2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Solomon the son of David established himself securely in his kingdom,

and YHWH his God was with him

and made him exceedingly great.

Solomon spoke to all Israel:

to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds,

to the judges,

and to all the leaders in all Israel,

the heads of the fathers’ houses.

And Solomon, and all the assembly with him,

went to the high place that was at Gibeon,

for the tent of meeting of God,

which Moses the servant of YHWH had made in the wilderness,

was there.

(But David had brought up the Ark of God

from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it,

for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.)

Moreover, the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, had made,

was there before the tabernacle of YHWH.

And Solomon and the assembly sought it out.

And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before YHWH,

which was at the tent of meeting,

and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him,

“Ask what I shall give you.”

And Solomon said to God:

“You have shown great steadfast love to David my father

and have made me king in his place.

Now, O YHWH God,

let Your promise to David my father be fulfilled,

for You have made me king over a people

as numerous as the dust of the earth.

Give me now wisdom and knowledge

to go out and come in before this people,

for who can govern this great people of Yours?”

And God said to Solomon:

“Because this was in your heart,

and you have not asked for riches, possessions, honor,

or the life of those who hate you,

and have not even asked for long life,

but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself,

that you may govern My people over whom I have made you king—

wisdom and knowledge are granted to you.

I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor,

such as none of the kings had who were before you,

nor shall any after you have the like.”

So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon,

from before the tent of meeting,

to Jerusalem.

And he reigned over Israel.

Solomon’s Wealth and Horses

Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen.

He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen,

whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.

And the king made silver and gold as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones,

and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah.

And Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue.

The king’s traders received them at a price.

They imported from Egypt a chariot for 600 shekels of silver,

and a horse for 150.

So through them they exported to all the kings of the Hittites

and the kings of Syria.

Chapter 2 — Solomon Prepares to Build the House of YHWH

Now Solomon purposed to build a house

for the name of YHWH

and a royal palace for himself.

And Solomon assigned 70,000 men to bear burdens,

80,000 to quarry in the hill country,

and 3,600 to oversee them.

And Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre:

“As you dealt with David my father

and sent him cedar to build himself a house to dwell in,

so deal with me.

Behold, I am about to build a house

for the name of YHWH my God

and dedicate it to Him—

for the burning of incense of sweet spices before Him,

and for the regular arrangement of the showbread,

and for burnt offerings morning and evening,

on the Sabbaths,

and the new moons,

and the appointed feasts of YHWH our God—

as ordained forever for Israel.

The house that I build will be great,

for our God is greater than all gods.

But who is able to build Him a house,

since heaven—even the highest heaven—cannot contain Him?

Who am I to build Him a house,

except as a place to burn offerings before Him?”

Solomon Requests Skilled Labor

“So now send me a man skilled to work

in gold, silver, bronze, and iron,

in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics,

trained also in engraving,

to be with the skilled workers in Judah and Jerusalem,

whom David my father provided.

Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon,

for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon.

And my servants will be with your servants

to prepare timber for me in abundance,

for the house I am to build will be great and wonderful.

I will give your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber,

20,000 cors of crushed wheat,

20,000 cors of barley,

20,000 baths of wine,

and 20,000 baths of oil.”

Hiram’s Reply

Then Hiram king of Tyre answered in a letter:

“Because YHWH loves His people,

He has made you king over them.”

Hiram also said:

“Blessed be YHWH, the God of Israel,

who made heaven and earth,

who has given King David a wise son,

endowed with discretion and understanding…

Now I have sent a skilled man,

endowed with understanding,

Huram-abi,

the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan,

and his father was a man of Tyre.

He is trained to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron,

stone and wood, and in purple, blue, and crimson fabrics,

and in fine linen,

and to do all kinds of engraving and execute any design…

Now then, let my lord send to his servants

the wheat, barley, oil, and wine he has promised.

We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon

and bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa,

so that you may take it up to Jerusalem.”

Labor and Preparation

Then Solomon numbered all the resident aliens

who were in the land of Israel,

after the census of David his father,

and there were found 153,600.

Seventy thousand of them he assigned to bear burdens,

eighty thousand to quarry in the hill country,

and 3,600 as overseers

to make the people work.

———

Then Solomon began to build the house of YHWH in Jerusalem,

on Mount Moriah,

where YHWH had appeared to David his father,

at the place that David had appointed,

on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

He began to build in the second month

of the fourth year of his reign.

Measurements and Foundations

These are Solomon’s measurements for building the house of God:

The length, according to the former measure, was 60 cubits,

The width was 20 cubits.

The vestibule in front of the nave of the house

was 20 cubits long,

equal to the width of the house,

and its height was 120 cubits.

He overlaid it inside with pure gold.

He lined the main hall with cypress wood

and overlaid it with fine gold

and made palms and chains on it.

He adorned the house with precious stones.

The gold was from Parvaim.

He overlaid the house—its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors—with gold,

and he carved cherubim on the walls.

The Most Holy Place

He made the Most Holy Place.

Its length was 20 cubits, its width 20 cubits—

equal to the width of the house—

and he overlaid it with 600 talents of fine gold.

The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold.

He also overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of wood

and overlaid them with gold.

The wings of the cherubim together extended 20 cubits.

One wing of the first was 5 cubits…

and likewise the other.

The wings touched each other in the middle of the room,

and the other wings touched the walls.

Their faces were turned toward the nave.

He made the curtain of blue, purple, and crimson fabrics

and fine linen,

and worked cherubim on it.

The Pillars

In front of the temple he made two pillars,

35 cubits high,

with a capital of 5 cubits on top of each.

He made chains as in the inner sanctuary,

and set them on the tops of the pillars.

He made a hundred pomegranates and put them on the chains.

He set up the pillars in front of the temple,

one on the south, the other on the north.

The one on the south he called Jachin,

and the one on the north Boaz.

———

He made an altar of bronze,

20 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 10 cubits high.

Then he made the sea of cast metal.

It was round, 10 cubits from brim to brim,

5 cubits high,

and a line of 30 cubits measured its circumference.

Under it were figures of oxen encircling it,

10 per cubit, in two rows.

It stood on 12 oxen,

3 facing each direction—north, west, south, and east.

The sea rested on them,

and their hindquarters were inward.

It was handbreadth thick.

Its brim was like the brim of a cup,

like a lily blossom.

It held 3,000 baths.

More Temple Items

He also made ten basins

to wash the utensils for the burnt offerings.

Five were on the south side, five on the north.

But the sea was for the priests to wash in.

He made ten golden lampstands as prescribed,

and set them in the temple—five on the south, five on the north.

