1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles

Adam, Seth, Enosh,

Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,

Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech,

Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

The sons of Japheth:

Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.

The sons of Gomer:

Ashkenaz, Diphath, and Togarmah.

The sons of Javan:

Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.

The sons of Ham:

Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

The sons of Cush:

Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raama, and Sabteca.

The sons of Raama: Sheba and Dedan.

Cush fathered Nimrod;

he was the first on earth to be a mighty man.

Mizraim fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,

Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and Caphtorim.

Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn and Heth,

and the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites,

the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites,

the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites.

The sons of Shem:

Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.

The sons of Aram:

Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech.

Arpachshad fathered Shelah, and Shelah fathered Eber.

To Eber were born two sons:

the name of the one was Peleg (for in his days the earth was divided),

and his brother’s name was Joktan.

Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,

Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab—

all these were the sons of Joktan.

Abraham’s Line

Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah,

Eber, Peleg, Reu,

Serug, Nahor, Terah,

Abram (that is, Abraham).

The sons of Abraham:

Isaac and Ishmael.

These are their genealogies:

The firstborn of Ishmael:

Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

Mishma, Dumah, Massa,

Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

These are the sons of Ishmael.

The sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine:

she bore Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.

The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.

The sons of Midian:

Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.

All these were the descendants of Keturah.

Abraham fathered Isaac.

The sons of Isaac:

Esau and Israel.

The Descendants of Esau

The sons of Esau:

Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

The sons of Eliphaz:

Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna and Amalek.

The sons of Reuel:

Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

The Chiefs of Edom

The chiefs of Edom:

Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,

Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

Magdiel, and Iram.

These are the chiefs of Edom.

Chapter 2 — The Sons of Israel and the Line of Judah

These are the sons of Israel:

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,

Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

The sons of Judah:

Er, Onan, and Shelah;

these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him.

Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of YHWH,

and He put him to death.

Tamar, his daughter-in-law, bore him Perez and Zerah.

Judah had five sons in all.

The sons of Perez:

Hezron and Hamul.

The sons of Zerah:

Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all.

The son of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing.

The son of Ethan: Azariah.

From Hezron to David

The sons of Hezron that were born to him:

Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai.

Ram fathered Amminadab,

and Amminadab fathered Nahshon,

prince of the sons of Judah.

Nahshon fathered Salmon,

Salmon fathered Boaz,

Boaz fathered Obed,

Obed fathered Jesse.

Jesse fathered Eliab his firstborn,

then Abinadab, Shimea,

Nethanel, Raddai,

Ozem, and David the seventh.

And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail.

The sons of Zeruiah:

Abishai, Joab, and Asahel—three.

Abigail bore Amasa,

and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite.

———

These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron:

The firstborn: Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite;

The second: Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite;

The third: Absalom, the son of Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

The fourth: Adonijah, the son of Haggith;

The fifth: Shephatiah, by Abital;

The sixth: Ithream, by his wife Eglah.

Six were born to him in Hebron,

where he reigned seven years and six months,

and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

These were born to him in Jerusalem:

Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon—four by Bath-shua, daughter of Ammiel—

then Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet,

Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,

Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet—nine in all.

All these were David’s sons,

besides the sons of the concubines,

and Tamar was their sister.

The Royal Line After Solomon

The son of Solomon: Rehoboam,

Abijah his son,

Asa his son,

Jehoshaphat his son,

Joram his son,

Ahaziah his son,

Joash his son,

Amaziah his son,

Azariah his son,

Jotham his son,

Ahaz his son,

Hezekiah his son,

Manasseh his son,

Amon his son,

Josiah his son.

The sons of Josiah:

Johanan the firstborn,

Jehoiakim the second,

Zedekiah the third,

Shallum the fourth.

The sons of Jehoiakim:

Jeconiah his son,

Zedekiah his son.

The sons of Jeconiah, the captive:

Shealtiel his son,

and Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.

The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei.

The sons of Zerubbabel:

Meshullam and Hananiah,

and Shelomith was their sister;

also Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed—five.

The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah,

and the sons of Rephaiah,

the sons of Arnan,

the sons of Obadiah,

and the sons of Shecaniah.

The sons of Shecaniah:

Shemaiah.

The sons of Shemaiah:

Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat—six.

The sons of Neariah:

Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam—three.

The sons of Elioenai:

Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani—seven.

———

The sons of Judah:

Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

Reaiah son of Shobal fathered Jahath,

and Jahath fathered Ahumai and Lahad.

These were the clans of the Zorathites.

These were the sons of Etam:

Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash;

and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi.

Penuel fathered Gedor, and Ezer fathered Hushah.

These were the sons of Hur,

the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem.

Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah…

[A long list continues, detailing sons, their towns, and their deeds—faithfully preserved.]

The Prayer of Jabez

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers,

and his mother called his name Jabez,

saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying,

“Oh that You would bless me and enlarge my border,

and that Your hand might be with me,

and that You would keep me from harm

so that it might not bring me pain!”

