2 Chronicles (Divrey haYamin 2)

2 CHRONICLES

1

1 And Solomon (Shelomoh) the son of Dawid was strengthened in his kingdom, and יהוה his God (Elohim) was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

2 Then Solomon (Shelomoh) spake unto all Yisrael, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Yisrael, the chief of the fathers.

3 So Solomon (Shelomoh), and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Giveon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God (Elohim), which Moses (Mosheh) the servant of יהוה had made in the wilderness.

4 But the ark of God (Elohim) had Dawid brought up from Qiryat-Yearim to the place which Dawid had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of יהוה; and Solomon (Shelomoh) and the congregation sought unto it.

6 And Solomon (Shelomoh) went up thither to the brasen altar before יהוה, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

7 In that night did God (Elohim) appear unto Solomon (Shelomoh), and said unto him, “Ask what I shall give you.”

8 And Solomon (Shelomoh) said unto God (Elohim), “You have shewed great mercy unto Dawid my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

9 Now, O God (Elohim) יהוה, let Your promise unto Dawid my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this Your people, that is so great?”

11 And God (Elohim) said to Solomon (Shelomoh), “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of your enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you mayest judge My people, over whom I have made you king;

12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before you, neither shall there any after you have the like.

13 Then Solomon (Shelomoh) came from his journey to the high place that was at Giveon to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Yisrael.

14 And Solomon (Shelomoh) gathered chariots and horsemen; and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.

16 And Solomon (Shelomoh) had horses brought out of Egypt (Mitsrayim), and linen yarn; the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt (Mitsrayim) a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty; and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria (Aram), by their means.

2

1 And Solomon (Shelomoh) determined to build a house for the name of יהוה, and a house for his kingdom.

2 And Solomon (Shelomoh) told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

3 And Solomon (Shelomoh) sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, “As you didst deal with Dawid my father, and didst send him cedars to build him a house to dwell therein, even so deal with me.

4 Behold, I build a house to the name of יהוה my God (Elohim), to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Shabbats, and on the New Moons, and on the solemn feasts of יהוה our God (Elohim). This is an ordinance forever to Yisrael.

5 And the house which I build is great, for great is our God (Elohim) above all mighty ones (elohim).

6 But who is able to build Him a house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a house, except only to burn sacrifice before Him?

7 Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah (Yehudah) and in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), whom Dawid my father did provide.

8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon; for I know that your servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with your servants,

9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.

10 And, behold, I will give to your servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.”

11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon (Shelomoh), “Because יהוה hath loved His people, He hath made you king over them.”

12 Huram said moreover, “Blessed be יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), that made heaven and earth, who hath given to Dawid the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build a house for יהוה, and a house for his kingdom.

13 And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s,

14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with your cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord (adoni) Dawid your father.

15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord (adoni) hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants.

16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as you shalt need; and we will bring it to you in floats by sea to Joppa (Yafo); and you shalt carry it up to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).”

17 And Solomon (Shelomoh) numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Yisrael, after the numbering wherewith Dawid his father had numbered them; and they were found a hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.

18 And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.

3

1 Then Solomon (Shelomoh) began to build the house of יהוה at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) in Mount Moriyah, where יהוה appeared unto Dawid his father, in the place that Dawid had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Yevusi.

2 And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.

3 Now these are the things wherein Solomon (Shelomoh) was instructed for the building of the house of God (Elohim). The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.

4 And the porch that was in the front of the house, the length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was a hundred and twenty; and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

5 And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty; and the gold was gold of Parvaim.

7 He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims (keruvim) on the walls.

8 And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits; and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.

9 And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

10 And in the most holy house he made two cherubims (keruvim) of image work, and overlaid them with gold.

11 And the wings of the cherubims (keruvim) were twenty cubits long; one wing of the one cherub (keruv) was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub (keruv).

12 And one wing of the other cherub (keruv) was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub (keruv).

13 The wings of these cherubims (keruvim) spread themselves forth twenty cubits; and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.

14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims (keruvim) thereon.

15 Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

16 And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made a hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

17 And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Yakhin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

4

1 Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

2 Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

3 And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.

4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

5 And the thickness of it was a handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.

6 He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests (kohanim) to wash in.

7 And he made ten candlesticks (menorot) of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

8 He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made a hundred basons of gold.

9 Furthermore he made the court of the priests (kohanim), and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

10 And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, opposite the south.

11 And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for King Solomon (Shelomoh) for the house of God (Elohim);

12 The two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters which were on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were on the top of the pillars;

13 And four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths; two rows of pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were upon the pillars.

14 He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;

15 One sea, and twelve oxen under it.

16 The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to King Solomon (Shelomoh) for the house of יהוה of bright brass.

17 In the plain of Jordan (Yarden) did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Sukkot and Zeredathah.

18 Thus Solomon (Shelomoh) made all these vessels in great abundance; for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

19 And Solomon (Shelomoh) made all the vessels that were for the house of God (Elohim), the golden altar also, and the tables whereon the shewbread was set;

20 Moreover the candlesticks (menorot) with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;

21 And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;

22 And the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers, of pure gold; and the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the most holy place, and the doors of the house of the temple, were of gold.

5

1 Thus all the work that Solomon (Shelomoh) made for the house of יהוה was finished; and Solomon (Shelomoh) brought in all the things that Dawid his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God (Elohim).

2 Then Solomon (Shelomoh) assem-bled the elders of Yisrael, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Yisrael, unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), to bring up the ark of the covenant of יהוה out of the city of Dawid, which is Zion (Tsiyon).

3 Wherefore all the men of Yisrael assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month.

4 And all the elders of Yisrael came; and the Levites (Lewiyim) took up the ark.

5 And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, these did the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) bring up.

6 Also King Solomon (Shelomoh), and all the congregation of Yisrael that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

7 And the priests (kohanim) brought in the ark of the covenant of יהוה unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims (keruvim).

8 For the cherubims (keruvim) spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims (keruvim) covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

9 And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen outside. And there it is unto this day.

10 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses (Mosheh) put therein at Horeb, when יהוה made a covenant with the children of Yisrael, when they came out of Egypt (Mitsrayim).

11 And it came to pass, when the priests (kohanim) were come out of the Holy Place, (for all the priests (kohanim) that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course;

12 Also the Levites (Lewiyim) which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Yedutun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them a hundred and twenty priests (kohanim) sounding with trumpets;)

13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking יהוה; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised יהוה, saying: “For He is good, for His mercy endureth forever,” that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of יהוה,

14 So that the priests (kohanim) could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of יהוה had filled the house of God (Elohim).

6

1 Then said Solomon (Shelomoh), יהוה hath said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.

2 But I have built a house of habitation for You, and a place for Your dwelling forever.

3 And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Yisrael; and all the congregation of Yisrael stood.

4 And he said, “Blessed be יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), who hath with His hands fulfilled that which He spake with His mouth to my father Dawid, saying,

5 ‘Since the day that I brought forth My people out of the land of Egypt (Mitsrayim) I chose no city among all the tribes of Yisrael to build a house in, that My name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over My people Yisrael;

6 But I have chosen Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), that My name might be there; and have chosen Dawid to be over My people Yisrael.’

7 Now it was in the heart of Dawid my father to build a house for the name of יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael).

8 But יהוה said to Dawid my father, ‘Forasmuch as it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you didst well in that it was in your heart.

9 Nevertheless you shalt not build the house, but your son who shall come forth out of your loins, he shall build the house for My name.’

10 יהוה therefore hath performed His word that He hath spoken, for I am risen up in the room of Dawid my father, and am set on the throne of Yisrael, as יהוה promised, and have built the house for the name of יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael).

11 And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of יהוה, that He made with the children of Yisrael.”

12 And he stood before the altar of יהוה in the presence of all the congregation of Yisrael, and spread forth his hands;

13 For Solomon (Shelomoh) had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Yisrael, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

14 And said, “O יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), there is no God (Elohim) like You in the heaven, nor on the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto Your servants, that walk before You with all their hearts.

15 You who hast kept with Your servant Dawid my father that which You have promised him; and spakest with Your mouth, and hast fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.

16 Now therefore, O יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), keep with Your servant Dawid my father that which You have promised him, saying, ‘There shall not fail you a man in My sight to sit upon the throne of Yisrael; yet so that your children take heed to their way to walk in My Torah, as you have walked before Me.’

17 Now then, O יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), let Your word be verified, which You have spoken unto Your servant Dawid.

18 But will God (Elohim) in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built!

19 Have regard therefore to the prayer of Your servant, and to his supplication, O יהוה my God (Elohim), to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which Your servant prayeth before You:

20 That Your eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof You have said that You wouldest put Your name there; to hearken unto the prayer which Your servant prayeth toward this place.

21 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of Your servant, and of Your people Yisrael, which they shall make toward this place; hear You from Your dwelling place, even from heaven; and when You hearest, forgive.

22 If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before Your altar in this house;

23 Then hear You from heaven, and do, and judge Your servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.

24 And if Your people Yisrael be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against You; and shall return and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication before You in this house;

25 Then hear You from the heaven, and forgive the sin of Your people Yisrael, and bring them again unto the land which You gavest to them and to their fathers.

26 When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against You; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess Your name, and turn from their sin, when You dost afflict them;

27 Then hear You from heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, and of Your people Yisrael, when You have taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon Your land, which You have given unto Your people for an inheritance.

28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be;

29 Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all Your people Yisrael, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house;

30 Then hear You from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart You knowest; (for You only knowest the hearts of the children of men),

31 That they may fear You, to walk in Your ways, so long as they live in the land which You gavest unto our fathers.

32 Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of Your people Yisrael, but is come from a far country for Your great name’s sake, and Your mighty hand, and Your outstretched arm; if they come and pray in this house;

33 Then hear You from the heaven, even from Your dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to You for, that all people of the earth may know Your name, and fear You, as doth Your people Yisrael, and may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name.