He made ten tables and placed them in the temple—five on the south, five on the north.

He made a hundred golden bowls.

He made the court of the priests

and the great court and doors for the court,

and overlaid the doors with bronze.

He set the sea at the southeast corner of the house.

Huram-Abi’s Work

Huram also made pots, shovels, and bowls.

So Huram finished the work he did for King Solomon:

Two pillars,

Two bowls of capitals on top,

Two latticeworks to cover the bowls,

Four hundred pomegranates for the latticework,

Ten stands and ten basins,

The sea with twelve oxen,

And all the utensils.

All these were made of burnished bronze for Solomon

and cast in the plain of the Jordan,

in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah.

Solomon made all these in great quantities.

Golden Utensils

So Solomon made all the vessels for the house of God:

The golden altar,

The tables for the bread of the Presence,

The lampstands and lamps of pure gold,

The flowers, lamps, and tongs—of pure gold,

The snuffers, bowls, dishes for incense, and firepans—of pure gold,

The sockets of the temple for the inner doors of the Most Holy Place

and for the doors of the nave of the temple—of gold.

———

Thus all the work that Solomon did

for the house of YHWH was finished.

And Solomon brought in the things

that David his father had dedicated:

the silver, the gold, and all the vessels,

and stored them in the treasuries of the house of God.

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel

and all the heads of the tribes,

the leaders of the fathers’ houses,

at Jerusalem,

to bring up the Ark of the covenant of YHWH

out of the city of David, which is Zion.

And all the men of Israel assembled before the king

at the feast, which is in the seventh month.

And all the elders came,

and the Levites took up the Ark.

They brought up the Ark, the tent of meeting,

and the holy vessels that were in the tent.

And King Solomon and all the congregation

were before the Ark,

sacrificing so many sheep and oxen

they could not be counted or numbered.

Then the priests brought the Ark of the covenant of YHWH

to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house,

in the Most Holy Place,

under the wings of the cherubim.

For the cherubim spread out their wings

over the place of the Ark…

There was nothing in the Ark except

the two tablets that Moses put there at Horeb,

where YHWH made a covenant with the people of Israel

when they came out of Egypt.

The Glory Fills the Temple

When the priests came out of the Holy Place

(for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves),

and the Levites who were the singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun…

stood with cymbals, harps, and lyres,

and with them 120 priests sounding trumpets—

And it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers

to make themselves heard in unison

in praise and thanksgiving to YHWH.

And when the song was raised,

with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments,

they praised YHWH, saying:

“For He is good,

for His steadfast love endures forever,”

—then the house, the house of YHWH,

was filled with a cloud,

so that the priests could not stand to minister

because of the cloud,

for the glory of YHWH filled the house of God.

———

Then Solomon said:

“YHWH has said that He would dwell in thick darkness.

But I have built You an exalted house,

a place for You to dwell forever.”

Then the king turned around and blessed

all the assembly of Israel,

while all the assembly stood.

And he said:

“Blessed be YHWH, the God of Israel,

who with His hand has fulfilled what He promised with His mouth to David my father:

‘Since the day I brought My people out of Egypt,

I chose no city from any tribe of Israel

in which to build a house that My name might be there…

But I have chosen Jerusalem that My name may be there,

and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’

My father David had it in his heart

to build a house for the name of YHWH,

but YHWH said to David:

‘You did well that it was in your heart.

Nevertheless, you shall not build the house,

but your son shall build it.’

Now YHWH has fulfilled His word,

for I have risen in the place of David my father,

and sit on the throne of Israel, as YHWH promised,

and I have built the house for the name of YHWH.

And there I have set the Ark,

in which is the covenant of YHWH that He made with the people of Israel.”

Solomon Stands Before YHWH

Then Solomon stood before the altar of YHWH

in the presence of all the assembly of Israel

and spread out his hands.

(Solomon had made a bronze platform,

five cubits long, five wide, and three high,

and had set it in the court.)

He stood on it,

then knelt on his knees before all the assembly,

and spread out his hands toward heaven, saying:

“O YHWH, God of Israel,

there is no God like You in heaven or on earth,

keeping covenant and steadfast love

to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart.

You have kept with Your servant David

what You promised…

But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth?

Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You,

how much less this house that I have built!

Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant…

That Your eyes may be open day and night

toward this house…

If They Sin and Turn…

“When a man sins against his neighbor…

When Your people are defeated before the enemy…

When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain…

When there is famine or plague, blight or mildew…

Whatever prayer is made…

then hear from heaven, and forgive.

If a foreigner comes from a far country for Your name’s sake…

then hear from heaven and do according to all for which he calls…

If Your people go out to battle…

If they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin),

and You are angry with them and give them over to the enemy,

yet if they repent…

then hear from heaven, and forgive Your people…

———

As soon as Solomon finished his prayer,

fire came down from heaven

and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices,

and the glory of YHWH filled the house.

The priests could not enter the house of YHWH,

because the glory of YHWH filled YHWH’s house.

When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down

and the glory of YHWH on the temple,

they bowed down with their faces to the ground

on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to YHWH, saying:

“For He is good,

for His steadfast love endures forever.”

The Feast of Dedication

Then the king and all the people

offered sacrifice before YHWH.

King Solomon offered as a sacrifice

22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep.

So the king and all the people

dedicated the house of God.

The priests stood at their posts,

and the Levites also,

with the instruments for music that David had made

to give thanks to YHWH…

Solomon consecrated the middle of the court…

and there he offered the burnt offerings…

At that time Solomon held the feast for seven days,

and all Israel with him…

a very great assembly.

And on the eighth day

they held a solemn assembly,

for they had kept the dedication of the altar seven days.

On the twenty-third day of the seventh month

he sent the people away to their homes,

joyful and glad of heart

for the goodness that YHWH had shown to David, Solomon, and Israel His people.

YHWH Appears to Solomon Again

Thus Solomon finished the house of YHWH and the king’s house.

All that Solomon had planned to do was successfully accomplished.

Then YHWH appeared to Solomon by night and said:

“I have heard your prayer

and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain,

or command locusts to devour the land,

or send pestilence among My people,

if My people who are called by My name

humble themselves, and pray and seek My face

and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven

and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Now My eyes will be open

and My ears attentive

to the prayer that is made in this place.

For now I have chosen and consecrated this house,

that My name may be there forever.

My eyes and My heart will be there for all time.

And as for you, if you walk before Me

as David your father walked,

doing all that I have commanded you…

then I will establish your royal throne…

But if you turn aside…

and forsake My statutes…

then I will pluck you up from My land…

And this house… will become a byword among all peoples.

