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

The first lot went to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

“Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?

The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.

An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

“Don’t remember these earlier events; don’t recall these former events.

The father of your nation sinned; your spokesmen rebelled against me.

Then I said, “Lord, from the very beginning you have been seated on your glorious throne on high. You are the place where we can find refuge.

David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first will become commanding general!” So Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first and became commander.

Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. His division consisted of 24,000 men.

This was the first time they set out on their journey according to the commandment of the Lord, by the authority of Moses.

“‘On the fourteenth day of the first month is the Lord’s Passover.

But they pay no attention; instead they observe their earlier practices.

“For inquire now of the former generation, and pay attention to the findings of their ancestors;

Where are your earlier faithful deeds, O Lord, the ones performed in accordance with your reliable oath to David?

I first decreed to Zion, ‘Look, here’s what will happen!’ I sent a herald to Jerusalem.

At an appointed time he will again invade the south, but this latter visit will not turn out the way the former one did.

Harnessed to the first chariot were red horses, to the second black horses,

This was the place where he had first built the altar, and there Abram worshiped the Lord.

The first came out reddish all over, like a hairy garment, so they named him Esau.