34 If Your people go out to war against their enemies by the way that You shalt send them, and they pray unto you toward this city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name;

35 Then hear You from the heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

36 If they sin against You, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and You be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;

37 Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly;’

38 If they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which You gavest unto their fathers, and toward the city which You have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for Your name;

39 Then hear You from the heaven, even from Your dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You.

40 Now, my God (Elohim), let, I beseech You, Your eyes be open, and let Your ears be attentive unto the prayer that is made in this place.

41 Now therefore arise, O God (Elohim) יהוה, into Your resting place, You, and the ark of Your strength. Let Your priests (kohanim), O God (Elohim) יהוה, be clothed with salvation, and let Your holy ones rejoice in goodness.

42 O God (Elohim) יהוה, turn not away the face of Your anointed; remember the mercies of Dawid Your servant.”

7

1 Now when Solomon (Shelomoh) had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of יהוה filled the house.

2 And the priests (kohanim) could not enter into the house of יהוה, because the glory of יהוה had filled יהוה’s house.

3 And when all the children of Yisrael saw how the fire came down, and the glory of יהוה upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised יהוה, saying, “For He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.”

4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before יהוה.

5 And King Solomon (Shelomoh) offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep; so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God (Elohim).

6 And the priests (kohanim) stood at their offices; the Levites (Lewiyim) also with instruments of musick of יהוה, which Dawid the king had made to praise יהוה, because His mercy endureth forever, when Dawid praised by their ministry; and the priests (kohanim) sounded trumpets before them, and all Yisrael stood.

7 Moreover Solomon (Shelomoh) hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of יהוה; for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon (Shelomoh) had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.

8 Also at the same time Solomon (Shelomoh) kept the feast seven days, and all Yisrael with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt (Mitsrayim).

9 And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly, for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

10 And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that יהוה had shewed unto Dawid, and to Solomon (Shelomoh), and to Yisrael His people.

11 Thus Solomon (Shelomoh) finished the house of יהוה, and the king’s house; and all that came into Solomon (Shelomoh)’s heart to make in the house of יהוה, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.

12 And יהוה appeared to Solomon (Shelomoh) by night, and said unto him, “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place to Myself for a house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people;

14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

15 Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attentive unto the prayer that is made in this place.

16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually.

17 And as for you, if you wilt walk before Me, as Dawid your father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and shalt observe My statutes and My judgments;

18 Then will I establish the throne of your kingdom, according as I have covenanted with Dawid your father, saying, ‘There shall not fail you a man to be ruler in Yisrael.’

19 But if you turn away, and forsake My statutes and My commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods (elohim), and worship them;

20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of My land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for My name, will I cast out of My sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

21 And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, ‘Why hath יהוה done thus unto this land, and unto this house?’

22 And it shall be answered, ‘Because they forsook יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt (Mitsrayim), and laid hold on other gods (elohim), and worshipped them, and served them; therefore hath He brought all this disaster (raah) upon them.’”

8

1 And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon (Shelomoh) had built the house of יהוה, and his own house,

2 That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon (Shelomoh), Solomon (Shelomoh) built them, and caused the children of Yisrael to dwell there.

3 And Solomon (Shelomoh) went to Hamathzobah, and prevailed against it.

4 And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.

5 Also he built Beit-Choron the upper, and Beit-Choron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;

6 And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon (Shelomoh) had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon (Shelomoh) desired to build in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.

7 As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Yevusis, who were not of Yisrael,

8 But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Yisrael consumed not, them did Solomon (Shelomoh) make to pay tribute until this day.

9 But of the children of Yisrael did Solomon (Shelomoh) make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

10 And these were the chief of King Solomon (Shelomoh)’s officers, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

11 And Solomon (Shelomoh) brought up the daughter of Pharaoh (Paroh) out of the city of Dawid unto the house that he had built for her; for he said, “My wife shall not dwell in the house of Dawid king of Yisrael, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of יהוה hath come.”

12 Then Solomon (Shelomoh) offered burnt offerings unto יהוה on the altar of יהוה, which he had built before the porch,

13 Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses (Mosheh), on the Shabbats, and on the New Moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the 20Feast of Unleaven Bread (Chag HaMatzot), and in the Feast of Weeks (Chag Shavuot), and in the Feast of Tabernacles (Chag Sukkot).

14 And he appointed, according to the order of Dawid his father, the courses of the priests (kohanim) to their service, and the Levites (Lewiyim) to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests (kohanim), as the duty of every day required, the porters also by their courses at every gate; for so had Dawid the man of God (Elohim) commanded.

15 And they departed not from the command of the king unto the priests (kohanim) and Levites (Lewiyim) concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.

16 Now all the work of Solomon (Shelomoh) was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of יהוה, and until it was finished. So the house of יהוה was perfected.

17 Then went Solomon (Shelomoh) to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.

18 And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants, ships and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon (Shelomoh) to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to King Solomon (Shelomoh).

9

1 And when the queen of Sheva heard of the fame of Solomon (Shelomoh), she came to prove Solomon (Shelomoh) with hard questions at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon (Shelomoh), she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

2 And Solomon (Shelomoh) told her all her questions; and there was nothing hid from Solomon (Shelomoh) which he told her not.

3 And when the queen of Sheva had seen the wisdom of Solomon (Shelomoh), and the house that he had built,

4 And the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of יהוה; she was breathless.

5 And she said to the king, “It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of your acts, and of your wisdom.

6 Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the one half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; for you exceedest the fame that I heard.

7 Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, and hear your wisdom.

8 Blessed be יהוה your God (Elohim), who delighted in you to set you on His throne, to be king for יהוה your God (Elohim); because your God (Elohim) loved Yisrael, to establish them forever, therefore made He you king over them, to do judgment and justice.

9 And she gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones; neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheva gave King Solomon (Shelomoh).

10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon (Shelomoh), who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

11 And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of יהוה, and to the king’s palace, and harps and psalteries for singers; and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah (Yehudah).

12 And King Solomon (Shelomoh) gave to the queen of Sheva all her desire, whatsoever she asked, besides that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.

13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon (Shelomoh) in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;

14 Besides that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon (Shelomoh).

15 And King Solomon (Shelomoh) made two hundred targets of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.

16 And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold; three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.

18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays.

19 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.

20 And all the drinking vessels of King Solomon (Shelomoh) were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon (Shelomoh).

21 For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

22 And King Solomon (Shelomoh) passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon (Shelomoh), to hear his wisdom, that God (Elohim) had put in his heart.

24 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

25 And Solomon (Shelomoh) had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt (Mitsrayim).

27 And the king made silver in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.

28 And they brought unto Solomon (Shelomoh) horses out of Egypt (Mitsrayim), and out of all lands.

29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon (Shelomoh), first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Achiyah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam (Yarovam) the son of Nevat?

30 And Solomon (Shelomoh) reigned in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) over all Yisrael forty years.

31 And Solomon (Shelomoh) slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of Dawid his father; and Rehoboam (Rechavam) his son reigned in his stead.

10

1 And Rehoboam (Rechavam) went to Shechem, for to Shechem were all Yisrael come to make him king.

2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam (Yarovam) the son of Nevat, who was in Egypt (Mitsrayim), whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon (Shelomoh) the king, heard it, that Jeroboam (Yarovam) returned out of Egypt (Mitsrayim).

3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam (Yarovam) and all Yisrael came and spake to Rehoboam (Rechavam), saying,

4 “Your father made our yoke grievous; now therefore ease you somewhat the grievous servitude of your father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve you.”

5 And he said unto them, “Come again unto me after three days.” And the people departed.

6 And King Rehoboam (Rechavam) took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon (Shelomoh) his father while he yet lived, saying, “What counsel give you me to return answer to this people?”

7 And they spake unto him, saying, “If you be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever.”

8 But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

9 And he said unto them, “What advice give you that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, ‘Ease somewhat the yoke that your father did put upon us’?”

10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, “Thus shalt you answer the people that spake unto you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but make you it somewhat lighter for us;’ thus shalt you say unto them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins.

11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions!’”

12 So Jeroboam (Yarovam) and all the people came to Rehoboam (Rechavam) on the third day, as the king bade, saying, “Come again to me on the third day.”

13 And the king answered them roughly; and King Rehoboam (Rechavam) forsook the counsel of the old men,

14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”

15 So the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was of God (Elohim), that יהוה might perform His word, which He spake by the hand of Achiyah the Shilonite to Jeroboam (Yarovam) the son of Nevat.

16 And when all Yisrael saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, “What portion have we in Dawid? And we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse (Yishai). Every man to your tents, O Yisrael! And now, Dawid, see to your own house!” So all Yisrael went to their tents.

17 But as for the children of Yisrael that dwelt in the cities of Judah (Yehudah), Rehoboam (Rechavam) reigned over them.

18 Then King Rehoboam (Rechavam) sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Yisrael stoned him with stones, that he died. But King Rehoboam (Rechavam) made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

19 And Yisrael rebelled against the house of Dawid unto this day.

11

1 And when Rehoboam (Rechavam) was come to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), he gathered of the house of Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin) a hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, who were warriors, to fight against Yisrael, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam (Rechavam).

2 But the word of יהוה came to Shemayah the man of God (Elohim), saying,

3 “Speak unto Rehoboam (Rechavam) the son of Solomon (Shelomoh), king of Judah (Yehudah), and to all Yisrael in Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin), saying,

4 ‘Thus saith יהוה: “You shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren; return every man to his house, for this thing is done of Me.”’” And they obeyed the words of יהוה, and returned from going against Jeroboam (Yarovam).

5 And Rehoboam (Rechavam) dwelt in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and built cities for defence in Judah (Yehudah).

6 He built even Bethlehem (Beit-Lechem), and Etam, and Tekoa,

7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,

8 And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

9 And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,

10 And Zorah, and Ayalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah (Yehudah) and in Benjamin (Binyamin) fenced cities.

11 And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.

12 And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin) on his side.

13 And the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) that were in all Yisrael resorted to him out of all their coasts.