Though it was exalted,

everyone passing by will be astonished and say,

‘Why has YHWH done thus to this land and to this house?’

Then they will say,

‘Because they abandoned YHWH,

the God of their fathers…

and embraced other gods…’”

———

At the end of twenty years,

during which Solomon had built the house of YHWH

and his own house,

Solomon rebuilt the cities that Huram had given to him,

and settled the people of Israel in them.

Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and took it.

He built Tadmor in the wilderness

and all the store cities in Hamath.

He also built Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon,

fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars.

And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had,

and all the cities for his chariots and for his horsemen,

and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon,

and in all the land of his dominion.

All the people who were left of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—

who were not of Israel—

their descendants who were left after them in the land,

whom the people of Israel had not destroyed—

these Solomon conscripted for forced labor to this day.

But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves for his work;

they were soldiers and commanders of his chariots and horsemen.

And these were the chief officers of King Solomon: 250,

who exercised authority over the people.

Solomon brought Pharaoh’s daughter up

from the city of David to the house that he had built for her,

for he said,

“My wife shall not live in the house of David king of Israel,

for the places to which the Ark of YHWH has come are holy.”

Worship and Temple Order

Then Solomon offered up burnt offerings to YHWH on the altar

that he had built before the vestibule,

as each day required,

according to the commandment of Moses,

for the Sabbaths, the new moons,

and the three annual feasts—

the Feast of Unleavened Bread,

the Feast of Weeks,

and the Feast of Booths.

According to the order of David his father,

he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service,

and the Levites for their duties of praise and ministry…

And the gatekeepers by division at each gate,

as David the man of God had commanded.

They did not turn aside from what the king had commanded the priests and Levites.

Thus all the work of Solomon was accomplished

from the day the foundation of the house of YHWH was laid

until it was finished.

Solomon’s Naval Trade

Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth

on the shore of the sea, in the land of Edom.

And Huram sent him ships by the hand of his servants,

and servants who were experienced sailors.

They went to Ophir with Solomon’s servants

and brought from there 450 talents of gold

and brought it to King Solomon.

———

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon,

she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions,

having a very great retinue,

with camels bearing spices and much gold and precious stones.

When she came to Solomon,

she spoke with him about all that was on her heart.

And Solomon answered all her questions;

there was nothing hidden from Solomon

that he could not explain to her.

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon,

the house that he had built,

the food of his table,

the seating of his officials,

the attendance of his servants,

their clothing, his cupbearers,

and the burnt offerings he made at the house of YHWH—

there was no more breath in her.

And she said to the king:

“The report was true that I heard in my own land

of your words and your wisdom,

but I did not believe the reports

until I came and my own eyes had seen it.

Behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me.

You exceed the report that I heard.

Happy are your servants!

Happy are your men who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!

Blessed be YHWH your God,

who has delighted in you

and set you on His throne as king for YHWH your God!

Because your God loved Israel

and would establish them forever,

He has made you king over them,

that you may execute justice and righteousness.”

Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold,

and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones.

There were no spices such as those

that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

Solomon’s Wealth and Glory

The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon

who brought gold from Ophir

also brought algum wood and precious stones.

And the king made from the algum wood

steps for the house of YHWH and for the king’s house,

and lyres and harps for the singers.

None like these had been seen before in the land of Judah.

And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba

all that she desired—whatever she asked—

besides what she had brought to the king.

So she turned and went back to her own land,

she and her servants.

Solomon’s Greatness

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year

was 666 talents of gold,

besides that which came from the traders and merchants.

And all the kings of Arabia and governors brought gold and silver to Solomon.

King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold…

300 small shields of beaten gold…

He put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

He also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with pure gold…

There were six steps to the throne…

and two lions standing beside the armrests,

and twelve lions on the steps.

Nothing like it was made in any kingdom.

All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were gold,

and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold.

Silver was not considered anything in the days of Solomon.

For the king’s ships went to Tarshish…

Once every three years they came, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

Thus Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth

in riches and in wisdom.

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon

to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his mind.

Every one of them brought his gift…

year by year.

Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots

and 12,000 horsemen,

whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.

And he ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates

to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt.

And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones…

Solomon’s Death

Now the rest of the acts of Solomon,

from first to last,

are they not written in the records of Nathan the prophet,

and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite,

and in the visions of Iddo the seer

concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat?

Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.

Then Solomon slept with his fathers

and was buried in the city of David his father.

And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

———

Rehoboam went to Shechem,

for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.

And as soon as Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of it

(for he was in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon),

he returned from Egypt.

And they sent and called him.

And Jeroboam and all Israel came and said to Rehoboam:

“Your father made our yoke heavy.

Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father

and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.”

He said to them,

“Come to me again in three days.”

So the people went away.

Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men,

who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying,

“How do you advise me to answer this people?”

And they said,

“If you will be good to this people and please them and speak good words to them,

then they will be your servants forever.”

But he forsook the counsel that the old men gave him

and took counsel with the young men

who had grown up with him and stood before him.

And he said to them,

“What do you advise?”

And the young men said,

“Thus shall you speak to the people:

‘My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs.

My father laid on you a heavy yoke, but I will add to it.

My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day,

and the king answered them harshly.

He forsook the counsel of the old men.

And he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men…

So the king did not listen to the people,

for it was a turn of affairs brought about by God

that YHWH might fulfill His word.

And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them,

they said:

“What portion do we have in David?

We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse.

To your tents, O Israel!

Look now to your own house, David.”

So Israel departed to their tents.

But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah.

Then King Rehoboam sent Hadoram,

who was taskmaster over the forced labor,

and the people of Israel stoned him to death with stones.

And King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot

to flee to Jerusalem.

So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.

———

When Rehoboam came to Jerusalem,

he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—

to fight against Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.

But the word of YHWH came to Shemaiah the man of God:

“Say to Rehoboam and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin,

‘Thus says YHWH: You shall not go up or fight against your brothers.

Return every man to his home, for this thing is from Me.’”

So they listened to the word of YHWH

and turned back.

Fortified Cities and the Faithful Levites

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem

and built cities for defense in Judah:

Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa… Lachish, Azekah…

13 fortified cities in all.

He made them strongholds and put commanders in them,

and stores of food, oil, and wine.

And the Levites who were in all Israel

came to him from all their territories.

For the Levites left their common lands and holdings

and came to Judah and Jerusalem,

because Jeroboam and his sons had cast them out from serving YHWH.

And he appointed his own priests

for the high places and for the goat idols and for the calves.

And those who had set their hearts

to seek YHWH, the God of Israel,

came after them from all the tribes of Israel.