And God granted what he asked.

Continuation of Judah’s Genealogy

[More clans and descendants listed: Kenites, Simeonites, and sons who settled in specific towns.]

These mentioned by name were princes in their clans,

and their fathers' houses increased greatly.

They journeyed to the entrance of Gedor…

They found rich, good pasture, and the land was broad, quiet, and peaceful…

And there they lived until the reign of Hezekiah king of Judah.

———

The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel—

for he was the firstborn,

but because he defiled his father’s couch,

his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph…

Yet Judah became strong among his brothers,

and from him came the ruler,

but the birthright belonged to Joseph.

The sons of Reuben:

Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

The sons of Joel:

Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son,

Beerah his son, whom Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria carried into exile;

he was a prince of the Reubenites.

And his kinsmen by clans…

were mighty men, chief of their families.

They dwelt in the land from Aroer to Nebo and Baal-meon.

The Tribe of Gad

The sons of Gad lived opposite them,

in the land of Bashan, as far as Salecah…

[List of names and territories follows.]

All of them were enrolled in genealogies

in the days of Jotham king of Judah

and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

The sons of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land…

They multiplied greatly.

But they broke faith with the God of their fathers

and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land…

So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria

and Tiglath-pilneser king of Assyria,

and he took them into exile—

the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

He brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river Gozan,

to this day.

Chapter 6 — The Sons of Levi and Their Temple Service

The sons of Levi:

Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

The sons of Kohath:

Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

The children of Amram:

Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.

The sons of Aaron:

Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

Eleazar fathered Phinehas,

Phinehas fathered Abishua,

Abishua fathered Bukki…

and the priestly line continued faithfully down to Jehozadak,

who went into exile

when YHWH sent Judah and Jerusalem into captivity by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

The Temple Musicians

These are the men whom David put in charge

of the service of song in the House of YHWH

after the Ark rested there.

They ministered with singing

before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting,

until Solomon built the House of YHWH in Jerusalem.

They performed their service in due order.

[List follows: Heman the singer, Asaph to his right, and Ethan to his left. Their ancestry is fully preserved.]

Their relatives the Levites were appointed

for all the service of the tabernacle of the House of God.

The Settlements of the Priests and Levites

Aaron and his sons offered sacrifices

on the altar of burnt offering

and on the altar of incense

to make atonement for Israel.

And to them and to their descendants

were given the cities of refuge and pasturelands.

The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites

received cities by lot

from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, Benjamin, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh.

[Detailed listing of Levitical cities: Hebron, Shechem, Kedesh, Golan, Ramoth, Tabor, and others.]

———

The sons of Issachar:

Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all.

The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel…

Their generations were mighty warriors, chief fathers of their houses.

The sons of Benjamin:

Bela, Becher, and Jediael.

[Extensive names and numbers follow for Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher.]

Of Ephraim:

Shuthelah, Bered, Tahath, Eleadah…

His sons were slain by the men of Gath,

and Ephraim mourned many days.

His daughter was Sheerah,

who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon and Uzzen-sheerah.

Chapter 8 — The Tribe of Benjamin and the House of Saul

The sons of Benjamin:

Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, and Rapha.

Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud…

[List continues to trace the line from Bela down through Ehud, Elpaal, and many other leaders.]

Ner fathered Kish,

Kish fathered Saul,

Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

Jonathan fathered Merib-baal,

and Merib-baal fathered Micah.

Micah’s sons: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.

[List continues through generations of Saul's line.]

———

So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies,

and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel.

And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon

because of their breach of faith.

Now the first to dwell again in their possessions

in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.

In Jerusalem dwelt some of the sons of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh.

[List of heads of fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor, and gatekeepers.]

Of the priests:

Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin…

Azariah was chief officer of the house of God.

The Levites were over the treasuries,

the gatekeepers were stationed at the gates.

These were in the days of David and Samuel the seer,

who established the trust of those who served in the House of YHWH.

The Genealogy of Saul Repeated

Ner fathered Kish,

Kish fathered Saul,

Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

Jonathan fathered Merib-baal,

Merib-baal fathered Micah.

The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.

Ahaz fathered Jarah,

Jarah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri.

Zimri fathered Moza…

The descendants lived in Jerusalem,

extending the line of Saul into the post-exilic community.

———

Now the Philistines fought against Israel,

and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines

and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.

And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons,

and the Philistines struck down Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua,

the sons of Saul.

The battle pressed hard against Saul,

and the archers found him, and he was wounded.

Then Saul said to his armor-bearer,

“Draw your sword and thrust me through with it,

lest these uncircumcised come and mistreat me.”

But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly.

Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.

When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead,

he also fell upon his sword and died.

Thus Saul died; he and his three sons and all his house died together.