14 For the Levites (Lewiyim) left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), for Jeroboam (Yarovam) and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest’s office (kehunnah) unto יהוה.

15 And he ordained him priests (kohanim) for the high places, and for the idols of goat-demons (sairim), and the calves which he had made.

16 And those out of all the tribes of Yisrael such as set their hearts to seek יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), followed them to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), to sacrifice unto יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers.

17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah (Yehudah), and made Rehoboam (Rechavam) the son of Solomon (Shelomoh) strong, three years; for three years they walked in the way of Dawid and Solomon (Shelomoh).

18 And Rehoboam (Rechavam) took him Mahalath the daughter of Yerimot the son of Dawid as wife, and Avihail the daughter of Eliav the son of Jesse (Yishai);

19 Who bare him children: Yeush, and Shamaryah, and Zaham.

20 And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Avshalom; who bare him Aviyah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.

21 And Rehoboam (Rechavam) loved Maachah the daughter of Avshalom above all his wives and his concubines; (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)

22 And Rehoboam (Rechavam) made Aviyah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren; for he thought to make him king.

23 And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin), unto every fenced city; and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.

12

1 And it came to pass, when Rehoboam (Rechavam) had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the Torah of יהוה, and all Yisrael with him.

2 And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of King Rehoboam (Rechavam) Shishak king of Egypt (Mitsrayim) came up against Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), because they had transgressed against יהוה,

3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen; and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt (Mitsrayim); the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians (Kushim).

4 And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah (Yehudah), and came to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

5 Then came Shemayah the prophet to Rehoboam (Rechavam), and to the princes of Judah (Yehudah), that were gathered together to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) because of Shishak, and said unto them, “Thus saith יהוה: ‘You have forsaken Me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.’”

6 Whereupon the princes of Yisrael and the king humbled themselves; and they said, “יהוה is righteous.”

7 And when יהוה saw that they humbled themselves, the word of יהוה came to Shemayah, saying, “They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and My wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) by the hand of Shishak.

8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know My service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.”

9 So Shishak king of Egypt (Mitsrayim) came up against Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and took away the treasures of the house of יהוה, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all; he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon (Shelomoh) had made.

10 Instead of which King Rehoboam (Rechavam) made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king’s house.

11 And when the king entered into the house of יהוה, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber.

12 And when he humbled himself, the wrath of יהוה turned from him, that He would not destroy him altogether; and also in Judah (Yehudah) things went well.

13 So King Rehoboam (Rechavam) strengthened himself in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) and reigned, for Rehoboam (Rechavam) was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), the city which יהוה had chosen out of all the tribes of Yisrael, to put His name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess.

14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek יהוה.

15 Now the acts of Rehoboam (Rechavam), first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemayah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam (Rechavam) and Jeroboam (Yarovam) continually.

16 And Rehoboam (Rechavam) slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of Dawid. And Aviyah his son reigned in his stead.

13

1 Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam (Yarovam) began Aviyah to reign over Judah (Yehudah).

2 He reigned three years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name was Michaiah (Mikhayahu) the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Aviyah and Jeroboam (Yarovam).

3 And Aviyah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men; Jeroboam (Yarovam) also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.

4 And Aviyah stood up upon Mount Zemaraim, which is in Mount Efrayim, and said, “Hear me, you Jeroboam (Yarovam) and all Yisrael:

5 Ought you not to know that יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael) gave the kingdom over Yisrael to Dawid forever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

6 Yet Jeroboam (Yarovam) the son of Nevat, the servant of Solomon (Shelomoh) the son of Dawid, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord (adon).

7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the scoundrel (beliyaal) children, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam (Rechavam) the son of Solomon (Shelomoh), when Rehoboam (Rechavam) was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

8 And now you think to withstand the kingdom of יהוה in the hand of the sons of Dawid; and you be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam (Yarovam) made for you as gods (elohim).

9 Have you not cast out the priests (kohanim) of יהוה, the sons of Aaron (Aharon), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and have made you priests (kohanim) after the manner of the nations of other lands? So that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest (kohen) of them that are no God (Elohim).

10 But as for us, יהוה is our God (Elohim), and we have not forsaken Him; and the priests (kohanim), who minister unto יהוה, are the sons of Aaron (Aharon), and the Levites (Lewiyim) wait upon their work.

11 And they burn unto יהוה every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense; the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick (menorah) of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening; for we keep the charge of יהוה our God (Elohim), but you have forsaken Him.

12 And, behold, God (Elohim) Himself is with us for our captain, and His priests (kohanim) with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Yisrael, fight you not against יהוה God (Elohim) of your fathers; for you shall not prosper!”

13 But Jeroboam (Yarovam) caused an ambushment to come about behind them; so they were before Judah (Yehudah), and the ambushment was behind them.

14 And when Judah (Yehudah) looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind; and they cried unto יהוה, and the priests (kohanim) sounded with the trumpets.

15 Then the men of Judah (Yehudah) gave a shout; and as the men of Judah (Yehudah) shouted, it came to pass, that God (Elohim) smote Jeroboam (Yarovam) and all Yisrael before Aviyah and Judah (Yehudah).

16 And the children of Yisrael fled before Judah (Yehudah), and God (Elohim) delivered them into their hand.

17 And Aviyah and his people slew them with a great slaughter; so there fell down slain of Yisrael five hundred thousand chosen men.

18 Thus the children of Yisrael were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah (Yehudah) prevailed, because they relied upon יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers.

19 And Aviyah pursued after Jeroboam (Yarovam), and took cities from him, Bethel (Beit-El) with the towns thereof, and Yeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the towns thereof.

20 Neither did Jeroboam (Yarovam) recover strength again in the days of Aviyah; and יהוה struck him, and he died.

21 But Aviyah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters.

22 And the rest of the acts of Aviyah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.

14

1 So Aviyah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of Dawid; and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of יהוה his God (Elohim).

3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods (elohim), and the high places, and broke down the pillars, and cut down the Asherahs (Asherim);

4 And commanded Judah (Yehudah) to seek יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers, and to do the Torah and the commandment.

5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah (Yehudah) the high places and the sun-pillars; and the kingdom was quiet before him.

6 And he built fenced cities in Judah (Yehudah), for the land had rest; and he had no war in those years, because יהוה had given him rest.

7 Therefore he said unto Judah (Yehudah), “Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought יהוה our God (Elohim), we have sought Him, and He hath given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah (Yehudah) three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin (Binyamin), that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand; all these were mighty men of valour.

9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian (Kushi) with an army of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.

10 Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

11 And Asa cried unto יהוה his God (Elohim), and said, “יהוה, it is nothing with You to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O יהוה our God (Elohim); for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O יהוה, You are our God (Elohim); let not man prevail against You.”

12 So יהוה smote the Ethiopians (Kushim) before Asa, and before Judah (Yehudah); and the Ethiopians (Kushim) fled.

13 And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar. And the Ethiopians (Kushim) were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before יהוה, and before His host; and they carried away very much spoil.

14 And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of יהוה came upon them; and they spoiled all the cities, for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

15 They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

15

1 And the Spirit of God (Elohim) came upon Azaryah the son of Oded.

2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, “Hear you me, Asa, and all Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin). יהוה is with you, while you be with Him; and if you seek Him, He will be found of you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

3 Now for a long season Yisrael hath been without the true God (Elohim), and without a teaching priest (kohen), and without Torah.

4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), and sought Him, He was found of them.

5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.

6 And nation was destroyed of nation and city of city, for God (Elohim) did vex them with all adversity.

7 Be you strong therefore and let not your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin), and out of the cities which he had taken from Mount Efrayim, and renewed the altar of יהוה, that was before the porch of יהוה.

9 And he gathered all Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin), and the strangers with them out of Efrayim and Menashsheh, and out of Shimon; for they fell to him out of Yisrael in abundance, when they saw that יהוה his God (Elohim) was with him.

10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.

11 And they offered unto יהוה the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

12 And they entered into a covenant to seek יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;

13 That whosoever would not seek יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael) should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

14 And they sware unto יהוה with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

15 And all Judah (Yehudah) rejoiced at the oat, for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them; and יהוה gave them rest round about.

16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol as Asherah; and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the Brook Kidron.

17 But the high places were not taken away out of Yisrael; nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

18 And he brought into the house of God (Elohim) the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.

19 And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.

16

1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Yisrael came up against Judah (Yehudah), and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah (Yehudah).

2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of יהוה and of the king’s house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria (Aram), that dwelt at Damascus (Dammeseq), saying,

3 “There is a league between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. Behold, I have sent you silver and gold; go, break your league with Baasha king of Yisrael, that he may depart from me.”

4 And Benhadad hearkened unto King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Yisrael; and they smote Iyon, and Dan, and Avelmaim, and all the store cities of Naftali.

5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.

6 Then Asa the king took all Judah (Yehudah); and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.

7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah (Yehudah), and said unto him: “Because you have relied on the king of Syria (Aram), and not relied on יהוה your God (Elohim), therefore is the army of the king of Syria (Aram) escaped out of your hand.

8 Were not the Ethiopians (Kushim) and the Lubims a huge army, with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you didst rely on יהוה, He delivered them into your hand.

9 For the eyes of יהוה run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong on the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein you have done foolishly; therefore from henceforth you shalt have wars.”

10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.

11 And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah (Yehudah) and Yisrael.

12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great; yet in his disease he sought not to יהוה, but to the physicians.

13 And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.

14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of Dawid, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art; and they made a very great burning for him.

17

1 And Yehoshafat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Yisrael.

2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah (Yehudah), and set garrisons in the land of Judah (Yehudah), and in the cities of Efrayim, which Asa his father had taken.

3 And יהוה was with Yehoshafat, because he walked in the first ways of his father Dawid, and sought not unto Baalim;

4 But sought to יהוה God (Elohim) of his father, and walked in His commandments, and not after the doings of Yisrael.

5 Therefore יהוה established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah (Yehudah) brought to Yehoshafat presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance.

