brought|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* ark \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w its|strong="H8478"\w* assigned \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w inner|strong="H1687"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w most|strong="H6944"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w*’ \w wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w extended|strong="H1961"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H4725"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* ark sat; \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w cherubs|strong="H3742"\w* \w overshadowed|strong="H4605"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* ark \w and|strong="H4725"\w* \w its|strong="H5921"\w* poles.  
\v 9  \w The|strong="H6440"\w* poles \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w long|strong="H5704"\w* \w their|strong="H6440"\w* \w ends|strong="H7218"\w* extending \w out|strong="H2351"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* ark \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w visible|strong="H7200"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w inner|strong="H1687"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H1687"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w could|strong="H2088"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w beyond|strong="H4480"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w point|strong="H5704"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 10  \w There|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* nothing \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* ark \w except|strong="H7535"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w tablets|strong="H3871"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Horeb|strong="H2722"\w*. (\w It|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* agreement \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w after|strong="H3318"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* land \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.)   
\p
\v 11  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place|strong="H6944"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* participated \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w*, \w no|strong="H4480"\w* matter \w which|strong="H3548"\w* \w division|strong="H4256"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* represented.  
\v 12  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w*, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* Asaph, \w Heman|strong="H1968"\w*, \w Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w relatives|strong="H1121"\w*, \w wore|strong="H3847"\w* linen. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w played|strong="H2690"\w* \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* stringed instruments \w as|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H3605"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w accompanied|strong="H5973"\w* \w by|strong="H5975"\w* 120 \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*.  
\v 13  \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \w trumpeters|strong="H2689"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w played|strong="H2690"\w* \w together|strong="H8085"\w*, \w praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w giving|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. Accompanied \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*, \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* other \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w singing|strong="H7891"\w*: “\w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*; \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w loyal|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*!” \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* carry \w out|strong="H6440"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* duties \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w*; \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w splendor|strong="H3519"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\c 6  
\p
\v 1  \w Then|strong="H3068"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* said, “\w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* said \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w lives|strong="H7931"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w thick|strong="H6205"\w* \w darkness|strong="H6205"\w*.  
\v 2  \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd Lord\nd*, \w I|strong="H1004"\w* \w have|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w lofty|strong="H2073"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H3427"\w* \w you|strong="H1129"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w place|strong="H4349"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H1129"\w* \w can|strong="H1004"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w permanently|strong="H5769"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w Then|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w pronounced|strong="H1288"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w blessing|strong="H1288"\w* \w over|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w as|strong="H6440"\w* \w they|strong="H3478"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w worthy|strong="H1288"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w praise|strong="H1288"\w* \w because|strong="H3027"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="H4390"\w* \w what|strong="H6310"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3117"\w* told \w David|strong="H3117"\w*, ‘\w Since|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* chosen \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w live|strong="H3117"\w*. \w Nor|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* choose \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w man|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 6  \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w now|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* chosen \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w place|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w live|strong="H8034"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* chosen \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* lead \w my|strong="H1732"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’  
\v 7  \w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* strong \w desire|strong="H3824"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* told \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, ‘\w It|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w right|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* strong \w desire|strong="H3824"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w me|strong="H5973"\w*.  
\v 9  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*; \w your|strong="H3588"\w* very own \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H1121"\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 honor|strong="H8034"\w*.’  
\v 10  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* kept \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H1129"\w*. \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w taken|strong="H3427"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w place|strong="H8478"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w occupied|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w*. \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w this|strong="H1696"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*  
\v 11  \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w set|strong="H7760"\w* \w up|strong="H7760"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w it|strong="H7760"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w place|strong="H7760"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* ark \w containing|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w out|strong="H6566"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w hands|strong="H3709"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w platform|strong="H3595"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w enclosure|strong="H5835"\w*. \w It|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* seven \w and|strong="H3478"\w* one-half feet \w long|strong="H3605"\w*, seven \w and|strong="H3478"\w* one-half feet \w wide|strong="H7341"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w four|strong="H7969"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* one-half feet \w high|strong="H6967"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w then|strong="H5414"\w* got \w down|strong="H1288"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w knees|strong="H1290"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H5048"\w* \w of|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H8432"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w out|strong="H6566"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w*,  
\v 14  \w and|strong="H1980"\w* prayed: “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H3605"\w* \w god|strong="H3068"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w or|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H1980"\w* \w earth|strong="H8064"\w*! \w You|strong="H6440"\w* maintain \w covenantal|strong="H1285"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w sincerity|strong="H3820"\w*.  
\v 15  \w You|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H5650"\w* \w kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w your|strong="H8104"\w* \w word|strong="H6310"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w your|strong="H8104"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my|strong="H8104"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w*; \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H5650"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="H4390"\w* \w what|strong="H2088"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w promise|strong="H1696"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w father|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w when|strong="H1696"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w fail|strong="H3772"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* successor \w ruling|strong="H3427"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w provided|strong="H7535"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w watch|strong="H8104"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* step \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H1980"\w*.’  
\v 17  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w may|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H1696"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w be|strong="H1697"\w* realized.   
\p
\v 18 “\w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w does|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w really|strong="H2088"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* humankind \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w earth|strong="H8064"\w*! \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w highest|strong="H8064"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w contain|strong="H3557"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w how|strong="H3588"\w* \w much|strong="H5921"\w* \w less|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*!  
\v 19  \w But|strong="H6437"\w* \w respond|strong="H8085"\w* favorably \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*’s \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w request|strong="H6440"\w* \w for|strong="H6440"\w* help, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Answer|strong="H7440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* desperate \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w presenting|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w day|strong="H3119"\w* \w may|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H7760"\w* \w watch|strong="H5869"\w* \w over|strong="H5869"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w you|strong="H7760"\w* promised \w you|strong="H7760"\w* \w would|strong="H5650"\w* \w live|strong="H8034"\w*. \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H7760"\w* answer \w your|strong="H7760"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*’s \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* requests \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H3427"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. \w Hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w favorably|strong="H5545"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w*.   
\p
\v 22 “\w When|strong="H5375"\w* someone \w is|strong="H2088"\w* accused \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w sinning|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w his|strong="H5375"\w* \w neighbor|strong="H7453"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* latter pronounces \w a|strong="H3068"\w* curse \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* alleged \w offender|strong="H2398"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w your|strong="H5375"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 23  \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w just|strong="H6662"\w* decision \w about|strong="H6213"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*’ \w claims|strong="H7725"\w*. \w Condemn|strong="H8199"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w guilty|strong="H7563"\w* \w party|strong="H1870"\w*, \w declare|strong="H6663"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* other \w innocent|strong="H6666"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w both|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w what|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* deserve.   
\p
\v 24 “\w If|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w are|strong="H5971"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w an|strong="H3588"\w* enemy \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w then|strong="H2088"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w renew|strong="H3034"\w* \w their|strong="H6440"\w* allegiance \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H6440"\w* \w help|strong="H5971"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 25  \w then|strong="H5414"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w bring|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w land|strong="H8064"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* ancestors.   
\p
\v 26 “\w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* skies \w are|strong="H8064"\w* \w shut|strong="H6113"\w* \w up|strong="H6113"\w* tightly \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w* falls \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H7725"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H2398"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* direct \w their|strong="H7725"\w* prayers \w toward|strong="H7725"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*, \w renew|strong="H3034"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* allegiance \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* punish \w them|strong="H7725"\w*,  
\v 27  \w then|strong="H5414"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w of|strong="H1870"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w then|strong="H5414"\w* \w teach|strong="H3384"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w right|strong="H3478"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w live|strong="H1870"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w send|strong="H5414"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* possess.   
\p
\v 28 “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land suffers \w from|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w famine|strong="H7458"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w plague|strong="H5061"\w*, \w blight|strong="H7711"\w*, \w and|strong="H7458"\w* \w disease|strong="H4245"\w*, \w or|strong="H5061"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w locust|strong="H2625"\w* \w invasion|strong="H2625"\w*, \w or|strong="H5061"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* enemy lays \w siege|strong="H6696"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land, \w or|strong="H5061"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* type \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w plague|strong="H5061"\w* \w or|strong="H5061"\w* epidemic \w occurs|strong="H1961"\w*.  
\v 29  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w pray|strong="H8605"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* ask \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w help|strong="H5971"\w*, \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H5971"\w* \w acknowledge|strong="H3045"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* intense \w pain|strong="H4341"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w out|strong="H6566"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w toward|strong="H3709"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 30  \w then|strong="H5414"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4349"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* sin, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* act \w favorably|strong="H5545"\w* \w toward|strong="H1870"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* based \w on|strong="H1870"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* evaluation \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w motives|strong="H3824"\w*. (\w Indeed|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w only|strong="H3588"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w can|strong="H3045"\w* correctly \w evaluate|strong="H3045"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w motives|strong="H3824"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*.)  
\v 31  \w Then|strong="H4616"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* honor \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w obeying|strong="H3372"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w lifetimes|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w live|strong="H2416"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors.   
\p
\v 32 “\w Foreigners|strong="H5237"\w*, \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w do|strong="H2088"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* belong \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H5186"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w come|strong="H7350"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w distant|strong="H7350"\w* land \w because|strong="H4616"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w your|strong="H5186"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w reputation|strong="H8034"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H5186"\w* \w ability|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* accomplish \w mighty|strong="H2389"\w* \w deeds|strong="H1419"\w*; \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w come|strong="H7350"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* direct \w their|strong="H5186"\w* prayers \w toward|strong="H3027"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 33  \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4349"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w answer|strong="H3045"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* prayers \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w foreigners|strong="H5237"\w*. \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w earth|strong="H8064"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w acknowledge|strong="H3045"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w reputation|strong="H8034"\w*, \w obey|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w like|strong="H1004"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w recognize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w belongs|strong="H4480"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 34 “\w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w direct|strong="H7971"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w march|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* enemies, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w direct|strong="H7971"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* prayers \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w toward|strong="H1870"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* chosen \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w*,  
\v 35  \w then|strong="H6213"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w help|strong="H4480"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w vindicate|strong="H4941"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*.   
\p
\v 36 “\w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w time|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w come|strong="H7350"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* (\w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w there|strong="H6440"\w* \w is|strong="H6440"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3808"\w* \w who|strong="H7350"\w* \w is|strong="H6440"\w* sinless!) \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* angry \w at|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w deliver|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* enemies, \w who|strong="H7350"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w take|strong="H7617"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w as|strong="H3588"\w* prisoners \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*, whether \w far|strong="H7350"\w* \w away|strong="H7617"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w close|strong="H7138"\w* \w by|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 37  \w When|strong="H7725"\w* \w your|strong="H7725"\w* people \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* senses \w in|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* land \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w are|strong="H3824"\w* held \w prisoner|strong="H7617"\w*, \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w will|strong="H3824"\w* \w repent|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* beg \w for|strong="H8033"\w* \w your|strong="H7725"\w* \w mercy|strong="H2603"\w* \w in|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* land \w of|strong="H3824"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* imprisonment, \w admitting|strong="H5753"\w*, ‘\w We|strong="H8033"\w* \w have|strong="H7617"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w gone|strong="H7725"\w* astray , \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H7617"\w* \w done|strong="H2398"\w* \w evil|strong="H7561"\w*!’  
\v 38  \w When|strong="H7725"\w* \w they|strong="H5315"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3820"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w being|strong="H5315"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w they|strong="H5315"\w* \w are|strong="H5892"\w* \w held|strong="H5414"\w* \w prisoner|strong="H7617"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w direct|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* prayers \w toward|strong="H1870"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors, \w your|strong="H3605"\w* chosen \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w*,  
\v 39  \w then|strong="H6213"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H3427"\w* \w place|strong="H4349"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w help|strong="H4480"\w*, \w vindicate|strong="H4941"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*, \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w sinful|strong="H2398"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 40 “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w my|strong="H1961"\w* God, \w may|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5869"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w attentive|strong="H7183"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* responsive \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* offered \w in|strong="H4725"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 41  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w ascend|strong="H6965"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w resting|strong="H5118"\w* place, \w you|strong="H2623"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* ark \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w strength|strong="H5797"\w*! \w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w experience|strong="H3847"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w deliverance|strong="H8668"\w*! \w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w followers|strong="H2623"\w* \w rejoice|strong="H8055"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w prosperity|strong="H2896"\w* \w you|strong="H2623"\w* \w give|strong="H8055"\w*!  
\v 42  \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w do|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H1732"\w* \w reject|strong="H7725"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w chosen|strong="H4899"\w* \w ones|strong="H4899"\w*! \w Remember|strong="H2142"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w promises|strong="H2617"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w made|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*!”   
\c 7  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w praying|strong="H6419"\w*, fire \w came|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w consumed|strong="H3615"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offering|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w splendor|strong="H3519"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 2  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H1004"\w* \w unable|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* enter \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w splendor|strong="H3519"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 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* fire \w come|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w splendor|strong="H3519"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* got \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* knees \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w faces|strong="H5921"\w* downward \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w pavement|strong="H7531"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w gave|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, saying, “\w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*; \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w loyal|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*!”   
\p
\v 4  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w presenting|strong="H6440"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 5  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* 22,000 \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 120,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*. \w Then|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H2596"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 6  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6213"\w* spots, \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w musical|strong="H7892"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. (\w These|strong="H6213"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ones|strong="H5975"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w giving|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w offered|strong="H6213"\w* \w praise|strong="H1984"\w*, saying, “\w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w loyal|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*.”) \w Opposite|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w blowing|strong="H2690"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2690"\w*, \w while|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w offered|strong="H6213"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, grain \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w peace|strong="H8002"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w too|strong="H3808"\w* small \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w hold|strong="H3557"\w* \w all|strong="H6213"\w* \w these|strong="H6213"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*.  
\v 8  \w At|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w for|strong="H5704"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w This|strong="H6213"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w included|strong="H3966"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* Lebo \w Hamath|strong="H2574"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* north \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Brook|strong="H5158"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* south.  
\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 held|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6116"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* dedicated \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\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 more|strong="H3588"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 10  \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w twenty-third|strong="H6242"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w home|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w left|strong="H7971"\w* \w happy|strong="H8056"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w contented|strong="H8056"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\s1 The Lord Gives Solomon a Promise and a Warning  
\p
\v 11  \w After|strong="H5921"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* building \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w accomplished|strong="H3615"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w plans|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 12  \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H7200"\w*: “\w I|strong="H7200"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H8085"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* chosen \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w where|strong="H4725"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 13  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H2005"\w* \w close|strong="H6113"\w* \w up|strong="H6113"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* doesn’t \w rain|strong="H4306"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w command|strong="H6680"\w* \w locusts|strong="H2284"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* devour \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w land|strong="H8064"\w*’s vegetation, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w plague|strong="H1698"\w* \w among|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*,  
\v 14  if \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w who|strong="H5971"\w* belong \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6440"\w*, \w pray|strong="H6419"\w*, \w seek|strong="H1245"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w please|strong="H7451"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w repudiate|strong="H4480"\w* \w their|strong="H6440"\w* \w sinful|strong="H2403"\w* practices, \w then|strong="H7725"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H5545"\w* \w their|strong="H6440"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w heal|strong="H7495"\w* \w their|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w attentive|strong="H7183"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* responsive \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* offered \w in|strong="H4725"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* chosen \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w by|strong="H3117"\w* \w making|strong="H3605"\w* \w it|strong="H8033"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*; \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w constantly|strong="H3117"\w* \w present|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 17  \w You|strong="H6440"\w* must \w serve|strong="H1980"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w I|strong="H6680"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w rules|strong="H2706"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w regulations|strong="H4941"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w I|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w establish|strong="H6965"\w* \w your|strong="H3808"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H3678"\w*, just \w as|strong="H6965"\w* \w I|strong="H3808"\w* promised \w your|strong="H3808"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fail|strong="H3772"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w have|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* successor \w ruling|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H4910"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’   
\p
\v 19 “\w But|strong="H5800"\w* if \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w ever|strong="H7725"\w* \w turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w*, \w fail|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w obey|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* regulations \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w rules|strong="H2708"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* instructed \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w keep|strong="H5647"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* decide \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* other \w gods|strong="H1980"\w*,  
\v 20  \w then|strong="H2088"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w remove|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*, \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w abandon|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w presence|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* object \w of|strong="H1004"\w* mockery \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w ridicule|strong="H4912"\w* \w among|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 21  \w As|strong="H1961"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w once|strong="H1961"\w* majestic, \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w passes|strong="H5674"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w shocked|strong="H8074"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* say, ‘\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* land \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*?’  
\v 22  Others \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* answer, ‘\w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w They|strong="H3651"\w* embraced \w other|strong="H3605"\w* gods whom \w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w served|strong="H5647"\w*. \w That|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w why|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H3651"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.’”   
\c 8  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H7093"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w during|strong="H1961"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* royal \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*,  
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H3478"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w went|strong="H3212"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* Hamath Zobah \w and|strong="H3212"\w* \w seized|strong="H2388"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1129"\w* \w Tadmor|strong="H8412"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wilderness|strong="H4057"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w Hamath|strong="H2574"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H5892"\w* \w made|strong="H1129"\w* \w upper|strong="H5945"\w* Beth Horon \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w lower|strong="H8481"\w* Beth Horon \w fortified|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w with|strong="H5892"\w* \w walls|strong="H2346"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* barred \w gates|strong="H1817"\w*,  
\v 6  \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1129"\w* \w Baalath|strong="H1191"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w belonged|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*, \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H1129"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w horses|strong="H6571"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w kept|strong="H1961"\w*. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w whatever|strong="H3605"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w wanted|strong="H2836"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*, \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4474"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w Now|strong="H3478"\w* several \w non-Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w peoples|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w after|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* conquest \w of|strong="H4480"\w* Joshua, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Hittites|strong="H2850"\w*, Amorites, \w Perizzites|strong="H6522"\w*, \w Hivites|strong="H2340"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Their|strong="H3117"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w remained|strong="H3498"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* land (\w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w unable|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w wipe|strong="H3615"\w* \w them|strong="H3615"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w*). \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w conscripted|strong="H5927"\w* \w them|strong="H3615"\w* \w for|strong="H5704"\w* \w his|strong="H3478"\w* work crews \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* continue \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* role \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w assign|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w these|strong="H1992"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w crews|strong="H5650"\w*; \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* served \w as|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w*, \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*, \w charioteers|strong="H7393"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w forces|strong="H6571"\w*.  
\v 10  \w These|strong="H5971"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* worked \w for|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w as|strong="H5971"\w* supervisors; there \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* total \w of|strong="H4428"\w* 250 \w of|strong="H4428"\w* them \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w charge|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H8010"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* moved \w Pharaoh|strong="H6547"\w*’s \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w her|strong="H1129"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* said, “\w My|strong="H3068"\w* wife \w must|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* ark \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w entered|strong="H5927"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w Then|strong="H5927"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* temple’s porch.  
\v 13  \w He|strong="H3117"\w* observed \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w daily|strong="H3117"\w* \w requirements|strong="H3117"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2282"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w had|strong="H4872"\w* specified \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w Sabbaths|strong="H7676"\w*, \w new|strong="H2320"\w* \w moon|strong="H2320"\w* \w festivals|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w annual|strong="H6471"\w* \w celebrations|strong="H6471"\w* – \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w*, \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Weeks|strong="H7620"\w*, \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Temporary|strong="H5521"\w* \w Shelters|strong="H5521"\w*.  
\v 14  \w As|strong="H1697"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* father \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w decreed|strong="H4941"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H5975"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H1697"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5656"\w* \w tasks|strong="H5656"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levitical|strong="H3881"\w* \w orders|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* lead \w worship|strong="H3651"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* help \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w daily|strong="H3117"\w* \w tasks|strong="H5656"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5656"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*. \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w man|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* God \w had|strong="H1732"\w* ordered.  
\v 15  \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w neglect|strong="H4687"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w detail|strong="H4687"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w orders|strong="H1697"\w* \w pertaining|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* treasuries.   