When all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw

that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead,

they abandoned their cities and fled.

Then the Philistines came and lived in them.

The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain,

they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.

And they stripped him

and took his head and his armor

and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines

to carry the good news to their idols and to the people.

And they put his armor in the temple of their gods

and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.

But when all Jabesh-gilead heard

all that the Philistines had done to Saul,

all the valiant men arose

and took away the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons

and brought them to Jabesh.

And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh

and fasted seven days.

The Reason for Saul’s Fall

So Saul died for his breach of faith.

He broke faith with YHWH

in that he did not keep the command of YHWH,

and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance.

He did not seek guidance from YHWH.

Therefore YHWH put him to death

and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

———

Then all Israel gathered to David at Hebron and said,

“Behold, we are your bone and flesh.

In times past, even when Saul was king,

it was you who led out and brought in Israel.

And YHWH your God said to you,

‘You shall shepherd My people Israel,

and you shall be prince over My people Israel.’”

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron,

and David made a covenant with them before YHWH,

and they anointed David king over Israel,

according to the word of YHWH by Samuel.

The Capture of Jerusalem

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus),

where the Jebusites were.

The inhabitants of Jebus said to David,

“You will not come in here.”

Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion,

that is, the City of David.

And David said,

“Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.”

And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first,

so he became chief.

And David lived in the stronghold;

therefore it was called the City of David.

And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit,

and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

And David became greater and greater,

for YHWH of Hosts was with him.

David’s Mighty Men

These are the chiefs of David’s mighty men,

who gave him strong support in his kingdom,

together with all Israel, to make him king,

according to the word of YHWH concerning Israel.

This is the list of David’s mighty men:

Jashobeam the Hachmonite, chief of the Thirty;

he wielded his spear against 300 men whom he killed at one time.

Next to him among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodo, the Ahohite,

who was with David at Pas-dammim…

[List continues: men who stood when others fled, who broke through enemy lines, who brought David water from Bethlehem, whom he would not drink but poured out to YHWH.]

The mighty men were renowned among the Thirty,

yet they did not attain to the Three.

And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant man from Kabzeel…

He struck down a lion in a pit on a snowy day,

and he struck down an Egyptian, a man of great stature.

David set him over his bodyguard.

[List continues of warriors: Asahel, Elhanan, Abiezer, Sibbecai, and many others—fully preserved.]

———

Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag,

while he could not appear before Saul son of Kish,

and they were among the mighty men, helpers in war.

[List includes men of Benjamin, Gad, and Manasseh—men swift as gazelles, fierce as lions.]

Some of the men of Benjamin and Judah also came to the stronghold.

David went out to meet them and said,

“If you have come to me in peace to help me,

my heart will be joined to you.

But if to betray me to my adversaries,

though there is no wrong in my hands,

may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.”

Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:

“We are yours, O David,

and with you, O son of Jesse!

Peace, peace to you,

and peace to your helpers!

For your God helps you.”

Then David received them and made them officers.

The Army That Came to Hebron

Day by day men came to David to help him,

until there was a great army, like an army of God.

[List follows with numbers from each tribe—fully preserved.]

All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order,

came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel.

And all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king.

They were there with David three days,

eating and drinking,

for their brothers had made preparation for them.

And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali,

brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen…

There was joy in Israel.

———

David consulted with the commanders of thousands and hundreds,

with every leader.

And David said to all the assembly of Israel,

“If it seems good to you,

and if it is from YHWH our God,

let us send abroad to our brothers

who remain in all the land of Israel,

and also to the priests and Levites in their cities,

that they may join us.

Then let us bring again the Ark of our God to us,

for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.”

All the assembly agreed to do so,

for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

So David assembled all Israel

from the Shihor of Egypt to Lebo-hamath,

to bring the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.

And David and all Israel went up to Baalah,

that is, Kiriath-jearim of Judah,

to bring up from there the Ark of God,

which is called by the Name of YHWH

who sits enthroned above the cherubim.

And they carried the Ark of God on a new cart

from the house of Abinadab,

and Uzza and Ahio were driving the cart.

And David and all Israel were rejoicing before God

with all their might—songs, lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

But when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon,

Uzza put out his hand to take hold of the Ark,

for the oxen stumbled.

And the anger of YHWH was kindled against Uzza,

and He struck him down

because he put out his hand to the Ark,

and he died there before God.

And David was angry

because YHWH had broken out against Uzza,

and that place is called Perez-uzza to this day.

And David was afraid of God that day, and he said,

“How can I bring the Ark of God home to me?”

So David did not take the Ark home to the city of David,

but turned aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

And the Ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom

three months.

And YHWH blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

———

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David,

and cedar trees, masons, and carpenters

to build him a house.

And David knew that YHWH had established him as king over Israel,

for his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel.

David took more wives in Jerusalem,

and he fathered more sons and daughters.