6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of יהוה; moreover he took away the high places and Asherim out of Judah (Yehudah).

7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah (Ovadyah), and to Zechariah (Zekharyahu), and to Nethaneel, and to Mikhayahu, to teach in the cities of Judah (Yehudah).

8 And with them he sent Levites (Lewiyim), even Shemayah, and Netanyah, and Zevadyahu, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jonathan (Yeho-natan), and Adoniyah, and Toviyahu, and Tov Adoniyah, Levites (Lewiyim); and with them Elishama and Yehoram, priests (kohanim).

9 And they taught in Judah (Yehudah), and had the Book of the Torah of יהוה with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah (Yehudah), and taught the people.

10 And the fear of יהוה fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah (Yehudah), so that they made no war against Yehoshafat.

11 Also some of the Philistines brought Yehoshafat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.

12 And Yehoshafat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah (Yehudah) castles, and cities of store.

13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah (Yehudah); and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

14 And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah (Yehudah), the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.

15 And next to him was Yehochanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.

16 And next to him was Amasyah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto יהוה; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

17 And of Benjamin (Binyamin): Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.

18 And next to him was Yehozavad, and with him a hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

19 These waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah (Yehudah).

18

1 Now Yehoshafat had riches and honor in abundance, and joined affinity with Achav.

2 And after certain years he went down to Achav to Samaria (Shomeron). And Achav killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramot-Gilad.

3 And Achav king of Yisrael said unto Yehoshafat king of Judah (Yehudah), “Wilt you go with me to Ramot-Gilad?” And he answered him, “I am as you are, and my people as your people; and we will be with you in the war.”

4 And Yehoshafat said unto the king of Yisrael, “Enquire, please, at the word of יהוה today.

5 Therefore the king of Yisrael gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, “Shall we go to Ramot-Gilad to battle, or shall I forbear?” And they said, “Go up, for God (Elohim) will deliver it into the king’s hand.”

6 But Yehoshafat said, “Is there not here a prophet of יהוה besides, that we might enquire of Him?”

7 And the king of Yisrael said unto Yehoshafat, “There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of יהוה; but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always bad; the same is Mikhayahu the son of Imla. And Yehoshafat said, “Let not the king say so.”

8 And the king of Yisrael called for one of his officers, and said, “Fetch quickly Mikhayahu the son of Imla.”

9 And the king of Yisrael and Yehoshafat king of Judah (Yehudah) sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria (Shomeron); and all the prophets prophesied before them.

10 And Zedekiah (Tsidkiyahu) the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, “Thus saith יהוה: ‘With these you shalt push Syria (Aram) until they be consumed.’”

11 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramot-Gilad, and prosper; for יהוה shall deliver it into the hand of the king.”

12 And the messenger that went to call Mikhayahu spake to him, saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; please let your word therefore be like one of theirs, and speak you good.”

13 And Mikhayahu said, “As יהוה liveth, even what my God (Elohim) saith, that will I speak.”

14 And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, “Mikhayahu, shall we go to Ramot-Gilad to battle, or shall I forbear?” And he said, “Go you up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.”

15 And the king said to him, “How many times shall I adjure you that you say nothing but the truth to me in the name of יהוה?”

16 Then he said, “I did see all Yisrael scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd; and יהוה said, ‘These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.’”

17 And the king of Yisrael said to Yehoshafat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good unto me, but bad?”

18 Again he said, “Therefore hear the word of יהוה: I saw יהוה sitting upon His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and on His left.

19 And יהוה said, ‘Who shall entice Achav king of Yisrael, that he may go up and fall at Ramot-Gilad?’ And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

20 Then there came out a spirit, and stood before יהוה, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ And יהוה said unto him, ‘Wherewith?’

21 And he said, ‘I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And יהוה said, ‘You shalt entice him, and you shalt also prevail; go out, and do even so.’

22 Now therefore, behold, יהוה hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets, and יהוה hath proclaimed disaster over you.”

23 Then Zedekiah (Tsidkiyahu) the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Mikhayahu upon the cheek, and said, “Which way went the Spirit of יהוה from me to speak unto you?”

24 And Mikhayahu said, “Behold, you shalt see on that day when you shalt go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.”

25 Then the king of Yisrael said, “Take you Mikhayahu, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Yoash the king’s son;

26 And say, ‘Thus saith the king: “Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.”’”

27 And Mikhayahu said, “If you certainly return in peace, then hath not יהוה spoken by me.” And he said, “Hearken, all you people!”

28 So the king of Yisrael and Yehoshafat the king of Judah (Yehudah) went up to Ramot-Gilad.

29 And the king of Yisrael said unto Yehoshafat, “I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put you on your robes.” So the king of Yisrael disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

30 Now the king of Syria (Aram) had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, “Fight you not with small or great, except only with the king of Yisrael.”

31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Yehoshafat, that they said, “It is the king of Yisrael.” Therefore they compassed about him to fight; but Yehoshafat cried out, and יהוה helped him; and God (Elohim) moved them to depart from him.

32 For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Yisrael, they turned back from pursuing him.

33 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Yisrael between the joints of the harness; therefore he said to his chariot man, “Turn your hand, that you mayest carry me out of the camp, for I am wounded.”

34 And the battle increased that day, howbeit the king of Yisrael stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians (Arammim) until the even; and about the time of the sun going down he died.

19

1 And Yehoshafat the king of Judah (Yehudah) returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

2 And Yehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Yehoshafat, “Shouldest you help the wicked, and love them that hate יהוה? Therefore is wrath upon you from before יהוה.

3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have taken away the Asherot out of the land, and hast prepared your heart to seek God (Elohim).

4 And Yehoshafat dwelt at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); and he went out again through the people from Beer-Sheva to Mount Efrayim, and brought them back unto יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers.

5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah (Yehudah), city by city,

6 And said to the judges, “Take heed what you do, for you judge not for man, but for יהוה, who is with you in the judgment.

7 Wherefore now let the fear of יהוה be upon you; take heed and do it, for there is no iniquity with יהוה our God (Elohim), nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”

8 Moreover in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) did Yehoshafat set of the Levites (Lewiyim), and of the priests (kohanim), and of the chief of the fathers of Yisrael, for the judgment of יהוה, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

9 And he charged them, saying, “Thus shall you do in the fear of יהוה, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, you shall even warn them that they trespass not against יהוה, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren; this do, and you shall not trespass.

11 And, behold, Amaryah the chief priest (kohen) is over you in all matters of יהוה; and Zevadyahu the son of Yishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah (Yehudah), for all the king’s matters; also the Levites (Lewiyim) shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and יהוה shall be with the good.”

20

1 It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moav, and the children of Ammon, and with them other besides the Ammonites, came against Yehoshafat to battle.

2 Then there came some that told Yehoshafat, saying, “There cometh a great multitude against you from beyond the sea on this side Syria (Aram); and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

3 And Yehoshafat feared, and set himself to seek יהוה, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah (Yehudah).

4 And Judah (Yehudah) gathered themselves together, to ask help of יהוה; even out of all the cities of Judah (Yehudah) they came to seek יהוה.

5 And Yehoshafat stood in the congregation of Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), in the house of יהוה, before the new court,

6 And said, “O יהוה God (Elohim) of our fathers, art not You God (Elohim) in heaven? And rulest not You over all the kingdoms of the nations? And in Your hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand You?

7 Art not You our God (Elohim), who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Yisrael, and gavest it to the seed of Avraham Your friend forever?

8 And they dwelt therein, and have built You a sanctuary therein for Your name, saying,

9 ‘If disaster (raah) cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in Your presence, (for Your name is in this house,) and cry unto You in our affliction, then You wilt hear and help.’

10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moav and Mount Seir, whom You wouldest not let Yisrael invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt (Mitsrayim), but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;

11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of Your possession, which You have given us to inherit.

12 O our God (Elohim), wilt You not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

13 And all Judah (Yehudah) stood before יהוה, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

14 Then upon Yachaziel the son of Zechariah (Zekharyahu), the son of Benayah, the son of Yeiel, the son of Mattanyah, a Lewite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit (Ruach) of יהוה in the midst of the congregation;

15 And he said, “Hearken you, all Judah (Yehudah), and you inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and you King Yehoshafat! Thus saith יהוה unto you: ‘Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God (Elohim)’s.

16 Tomorrow go you down against them. Behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and you shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Yeruel.

17 You shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand you still, and see the salvation of יהוה with you, O Yehudah (Judah) and Yerushalayim! Fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for יהוה will be with you.”

18 And Yehoshafat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah (Yehudah) and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) fell before יהוה, worshipping יהוה.

19 And the Levites (Lewiyim), of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael) with a loud voice on high.

20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went forth, Yehoshafat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah (Yehudah), and you inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim): Believe in יהוה your God (Elohim), so shall you be established; believe His prophets, so shall you prosper.”

21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto יהוה, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, “Give praise unto יהוה, for His mercy endureth forever.”

22 And when they began to sing and to praise, יהוה set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moav, and Mount Seir, who were come against Judah (Yehudah); and they were smitten.

23 For the children of Ammon and Moav stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them; and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

24 And when Judah (Yehudah) came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

25 And when Yehoshafat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.

26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berakhah, for there they blessed יהוה; therefore the name of the same place was called “The Valley of Berakhah (Blessing)” unto this day.

27 Then they returned, every man of Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and Yehoshafat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) with joy; for יהוה had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

28 And they came to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of יהוה.

29 And the fear of God (Elohim) was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that יהוה fought against the enemies of Yisrael.

30 So the realm of Yehoshafat was quiet, for his God (Elohim) gave him rest round about.

31 And Yehoshafat reigned over Judah (Yehudah); he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

32 And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of יהוה.

33 Howbeit the high places were not taken away, for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God (Elohim) of their fathers.

34 Now the rest of the acts of Yehoshafat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Yehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Yisrael.

35 And after this did Yehoshafat king of Judah (Yehudah) join himself with Achazyah king of Yisrael, who did very wickedly.