They strengthened the kingdom of Judah

for three years,

for they walked in the way of David and Solomon.

Rehoboam’s Family

Rehoboam took as wife Mahalath…

He also took Maacah daughter of Absalom.

And he loved Maacah more than all his other wives and concubines…

She bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.

And Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son of Maacah

as chief, to be king,

for he intended to make him king.

He dealt wisely and distributed some of his sons

throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin,

in all the fortified cities.

And he gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them.

———

When the rule of Rehoboam was established

and he was strong,

he forsook the law of YHWH,

and all Israel with him.

In the fifth year of King Rehoboam,

because they had been unfaithful to YHWH,

Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem

with 1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen.

People without number came with him from Egypt—

Libyans, Sukkiim, and Cushites.

He took the fortified cities of Judah

and came as far as Jerusalem.

Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam

and to the princes of Judah, and said:

“Thus says YHWH:

You abandoned Me,

so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak.”

Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said,

“YHWH is righteous.”

When YHWH saw that they humbled themselves,

the word of YHWH came to Shemaiah:

“They have humbled themselves.

I will not destroy them,

but I will grant them some deliverance,

and My wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.

Nevertheless, they shall be servants to him,

that they may know My service

and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.”

So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem.

He took away the treasures of the house of YHWH

and the treasures of the king’s house.

He took everything.

He also took away the shields of gold

that Solomon had made,

and King Rehoboam made in their place

shields of bronze…

The End of Rehoboam’s Reign

So when he humbled himself,

the wrath of YHWH turned from him,

so as not to make a complete destruction.

Rehoboam reigned in Jerusalem seventeen years.

He was forty-one years old when he began to reign.

He did evil,

for he did not set his heart to seek YHWH.

Now the acts of Rehoboam,

from first to last,

are written in the chronicles of Shemaiah the prophet

and of Iddo the seer.

And there were continual wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam.

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers

and was buried in the city of David,

and Abijah his son reigned in his place.

———

In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam,

Abijah began to reign over Judah.

He reigned three years in Jerusalem.

His mother’s name was Micaiah, daughter of Uriel of Gibeah.

And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

Abijah went out to battle with 400,000 chosen warriors,

and Jeroboam drew up 800,000 mighty warriors.

Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim and said:

“Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel!

Do you not know that YHWH, the God of Israel,

gave the kingship over Israel forever to David and his sons

by a covenant of salt?

Yet Jeroboam son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon,

rose up and rebelled against his master…

And now you think to withstand the kingdom of YHWH

in the hand of the sons of David,

because you are a great multitude and have golden calves as gods.

Have you not driven out the priests of YHWH…

and made priests for yourselves of any who come with a bull and rams?

But as for us, YHWH is our God,

and we have not forsaken Him.

We serve Him in the morning and evening with burnt offerings and incense…

God is with us as our head, and His priests with trumpets…

O sons of Israel, do not fight against YHWH… for you will not succeed!”

But Jeroboam sent an ambush behind them…

and they were surrounded.

Then Judah cried to YHWH,

and the priests blew the trumpets,

and the men of Judah raised the battle shout.

And as they shouted, God defeated Jeroboam before Abijah and Judah.

And the men of Israel fled before Judah,

and God gave them into their hand.

500,000 of Israel’s chosen men fell.

So the people of Judah prevailed,

because they relied on YHWH.

Jeroboam did not recover… and YHWH struck him, and he died.

But Abijah grew mighty.

———

Abijah slept with his fathers,

and Asa his son reigned in his place.

In his days the land had rest for ten years.

Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of YHWH his God.

He removed foreign altars and high places,

broke down pillars and cut down Asherim.

He commanded Judah to seek YHWH

and to keep the Torah and the commandments.

He built fortified cities,

for the land had peace—no war in those years,

for YHWH gave him rest.

Asa said:

“Let us build cities with walls, towers, gates, and bars…

because we have sought YHWH our God… and He has given us peace.”

Victory Over Zerah the Cushite

Zerah the Cushite came out against them

with an army of a million men and 300 chariots.

Asa went out to meet him at Mareshah.

Then Asa cried to YHWH his God:

“O YHWH, there is none like You to help,

between the mighty and the weak.

Help us, O YHWH our God,

for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come…

O YHWH, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.”

So YHWH defeated the Cushites before Asa and Judah,

and the Cushites fled.

And Asa and the people pursued them to Gerar,

and many fell, for the terror of YHWH was upon them.

And they carried away very much spoil.

———

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded,

and he went out to meet Asa and said to him:

“Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin:

YHWH is with you while you are with Him.

If you seek Him, He will be found…

But if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

For a long time Israel was without the true God…

But when in their distress they turned to YHWH…

He was found by them.

Be strong, and do not let your hands be weak,

for your work shall be rewarded.”

When Asa heard these words,

he took courage and put away the detestable idols.

He repaired the altar of YHWH before the vestibule of the house.

He gathered Judah, Benjamin,

and those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had come to him,

for many had deserted to Asa when they saw YHWH was with him.

They assembled in the third month of the fifteenth year

and sacrificed 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep.

They entered into a covenant to seek YHWH with all their heart and soul.

They swore with a loud voice, with trumpets and horns.

And all Judah rejoiced over the oath…

and He was found by them,

and YHWH gave them rest all around.

Even Maacah, the queen mother, Asa removed from her position

because she made an obscene image.

Asa cut it down and burned it.

The high places were not taken away,

but the heart of Asa was wholly true all his days.

———

In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign,

Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah

and fortified Ramah.

Then Asa took silver and gold from the treasuries of YHWH’s house

and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Syria:

“Let there be a covenant between me and you…

Break your covenant with Baasha…

and he will withdraw from me.”

Ben-hadad listened and sent forces against Israel,

and Baasha stopped building Ramah.

Hanani the Seer Rebukes Asa

Then Hanani the seer came to Asa and said:

“Because you relied on the king of Syria

and did not rely on YHWH your God,

the army of Syria has escaped you.

Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army?

Yet YHWH gave them into your hand,

because you relied on Him.

For the eyes of YHWH run to and fro throughout the whole earth,

to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him.

You have done foolishly in this.

From now on you will have wars.”

Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison,

for he was enraged.

Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time.

Asa’s Death

The acts of Asa, first and last, are written in the Book of the Kings.

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign,

he was diseased in his feet,

and his disease became severe.

Yet even in his disease

he did not seek YHWH,

but sought help from physicians.

Asa slept with his fathers…

and they buried him in the tomb he had cut for himself…

They laid him on a bier filled with spices,

and made a very great fire in his honor.

———

Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place

and strengthened himself against Israel.