\p
\v 16  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w ordered|strong="H3559"\w* \w by|strong="H3117"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w completed|strong="H3615"\w*, \w from|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w foundation|strong="H4143"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* laid \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w it|strong="H3559"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*; \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w completed|strong="H3615"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* Ezion Geber \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* Elat \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* coast \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* land \w of|strong="H5921"\w* Edom.  
\v 18  \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w* ships \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w some|strong="H8033"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* sailors, \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H5650"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w well|strong="H3045"\w* \w acquainted|strong="H3045"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w sea|strong="H3220"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* sailed \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* Ophir, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* 450 \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w which|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w brought|strong="H3947"\w* \w back|strong="H3045"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.   
\c 9  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of|strong="H7230"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w she|strong="H5973"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* challenge \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w difficult|strong="H3515"\w* \w questions|strong="H2420"\w*. \w She|strong="H5973"\w* arrived \w in|strong="H8085"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H3966"\w* \w display|strong="H8085"\w* \w of|strong="H7230"\w* pomp, \w bringing|strong="H5375"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w carrying|strong="H5375"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w quantity|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H7230"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H2091"\w* \w precious|strong="H3368"\w* gems. \w She|strong="H5973"\w* visited \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w and|strong="H2091"\w* discussed \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H1961"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w mind|strong="H3824"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w answered|strong="H5046"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w questions|strong="H1697"\w*; \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w question|strong="H1697"\w* \w too|strong="H1697"\w* \w complex|strong="H5956"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* king.  
\v 3  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w queen|strong="H4436"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7614"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* herself \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s extensive \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*, \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w he|strong="H1004"\w* \w had|strong="H8010"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*,  
\v 4  \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w food|strong="H3978"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* banquet \w hall|strong="H1004"\w*, \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w attendants|strong="H5650"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w robes|strong="H4403"\w*, \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w cupbearers|strong="H4945"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w robes|strong="H4403"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* presented \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w she|strong="H3808"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* amazed.  
\v 5  \w She|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, “\w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w report|strong="H1697"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* own country \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w wise|strong="H2451"\w* \w sayings|strong="H1697"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* insight \w was|strong="H1697"\w* true!  
\v 6  \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w did|strong="H3254"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* believe \w these|strong="H8085"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w came|strong="H1697"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w own|strong="H5869"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w*. \w Indeed|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I|strong="H5704"\w* didn’t \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w even|strong="H5704"\w* \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* story! \w Your|strong="H5921"\w* \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w surpasses|strong="H3254"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w reported|strong="H5046"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w me|strong="H7200"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Your|strong="H6440"\w* \w attendants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w who|strong="H5650"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w at|strong="H5975"\w* \w all|strong="H8548"\w* \w times|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H5650"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w your|strong="H6440"\w* \w wise|strong="H2451"\w* sayings, \w are|strong="H5650"\w* \w truly|strong="H8085"\w* happy!  
\v 8  \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* favored \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w placing|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w one|strong="H1961"\w* ruling \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w behalf|strong="H5921"\w*! \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s love \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w lasting|strong="H5769"\w* \w commitment|strong="H5975"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w could|strong="H4941"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w just|strong="H4941"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w right|strong="H4941"\w* \w decisions|strong="H4941"\w*.”  
\v 9  \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* 120 \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w quantity|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w precious|strong="H3368"\w* gems. \w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w quantity|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\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* \w has|strong="H1961"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* matched.  
\v 10  (Huram’s \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, aided \w by|strong="H2091"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w brought|strong="H8010"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w from|strong="H2091"\w* Ophir, \w as|strong="H1571"\w* \w well|strong="H1571"\w* \w as|strong="H1571"\w* fine \w timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w precious|strong="H3368"\w* gems.  
\v 11  \w With|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w steps|strong="H4546"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* well \w as|strong="H6213"\w* stringed instruments \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w anything|strong="H1992"\w* \w like|strong="H1004"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w prior|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w*. )  
\v 12  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|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 requested|strong="H7592"\w*, more \w than|strong="H4428"\w* \w what|strong="H2656"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w had|strong="H8010"\w* \w brought|strong="H3212"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w left|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* returned \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* homeland \w with|strong="H3212"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w attendants|strong="H5650"\w*.   
\s1 Solomon’s Wealth  
\p
\v 13  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w received|strong="H1961"\w* 666 \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* per \w year|strong="H8141"\w*,  
\v 14  besides what \w he|strong="H3605"\w* collected \w from|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w merchants|strong="H5503"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w traders|strong="H5503"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Arabian|strong="H6152"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w governors|strong="H6346"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w brought|strong="H8010"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 15  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w two|strong="H6213"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w large|strong="H6793"\w* \w shields|strong="H6793"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* hammered \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*; 600 \w measures|strong="H2091"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* hammered \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w were|strong="H4428"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* each \w shield|strong="H6793"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He|strong="H1004"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* small \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* hammered \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*; 300 \w measures|strong="H2091"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w were|strong="H4428"\w* \w used|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H5414"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w Forest|strong="H3293"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w The|strong="H6213"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* decorated \w with|strong="H6213"\w* \w ivory|strong="H8127"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w overlaid|strong="H6823"\w* \w it|strong="H6213"\w* \w with|strong="H6213"\w* \w pure|strong="H2889"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 18  \w There|strong="H3427"\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 and|strong="H3027"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w footstool|strong="H3534"\w* \w was|strong="H4725"\w* attached \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w had|strong="H3027"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* armrests \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* statue \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* lion \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H8147"\w* \w side|strong="H2088"\w*.  
\v 19  \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H8147"\w* \w twelve|strong="H8147"\w* \w statues|strong="H2088"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* lions \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w*, \w one|strong="H2088"\w* lion \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* end \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* step. \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 King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s \w cups|strong="H4945"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w made|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w household|strong="H1004"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w Forest|strong="H3293"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w made|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w pure|strong="H5462"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w There|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w no|strong="H3605"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w*, \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* \w not|strong="H2803"\w* \w considered|strong="H2803"\w* very \w valuable|strong="H3972"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s \w time|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 21  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* fleet \w of|strong="H4428"\w* large merchant ships manned \w by|strong="H8141"\w* \w Huram|strong="H2361"\w*’s \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w sailed|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w sea|strong="H8659"\w*. \w Once|strong="H1980"\w* \w every|strong="H1980"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* fleet \w came|strong="H1980"\w* \w into|strong="H1980"\w* \w port|strong="H8659"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* cargoes \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w ivory|strong="H8143"\w*, \w apes|strong="H6971"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w peacocks|strong="H8500"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* wealthier \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w wiser|strong="H2451"\w* \w than|strong="H4428"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* earth.  
\v 23  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* earth \w wanted|strong="H1245"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* visit \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* see \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w display|strong="H8085"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* God-given \w wisdom|strong="H2451"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Year|strong="H8141"\w* \w after|strong="H1992"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w visitors|strong="H1992"\w* brought \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w gifts|strong="H4503"\w*, \w which|strong="H1992"\w* included \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w clothes|strong="H8008"\w*, \w perfume|strong="H5402"\w*, \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w horses|strong="H5483"\w*, \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w mules|strong="H6505"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 4,000 stalls \w for|strong="H3389"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* 12,000 \w horses|strong="H5483"\w*. \w He|strong="H8147"\w* \w kept|strong="H1961"\w* \w them|strong="H8147"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w assigned|strong="H1961"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 26  \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4910"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* kingdoms \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Euphrates|strong="H5104"\w* \w River|strong="H5104"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H1366"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|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 The|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w plentiful|strong="H7230"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* stones; cedar \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w plentiful|strong="H7230"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w sycamore|strong="H8256"\w* fig \w trees|strong="H8256"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* lowlands .  
\v 28  \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w acquired|strong="H3318"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and|strong="H4714"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* lands.   
\s1 Solomon’s Reign Ends  
\p
\v 29  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w rest|strong="H7605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s reign, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* start \w to|strong="H5921"\w* finish, \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Prophecy|strong="H5016"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ahijah \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Shilonite|strong="H7888"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Vision \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H3260"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Seer|strong="H2374"\w* \w pertaining|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|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 over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* forty \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Then|strong="H1732"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* passed \w away|strong="H5973"\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 his|strong="H1732"\w* \w father|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w His|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H8478"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 10  
\p
\v 1  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* traveled \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w gathered|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w make|strong="H4427"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.  
\v 2  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nebat|strong="H5028"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* news, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w still|strong="H7725"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, where \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w fled|strong="H1272"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.  
\v 3  \w They|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w for|strong="H7121"\w* \w him|strong="H7121"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*, \w saying|strong="H1696"\w*,  
\v 4 “\w Your|strong="H5414"\w* father \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w work|strong="H5656"\w* \w too|strong="H5921"\w* \w hard|strong="H7186"\w*! \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w if|strong="H7043"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w lighten|strong="H7043"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w he|strong="H5414"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H5647"\w* don’t \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w work|strong="H5656"\w* \w as|strong="H5414"\w* \w hard|strong="H7186"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3117"\w* said \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H3212"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*, \w then|strong="H7725"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w me|strong="H7725"\w*.” \w So|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H3212"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w with|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w older|strong="H2205"\w* \w advisers|strong="H3289"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w served|strong="H5975"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* father \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w*. \w He|strong="H8010"\w* \w asked|strong="H1697"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w*, “How \w do|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w advise|strong="H3289"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w answer|strong="H7725"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*?”  
\v 7  \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*, “\w If|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w fair|strong="H2896"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, grant \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w request|strong="H1697"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* cordial \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w them|strong="H1961"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w from|strong="H3117"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* forward.”  
\v 8  \w But|strong="H5800"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H1431"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w their|strong="H6440"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w young|strong="H3206"\w* \w advisers|strong="H3289"\w* \w who|strong="H5975"\w* \w served|strong="H5975"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*, \w with|strong="H6440"\w* \w whom|strong="H6440"\w* \w he|strong="H6440"\w* had \w grown|strong="H1431"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w asked|strong="H4100"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w advise|strong="H3289"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w respond|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w*, ‘Lessen \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* father \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*’?”  
\v 10  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w young|strong="H3206"\w* advisers \w with|strong="H1696"\w* \w whom|strong="H5971"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H1431"\w* \w had|strong="H5971"\w* \w grown|strong="H1431"\w* \w up|strong="H1431"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w Say|strong="H1696"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w these|strong="H1696"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*, ‘\w Your|strong="H5921"\w* father \w made|strong="H3513"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* work \w hard|strong="H1696"\w*, \w but|strong="H1696"\w* \w now|strong="H1696"\w* \w lighten|strong="H7043"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w burden|strong="H5923"\w*’ – \w say|strong="H1696"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="H3541"\w* am \w a|strong="H3068"\w* lot harsher \w than|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* father!  
\v 11  \w My|strong="H5921"\w* father \w imposed|strong="H6006"\w* \w heavy|strong="H3515"\w* \w demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*; \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3254"\w* \w make|strong="H3254"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w even|strong="H5921"\w* \w heavier|strong="H3515"\w*. \w My|strong="H5921"\w* father \w punished|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* ordinary \w whips|strong="H7752"\w*; \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3254"\w* \w punish|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w whips|strong="H7752"\w* \w that|strong="H5921"\w* really sting \w your|strong="H5921"\w* flesh.’”   
\p
\v 12  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w reported|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* ordered \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, “\w Return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H7725"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.”  
\v 13  \w The|strong="H5800"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w responded|strong="H6030"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5800"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w harshly|strong="H7186"\w*. \w He|strong="H4428"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H5800"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5800"\w* \w older|strong="H2205"\w* \w men|strong="H2205"\w*  
\v 14  \w and|strong="H3254"\w* followed \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* younger \w ones|strong="H3206"\w*. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, “\w My|strong="H5921"\w* father imposed \w heavy|strong="H3513"\w* \w demands|strong="H5923"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*; \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3206"\w* \w make|strong="H3254"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w even|strong="H5921"\w* \w heavier|strong="H3513"\w*. \w My|strong="H5921"\w* father \w punished|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H1696"\w* ordinary \w whips|strong="H7752"\w*; \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3206"\w* \w punish|strong="H3256"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H1696"\w* \w whips|strong="H7752"\w* \w that|strong="H3206"\w* really sting \w your|strong="H5921"\w* flesh.”  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w instigating|strong="H5252"\w* \w this|strong="H1696"\w* \w turn|strong="H1961"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w so|strong="H4616"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w might|strong="H3068"\w* \w bring|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w pass|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* prophetic \w announcement|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* Ahijah \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w Shilonite|strong="H7888"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w answered|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, “\w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w portion|strong="H2506"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* – \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w share|strong="H2506"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jesse|strong="H3448"\w*! \w Return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w homes|strong="H1004"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*! \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w look|strong="H7200"\w* \w after|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H5971"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*!” \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w homes|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 17  (\w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w continued|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w rule|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*.)  
\v 18  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Hadoram|strong="H1913"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* work crews, \w out|strong="H7971"\w* \w after|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w but|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w stoned|strong="H7275"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w*. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* managed \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w jump|strong="H5927"\w* \w into|strong="H5927"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w escape|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 19  \w So|strong="H2088"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w has|strong="H3478"\w* \w been|strong="H6586"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w rebellion|strong="H6586"\w* \w against|strong="H6586"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* Davidic \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\c 11  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H7725"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* arrived \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w he|strong="H6213"\w* summoned 180,000 skilled \w warriors|strong="H4421"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w attack|strong="H3898"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w restore|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*.  
\v 2  \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* prophet,  
\v 3 “\w Say|strong="H3478"\w* \w this|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*,  
\v 4 ‘\w The|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H3541"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w*: “\w Do|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H8085"\w* \w war|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* brothers. \w Each|strong="H3541"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w go|strong="H3212"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w happen|strong="H1961"\w*.”’” \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w obeyed|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w called|strong="H8085"\w* \w off|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*.   
\s1 Rehoboam’s Reign  
\p
\v 5  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1129"\w* \w these|strong="H1129"\w* \w fortified|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*:  
\v 6  \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  Adoraim, \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w*, \w Azekah|strong="H5825"\w*,  
\v 10  \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w*, Aijalon, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. These \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3063"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*.  
\v 11  \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* these cities \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w officers|strong="H5057"\w* \w in|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w as|strong="H5414"\w* well \w as|strong="H5414"\w* storehouses \w of|strong="H8081"\w* \w food|strong="H3978"\w*, \w olive|strong="H8081"\w* \w oil|strong="H8081"\w*, \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w*.  
\v 12  \w In|strong="H5892"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w shields|strong="H6793"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w spears|strong="H7420"\w*; \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w strongly|strong="H3966"\w* \w fortified|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H1961"\w*. \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w belonged|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* lived \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w supported|strong="H3320"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w no|strong="H3605"\w* matter \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* resided.  
\v 14  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w even|strong="H3588"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w pasturelands|strong="H4054"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* property \w behind|strong="H5800"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w came|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w prohibited|strong="H3547"\w* \w them|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w serving|strong="H3547"\w* \w as|strong="H3547"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w priests|strong="H3547"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Jeroboam|strong="H5975"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w his|strong="H6213"\w* \w own|strong="H3548"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w serve|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* worship centers \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* lead \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* worship \w of|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w goat|strong="H8163"\w* idols \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w calf|strong="H5695"\w* idols \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w had|strong="H3548"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* \w among|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* determined \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w worship|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* followed \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors.  
\v 17  \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w supported|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* loyal \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*; \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* edicts \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Mahalath|strong="H4258"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* Jerimoth \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Abihail, \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jesse|strong="H3448"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* Eliab.  
\v 19  She \w bore|strong="H3205"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* named \w Jeush|strong="H3266"\w*, \w Shemariah|strong="H8114"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zaham|strong="H2093"\w*.  
\v 20  \w He|strong="H3947"\w* later \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* Absalom. She \w bore|strong="H3205"\w* \w to|strong="H3205"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w* Abijah, \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* loved \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Absalom \w more|strong="H3588"\w* \w than|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* wives \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3205"\w* \w eighteen|strong="H8083"\w* wives \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sixty|strong="H8346"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w*; \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w fathered|strong="H3205"\w* \w twenty-eight|strong="H6242"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sixty|strong="H8346"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* Abijah \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w as|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w over|strong="H4427"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w brothers|strong="H1121"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* intended \w to|strong="H1121"\w* name \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* successor.  
\v 23  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* wisely \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* regions \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* various \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w supplied|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w with|strong="H5892"\w* \w abundant|strong="H7230"\w* \w provisions|strong="H4202"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* acquired \w many|strong="H7230"\w* wives \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.   
\c 12  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*’s \w rule|strong="H4438"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w established|strong="H3559"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* solidified, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 2  \w Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*’s \w fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H5971"\w* 1,200 \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*, 60,000 \w horsemen|strong="H6571"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w an|strong="H5971"\w* \w innumerable|strong="H4557"\w* \w number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of|strong="H4557"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w accompanied|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w from|strong="H5973"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, including \w Libyans|strong="H3864"\w*, \w Sukkites|strong="H5525"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* Cushites.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* marched \w against|strong="H5892"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* visited \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* assembled \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* said \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w*, “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w so|strong="H3541"\w* \w I|strong="H3541"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w*.’”  
\v 6  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* said, “\w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w just|strong="H6662"\w*.”  
\v 7  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H1992"\w*, \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*: “\w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \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="H5414"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w deliver|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w soon|strong="H4592"\w*. \w My|strong="H5414"\w* \w anger|strong="H2534"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* unleashed \w against|strong="H3027"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Yet|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H3045"\w* \w subjects|strong="H5650"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H5650"\w* \w experience|strong="H3045"\w* \w how|strong="H3588"\w* \w serving|strong="H5656"\w* \w me|strong="H5650"\w* differs \w from|strong="H1961"\w* \w serving|strong="H5656"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* surrounding \w nations|strong="H4467"\w*.”   
\p
\v 9  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Shishak|strong="H7895"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w away|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* treasures \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*; \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w*, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\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 bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w replace|strong="H8478"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6485"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w guard|strong="H8104"\w* \w who|strong="H8104"\w* \w protected|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Whenever|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5375"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* visited \w the|strong="H5375"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the|strong="H5375"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w guards|strong="H7323"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w brought|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5375"\w* \w guardroom|strong="H8372"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* Rehoboam \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w*, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w relented|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* anger \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w annihilate|strong="H3617"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w*; \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w experienced|strong="H1571"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 13  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w solidified|strong="H2388"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w rule|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* forty-one \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w seventeen|strong="H7651"\w* \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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* chose \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w home|strong="H8034"\w*. \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*’s mother \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w an|strong="H7760"\w* Ammonite \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Naamah|strong="H5279"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w follow|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.   
\p
\v 15  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w*’s \w reign|strong="H3117"\w*, \w from|strong="H3117"\w* start \w to|strong="H3117"\w* finish, \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \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 of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H5714"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w seer|strong="H2374"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* include \w genealogical|strong="H3187"\w* \w records|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Then|strong="H1732"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* passed \w away|strong="H5973"\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 His|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* Abijah \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H8478"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 13  
\p
\v 1  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w eighteenth|strong="H8083"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*, Abijah \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H4480"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H1961"\w* mother \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Michaiah|strong="H4322"\w*, \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* Uriel \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*.  
\p \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w* \w between|strong="H4421"\w* Abijah \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*.  
\v 3  Abijah launched \w the|strong="H3379"\w* \w attack|strong="H4421"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* 400,000 well-trained \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w*, \w while|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w deployed|strong="H6186"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* 800,000 well-trained \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  Abijah \w ascended|strong="H6965"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Zemaraim|strong="H6787"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Ephraimite \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w said|strong="H8085"\w*: “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!  
\v 5  Don’t \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w realize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1121"\w* \w lasting|strong="H5769"\w* \w dominion|strong="H4467"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* formal \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w*?  
\v 6  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nebat|strong="H5028"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w rose|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H4775"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* master.  
\v 7  \w Lawless|strong="H7386"\w* \w good-for-nothing|strong="H1100"\w* \w men|strong="H5288"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* conspired \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="H7346"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w inexperienced|strong="H7390"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H5288"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w could|strong="H3824"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w resist|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* declaring \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w resist|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w rule|strong="H3027"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Davidic \w dynasty|strong="H1121"\w*. \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w bring|strong="H6213"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w calves|strong="H5695"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* gods.  
