 CHAPTER X Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines followed hard after Saul and after his sons, and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Ambinadab, and Malkeshua, the sons of Saul. The battle went hard against Saul, and the archers overtook him, and he was distressed by reason of the archers. When Saul said to his armor-bearer, Draw your sword and thrust me through with it lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armor-bearer would not, for he was terrified. Therefore Saul took his sword and fell on it. When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword and died. So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together. Then all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead. They forsook their cities, and fled, and the Philistines came and lived in them. It happened on the next day when the Philistines came to strip the slain that they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They stripped him, and took his head, and his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines all around to carry the news to their idols and to the people. They put his armor in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the house of Dagon. When all J. Beshe-Gilly had heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and took away the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to J. Beshe, and buried their bones under the oak in J. Beshe, and fasted seven days. So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Yahweh because of the word of Yahweh which he didn't keep, and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit to inquire and didn't inquire of Yahweh. Therefore he killed him, and turned the kingdom to David, the son of Jesse. CHAPTER 11 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David and Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh in times past, even when Saul was king. It was you who led out and brought in Israel. Yahweh, your God, said to you, You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel. So all the elders of Israel came to the king of Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh, and they anointed David, king over Israel, according to the word of Yahweh, by Samuel. David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, the same as Jebus, and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, You shall not come in here. Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion, the same as the city of David. David said, Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. Joab, the son of Zariuiah, went up first, and was made chief. David lived in the stronghold, therefore they called it the city of David. He built the city all around, from Milo, even around, and Joab repaired the rest of the city. David grew greater and greater, for Yahweh of armies was with him. Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him and his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of Yahweh, concerning Israel. This is the number of the mighty men whom David had. Jeshobeim, the son of Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty, he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time. After him was Eleazar, the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. He was with David at Pashtamim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where there was a plot of ground full of barley, and the people fled from before the Philistines. They stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines, and Yahweh saved them by a great victory. Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adulam, and the army of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rhafiam. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. David longed, and said, Oh, that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate. The three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David. But David would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh, and said, May God forbid it me that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy? For they risked their lives to bring it. Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things. Mabashai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three, for he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and killed them, and had a name among the three. Of the three he was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain. However he didn't attain to the three. Baniah, the son of Jehoedah, the son of a valiant man of Kabziel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He went down also, and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow. He killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high, and in the Egyptians hand was a spear like a weaver's beam, and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptians hand, and killed him with his own spear. Baniah, the son of Jehoedah, did these things, and had a name among the three mighty men. Although he was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn't attain to the three. And David set him over his guard. Also the mighty men of the armies, Asahel, the brother of Joab, Alhanan, the son of Dodot, of Bethlehem, Shamoth, the Harorite, Helaiz, the Pelennite, Ira, the son of Ikesh, the Techoite, Abbe Azar, the Anothothite, Sibachai, the Hushethite, Eli, the Ahohite, Mahurai, the Nitophothite, Helaiz, the son of Banna, the Nitophothite, Ithai, the son of Ribeye, of Gebeye, of the children of Benjamin, Baniah, the Parothonite, Hurai, of the Brooks of Gash, Abbe El, the Arbothite, Asmaveth, the Bahuramite, Elihabah, the Shaalbunite, the sons of Hashem, the Gizonite, Jonathan, the son of Shageh, the Harorite, Ahayem, the son of Sakhar, the Harorite, Elifal, the son of Ur, Heifer, the Mecharothite, Ahaja, the Pelennite, Hezro, the Carmelite, Naari, the son of Ezbi, Joel, the brother of Nathan, Mibhar, the son of Hagri, Zelec, the Ammonite, Nahari, the Barothite, the Armourbearer of Joab, the son of Zaryariah, Ira, the Ithrite, Gereb, the Ithrite, Uriah, the Hittite, Zabad, the son of Ahalai, Adina, the son of Shiza, the Rubonite, a chief of the Rubonites, and Thirty with him, Hanan, the son of Maka, and Jehoshaphat, the Mithnite, Uzayah, the Ash-Terrathite, Shama, and Jail, the sons of Hotham, the Arorite, Jail, the son of Shemri, and Johah, his brother, the Tizite, Eliel, the Moabite, and Jerabai, and Jochaviah, the sons of El-Naam, and Ifma, the Moabite, Eliel, and Obed, and Jeaziel, the Mozobite. CHAPTER XII These are those who came to David, to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close, because of Saul, the son of Kish, and they were among the mighty men, his helpers in war. They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones, and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were of Saul's brothers of Benjamin, the chief was Ahiazer, then Joach, the sons of Shema, the Gibiothite, and Jeziel, and Pellet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Veracah, and Jehu, the Anothothite, and Ishmaiah, the Gibionite, a mighty man among the Thirty, and over the Thirty, and Jeremiah, and Jehaziel, and Johanan, and Jeozabab, the Ghetorothite, Eluzai, and Jeriamoth, and Bialia, and Shemariah, and Shifatia, the Harufite, El-Kana, and Ishaia, and Azrael, and Joazer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites, and Joella, and Zebediah, the sons of Jeroam, of Gator. Of the Gaddites they separated themselves to David, to the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of Valor, men trained for war that could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the rose on the mountains. Azer, the chief, Obadiah, the second, Eliab, the third, Mishmenah, the fourth, Jeremiah, the fifth, Atai, the sixth, Eliel, the seventh, Johanan, the eighth, El-Zabad, the ninth, Jeremiah, the tenth, Mack-Benei, the eleventh. These of the sons of Gadd were captains of the army. He who was least was equal to one hundred, and the greatest to one thousand. These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks, and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east and toward the west. There came of the children of Benjamin and of Judah to the stronghold of David. David went out to meet them, and answered them, If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart shall be knit to you. But if you have come to betray me to my adversaries, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it. Then the spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said, We are yours, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse, Peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers, for your God helps you. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band. Of Manasseh also there fell away some to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle. But they didn't help them, for the lords of the Philistines sent him away after consultations, saying he will fall away to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads. As he went to Ziklag there fell to him of Manasseh, Adna, and Josabad, and Jadiel, and Michael, and Josabad, and Elihu, and Zillah Thay, captains of thousands who were of Manasseh. They helped David against the band of rovers, for they were all mighty men of Valor, and were captains in the army. For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like the army of God. These are the numbers of the heads of those who were armed for war, who came to David to Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of Yahweh. The children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred armed for war. Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of Valor for the war, seven thousand and one hundred. Of the children of Levi, four thousand and six hundred. Jehoedah was the leader of the household of Aaron, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred, and Zadok, a young man mighty of Valor, and of his father's house, twenty-two captains. Of the children of Benjamin, the brothers of Saul, three thousand, for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to the house of Saul. Of the children of Ephraim, twenty thousand, eight hundred, mighty men of Valor, famous men in their father's houses. Of the half-tribe of Manasseh, eighteen thousand, who were mentioned by name to come and make David king. Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred, and all their brothers were at their commandment. Of Zebulon, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array with all kinds of instruments of war, fifty thousand, and who could command and were not of double heart. Of Neftali, one thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty-seven thousand. Of the Danites, who could set the battle in array twenty-eight thousand six hundred. Of Asher, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array forty thousand. On the other side of the Jordan, of the Rubinites, and the Gaddites, and of the half-tribe of Manasseh, with all kinds of instruments of war for the battle, one hundred twenty thousand. All these being men of war, who could order the battle array, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel, and all the rest of Israel were of one heart to make David king. They were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them. Moreover, those who were near to them, as far as Issachar and Zebulon and Neftali, brought bread on donkeys, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen. Food of meal, cakes of figs, and clusters of raisins, and wine, and oil, and cattle, and sheep in abundance, for there was joy in Israel. CHAPTER XIII. David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader. David said to all the assembly of Israel, If it seems good to you, and if it is of Yahweh our God, let us send abroad everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs that they may gather themselves to us, and let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we didn't seek it in the days of Saul. All the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. So David assembled all Israel together, from Shaior, the brook of Egypt, even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kyriath-Jerim. David went up, and all Israel, to Ba'ala, that is, to Kyriath-Jerim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God Yahweh that sits above the cherubim that is called by the name. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio drove the cart. David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. When they came to the threshing floor of Qaidon, Uzzah put forth his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him, because he put forth his hand to the ark, and there he died before God. David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzzah, and he called that place Peres-Uzzah, to this day. David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? So David didn't move the ark to him in the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed Edim, the Getite. The ark of God remained with the family of Obed Edim in his house three months, and Yahweh blessed the house of Obed Edim, and all that he had. CHAPTER XIV Hyrum, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David, and cedar-trees, and masons, and carpenters to build him a house. David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel, for his kingdom was exalted on high for his people Israel's sake. David took more wives at Jerusalem, and David became the father of more sons and daughters. These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem. Shamua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet, and Noga, and Nefeg, and Japhaya, and Elishama, and Bailaida, and Elaphilet. When the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David, and David heard of it, and went out against them. Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rhafiam. David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to him, Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand. So they came up to Baal Parazim, and David struck them there, and David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Parazim. They left their gods there, and David gave commandment, and they were burned with fire. The Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. David inquired again of God, and God said to him, You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees. It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines. David did, as God commanded him, and they struck the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazar. The fame of David went out into all lands, and Yahweh brought the fear of him, on all nations. CHAPTER XV David made him houses in the city of David, and he prepared a place for the Ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, No one ought to carry the Ark of God but the Levites, for Yahweh has chosen them to carry the Ark of God, and to minister to him for ever. David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the Ark of Yahweh to its place which he had prepared for it. David gathered together the sons of Aaron and the Levites, of the sons of Cohoff, Uriel the Chief, and his brothers 120, of the sons of Morari, Asiah the Chief, and his brothers 220, of the sons of Gershom, Joel the Chief, and his brothers 130, of the sons of Elziphon, Shamiah the Chief, and his brothers 200, of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the Chief, and his brothers 80, of the sons of Uziel, Aminadab the Chief, and his brothers 112. David called for Zadok and Abayathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asiah, and Joel, Shamiah, and Eliel, and Aminadab, and said to them, You are the heads of the Father's households of the Levites. Sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you may bring up the Ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. For because you didn't carry it at first, Yahweh our God made broke out against us, because we didn't seek him according to the ordinance. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the Ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The children of the Levites bore the Ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses commanded according to the Word of Yahweh. David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers the singers, with instruments of music, stringed instruments, and harps and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up the voice with joy. So the Levites appointed Haman, the son of Joel, and of his brothers Asaph, the son of Barakiah, and of the sons of Morari, their brothers, Ethan, the son of Kushiah, and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaziel, and Shamiramoth, and Jehiel, and Uni, Eliyab, and Benayah, and Maasaya, and Matathaya, and Aleph and Lahu, and McNaya, and Obed, Edom, and Jail, the doorkeepers. So the singers, Haman, Asaph, and Ethan, were given cymbals of brass to sound aloud, and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shamiramoth, and Jehiel, and Uni, and Eliyab, and Maasaya, and Benayah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth, and Matathaya, and Aleph and Lahu, and McNaya, and Obed, Edom, and Jehiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre to lead. Kenanaya, chief of the Levites, was over the song. He instructed about the song because he was skillful. Barakiah and Elkhana were doorkeepers for the Ark. Shabanaya and Jehoshaphat, and Nethanel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benayah, and Eleazar, the priests, blew the trumpets before the Ark of God, and Obed, Edom, and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the Ark. So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh out of the house of Obed, Edom, with joy. It happened, when God helped the Levites who bore the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh, that they sacrificed seven bowls and seven rams. David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who bore the Ark, and the singers, and Kenanaya, the master of the song, with the singers. And David had on him an ephod of linen. Thus all Israel brought up the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals sounding aloud with stringed instruments and harps. It happened, as the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh came to the city of David, that Michael, the daughter of Saul, looked out at the window, and saw King David dancing and playing. And she despised him in her heart. CHAPTER XVI They brought in the Ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. When David had made an end of offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh. He dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one, a loaf of bread, and a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. He appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the Ark of Yahweh, and to celebrate, and to thank, and praise Yahweh, the God of Israel. Asaph the Chief, and second to him Zechariah, Jail and Shemiramoth and Jahiel, and Matathiah, and Eliab, and Baniah, and Obed Edom, and Jail, with stringed instruments and with harps, and Asaph with cymbals sounding aloud, and Benaniah and Jehaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the Ark of the Covenant of God. Then on that day David first ordained to give thanks to Yahweh by the hand of Asaph and his brothers. O give thanks to Yahweh, call on his name, make his doings known among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his marvelous works. Glory in his holy name, let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice. Seek Yahweh and his strength, seek his face for evermore. Remember his marvelous works that he has done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth, you seed of Israel, his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is Yahweh our God. His judgments are in all the earth. Remember his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations, the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac. He confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, saying, I will give you the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance when you were but a few in number, yes, very few, and foreigners were in it. They went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people. He allowed no man to do them wrong, yes, he reproved kings for their sakes. Don't touch my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm. Sing to Yahweh all the earth, display his salvation from day to day, declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised. He also is to be feared above all gods, for all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and gladness are in his place. Ascribe to Yahweh, you relatives of the peoples. Ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength. Ascribe to Yahweh the glory do his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship Yahweh in holy array. Trimble before him all the earth. The world also is established that it can't be moved. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let them say among the nations, Yahweh reigns. Let the sea roar, and its fullness. Let the field exult, and all that is therein. Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before Yahweh, before he comes to judge the earth. O give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures for ever. Say save us, God of our salvation, gather us together, and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise. Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. All the people said, Amen, and praised Yahweh. So he left there, before the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh, Asaph and his brothers to minister before the Ark continually as every day's work required, and Obed Edom with their brothers, sixty-eight. Obed Edom, also the son of Judgathan, and Hosah to be doorkeepers, and Zadok the priest, and his brothers the priests, before the tabernacle of Yahweh, in the high place that was at Gibeon, to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of burnt offerings continually, morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of Yahweh, which he commanded to Israel. And with them Haman and Judgathan, and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh, because his loving kindness endures for ever. And with them Haman and Judgathan with trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God, and the sons of Judgathan to be at the gate. All the people departed every man to his house, and David returned to bless his house. CHAPTER XVII It happened when David lived in his house that David said to Nathan the Prophet, Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of Yahweh is under curtains. Nathan said to David, Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you. It happened the same night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go until David, my servant, Thus says Yahweh, You shall not build me a house to dwell in, for I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tent to another. In all places in which I have walked with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? Now therefore you shall tell my David, servant, Thus says Yahweh of armies. I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you. I will make you a name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more. Neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the first, and from the day that I commanded judges to be over your people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover I tell you that Yahweh will build you a house. It shall happen when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who shall be of your sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me a house, and I will establish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. I will not take my loving kindness away from him, as I took it from him that was before you. But I will settle him in my house, and in my kingdom for ever. His throne shall be established for ever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David. Then David the king went in, and sat before Yahweh, and said, Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my house that you have brought me thus far? This was a small thing in your eyes, God, but you have spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have respected me according to the estate of a man of high degree, Yahweh God. What can David say yet more to you concerning the honor which is done to your servant? For you know your servant. Yahweh, for your servant's sake, and according to your own heart you have worked all this greatness to make known all these great things. Yahweh, there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you according to all that we have heard with our ears. What one nation in the earth is like your people Israel whom God went to redeem to himself for a people to make you a name by great and awesome things in driving out nations from before your people whom you redeem out of Egypt. For your people Israel you made your own people forever, and you Yahweh became their God. Now Yahweh, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house be established forever and do as you have spoken. Let your name be established and magnified forever saying, Yahweh of armies is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel. The house of David your servant is established before you. For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. Now, Yahweh, you are God and have promised this good thing to your servant. Now it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant that it may continue forever before you. For you, Yahweh, have blessed, and it is blessed forever. End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18 After this it happened that David struck the Philistines and subdued them, and took Gath and its towns out of the hand of the Philistines. He struck Moab and the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute. David struck Hadidazer, king of Zobah, to Hamoth, as he went to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates. David took from him one thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen and twenty thousand footmen. And David Ham strung all the chariot horses but reserved of them for one hundred chariots. When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadidazer, king of Zobah, David struck of the Syrians twenty-two thousand men. Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. The boy gave victory to David wherever he went. David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadidazer and brought them to Jerusalem. From Tibhoth and from Bukun, cities of Hadidazer, David took very much brass, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass. When Tau, king of Hamoth, heard that David had struck all the army of Hadidazer, king of Zobah, he sent Hadoram, his son, to King David, to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadidazer and struck him, for Hadidazer had wars with Tau, and he had with him all kinds of vessels of gold and silver and brass. King David also dedicated these to Yahweh, with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations, from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek. Moreover Abashai, the son of Zerui, struck of the Edomites in the valley of Salt, eighteen thousand. He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became servants to David. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. David reigned over all Israel, and he executed justice and righteousness to all his people. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was over the army, and Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahelud, was recorder, and Zadok, the son of Ahaitub, and Abimelech, the son of Abayathar, were priests, and Shavshah was scribe, and Baniah, the son of Jehoedah, was over the kerathites and the pelithites, and the sons of David were chief about the king. CHAPTER 19 It happened after this that Nahash, the king of the children of Amun, died, and his son reigned in his place. David said, I will show kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David's servants came into the land of the children of Amun to Hanun to comfort him. But the princes of the children of Amun said to Hanun, do you think that David honors your father in that he has sent comforters to you? Haven't his servants come to you to search, to overthrow, and to spy out the land? So Hanun took David's servants and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. Then there went certain persons, and told David how the men were saved. He sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, Stay at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return. When the children of Amun saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Amun sent one thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Aramaaca, and out of Zoba. So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, and the king of Maca and his people who came in encamp before Medeba. The children of Amun gathered themselves together from their cities and came to battle. When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men. The children of Amun came out and put the battle in array at the gate of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field. Now when Joab saw that the battle was sent against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel and put them in array against the Syrians. The rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai, his brother, and they put themselves in array against the children of Amun. He said, If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you are to help me. But if the children of Amun are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be courageous and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. May Yahweh do that which seems good to him. So Joab and the people who were with him drew near before the Syrians to the battle, and they fled before him. When the children of Amun saw that the Syrians had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem. The Syrians saw that they were defeated by Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians who were beyond the river, with Shofak, the captain of the army of Hadidazer at their head. It was told David, and he gathered all Israel together, and passed over the Jordan, and came on them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him. The Syrians fled before Israel, and David killed of the Syrians the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shofak, the captain of the army. When the servants of Hadidazer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David, and served him. Neither would the Syrians help the children of Amun any more. End of CHAPTER XIX CHAPTERS TWENTY THROUGH TWENTY NINE OF FIRST CHRONICLES FROM THE WORLD-INGLISH BIBLE. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. CHAPTER TWENTY It happened at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the children of Amun, and came and besieged Raba. But David stayed at Jerusalem, Joab struck Raba, and overthrew it. David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it. And it was set on David's head, and he brought forth the spoil of the city exceeding much. He brought forth the people who were therein, and cut them with saws, and with iron picks, and with axes. David did so to all the cities of the children of Amun. David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. It happened after this that there arose war at Gazar with the Philistines. Then Sebekai the Hushethite killed Sipai of the sons of the giant, and they were subdued. There was again war with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lami, the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were twenty-four, six on each hand, and six on each foot. And he also was born to the giant. When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him. These were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. CHAPTER XXI Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel. David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, Go, number Israel from Be'sheba, even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know the sum of them. Joab said, May Yahweh make his people a hundred times as many as they are, but my Lord the King, aren't they all my Lord's servants? Why does my Lord require this thing? Why will he be the cause of guilt to Israel? Nevertheless, the King's word prevailed against Joab. Therefore, Joab departed and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to David. All those of Israel were one million, one hundred thousand men who drew sword, and in Judah were four hundred seventy thousand men who drew sword. But he didn't count Levi and Benjamin among them, for the King's word was abominable to Joab. God was displeased with this thing, therefore he struck Israel. David said to God, I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing, but now put away I beg you, the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly. Yahweh spoke to Gad, David seer, saying, Go and speak to David, thus says Yahweh, I offer you three things. Choose one of them that I may do it to you. So Gad came to David and said to him, Thus says Yahweh, take your choice, either three years of famine, or three months to be consumed before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days the sword of Yahweh, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of Yahweh destroying throughout all the borders of Israel. Now therefore, consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me. David said to Gad, I am in distress, let me fall, I pray, into the hand of Yahweh, for his mercies are very great, let me not fall into the hand of man. So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, as he was about to destroy Yahweh saw, and he relented of the disaster, and said to the destroying angel, it is enough, now stay your hand. The angel of Yahweh was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan, the Jebusite. David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of Yahweh standing between earth and the sky, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces. David said to God, isn't it I who commanded the people to be numbered? It is even I who have sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, oh Yahweh my God, be against me, and against my father's