He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah

and set garrisons in the land of Judah

and in the cities that Asa his father had captured.

YHWH was with Jehoshaphat,

because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David.

He did not seek the Baals,

but sought the God of his father

and walked in His commandments,

and not according to the practices of Israel.

Therefore YHWH established the kingdom in his hand.

All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat,

and he had great riches and honor.

His heart was courageous in the ways of YHWH,

and he took the high places and Asherim out of Judah.

Teaching the Law of YHWH

In the third year of his reign,

he sent his officials…

to teach in the cities of Judah.

And with them the Levites…

and with them the priests…

They taught in Judah,

having the Book of the Law of YHWH with them.

They went throughout all the cities and taught the people.

And the fear of YHWH fell upon all the kingdoms

that were around Judah,

and they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

Some of the Philistines brought him presents and tribute…

Arabians brought him flocks…

Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater.

Mighty Men and Commanders

He built in Judah fortresses and store cities.

[List of commanders and their mighty men—faithfully preserved.]

———

Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor,

and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab.

After some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria…

Ahab said to him,

“Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?”

Jehoshaphat answered:

“I am as you are, my people as your people…

Only, inquire first for the word of YHWH.”

The False Prophets and Micaiah

Ahab gathered the prophets—400 men—

and asked, “Shall we go?”

They said, “Go up, for God will give it into your hand.”

Jehoshaphat said,

“Is there not here another prophet of YHWH?”

Ahab said,

“There is one man, Micaiah son of Imlah…

but I hate him, for he never prophesies good about me.”

Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”

Micaiah was brought.

He said:

“I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains…

And YHWH said, ‘These have no shepherd.’”

He told them of a lying spirit

sent to deceive Ahab’s prophets.

Ahab said, “Did I not tell you…?”

Ahab disguised himself in battle.

A random archer drew his bow

and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor.

At evening he died.

———

Jehoshaphat returned in peace to his house in Jerusalem.

Jehu the seer went out to meet him and said:

“Should you help the wicked

and love those who hate YHWH?

Nevertheless, some good is found in you,

for you removed the Asherah

and have set your heart to seek God.”

Appointing Judges

He went out among the people

and appointed judges in all the fortified cities.

He said:

“Consider what you do,

for you judge not for man but for YHWH.

Let the fear of YHWH be upon you.

Be careful what you do,

for with YHWH there is no injustice or partiality.”

In Jerusalem also he appointed Levites, priests, and heads of families.

“Deal courageously,

and may YHWH be with the upright.”

———

After this the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites

came against Jehoshaphat for battle.

A great multitude is coming from Edom…

Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek YHWH,

and proclaimed a fast.

All Judah assembled to seek help from YHWH.

Jehoshaphat’s Prayer

“O YHWH, God of our fathers,

are You not God in heaven?

You rule over all kingdoms…

If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, famine—

we will stand before this house and cry to You.

For we are powerless…

We do not know what to do,

but our eyes are on You.”

And all Judah stood before YHWH…

YHWH Answers Through Jahaziel

Then the Spirit of YHWH came upon Jahaziel, a Levite.

He said:

“Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem!

Thus says YHWH to you:

Do not be afraid or dismayed at this great horde,

for the battle is not yours but God's.

Go down against them tomorrow…

You will not need to fight in this battle.

Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of YHWH.

Do not be afraid.”

Worship Before the Victory

Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground…

And the Levites stood up to praise YHWH

with a very loud voice.

They rose early and went out…

Jehoshaphat said:

“Believe in YHWH your God, and you will be established;

believe His prophets, and you will succeed.”

He appointed singers to go before the army, saying:

“Give thanks to YHWH,

for His steadfast love endures forever.”

Victory Without a Sword

When they began to sing and praise,

YHWH set ambushes against the enemies,

and they were routed.

They turned on each other and destroyed one another.

When Judah came to the watchtower,

they saw dead bodies lying on the ground.

Not one had escaped.

They took spoil—much clothing, goods, and valuables.

It took them three days to gather it.

The Valley of Blessing

On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah (Blessing),

for there they blessed YHWH.

Then they returned to Jerusalem with joy,

for YHWH had made them rejoice over their enemies.

They came with harps and trumpets to the house of YHWH.

And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms…

So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet,

for his God gave him rest all around.

The End of His Reign

Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah twenty-five years.

He walked in the way of his father Asa

and did not turn aside.

However, the high places were not removed,

and the people had not set their hearts fully toward YHWH.

He made a fleet of ships to go to Tarshish…

but they were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

———

Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers,

and Jehoram his son reigned in his place.

He had brothers… and their father gave them gifts,

but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

When Jehoram had taken the throne,

he killed all his brothers with the sword,

and also some of the princes of Israel.

Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

He walked in the way of the kings of Israel,

as the house of Ahab had done,

for he had married the daughter of Ahab.

And he did what was evil in the sight of YHWH.

Yet YHWH was not willing to destroy the house of David,

because of the covenant that He had made with David…

Rebellion and Judgment

In his days Edom revolted from the rule of Judah

and set up their own king.

Jehoram went out with his commanders…

but the Edomites surrounded him.

He rose by night and struck them,

yet Edom remained in rebellion.

Libnah also revolted.

Jehoram made high places in the hill country,

led Judah into whoredom,

and made Jerusalem go astray.

A Letter from Elijah

A letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying:

**“Thus says YHWH, the God of David:

You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat…

but like the kings of Israel,

and have led Judah into whoredom…

and also have killed your brothers…

behold, YHWH will bring a great plague on your people,

your children, your wives, and your possessions…

and you yourself will suffer a severe sickness of the bowels.”**

YHWH stirred up against him the Philistines and Arabs,

and they came and carried off all his possessions and sons,

so that only Jehoahaz (Ahaziah) remained.

After all this YHWH struck him in his bowels…

and after two years it came out and he died in great agony.

His people made no fire in his honor.

He was thirty-two when he began to reign,

and he departed with no one’s regret.

———

The inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king,

for the raiders had killed all the older sons.

Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned one year in Jerusalem.

His mother’s name was Athaliah, granddaughter of Omri.

He also walked in the ways of Ahab’s house,

for his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly.

He did evil in the sight of YHWH.

He allied himself with Jehoram son of Ahab

in battle against Hazael king of Syria.

Ahaziah Is Killed

When Ahaziah went to visit Jehoram in Jezreel,

Jehu son of Nimshi struck down the house of Ahab.

And when he sought Ahaziah, they captured him

and brought him to Jehu, and he put him to death.

He was buried in Jerusalem,

for they said, “He is the grandson of Jehoshaphat.”