\v 9  \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w banished|strong="H5080"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, Aaron’s \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w appointed|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* surrounding \w nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*! \w Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w comes|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w consecrate|strong="H4390"\w* \w himself|strong="H3027"\w* \w with|strong="H4390"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w young|strong="H1121"\w* \w bull|strong="H6499"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* rams \w becomes|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w these|strong="H6213"\w* fake gods!  
\v 10  \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w us|strong="H5800"\w*, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5800"\w*. Aaron’s \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w assist|strong="H8334"\w* \w them|strong="H1121"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|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 sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \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 along|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w fragrant|strong="H5561"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* arrange \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Presence|strong="H5921"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* ritually \w clean|strong="H2889"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w light|strong="H5216"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w lampstand|strong="H4501"\w* \w every|strong="H1242"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w observing|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s regulations, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w leader|strong="H7218"\w*. \w His|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* ready \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w blow|strong="H8643"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w signal|strong="H8643"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w attack|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, don’t \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w win|strong="H6743"\w*!”   
\p
\v 13  \w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* sent some men \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w ambush|strong="H3993"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Judahite army \w from|strong="H6440"\w* behind. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* main army \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H6440"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Judahite army; \w the|strong="H6440"\w* ambushers \w were|strong="H1961"\w* behind \w it|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The|strong="H6440"\w* men \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w around|strong="H6437"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* realized \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w being|strong="H3068"\w* \w attacked|strong="H4421"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* rear. \w So|strong="H6440"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w cried|strong="H6817"\w* \w out|strong="H6440"\w* \w for|strong="H6440"\w* \w help|strong="H4421"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w blew|strong="H2690"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*,  
\v 15  \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w gave|strong="H7321"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w battle|strong="H7321"\w* \w cry|strong="H7321"\w*. \w As|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w gave|strong="H7321"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w battle|strong="H7321"\w* \w cry|strong="H7321"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w struck|strong="H5062"\w* \w down|strong="H5062"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* Abijah \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 16  \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Judahite army, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 17  Abijah \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w his|strong="H5221"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w thoroughly|strong="H4347"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H5221"\w*; 500,000 well-trained \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w dead|strong="H2491"\w*.  
\v 18  \w That|strong="H3588"\w* \w day|strong="H6256"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* defeated; \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* prevailed \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w relied|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors.   
\p
\v 19  Abijah \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w*; \w he|strong="H4480"\w* \w seized|strong="H3920"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him|strong="H7291"\w* these \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*: \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w its|strong="H3920"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H1323"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w*, \w Jeshanah|strong="H3466"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w its|strong="H3920"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H1323"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w Ephron|strong="H6085"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w its|strong="H3920"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H1323"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Jeroboam|strong="H3379"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w regain|strong="H3581"\w* \w power|strong="H3581"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Abijah. \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w struck|strong="H5062"\w* \w him|strong="H4191"\w* \w down|strong="H5062"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 21  Abijah’s \w power|strong="H2388"\w* \w grew|strong="H1121"\w*; \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w had|strong="H3205"\w* \w fourteen|strong="H6240"\w* wives \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w fathered|strong="H3205"\w* \w twenty-two|strong="H6242"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sixteen|strong="H8337"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w The|strong="H1870"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H1870"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* Abijah’s reign, including \w his|strong="H5714"\w* \w deeds|strong="H1697"\w* \w and|strong="H1870"\w* \w sayings|strong="H1697"\w*, \w are|strong="H1697"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H1870"\w* writings \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H1870"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H5714"\w*.   
\c 14  
\p
\v 1  Abijah \w passed|strong="H3068"\w* away \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w buried|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* City \w of|strong="H3068"\w* David. \w His|strong="H3068"\w* son Asa replaced \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* king. During \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w reign|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* land \w had|strong="H3068"\w* rest \w for|strong="H6213"\w* ten years.   
\s1 Asa’s Religious and Military Accomplishments  
\p
\v 2  Asa did what \w the|strong="H5493"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w his|strong="H5493"\w* God desired \w and|strong="H4196"\w* approved.  
\v 3  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* removed \w the|strong="H6213"\w* pagan altars \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w high|strong="H6213"\w* places, smashed \w the|strong="H6213"\w* sacred pillars, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* cut down \w the|strong="H6213"\w* Asherah poles.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* ordered \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* seek \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* God \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w observe|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* law \w and|strong="H3063"\w* commands.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* removed \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w high|strong="H1129"\w* places \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* incense altars \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* kingdom \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w rest|strong="H5117"\w* under \w his|strong="H3068"\w* rule.   
\p
\v 6  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w fortified|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H5437"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w rest|strong="H5117"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H6440"\w* war during \w those|strong="H5437"\w* years; \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w gave|strong="H5117"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \w peace|strong="H5117"\w*.  
\v 7  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* said \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H1368"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*: “\w Let|strong="H1961"\w*’s build \w these|strong="H3605"\w* cities \w and|strong="H3967"\w* fortify \w them|strong="H5375"\w* \w with|strong="H3605"\w* walls, \w towers|strong="H5375"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* barred gates. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* land \w remains|strong="H1961"\w* ours \w because|strong="H3605"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w followed|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* God \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w has|strong="H1961"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w us|strong="H1961"\w* secure \w on|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* sides.” \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3605"\w* built \w the|strong="H3605"\w* cities \w and|strong="H3967"\w* prospered.   
\p
\v 8  Asa \w had|strong="H2428"\w* \w an|strong="H3318"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H3318"\w* 300,000 \w men|strong="H2428"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* Judah, equipped \w with|strong="H3318"\w* large shields \w and|strong="H3967"\w* spears. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w also|strong="H3318"\w* \w had|strong="H2428"\w* 280,000 \w men|strong="H2428"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* Benjamin who \w carried|strong="H3318"\w* small shields \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w were|strong="H2428"\w* adept archers; \w they|strong="H5704"\w* \w were|strong="H2428"\w* \w all|strong="H5704"\w* skilled \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w*.  
\v 9  Zerah \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Cushite \w marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* \w with|strong="H6440"\w* \w an|strong="H6440"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* 1,000,000 men \w and|strong="H6440"\w* 300 chariots. \w He|strong="H3318"\w* arrived \w at|strong="H4421"\w* \w Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w*,  
\v 10  \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Asa \w went|strong="H3068"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* oppose \w him|strong="H7121"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* deployed \w for|strong="H3588"\w* battle \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Valley \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Zephathah \w near|strong="H5973"\w* Mareshah.   
\p
\v 11  Asa prayed \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*: “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H6440"\w* \w one|strong="H3068"\w* \w but|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* can help \w the|strong="H6440"\w* weak \w when|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* vastly outnumbered. Help \w us|strong="H6440"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w for|strong="H6440"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* rely \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* marched \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* behalf \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w this|strong="H6440"\w* huge army. \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, don’t let men prevail \w against|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*!”  
\v 12  \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w struck|strong="H5307"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Cushites \w before|strong="H6440"\w* Asa \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Judah. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* Cushites fled,  
\v 13  \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Asa \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* army chased \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w far|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w Gerar|strong="H1642"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Cushites \w were|strong="H1961"\w* wiped \w out|strong="H5921"\w*; \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* shattered \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* army. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Judah \w carried|strong="H3068"\w* \w off|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7227"\w* amount \w of|strong="H3068"\w* plunder.  
\v 14  \w They|strong="H1571"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w all|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* cities surrounding Gerar, \w for|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* \nd Lord\nd* caused \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* panic. \w The|strong="H5221"\w* men \w of|strong="H7230"\w* Judah looted \w all|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* cities, \w for|strong="H3389"\w* \w they|strong="H1571"\w* contained \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7230"\w* \w amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H7230"\w* goods.  
\v 15  They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen in charge of the livestock. They carried off many sheep and camels and then returned to Jerusalem.   
\c 15  
\p
\v 1  God’s \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w upon|strong="H5921"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Oded|strong="H5752"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w met|strong="H4672"\w* Asa \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w told|strong="H8085"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*, “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, Asa \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*! \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*. \w If|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w respond|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*, \w but|strong="H1961"\w* \w if|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w reject|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w reject|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 3  \w For|strong="H3117"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* true \w God|strong="H3808"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w instruct|strong="H3384"\w* \w them|strong="H3384"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w distress|strong="H6862"\w*, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w sought|strong="H1245"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* responded \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 5  \w In|strong="H3427"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* days \w no|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* could travel \w safely|strong="H7965"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w total|strong="H3605"\w* \w chaos|strong="H4103"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* overtaken \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* surrounding lands.  
\v 6  \w One|strong="H3605"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w was|strong="H5892"\w* \w crushed|strong="H3807"\w* \w by|strong="H5892"\w* another, \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w by|strong="H5892"\w* another, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* God \w caused|strong="H2000"\w* \w them|strong="H2000"\w* \w to|strong="H1471"\w* \w be|strong="H1471"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* great turmoil.  
\v 7  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w be|strong="H3426"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* don’t \w get|strong="H3027"\w* \w discouraged|strong="H7503"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w your|strong="H3588"\w* \w work|strong="H6468"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* \w be|strong="H3426"\w* \w rewarded|strong="H7939"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w When|strong="H8085"\w* Asa \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w these|strong="H8085"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophecy|strong="H5016"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Oded|strong="H5752"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w encouraged|strong="H2388"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w removed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w detestable|strong="H8251"\w* \w idols|strong="H8251"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w seized|strong="H2388"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Ephraimite \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* porch \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s temple.   
\p
\v 9  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w well|strong="H5973"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* settlers \w from|strong="H5921"\w* Ephraim, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Simeon|strong="H8095"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w come|strong="H5307"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w live|strong="H1481"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Many|strong="H7230"\w* \w people|strong="H7200"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w come|strong="H5307"\w* \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w live|strong="H1481"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 10  \w They|strong="H8141"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H6908"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H6908"\w* \w fifteenth|strong="H2568"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* Asa’s \w reign|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* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3068"\w* back, \w including|strong="H4480"\w* 700 head \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 7,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*.  
\v 12  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* solemnly agreed \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w being|strong="H5315"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w*, \w whether|strong="H4480"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w young|strong="H6996"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w old|strong="H1419"\w*, male \w or|strong="H3808"\w* female.  
\v 14  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w swore|strong="H7650"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* allegiance \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w shouting|strong="H8643"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w approval|strong="H3068"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w sounding|strong="H8643"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w horns|strong="H7782"\w*.  
\v 15  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\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 made|strong="H7650"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w vow|strong="H7650"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* willingly \w sought|strong="H1245"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* responded \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H7650"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w secure|strong="H5117"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w side|strong="H5439"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Asa \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w his|strong="H5493"\w* grandmother \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w her|strong="H3772"\w* position \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w queen|strong="H1377"\w* \w mother|strong="H1377"\w* because \w she|strong="H1571"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* loathsome Asherah pole. Asa \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w down|strong="H3772"\w* \w her|strong="H3772"\w* Asherah pole \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w crushed|strong="H1854"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w it|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eliminated|strong="H5493"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w yet|strong="H7535"\w* Asa \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w wholeheartedly|strong="H3824"\w* \w devoted|strong="H8003"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 18  \w He|strong="H1004"\w* brought \w the|strong="H6942"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w that|strong="H3627"\w* \w his|strong="H6942"\w* father \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w he|strong="H1004"\w* \w had|strong="H6944"\w* \w made|strong="H3627"\w* \w into|strong="H3701"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, including \w the|strong="H6942"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H3701"\w* other \w articles|strong="H3627"\w*.   
\s1 Asa’s Failures  
\p
\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* \w thirty-fifth|strong="H7970"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* Asa’s \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*.   
\c 16  
\p
\v 1  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w thirty-sixth|strong="H7970"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Asa’s \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w he|strong="H5414"\w* \w established|strong="H5414"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w as|strong="H5927"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* military outpost \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w prevent|strong="H1115"\w* anyone \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w leaving|strong="H3318"\w* \w or|strong="H1115"\w* entering \w the|strong="H5921"\w* land \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Asa \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 2  Asa \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* treasuries \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w it|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ben Hadad \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Syria, \w ruler|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*, along \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w this|strong="H3068"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w*:  
\v 3 “\w I|strong="H2009"\w* want \w to|strong="H3478"\w* make \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H1285"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w*, \w like|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w one|strong="H4428"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* fathers \w made|strong="H3478"\w*. \w See|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I|strong="H2009"\w* \w have|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*. \w Break|strong="H6565"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w treaty|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H1285"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* retreat \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* land.”  
\v 4  Ben Hadad \w accepted|strong="H8085"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Asa’s offer \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w ordered|strong="H5221"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w attack|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H3478"\w* \w conquered|strong="H5221"\w* \w Ijon|strong="H5859"\w*, \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*, Abel Maim, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w storage|strong="H4543"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \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 the|strong="H8085"\w* news, \w he|strong="H1129"\w* \w stopped|strong="H2308"\w* \w fortifying|strong="H1129"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w and|strong="H8085"\w* abandoned \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w project|strong="H4399"\w*.  
\v 6  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Asa \w ordered|strong="H3947"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w carry|strong="H5375"\w* \w away|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* stones \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w Baasha|strong="H1201"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w*. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* materials \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H5375"\w* \w Geba|strong="H1387"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w At|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* prophet visited \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Asa \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w said|strong="H3651"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*: “\w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w relied|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Syria \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rely|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H2426"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Syria \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w escaped|strong="H4422"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Cushites \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Libyans|strong="H3864"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7230"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w number|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w horsemen|strong="H6571"\w*? \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w relied|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*!  
\v 9  \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w watches|strong="H7751"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* earth \w carefully|strong="H3824"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w ready|strong="H8003"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w strengthen|strong="H2388"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H5869"\w* \w devoted|strong="H8003"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \w acted|strong="H5528"\w* \w foolishly|strong="H5528"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* matter; \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 war|strong="H4421"\w*.  
\v 10  Asa \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w angry|strong="H3707"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* prophet, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w jail|strong="H1004"\w*. Asa \w also|strong="H5971"\w* \w oppressed|strong="H7533"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w*.   
\s1 Asa’s Reign Ends  
\p
\v 11  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Asa’s reign, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* start \w to|strong="H3478"\w* finish, \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \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*.  
\v 12  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w thirty-ninth|strong="H7970"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*, Asa developed \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w foot|strong="H7272"\w* \w disease|strong="H2483"\w*. \w Though|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w disease|strong="H2483"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w severe|strong="H4605"\w*, \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w only|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* doctors.  
\v 13  Asa passed \w away|strong="H5973"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* forty-first \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H4191"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w carved|strong="H3738"\w* \w out|strong="H5704"\w* \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w laid|strong="H7901"\w* \w him|strong="H6912"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w rest|strong="H7901"\w* \w on|strong="H5892"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* bier \w covered|strong="H4390"\w* \w with|strong="H4390"\w* \w spices|strong="H1314"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* assorted mixtures \w of|strong="H5892"\w* ointments. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* huge bonfire \w to|strong="H5704"\w* honor \w him|strong="H6912"\w*.   
\c 17  
\p
\v 1  \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H8478"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w solidified|strong="H2388"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w troops|strong="H2428"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*’s \w fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* posted \w garrisons|strong="H5333"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* Ephraim \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father Asa \w had|strong="H3063"\w* \w seized|strong="H3920"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w beginning|strong="H7223"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* reign. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Baals|strong="H1168"\w*,  
\v 4  \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w instead|strong="H3588"\w* \w sought|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H4639"\w* \w his|strong="H3478"\w* ancestors \w and|strong="H1980"\w* obeyed \w his|strong="H3478"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*, \w unlike|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 5  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w secure|strong="H3559"\w*; \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w brought|strong="H5414"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H7230"\w* \w wealthy|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w greatly|strong="H7230"\w* \w respected|strong="H7230"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w committed|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w following|strong="H1870"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*; \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w even|strong="H5750"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* Asherah poles \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w third|strong="H7969"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w* \w he|strong="H8141"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w Ben-Hail|strong="H1134"\w*, \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4322"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w teach|strong="H3925"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 8  \w They|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w accompanied|strong="H5973"\w* \w by|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Nethaniah|strong="H5418"\w*, \w Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w*, \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*, \w Shemiramoth|strong="H8070"\w*, \w Jehonathan|strong="H3083"\w*, Adonijah, \w Tobijah|strong="H2900"\w*, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w Tob-Adonijah|strong="H2899"\w*, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w by|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* Elishama \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*.  
\v 9  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w taught|strong="H3925"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, taking \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them|strong="H3925"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w scroll|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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* traveled \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w taught|strong="H3925"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w put|strong="H3068"\w* \w fear|strong="H6343"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H5439"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*; \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H3898"\w* \w war|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w brought|strong="H6430"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w*, \w including|strong="H1571"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w load|strong="H4853"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w brought|strong="H6430"\w* \w him|strong="H4480"\w* 7,700 rams \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 7,700 \w goats|strong="H8495"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w their|strong="H1571"\w* \w flocks|strong="H6629"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*’s power \w kept|strong="H1961"\w* increasing. \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 cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H1980"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w supplies|strong="H4399"\w* stored \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* skilled \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w* stationed \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 14  \w These|strong="H1004"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w their|strong="H5973"\w* divisions \w by|strong="H5973"\w* \w families|strong="H1004"\w*:  
\p There \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* thousand \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w from|strong="H5973"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Adnah|strong="H5734"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w commander|strong="H8269"\w* led 300,000 skilled \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w*,  
\v 15  \w Jehochanan|strong="H3076"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w commander|strong="H8269"\w* led 280,000,  
\v 16  \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Amasiah|strong="H6007"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zikri|strong="H2147"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w volunteered|strong="H5068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w led|strong="H3068"\w* 200,000 skilled \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, Eliada, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* skilled \w warrior|strong="H1368"\w*, led 200,000 \w men|strong="H1368"\w* \w who|strong="H1368"\w* \w were|strong="H1144"\w* \w equipped|strong="H5401"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w bows|strong="H7198"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*,  
\v 18  \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Jehozabad|strong="H3075"\w* led 180,000 \w trained|strong="H6635"\w* \w warriors|strong="H6635"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ones \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w served|strong="H8334"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, besides \w those|strong="H3605"\w* whom \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4013"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\c 18  
\p
\v 1  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H7230"\w* \w wealthy|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H6239"\w* \w greatly|strong="H7230"\w* \w respected|strong="H7230"\w*. He \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w alliance|strong="H2859"\w* \w by|strong="H1961"\w* \w marriage|strong="H2859"\w* \w with|strong="H2859"\w* Ahab,  
\v 2  \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w after|strong="H7093"\w* several \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* visit Ahab \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. Ahab \w slaughtered|strong="H2076"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* honor Jehoshaphat \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w those|strong="H5973"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w*. \w He|strong="H8141"\w* \w persuaded|strong="H5496"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w join|strong="H5973"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w an|strong="H8141"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.  
\v 3  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahab \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* said \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w Will|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w go|strong="H3212"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H5973"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w attack|strong="H4421"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*?” \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* replied \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, “\w I|strong="H3478"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* support \w you|strong="H5973"\w*; \w my|strong="H3478"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w is|strong="H3478"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H5973"\w* disposal \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* support \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w Then|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w added|strong="H3117"\w*, “\w First|strong="H3117"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w an|strong="H3068"\w* \w oracle|strong="H4994"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.”  
\v 5  \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* 400 \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* asked \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Should|strong="H3478"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w or|strong="H3027"\w* \w not|strong="H2308"\w*?” \w They|strong="H3478"\w* said, “\w Attack|strong="H5927"\w*! \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.”  
\v 6  \w But|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w asked|strong="H1875"\w*, “\w Is|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H1875"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w here|strong="H6311"\w*, \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w may|strong="H3068"\w* \w ask|strong="H1875"\w* \w him|strong="H1875"\w*?”  
