But now I have chosen Jerusalem as a place to live, and I have chosen David to lead my people Israel.’

He built up Tadmor in the wilderness and all the storage cities he had built in Hamath.

The priests and Levites who lived throughout Israel supported him, no matter where they resided.

Abijah chased Jeroboam; he seized from him these cities: Bethel and its surrounding towns, Jeshanah and its surrounding towns, and Ephron and its surrounding towns.

Micaiah said, “If you really do return safely, then the Lord has not spoken through me!” Then he added, “Take note, all you people.”

They agreed to make large seagoing merchant ships; they built the ships in Ezion Geber.

Uzziah built up Elat and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah had passed away.

Finally they brought the goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, and they placed their hands on them.

The entire assembly worshiped, as the singers sang and the trumpeters played. They continued until the burnt sacrifice was completed.

When the sacrifices were completed, the king and all who were with him bowed down and worshiped.

“Let the day on which I was born perish, and the night that said, ‘A man has been conceived!’

For now you have become like these streams that are no help; you see a terror, and are afraid.

“Have I ever said, ‘Give me something, and from your fortune make gifts in my favor’?

Like a servant longing for the evening shadow, and like a hired man looking for his wages,

Remember that you have made me as with the clay; will you return me to dust?

Are not my days few? Cease, then, and leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,

For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?

if iniquity is in your hand – put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents.

For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear.

But I wish to speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.