36 And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish; and they made the ships in Eziongeber.

37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Yehoshafat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Achazyah, יהוה hath broken your works.” And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

21

1 Now Yehoshafat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of Dawid. And Yehoram his son reigned in his stead.

2 And he had brethren the sons of Yehoshafat, Azaryah, and Yeiel, and Zechariah (Zekharyahu), and Azaryah, and Mikhael, and Shefatyahu; all these were the sons of Yehoshafat king of Yisrael.

3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah (Yehudah); but the kingdom gave he to Yehoram; because he was the firstborn.

4 Now when Yehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Yisrael.

5 Yehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Yisrael, like as did the house of Achav; for he had the daughter of Achav as wife; and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of יהוה.

7 Howbeit יהוה would not destroy the house of Dawid, because of the covenant that He had made with Dawid, and as He promised to give a light to him and to his sons forever.

8 In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah (Yehudah), and made themselves a king.

9 Then Yehoram went forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him. And he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him in, and the captains of the chariots.

10 So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah (Yehudah) unto this day. The same time also did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken יהוה God (Elohim) of his fathers.

11 Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah (Yehudah), and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) to commit fornication, and compelled Judah (Yehudah) thereto.

12 And there came a writing to him from Eliyah the prophet, saying, “Thus saith יהוה God (Elohim) of Dawid your father: ‘Because you have not walked in the ways of Yehoshafat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah (Yehudah),

13 But hast walked in the way of the kings of Yisrael, and hast made Judah (Yehudah) and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Achav, and also hast slain your brethren of your father’s house, who were better than yourself;

14 Behold, with a great plague will יהוה smite your people, and your children, and your wives, and all your goods;

15 And you shalt have great sickness by disease of your bowels, until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.

16 Moreover יהוה stirred up against Yehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians (Kushim).

17 And they came up into Judah (Yehudah), and broke into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king’s house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, except Yehoachaz, the youngest of his sons.

18 And after all this יהוה smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.

19 And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness; so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.

20 Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of Dawid, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.

22

1 And the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) made Achazyah his youngest son king in his stead, for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Achazyah the son of Yehoram king of Judah (Yehudah) reigned.

2 Forty and two years old was Achazyah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name also was Atalyah the daughter of Omri.

3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Achav, for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.

4 Wherefore he did evil in the sight of יהוה like the house of Achav; for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.

5 He walked also after their counsel, and went with Yehoram the son of Achav king of Yisrael to war against Hazael king of Syria (Aram) at Ramot-Gilad; and the Syrians (Arammim) smote Yoram.

6 And he returned to be healed in Yizreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria (Aram). And Azaryah the son of Yehoram king of Judah (Yehudah) went down to see Yehoram the son of Achav at Yizreel, because he was sick.

7 And the destruction of Achazyah was of God (Elohim) by coming to Yoram; for when he was come, he went out with Yehoram against Yehu the son of Nimshi, whom יהוה had anointed to cut off the house of Achav.

8 And it came to pass, that, when Yehu was executing judgment upon the house of Achav, and found the princes of Judah (Yehudah), and the sons of the brethren of Achazyah, that ministered to Achazyah, he slew them.

9 And he sought Achazyah and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria (Shomeron)) and brought him to Yehu; and when they had slain him, they buried him; because, said they, “He is the grandson of Yehoshafat, who sought יהוה with all his heart.” So the house of Achazyah had no power to keep still the kingdom.

10 But when Atalyah the mother of Achazyah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah (Yehudah).

11 But Yehoshavat, the daughter of the king, took Yoash the son of Achazyah, and stole him from among the king’s sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Yehoshavat, the daughter of king Yehoram, the wife of Yehoyada the priest (kohen), (for she was the sister of Achazyah,) hid him from Atalyah, so that she slew him not.

12 And he was with them hid in the house of God (Elohim) six years, and Atalyah reigned over the land.

23

1 And in the seventh year Yehoyada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azaryah the son of Yeroham, and Yishmael the son of Yehochanan, and Azaryah the son of Oved, and Maaseyahu the son of Adayah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.

2 And they went about in Judah (Yehudah), and gathered the Levites (Lewiyim) out of all the cities of Judah (Yehudah), and the chief of the fathers of Yisrael, and they came to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

3 And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God (Elohim). And he said unto them, “Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as יהוה hath said of the sons of Dawid.

4 This is the thing that you shall do: A third part of you entering on the Shabbat, of the priests (kohanim) and of the Levites (Lewiyim), shall be porters of the doors;

5 And a third part shall be at the king’s house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of יהוה.

6 But let none come into the house of יהוה, except the priests (kohanim), and they that minister of the Levites (Lewiyim); they shall go in, for they are holy; but all the people shall keep the watch of יהוה.

7 And the Levites (Lewiyim) shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever else cometh into the house, he shall be put to death; but be you with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.”

8 So the Levites (Lewiyim) and all Judah (Yehudah) did according to all things that Yehoyada the priest (kohen) had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the Shabbat, with them that were to go out on the Shabbat; for Yehoyada the priest (kohen) dismissed not the courses.

9 Moreover Yehoyada the priest (kohen) delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been King Dawid’s, which were in the house of God (Elohim).

10 And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.

11 Then they brought out the king’s son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Yehoyada and his sons anointed him, and said, “Long live the king!”

12 Now when Atalyah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of יהוה.

13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Atalyah rent her clothes, and said, “Treason! Treason!”

14 Then Yehoyada the priest (kohen) brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the army, and said unto them, “Have her forth of the ranges; and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest (kohen) said, “Slay her not in the house of יהוה.”

15 So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king’s house, they slew her there.

16 And Yehoyada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be יהוה’s people.

17 Then all the people went to the house of the Baal, and broke it down, and broke his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest (kohen) of the Baal before the altars.

18 Also Yehoyada appointed the offices of the house of יהוה by the hand of the priests (kohanim) the Levites (Lewiyim), whom Dawid had distributed in the house of יהוה, to offer the burnt offerings of יהוה, as it is written in the Torah by Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by Dawid.

19 And he set the porters at the gates of the house of יהוה, that none which was unclean in anything should enter in.

20 And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of יהוה; and they came through the high gate into the king’s house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.

21 And all the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Atalyah with the sword.

24

1 Yoash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name also was Tsivyah of Beer-Sheva.

2 And Yoash did that which was right in the sight of יהוה all the days of Yehoyada the priest (kohen).

3 And Yehoyada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.

4 And it came to pass after this, that Yoash was minded to repair the house of יהוה.

5 And he gathered together the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim), and said to them, “Go out unto the cities of Judah (Yehudah), and gather of all Yisrael money to repair the house of your God (Elohim) from year to year, and see that you hasten the matter.” Howbeit the Levites (Lewiyim) hastened it not.

6 And the king called for Yehoyada the chief, and said unto him, “Why have you not required of the Levites (Lewiyim) to bring in out of Judah (Yehudah) and out of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) the collection, according to the commandment of Moses (Mosheh) the servant of יהוה, and of the congregation of Yisrael, for the tabernacle of witness?”

7 For the sons of Atalyah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God (Elohim); and also all the dedicated things of the house of יהוה did they bestow upon 34Baalim.

8 And at the king’s commandment they made a chest, and set it outside at the gate of the house of יהוה.

9 And they made a proclamation through Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), to bring in to יהוה the collection that Moses (Mosheh) the servant of God (Elohim) laid upon Yisrael in the wilderness.

10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.

11 Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s office by the hand of the Levites (Lewiyim), and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest (kohen gadol)’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

12 And the king and Yehoyada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of יהוה, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of יהוה, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of יהוה.

13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God (Elohim) in his state, and strengthened it.

14 And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Yehoyada, whereof were made vessels for the house of יהוה, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of יהוה continually all the days of Yehoyada.

15 But Yehoyada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; a hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.

16 And they buried him in the city of Dawid among the kings, because he had done good in Yisrael, both toward God (Elohim), and toward his house.

17 Now after the death of Yehoyada came the princes of Judah (Yehudah), and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

18 And they left the house of יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers, and served Asherim and idols; and wrath came upon Judah (Yehudah) and Yerushalayim for this their trespass.

19 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto יהוה; and they testified against them, but they would not give ear.

20 And the Spirit of God (Elohim) came upon Zechariah (Zekharyahu) the son of Yehoyada the priest (kohen), who stood above the people, and said unto them, “Thus saith God (Elohim): ‘Why transgress you the commandments of יהוה, that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken יהוה, He hath also forsaken you.’”

21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of יהוה.

22 Thus Yoash the king remembered not the kindness which Yehoyada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And as he was dying, he said, “יהוה look upon it, and require it.”

23 And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the army of Syria (Aram) came up against him; and they came to Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus (Dammeseq).

24 For the army of the Syrians (Arammim) came with a small company of men, and יהוה delivered a very great army into their hand, because they had forsaken יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Yoash.

25 And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Yehoyada the priest (kohen), and slew him on his bed, and he died; and they buried him in the city of Dawid, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.

26 And these are they that conspired against him: Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Yehozavad the son of Shimrith a Moavitess.

27 Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon him, and the repairing of the house of God (Elohim), behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amatsyah his son reigned in his stead.

25

1 Amatsyah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name was Yehoaddan of Yerushalayim.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of יהוה, but not with a perfect heart.

3 Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father.

4 But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the Torah in the Book of Moses (Mosheh), where יהוה commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.”

5 Moreover Amatsyah gathered Judah (Yehudah) together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin); and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.

6 He hired also a hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Yisrael for a hundred talents of silver.

7 But there came a man of God (Elohim) to him, saying, “O king, let not the army of Yisrael go with you, for יהוה is not with Yisrael, nor with all the children of Efrayim.

8 But if you wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle. God (Elohim) shall make you fall before the enemy, for God (Elohim) hath power to help, and to cast down.”

9 And Amatsyah said to the man of God (Elohim), “But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Yisrael?” And the man of God (Elohim) answered, “יהוה is able to give you much more than this.”