\v 7  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* answered \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w There|strong="H3117"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* \w through|strong="H5921"\w* \w whom|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w can|strong="H7451"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w will|strong="H3068"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w despise|strong="H8130"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w does|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w prophesy|strong="H5012"\w* \w prosperity|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me|strong="H8130"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w always|strong="H3605"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w*. \w His|strong="H3605"\w* name \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Imlah|strong="H3229"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w said|strong="H3651"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w say|strong="H3478"\w* \w such|strong="H3651"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w*!”  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H7121"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w an|strong="H7121"\w* \w officer|strong="H5631"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H7121"\w*, “\w Quickly|strong="H4116"\w* \w bring|strong="H4116"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4318"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Imlah|strong="H3229"\w*.”   
\p
\v 9  \w Now|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \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 were|strong="H3478"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* respective \w thrones|strong="H3678"\w*, \w dressed|strong="H3847"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* robes, \w at|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w threshing|strong="H1637"\w* \w floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w at|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gate|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* \w prophesying|strong="H5012"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kenaanah|strong="H3668"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w horns|strong="H7161"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* said, “\w This|strong="H6213"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*, ‘\w With|strong="H3068"\w* \w these|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w gore|strong="H5055"\w* Syria \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H3615"\w*!’”  
\v 11  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w prophesying|strong="H5012"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w same|strong="H3651"\w*, saying, “\w Attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*! \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w succeed|strong="H6743"\w*; \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*!”  
\v 12  \w Now|strong="H4994"\w* \w the|strong="H7121"\w* \w messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w who|strong="H5030"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w summon|strong="H7121"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H7121"\w*, “\w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H7121"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* complete \w agreement|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H7121"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w succeed|strong="H4994"\w*. \w Your|strong="H1961"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* must agree \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w theirs|strong="H1992"\w*; \w you|strong="H1696"\w* must predict \w success|strong="H2896"\w*!”  
\v 13  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, “\w As|strong="H3068"\w* \w certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w*, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w say|strong="H1696"\w* \w what|strong="H1696"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w tells|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w say|strong="H1696"\w*!”   
\p
\v 14  \w Micaiah|strong="H4318"\w* \w came|strong="H5927"\w* \w before|strong="H2308"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* asked \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Micaiah|strong="H4318"\w*, \w should|strong="H4428"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w or|strong="H3027"\w* \w not|strong="H2308"\w*?” \w He|strong="H5414"\w* answered \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Attack|strong="H5927"\w*! \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w succeed|strong="H6743"\w*; \w they|strong="H3027"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w be|strong="H3027"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H4428"\w*, “\w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w many|strong="H4100"\w* \w times|strong="H6471"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w make|strong="H8034"\w* \w you|strong="H5704"\w* \w solemnly|strong="H7650"\w* \w promise|strong="H7650"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w tell|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H1696"\w* \w only|strong="H7535"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w truth|strong="H3808"\w*?”  
\v 16  Micaiah replied, “\w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w scattered|strong="H6327"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w* \w like|strong="H1004"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w shepherd|strong="H7462"\w*. \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* said, ‘\w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* master. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w*.’”  
\v 17  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* said \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “Didn’t \w I|strong="H3588"\w* tell \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w does|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w prophesy|strong="H5012"\w* \w prosperity|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w*?”  
\v 18  Micaiah \w said|strong="H1697"\w*, “\w That|strong="H7200"\w* \w being|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w case|strong="H1697"\w*, \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*: \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*, \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w heavenly|strong="H8064"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6635"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* said, ‘\w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w deceive|strong="H6601"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahab \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H3602"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w die|strong="H5307"\w* \w there|strong="H2088"\w*?’ \w One|strong="H2088"\w* said \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w another|strong="H2088"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w stepped|strong="H3318"\w* \w forward|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H3318"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H4100"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w deceive|strong="H6601"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.’ \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w asked|strong="H4100"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*, ‘\w How|strong="H4100"\w*?’  
\v 21  \w He|strong="H3651"\w* replied, ‘\w I|strong="H3651"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H6213"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w lying|strong="H8267"\w* \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w mouths|strong="H6310"\w* \w of|strong="H7307"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*.’ \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w said|strong="H3651"\w*, ‘\w Deceive|strong="H6601"\w* \w and|strong="H6213"\w* \w overpower|strong="H3201"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H6213"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* proposed.’  
\v 22  \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w lying|strong="H8267"\w* \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w mouths|strong="H6310"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H5414"\w* \w these|strong="H1696"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w yours|strong="H5414"\w*; \w but|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w decreed|strong="H1696"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.”  
\v 23  \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kenaanah|strong="H3668"\w* \w approached|strong="H5066"\w*, \w hit|strong="H5221"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w jaw|strong="H3895"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, “\w Which|strong="H3068"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w go|strong="H5674"\w* \w when|strong="H1696"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5674"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*?”  
\v 24  \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* replied, “\w Look|strong="H7200"\w*, \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H1931"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w in|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* go \w into|strong="H7200"\w* \w an|strong="H7200"\w* \w inner|strong="H2315"\w* \w room|strong="H2315"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w hide|strong="H2244"\w*.”  
\v 25  \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* said, “\w Take|strong="H3947"\w* \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* Amon \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w official|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 26  \w Say|strong="H7725"\w*, ‘\w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w what|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: “\w Put|strong="H7760"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w man|strong="H2088"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w prison|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Give|strong="H7760"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w only|strong="H5704"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w little|strong="H5704"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w*.”’”  
\v 27  \w Micaiah|strong="H4321"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, “If \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w really|strong="H7725"\w* \w do|strong="H3068"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w*, \w then|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \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*!” \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* added, “\w Take|strong="H7725"\w* note, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.”   
\p
\v 28  \w The|strong="H5927"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \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 attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.  
\v 29  \w The|strong="H3092"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* said \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w I|strong="H3478"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w disguise|strong="H2664"\w* myself \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w then|strong="H4428"\w* enter \w the|strong="H3092"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*; \w but|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H3847"\w* \w wear|strong="H3847"\w* \w your|strong="H3478"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* attire.” So \w the|strong="H3092"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w disguised|strong="H2664"\w* himself \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w they|strong="H3478"\w* entered \w the|strong="H3092"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*.  
\v 30  \w Now|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Syria \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w ordered|strong="H6680"\w* \w his|strong="H6680"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w*, “\w Do|strong="H6680"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w common|strong="H6996"\w* soldiers \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w high|strong="H1419"\w* ranking \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*; \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w only|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!”  
\v 31  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* said, “\w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w must|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\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 turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w attacked|strong="H3898"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w but|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w out|strong="H2199"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*; \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w lured|strong="H5496"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w away|strong="H5437"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 32  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w realized|strong="H7200"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w*.  
\v 33  \w Now|strong="H3588"\w* \w an|strong="H5221"\w* archer \w shot|strong="H4900"\w* \w an|strong="H5221"\w* arrow \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w random|strong="H8537"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w between|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* plates \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H5221"\w* \w armor|strong="H8302"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w ordered|strong="H5221"\w* \w his|strong="H5221"\w* charioteer, “\w Turn|strong="H2015"\w* \w around|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w take|strong="H3318"\w* \w me|strong="H4480"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w battle|strong="H4264"\w* line, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w am|strong="H2470"\w* \w wounded|strong="H5221"\w*.”  
\v 34  \w While|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w raged|strong="H5927"\w* \w throughout|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w propped|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H3478"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w opposite|strong="H5227"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* Syrians. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* setting.   
\c 19  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H7725"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w safely|strong="H7965"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*,  
\v 2  \w the|strong="H6440"\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 confronted|strong="H2374"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*; \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w Is|strong="H3068"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w right|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w wicked|strong="H7563"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w an|strong="H6440"\w* \w ally|strong="H5826"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* oppose \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*? \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* done \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*!  
\v 3  \w Nevertheless|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H4672"\w* \w done|strong="H1697"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w*; \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w removed|strong="H1197"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* Asherah poles \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* land \w and|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1697"\w* \w determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to|strong="H1697"\w* follow \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd Lord\nd*.”   
\s1 Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges  
\p
\v 4  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w among|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* Beer Sheba \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Ephraim \w and|strong="H3068"\w* encouraged \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w follow|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w*, “\w Be|strong="H3808"\w* careful \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w judging|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w men|strong="H6213"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* judicial \w decisions|strong="H4941"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Respect|strong="H4856"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w careful|strong="H8104"\w* decisions, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w disapproves|strong="H4856"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w injustice|strong="H5766"\w*, \w partiality|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w bribery|strong="H7810"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w In|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* family \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w judge|strong="H4941"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* behalf \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w settle|strong="H5975"\w* \w disputes|strong="H7379"\w* \w among|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* residents \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*: “\w Carry|strong="H6213"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* duties \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w respect|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w with|strong="H3068"\w* honesty, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* pure \w motives|strong="H3824"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Whenever|strong="H3605"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* countrymen \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w bring|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w case|strong="H7379"\w* \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* (whether \w it|strong="H5921"\w* involves \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w violent|strong="H1818"\w* \w crime|strong="H1818"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w matters|strong="H4941"\w* related \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w*, \w commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w rules|strong="H2706"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w regulations|strong="H4941"\w*), \w warn|strong="H2094"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w must|strong="H1818"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* sin \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w If|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w fail|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w*, \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* colleagues; \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w if|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w*, \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* free \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w guilt|strong="H1818"\w*.  
\v 11  \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w report|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* Amariah \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w chief|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w matters|strong="H1697"\w* \w pertaining|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s law, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ishmael|strong="H3458"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w matters|strong="H1697"\w* \w pertaining|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\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* \w officials|strong="H7860"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. \w Confidently|strong="H2388"\w* \w carry|strong="H6213"\w* \w out|strong="H2388"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* duties! \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w well|strong="H2896"\w*!”   
\c 20  
\p
\v 1  \w Later|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5984"\w*, \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* some \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Meunites, \w attacked|strong="H4421"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Messengers|strong="H5046"\w* arrived \w and|strong="H3220"\w* \w reported|strong="H5046"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w A|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* attacking \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w other|strong="H5676"\w* \w side|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Dead|strong="H7227"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* direction \w of|strong="H5921"\w* Edom. \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H7227"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Hazezon Tamar (\w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w*, En Gedi).”  
\v 3  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*, \w so|strong="H7121"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* decided \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s advice. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* decreed \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* \w observe|strong="H3605"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w fast|strong="H6685"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1571"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w ask|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s help; \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w ask|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s help.   
\p
\v 5  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w new|strong="H2319"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* prayed: “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors, \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H1471"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* lives \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w rules|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w*. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* possess \w strength|strong="H3581"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*; \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w can|strong="H3808"\w* \w stand|strong="H3320"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Our|strong="H5414"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w*, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w drove|strong="H3423"\w* \w out|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w inhabitants|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w as|strong="H5971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* friend Abraham.  
\v 8  \w They|strong="H8034"\w* \w settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w down|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w it|strong="H8034"\w* \w and|strong="H3427"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w it|strong="H8034"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H4720"\w* \w to|strong="H8034"\w* \w honor|strong="H8034"\w* \w you|strong="H1129"\w*, saying,  
\v 9 ‘\w If|strong="H3588"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w comes|strong="H6440"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w form|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w military|strong="H2088"\w* attack, \w judgment|strong="H8196"\w*, \w plague|strong="H1698"\w*, \w or|strong="H8085"\w* \w famine|strong="H7458"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\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 before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H1004"\w* \w present|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H2719"\w* \w cry|strong="H2199"\w* \w out|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w distress|strong="H6869"\w*, \w so|strong="H5975"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H2719"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w deliver|strong="H3467"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*.’  
\v 10  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w coming|strong="H2009"\w*! \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* land \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* invade \w these|strong="H8045"\w* lands. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* bypassed \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H8045"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Look|strong="H2009"\w* \w how|strong="H2009"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* repaying \w us|strong="H5921"\w*! \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w come|strong="H3423"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w drive|strong="H3423"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w out|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* allotted land \w which|strong="H1992"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w assigned|strong="H3425"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*!  
\v 12  \w Our|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w*, \w will|strong="H5869"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*? \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H5869"\w* powerless \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* attacks \w us|strong="H5921"\w*! \w We|strong="H3588"\w* don’t \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*; \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w look|strong="H5869"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w help|strong="H6213"\w*.”   
\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 were|strong="H1121"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w along|strong="H6440"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w infants|strong="H2945"\w*, wives, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w midst|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w upon|strong="H5921"\w* Jachaziel \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Asaph.  
\v 15  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* said: “\w Pay|strong="H7181"\w* \w attention|strong="H7181"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*! \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*: ‘Don’t \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* don’t \w panic|strong="H2865"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army|strong="H3427"\w*! \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* yours, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s.  
\v 16  \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* march \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H5927"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w come|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Ascent|strong="H4608"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Ziz|strong="H6732"\w*. \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H5158"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w end|strong="H5490"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w ravine|strong="H5158"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Jeruel|strong="H3385"\w*.  
\v 17  \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w battle|strong="H3898"\w*. \w Take|strong="H3320"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* positions, \w stand|strong="H5975"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w watch|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w deliver|strong="H3444"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. Don’t \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* don’t \w panic|strong="H2865"\w*! \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w march|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w toward|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w*; \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*!’”   
\p
\v 18  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w toward|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ground|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Kohathites|strong="H6956"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Korahites|strong="H7145"\w*, \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w Early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* next \w morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w Desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Tekoa|strong="H8620"\w*. \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* ready \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w march|strong="H3318"\w*, \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w said|strong="H8085"\w*: “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w me|strong="H3318"\w*, \w you|strong="H3318"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*! Trust \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w you|strong="H3318"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* safe! Trust \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w message|strong="H3389"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w you|strong="H3318"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w win|strong="H6743"\w*.”  
\v 21  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* met \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* play \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* majestic splendor. \w As|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* warriors \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H3318"\w*: “\w Give|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w loyal|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w endures|strong="H5769"\w*.”   
\p
\v 22  \w When|strong="H6256"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w shout|strong="H7440"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w praise|strong="H8416"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* suddenly attacked \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* invading \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w*.  
\v 23  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w annihilated|strong="H2763"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H1121"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w off|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5975"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H8045"\w* \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w another|strong="H7453"\w*.  
\v 24  \w When|strong="H5307"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* men \w of|strong="H4057"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* arrived \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* observation post \w overlooking|strong="H2005"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w saw|strong="H3063"\w* \w dead|strong="H6297"\w* \w bodies|strong="H6297"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* ground; there \w were|strong="H3063"\w* no \w survivors|strong="H6413"\w*!  
\v 25  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* gather \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w plunder|strong="H7998"\w*; \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7227"\w* \w amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w supplies|strong="H7399"\w*, \w clothing|strong="H6297"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* valuable \w items|strong="H3627"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* carried \w away|strong="H5337"\w* everything \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w could|strong="H5337"\w*. \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w much|strong="H7227"\w* \w plunder|strong="H7998"\w*, \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w took|strong="H1961"\w* \w them|strong="H4672"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* haul \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w off|strong="H5337"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6950"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Berachah|strong="H1294"\w*, \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Berachah|strong="H1294"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H3651"\w* \w very|strong="H5704"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w joyfully|strong="H8057"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w leading|strong="H7218"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w*; \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H8055"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* reason \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w rejoice|strong="H8055"\w* \w over|strong="H7218"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemies|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 28  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* entered \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* sound \w of|strong="H1004"\w* stringed instruments \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* proceeded \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 29  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* surrounding lands \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w afraid|strong="H6343"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w how|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*’s enemies.  
\v 30  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*’s \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* \w enjoyed|strong="H8252"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w*; \w his|strong="H3092"\w* God \w made|strong="H3092"\w* \w him|strong="H5117"\w* \w secure|strong="H5117"\w* \w on|strong="H5117"\w* \w every|strong="H5439"\w* \w side|strong="H5439"\w*.   
\s1 Jehoshaphat’s Reign Ends  
\p
\v 31  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H2568"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w thirty-five|strong="H7970"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w twenty-five|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H5921"\w* mother \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  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w followed|strong="H3212"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* father Asa’s \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* careful \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*.  
\v 33  However, \w the|strong="H5493"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eliminated|strong="H5493"\w*; \w the|strong="H5493"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w devoted|strong="H3824"\w* \w to|strong="H3824"\w* \w the|strong="H5493"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H5971"\w* \w their|strong="H3559"\w* ancestors.   
\p
\v 34  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*’s reign, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* start \w to|strong="H3478"\w* finish, \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Annals|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* \w which|strong="H1697"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w included|strong="H5927"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 35  Later \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="H6213"\w* \w alliance|strong="H2266"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahaziah \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 36  \w They|strong="H6213"\w* agreed \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* large seagoing merchant ships; \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* ships \w in|strong="H6213"\w* Ezion Geber.  
\v 37  Eliezer \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dodavahu|strong="H1735"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mareshah|strong="H4762"\w* \w prophesied|strong="H5012"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, “\w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w* \w an|strong="H3068"\w* \w alliance|strong="H2266"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* Ahaziah, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w shatter|strong="H7665"\w* \w what|strong="H4639"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w*.” \w The|strong="H5921"\w* ships \w were|strong="H1121"\w* wrecked \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w unable|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H3212"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w sea|strong="H8659"\w*.   
\c 21  
\p
\v 1  \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* passed \w away|strong="H5973"\w* \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* ancestors \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 son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H8478"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 Jehoram’s Reign  
\p
\v 2  \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w brothers|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*’s \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Jechiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Azariahu|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Michael|strong="H4317"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\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* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Their|strong="H5414"\w* father \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w presents|strong="H4030"\w*, including \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* other \w precious|strong="H4030"\w* items, \w along|strong="H5973"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w fortified|strong="H4694"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\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 the|strong="H3588"\w* \w firstborn|strong="H1060"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w took|strong="H2388"\w* \w control|strong="H2388"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father’s \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w became|strong="H2388"\w* \w powerful|strong="H2388"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* brothers, \w as|strong="H1571"\w* \w well|strong="H1571"\w* \w as|strong="H1571"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|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* \w thirty-two|strong="H7970"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\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="H3588"\w* \w followed|strong="H3212"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w just|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* Ahab’s \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* married Ahab’s \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 7  \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w unwilling|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H4616"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w promise|strong="H1285"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* perpetual \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w During|strong="H3117"\w* Jehoram’s \w reign|strong="H4427"\w* Edom \w freed|strong="H6586"\w* \w themselves|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*’s \w control|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w set|strong="H4427"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w own|strong="H3027"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w over|strong="H5674"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* Zair \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Edomites, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w surrounded|strong="H5437"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w*, \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w at|strong="H1961"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w*.  
\v 10  \w So|strong="H2088"\w* Edom \w has|strong="H3068"\w* remained \w free|strong="H5800"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*’s \w control|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w At|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w Libnah|strong="H3841"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H6586"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w freed|strong="H6586"\w* themselves \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*’s \w control|strong="H3027"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H5800"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors.  
\v 11  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \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="H6213"\w* \w hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*; \w he|strong="H1931"\w* encouraged \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w be|strong="H1571"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H2181"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w led|strong="H5080"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w away|strong="H5080"\w* \w from|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd Lord\nd*.   
\p
\v 12  Jehoram received \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w letter|strong="H4385"\w* \w from|strong="H1980"\w* Elijah \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*: “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* father \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Asa \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*,  
\v 13  \w but|strong="H1571"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* instead \w followed|strong="H3212"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w You|strong="H4480"\w* encouraged \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H3478"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H2181"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \nd Lord\nd*, \w just|strong="H1571"\w* \w as|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Ahab \w does|strong="H1571"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w You|strong="H4480"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w your|strong="H4480"\w* brothers, \w members|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w your|strong="H4480"\w* father’s \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w who|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w better|strong="H2896"\w* \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H4480"\w*.  
\v 14  So \w look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w about|strong="H2009"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* severely \w afflict|strong="H5062"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w your|strong="H3068"\w* wives, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 15  \w And|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H7227"\w* \w get|strong="H3318"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* serious, \w chronic|strong="H2483"\w* \w intestinal|strong="H4578"\w* \w disease|strong="H2483"\w* \w which|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H7227"\w* \w cause|strong="H3318"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w come|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w*.”   