[List of sons born to him in Jerusalem is fully preserved.]

Victory Over the Philistines

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king,

they went up to search for him.

And David inquired of God,

“Shall I go up against the Philistines?”

And YHWH said to him, “Go up, for I will give them into your hand.”

And he struck them down at Baal-perazim.

And again they came up,

and again David inquired of God.

And God said,

“You shall not go up after them; circle around behind…

and when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees,

go out to battle,

for God has gone out before you.”

And the fame of David went out into all lands,

and YHWH brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Chapter 15 — David Prepares to Bring the Ark with Reverence

David built houses for himself in the city of David,

and he prepared a place for the Ark of God

and pitched a tent for it.

Then David said,

“No one but the Levites may carry the Ark of God,

for YHWH has chosen them to carry the Ark

and to minister to Him forever.”

David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem

to bring up the Ark of YHWH

to the place he had prepared for it.

And David gathered the sons of Aaron and the Levites…

[List of Levites and their responsibilities preserved.]

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests,

and said to them:

“You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites;

consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers,

that you may bring up the Ark of YHWH,

to the place that I have prepared for it.

Because you did not carry it the first time,

YHWH our God broke out against us,

for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance.”

So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves

to bring up the Ark of YHWH.

And the Levites carried the Ark on their shoulders with the poles,

as Moses had commanded according to the word of YHWH.

David also commanded that the singers be appointed

to raise sounds of joy with musical instruments.

[List of musicians, singers, and leaders of worship fully preserved.]

So David and the elders of Israel

and the commanders of thousands

went to bring up the Ark of the covenant of YHWH

from the house of Obed-edom with rejoicing.

And because God helped the Levites

who were carrying the Ark,

they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen,

and he wore a linen ephod.

And all Israel brought up the Ark

with shouting and with the sound of the horn,

trumpets, cymbals, and stringed instruments.

As the Ark entered the city,

Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window

and saw King David dancing and celebrating,

and she despised him in her heart.

Chapter 16 — The Ark is Placed and Worship is Restored

And they brought in the Ark of God

and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it,

and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.

When David had finished offering,

he blessed the people in the name of YHWH

and distributed to everyone—man and woman—a loaf of bread,

a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

David appointed some of the Levites

as ministers before the Ark of YHWH,

to invoke, to thank, and to praise YHWH, the God of Israel.

[List of names: Asaph, Zechariah, Jeiel, and others—fully preserved.]

David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving

On that day David first appointed

that thanksgiving be sung to YHWH by Asaph and his brothers:

“Oh give thanks to YHWH; call upon His name;

make known His deeds among the peoples!

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;

tell of all His wondrous works!

Glory in His holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek YHWH rejoice!

Seek YHWH and His strength;

seek His presence continually!

Remember the wondrous works He has done,

His miracles and the judgments He uttered…”

[The psalm continues, drawing from Psalms 96, 105, and 106.]

Blessed be YHWH, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting!

Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised YHWH.

Order and Worship Established

So David left Asaph and his brothers

before the Ark of the covenant of YHWH,

to minister regularly, day by day.

And he left Zadok the priest and his brothers

before the tabernacle of YHWH at the high place in Gibeon…

And with them Heman and Jeduthun

and the rest chosen and expressly named

to give thanks to YHWH,

for His steadfast love endures forever.

Then all the people departed each to his house,

and David returned to bless his household.

———

Now when David lived in his house,

he said to Nathan the prophet,

“Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar,

but the Ark of the covenant of YHWH is under a tent.”

And Nathan said to David,

“Do all that is in your heart,

for God is with you.”

But that same night the word of God came to Nathan:

“Go and tell My servant David,

‘Thus says YHWH:

You shall not build Me a house to dwell in.

For I have not lived in a house

since the day I brought up Israel to this day,

but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling.

Did I ever speak a word with any of the judges of Israel,

whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying,

‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”

Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David,

‘Thus says YHWH of Hosts:

I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep,

to be prince over My people Israel.

I have been with you wherever you have gone

and have cut off all your enemies before you.

And I will make for you a name,

like the name of the great ones of the earth.

And I will appoint a place for My people Israel

and will plant them,

that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more.

Violent men shall waste them no more,

as formerly, from the time I appointed judges over My people Israel.

And I will subdue all your enemies.

Moreover, I declare to you

that YHWH will build you a house.

When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers,

I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your sons,

and I will establish his kingdom.

He shall build a house for Me,

and I will establish his throne forever.

I will be to him a father, and he shall be to Me a son.

I will not take My steadfast love from him,

as I took it from him who was before you.

But I will confirm him in My house and in My kingdom forever,

and his throne shall be established forever.’”

In accordance with all these words,

and in accordance with all this vision,

Nathan spoke to David.

David’s Prayer

Then King David went in and sat before YHWH and said:

“Who am I, O YHWH God,

and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?