10 Then Amatsyah separated them, the army that was come to him out of Efrayim, to go home again; wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah (Yehudah), and they returned home in great anger.

11 And Amatsyah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.

12 And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah (Yehudah) carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

13 But the soldiers of the army which Amatsyah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah (Yehudah), from Samaria (Shomeron) even unto Beit-Choron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil.

14 Now it came to pass, after that Amatsyah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods (elohim) of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods (elohim), and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

15 Wherefore the anger of יהוה was kindled against Amatsyah, and He sent unto him a prophet, who said unto him, “Why have you sought after the gods (elohim) of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of your hand?”

16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, “Are you made of the king’s counsel? Forbear; why shouldest you be smitten?” Then the prophet forbare, and said, “I know that God (Elohim) hath determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.”

17 Then Amatsyah king of Judah (Yehudah) took advice, and sent to Yoash, the son of Yehoachaz, the son of Yehu, king of Yisrael, saying, “Come, let us face one another.”

18 And Yoash king of Yisrael sent to Amatsyah king of Judah (Yehudah), saying, “The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as wife; and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.

19 You sayest, “Behold, you have smitten the Edomites; and your heart lifteth you up to boast; abide now at home; why shouldest you meddle to your hurt, that you shouldest fall, even you, and Judah (Yehudah) with you?”

20 But Amatsyah would not hear; for it came of God (Elohim), that He might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods (elohim) of Edom.

21 So Yoash the king of Yisrael went up; and they faced one another, both he and Amatsyah king of Judah (Yehudah), at Beit-Shemesh, which belongeth to Judah (Yehudah).

22 And Judah (Yehudah) was put to the worse before Yisrael, and they fled every man to his tent.

23 And Yoash the king of Yisrael took Amatsyah king of Judah (Yehudah), the son of Yoash, the son of Yehoachaz, at Beit-Shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and broke down the wall of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) from the gate of Efrayim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

24 And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God (Elohim) with Oved-Edom, and the treasures of the king’s house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria (Shomeron).

25 And Amatsyah the son of Yoash king of Judah (Yehudah) lived after the death of Yoash son of Yehoachaz king of Yisrael fifteen years.

26 Now the rest of the acts of Amatsyah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah (Yehudah) and Yisrael?

27 Now after the time that Amatsyah did turn away from following יהוה they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); and he fled to Lachish, but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

28 And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah (Yehudah).

26

1 Then all the people of Judah (Yehudah) took Uzziyahu, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amatsyah.

2 He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah (Yehudah), after that the king slept with his fathers.

3 Sixteen years old was Uzziyahu when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name was Yekholyah of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

4 And he did that which was right in the sight of יהוה, according to all that his father Amatsyah did.

5 And he sought God (Elohim) in the days of Zechariah (Zekharyahu), who had understanding in the visions of God (Elohim); and as long as he sought יהוה, God (Elohim) made him to prosper.

6 And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Yavneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

7 And God (Elohim) helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.

8 And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziyahu; and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt (Mitsrayim), for he strengthened himself exceedingly.

9 Moreover Uzziyahu built towers in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.

10 Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells, for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains; husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved husbandry.

11 Moreover Uzziyahu had an army of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Yeiel the scribe and Maaseyahu the ruler, under the hand of Chananyahu, one of the king’s captains.

12 The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.

13 And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.

14 And Uzziyahu prepared for them throughout all the army shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.

15 And he made in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad, for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction, for he transgressed against יהוה his God (Elohim), and went into the temple of יהוה to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

17 And Azaryahu the priest (kohen) went in after him, and with him fourscore priests (kohanim) of יהוה, that were valiant men.

18 And they withstood Uzziyahu the king, and said unto him, “It is not for you, Uzziyahu, to burn incense unto יהוה, but for the priests (kohanim) the sons of Aaron (Aharon), that are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed; neither shall it be for your honor from God (Elohim) יהוה.”

19 Then Uzziyahu was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense; and while he was wroth with the priests (kohanim), the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests (kohanim) in the house of יהוה, from beside the incense altar.

20 And Azaryahu the chief priest (kohen), and all the priests (kohanim), looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because יהוה had smitten him.

21 And Uzziyahu the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of יהוה; and Yotam his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziyahu, first and last, did Isaiah (Yeshayahu) the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.

23 So Uzziyahu slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” And Yotam his son reigned in his stead.

27

1 Yotam was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name was Yerushah, the daughter of Zadok.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of יהוה, according to all that his father Uzziyahu did; howbeit he entered not into the temple of יהוה. And the people did yet corruptly.

3 He built the high gate of the house of יהוה, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.

4 Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah (Yehudah), and in the forests he built castles and towers.

5 He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year a hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third.

6 So Yotam became mighty, because he prepared his ways before יהוה his God (Elohim).

7 Now the rest of the acts of Yotam, and all his wars, and his ways, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Yisrael and Judah (Yehudah).

8 He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

9 And Yotam slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of Dawid. And Achaz his son reigned in his stead.

28

1 Achaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); but he did not that which was right in the sight of יהוה, like Dawid his father;

2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Yisrael, and made also molten images for the Baals (Baalim).

3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom יהוה had cast out before the children of Yisrael.

4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

5 Wherefore יהוה his God (Elohim) delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria (Aram); and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus (Dammeseq). And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Yisrael, who smote him with a great slaughter.

6 For Pekah the son of Remalyahu slew in Judah (Yehudah) a hundred and twenty thousand in one day, who were all valiant men; because they had forsaken יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers.

7 And Zichri, a mighty man of Efrayim, slew Maaseyahu the king’s son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.

8 And the children of Yisrael carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria (Shomeron).

9 But a prophet of יהוה was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out before the army that came to Samaria (Shomeron), and said unto them, “Behold, because יהוה God (Elohim) of your fathers was wroth with Judah (Yehudah), he hath delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.

10 And now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) for bondmen and bondwomen unto you; but are there not with you, even with you, sins against יהוה your God (Elohim)?

11 Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which you have taken captive of your brethren, for the fierce wrath of יהוה is upon you.

12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Efrayim, Azaryah the son of Yochanan, Berekhyah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah (Yechiz-kiyahu) the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,

13 And said unto them, “You shall not bring in the captives hither, for whereas we have offended against יהוה already, you intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass; for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Yisrael.”

14 So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.

15 And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Yericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren; then they returned to Samaria (Shomeron).

16 At that time did king Achaz send unto the kings of Assyria (Ashshur) to help him.

17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah (Yehudah), and carried away captives.

18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah (Yehudah), and had taken Beit-Shemesh, and Ayalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof; and they dwelt there.

19 For יהוה brought Judah (Yehudah) low because of Achaz king of Yisrael; for he made Judah (Yehudah) naked, and transgressed sore against יהוה.

20 And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria (Ashshur) came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

21 For Achaz took away a portion out of the house of יהוה, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria (Ashshur); but he helped him not.

22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against יהוה. This is that King Achaz.

23 For he sacrificed unto the gods (elohim) of Damascus (Dammeseq), which smote him; and he said, “Because the gods (elohim) of the kings of Syria (Aram) help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me.” But they were the ruin of him, and of all Yisrael.

24 And Achaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God (Elohim), and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God (Elohim), and shut up the doors of the house of יהוה, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

25 And in every several city of Judah (Yehudah) he made high places to burn incense unto other gods (elohim), and provoked to anger יהוה God (Elohim) of his fathers.

26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah (Yehudah) and Yisrael.

27 And Achaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Yisrael. And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) his son reigned in his stead.

29

1 Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). His mother’s name was Aviyah, the daughter of Zechariah (Zekharyahu).

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of יהוה, according to all that Dawid his father had done.

3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of יהוה, and repaired them.

4 And he brought in the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim), and gathered them together into the east street,

5 And said unto them, “Hear me, you Levites (Lewiyim), sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of יהוה God (Elohim) of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

6 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of יהוה our God (Elohim), and have forsaken Him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of יהוה, and turned their backs.

7 Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael).

8 Wherefore the wrath of יהוה was upon Judah (Yehudah) and Yerushalayim, and He hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as you see with your eyes.

9 For, behold, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.

10 Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), that His fierce wrath may turn away from us.

11 My sons, be not now negligent; for יהוה hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister unto Him, and burn incense.”

12 Then the Levites (Lewiyim) arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Yoel the son of Azaryahu, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari: Kish the son of Avdi, and Azaryahu the son of Yehallelel; and of the Gershonites: Yoach the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Yoach;

13 And of the sons of Elizaphan: Shimri, and Yeiel; and of the sons of Asaph: Zechariah (Zekharyahu), and Mattanyah;

14 And of the sons of Heman: Yeiel, and Shimei; and of the sons of Yedutun: Shemayah, and Uzziel.

15 And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of יהוה, to cleanse the house of יהוה.

16 And the priests (kohanim) went into the inner part of the house of יהוה, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of יהוה into the court of the house of יהוה. And the Levites (Lewiyim) took it, to carry it out abroad into the Brook Kidron.

17 Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of יהוה; so they sanctified the house of יהוה in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

18 Then they went in to Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) the king, and said, “We have cleansed all the house of יהוה, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof.

19 Moreover all the vessels, which King Achaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of יהוה.”

20 Then Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of יהוה.

21 And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah (Yehudah). And he commanded the priests (kohanim) the sons of Aaron (Aharon) to offer them on the altar of יהוה.

22 So they killed the bullocks, and the priests (kohanim) received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar; likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar; they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.

23 And they brought forth the he goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them.

24 And the priests (kohanim) killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Yisrael, for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Yisrael.

25 And he set the Levites (Lewiyim) in the house of יהוה with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of Dawid, and of Gad the king’s seer, and Nathan the prophet; for so was the commandment of יהוה by His prophets.

26 And the Levites (Lewiyim) stood with the instruments of Dawid, and the priests (kohanim) with the trumpets.

27 And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of יהוה began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by Dawid king of Yisrael.