\p
\v 16  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w stirred|strong="H5782"\w* \w up|strong="H5782"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* lived \w beside|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Cushites.  
\v 17  \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* swept \w through|strong="H1234"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w carried|strong="H7617"\w* \w off|strong="H5927"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* wives. \w None|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w left|strong="H7604"\w*, \w except|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w youngest|strong="H6996"\w*, \w Ahaziah|strong="H3059"\w*.  
\v 18  After \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* happened, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w afflicted|strong="H5062"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w an|strong="H3068"\w* incurable \w intestinal|strong="H4578"\w* \w disease|strong="H2483"\w*.  
\v 19  \w After|strong="H7093"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w because|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w disease|strong="H2483"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H6213"\w* painful \w death|strong="H4191"\w*. \w His|strong="H1961"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* bonfire \w to|strong="H3318"\w* honor \w him|strong="H6213"\w*, \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* ancestors.   
\p
\v 20  Jehoram \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w thirty-two|strong="H7970"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w reigned|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* regretted \w his|strong="H1732"\w* death; \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \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 royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w*.   
\c 22  
\p
\v 1  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w youngest|strong="H6996"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* Ahaziah \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* raiding party \w that|strong="H3588"\w* invaded \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w with|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w older|strong="H7223"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w So|strong="H3588"\w* Ahaziah \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 2  Ahaziah \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w twenty-two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H8147"\w* mother \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w*, \w the|strong="H8034"\w* \w granddaughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Omri|strong="H6018"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Ahab’s \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* mother \w gave|strong="H3289"\w* \w him|strong="H1931"\w* \w evil|strong="H7561"\w* \w advice|strong="H3289"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* Ahab’s \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w*, \w after|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* father’s \w death|strong="H4194"\w*, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w advice|strong="H3289"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w led|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w destruction|strong="H4889"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w joined|strong="H1571"\w* Ahab’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hazael|strong="H2371"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Syria \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ramoth|strong="H7433"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w which|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Syrians|strong="H7421"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Joram|strong="H3088"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w recover|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w wounds|strong="H4347"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* received \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* Syrians \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H3898"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hazael|strong="H2371"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Syria. \w Ahaziah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w visit|strong="H7200"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3088"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ahab \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w been|strong="H2470"\w* \w wounded|strong="H5221"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* Ahaziah’s downfall \w through|strong="H3318"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* visit \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* Ahaziah arrived, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\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*, whom \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* commissioned \w to|strong="H3318"\w* wipe \w out|strong="H3318"\w* Ahab’s \w family|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 8  \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* dishing \w out|strong="H4672"\w* punishment \w to|strong="H1961"\w* Ahab’s \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w he|strong="H1004"\w* \w discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H8199"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H8199"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ahaziah’s \w relatives|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w serving|strong="H8334"\w* Ahaziah \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w them|strong="H4672"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w looked|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* Ahaziah, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w while|strong="H1931"\w* \w hiding|strong="H2244"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w brought|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H4191"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w then|strong="H3588"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H4191"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* give \w him|strong="H4191"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w burial|strong="H6912"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* reasoned, “\w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w*, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w sought|strong="H1245"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w heart|strong="H3824"\w*.” \w There|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* Ahaziah’s \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w strong|strong="H3581"\w* \w enough|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w rule|strong="H4467"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\s1 Athaliah is Eliminated  
\p
\v 10  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* mother \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ahaziah \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*, \w she|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* determined \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w destroy|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4467"\w* \w line|strong="H2233"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 11  \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w Jehoshabeath|strong="H3090"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*, \w took|strong="H3947"\w* Ahaziah’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* sneaked \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w away|strong="H3947"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w rest|strong="H1961"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w hid|strong="H5641"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w nurse|strong="H3243"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w room|strong="H2315"\w* \w where|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w bed|strong="H4296"\w* covers \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w stored|strong="H5414"\w*. \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w Jehoshabeath|strong="H3090"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jehoram|strong="H3088"\w*, wife \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* sister \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ahaziah, \w hid|strong="H5641"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w so|strong="H3947"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* could \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w execute|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 12  \w He|strong="H1004"\w* \w remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w hiding|strong="H2244"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w while|strong="H1961"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* ruling \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* land.   
\c 23  
\p
\v 1  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* bold move. \w He|strong="H8141"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* pact \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* units \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w hundreds|strong="H3967"\w*: \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Jehoram, \w Ishmael|strong="H3458"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehochanan|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="H3967"\w* Elishaphat \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zikri|strong="H2147"\w*.  
\v 2  \w They|strong="H3478"\w* traveled \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w as|strong="H3389"\w* well \w as|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* family \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w*.  
\p \w They|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*,  
\v 3  \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. Jehoiada \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w rule|strong="H4428"\w*, \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 4  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w* must \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w One|strong="H2088"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w are|strong="H1697"\w* \w on|strong="H6213"\w* \w duty|strong="H1697"\w* during \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w will|strong="H1697"\w* guard \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w doors|strong="H5592"\w*.  
\v 5  Another \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* stationed \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w still|strong="H5971"\w* another \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Foundation|strong="H3247"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w others|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* stand \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w courtyards|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 6  \w No|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* must enter \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w except|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w duty|strong="H4931"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w may|strong="H3068"\w* enter \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w ceremonially|strong="H6944"\w* pure. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w others|strong="H5971"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* carry \w out|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* assigned \w service|strong="H8334"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 7  \w The|strong="H3318"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w surround|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Each|strong="H5439"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H3027"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w hold|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3027"\w* \w weapon|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3027"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w Whoever|strong="H4191"\w* tries \w to|strong="H3318"\w* enter \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w*. \w You|strong="H3027"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* accompany \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* wherever \w he|strong="H1004"\w* \w goes|strong="H3318"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H6213"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w ordered|strong="H6680"\w*. \w Each|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H6213"\w*, \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w on|strong="H3318"\w* duty \w during|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w well|strong="H5973"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w off|strong="H3318"\w* duty \w on|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\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* \w release|strong="H6362"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* duties.  
\v 9  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* units \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w hundreds|strong="H3967"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w spears|strong="H2595"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w were|strong="H1732"\w* \w kept|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w placed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* posts, \w each|strong="H3605"\w* holding \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 They|strong="H5921"\w* lined \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w south|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* north \w side|strong="H3802"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w surrounding|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w crown|strong="H5145"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* insignia. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* proclaimed \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w poured|strong="H4886"\w* olive \w oil|strong="H4886"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* head. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* declared, “\w Long|strong="H5921"\w* \w live|strong="H2421"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*!”   
\p
\v 12  \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w guard|strong="H7323"\w* \w shouting|strong="H6963"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, she joined \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w crowd|strong="H5971"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Then|strong="H2009"\w* \w she|strong="H5921"\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 pillar|strong="H5982"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entrance|strong="H3996"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w trumpeters|strong="H2689"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w beside|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\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* land \w were|strong="H5971"\w* celebrating \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w blowing|strong="H8628"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* various \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w leading|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* celebration. \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* clothes \w and|strong="H4428"\w* yelled, “\w Treason|strong="H7195"\w*! \w Treason|strong="H7195"\w*!”  
\v 14  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w sent|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* units \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w hundreds|strong="H3967"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H8269"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w charge|strong="H6485"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w ordered|strong="H6485"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w*, “\w Bring|strong="H3318"\w* \w her|strong="H3318"\w* \w outside|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* guards. \w Put|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3588"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* follows \w her|strong="H3318"\w*.” \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w gave|strong="H3318"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* order \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* decided \w she|strong="H3588"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 15  \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w seized|strong="H7760"\w* \w her|strong="H7760"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w took|strong="H7760"\w* \w her|strong="H7760"\w* \w into|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H7760"\w* precincts \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H7760"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H7760"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w*’ \w entrance|strong="H3996"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w her|strong="H7760"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* drew \w up|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* stipulating \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w he|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 should|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w loyal|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 17  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w demolished|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*. \w They|strong="H5971"\w* \w smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* idols. \w They|strong="H5971"\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="H1004"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w then|strong="H4872"\w* \w assigned|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* duties \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* whom \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w assigned|strong="H7760"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* responsible \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w offering|strong="H5930"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w joy|strong="H8057"\w* \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w music|strong="H7892"\w*, \w according|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* edict \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 19  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* posted \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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w ceremonially|strong="H2931"\w* \w unclean|strong="H2931"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w could|strong="H1697"\w* \w enter|strong="H5975"\w*.  
\v 20  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w summoned|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* units \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w hundreds|strong="H3967"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* nobles, \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="H3967"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* land, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w then|strong="H3947"\w* \w led|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* entered \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w through|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w seated|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\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="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w celebrated|strong="H8055"\w*, \w for|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w had|strong="H5971"\w* \w rest|strong="H8252"\w* now \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w they|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H5971"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w*.   
\c 24  
\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* began \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* forty \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H3101"\w* mother \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Zibiah|strong="H6645"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* Beer Sheba.  
\v 2  \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w chose|strong="H5375"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* wives \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w gave|strong="H3205"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w determined|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w repair|strong="H2318"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* ordered \w them|strong="H3318"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w collect|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w annual|strong="H8141"\w* quota \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w repairs|strong="H2388"\w* \w on|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w*. \w Be|strong="H3808"\w* \w quick|strong="H4116"\w* \w about|strong="H1697"\w* \w it|strong="H3808"\w*!” \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w delayed|strong="H4116"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w chief|strong="H7218"\w* priest, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w said|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w him|strong="H7121"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w made|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w collect|strong="H3063"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w tax|strong="H4864"\w* authorized \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* tent containing \w the|strong="H5921"\w* tablets \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* law?”  
\v 7  (\w Wicked|strong="H4849"\w* \w Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w broken|strong="H6555"\w* \w into|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H6944"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* worship \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Baals|strong="H1168"\w*.)  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* ordered \w a|strong="H3068"\w* chest \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 9  \w An|strong="H5414"\w* \w edict|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H5414"\w* \w throughout|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w requiring|strong="H6963"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* people \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w bring|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w tax|strong="H4864"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w imposed|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wilderness|strong="H4057"\w*.  
\v 10  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w gladly|strong="H8055"\w* \w brought|strong="H3615"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* silver \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w it|strong="H7993"\w* \w into|strong="H7993"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* chest \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w it|strong="H7993"\w* \w was|strong="H3605"\w* \w full|strong="H3605"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Whenever|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w brought|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* chest \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w accountant|strong="H6486"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* lot \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w accountant|strong="H6486"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w high|strong="H5375"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w emptied|strong="H6168"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* chest \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w took|strong="H5375"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w its|strong="H7725"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H4428"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w this|strong="H6213"\w* routine \w every|strong="H7725"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* collected \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w construction|strong="H5656"\w* \w foremen|strong="H4399"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w hired|strong="H7936"\w* \w carpenters|strong="H2796"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w craftsmen|strong="H2796"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w repair|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w well|strong="H1571"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w those|strong="H2388"\w* \w skilled|strong="H2796"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w working|strong="H6213"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w restore|strong="H2318"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 13  \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w worked|strong="H6213"\w* \w hard|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* repairs. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w followed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* measurements specified \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H3027"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w restored|strong="H5975"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 14  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w rest|strong="H7605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w service|strong="H8335"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w pans|strong="H3709"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* various \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w*. \w Throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*’s \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w*, \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w regularly|strong="H8548"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w grew|strong="H7646"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w at|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w age|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* 130.  
\v 16  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w accomplished|strong="H6213"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* God \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  After \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*, \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w visited|strong="H7812"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w declared|strong="H8085"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* loyalty \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w him|strong="H8085"\w*. \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w listened|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* advice.  
\v 18  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Asherah poles \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w idols|strong="H6091"\w*. \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* sinful activity, \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w among|strong="H3808"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* lead \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w pay|strong="H7725"\w* attention.  
\v 20  \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w energized|strong="H3847"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* said \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H5971"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w violating|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*? \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w prosperous|strong="H6743"\w*! \w Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!’”  
\v 21  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* plotted \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w decree|strong="H4687"\w* \w stoned|strong="H7275"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* death \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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 22  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w disregarded|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w shown|strong="H7200"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w As|strong="H6213"\w* Zechariah \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w dying|strong="H4191"\w*, \w he|strong="H6213"\w* said, “\w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w take|strong="H6213"\w* notice \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* vengeance!”   
\p
\v 23  \w At|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* beginning \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Syrian \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* Joash \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w invaded|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* wiped \w out|strong="H7971"\w* \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 and|strong="H3063"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* gathered \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Even|strong="H3588"\w* \w though|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* invading Syrian \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* relatively weak, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* Judah’s \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H5800"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Judah \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* Syrians \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w what|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* deserved.  
\v 25  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* withdrew, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w Joash|strong="H4251"\w* \w badly|strong="H7227"\w* wounded. \w His|strong="H1732"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* plotted \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w what|strong="H1732"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* done \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3077"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w murdered|strong="H2026"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w bed|strong="H4296"\w*. \w Thus|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\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="H5921"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 26  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w conspirators|strong="H7194"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zabad|strong="H2066"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shimeath|strong="H8100"\w* (\w an|strong="H8100"\w* Ammonite woman) \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehozabad|strong="H3075"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shimrith|strong="H8116"\w* (\w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Moabite|strong="H4125"\w* woman).   
\p
\v 27  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* list \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Joash’s \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* prophetic \w oracles|strong="H4853"\w* \w pertaining|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w account|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* building project \w on|strong="H5921"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* included \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w record|strong="H3789"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Kings|strong="H4428"\w*. \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* Amaziah \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\c 25  
\p
\v 1  Amaziah \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w twenty-five|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* began \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w twenty-nine|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H8034"\w* mother \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jehoaddan|strong="H3086"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*, \w but|strong="H7535"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w wholehearted|strong="H8003"\w* devotion.   
\p
\v 3  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w secured|strong="H2388"\w* \w control|strong="H2388"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*, \w he|strong="H5921"\w* \w executed|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H5650"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* assassinated \w his|strong="H5921"\w* father.  
\v 4  \w However|strong="H3588"\w*, \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w execute|strong="H4191"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* obeyed \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w commandment|strong="H6680"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, “Fathers \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w what|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w do|strong="H3068"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w what|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* fathers \w do|strong="H3068"\w*. \w A|strong="H3068"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w executed|strong="H4191"\w* \w only|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* own \w sin|strong="H2399"\w*.”   
\p
\v 5  Amaziah \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6485"\w* \w them|strong="H5975"\w* \w by|strong="H8141"\w* \w families|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* units \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* thousand \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* units \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w counted|strong="H6485"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 300,000 \w young|strong="H1121"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* fighting \w age|strong="H1121"\w* equipped \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w spears|strong="H7420"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w shields|strong="H6793"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H3478"\w* \w hired|strong="H7936"\w* 100,000 \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w for|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H3603"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* prophet visited \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* said: “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w troops|strong="H6635"\w* \w must|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w go|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w or|strong="H1121"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Ephraimites.  
\v 8  \w Even|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* go \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* bravely \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*, God \w will|strong="H5826"\w* defeat \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* enemy. God \w is|strong="H3426"\w* \w capable|strong="H3581"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w helping|strong="H5826"\w* \w or|strong="H6213"\w* defeating.”  
\v 9  Amaziah \w asked|strong="H4100"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* prophet: “\w But|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w should|strong="H3068"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w about|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* silver \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w troops|strong="H1416"\w*?” \w The|strong="H5414"\w* prophet replied, “\w The|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* capable \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w giving|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w more|strong="H7235"\w* \w than|strong="H7235"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w*.”  
\v 10  \w So|strong="H7725"\w* Amaziah dismissed \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w troops|strong="H1416"\w* \w that|strong="H3063"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* \w come|strong="H3212"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* Ephraim \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w sent|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H4725"\w*. \w They|strong="H3063"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w at|strong="H7725"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H4725"\w* \w incensed|strong="H2734"\w*.  
\v 11  Amaziah \w boldly|strong="H2388"\w* \w led|strong="H3212"\w* \w his|strong="H5221"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Salt|strong="H4417"\w*, where \w he|strong="H5221"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* 10,000 \w Edomites|strong="H8165"\w*.  
\v 12  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w captured|strong="H7617"\w* 10,000 \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w took|strong="H7617"\w* \w them|strong="H7617"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w cliff|strong="H5553"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them|strong="H7617"\w* \w over|strong="H7218"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w captives|strong="H7617"\w* fell \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* death.  
\v 13  \w Now|strong="H7227"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* \w troops|strong="H1416"\w* Amaziah \w had|strong="H3063"\w* dismissed \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* \w not|strong="H7725"\w* allowed \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w in|strong="H3212"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w raided|strong="H6584"\w* \w the|strong="H5221"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* Beth Horon. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 3,000 \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w carried|strong="H3212"\w* \w off|strong="H6584"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H7227"\w* amount \w of|strong="H1121"\w* plunder.   
\p
\v 14  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* Amaziah returned \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w defeating|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Edomites|strong="H8165"\w*, \w he|strong="H5221"\w* \w brought|strong="H1961"\w* \w back|strong="H8165"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* gods \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* \w his|strong="H6440"\w* \w personal|strong="H6440"\w* gods. \w He|strong="H5221"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w offered|strong="H6999"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w*.  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* Amaziah \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*, \w who|strong="H5971"\w* said, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H5971"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* following \w these|strong="H5971"\w* gods \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w could|strong="H5337"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w deliver|strong="H5337"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H5971"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*?”  
\v 16  \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w speaking|strong="H1696"\w*, \w Amaziah|strong="H3289"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Did|strong="H6213"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w appoint|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w counselor|strong="H3289"\w*? \w Stop|strong="H2308"\w* prophesying \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w else|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w*!” \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w stopped|strong="H2308"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w added|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w has|strong="H1961"\w* \w decided|strong="H3289"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w thing|strong="H2063"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w*.”   
\p
\v 17  \w After|strong="H7200"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Amaziah|strong="H3289"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* \w advisers|strong="H3289"\w*, \w he|strong="H7971"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this|strong="H7200"\w* message \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehu|strong="H3058"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H1980"\w*, \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w on|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* battlefield.”  
\v 18  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* message back \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Amaziah \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, “\w A|strong="H3068"\w* \w thorn|strong="H2336"\w* \w bush|strong="H2336"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* message \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* cedar \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*, ‘\w Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w as|strong="H3063"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w wife|strong="H2416"\w*.’ \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w wild|strong="H7704"\w* \w animal|strong="H2416"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w came|strong="H3478"\w* \w by|strong="H5674"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w trampled|strong="H7429"\w* \w down|strong="H7429"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w thorn|strong="H2336"\w* \w bush|strong="H2336"\w*.  
\v 19  \w You|strong="H5973"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* Edom \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w it|strong="H5375"\w* \w has|strong="H3820"\w* \w gone|strong="H5307"\w* \w to|strong="H3820"\w* \w your|strong="H5375"\w* \w head|strong="H5307"\w*. \w Gloat|strong="H5375"\w* \w over|strong="H5307"\w* \w your|strong="H5375"\w* success, \w but|strong="H2009"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w your|strong="H5375"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w bring|strong="H5375"\w* \w calamity|strong="H7451"\w* \w on|strong="H5307"\w* \w yourself|strong="H5307"\w*? \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w bring|strong="H5375"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w yourself|strong="H5307"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w along|strong="H5973"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w*?”   
\p
\v 20  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* Amaziah \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w heed|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* warning, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w wanted|strong="H4616"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* Joash \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* followed \w the|strong="H8085"\w* gods \w of|strong="H3027"\w* Edom.  
\v 21  \w So|strong="H5927"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Amaziah \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w faced|strong="H6440"\w* each other \w on|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* battlefield \w in|strong="H3478"\w* Beth Shemesh \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* each \w man|strong="H6440"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* back home.  