Athaliah Seizes Power

When Athaliah saw that her son was dead,

she arose and destroyed all the royal family of the house of Judah.

But Jehosheba, daughter of the king,

took Joash son of Ahaziah

and stole him away…

She hid him and his nurse in a bedroom.

He was hidden in the house of God for six years,

while Athaliah reigned over the land.

———

In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself

and made a covenant with commanders of hundreds…

and they gathered the Levites and heads of families

from all Judah and came to Jerusalem.

All the assembly made a covenant with the king (Joash) in the house of God.

Jehoiada said:

“Behold, the king’s son! Let him reign,

as YHWH spoke concerning the sons of David.”

The Plan to Protect Joash

Jehoiada organized the Levites

and appointed them by divisions with weapons.

And they brought out the king’s son

and put the crown on him

and gave him the testimony,

and they proclaimed him king.

Jehoiada and his sons anointed him,

and they shouted, “Long live the king!”

Athaliah Put to Death

When Athaliah heard the noise,

she came to the house of YHWH

and saw the king standing by his pillar…

She cried, “Treason! Treason!”

Jehoiada commanded,

“Bring her out… and kill with the sword anyone who follows her.”

And they put her to death.

Covenant Renewal and Temple Cleansing

Jehoiada made a covenant

between himself, all the people, and the king,

that they would be YHWH’s people.

They went to the house of Baal and tore it down…

And Jehoiada posted guards in the house of YHWH.

Then he took the captains, nobles, governors…

and they brought the king down from the house of YHWH.

And all the people rejoiced.

And the city was quiet

after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword.

———

Joash was seven years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem.

He did what was right in the eyes of YHWH

all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

Jehoiada got him two wives, and he had sons and daughters.

The Temple Repaired

Joash set his heart to repair the house of YHWH.

He gathered priests and Levites and said,

“Go and collect money… for the repairs.”

But the Levites did not act quickly.

So the king summoned Jehoiada and said,

“Why have you not required the Levites to collect the tax?”

Then they made a chest and set it outside at the gate of YHWH’s house.

And all the people rejoiced and brought their contributions.

The money was used to pay masons and carpenters,

and to make utensils for YHWH’s house.

Jehoiada Dies and Joash Turns Away

Jehoiada grew old and died at 130 years of age.

He was buried among the kings

because he had done good in Israel and for God.

But after his death,

the princes of Judah came and bowed down to the king,

and the king listened to them.

And they abandoned the house of YHWH…

and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Yet YHWH sent prophets to bring them back,

but they would not listen.

Zechariah Is Murdered

Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah son of Jehoiada,

and he stood above the people and said:

“Why do you break the commandments of YHWH?

Because you have forsaken Him,

He has forsaken you.”

But they conspired against him,

and by command of the king

they stoned him to death in the court of YHWH’s house.

Thus Joash did not remember the kindness

that Jehoiada his father had shown him,

but killed his son.

As he was dying, he said, “May YHWH see and avenge!”

The End of Joash

At the end of the year, the army of Syria came against Joash…

Though the Syrians were few,

YHWH gave Judah into their hand

because they had forsaken YHWH.

When they had departed,

Joash’s servants conspired and struck him down.

He died and was buried in the city of David,

but not in the tombs of the kings.

His son Amaziah reigned in his place.

———

Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem.

His mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

He did what was right in the eyes of YHWH,

yet not with a whole heart.

War Against Edom and the Hired Soldiers

He mustered Judah and set commanders over thousands and hundreds.

He hired 100,000 mighty warriors from Israel for 100 talents of silver.

But a man of God came and said:

“O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you,

for YHWH is not with Israel.

Even if you fight bravely, God will make you stumble,

for God has power to help or to cast down.”

Amaziah said,

“But what about the hundred talents I paid?”

The man of God answered,

“YHWH is able to give you much more than this.”

So Amaziah dismissed the troops from Israel,

but they became very angry.

Amaziah went to battle and struck down the men of Seir (Edom)

and captured Sela by storm.

Amaziah's Idolatry and Rebuke

But after defeating the Edomites,

he brought their gods and set them up as his own.

Then the anger of YHWH was kindled against Amaziah,

and He sent a prophet, who said:

“Why have you sought the gods of a people

who could not deliver their own people?”

But the king interrupted and said:

“Have we made you a royal counselor? Cease!”

So the prophet said,

“I know God has determined to destroy you…”

Defeat by Israel

Amaziah sent to Jehoash king of Israel, saying,

“Come, let us face one another in battle.”

But Jehoash sent a parable:

“A thistle in Lebanon sent to a cedar,

‘Give your daughter to my son.’

But a wild beast passed by and trampled the thistle.”

Nevertheless, Amaziah would not listen.

So Israel went up,

defeated Judah, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem.

He took gold, silver, vessels from the house of God,

and hostages.

The Death of Amaziah

Amaziah lived fifteen years after Jehoash died.

He turned away from following YHWH.

A conspiracy arose against him in Jerusalem,

and he fled to Lachish.

But they sent men after him and killed him there.

He was brought back on horses and buried with his fathers in the city of David.

———

All the people of Judah took Uzziah,

who was sixteen years old,

and made him king in place of his father Amaziah.

He rebuilt Eloth and restored it to Judah.

He reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem.

He did what was right in the eyes of YHWH,

as his father had done.

He set himself to seek God

in the days of Zechariah,

who instructed him in the fear of God.

And as long as he sought YHWH, God made him prosper.

His Successes

He went out and made war against the Philistines

and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod.

God helped him against the Philistines and Arabs and Meunites.

The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah.

He built towers in Jerusalem…

and in the wilderness…

He had large herds and farmers,

for he loved the soil.

He had an army of 307,500 men…

He made machines, invented by skillful men,

to be on the towers to shoot arrows and stones.

And his fame spread far…

Uzziah’s Pride and Punishment

But when he was strong,

his heart was lifted up to his destruction.

He entered the temple of YHWH to burn incense

on the altar.

Azariah the priest and eighty priests opposed him:

“It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense!

Go out, for you have done wrong…”

Then Uzziah became angry…

and leprosy broke out on his forehead.

They rushed him out, and he himself hurried to go.

King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death.

He lived in a separate house,

excluded from the house of YHWH.

Jotham his son governed in his place.

———

Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

He did what was right in the eyes of YHWH,

according to all that his father Uzziah had done,

except he did not enter the temple of YHWH.

But the people still followed corrupt practices.

He built the upper gate of the house of YHWH

and did much building on the wall of Ophel.

He built cities, fortresses, and towers.

He fought with the king of the Ammonites

and prevailed.

The Ammonites gave him tribute… for three years.