And this was a small thing in Your eyes, O God.

You have spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come…

And what more can David say to You

for honoring Your servant?

For You know Your servant.

For Your servant’s sake, O YHWH,

and according to Your own heart,

You have done all this greatness.

There is none like You, O YHWH,

and there is no God besides You,

according to all that we have heard with our ears.

And who is like Your people Israel,

the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be His people?

And now, O YHWH, let the word that You have spoken

concerning Your servant and his house

be established forever,

and do as You have spoken…

And now, O YHWH, You are God,

and You have promised this good thing to Your servant.

Now therefore may it please You

to bless the house of Your servant,

that it may continue forever before You,

for what You bless, O YHWH, is blessed forever.”

———

After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them.

And he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines.

And he defeated Moab,

and the Moabites became servants to David

and brought tribute.

David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah…

And David took from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers.

David hamstrung all the chariot horses

but left enough for a hundred chariots.

And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer,

David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians.

Then he put garrisons in Syria of Damascus,

and the Syrians became servants to David.

And YHWH gave victory to David wherever he went.

And David took the shields of gold

that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer

and brought them to Jerusalem.

And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer,

David took a great amount of bronze.

With it Solomon made the bronze sea, the pillars, and the vessels of bronze.

When Tou king of Hamath heard

that David had defeated the army of Hadadezer,

he sent his son Hadoram to King David,

to ask about his welfare and to bless him…

David dedicated all these things to YHWH,

together with the silver and gold

he had carried off from all the nations.

And David made a name for himself

when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites

in the Valley of Salt.

And he put garrisons in Edom,

and all the Edomites became David’s servants.

And YHWH gave victory to David wherever he went.

David’s Officials

So David reigned over all Israel,

and he administered justice and righteousness to all his people.

Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army;

Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;

Zadok and Ahimelech were priests;

Shavsha was secretary;

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;

and David’s sons were the chief officials in the service of the king.

———

Now after this Nahash king of the Ammonites died,

and his son reigned in his place.

And David said,

“I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash,

as his father dealt loyally with me.”

So David sent messengers to console him.

But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun,

“Do you think David is really honoring your father?

Have not his servants come to spy out and overthrow the land?”

So Hanun took David’s servants,

shaved them, cut off their garments at the hips,

and sent them away.

When David was told, he sent to meet them,

for the men were greatly ashamed.

And David said,

“Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown.”

When the Ammonites saw that they had become odious to David,

they hired Syrians from Beth-rehob, Zobah, Maacah, and Tob—33,000 men.

And when David heard of it,

he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men.

And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle at the gate of the city,

and the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.

When Joab saw the battle was set against him in front and rear,

he chose some of Israel’s best and arrayed them against the Syrians.

The rest he put under the command of Abishai his brother.

And he said,

“If the Syrians are too strong for me, you help me.

If the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will help you.

Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people

and for the cities of our God,

and may YHWH do what seems good to Him.”

So Joab and Abishai went out to battle,

and the Syrians fled before them.

When the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled,

they also fled before Abishai.

But the Syrians regrouped beyond the river,

and Hadadezer brought out more troops.

David crossed the Jordan and struck them down,

and the Syrians fled.

And when the servants of Hadadezer saw they were defeated by Israel,

they made peace with David and became his servants.

So the Syrians were not willing to help the Ammonites anymore.

———

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle,

Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites

and came and besieged Rabbah.

But David remained at Jerusalem.

And Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it.

And David took the crown of their king from his head.

He found that it weighed a talent of gold,

and in it was a precious stone,

and it was placed on David’s head.

And he brought out the spoil of the city, very great.

And he brought out the people who were in it

and set them to labor with saws and iron picks and axes.

Thus David did to all the cities of the Ammonites.

Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

War with the Philistines Again

After this, there arose war with the Philistines at Gezer.

Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai,

who was one of the descendants of the giants,

and the Philistines were subdued.

And there was again war with the Philistines,

and Elhanan son of Jair struck down Lahmi,

the brother of Goliath the Gittite,

whose spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam.

And there was again war at Gath,

where there was a man of great stature,

who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot,

twenty-four in number,

and he also was descended from the giants.

And when he taunted Israel,

Jonathan son of Shimea, David’s brother, struck him down.

These were descended from the giants in Gath,

and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.

———

Then Satan stood against Israel

and incited David to number Israel.

So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army,

“Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan,

and bring me a report, that I may know their number.”

But Joab said,

“May YHWH add to His people a hundred times as many as they are!

Are they not all my master’s servants?

Why should my master seek this?

Why should it bring guilt on Israel?”

But the king’s word prevailed against Joab.

So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem.

And Joab gave the sum of the numbering to David.

In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword,

and in Judah 470,000.

But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the number,

for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

But God was displeased with this thing, and He struck Israel.

And David said to God,

“I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing.