\v 23  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w captured|strong="H8610"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Amaziah \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w*, \w in|strong="H3478"\w* Beth Shemesh \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w brought|strong="H3478"\w* \w him|strong="H4428"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w broke|strong="H6555"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ephraim \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w Corner|strong="H6437"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* – \w a|strong="H3068"\w* distance \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w about|strong="H4428"\w* six \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* feet.  
\v 24  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w took|strong="H4428"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* care \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Obed-Edom|strong="H5654"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* riches \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w hostages|strong="H8594"\w*. \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w went|strong="H4428"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Amaziah \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w lived|strong="H2421"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w fifteen|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w after|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H4191"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 26  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Amaziah’s reign, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* start \w to|strong="H3478"\w* finish, \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \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*.  
\v 27  \w From|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* Amaziah \w turned|strong="H5493"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* following \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w conspirators|strong="H7194"\w* plotted \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H8033"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w*. \w But|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* assassins \w after|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 28  \w His|strong="H5375"\w* body \w was|strong="H5892"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* back \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w he|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H5892"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Jerusalem \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H5375"\w* ancestors \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w David|strong="H5973"\w*.   
\c 26  
\p
\v 1  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w sixteen|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H1121"\w* Amaziah’s \w place|strong="H8478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Uzziah|strong="H1931"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1129"\w* Elat \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w restored|strong="H7725"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* after \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Amaziah \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w passed|strong="H4428"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w sixteen|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* began \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w fifty-two|strong="H2572"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H4480"\w* mother’s \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jecholiah|strong="H3203"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*, \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father Amaziah \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w followed|strong="H1961"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w lifetime|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w taught|strong="H7200"\w* \w him|strong="H7200"\w* how \w to|strong="H3068"\w* honor \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w As|strong="H3117"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w followed|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w succeed|strong="H6743"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  Uzziah \w attacked|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w broke|strong="H6555"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w walls|strong="H2346"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Gath|strong="H1661"\w*, \w Jabneh|strong="H2996"\w*, \w and|strong="H5892"\w* Ashdod. \w He|strong="H3318"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* region \w of|strong="H5892"\w* Ashdod \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H6555"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w territory|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 7  God \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* campaigns \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Arabs|strong="H6163"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* Gur Baal, \w and|strong="H6430"\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="H5704"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w and|strong="H3212"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w fame|strong="H8034"\w* \w reached|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* border \w of|strong="H8034"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* grew \w in|strong="H3212"\w* \w power|strong="H2388"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w fortified|strong="H2388"\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 Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Angle|strong="H4740"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in|strong="H7227"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w and|strong="H2022"\w* dug \w many|strong="H7227"\w* cisterns, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* owned \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w herds|strong="H4735"\w* \w in|strong="H7227"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* lowlands \w and|strong="H2022"\w* \w on|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w plain|strong="H4334"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w workers|strong="H1129"\w* \w in|strong="H7227"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* fields \w and|strong="H2022"\w* vineyards \w in|strong="H7227"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w and|strong="H2022"\w* \w in|strong="H7227"\w* \w Carmel|strong="H3760"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* loved agriculture.   
\p
\v 11  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* skilled \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w trained|strong="H6635"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* organized \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w divisions|strong="H1416"\w* \w according|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w muster|strong="H6486"\w* rolls \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w officer|strong="H7860"\w* \w under|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w authority|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w official|strong="H8269"\w*.  
\v 12  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w total|strong="H3605"\w* \w number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* family \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* led \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w was|strong="H7218"\w* 2,600.  
\v 13  \w They|strong="H5921"\w* commanded \w an|strong="H6213"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* 307,500 skilled \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w able|strong="H2428"\w* \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w who|strong="H4428"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* \w ready|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* defend \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w enemies|strong="H3027"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w supplied|strong="H3559"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*, \w spears|strong="H7420"\w*, \w helmets|strong="H3553"\w*, \w breastplates|strong="H8302"\w*, \w bows|strong="H7198"\w*, \w and|strong="H4043"\w* \w slingstones|strong="H7050"\w* \w for|strong="H3559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*.  
\v 15  \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* war machines \w carefully|strong="H6213"\w* designed \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w shoot|strong="H3384"\w* \w arrows|strong="H2678"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* stones \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w corners|strong="H6438"\w* \w of|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* walls. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H5704"\w* \w famous|strong="H8034"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w received|strong="H1961"\w* tremendous \w support|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w powerful|strong="H2388"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w But|strong="H3068"\w* once \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w became|strong="H4603"\w* powerful, \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w pride|strong="H1361"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H7843"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w disobeyed|strong="H4603"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w entered|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w eighty|strong="H8084"\w* other \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* followed \w him|strong="H5973"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 18  \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w confronted|strong="H5975"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* proper \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w That|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w responsibility|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Aaron, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w*. \w Leave|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H4720"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w disobeyed|strong="H4603"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!”  
\v 19  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w an|strong="H6440"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w censer|strong="H4730"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*, became angry. \w While|strong="H5973"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* ranting \w and|strong="H3068"\w* raving \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* skin \w disease|strong="H6883"\w* \w appeared|strong="H2224"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w forehead|strong="H4696"\w* \w right|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 20  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w looked|strong="H6437"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H3318"\w*, \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* skin disease \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w forehead|strong="H4696"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w hurried|strong="H1765"\w* \w him|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*; \w even|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* king \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w leave|strong="H3318"\w* \w quickly|strong="H1765"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w afflicted|strong="H5060"\w* \w him|strong="H3318"\w*.  
\v 21  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* suffered \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* skin disease \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w separate|strong="H2669"\w* \w quarters|strong="H1004"\w*, \w afflicted|strong="H1121"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* skin disease \w and|strong="H1121"\w* banned \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w His|strong="H3068"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* land.   
\p
\v 22  \w The|strong="H1697"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1697"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*’s reign, \w from|strong="H1121"\w* start \w to|strong="H1121"\w* finish, \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w recorded|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* Amoz.  
\v 23  \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w passed|strong="H4428"\w* \w away|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* ancestors \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* cemetery belonging \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*. (\w This|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* skin disease.) \w His|strong="H3588"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\c 27  
\p
\v 1  \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w twenty-five|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* began \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w sixteen|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H3147"\w* mother \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jerusha|strong="H3388"\w* \w the|strong="H6659"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*, \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. (\w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w*, \w however|strong="H7535"\w*, \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* audacity \w to|strong="H3068"\w* enter \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1964"\w*.) \w Yet|strong="H5750"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w sinning|strong="H7843"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* lot \w of|strong="H1004"\w* work \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* area known \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w Ophel|strong="H6077"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3063"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w fortresses|strong="H1003"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w forests|strong="H2793"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* launched \w a|strong="H3068"\w* military campaign \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="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* defeated \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w That|strong="H1931"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H1121"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* 100 \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, 10,000 \w kors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w wheat|strong="H2406"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 10,000 \w kors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w barley|strong="H8184"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H1121"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* amount \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w annual|strong="H8141"\w* tribute \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w two|strong="H8145"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* grew \w powerful|strong="H2388"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* please \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w*’s reign, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w military|strong="H4421"\w* \w campaigns|strong="H2005"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* accomplishments, \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\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 and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 8  \w He|strong="H2568"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w twenty-five|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w began|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w sixteen|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* passed \w away|strong="H5973"\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 His|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* Ahaz \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H8478"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 28  
\p
\v 1  Ahaz \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* began \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w sixteen|strong="H8337"\w* \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* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w pleased|strong="H5869"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w in|strong="H8141"\w* contrast \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w followed|strong="H3212"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w images|strong="H4541"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Baals|strong="H1168"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w offered|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ben-Hinnom|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w passed|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H6440"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* through \w the|strong="H6440"\w* fire, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w horrible|strong="H8441"\w* sin practiced \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3069"\+w*\nd* \w drove|strong="H3423"\w* \w out|strong="H3423"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w burned|strong="H6999"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w on|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  \w The|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Syria. \w The|strong="H5414"\w* Syrians \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* deported \w many|strong="H1419"\w* \w captives|strong="H7617"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w thoroughly|strong="H4347"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 6  \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* King \w Pekah|strong="H6492"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Remaliah|strong="H7425"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Israel \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* 120,000 \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w because|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors.  
\v 7  \w Zikri|strong="H2147"\w*, \w an|strong="H4428"\w* Ephraimite \w warrior|strong="H1368"\w*, \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H2026"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Azrikam|strong="H5840"\w*, \w the|strong="H2026"\w* \w supervisor|strong="H5057"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H2026"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* Elkanah, \w the|strong="H2026"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w second-in-command|strong="H4932"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H1571"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w seized|strong="H7617"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w brothers|strong="H1121"\w* 200,000 wives, \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w carried|strong="H7617"\w* \w off|strong="H7617"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7227"\w* amount \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w took|strong="H7617"\w* \w it|strong="H1992"\w* back \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Oded|strong="H5752"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w meet|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w arrived|strong="H5060"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w said|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*: “\w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w mercilessly|strong="H2197"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w taken|strong="H1961"\w* notice.  
\v 10  \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* planning \w to|strong="H3068"\w* enslave \w the|strong="H3068"\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 Yet|strong="H7535"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* guilty \w before|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\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* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w seized|strong="H7617"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* brothers, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H6258"\w* angry \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!”  
\v 12  \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Ephraimite family \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w*, \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehochanan|strong="H3076"\w*, \w Berechiah|strong="H1296"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshillemoth|strong="H4919"\w*, \w Jechizkiah|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* \w confronted|strong="H6965"\w* \w those|strong="H4480"\w* returning \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w battle|strong="H6635"\w*.  
\v 13  \w They|strong="H3588"\w* said \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, “Don’t \w bring|strong="H3254"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w captives|strong="H7633"\w* \w here|strong="H2008"\w*! \w Are|strong="H3478"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* planning \w on|strong="H5921"\w* making \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w even|strong="H3588"\w* \w more|strong="H3254"\w* \w sinful|strong="H2403"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* guilty \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*? \w Our|strong="H3068"\w* guilt \w is|strong="H3068"\w* already \w great|strong="H7227"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H7227"\w* angry \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w So|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2502"\w* released \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w captives|strong="H7633"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* plunder \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Men|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H5892"\w* assigned \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w take|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* prisoners \w and|strong="H6965"\w* find \w clothes|strong="H3847"\w* \w among|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H5892"\w* \w naked|strong="H4636"\w*. \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w they|strong="H3605"\w* \w clothed|strong="H3847"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w*, supplied \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w with|strong="H3847"\w* \w sandals|strong="H5274"\w*, \w gave|strong="H8248"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* food \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w drink|strong="H8248"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w provided|strong="H8248"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w with|strong="H3847"\w* oil \w to|strong="H7725"\w* rub \w on|strong="H3847"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* skin. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w put|strong="H3847"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ones|strong="H4636"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* couldn’t walk \w on|strong="H3847"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w brought|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* brothers \w at|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jericho|strong="H3405"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w date|strong="H8558"\w* \w palm|strong="H8558"\w* \w trees|strong="H8558"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w then|strong="H6965"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8111"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w At|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahaz \w asked|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The|strong="H5221"\w* Edomites \w had|strong="H3063"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w* invaded \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w carried|strong="H7617"\w* \w off|strong="H7617"\w* \w captives|strong="H7617"\w*.  
\v 18  \w The|strong="H8033"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* \w raided|strong="H6584"\w* \w the|strong="H8033"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H8033"\w* lowlands \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H8033"\w* \w Negev|strong="H5045"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, \w Gederoth|strong="H1450"\w*, \w Soco|strong="H7755"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w its|strong="H3920"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H1323"\w* \w villages|strong="H1323"\w*, \w Timnah|strong="H8553"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w its|strong="H3920"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H1323"\w* \w villages|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Gimzo|strong="H1579"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w its|strong="H3920"\w* \w surrounding|strong="H1323"\w* \w villages|strong="H1323"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w humiliated|strong="H3665"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahaz \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* encouraged \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* sin \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H4604"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 20  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Tiglath-pileser|strong="H8407"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \w came|strong="H4428"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H3808"\w* \w gave|strong="H2388"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w more|strong="H3808"\w* trouble \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w support|strong="H2388"\w*.  
\v 21  Ahaz \w gathered|strong="H5414"\w* \w riches|strong="H2505"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w help|strong="H5833"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  During \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w trouble|strong="H6887"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahaz \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w even|strong="H3068"\w* \w more|strong="H3254"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 23  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* gods \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w* \w whom|strong="H1992"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* thought \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* reasoned, “\w Since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* gods \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Damascus|strong="H1834"\w* \w helped|strong="H5826"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w me|strong="H5221"\w*.” \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w stumble|strong="H3782"\w*.  
\v 24  Ahaz \w gathered|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* removed \w them|strong="H6213"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w shut|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* erected \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* street \w corner|strong="H6438"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 25  \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w set|strong="H6213"\w* \w up|strong="H6213"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w offer|strong="H6213"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* gods. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors.   
\p
\v 26  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Ahaz’s reign, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* accomplishments \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w start|strong="H1870"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* finish, \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \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*.  
\v 27  Ahaz \w passed|strong="H4428"\w* \w away|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H5973"\w*; \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* bring \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w His|strong="H3478"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H3389"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\c 29  
\p
\v 1  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w twenty-five|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* began \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w twenty-nine|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w His|strong="H2396"\w* mother \w was|strong="H8034"\w* Abijah, \w the|strong="H8034"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w*, \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w opened|strong="H6605"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H2388"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H4217"\w* \w brought|strong="H3548"\w* \w in|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* assembled them \w in|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w square|strong="H7339"\w* on \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w side|strong="H4217"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w*: “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w me|strong="H4480"\w*, \w you|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*! \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w yourselves|strong="H6942"\w*, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H4480"\w* \w can|strong="H1004"\w* \w consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors! \w Remove|strong="H3318"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w what|strong="H8085"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w ceremonially|strong="H6944"\w* \w unclean|strong="H5079"\w*!  
\v 6  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* fathers \w were|strong="H5869"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w*; \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*! \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w away|strong="H5437"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w dwelling|strong="H4908"\w* \w place|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w rejected|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 7  \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w closed|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H1817"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* temple porch \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w put|strong="H5927"\w* \w out|strong="H3518"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w lamps|strong="H5216"\w*; \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w incense|strong="H7004"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w of|strong="H1817"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H1817"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w appalling|strong="H8047"\w* \w object|strong="H8047"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w horror|strong="H8047"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5869"\w* hiss \w out|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* scorn, \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w can|strong="H7200"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w our|strong="H5921"\w* fathers \w died|strong="H5307"\w* \w violently|strong="H2719"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* wives \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w carried|strong="H5921"\w* \w off|strong="H5921"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H6258"\w* intend \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w make|strong="H3772"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w may|strong="H3068"\w* \w relent|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w raging|strong="H2740"\w* \w anger|strong="H2740"\w*.  
\v 11  \w My|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w do|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w negligent|strong="H7952"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* chosen \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w presence|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w The|strong="H4480"\w* following \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w prepared|strong="H6965"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w carry|strong="H6965"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* king’s orders:  
\p \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Kohathites|strong="H6956"\w*: \w Mahath|strong="H4287"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amasai|strong="H6022"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joel|strong="H3100"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* Merarites: \w Kish|strong="H7027"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abdi|strong="H5660"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehallelel|strong="H3094"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Gershonites|strong="H1649"\w*: \w Joah|strong="H3098"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zimmah|strong="H2155"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Eden|strong="H5731"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joah|strong="H3098"\w*;   
\p
\v 13  \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Elizaphan: \w Shimri|strong="H8113"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Asaph: \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*;   
\p
\v 14  \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Heman|strong="H1968"\w*: \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*;  
\p \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w*: \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Uzziel|strong="H5816"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* assembled \w their|strong="H3068"\w* brothers \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w*. \w Then|strong="H4428"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w purify|strong="H2891"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w just|strong="H1697"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* ordered, \w in|strong="H3068"\w* accordance \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 16  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w entered|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w purify|strong="H2891"\w* \w it|strong="H4672"\w*; \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* ceremonially \w unclean|strong="H2932"\w* \w thing|strong="H2932"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\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="H3068"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w consecrating|strong="H6942"\w*; \w by|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w eighth|strong="H8083"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* reached \w the|strong="H3068"\w* porch \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w For|strong="H3068"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* more \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w sixteenth|strong="H8337"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w*.  
\v 18  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* said: “\w We|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w purified|strong="H2891"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* \w equipment|strong="H3627"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Bread \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Presence \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* \w equipment|strong="H3627"\w*.  
\v 19  \w We|strong="H2005"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Ahaz \w removed|strong="H2186"\w* \w during|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w* \w when|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* acted \w unfaithfully|strong="H4604"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.”   
\p
\v 20  \w Early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* next \w morning|strong="H7925"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* assembled \w the|strong="H3068"\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="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 21  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w*, \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* rams, \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w goats|strong="H5795"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w offering|strong="H2403"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H4720"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* told \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Aaron, \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5927"\w* sacrifices \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 22  \w They|strong="H4196"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w took|strong="H6901"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w it|strong="H7819"\w* \w on|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3548"\w* \w they|strong="H4196"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* rams \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*; next \w they|strong="H4196"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w on|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Finally|strong="H5066"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w brought|strong="H5066"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w goats|strong="H8163"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w offering|strong="H2403"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w placed|strong="H5564"\w* \w their|strong="H5564"\w* \w hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Then|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w offered|strong="H2398"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w as|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w offering|strong="H5930"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w make|strong="H3722"\w* \w atonement|strong="H3722"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* decreed \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w sin|strong="H2403"\w* \w offering|strong="H5930"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Hezekiah \w stationed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* stringed instruments, \w just|strong="H5975"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Gad|strong="H1410"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* ordered. (\w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* actually \w given|strong="H3027"\w* \w these|strong="H3881"\w* \w orders|strong="H4687"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*.)  
\v 26  \w The|strong="H5975"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w musical|strong="H5975"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* ordered \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H3027"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w As|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w*, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w sing|strong="H7892"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, accompanied \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w musical|strong="H7892"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 28  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*, \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w sang|strong="H7891"\w* \w and|strong="H5930"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpeters|strong="H2689"\w* \w played|strong="H2690"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* continued \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H5930"\w* \w was|strong="H3605"\w* \w completed|strong="H3615"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sacrifices \w were|strong="H4428"\w* \w completed|strong="H3615"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H4428"\w* \w with|strong="H4428"\w* \w him|strong="H4672"\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 the|strong="H3068"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, using \w the|strong="H3068"\w* psalms \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Asaph \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophet|strong="H2374"\w*. \w So|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w joyfully|strong="H8057"\w* offered \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w said|strong="H6030"\w*, “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H4390"\w* \w yourselves|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w Come|strong="H5066"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w bring|strong="H5066"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w thank|strong="H8426"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.” \w So|strong="H5066"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w brought|strong="H5066"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w thank|strong="H8426"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5930"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w whoever|strong="H3605"\w* desired \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H3068"\w* \w so|strong="H5066"\w* \w brought|strong="H5066"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*.   
\p
\v 32  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w brought|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w total|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* 70 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w*, 100 rams, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 200 \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*,  
\v 33  \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 600 \w bulls|strong="H1241"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 3,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w were|strong="H6629"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w*.  
\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 all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w animals|strong="H1961"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* brothers, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w helped|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H3615"\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 the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\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* \w conscientious|strong="H3477"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w consecrating|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*.)  
\v 35  \w There|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w number|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w as|strong="H1571"\w* \w well|strong="H1571"\w* \w as|strong="H1571"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w peace|strong="H8002"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w drink|strong="H5262"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w that|strong="H2459"\w* accompanied \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*. \w So|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* reinstituted.  
\v 36  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* God \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H1961"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H1961"\w* quickly.   
\c 30  
\p
\v 1  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* messages \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*; \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w even|strong="H1571"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* letters \w to|strong="H3478"\w* Ephraim \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, summoning \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w come|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* celebration \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w decided|strong="H3289"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 3  \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w unable|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w at|strong="H6213"\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 consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* \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* assembled \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w proposal|strong="H1697"\w* \w seemed|strong="H5869"\w* \w appropriate|strong="H5869"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*.  