So Jotham became mighty

because he ordered his ways before YHWH his God.

He slept with his fathers,

and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.

———

Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

He did not do what was right in the eyes of YHWH,

as his father David had done,

but walked in the ways of the kings of Israel.

He even made metal images for the Baals,

and he burned his sons as an offering,

according to the abominations of the nations

whom YHWH drove out before the people of Israel.

He sacrificed and made offerings on the high places

and under every green tree.

Defeated by Syria and Israel

YHWH gave him into the hand of the king of Syria,

who defeated him and took many captives.

He was also given into the hand of the king of Israel,

who struck him with great force.

Pekah son of Remaliah killed 120,000 in Judah in one day—

because they had forsaken YHWH.

Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king’s son,

Azrikam commander of the palace, and Elkanah the second to the king.

And the people of Israel took captive 200,000 of their relatives,

women, sons, and daughters,

and took much spoil.

Israel Rebuked for Their Cruelty

But a prophet of YHWH named Oded stood up:

“Because YHWH was angry with Judah,

He gave them into your hand.

But you have slaughtered them with a rage that has reached heaven.

Now you propose to make slaves of your own brothers.

Return the captives, for the wrath of YHWH is upon you.”

Then some chiefs of Ephraim—Azariah, Berechiah, Jehizkiah, and Amasa—

stood against those returning from battle.

The armed men left the captives and the spoil.

And the men mentioned above clothed the captives,

gave them sandals, fed them, anointed them,

and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees.

Then they returned to Samaria.

More Judgment on Ahaz

At that time King Ahaz sent to the king of Assyria for help.

The Edomites had invaded and carried away captives.

The Philistines also raided and took several cities of Judah.

YHWH humbled Judah because of Ahaz,

for he had made Judah act without restraint and had been very unfaithful.

So Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came against him

but gave him trouble instead of help.

Ahaz’s Apostasy

In the time of his distress, he became even more faithless to YHWH.

He sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that had defeated him:

“Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them,

I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.”

But they were his ruin and the ruin of all Judah.

He shut up the doors of the house of YHWH

and made altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

In every city of Judah he made high places…

He provoked YHWH, the God of his fathers, to anger.

He died and was buried in the city of David,

but they did not bring him into the tombs of the kings.

And Hezekiah his son reigned in his place.

———

Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old,

and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem.

He did what was right in the eyes of YHWH,

according to all that David his father had done.

In the first year, in the first month,

he opened the doors of the house of YHWH and repaired them.

He gathered the priests and Levites…

and said:

**“Hear me, Levites!

Now consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of YHWH…

for our fathers have been unfaithful…

Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with YHWH…

My sons, do not be negligent,

for YHWH has chosen you to stand before Him.”**

Then the Levites arose—[names fully preserved]—

and they gathered their brothers,

and they consecrated themselves.

The Temple Purified

They went in to cleanse the house of YHWH…

and began on the first day of the month…

and on the eighth day came to the vestibule of YHWH…

In sixteen days they had finished.

Then they went to King Hezekiah and said:

“We have cleansed all the house of YHWH…”

Hezekiah rose early and gathered the city’s officials…

They brought seven bulls, rams, lambs, and goats

for a sin offering for the kingdom.

The priests slaughtered the animals

and made atonement.

He stationed the Levites with cymbals, harps, and lyres…

and they sang praises with gladness.

Hezekiah and all the assembly worshiped.

Offerings Multiplied

Then Hezekiah said:

“Now you have consecrated yourselves,

come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings.”

And the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings,

and all whose heart was willing brought burnt offerings.

The number of burnt offerings was immense…

But the priests were too few…

so their brothers the Levites helped them…

The service of the house of YHWH was restored.

Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced

because God had provided for the people,

for the thing came about suddenly.

———

Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah,

and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh,

to come to Jerusalem

to keep the Passover to YHWH.

The king and his princes took counsel

and agreed to keep it in the second month

(since not enough priests were consecrated and the people were not yet gathered).

So couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with letters:

“Return to YHWH…

that He may return to you…

Do not be like your fathers…

who were desolate.

Do not stiffen your neck.

Serve YHWH, that His fierce anger may turn away from you.”

The People Respond

Some laughed and mocked the couriers…

but some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves.

The hand of God was on Judah

to give them one heart.

A very great assembly gathered in Jerusalem.

They removed the altars that were in Jerusalem…

The Passover Is Kept

They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day…

The priests and Levites were ashamed

and consecrated themselves.

They stood in their place and offered sacrifices.

The Levites helped slaughter the lambs

for everyone who was not clean.

Hezekiah prayed for them:

“May YHWH, who is good,

pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God…”

And YHWH heard Hezekiah and healed the people.

Joy and Singing

The people kept the feast for seven days

with great gladness.

The Levites and priests praised YHWH day by day

with instruments.

Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to the Levites…

And the whole assembly agreed

to keep the feast for another seven days.

There was great joy in Jerusalem,

such as had not been since the days of Solomon.

The priests blessed the people,

and their prayer came to His holy dwelling in heaven.

———

When all this was finished,

all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah

and broke in pieces the pillars,

cut down the Asherim,

and broke down the high places and altars throughout Judah,

Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh.

Then all the people returned to their homes.

Restoring the Priesthood

Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and Levites,

division by division,

each according to his service…

He provided for the burnt offerings

and commanded the people to give the portion due

to the priests and the Levites.

As soon as the command was spread abroad,

the people gave in abundance…

The firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and all the produce of the field,

and the tithe of all things they brought in abundantly.

The children of Israel and Judah who lived in Judah’s cities

also brought tithes of cattle and sheep.

Hezekiah and the officials blessed YHWH and His people Israel.

Organizing the Offerings

Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps,

and Azariah the high priest said:

“Since the people began to bring contributions to the house of YHWH,

we have eaten and had plenty left,

for YHWH has blessed His people.”

Hezekiah commanded them to prepare chambers in the house of YHWH,

and they prepared them.

They faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated things…

[List of officials and overseers faithfully preserved.]

Summary of Hezekiah’s Righteousness

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah,

and he did what was good and right and faithful

before YHWH his God.

And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God,

in accordance with the law and the commandments,

seeking his God,

he did with all his heart, and prospered.

———

After these acts of faithfulness,

Sennacherib king of Assyria came

and encamped against the fortified cities of Judah.

Hezekiah saw the threat and took counsel:

he stopped the water of the springs outside the city…

And he strengthened himself,

built up the walls,

made weapons and shields,

and appointed commanders over the people.

He gathered them and said:

“Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid of the king of Assyria…

With him is an arm of flesh,

but with us is YHWH our God,

to help us and to fight our battles.”