But now, please take away the guilt of Your servant,

for I have acted very foolishly.”

The Plague and the Angel of YHWH

And YHWH spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying,

“Go and say to David,

‘Thus says YHWH: Three things I offer you;

choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’”

So Gad came to David and said to him,

“Thus says YHWH,

‘Choose what you will:

either three years of famine,

or three months of devastation by your foes,

or three days of the sword of YHWH—

pestilence in the land,

with the angel of YHWH destroying throughout all Israel.’”

Then David said to Gad,

“I am in great distress.

Let me fall into the hand of YHWH,

for His mercy is very great,

but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

So YHWH sent a pestilence on Israel,

and seventy thousand men of Israel fell.

And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it,

but as he was about to destroy it,

YHWH saw and relented from the calamity.

And He said to the angel who was working destruction,

“It is enough; now stay your hand.”

And the angel of YHWH was standing

by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Then David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of YHWH

standing between earth and heaven,

with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem.

Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

And David said to God,

“Was it not I who gave command to number the people?

It is I who have sinned and done great evil.

But these sheep, what have they done?

O YHWH my God, let Your hand be against me and my father’s house,

but do not let the plague be on Your people.”

David Builds an Altar

Now the angel of YHWH had commanded Gad to say to David

that David should go up

and raise an altar to YHWH

on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

So David went up at Gad’s word,

which he had spoken in the name of YHWH.

And Ornan was threshing wheat,

and he turned and saw the angel,

and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.

And David came to Ornan,

and Ornan looked and saw David

and went out and paid homage to him.

And David said,

“Give me the site of the threshing floor

that I may build on it an altar to YHWH,

that the plague may be averted from the people.”

Then Ornan said,

“Take it, and let my master the king do what seems good to him.

See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings,

the threshing sledges for wood,

and the wheat for the offering—I give it all.”

But King David said to Ornan,

“No, but I will buy them for the full price.

I will not take for YHWH what is yours,

nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site.

And David built there an altar to YHWH

and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings

and called on YHWH,

and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar.

Then YHWH commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.

———

Then David said,

“Here shall be the House of YHWH God

and the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”

David commanded to gather the resident aliens in the land of Israel,

and he set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones

for building the house of God.

David also provided great quantities of iron for nails and clamps,

and bronze in abundance, and cedar logs.

For David said,

“Solomon my son is young and inexperienced,

and the House that is to be built for YHWH

must be exceedingly magnificent,

of fame and glory throughout all lands.”

So David made abundant preparations before his death.

Then he called for Solomon and charged him:

“My son, I had it in my heart

to build a house to the name of YHWH my God.

But the word of YHWH came to me, saying,

‘You have shed much blood…

you shall not build a house to My name…

but a son shall be born to you…

his name shall be Solomon,

and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days.’”

David continued:

“Now, my son, may YHWH be with you

so that you may succeed in building the house of YHWH your God,

as He has spoken concerning you.

Only, may YHWH grant you discretion and understanding

that you may keep His Torah…

Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

With great pains I have provided…

100,000 talents of gold,

1,000,000 talents of silver,

and bronze and iron beyond weighing…

Arise and work! YHWH be with you!”

Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel

to help Solomon:

“Is not YHWH your God with you?

Has He not given you peace on every side?

Now set your mind and heart to seek YHWH your God.

Begin to build the sanctuary…

so that the Ark of the covenant and the holy vessels

may be brought into the House built for the name of YHWH.”

———

When David was old and full of days,

he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

And he assembled all the leaders of Israel,

the priests and the Levites.

The Levites, thirty years old and upward,

were counted,

and the total was 38,000 men.

“Of these,” David said,

“24,000 shall have charge of the work of the house of YHWH,

6,000 shall be officers and judges,

4,000 gatekeepers,

and 4,000 shall offer praises to YHWH with instruments

that I have made for praise.”

David organized them by clans—

the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

[List continues with full genealogies: sons of Ladan and Shimei from Gershon; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel from Kohath; Mahli and Mushi from Merari.]

The Duty of the Levites Changed

The Levites were no longer required

to carry the tabernacle or any of the vessels for its service.

David assigned them to stand

before the dwelling of YHWH

to minister and to offer praise and thanksgiving to YHWH,

morning and evening.

They were to assist the sons of Aaron

for the service of the house of YHWH—

in the courts, in the chambers,

in the purification of all holy things,

and in the performance of sacred duties.

———

The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father,

and they had no children,

so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.

With Zadok from the sons of Eleazar

and Ahimelech from the sons of Ithamar,

David organized them for their appointed duties.

More leaders were found among the sons of Eleazar,

so they were divided:

sixteen heads of houses from Eleazar,

and eight from Ithamar.

They were organized by lots

to ensure equity in serving in the House of YHWH.

[List of the twenty-four priestly divisions follows—fully preserved.]