\v 5  \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w sent|strong="H5674"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* \w edict|strong="H1697"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* Beer \w Sheba|strong="H5674"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*, summoning \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w come|strong="H5674"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w* \w on|strong="H5674"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* nationwide scale \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* law.  
\v 6  \w Messengers|strong="H7323"\w* \w delivered|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* letters \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\p \w This|strong="H7725"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w edict|strong="H4687"\w* read: “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Abraham, \w Isaac|strong="H3327"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H7725"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w may|strong="H3068"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3605"\w* spared \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Assyria.  
\v 7  Don’t \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* fathers \w and|strong="H3068"\w* brothers \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors, provoking \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* destroy \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w can|strong="H7200"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, don’t \w be|strong="H3027"\w* \w stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* \w like|strong="H7725"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* fathers! \w Submit|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H4720"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w permanently|strong="H5769"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w*. \w Serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w might|strong="H3068"\w* \w relent|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w raging|strong="H2740"\w* \w anger|strong="H2740"\w*.  
\v 9  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w brothers|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* shown \w mercy|strong="H7356"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w captors|strong="H7617"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w merciful|strong="H7349"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w compassionate|strong="H7349"\w*; \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w reject|strong="H5493"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.”   
\p
\v 10  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w messengers|strong="H7323"\w* journeyed \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* land \w of|strong="H5892"\w* Ephraim \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w*, \w but|strong="H1961"\w* people \w mocked|strong="H3932"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* ridiculed \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 11  But some men \w from|strong="H3389"\w* Asher, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* came \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 12  \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* moved \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H1571"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* unite \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w carry|strong="H6213"\w* \w out|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w edict|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w issued|strong="H5414"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w command|strong="H4687"\w*.  
\v 13  \w A|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7227"\w* \w crowd|strong="H6951"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6951"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w observe|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H6951"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 14  \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w in|strong="H5493"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w they|strong="H3605"\w* \w also|strong="H3389"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w incense|strong="H6999"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them|strong="H7993"\w* \w into|strong="H7993"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lamb \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w fourteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*. \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w ashamed|strong="H3637"\w*, \w so|strong="H6942"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3548"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 16  \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w posts|strong="H5977"\w* \w according|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w regulations|strong="H4941"\w* \w outlined|strong="H5977"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* man \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w God|strong="H3027"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* splashing \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w as|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 17  \w Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7821"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* ceremonially \w unclean|strong="H3808"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* could \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* sacrifice \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 18  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* majority \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* Ephraim, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w Issachar|strong="H3485"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* ceremonially \w unclean|strong="H3808"\w*, \w yet|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* ate \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* violation \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H2896"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* law. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, saying: “\w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*, \w forgive|strong="H3722"\w*  
\v 19  \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w determined|strong="H3559"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w follow|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors, \w even|strong="H3808"\w* if \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ceremonially|strong="H6944"\w* \w clean|strong="H2893"\w* according \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* standards \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* temple.”  
\v 20  \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w responded|strong="H8085"\w* favorably \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* forgave \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w The|strong="H6213"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w joy|strong="H8057"\w*. \w The|strong="H6213"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w every|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H6213"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w might|strong="H5797"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w expressed|strong="H1696"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* appreciation \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* demonstrated \w great|strong="H2896"\w* \w skill|strong="H7919"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* serving \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* feasted \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w festival|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w making|strong="H3605"\w* \w peace|strong="H8002"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w giving|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors.   
\p
\v 23  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w then|strong="H6213"\w* \w decided|strong="H3289"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w celebrate|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w more|strong="H6213"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*; \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w joyfully|strong="H8057"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w more|strong="H6213"\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* \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* 1,000 \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* 7,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w*, \w while|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* \w them|strong="H6942"\w* \w with|strong="H3548"\w* 1,000 \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* 10,000 \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*. \w Many|strong="H7230"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w*.  
\v 25  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* celebration \w included|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\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 the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* resident \w foreigners|strong="H1616"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 26  \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w celebration|strong="H8057"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w unlike|strong="H3808"\w* \w anything|strong="H3808"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w occurred|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 27  \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w pronounced|strong="H1288"\w* \w blessings|strong="H1288"\w* \w on|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \nd Lord\nd* \w responded|strong="H8085"\w* \w favorably|strong="H6963"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w them|strong="H8085"\w* \w as|strong="H5971"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* reached \w his|strong="H8085"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H4583"\w* \w place|strong="H6944"\w* \w in|strong="H8085"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*.   
\c 31  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H3615"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w over|strong="H3318"\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* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sacred \w pillars|strong="H4676"\w*, \w cut|strong="H1438"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Asherah poles, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w demolished|strong="H7665"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, Ephraim, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* own homes \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*.   
\s1 The People Contribute to the Temple  
\p
\v 2  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5656"\w* \w tasks|strong="H5656"\w* – \w to|strong="H3068"\w* offer \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w present|strong="H5975"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H8334"\w*, \w give|strong="H3034"\w* \w thanks|strong="H3034"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* offer \w praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w sanctuary|strong="H4264"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w contributed|strong="H4521"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* what \w he|strong="H3068"\w* owned \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w*, \w including|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w made|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w Sabbaths|strong="H7676"\w*, \w new|strong="H2320"\w* \w moon|strong="H2320"\w* \w festivals|strong="H4150"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* other \w appointed|strong="H4150"\w* \w times|strong="H4150"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* ordered \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w contribute|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w portion|strong="H4521"\w* prescribed \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w so|strong="H4616"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w might|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* obedient \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 5  \w When|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w edict|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* issued, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* freely contributed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* initial \w portion|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w wine|strong="H8492"\w*, olive \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 produce|strong="H8393"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*. \w They|strong="H1697"\w* \w brought|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w tenth|strong="H4643"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w*, \w which|strong="H1697"\w* added \w up|strong="H6555"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7230"\w* \w amount|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 6  \w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w contributed|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w tenth|strong="H4643"\w* \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 as|strong="H1571"\w* \w well|strong="H1571"\w* \w as|strong="H1571"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w tenth|strong="H4643"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H6944"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w brought|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* many \w heaps|strong="H6194"\w*.  
\v 7  \w In|strong="H2320"\w* \w the|strong="H3615"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they|strong="H2320"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w piling|strong="H3245"\w* \w their|strong="H3615"\w* contributions \w in|strong="H2320"\w* \w heaps|strong="H6194"\w* \w and|strong="H2320"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w in|strong="H2320"\w* \w the|strong="H3615"\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="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w came|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w heaps|strong="H6194"\w*, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w pronounced|strong="H1288"\w* \w blessings|strong="H1288"\w* \w on|strong="H7200"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w When|strong="H5921"\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 Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w heaps|strong="H6194"\w*,  
\v 10  \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w from|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*, said \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w him|strong="H1288"\w*, “\w Since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w contributions|strong="H8641"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* arriving \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w plenty|strong="H7646"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w eat|strong="H2490"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w quantity|strong="H7230"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w over|strong="H3498"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w remains|strong="H3498"\w*.”  
\v 11  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w ordered|strong="H3559"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* storerooms \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w prepared|strong="H3559"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w When|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H3559"\w*,  
\v 12  \w they|strong="H5921"\w* brought \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w contributions|strong="H8641"\w*, \w tithes|strong="H4643"\w*, \w and|strong="H3881"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6944"\w* \w items|strong="H6944"\w* \w that|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H8096"\w* been \w offered|strong="H8641"\w*. \w Konaniah|strong="H3562"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w*, \w was|strong="H3881"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H6944"\w*, assisted \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* brother \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w Azaziah|strong="H5812"\w*, \w Nahath|strong="H5184"\w*, \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*, \w Jerimoth|strong="H3406"\w*, \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, Eliel, \w Ismakiah|strong="H3253"\w*, \w Mahath|strong="H4287"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* worked \w under|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3027"\w* \w supervision|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Konaniah|strong="H3562"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3027"\w* brother \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*, \w as|strong="H1004"\w* directed \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w the|strong="H3027"\w* \w supervisor|strong="H5057"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w God|strong="H3027"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w Kore|strong="H6981"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Imnah|strong="H3232"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* guard \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w side|strong="H4217"\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 voluntary|strong="H5071"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5071"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* disbursed \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w contributions|strong="H8641"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w items|strong="H6944"\w*.  
\v 15  \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w Eden|strong="H5731"\w*, \w Miniamin|strong="H4509"\w*, \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, Amariah, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w* faithfully assisted \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w making|strong="H5414"\w* disbursements \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* fellow \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w according|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w*, regardless \w of|strong="H3027"\w* age.  
\v 16  \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w made|strong="H8141"\w* disbursements \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\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 up|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w listed|strong="H3187"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w genealogical|strong="H3187"\w* \w records|strong="H1697"\w* – \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* enter \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w serve|strong="H5656"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w daily|strong="H3117"\w* \w basis|strong="H5656"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* fulfill \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w duties|strong="H4931"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5656"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They|strong="H8141"\w* \w made|strong="H8141"\w* disbursements \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w listed|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* genealogical records \w by|strong="H8141"\w* \w their|strong="H3548"\w* \w families|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w up|strong="H1121"\w*, according \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3548"\w* \w duties|strong="H4931"\w* \w as|strong="H8141"\w* assigned \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3548"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w*,  
\v 18  \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w infants|strong="H2945"\w*, wives, \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H6951"\w* listed \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* genealogical records, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* faithfully \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w*.  
\v 19  \w As|strong="H5892"\w* \w for|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Aaron, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* lived \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* outskirts \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* disburse \w portions|strong="H4490"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w male|strong="H2145"\w* \w among|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w listed|strong="H3187"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w genealogical|strong="H3187"\w* records.   
\p
\v 20  \w This|strong="H2063"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H2896"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H2896"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* considered \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w right|strong="H3477"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2896"\w*.  
\v 21  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w wholeheartedly|strong="H3824"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w successfully|strong="H6743"\w* reinstituted \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* obedience \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w*, \w in|strong="H6213"\w* order \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w follow|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* God.   
\c 32  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H5921"\w* \w these|strong="H4428"\w* faithful \w deeds|strong="H1697"\w* \w were|strong="H1697"\w* accomplished, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \w invaded|strong="H1234"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w besieged|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*, intending \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w seize|strong="H1234"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 2  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* invaded \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w intended|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w attack|strong="H4421"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*,  
\v 3  \w he|strong="H5892"\w* \w consulted|strong="H3289"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his|strong="H5973"\w* \w advisers|strong="H3289"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w military|strong="H3289"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w about|strong="H5892"\w* stopping \w up|strong="H5640"\w* \w the|strong="H2351"\w* springs \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the|strong="H2351"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w they|strong="H3289"\w* supported \w him|strong="H5973"\w*.  
\v 4  \w A|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H7227"\w* number \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5640"\w* \w up|strong="H5640"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w springs|strong="H4599"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w stream|strong="H5158"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w flowed|strong="H7857"\w* \w through|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* district. \w They|strong="H4100"\w* reasoned, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \w come|strong="H4672"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w plenty|strong="H7227"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*?”  
\v 5  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2388"\w* \w energetically|strong="H2388"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w broken|strong="H6555"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w erected|strong="H5927"\w* \w towers|strong="H4026"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w an|strong="H1129"\w* \w outer|strong="H2351"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w fortified|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w terrace|strong="H4407"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w weapons|strong="H7973"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w shields|strong="H4043"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5414"\w* \w military|strong="H4421"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w square|strong="H7339"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w He|strong="H5414"\w* encouraged \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w saying|strong="H1696"\w*,  
\v 7 “\w Be|strong="H4428"\w* \w strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* brave! Don’t \w be|strong="H4428"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* don’t \w panic|strong="H2865"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w huge|strong="H1995"\w* \w army|strong="H1995"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3605"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*! \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3605"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H6440"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3605"\w* \w stronger|strong="H2388"\w* \w than|strong="H3588"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H7227"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 8  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* mere human \w strength|strong="H2220"\w*, \w but|strong="H5971"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w help|strong="H5826"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w battles|strong="H4421"\w*!” \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* encouraged \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  Afterward \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria, \w while|strong="H1931"\w* attacking \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w military|strong="H2088"\w* might, \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w messengers|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w message|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\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 all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w It|strong="H1931"\w* read:  
\v 10 “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w so|strong="H3541"\w* confident \w that|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w remain|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w while|strong="H3541"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w under|strong="H5921"\w* \w siege|strong="H4692"\w*?  
\v 11  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* says, “\w The|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w power|strong="H3709"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria.” \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w misleading|strong="H5496"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w hunger|strong="H7458"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w thirst|strong="H6772"\w*!  
\v 12  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w one|strong="H3808"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w eliminated|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd Lord\nd*’s \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w then|strong="H3808"\w* told \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, “\w At|strong="H5921"\w* \w one|strong="H3808"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w offer|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w*.”  
\v 13  \w Are|strong="H5971"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w aware|strong="H3045"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H3045"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* predecessors \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* surrounding lands? \w Have|strong="H5971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* gods \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* surrounding lands actually \w been|strong="H5971"\w* \w able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* lands \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*?  
\v 14  \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w among|strong="H4310"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* gods \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H4310"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* predecessors \w annihilated|strong="H2763"\w* \w was|strong="H3027"\w* \w able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*?  
\v 15  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* don’t \w let|strong="H6258"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w deceive|strong="H5377"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w mislead|strong="H5377"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w like|strong="H3808"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*. Don’t believe \w him|strong="H3027"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w god|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w has|strong="H3588"\w* \w been|strong="H5971"\w* \w able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* predecessors. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w how|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H3201"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* gods \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*?’”   
\p
\v 16  Sennacherib’s \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w further|strong="H5750"\w* insulted \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He|strong="H3651"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w letters|strong="H5612"\w* \w mocking|strong="H2778"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* insulting \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w these|strong="H3789"\w* words: “\w The|strong="H5921"\w* gods \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* surrounding \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w could|strong="H5337"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*. \w Neither|strong="H3808"\w* \w can|strong="H3808"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*’s \w god|strong="H3068"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Judahite dialect \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, trying \w to|strong="H5921"\w* scare \w and|strong="H1419"\w* terrify \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w so|strong="H4616"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* seize \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 19  \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w talked|strong="H1696"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w as|strong="H3389"\w* if \w he|strong="H3027"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w one|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w man-made|strong="H4639"\w* gods \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* earth.   
\p
\v 20  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\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* Amoz \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w out|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 21  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H8033"\w* wiped \w out|strong="H7971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w*, \w princes|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria. \w So|strong="H7971"\w* Sennacherib \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w humiliated|strong="H1322"\w*. \w When|strong="H7725"\w* \w he|strong="H8033"\w* entered \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w god|strong="H3068"\w*, \w some|strong="H8033"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H4578"\w* sons \w struck|strong="H5307"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*.  
\v 22  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w delivered|strong="H3467"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sennacherib|strong="H5576"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* nations. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H3027"\w* \w secure|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H3427"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w side|strong="H5439"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Many|strong="H7227"\w* \w were|strong="H5869"\w* \w bringing|strong="H5375"\w* \w presents|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w precious|strong="H4030"\w* \w gifts|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w From|strong="H1471"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H7227"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3651"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w respected|strong="H5375"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w*.   
\s1 Hezekiah’s Shortcomings and Accomplishments  
\p
\v 24  \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* stricken \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* terminal illness. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* answered \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w sign|strong="H4159"\w* confirming \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* healed.  
\v 25  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* ungrateful; \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w proud|strong="H1361"\w* \w attitude|strong="H3820"\w*, provoking \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w well|strong="H3820"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 26  \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w then|strong="H3068"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w themselves|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* abandoned \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w pride|strong="H1363"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w angry|strong="H7110"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* rest \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*’s \w reign|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\p
\v 27  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w wealthy|strong="H6239"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w greatly|strong="H3966"\w* respected. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* storehouses \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w precious|strong="H3368"\w* stones, \w spices|strong="H1314"\w*, \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w valuable|strong="H3368"\w* \w possessions|strong="H2532"\w*.  
\v 28  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* storerooms \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w harvest|strong="H8393"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w wine|strong="H8492"\w*, \w and|strong="H1715"\w* olive \w oil|strong="H3323"\w*, \w and|strong="H1715"\w* stalls \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* various \w kinds|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* livestock \w and|strong="H1715"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w flocks|strong="H5739"\w*.  
\v 29  \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* royal \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* owned \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H7230"\w* \w number|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w cattle|strong="H4735"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7227"\w* \w amount|strong="H7230"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w possessions|strong="H7399"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w dammed|strong="H5640"\w* \w up|strong="H5640"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* source \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w waters|strong="H4325"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w Gihon|strong="H1521"\w* \w and|strong="H5892"\w* \w directed|strong="H3474"\w* \w them|strong="H5640"\w* \w down|strong="H4295"\w* \w to|strong="H1732"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w west|strong="H4628"\w* \w side|strong="H4628"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w succeeded|strong="H6743"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 31  \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* envoys arrived \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Babylonian \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* visit \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w inquire|strong="H1875"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sign|strong="H4159"\w* \w that|strong="H3045"\w* \w occurred|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land, \w God|strong="H7971"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w alone|strong="H3045"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w test|strong="H5254"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* order \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w true|strong="H3651"\w* \w motives|strong="H3824"\w*.   
\p
\v 32  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*’s reign, \w including|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w deeds|strong="H1697"\w*, \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \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* Amoz, included \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \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*.  
\v 33  \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w passed|strong="H3427"\w* \w away|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w on|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ascent|strong="H4608"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\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 the|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w great|strong="H6213"\w* \w honor|strong="H3519"\w*. \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\c 33  
\p
\v 1  \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w twelve|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H2568"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w fifty-five|strong="H2572"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w committed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* same \w horrible|strong="H8441"\w* sins \w practiced|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w drove|strong="H3423"\w* \w out|strong="H3423"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w rebuilt|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w* \w had|strong="H6635"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H5422"\w*; \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w set|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Baals|strong="H1168"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* Asherah poles. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* stars \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* said, “\w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w courtyards|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* stars \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w passed|strong="H5674"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* fire \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ben-Hinnom|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w practiced|strong="H6213"\w* \w divination|strong="H5172"\w*, \w omen|strong="H5172"\w* \w reading|strong="H6213"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w sorcery|strong="H3784"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w set|strong="H6213"\w* \w up|strong="H7235"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* ritual pit \w to|strong="H3068"\w* conjure \w up|strong="H7235"\w* underworld spirits \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w appointed|strong="H1121"\w* magicians \w to|strong="H3068"\w* supervise \w it|strong="H1931"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H7235"\w* \w amount|strong="H7235"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w angered|strong="H3707"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 7  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* idolatrous \w image|strong="H6459"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w about|strong="H6213"\w* \w which|strong="H1004"\w* God \w had|strong="H3478"\w* said \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, “\w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H7760"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* chosen \w out|strong="H6213"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* permanent \w home|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 8  \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w* \w leave|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors, \w provided|strong="H7535"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w carefully|strong="H6213"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w rules|strong="H2706"\w* \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w regulations|strong="H4941"\w* \w given|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.”  
\v 9  \w But|strong="H7451"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w misled|strong="H8582"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H1471"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* sinned \w more|strong="H4480"\w* \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w whom|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H8045"\w* \w ahead|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w confronted|strong="H1696"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w paid|strong="H7181"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w attention|strong="H7181"\w*.  
\v 11  \w So|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w brought|strong="H3212"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w commanders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w seized|strong="H3920"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w put|strong="H3068"\w* \w hooks|strong="H2336"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* nose, bound \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w chains|strong="H5178"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w carried|strong="H3212"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w away|strong="H3212"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* Babylon.  
\v 12  \w In|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w pain|strong="H2470"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H2470"\w* \w asked|strong="H2470"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H6440"\w* \w mercy|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* truly \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors.  
