the people whom I formed for myself, so they might praise me.”

In the month Ziv of the fourth year of Solomon’s reign the foundation was laid for the Lord’s temple.

The wicked arrogantly chase the oppressed; the oppressed are trapped by the schemes the wicked have dreamed up.

Protect me from the wicked men who attack me, my enemies who crowd around me for the kill.

I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye.

They sweep by like the wind and pass on. But the one who considers himself a god will be held guilty.”

By your loyal love you will lead the people whom you have redeemed; you will guide them by your strength to your holy dwelling place.

The nations fell into the pit they had made; their feet were caught in the net they had hidden.

You, Lord, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from these evil people,

You will free me from the net they hid for me, for you are my place of refuge.

God has declared one principle; two principles I have heard: God is strong,

God has decreed that you will be powerful. O God, you who have acted on our behalf, demonstrate your power,

Fear and dread will fall on them; by the greatness of your arm they will be as still as stone until your people pass by, O Lord, until the people whom you have bought pass by.

If your sons keep my covenant and the rules I teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”

Even when my strength leaves me, you watch my footsteps. In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

May I hear about your loyal love in the morning, for I trust in you. Show me the way I should go, because I long for you.

Who handed Jacob over to the robber? Who handed Israel over to the looters? Was it not the Lord, against whom we sinned? They refused to follow his commands; they disobeyed his law.

They turn to Baal; they are like an unreliable bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because their prayers to Baal have made me angry. So people will disdain them in the land of Egypt.

In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites left Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, during the month Ziv (the second month), he began building the Lord’s temple.