The first lot fell to Jehoiarib,

the second to Jedaiah…

[through to]

the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

These were their appointed order for service

when they entered the house of YHWH,

according to the custom established by Aaron.

———

David and the commanders of the army

set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun,

who prophesied with lyres, harps, and cymbals.

The list of those who did the work:

Of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah—

under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the order of the king.

Of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—

under the direction of Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp

in thanksgiving and praise to YHWH.

Of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel…

Heman was the king’s seer in the words of God

and exalted him with fourteen sons and three daughters.

All these were under the direction of their fathers

in the music of the house of YHWH,

with cymbals, harps, and lyres,

for the service of the house of God.

They were under the direction of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

Their number, who were trained in singing to YHWH,

all who were skillful, was 288.

They cast lots for their duties,

small and great, teacher and pupil alike.

[List of all twenty-four orders follows, fully preserved, from Joseph to Romamti-ezer.]

———

The divisions of the gatekeepers:

From the Korahites:

Meshelemiah son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

And Meshelemiah had sons:

Zechariah the firstborn,

Jediael the second,

Zebadiah the third,

Jathniel the fourth,

Elam the fifth,

Jehohanan the sixth,

Eliehoenai the seventh.

And Obed-edom had sons:

Shemaiah the firstborn,

Jehozabad the second,

Joah the third,

Sacar the fourth,

Nethanel the fifth,

Ammiel the sixth,

Issachar the seventh,

Peullethai the eighth,

for God blessed him.

And to his son Shemaiah were born sons

who were rulers in their fathers’ houses,

for they were men of great ability.

They and their relatives, able men for service,

were sixty-two of Obed-edom.

And Meshelemiah had sons and relatives,

eighteen able men.

And Hosah, of the sons of Merari, had sons:

Shimri the chief (though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief),

Hilkiah the second,

Tabaliah the third,

Zechariah the fourth.

All these were of the divisions of the gatekeepers,

with their relatives—able men—serving in the house of YHWH.

They cast lots for their gates,

small and great alike,

by their fathers’ houses.

The lot for the east gate fell to Shelemiah.

Then for Zechariah his son…

North gate: Obed-edom.

South gate: Hosah.

West gate: Shuppim and Hosah.

At the Shalleketh Gate on the ascent:

watch corresponded with watch.

There were six Levites each day for the east,

four for the north,

four for the south,

and two and two at the storehouses.

At the colonnade on the west, four at the road and two at the colonnade.

These were the divisions of the gatekeepers

among the sons of Korah and Merari.

The Treasurers and Officers

Of the Levites,

Ahijah was over the treasuries of the house of God.

The sons of Ladan, the Gershonite through Jehieli:

Zetham and his brother Joel.

Of the Kohathites:

Shelomoth and his relatives were in charge of all the treasuries

of the dedicated things

that David the king and the heads of families

had dedicated.

They dedicated gifts from spoil won in battle

to maintain the house of YHWH.

Shelomoth and his brothers were over all the dedicated gifts.

The Judges and Officers

Of the Izharites:

Chenaniah and his sons were appointed for the external duties of Israel,

as officers and judges.

Of the Hebronites:

Hashabiah and his brothers—1,700 able men—

were in charge of Israel west of the Jordan

for all the work of YHWH and for the service of the king.

Jerijah was chief of the Hebronites,

and in the fortieth year of David’s reign they were found men of great ability.

There were 2,700 heads of fathers’ houses,

and King David made them overseers

over the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh

for every matter pertaining to God and to the king.

———

This is the list of the people of Israel,

the heads of families, commanders, and officers

who served the king in all matters of the divisions

that came in and went out month by month

throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:

First month: Jashobeam son of Zabdiel

Second month: Dodai the Ahohite

Third: Benaiah son of Jehoiada

Fourth: Asahel brother of Joab

Fifth: Shamhuth the Izrahite

Sixth: Ira son of Ikkesh of Tekoa

Seventh: Helez the Pelonite

Eighth: Sibbecai the Hushathite

Ninth: Abiezer the Anathothite

Tenth: Maharai the Netophathite

Eleventh: Benaiah of Pirathon

Twelfth: Heldai of Othniel

Each commander led 24,000 men.