28 And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

29 And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped.

30 Moreover Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) the king and the princes commanded the Levites (Lewiyim) to sing praise unto יהוה with the words of Dawid, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

31 Then Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) answered and said, “Now you have consecrated yourselves unto יהוה, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of יהוה.” And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

32 And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to יהוה.

33 And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

34 But the priests (kohanim) were too few, so that they could not skin all the burnt offerings; wherefore their brethren the Levites (Lewiyim) did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests (kohanim) had sanctified themselves; for the Levites (Lewiyim) were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests (kohanim).

35 And also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of יהוה was set in order.

36 And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) rejoiced, and all the people, that God (Elohim) had prepared the people; for the thing was done suddenly.

30

1 And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) sent to all Yisrael and Judah (Yehudah), and wrote letters also to Efrayim and Menashsheh, that they should come to the house of יהוה at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), to keep the Passover (Pesach) unto יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael).

2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), to keep the Passover (Pesach) in the second month.

3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests (kohanim) had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

4 And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.

5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Yisrael, from Beer-Sheva even to Dan, that they should come to keep the Passover (Pesach) unto יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael) at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written.

6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Yisrael and Judah (Yehudah), and according to the commandment of the king, saying, “You children of Yisrael, turn again unto יהוה God (Elohim) of Avraham, Isaac (Yitschaq), and Yisrael, and He will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria (Ashshur).

7 And be not you like your fathers, and like your brethren, who trespassed against יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as you see.

8 Now be you not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto יהוה, and enter into His sanctuary, which He hath sanctified forever; and serve יהוה your God (Elohim), that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you.

9 For if you turn again unto יהוה, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land; for יהוה your God (Elohim) is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away His face from you, if you return unto Him.”

10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Efrayim and Menashsheh even unto Zevulun; but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

11 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Menashsheh and of Zevulun humbled themselves, and came to Yerushalayim.

12 Also in Judah (Yehudah) the hand of God (Elohim) was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of יהוה.

13 And there assembled at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) much people to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot) in the second month, a very great congregation.

14 And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the Brook Kidron.

15 Then they killed the Passover (Pesach) on the fourteenth day of the second month; and the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of יהוה.

16 And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the Torah by Moses the man of God (Elohim); the priests (kohanim) sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites (Lewiyim).

17 For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified; therefore the Levites (Lewiyim) had the charge of the killing of the Passover lambs (Pesachim) for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto יהוה.

18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Efrayim, and Menashsheh, Yissaskhar, and Zevulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the Passover lamb (Pesach) otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) prayed for them, saying, “May יהוה Who is good, pardon every one,

19 who prepareth his heart to seek God (Elohim), יהוה God (Elohim) of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.”

20 And יהוה hearkened to Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu), and healed the people.

21 And the children of Yisrael that were present at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot) seven days with great gladness; and the Levites (Lewiyim) and the priests (kohanim) praised יהוה day by day, singing with loud instruments unto יהוה.

22 And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) spake comfortably unto all the Levites (Lewiyim) that taught the good knowledge of יהוה; and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers.

23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days; and they kept other seven days with gladness.

24 For Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) king of Judah (Yehudah) did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep; and a great number of priests (kohanim) sanctified themselves.

25 And all the congregation of Judah (Yehudah), with the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim), and all the congregation that came out of Yisrael, and the strangers that came out of the land of Yisrael, and that dwelt in Judah (Yehudah), rejoiced.

26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), for since the time of Solomon (Shelomoh) the son of Dawid king of Yisrael there was not the like in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

27 Then the priests (kohanim) the Levites (Lewiyim) arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

31

1 Now when all this was finished, all Yisrael that were present went out to the cities of Judah (Yehudah), and broke the pillars in pieces, and cut down the Asherim, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin), in Efrayim also and Menashsheh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Yisrael returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

2 And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) appointed the courses of the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests (kohanim) and Levites (Lewiyim) for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of יהוה.

3 He appointed also the king’s portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Shabbats, and for the New Moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the Torah of יהוה.

4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) to give the portion of the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim), that they might be encouraged in the Torah of יהוה.

5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Yisrael brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

6 And concerning the children of Yisrael and Judah (Yehudah), that dwelt in the cities of Judah (Yehudah), they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto יהוה their God (Elohim), and laid them by heaps.

7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

8 And when Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed יהוה, and His people Yisrael.

9 Then Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) questioned with the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) concerning the heaps.

10 And Azaryahu the chief priest (kohen) of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, “Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of יהוה, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty; for יהוה hath blessed His people; and that which is left is this great store.”

11 Then Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) commanded to prepare chambers in the house of יהוה; and they prepared them,

12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully, over which Konanyahu the Lewite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.

13 And Yeiel, and Azazyahu, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Yerimot, and Yozavad, and Eliel, and Yismakhiyahu, and Mahath, and Benayah, were overseers under the hand of Konanyahu and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) the king, and Azaryahu the ruler of the house of God (Elohim).

14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Lewite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God (Elohim), to distribute the oblations of יהוה, and the most holy things.

15 And next to him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Joshua (Yeshua), and Shema-yahu, Amaryahu, and Shekhanyahu, in the cities of the priests (kohanim), in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small.

16 Besides their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of יהוה, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;

17 Both to the genealogy of the priests (kohanim) by the house of their fathers, and the Levites (Lewiyim) from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation; for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness.

19 Also of the sons of Aaron (Aharon) the priests (kohanim), who were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests (kohanim), and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites (Lewiyim).

20 And thus did Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) throughout all Judah (Yehudah), and wrought that which was good and right and truth before יהוה his God (Elohim).

21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God (Elohim), and in the Torah, and in the commandments, to seek his God (Elohim), he did it with all his heart and prospered.

32

1 After these things, and the establishment thereof, Senna-cherib king of Assyria (Ashshur) came, and entered into Judah (Yehudah), and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself.

2 And when Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem (Yerushalayim),

3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were outside the city; and they did help him.

4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, “Why should the kings of Assyria (Ashshur) come, and find much water?”

5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall outside, and repaired Millo in the city of Dawid, and made darts and shields in abundance.

6 And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,

7 “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria (Ashshur), nor for all the multitude that is with him; for there be more with us than with him.

8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is יהוה our God (Elohim) to help us, and to fight our battles.” And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) king of Judah (Yehudah).

9 After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria (Ashshur) send his servants to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) king of Judah (Yehudah), and unto all Judah (Yehudah) that were at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), saying,

10 “Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria (Ashshur): ‘Whereon do you trust, that you abide in the siege in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim)?

11 Doth not Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, “יהוה our God (Elohim) shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria (Ashshur)?”

12 Hath not the same Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), saying, “You shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?”

13 Know you not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of other lands? Were the gods (elohim) of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand?

14 Who was there among all the gods (elohim) of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God (Elohim) should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?

15 Now therefore let not Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him; for no god (eloah) of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers; how much less shall your God (Elohim) deliver you out of mine hand?

16 And his servants spake yet more against יהוה God (Elohim), and against His servant Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu).

17 He wrote also letters to rail on יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), and to speak against him, saying, “As the gods (elohim) of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God (Elohim) of Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) deliver His people out of mine hand.”

18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ (Yehudim) speech unto the people of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

19 And they spake against the God (Elohim) of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), as against the gods (elohim) of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man.

20 And for this cause Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) the king, and the prophet Isaiah (Yeshayahu) the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

21 And יהוה sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria (Ashshur). So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god (eloah), they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

22 Thus יהוה saved Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria (Ashshur), and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side.

23 And many brought gifts unto יהוה to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and presents to Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) king of Judah (Yehudah); so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

24 In those days Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) was sick to the death, and prayed unto יהוה; and He spake unto him, and He gave him a sign.

25 But Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up; therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), so that the wrath of יהוה came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu).

27 And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) had exceeding much riches and honor; and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;

28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.

29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance, for God (Elohim) had given him substance very much.

30 This same Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of Dawid. And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) prospered in all his works.

31 Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon (Bavel), who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God (Elohim) left him, to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu), and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah (Yeshayahu) the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah (Yehudah) and Yisrael.

33 And Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of Dawid; and all Judah (Yehudah) and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) did him honor at his death. And Menashsheh his son reigned in his stead.

33

1 Menashsheh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim);

2 But he did that which was evil in the sight of יהוה, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom יהוה had cast out before the children of Yisrael.

3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu) his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baals (Baalim), and made Asherahs (Asherim), and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

4 Also he built altars in the house of יהוה, whereof יהוה had said, “In Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) shall My name be forever.”

5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of יהוה.

6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards; he wrought much evil in the sight of יהוה, to provoke Him to anger.

7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God (Elohim), of which God (Elohim) had said to Dawid and to Solomon (Shelomoh) his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), which I have chosen before all the tribes of Yisrael, will I put My name forever.

8 Neither will I anymore remove the foot of Yisrael from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole Torah and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses (Mosheh).”

9 So Menashsheh made Judah (Yehudah) and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom יהוה had destroyed before the children of Yisrael.

10 And יהוה spake to Menashsheh, and to His people, but they would not hearken.

11 Wherefore יהוה brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria (Ashshur), who took Menashsheh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon (Bavel).

12 And when he was in affliction, he besought יהוה his God (Elohim), and humbled himself greatly before the God (Elohim) of his fathers,

13 And prayed unto Him; and He was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) into his kingdom. Then Menashsheh knew that יהוה He was God (Elohim).

14 Now after this he built a wall outside the city of Dawid, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah (Yehudah).

15 And he took away the strange gods (elohim), and the idol out of the house of יהוה, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of יהוה, and in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and cast them out of the city.

16 And he repaired the altar of יהוה, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah (Yehudah) to serve יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael).

17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto יהוה their God (Elohim) only.

18 Now the rest of the acts of Menashsheh, and his prayer unto his God (Elohim), and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Yisrael.

19 His prayer also, and how God (Elohim) was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up Asherahs (Asherim) and graven images, before he was humbled; behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers.