\v 13  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w responded|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H7725"\w* favorably \w his|strong="H3068"\w* cry \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w mercy|strong="H8467"\w*. \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w brought|strong="H7725"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w*. \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w realized|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w true|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  After \w this|strong="H3651"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H1129"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w up|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w outer|strong="H2435"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w on|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w west|strong="H4628"\w* \w side|strong="H4628"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Gihon|strong="H1521"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w valley|strong="H5158"\w* \w to|strong="H1732"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w entrance|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Fish|strong="H1709"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* terrace; \w he|strong="H3651"\w* \w made|strong="H7760"\w* \w it|strong="H7760"\w* \w much|strong="H3966"\w* \w higher|strong="H1361"\w*. \w He|strong="H3651"\w* \w placed|strong="H7760"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5236"\w* gods \w and|strong="H3068"\w* images \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*; \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w them|strong="H7993"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 16  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* erected \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w peace|strong="H8002"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w thank|strong="H8426"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* told \w the|strong="H5921"\w* people \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\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 only|strong="H7535"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*’s reign, \w including|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w prophets|strong="H2374"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w are|strong="H3478"\w* recorded \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Annals|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*.  
\v 19  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Annals|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Prophets \w include|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w*, give \w an|strong="H1129"\w* \w account|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* how \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd* responded \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*, \w record|strong="H3789"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4604"\w* \w acts|strong="H1697"\w*, \w and|strong="H6440"\w* identify \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sites|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H4725"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w erected|strong="H5975"\w* Asherah poles \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* passed \w away|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H8478"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w His|strong="H8478"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* Amon \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w as|strong="H8478"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.   
\s1 Amon’s Reign  
\p
\v 21  Amon \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w twenty-two|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H8147"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 22  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w like|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* father \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 23  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* father \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H3665"\w*. Amon \w was|strong="H3068"\w* guilty \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H7235"\w* sin.  
\v 24  \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w conspired|strong="H7194"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 25  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w executed|strong="H5221"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w conspired|strong="H7194"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Amon, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w*.   
\c 34  
\p
\v 1  \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\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 and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w thirty-one|strong="H7970"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w approved|strong="H3477"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w followed|strong="H3212"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w footsteps|strong="H1870"\w*; \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w deviate|strong="H5493"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w eighth|strong="H8083"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w while|strong="H5750"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1732"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w*, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* God \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* ancestor \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w twelfth|strong="H8147"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w ridding|strong="H2891"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w high|strong="H1116"\w* \w places|strong="H1116"\w*, Asherah poles, \w idols|strong="H6456"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w images|strong="H6456"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He|strong="H5921"\w* ordered \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Baals|strong="H1168"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H6440"\w* \w torn|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w*, \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w broke|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w incense|strong="H2553"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H4196"\w* \w were|strong="H5921"\w* \w above|strong="H4605"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Asherah poles, \w idols|strong="H6456"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w images|strong="H6456"\w*, \w crushed|strong="H1854"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w sprinkled|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w dust|strong="H1854"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w who|strong="H4605"\w* had \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 5  \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w of|strong="H4196"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* pagan \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H8313"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w*; \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w purified|strong="H2891"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 6  \w In|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, Ephraim, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w Simeon|strong="H8095"\w*, \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w ruins|strong="H5892"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w them|strong="H5439"\w*,  
\v 7  \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w tore|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* Asherah poles, \w demolished|strong="H3807"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w idols|strong="H6456"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w smashed|strong="H5422"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w incense|strong="H2553"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w of|strong="H4196"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w eighteenth|strong="H8083"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w continued|strong="H2388"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* policy \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w purifying|strong="H2891"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* land \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Azaliah, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w official|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joah|strong="H3098"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joahaz|strong="H3099"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* secretary \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w repair|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 9  \w They|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w high|strong="H1419"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w been|strong="H3605"\w* \w brought|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w guarded|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w door|strong="H5592"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* collected \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* Ephraim \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w left|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w as|strong="H3389"\w* well \w as|strong="H3389"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 10  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* construction \w foremen|strong="H4399"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w turn|strong="H5414"\w* \w paid|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w workers|strong="H4399"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* restore \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w repair|strong="H2388"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 11  \w They|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* money \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w craftsmen|strong="H2796"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w builders|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w buy|strong="H7069"\w* \w chiseled|strong="H4274"\w* stone \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* braces \w and|strong="H3063"\w* rafters \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w buildings|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* fall \w into|strong="H3063"\w* disrepair.  
\v 12  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w worked|strong="H6213"\w* faithfully. \w Their|strong="H3605"\w* \w supervisors|strong="H5329"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jahath|strong="H3189"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* (\w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w descended|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Merari|strong="H4847"\w*), \w as|strong="H6213"\w* well \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w* (\w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Kohath). \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* whom \w were|strong="H1121"\w* skilled \w musicians|strong="H7892"\w*,  
\v 13  \w supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w laborers|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w foremen|strong="H7860"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* various jobs. \w Some|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w scribes|strong="H5608"\w*, \w officials|strong="H7860"\w*, \w and|strong="H6213"\w* \w guards|strong="H7778"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w When|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w informed|strong="H6030"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w*, “\w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.” \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w brought|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w reported|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Your|strong="H3605"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w melted|strong="H5413"\w* \w down|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w supervisors|strong="H6485"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* construction \w foremen|strong="H4399"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, “\w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w has|strong="H4428"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w*.” \w Shaphan|strong="H8227"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w out|strong="H5414"\w* loud \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 19  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* scroll, \w he|strong="H4428"\w* \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w his|strong="H8085"\w* clothes.  
\v 20  \w The|strong="H6680"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w ordered|strong="H6680"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*, Ahikam \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="H6680"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Asaiah|strong="H6222"\w* \w the|strong="H6680"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*,  
\v 21 “\w Go|strong="H3212"\w*, \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* \w oracle|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w remain|strong="H7604"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w Find|strong="H4672"\w* \w out|strong="H4672"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* \w discovered|strong="H4672"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w fury|strong="H2534"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* ignited \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obeyed|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w instructs|strong="H3789"\w*!”   
\p
\v 22  \w So|strong="H2063"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* others sent \w by|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w went|strong="H3212"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w Huldah|strong="H2468"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w prophetess|strong="H5031"\w*, \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w wife|strong="H1696"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shallum|strong="H7967"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Tokhath|strong="H8445"\w*, \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hasrah|strong="H2641"\w*, \w the|strong="H8104"\w* supervisor \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* wardrobe. (\w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* Mishneh district.) \w They|strong="H1931"\w* stated \w their|strong="H8104"\w* business,  
\v 23  \w and|strong="H3478"\w* she said \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w them|strong="H7971"\w*: “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w Say|strong="H3478"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3541"\w* man \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w*:  
\v 24 “\w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="H2005"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w bring|strong="H7451"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* details \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 25  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* happen \w because|strong="H4616"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3027"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w me|strong="H5800"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w offered|strong="H6999"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6999"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w other|strong="H2088"\w* gods, \w angering|strong="H3707"\w* \w me|strong="H5800"\w* \w with|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* idols \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3027"\w* \w made|strong="H4639"\w*. \w My|strong="H3605"\w* \w anger|strong="H3707"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* ignite \w against|strong="H3027"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w extinguished|strong="H3518"\w*!’”  
\v 26  \w Say|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w an|strong="H7971"\w* \w oracle|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*: “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w says|strong="H3541"\w* \w concerning|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w*:  
\v 27 ‘\w You|strong="H6440"\w* displayed \w a|strong="H3068"\w* sensitive \w spirit|strong="H3665"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w yourself|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w when|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w its|strong="H5921"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w*. \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w humbled|strong="H3665"\w* \w yourself|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* clothes \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w wept|strong="H1058"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*,’ \w says|strong="H5002"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 28 ‘\w Therefore|strong="H5921"\w* \w I|strong="H2005"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* allow \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* die \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* buried \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w*. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H5869"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w witness|strong="H5869"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w I|strong="H2005"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w bring|strong="H7725"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w*.’”’” \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w reported|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* summoned \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\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* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, accompanied \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\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 All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w there|strong="H3427"\w*, \w from|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w oldest|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w youngest|strong="H6996"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w aloud|strong="H1419"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H5971"\w* \w discovered|strong="H4672"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 31  \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* pillar \w and|strong="H3068"\w* renewed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, agreeing \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w follow|strong="H3212"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w commandments|strong="H4687"\w*, \w laws|strong="H5715"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w rules|strong="H2706"\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 being|strong="H5315"\w*, \w by|strong="H5921"\w* carrying \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w terms|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w*.  
\v 32  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1144"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* agree \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H6213"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w acted|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* accordance \w with|strong="H1285"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* God, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* God \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors.  
\v 33  \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w detestable|strong="H8441"\w* idols \w from|strong="H5493"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* areas belonging \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* encouraged \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w worship|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* rest \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w turn|strong="H5493"\w* \w aside|strong="H5493"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* following \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors.   
\c 35  
\p
\v 1  \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* festival \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w fourteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day|strong="H2320"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w fulfill|strong="H5975"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w duties|strong="H4931"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w encouraged|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* carry \w out|strong="H2388"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 3  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w told|strong="H8010"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* instructed \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w about|strong="H4428"\w* \w things|strong="H6944"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6944"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, “\w Place|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* ark \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*. Don’t \w carry|strong="H4853"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w shoulders|strong="H3802"\w*. \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!  
\v 4  \w Prepare|strong="H3559"\w* yourselves \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H3559"\w* \w families|strong="H1004"\w* according \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w your|strong="H3559"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w*, \w as|strong="H1121"\w* instructed \w by|strong="H3478"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="H6944"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w*, \w together|strong="H5971"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w represent|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w divisions|strong="H2515"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H1004"\w* countrymen.  
\v 6  \w Slaughter|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs, \w consecrate|strong="H6942"\w* \w yourselves|strong="H3027"\w*, \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* countrymen \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* commanded \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w From|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H5971"\w* \w royal|strong="H4428"\w* \w flocks|strong="H6629"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w herds|strong="H1241"\w*, \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w with|strong="H5971"\w* 30,000 \w lambs|strong="H3532"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w goats|strong="H5795"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* sacrifice, \w as|strong="H5971"\w* well \w as|strong="H5971"\w* 3,000 \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*.  
\v 8  \w His|strong="H5414"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w also|strong="H5971"\w* \w willingly|strong="H5071"\w* \w contributed|strong="H7311"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*. \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* 2,600 \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* sacrifices \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 300 \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Konaniah|strong="H3562"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w his|strong="H7311"\w* brothers \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, along \w with|strong="H1241"\w* \w Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w the|strong="H7311"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H7311"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w supplied|strong="H7311"\w* \w the|strong="H7311"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w with|strong="H1241"\w* 5,000 \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* sacrifices \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 500 \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w made|strong="H3559"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* posts \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4256"\w* \w as|strong="H3881"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H4687"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 11  \w They|strong="H3027"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H7819"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* lambs \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w splashed|strong="H2236"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* blood, while \w the|strong="H7819"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w skinned|strong="H6584"\w* \w the|strong="H7819"\w* animals.  
\v 12  \w They|strong="H3651"\w* reserved \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w divisions|strong="H4653"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w present|strong="H7126"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w as|strong="H3651"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*.  
\v 13  \w They|strong="H7323"\w* cooked \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* open fire \w as|strong="H5971"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H4941"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* cooked \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w consecrated|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 They|strong="H7323"\w* \w quickly|strong="H7323"\w* served \w them|strong="H7323"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 14  Afterward \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w made|strong="H3559"\w* \w preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w themselves|strong="H1992"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Aaron, \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w offering|strong="H5930"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w portions|strong="H2459"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w evening|strong="H3915"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w made|strong="H3559"\w* \w preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w themselves|strong="H1992"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Aaron.  
\v 15  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Asaph, \w manned|strong="H4612"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* posts, \w as|strong="H3588"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H4687"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, Asaph, \w Heman|strong="H1968"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w prophet|strong="H2374"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w guards|strong="H7778"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* various \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w did|strong="H1732"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* need \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w leave|strong="H5493"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* posts, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w fellow|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w made|strong="H3559"\w* \w preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 16  \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w preparations|strong="H3559"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w service|strong="H5656"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w prescribed|strong="H4687"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*.  
\v 17  \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w present|strong="H4672"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w*, \w as|strong="H3117"\w* well \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 18  \w A|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w this|strong="H6213"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H3644"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w since|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w days|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="H3478"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w by|strong="H3117"\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 all|strong="H3605"\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="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w there|strong="H3427"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w residents|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 19  \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w was|strong="H8141"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w eighteenth|strong="H8083"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*’s \w reign|strong="H4438"\w*.   
\s1 Josiah’s Reign Ends  
\p
\v 20  \w After|strong="H5921"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w done|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Necho|strong="H5224"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w marched|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w do|strong="H3318"\w* \w battle|strong="H3898"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Carchemish|strong="H3751"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Euphrates|strong="H6578"\w* River. \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w marched|strong="H5927"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* oppose \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Necho|strong="H7971"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, saying, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* opposing \w me|strong="H7971"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*? \w I|strong="H3588"\w* am \w not|strong="H3808"\w* attacking \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4428"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* am \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w*. \w God|strong="H3808"\w* told \w me|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* hurry. \w Stop|strong="H2308"\w* opposing \w God|strong="H3808"\w*, \w who|strong="H3063"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w else|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w turn|strong="H5437"\w* \w back|strong="H5437"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*; \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w disguised|strong="H2664"\w* \w himself|strong="H6440"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w battle|strong="H3898"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* take seriously \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w Necho|strong="H5224"\w* \w which|strong="H1697"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w received|strong="H8085"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w*; \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H5437"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w* \w in|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Plain|strong="H1237"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w Megiddo|strong="H4023"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Archers|strong="H3384"\w* \w shot|strong="H3384"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*; \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* ordered \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, “\w Take|strong="H5674"\w* \w me|strong="H5674"\w* \w out|strong="H5674"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w this|strong="H5674"\w* chariot, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w am|strong="H2470"\w* seriously \w wounded|strong="H2470"\w*.”  
\v 24  \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w took|strong="H7392"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w*, \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w another|strong="H4480"\w* \w chariot|strong="H7393"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* owned, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w brought|strong="H3212"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H3605"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors; \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H5650"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* mourned \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w composed|strong="H6969"\w* \w laments|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5704"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w which|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w male|strong="H7891"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* female \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* use \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w mourn|strong="H5921"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* \w very|strong="H5704"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w It|strong="H5414"\w* \w has|strong="H3478"\w* become \w customary|strong="H3117"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w sing|strong="H7891"\w* \w these|strong="H3789"\w*; \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Book \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Laments|strong="H5921"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w*’s reign, including \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w acts|strong="H1697"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* obedience \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*  
\v 27  \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* accomplishments, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* start \w to|strong="H3478"\w* finish, \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\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* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\c 36  
\p
\v 1  \w The|strong="H3947"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* land \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3059"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Josiah|strong="H2977"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H4427"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w father|strong="H1121"\w*’s \w place|strong="H8478"\w* \w in|strong="H4427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3099"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w twenty-three|strong="H6242"\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 and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 3  \w The|strong="H5493"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w prevented|strong="H5493"\w* \w him|strong="H4428"\w* \w from|strong="H5493"\w* ruling \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w imposed|strong="H6064"\w* \w on|strong="H2091"\w* \w the|strong="H5493"\w* land \w a|strong="H3068"\w* special tax \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w one|strong="H3967"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w talent|strong="H3603"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3099"\w*’s brother Eliakim \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w changed|strong="H5437"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w*. \w Necho|strong="H5224"\w* \w seized|strong="H3947"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* brother \w Jehoahaz|strong="H3099"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*.   
\s1 Jehoiakim’s Reign  
\p
\v 5  \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w twenty-five|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w when|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w became|strong="H4427"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w eleven|strong="H6240"\w* \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 evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 6  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Babylon \w attacked|strong="H5927"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, bound \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w chains|strong="H5178"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w away|strong="H3212"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* Babylon.  
\v 7  \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w took|strong="H5414"\w* some \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* Babylon \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w events|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiakim|strong="H3079"\w*’s \w reign|strong="H4427"\w*, \w including|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w horrible|strong="H8441"\w* sins \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w committed|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* shortcomings, \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w recorded|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\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*. \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiachin|strong="H3078"\w* \w replaced|strong="H8478"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\s1 Jehoiachin’s Reign  
\p
\v 9  \w Jehoiachin|strong="H3078"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w eighteen|strong="H8083"\w* \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 and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\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 in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 10  \w At|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* beginning \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w ordered|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* Babylon, \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w valuable|strong="H2532"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w place|strong="H1004"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H4427"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* relative \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\s1 Zedekiah’s Reign  
\p
\v 11  \w Zedekiah|strong="H6667"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w twenty-one|strong="H6242"\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 and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3389"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* \w eleven|strong="H6240"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 12  \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w humble|strong="H3665"\w* \w himself|strong="H3665"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w spokesman|strong="H6310"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H4775"\w* \w against|strong="H4775"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H7185"\w* \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w vow|strong="H7650"\w* allegiance \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* name \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* obstinate, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w refused|strong="H6203"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 14  \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 people|strong="H5971"\w* \w became|strong="H4603"\w* \w more|strong="H7235"\w* \w unfaithful|strong="H4603"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w committed|strong="H4603"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* same \w horrible|strong="H8441"\w* sins practiced \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w defiled|strong="H2930"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w which|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w consecrated|strong="H6942"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\s1 The Babylonians Destroy Jerusalem  
\p
\v 15  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* ancestors \w continually|strong="H3068"\w* warned \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* felt \w compassion|strong="H2550"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w dwelling|strong="H4583"\w* \w place|strong="H3027"\w*.  
\v 16  \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w mocked|strong="H3931"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w*, despised \w his|strong="H3068"\w* warnings, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* ridiculed \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*. \w Finally|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w got|strong="H5927"\w* \w very|strong="H5704"\w* \w angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w no|strong="H5927"\w* \w one|strong="H1961"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w could|strong="H1697"\w* prevent \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w judgment|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Babylonians|strong="H3778"\w*, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* slaughtered \w their|strong="H3605"\w* young \w men|strong="H2205"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w spare|strong="H2550"\w* young \w men|strong="H2205"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w women|strong="H1330"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w even|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w old|strong="H2205"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* aging. \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w handed|strong="H3027"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 18  \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w carried|strong="H3068"\w* \w away|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* Babylon \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, whether \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w or|strong="H6996"\w* \w small|strong="H6996"\w*, \w as|strong="H3068"\w* well \w as|strong="H3068"\w* what \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* treasuries \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* treasuries \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w*.  
\v 19  \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd Lord\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w tore|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* fortified \w buildings|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H7843"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* \w valuable|strong="H4261"\w* \w items|strong="H3627"\w*.  
\v 20  \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w deported|strong="H1540"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* Babylon \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w escaped|strong="H7611"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w served|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H4427"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H1540"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* Persian \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w* rose \w to|strong="H5704"\w* power.  
\v 21  \w This|strong="H1697"\w* \w took|strong="H7521"\w* \w place|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w fulfill|strong="H4390"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w delivered|strong="H6310"\w* \w through|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* land \w experienced|strong="H7521"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* sabbatical \w years|strong="H8141"\w*; \w it|strong="H5704"\w* remained \w desolate|strong="H8074"\w* \w for|strong="H5704"\w* \w seventy|strong="H7657"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w as|strong="H5704"\w* prophesied.   
\s1 Cyrus Allows the Exiles to Go Home  
\p
\v 22  \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* first \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w reign|strong="H4438"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Persia|strong="H6539"\w*, \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w fulfillment|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w delivered|strong="H5674"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w moved|strong="H7307"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Persia|strong="H6539"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* issue \w a|strong="H3068"\w* written \w decree|strong="H1697"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w*.  
\v 23  \w It|strong="H5414"\w* read: “\w This|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H4310"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Persia|strong="H6539"\w* \w says|strong="H3541"\w*: ‘\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w heavens|strong="H8064"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w earth|strong="H5927"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w appointed|strong="H6485"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w energize|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w who|strong="H4310"\w* belong \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w so|strong="H3541"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w may|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* able \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w back|strong="H5927"\w* \w there|strong="H5927"\w*!”   