And the people took confidence.

Sennacherib Blasphemes

Sennacherib sent messengers to Jerusalem:

“On what are you trusting?

Did not Hezekiah remove His high places and altars?

Has any god of the nations delivered his land out of my hand?”

They spoke of the God of Jerusalem

as they spoke of the gods of the peoples of the earth,

which are the work of human hands.

Hezekiah and Isaiah Pray

Then Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet

prayed and cried to heaven.

And YHWH sent an angel,

who cut off all the mighty warriors, commanders, and officers

in the camp of the king of Assyria.

So he returned with shame to his own land.

And when he came into the house of his god,

some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword.

Hezekiah’s Honor and Test

Hezekiah prospered in all his works.

However, when ambassadors from Babylon came,

God left him to test him and to know what was in his heart.

Hezekiah humbled himself,

and YHWH’s wrath did not come in his days.

He died, and Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

———

Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem.

He did what was evil in the sight of YHWH,

according to the abominations of the nations.

He rebuilt the high places, erected altars to Baals,

and made Asherim…

He built altars to all the host of heaven in the courts of YHWH’s house.

He burned his sons as offerings…

and used omens and sorcery and dealt with mediums and necromancers.

He set a carved image of an idol in the house of God…

YHWH spoke to him and to his people,

but they paid no attention.

Manasseh’s Captivity and Humbling

Therefore YHWH brought upon them the commanders of the army of Assyria,

who captured Manasseh with hooks

and bound him with chains and took him to Babylon.

And when he was in distress,

he entreated the favor of YHWH his God

and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.

He prayed to Him,

and YHWH was moved by his entreaty

and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom.

Then Manasseh knew that YHWH was God.

Manasseh’s Restoration Work

Afterward he built an outer wall for the city of David…

He took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of YHWH

and all the altars…

He restored the altar of YHWH

and commanded Judah to serve YHWH, the God of Israel.

Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places,

but only to YHWH their God.

Manasseh’s Death and Amon’s Reign

The rest of the acts of Manasseh… are written in the records of the seers.

Manasseh slept with his fathers,

and Amon his son reigned in his place.

Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned two years.

He did what was evil in the sight of YHWH,

as Manasseh had done.

But he did not humble himself as his father Manasseh had…

And Amon’s servants conspired against him

and put him to death in his house.

But the people of the land struck down all who had conspired

and made Josiah his son king in his place.

———

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.

He did what was right in the eyes of YHWH,

and walked in the ways of David his father,

and did not turn aside to the right or to the left.

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still a boy,

he began to seek the God of David.

In the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem

of the high places, the Asherim, the carved and metal images.

They broke down the altars of the Baals…

he cut down the incense altars above them…

he broke them to dust.

He burned the bones of the priests on their altars

and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

And he did likewise in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon.

The Book of the Law Found

In the eighteenth year of his reign,

when he had cleansed the land and the house,

he sent Shaphan the scribe to repair the house of YHWH.

While they were bringing out the money,

Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of YHWH

given through Moses.

Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan…

Shaphan read it before the king.

When the king heard the words of the Law,

he tore his clothes.

He commanded Hilkiah and others:

“Go, inquire of YHWH for me and for those left in Israel and Judah,

concerning the words of the book…

great is the wrath of YHWH…”

Huldah’s Prophecy

They went to Huldah the prophetess…

She said:

**“Thus says YHWH…

I will bring disaster upon this place…

Because they have forsaken Me

and made offerings to other gods…

But to the king of Judah…

because your heart was tender,

and you humbled yourself…

you shall be gathered to your grave in peace.”**

Covenant Renewal

The king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah…

He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant…

And the king made a covenant before YHWH

to walk after Him and keep His commandments…

And all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin joined in…

And Josiah took away all the abominations…

All his days they did not turn away from following YHWH.

———

Josiah kept a Passover to YHWH in Jerusalem.

They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the first month.

He appointed priests to their duties

and encouraged them in the service of the house of YHWH.

He told the Levites, who taught Israel…

“Put the holy Ark in the house…

Serve YHWH and His people Israel.”

He gave the lay people 30,000 lambs and goats,

and 3,000 bulls—his own contribution.

The officials also gave freely…

The Passover was prepared,

the priests stood in their places,

the Levites distributed the blood…

The singers sang praises…

The gatekeepers stood at their posts…

A Passover Like No Other

So all the service of YHWH was prepared that day…

No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel.

None of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept…

In the eighteenth year of his reign it was kept.

The Death of Josiah

After all this,

when Josiah had prepared the temple,

Neco king of Egypt came up to fight at Carchemish…

Josiah went out against him.

But Neco sent messengers:

**“What have I to do with you, king of Judah?

I am not coming against you this day,

but against the house with which I am at war.

God has commanded me.

Cease opposing God, who is with me…”**

But Josiah would not listen to Neco.

He disguised himself and went into battle in the plain of Megiddo.

Archers shot King Josiah,

and he said to his servants,

“Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”

He died, and was buried in the tombs of his fathers.

All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah…

All the singing men and women have spoken of Josiah to this day.

———

Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah

and made him king in Jerusalem.

He was twenty-three years old and reigned three months.

The king of Egypt deposed him and made Eliakim king,

changing his name to Jehoiakim.

Jehoiakim and Nebuchadnezzar

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old

and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.

He did what was evil in the sight of YHWH.

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against him

and bound him in chains to take him to Babylon.

He also took vessels from the house of YHWH.

Jehoiachin and Zedekiah

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old…

He reigned three months and ten days,

and did what was evil.

Nebuchadnezzar sent and brought him to Babylon.

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old

and reigned eleven years.

He did what was evil,

and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet.

He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar

and stiffened his neck against turning to YHWH.

All the officers and priests were exceedingly unfaithful.

They polluted the house of YHWH.

The Wrath of YHWH Rises

YHWH sent word by His messengers…

but they mocked His messengers,

despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets,

until the wrath of YHWH rose against His people,

until there was no remedy.

He brought up the king of the Chaldeans…

who killed their young men…

had no compassion…

He burned the house of God,

broke down the wall of Jerusalem,

burned its palaces…

He took into exile in Babylon

those who had escaped from the sword.

To fulfill the word of YHWH

and the prophecy of Jeremiah,

the land kept Sabbath for seventy years.

The Decree of Cyrus

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,

that the word of YHWH by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled,

YHWH stirred up the spirit of Cyrus,

so that he made a proclamation:

**“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia:

YHWH, the God of heaven,

has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,

and He has charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem.

Whoever is among you of all His people,

may YHWH his God be with him.

Let him go up!”**