20 So Menashsheh slept (rested) with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house; and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

21 Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of יהוה, as did Menashsheh his father, for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Menashsheh his father had made, and served them;

23 And humbled not himself before יהוה, as Menashsheh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

24 And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house.

25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah (Yoshiyahu) his son king in his stead.

34

1 Josiah (Yoshiyahu) was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) one and thirty years.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of יהוה, and walked in the ways of Dawid his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God (Elohim) of Dawid his father; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) from the high places, and the Asherim, and the carved images, and the molten images.

4 And they broke down the altars of the Baals (Baalim) in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the Asherahs (Asherim), and the carved images, and the molten images, he broke in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.

5 And he burnt the bones of the priests (kohanim) upon their altars, and cleansed Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

6 And so did he in the cities of Menashsheh, and Efrayim, and Shimon, even unto Naftali, with their mattocks round about.

7 And when he had broken down the altars and the Asherahs (Asherim), and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Yisrael, he returned to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Atsalyahu, and Maaseyahu the governor of the city, and Yoach the son of Yoachaz the recorder, to repair the house of יהוה his God (Elohim).

9 And when they came to Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu) the high priest (kohen gadol), they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God (Elohim), which the Levites (Lewiyim) that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Menashsheh and Efrayim, and of all the remnant of Yisrael, and of all Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin); and they returned to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

10 And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of יהוה, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of יהוה, to repair and amend the house.

11 Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah (Yehudah) had destroyed.

12 And the men did the work faithfully; and the overseers of them were Jahath (Yachat) and Obadiah (Ovadyah), the Levites (Lewiyim), of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah (Zekharyahu) and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and other of the Levites (Lewiyim), all that could skill of instruments of musick.

13 Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service; and of the Levites (Lewiyim) there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

14 And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of יהוה, Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu) the priest (kohen) found a Book of the Torah of יהוה given by Moses (Mosheh).

15 And Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu) answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Torah in the house of יהוה. And Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu) delivered the book to Shaphan.

16 And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, “All that was committed to your servants, they do it.”

17 And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of יהוה, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.

18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu) the priest (kohen) hath given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king.

19 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the Torah, that he rent his clothes.

20 And the king commanded Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu), and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Avdon the son of Mikhah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asayah a servant of the king’s, saying,

21 “Go, enquire of יהוה for me, and for them that are left in Yisrael and in Judah (Yehudah), concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of יהוה that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of יהוה, to do after all that is written in this book.”

22 And Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu), and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess (neviah), the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) in the college;) and they spake to her to that effect.

23 And she answered them, “Thus saith יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael): ‘Tell you the man that sent you to Me,

24 Thus saith יהוה: “Behold, I will bring disaster (raah) upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah (Yehudah),

25 Because they have forsaken Me, and have burned incense unto other gods (elohim), that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore My wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.”’

26 And as for the king of Judah (Yehudah), who sent you to enquire of יהוה, so shall you say unto him, ‘Thus saith יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael) concerning the words which you have heard:

27 “Because your heart was tender, and you didst humble yourself before God (Elohim), when you heardest His words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst yourself before Me, and didst rend your clothes, and weep before Me; I have even heard you also,” saith יהוה.

28 “Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shalt be gathered to your grave in peace, neither shall your eyes see all the disaster (raah) that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same.”’” So they brought the king word again.

29 Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

30 And the king went up into the house of יהוה, and all the men of Judah (Yehudah), and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and all the people, great and small; and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of יהוה.

31 And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before יהוה, to walk after יהוה, and to keep His commandments, and His testimonies, and His statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.

32 And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) and Benjamin (Binyamin) to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) did according to the covenant of God (Elohim), the God (Elohim) of their fathers.

33 And Josiah (Yoshiyahu) took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Yisrael, and made all that were present in Yisrael to serve, even to serve יהוה their God (Elohim). And all his days they departed not from following יהוה, the God (Elohim) of their fathers.

35

1 Moreover Josiah (Yoshiyahu) kept a Passover (Pesach) unto יהוה in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); and they killed the Passover lamb (Pesach) on the fourteenth day of the first month.

2 And he set the priests (kohanim) in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of יהוה,

3 And said unto the Levites (Lewiyim) that taught all Yisrael, which were holy unto יהוה: “Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon (Shelomoh) the son of Dawid king of Yisrael did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders. Serve now יהוה your God (Elohim), and His people Yisrael,

4 And prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of Dawid king of Yisrael, and according to the writing of Solomon (Shelomoh) his son.

5 And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people, and after the division of the families of the Levites (Lewiyim).

6 So kill the Passover lamb (Pesach), and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of יהוה by the hand of Moses (Mosheh).”

7 And Josiah (Yoshiyahu) gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the Passover (Pesach) offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks; these were of the king’s substance.

8 And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests (kohanim), and to the Levites (Lewiyim); Hilkiah (Chilqiyahu) and Zechariah (Zekharyahu) and Yeiel, rulers of the house of God (Elohim), gave unto the priests (kohanim) for the Passover (Pesach) offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen.

9 Konanyahu also, and Shemayah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Chashavyah and Yeiel and Yozavad, chief of the Levites (Lewiyim), gave unto the Levites (Lewiyim) for Passover (Pesach) offerings five thousand small cattle, and five hundred oxen.

10 So the service was prepared, and the priests (kohanim) stood in their place, and the Levites (Lewiyim) in their courses, according to the king’s commandment.

11 And they killed the Passover lamb (Pesach), and the priests (kohanim) sprinkled the blood from their hands, and the Levites (Lewiyim) skinned them.

12 And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto יהוה, as it is written in the book of Moses (Mosheh). And so did they with the oxen.

13 And they roasted the Passover lamb (Pesach) with fire according to the ordinance; but the other holy offerings boiled they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.

14 And afterward they made ready for themselves and for the priests (kohanim), because the priests (kohanim) the sons of Aaron (Aharon) were busied in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites (Lewiyim) prepared for themselves, and for the priests (kohanim) the sons of Aaron (Aharon).

15 And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of Dawid, and Asaph, and Heman, and Yedutun the king’s seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites (Lewiyim) prepared for them.

16 So all the service of יהוה was prepared the same day, to keep the Passover (Pesach), and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of יהוה, according to the commandment of King Josiah (Yoshiyahu).

17 And the children of Yisrael that were present kept the Passover (Pesach) at that time, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot) seven days.

18 And there was no Passover (Pesach) like to that kept in Yisrael from the days of Shemuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Yisrael keep such a Passover (Pesach) as Josiah (Yoshi-yahu) kept, and the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and all Judah (Yehudah) and Yisrael that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah (Yoshiyahu) was this Passover (Pesach) kept.

20 After all this, when Josiah (Yoshiyahu) had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt (Mitsrayim) came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates; and Josiah (Yoshiyahu) went out against him.

21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, you king of Judah (Yehudah)? I come not against you this day, but against the house wherewith I have war, for God (Elohim) commanded me to make haste; forbear you from meddling with God (Elohim), who is with me, that he destroys you not.”

22 Nevertheless Josiah (Yoshiyahu) would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God (Elohim), and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

23 And the archers shot at King Josiah (Yoshiyahu); and the king said to his servants, “Have me away, for I am sore wounded.”

24 His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) mourned for Josiah (Yoshiyahu).

25 And Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) lamented for Josiah (Yoshiyahu); and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah (Yoshiyahu) in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Yisrael; and, behold, they are written in the Lamentations.

26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah (Yoshiyahu), and his goodness, according to that which was written in the Torah of יהוה,

27 And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Yisrael and Judah (Yehudah).

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1 Then the people of the land took Yehoachaz the son of Josiah (Yoshiyahu), and made him king in his father’s stead in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

2 Yehoachaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

3 And the king of Egypt (Mitsrayim) put him down at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and condemned the land in a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

4 And the king of Egypt (Mitsrayim) made Elyaqim his brother king over Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and turned his name to Yehoyaqim. And Necho took Yehoachaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt (Mitsrayim).

5 Yehoyaqim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); and he did that which was evil in the sight of יהוה his God (Elohim).

6 Against him came up Nebuchanezzar king of Babylon (Bavel), and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon (Bavel).

7 Nebuchanezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of יהוה to Babylon (Bavel), and put them in his temple at Babylon (Bavel).

8 Now the rest of the acts of Yehoyaqim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Yisrael and Judah (Yehudah); and Yehoyakhin his son reigned in his stead.

9 Yehoyakhin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). And he did that which was evil in the sight of יהוה.

10 And when the year was expired, King Nebuchanezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon (Bavel), with the goodly vessels of the house of יהוה, and made Zedekiah (Tsidkiyahu) his brother king over Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

11 Zedekiah (Tsidkiyahu) was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

12 And he did that which was evil in the sight of יהוה his God (Elohim), and humbled not himself before Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) the prophet speaking from the mouth of יהוה.

13 And he also rebelled against King Nebuchanezzar, who had made him swear by God (Elohim); but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael).

14 Moreover all the chief of the priests (kohanim), and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of יהוה which he had hallowed in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

15 And יהוה God (Elohim) of their fathers sent to them by His messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on His people, and on His dwelling place;

16 But they mocked the messengers of God (Elohim), and despised His words, and misused His prophets, until the wrath of יהוה arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

17 Therefore He brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house their sanctuary, and had no young men compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age; He gave them all into his hand.

18 And all the vessels of the house of God (Elohim), great and small, and the treasures of the house of יהוה, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon (Bavel).

19 And they burnt the house of God (Elohim), and broke down the wall of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon (Bavel), where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia,

21 To fulfil the word of יהוה by the mouth of Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu), until the land had enjoyed her Shabbats; for as long as she lay

desolate she kept Shabbat, to fulfil threescore and ten (seventy) years.

22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of יהוה spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) might be accomplished, יהוה stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

23 “Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth hath יהוה God of heaven (Elohei shamayim) given me; and He hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), which is in Judah (Yehudah). Who is there among you of all His people? יהוה his God (Elohim) be with him, and let him go up.’”