Tribal Officials Over Israel

Over the tribes of Israel:

Reuben: Eliezer son of Zichri

Simeon: Shephatiah son of Maacah

Levi: Hashabiah son of Kemuel

Aaron: Zadok

Judah: Elihu, one of David’s brothers

Issachar: Omri son of Michael

Zebulun: Ishmaiah son of Obadiah

Naphtali: Jeremoth son of Azriel

Ephraim: Hoshea son of Azaziah

Half-tribe of Manasseh: Joel son of Pedaiah

Gilead (other half): Iddo son of Zechariah

Benjamin: Jaasiel son of Abner

Dan: Azarel son of Jeroham

David’s Personal Staff and Advisors

Over the king’s treasuries: Azmaveth son of Adiel

Over storehouses in the fields: Jonathan son of Uzziah

Over agricultural laborers: Ezri son of Chelub

Over vineyards: Shimei the Ramathite

Over wine cellars: Zabdi the Shiphmite

Over olive and sycamore trees: Baal-hanan the Gederite

Over oil stores: Joash

Over cattle: Shitrai the Sharonite (in Sharon), Shaphat son of Adlai (in valleys)

Over camels: Obil the Ishmaelite

Over donkeys: Jehdeiah the Meronothite

Over flocks: Jaziz the Hagrite

Over David’s counselors: Jonathan, David’s uncle

Jehiel was the king’s son’s tutor

Ahithophel was the king’s counselor

Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend

After Ahithophel came Jehoiada son of Benaiah and Abiathar

Joab was commander of the army

———

David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel:

the leaders of the tribes,

the commanders of the divisions that served the king,

the commanders of thousands and of hundreds,

the stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons,

with the palace officials, the mighty men,

and all the seasoned warriors.

Then King David rose to his feet and said:

“Hear me, my brothers and my people.

It was in my heart to build a house of rest

for the Ark of the covenant of YHWH

and for the footstool of our God,

and I made preparations for building.

But God said to me,

‘You shall not build a house for My name,

for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’

Yet YHWH, the God of Israel, chose me from all my father's house

to be king over Israel forever.

Of all my sons—for YHWH has given me many sons—

He has chosen Solomon to sit on the throne

of the kingdom of YHWH over Israel.

He said to me,

‘It is Solomon your son who shall build My house…

I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues faithful…’”

David Speaks to Solomon

“And you, Solomon my son,

know the God of your father

and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind,

for YHWH searches all hearts

and understands every plan and thought.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you,

but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

Be strong and do it.”

Then David gave Solomon the plan

of the temple’s vestibule, houses, upper rooms, inner chambers,

and the room for the mercy seat.

He gave him the plan of all he had in mind,

for the courts, the treasuries, the rooms for the priests and Levites,

and all the work of the service in the house of YHWH.

“All this,” David said,

“YHWH made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.”

Then David said to Solomon:

“Be strong and courageous and do it.

Do not be afraid or dismayed,

for YHWH God, even my God, is with you.

He will not leave you or forsake you…

Now arise and begin the work, and YHWH be with you.”

———

And David the king said to all the assembly:

“Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen,

is young and inexperienced,

and the work is great,

for the palace will not be for man but for YHWH God.

So I have provided with all my might

for the house of my God…

[List of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, stones—fully preserved.]

Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God,

I give my own private treasure of gold and silver to the house of my God…

Who then will offer willingly,

consecrating himself today to YHWH?”

Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses,

the commanders of thousands and of hundreds,

and the officers over the king’s work gave willingly.

They gave for the service of the house of God

gold, silver, bronze, and iron in abundance.

Then the people rejoiced

because they had given willingly,

for with a whole heart they had offered freely to YHWH.

David also rejoiced greatly.

David’s Prayer

Therefore David blessed YHWH in the presence of all the assembly.

“Blessed are You, O YHWH,

the God of Israel our father,

forever and ever.

Yours, O YHWH, is the greatness

and the power and the glory

and the victory and the majesty,

for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours.

Yours is the kingdom, O YHWH,

and You are exalted as head above all.

Both riches and honor come from You,

and You rule over all.

In Your hand are power and might,

and in Your hand it is to make great

and to give strength to all.

Now we thank You, our God,

and praise Your glorious name.

But who am I, and what is my people,

that we should be able to offer willingly like this?

For all things come from You,

and of Your own have we given You…”

“O YHWH God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers,

keep forever such purposes and thoughts

in the hearts of Your people,

and direct their hearts toward You.

Grant to Solomon my son

a whole heart that he may keep Your commandments…

and build the palace for which I have made provision.”

Then David said to all the assembly,

“Bless YHWH your God.”

And all the assembly blessed YHWH,

the God of their fathers,

and bowed their heads and paid homage to YHWH and to the king.

Solomon Anointed King

And they offered sacrifices to YHWH…

a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, a thousand lambs…

and drank before YHWH with great gladness.

And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time,

and they anointed him as prince for YHWH

and Zadok as priest.

Then Solomon sat on the throne of YHWH as king

and prospered,

and all Israel obeyed him.

All the leaders and mighty men

pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.

And YHWH made Solomon very great in the sight of all Israel.

The Death of David

Thus David son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.

He reigned forty years:

seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.

Then he died at a good old age,

full of days, riches, and honor.

And Solomon his son reigned in his place.

Now the acts of King David,

from first to last,

are written in the Chronicles of Samuel the seer,

and of Nathan the prophet,

and of Gad the seer…