house, but not against your people, that they should be plagued. Then the angel of Yahweh commanded Gad to tell David that David should go up and raise an altar to Yahweh in the threshing floor of Ornan, the Jebusite. David went up at the Sain of Gad, which he spoke in the name of Yahweh. Ornan turned back and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went out of the threshing floor and bowed himself to David with his hand to the ground. Then David said to Ornan, give me the place of this threshing floor that I may build there on and alter to Yahweh. You shall sell it to me for the full price that the plague may be stopped from afflicting the people. Ornan said to David, take it for yourself and let my Lord the King do that which is good in his eyes. Behold, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing instruments for wood and the wheat for the meal offering. I give it all. King David said to Ornan, no, but I will most certainly buy it for the full price, for I will not take that which is yours for Yahweh, nor offer a burnt offering without cost. So David gave to Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the place. David built an altar to Yahweh there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on Yahweh and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering. Yahweh commanded the angel and he put up his sword again into its sheath. At that time when David saw that Yahweh had answered him in the threshing floor of Ornan, the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there. For the tabernacle of Yahweh, which Moses made in the wilderness and the altar of burnt offering were at that time in the high place at Gibeon. But David couldn't go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Yahweh. End of chapter 21. Chapter 22. Then David said, this is the house of Yahweh God and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel. David gave orders to gather together the foreigners who were in the land of Israel and he set masons to cut worked stones to build the house of God. David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates and for the couplings and brass in abundance without weight and cedar trees without number for the Sidonians and they of tire brought cedar trees in abundance to David. David said, Solomon my son is young and tender. And the house that is to be built for Yahweh must be exceedingly magnificent of fame and of glory throughout all countries. I will therefore make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Then he called for Solomon his son and commanded him to build a house for Yahweh, the God of Israel. David said to Solomon his son, as for me it was in my heart to build a house to the name of Yahweh my God. But the word of Yahweh came to me saying, you have shed blood abundantly and have made great wars. You shall not build a house to my name because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. Behold a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. For his name shall be Solomon and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name and he shall be my son and I will be his father and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever. Now my son may Yahweh be with you and prosper you and build the house of Yahweh your God as he has spoken concerning you. May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding and put you in charge of Israel that so you may keep the law of Yahweh your God. Then you will prosper if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Yahweh gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, don't be afraid, neither be dismayed. Now behold in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Yahweh 100,000 talents of gold, one million talents of silver and brass and iron without weight for it is in abundance. I have also prepared timber and stone and you may add to them. There are also workmen with you in abundance, cutters and workers of stone and timber and all kinds of men who are skillful in every kind of work of the gold, the silver and the brass and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing and may Yahweh be with you. David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, isn't Yahweh your God with you? Hasn't he given you rest on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand and the land is subdued before Yahweh and before his people. Now set your heart and your soul to seek after Yahweh your God. Arise therefore and build the sanctuary of Yahweh God to bring the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and the holy vessels of God into the house that is to be built to the name of Yahweh. End of chapter 22. Chapter 23. Now David was old and full of days and he made Solomon his son, king over Israel. He gathered together all the princes of Israel with the priests and the Levites. The Levites were numbered from 30 years old and upward and their number by their poles, man by man, was 38,000. David said, of these 24,000 were to oversee the work of the house of Yahweh, 6,000 were officers and judges, 4,000 were doorkeepers and 4,000 praised Yahweh with the instruments which I made for giving praise. David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi, Gershan, Kohath, and Morari. Of the Gershanites, Leiden and Shemai, the sons of Leiden, Jeheil the chief and Zethem and Joel, three. The sons of Shemai, Shalamoth and Haseel and Haran, three. These were the heads of the father's households of Leiden. The sons of Shemai, Jehath, Zina, and Jehush and Bariah. These four were the sons of Shemai. Jehoth was the chief and Zizah the second, but Jehush and Bariah didn't have many sons, therefore they became a father's house in one reckoning. The sons of Kohath, Amran, Izhar, Hebron, and Uziel, four. The sons of Amran, Aaron and Moses, and Aaron was separated that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons, forever, to burn incense before Yahweh, to minister to him, and to bless in his name, forever. But as for Moses, the man of God, his sons were named among the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses, Gershom and Eliezer. The sons of Gershom, Shabuel the chief. The sons of Eliezer were Rehobiah the chief, and Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehobiah were very many. The sons of Izhar, Shalamoth the chief. The sons of Hebron, Jariah the chief, Amariah the second, Jehaziel the third, and Jechemiam the fourth. The sons of Uziel, Micah the chief, and Ishaia the second. The sons of Marari, Mali and Mushi. The sons of Mali, Eliezer and Kish. Eliezer died and had no sons, but daughters only, and their brothers, the sons of Kish, took them as wives. The sons of Mushi, Mali and Ader and Jeremoth, three. These were the sons of Levi after their father's houses, even the heads of the father's houses, of those who were counted individually, in the number of names by their poles, who did the work for the service in the house of Yahweh, from twenty years old and upward. For David said, Yahweh the God of Israel has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. Also the Levites will no longer need to carry the tabernacle and all its vessels for its service. For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward, for their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of Yahweh, in the courts and in the rooms, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God. For the showbread also, and for the fine flour for a meal offering, whether of unleavened wafers or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all kinds of measure and size, and to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and likewise in the evening, and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Yahweh, and that they should keep the duty of the tent of meeting, and the duty of the holy place, and the duty of the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of Yahweh. End of chapter twenty-three. Chapter twenty-four. These were the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, but Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children. Therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office. David, with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar and Ahimelek of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their ordering in their service. There were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar, and they were divided like this. Of the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen heads of father's houses, and of the sons of Ithamar according to their father's houses, eight. Thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots, for there were princes of the sanctuary and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar and of the sons of Ithamar. Shamiah, the son of Nethanel, the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the king and the princes and Zadok, the priest. And Ahimelek, the son of Abihuthar, and the heads of the father's households of the priests and of the Levites. One father's house being taken for Eleazar and one taken for Ithamar. Now the first lot came forth to Jehoirib, the second to Jediah, the third to Haarim, the fourth to Sairim, the fifth to Malkijah, the sixth to Mijaman, the seventh to Haqaz, the eighth to Abijah, the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shekiniah, the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jaqim, the thirteenth to Chupa, the fourteenth to Jeshab-e-Ab, the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Imer, the seventeenth to Hezer, the eighteenth to Hapazez, the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezcal, the twenty-fourth to Jaqim, the twenty-second to Gaomul, the twenty-third to Deliah, the twenty-fourth to Ma'aziah. This was their ordering in their service to come into the house of Yahweh according to the ordinance given to them by Aaron, their father, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had commanded him. Of the rest of the sons of Levi, of the sons of Amram, Shubael, of the sons of Shubael, Jediah, of Rehabiah, of the sons of Rehabiah, of Ishaiah the chief, of the Isharites, Shalamoth, of the sons of Shalamoth, Jehath, the sons of Hebron, Jeriah, Amoriah the second, Jehaziel the third, Jechimam the fourth, the sons of Uziel, Micah, of the sons of Micah, Shamir, the brother of Micah, Ishaiah, of the sons of Ishaiah, Zechariah, the sons of Morari, Mali, and Mushi, the sons of Jehaziah, Beno, the sons of Morari, of Jehaziah, Beno and Shalom, and Zakur and Ibrahim, of Mali, Eleazar, who had no sons, of Kish, the sons of Kish, Jerameel, the sons of Mushi, Mali, and Ader, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after their father's houses. These likewise cast lots, even as their brothers, the sons of Aaron, in the presence of David the King, and Zedok and Ahimelech, and the heads of the father's households of the priests, and of the Levites, the father's households of the chief, even as those of his younger brother. End of chapter 24 Chapter 25 Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Haman, and of Jeduthin, who should prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals, and the number of those who did the work according to their service was, of the sons of Asaph, Zakur and Joseph and Nethaniah, and Asharallah, the sons of Asaph, under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied after the order of the king, of Jeduthin, the sons of Jeduthin, Gedalaya and Zeri and Jeshaia, Hashabiah and Matathiah, six, under the hands of their father, Jeduthin with the harp, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh. Of Haman, the sons of Haman, Bukhaya, Mataniah, Uziel, Shebuel, and Jeremoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Gitalti, and Romam Tiazer, Joshpakasha, Melothi, Hothir, Mahazioth. All these were the sons of Haman, the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Haman 14 sons and three daughters. All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of Yahweh, with cymbals, stringed instruments and harps for the service of the house of God, Asaph, Jeduthin, and Haman being under the order of the king. The number of them with their brothers who were instructed in singing to Yahweh, even all who were skillful, was 288. They cast lots for their offices all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar. Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph. The second to get Aliyah. He and his brothers and sons were 12. The third to Zekur, his sons and his brothers 12. The fourth to Izri, his sons and his brothers 12. The fifth to Nethaniah, his sons and his brothers 12. The sixth to Bukhaya, his sons and his brothers 12. The seventh to Disharulah, his sons and his brothers 12. The eighth to Dishaya, his sons and his brothers 12. The ninth to Mataniah, his sons and his brothers 12. The tenth to Shemai, his sons and his brothers 12. The eleventh to Azrael, his sons and his brothers 12. The twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brothers 12. For the thirteenth Shubai'el, his sons and his brothers twelve. For the fourteenth Mattathiah, his sons and his brothers twelve. For the fifteenth Jermath, his sons and his brothers twelve. For the sixteenth to Han'e-N而且, his sons and his brothers twelve. For the seventeenth to Josh Paksha, his sons and his brothers twelve. For the eighteenth to Hanani, his sons and his brothers, twelve. For the nineteenth to Malothai, his sons and his brothers, twelve. For the twentieth to Eleatha, his sons and his brothers, twelve. For the one and twentieth to Hothir, his sons and his brothers, twelve. For the two and twentieth to Getalti, his sons and his brothers, twelve. For the three-and-twentieth to Mahasioth, his sons and his brothers twelve. For the four-and-twentieth to Ramamti Azar, his sons and his brothers twelve. End of CHAPTER XXV CHAPTER XXVI For the divisions of the doorkeepers of the Korahites Meshlamayah the son of Korah of the sons of Asaph. Meshlamayah had sons, Zechariah the first-born, Jediel the second, Zebediah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliahohanai the seventh. Obed Edom had sons, Shemayah the first-born, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sakhar the fourth, and Nethanel the fifth, Amiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Pulithayah the eighth. For God blessed him. Also to Shemayah his son were sons-born who ruled over the house of their father, for they were mighty men of valor. The sons of Shemayah, Othni and Rafael and Obed, Elzabad whose brothers were valiant men, Eliahoh and Shemakaya. All these were of the sons of Obed Edom. They and their sons and their brothers, able men in strength for the service, sixty-two of Obed Edom. Meshlamayah had sons and brothers, valiant men, eighteen. Also Hosah of the children of Morari had sons, Shemri the chief, for though he was not first-born yet his father made him chief, Hilkayah the second, Tebelayah the third, Zechariah the fourth. All the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen. Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men having offices like their brothers, to minister in the house of Yahweh. They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their father's houses, for every gate. The lot eastward fell to Shemamiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots, and his lot came out northward, to Obed Edom southward, and to his sons the storehouse, to Shupim and Hosah westward by the gate of Shalaketh, at the causeway that goes up, watch against watch. Westward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the storehouse two and two. For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar. These were the divisions of the doorkeepers, of the sons of the Korahites, and of the sons of Morari. Of the Levites a Haja was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things. The sons of Leiden, the sons of the Gershanites belonging to Leiden, the heads of the father's households belonging to Leiden the Gershanite. Jeheeli, the sons of Jeheeli, Zethem and Joel his brother over the treasures of the house of Yahweh. Of the Amramites of the Isharites of the Hebronites of the Uzeliites, and Shebuel the son of Gersham the son of Moses was ruler over the treasures. His brothers of Eleazar Rahabaia his son, of the Amramites of the Isharites of the Hebrites of the Uzeliites, and Shebuel the son of Gersham the son of Moses was ruler over the treasures. His brothers of Eleazar Rahabaia his son, and Jeshaia his son, and Joram his son, and Zikri his son, and Shalamoth his son. Shalamoth and his brothers were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king and the heads of the father's households, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated. They dedicated some of the spoil one in battles to repair the house of Yahweh. All that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Nur, and Joab the son of Zerioia had dedicated whoever had dedicated anything it was under the hand of Shalamoth and of his brothers. Of the Isharites Kenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel for the officers and judges. Of the Hebronites Hashabiah and his brothers men of Valor one thousand seven hundred had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward for all the business of Yahweh and for the service of the king. Of the Hebronites was Jeraja the chief even of the Hebronites according to their generations by father's households. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for and they were found among the mighty men of Valor at Jazer of Gilead. His brothers men of Valor were two thousand seven hundred heads of father's households whom King David made overseers over the Reubenites and the Gadites and the Half-Tribe of the Manisites for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king. End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Now the children of Israel after their number the heads of father's households and the captains of thousands and of hundreds and their officers who served the king in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year of every division were twenty-four thousand. Over the first division for the first month was Joshua Bayem the son of Zab Diel and in his division were twenty-four thousand. He was of the children of Perez the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month. Over the division of the second month was Dodai the Ahoite and his division and Mikloth the Ruler and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The third captain of the army for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoedah the priest chief and in his division were twenty-four thousand. This is that Benaiah who was the mighty man of the thirty and over the thirty and of his division was Amizabad his son. The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab and Zab Adiah his son after him and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The fifth captain for this fifth month was Shamhud the Israelite and in his division were twenty-fore thousand. The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikesh the Tekhoite and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The seventh captain for the seventh month was Hlez the Pel followed of the children of Ifriyam and in his division were twenty-four thousand. the eighth captain for the eighth month was Sivakay the Hushethite of the Zahra Heights, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abi题 the Anotho-site of the Benjamites, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Nitophethite of the Zahra Heights, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah, the pyrethonite, of the children of Ephraim, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Hildae, the natophathite, of Othniel, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. Furthermore, over the tribes of Israel, of the Rubinites was Eleazar, the son of Zikri, the ruler, of the Simeonites, Shephateia, the son of Maka, of Levi, Hashabaia, the son of Camuel, of Aaron, Zadok, of Judah, Elihu, one of the brothers of David, of Issachar, Omri, the son of Michael, of Zebulon, Ishmael, the son of Obadiah, of Naftali, Jeremoth, the son of Azrael, of the children of Ephraim, Hosea, the son of Azaziah, of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel, the son of Padahia, of the half-tribe of Manasseh and Gilead, Edo, the son of Zechariah, of Benjamin, Jaceel, the son of Abner, of Dan, Azrael, the son of Jeroham. These were the captains of the tribes of Israel. But David didn't take the number of them from twenty years old and under, because Yahweh had said he would increase Israel like the stars of the sky. Jeohab, the son of Zechariah, began to number, but didn't finish. And there came wrath for this on Israel. Neither was the number put into the account in the chronicles of King David. Over the king's treasures was Asmaveth, the son of Adiel, and over the treasures in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers was Jonathan, the son of Uzziah. Over those who did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri, the son of Caleb, and over the vineyards was Shamai, the Ramathite, and over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi, the shiftmite, and over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowland was Baal, Hanan, the Geterite, and over the cellars of oil was Joash, and over the herds that fed in Sharon was Sheetra, the Sharonite, and over the herds that were in the valleys was Sheifat, the son of Adlai, and over the camels was Obeel, the Ishmaelite, and over the donkeys was Jadiah, the Maranathite, and over the flocks was Jazees, the Hagrite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was King David's. Also Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a man of understanding, and a scribe, and Jeheil, the son of Hachmoni, was with the king's sons. Ahaythafel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend, and after Ahaythafel was Jehoedah, the son of Benaiah, and Abayathar, and the captain of the king's army was Joab. End of Chapter 27 Chapter 28 David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies who served the king by division, and the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, and the rulers over all the substance and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officers and the mighty men, even all the mighty men of Valor, to Jerusalem. Then David the king stood up on his feet and said, Hear me, my brothers, and my people, as for me it was in my heart to build a house for the rest of the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh and for the footstool of our God. And I had prepared for the building. But God said to me, You shall not build a house for my name, because you are a man of war and have shed blood. However, Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever, for he has chosen Judah to be prince, and in the house of Judah, the house of my father, and among the sons of my father he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. Of all my sons, for Yahweh has given me many sons, he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of Yahweh's kingdom over Israel. He said to me, Solomon your son shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues to do my commandments and my ordinances as at this day. Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of Yahweh, and in the audience of your God, observe and seek out all the commandments of Yahweh your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind, for Yahweh searches all hearts and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts. If you seek him he will be found by you, but if you forsake him he will cast you off forever. Take heed now, for Yahweh has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it. Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch of the temple and of its houses and of its treasuries and of the upper rooms of it and of the inner rooms of it and of the place of the mercy seat and the pattern of all that he had by the spirit for the courts of the house of Yahweh and for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God, and for the treasuries of the dedicated things, also for the divisions of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of Yahweh and for all the vessels of service in the house of Yahweh. Of gold by weight for the gold, for all vessels of every kind of service, for all the vessels of silver by weight, for all vessels of every kind of service, by weight also for the lampstands of gold and for its lamps of gold, by weight for every lampstand and for its lamps, and for the lampstands of silver, by weight for every lampstand and for its lamps according to the use of every lampstand, and the gold by weight for the tables of a showbread for every table, and silver for the tables of silver, and the forks, and the basins, and the cups of pure gold, and for the golden bowls by weight for every bowl, and for the silver bowls by weight for every bowl, and for the altar of incense refined gold by weight, and gold for the pattern of the chariot, the cherubim that spread out and covered the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. All this, said David, I have been made to understand in writing from the hand of Yahweh even all the works of this pattern. David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and courageous and do it. Don't be afraid, nor be dismayed, for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of Yahweh is finished. Behold, there are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God. There shall be with you in all kinds of work every willing man who has skill for any kind of service. Also the captains and all the people will be entirely at your command. Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God, the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the brass for the things of brass, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood. Onyx stones and stones to be set, stones for inlaid work and of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones and marble stones in abundance. In addition, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, since I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, I give it to the house of my God over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver with which to overlay the walls of the houses, of gold for the things of gold, and of silver for the things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be made by the hands of artisans, who then offers willingly to consecrate himself this day to Yahweh. Then the princes of the father's households and the princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds with the rulers over the king's work offered willingly, and they gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand directs, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and of iron a hundred thousand talents, they with whom precious stones were found, gave them to the treasure of the house of Yahweh under the hand of Jehail the Gershanite. Then the people rejoiced because they offered willingly, because with the perfect heart they offered willingly to Yahweh, and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. Therefore David blessed Yahweh before all the assembly, and David said, you are blessed Yahweh, the God of Israel our Father, for ever and ever. Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, Yahweh, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all, and in your hand is power and might, and it is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all. Now therefore our God we thank you and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you, for we are strangers before you, and foreigners as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no remaining. Yahweh our God, all this store that we have prepared to build you a house for your holy name comes from your hand, and it is all your own. I know also, my God, that you try the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. Now have I seen with joy your people that are present here offer willingly to you. Yahweh, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of your people and prepare their heart for you, and give to Solomon my son a perfect heart to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace for which I have made provision. David said to all the assembly, Now bless Yahweh, your God. All the assembly blessed Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads and prostrated themselves before Yahweh and the king. They sacrificed sacrifices to Yahweh and offered burnt offerings to Yahweh on the next day after that day, even one thousand bowls, one thousand rams, and one thousand lambs, with their drink offerings and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel, and ate and drank before Yahweh on that day with great gladness. They made Solomon, the son of David, king the second time, and anointed him to Yahweh to be prince, and Zadok to be priest. Then Solomon sat on the throne of Yahweh as king, instead of David his father, and prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. All the princes, the mighty men, and also all of the sons of king David submitted themselves to Solomon the king. Yahweh magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. Now David, the son of Jesse, reigned over all Israel. The time that he reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. He died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor, and Solomon his son reigned in his place. Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Samuel the seer, and in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the history of Gad the seer, with all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries. End of Chapter 29 End of the Book of First Chronicles from the World English Bible Recording by Carol Newkirk Chapters one through nine of the Second Book of Chronicles from the World English Bible. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The Second Book of Chronicles from the World English Bible. Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every prince in Israel, the heads of the father's households. So Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for there was the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of Yahweh had made in the wilderness. But David had brought the Ark of God up from Kyrieth Jerem to the place that David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. Moreover the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Yuri, the son of her, had made, was there before the tabernacle of Yahweh, and Solomon and the assembly were seeking counsel there. Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before Yahweh, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered one thousand burned offerings on it. In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, Ask what I shall give you. Solomon said to God, You have shown a great loving kindness to David, my father, and have made me king in his place. Now, Yahweh, God, let your promise to David, my father, be established, for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me 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? God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of those who hate you, neither yet have asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge is granted to you. I will give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had, who have been before you, neither shall there any after you have the like. So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibyan, from before the tent of meeting to Jerusalem, and he reigned over Israel. Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen, and he had one thousand four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. The king made silver and gold to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycamore trees that are in the low land for abundance. The horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt and from Q, the king's merchants purchased them from Q. They brought up and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred pieces of silver and a horse for one hundred fifty, and so for all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria they brought them out by their means. Chapter 2 Now Solomon proposed to build a house for the name of Yahweh and a house for his kingdom. Solomon counted out seventy thousand men to bear burdens, and eighty thousand men who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred to oversee them. Solomon sent to Hurram the king of Tyre saying, As you dealt with David, my father, and sent him cedars to build him a house in which to dwell, so deal with me. Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh, my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him incense of sweet spices, for the continual show bread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Yahweh our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. The house which I build is great, for our God is great above all gods, since heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain him. Who am I, then, that I should build him a house except just to burn incense before him? Now, therefore, send me a man skillful to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and who knows how to engrave engravings, to be with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided. Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees out of Lebanon, for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon, and behold, my servants shall be with your servants, even to prepare me timber in abundance, for the house which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful. Behold, I will give to your servants the cutters who 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. Then Hurram, the king of Tyre, answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, because Yahweh loves his people, he has made you king over them. Hurram continued, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, that should build a house for Yahweh and a house for his kingdom. Now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, of Hurram my father's, the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful 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 engrave any kind of engraving, and to devise any device, that there may be a place appointed to him with your skillful men, and with the skillful men of my Lord David your father. Now therefore the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which my Lord has spoken of, let him send to his servants, and we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as you shall need, and we will bring it to you in floats by sea to Joppa, and you shall carry it up to Jerusalem. Solomon numbered all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, after the numbering with which David his father had numbered them, and they were found one hundred fifty three thousand six hundred. He set seventy thousand of them to bear burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people at work. CHAPTER III Then Solomon began to build the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where Yahweh appeared to David his father, which he prepared in the place that David had appointed, in the threshing floor of Ornon the Jebusite. He began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign. Now these are the foundations which Solomon laid for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. The porch that was in front, its length, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and the height one hundred and twenty, and he overlaid it with pure gold. The greater house he made a ceiling with firwood, which he overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains. He garnished the house with precious stones for beauty, and the gold was gold of parvain. He overlaid also the house, the beams, the thresholds and its walls, and its doors with gold, and engraved cherubim on the walls. He made the most holy house, its length, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits, and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents. The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He overlaid the upper rooms with gold. In the most holy house he made two cherubim of image work, and they overlaid them with gold. The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long. The wing of the one was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house, and the other wing was five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. The wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house, and the other wing was five cubits, joining to the wing of the other cherub. The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits, and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house. He made the veil of blue and purple and crimson and fine linen, and ornamented it with cherubim. Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty-five cubits high, and the capitol that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. He made chains in the oracle, and put them on the tops of the pillars, and he made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains. He set 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, Jacken, and the name of that on the left, Boaz. CHAPTER IV Then he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits its length, and twenty cubits its breadth, and ten cubits its height. Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits encircled it. Under it was the likeness of oxen which encircled it, for ten cubits encircling the sea. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast. It stood on 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 on them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. It was a hand-breath thick, and its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It received and held three thousand baths. He made also ten basins, and put five on the right hand and five on the left to wash in them, such things as belonged to the burnt offering they washed in them, but the sea was for the priests to wash in. He made the ten lamp-steads of gold according to the ordnance concerning them, and he set them in the temple, five on the right hand and five on the left. He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. He made one hundred basins of gold. Furthermore he made the court of the priests and the great court and doors for the court, and overlaid their doors with brass. He then set the sea on the right side of the house eastward toward the south. Hurram made the pots and the shovels and the basins. So Hurram made an end of doing the work that he did for King Solomon in the house of God, the two pillars and the bowls and the two capitals which were on top of the pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on top of the pillars, and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. He made also the basins and the basins he made on the basins, one sea and the twelve oxen under it. Hurram, his father, also made the pots, the shovels, the forks, and all its vessels for King Solomon for the house of Yahweh of bright brass. The King cast them in the plain of the Jordan, in the clay ground between Sukkoth and Gerodoth. Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance, for the weight of the brass could not be found out. Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables with the showbread on them, and the lampsteads with their lamps to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold, and the flowers and the lamps and the tongs of gold, and that perfect gold, and the snuffers and the basins and the spoons and the fire pans of pure gold, and as for the entry of the house, the inner doors of it for the most holy place, and the doors of the main hall of the temple were of gold. CHAPTER V Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of Yahweh was finished. Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, even the silver and the gold and all the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of God. Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the father's households of the children of Israel, to Jerusalem, to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh out of the city of David which is Zion, and all the men of Israel assembled themselves to the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month. All the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the Ark, and they brought up the Ark and the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent. These the priests the Levites brought up. King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled to him were before the Ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle that could not be counted nor numbered for multitude. The priests brought in the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh to its place, into the Oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the Ark, and the cherubim covered the Ark and its poles above. The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Ark before the Oracle, but they were not seen outside, and there it is to this day. There was nothing in the Ark except the two tables which Moses put at Horab when Yahweh made a Covenant with the children of Israel when they came out of Egypt. It happened when the priests had come out of the holy place, for all the priests who were present had sanctified those vells, and didn't keep their divisions. Also the Levites who were singers, all of them, even Asaph, Hemen, Judathan, and their sons and their brothers, arrayed in fine linen, with symbols and stringed instruments and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them one hundred twenty priests sounding with trumpets. It happened when the trumpeters and singers wore as one to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and symbols and instruments of music and praised Yahweh, saying, For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. That then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of Yahweh, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud, for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of God. CHAPTER VI. Then Solomon said, Yahweh has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness, but I have built you a house of habitation and a place for you to dwell in forever. The king turned his face and blessed all the assembly of Israel, and all the assembly of Israel stood. He said, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David my father, and has with his hands fulfilled it, saying, Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be there. Neither chose I any man to be prince over my people, Israel, but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over my people, Israel. Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. But Yahweh said to David my father, Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son, who shall come forth out of your body, he shall build the house for my name. Yahweh has performed his word that he spoke, for I have risen up in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and I have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. There I have set the ark, which is the covenant of Yahweh, which he made with the children of Israel. He stood before the altar of Yahweh in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands, for Solomon had made a bronze scaffold, five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court. And on it he stood, and kneeled down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven. And he said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth. You who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants, who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father, that which you promised him. Yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is this day. Now, therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father, that which you promised him, saying, There shall not fail you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me. Now, therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant David. But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain you, how much less this house which I have built. Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant, and to his supplication, Yahweh my God, listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you, that your eyes may be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place where you have said that you would put your name, to listen to the prayer which your servant shall pray toward this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place. Yes, hear from your dwelling place, even from heaven, and when you hear, forgive. If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house, then hear from heaven and do, and judge your servants, bringing retribution to the wicked, to bring his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. If your people Israel be struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against you, and shall turn again and confess your name, and pray and make supplication before you in this house, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to them and to their fathers. When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you afflict them, then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and send rain on your head which you have given to your people for an inheritance. If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar, if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities, whatever plague or whatever sickness there is, whatever prayer and supplication be made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who shall know every man his own plague in his own sorrow, and shall spread forth his hands toward this house, then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive, and render to every man according to all his ways whose heart you know. For you, even you only, know the hearts of the children of men, that they may fear you to walk in your ways so long as they live in the land which you gave to our fathers. Moreover, concerning the foreigner who is not of your people Israel, when he shall come from a far country for your great namesake and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, when they shall come and pray toward this house, then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for, that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as does your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name. If your people go out to battle against their enemies by whatever you shall send them, and they pray to you toward this city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. If they sin against you, for there is no man who doesn't sin, and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to a land far off or near, yet if they shall repent themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of their captivity, saying, we have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly. If they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land which you gave to their fathers, and the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name, then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, their prayer and their petitions, and maintain their cause, and forgive your people who have sinned against you. Now, my God, let I beg you, your eyes be open, and let your ears be attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. Now, therefore, arise, Yahweh God, into your resting place, you and the ark of your strength. Let your priests, Yahweh God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness. Yahweh, God, don't turn away the face of your anointed. Remember your loving kindnesses to David, your servant. CHAPTER VII Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offerings and the sacrifices, and the glory of Yahweh filled the house. The priests could not enter into the house of Yahweh, because the glory of Yahweh filled Yahweh's house. All the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and the glory of Yahweh was on the house, and they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped, and gave thanks to Yahweh, saying, For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifice before Yahweh. King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. The priests stood, according to their positions, the Levites also with instruments of music of Yahweh, which David the king had made to give thanks to Yahweh, when David praised by their ministry, saying, For his loving kindness endures forever. The priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. Moreover, Solomon made the middle of the court holy that was before the house of Yahweh, for there he offered the burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offering and the meal offering and the fat. So Solomon held the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt. On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly, for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. On the three-and-twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the goodness that Yahweh had shown to David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people. Thus Solomon finished the house of Yahweh and the king's house, and he successfully completed all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of Yahweh and in his own house. Yahweh appeared to Solomon by night and said to him, I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice. If I shut up the sky so that there is no rain, or if I command the locus to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people, 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. Now my eyes shall be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and made this house holy that my name may be there forever, and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually. As for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked and do according to all that I have commanded you and will keep my statutes and my ordinances, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, according as I covenanted with David your father saying, there shall not fail you a man to be ruler in Israel. 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 and worship them, then I will pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them, and this house which I have made holy for my name I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. This house which is so high every one who passes by it shall be astonished and shall say, why has Yahweh done thus to this land and to this house? They shall answer, because they abandoned Yahweh, the God of their fathers, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt and took other gods, worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this evil on them. CHAPTER VIII It happened at the end of twenty years in which Solomon had built the house of Yahweh and his own house, that the cities which Herum had given to Solomon, Solomon built them and caused the children of Israel to dwell there. Solomon went to Hamath Zoba and prevailed against it. He built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the storage cities which he built in Hamath. Also he built Beth Horan the upper and Beth Horan the lower, fortified cities with walls, gates and bars, and Baalath and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots and all the cities for his horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem and in Lebanon and in all the land of his dominion. As for all the people who were left of the Hittites and the Amorites and the Parasites and the Hivites and the Jebusites who were not of Israel, of their children who were left after them in the land whom the children of Israel didn't consume, of them Solomon conscripted forced labor to this day. But of the children of Israel Solomon made no servants for his work, but they were men of war and chief of his captains and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen. Those who were the chief officers of King Solomon, even two hundred fifty who ruled over the people. Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David to the house that he had built for her, for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David, King of Israel, because the places where the Ark of Yahweh has come are holy. Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of Yahweh, which he had built before the porch, even as the duty of every day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the Sabbaths and on the new moons, and on the set feasts, three times in the year, in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tents. He appointed according to the ordinance of David his father, the divisions of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their offices, to praise and to minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required, the doorkeepers also by their divisions at every gate, for so had David the man of God commanded. They didn't depart from the commandment of the King to the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures. Now all the work of Solomon was prepared to the day of the foundation of the house of Yahweh, and until it was finished. So the house of Yahweh was completed. Then went Solomon to Ezzi and Geber, and to Eloth, and on the seashore in the land of Edom. Hurram sent him ships and servants who had knowledge of the sea by the hands of his servants, and they came with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and fetched him from their four hundred fifty talents of gold, and brought them to King Solomon. CHAPTER IX When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great train and camels that bore spices, and gold in abundance and precious stones, and when she had come to Solomon she talked with him of all that was in her heart. Solomon told her all her questions, and there was not anything hidden from Solomon which he didn't tell her. When the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their clothing, his cup-bearers also and their clothing, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of Yahweh, there was no more spirit in her. She said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom. However, I didn't believe their words until I came, and my eyes had seen it, and behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told to me. You exceed the fame that I heard. Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom. Blessed be Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on his throne, to be king for Yahweh your God, because your God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he, you king, over them to do justice and righteousness. She gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, and spices in great abundance, and precious stones. Neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. The servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Al-Fear, brought aglum trees and precious stones. The king made of the aglum trees terraces for the house of Yahweh, and for the king's house, and harps and stringed instruments for the singers, and there were none like these seen before in the land of Judah. King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, besides that which she had brought to the king. So she turned and went to her own land, she and her servants. Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, besides that which the traders and merchants brought, and all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. King Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold, six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one buckler. He made three hundred shields 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. Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold, and there were six steps to the throne with a footstool of gold which were fastened to the throne, and stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays. Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps. There was nothing like it made in any kingdom. All King Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. Silver was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram. Once every three years came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold and silver, ivory and apes, and peacocks. So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. All the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart. They brought every man his tribute, vessels of silver and vessels of gold, clothing, armor and spices, horses and mules, a rate year by year. Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots and twelve thousand horsemen that he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king at Jerusalem. He ruled over all the kings from the river even to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland for abundance. They brought horses for Solomon out of Egypt and out of all the lands. Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, aren't they written in the history of Nathan the Prophet and in the prophecy of Ahayshah the Shulunite, and in the visions of Itto the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nabat. Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.