Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and seized it.

His son Jehoshaphat replaced him as king and solidified his rule over Israel.

Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to please the Lord his God.

He appointed the priests to fulfill their duties and encouraged them to carry out their service in the Lord’s temple.

Solomon son of David solidified his royal authority, for the Lord his God was with him and magnified him greatly.

He fortified these cities and placed officers in them, as well as storehouses of food, olive oil, and wine.

In each city there were shields and spears; he strongly fortified them. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

But as for you, be strong and don’t get discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.”

When he had secured control of the kingdom, he executed the servants who had assassinated his father.

King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria came, but he gave him more trouble than support.

In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the Lord’s temple and repaired them.

He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and Levites so they might be obedient to the law of the Lord.

Hezekiah energetically rebuilt every broken wall. He erected towers and an outer wall, and fortified the terrace of the City of David. He made many weapons and shields.

It was four fingers thick and its rim was like that of a cup shaped like a lily blossom. It could hold 18,000 gallons.

They supported the kingdom of Judah and were loyal to Rehoboam son of Solomon for three years; they followed the edicts of David and Solomon for three years.

Abijah’s power grew; he had fourteen wives and fathered twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.

Jehoram took control of his father’s kingdom and became powerful. Then he killed all his brothers, as well as some of the officials of Israel.

Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will defeat you before the enemy. God is capable of helping or defeating.”

Amaziah boldly led his army to the Valley of Salt, where he defeated 10,000 Edomites.

The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah and his fame reached the border of Egypt, for he grew in power.