the sixteenth to Hananiah and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

the eighteenth to Hanani and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

the nineteenth to Mallothi and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

the twentieth to Eliathah and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

the twenty-first to Hothir and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

the twenty-second to Giddalti and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

the twenty-third to Mahazioth and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

the twenty-fourth to Romamti-Ezer and his sons and relatives – twelve in all.

Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name!

“Now send me a man who is skilled in working with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as purple, crimson, and violet colored fabrics, and who knows how to engrave. He will work with my skilled craftsmen here in Jerusalem and Judah, whom my father David provided.

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem; he built up these fortified cities throughout Judah:

Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron. These were the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin.

He did evil because he was not determined to follow the Lord.

Jehoshaphat’s power kept increasing. He built fortresses and storage cities throughout Judah.

Judah was defeated by Israel, and each man ran back home.

He built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns, for he owned many herds in the lowlands and on the plain. He had workers in the fields and vineyards in the hills and in Carmel, for he loved agriculture.

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

The Edomites had again invaded and defeated Judah and carried off captives.

Now, don’t be stubborn like your fathers! Submit to the Lord and come to his sanctuary which he has permanently consecrated. Serve the Lord your God so that he might relent from his raging anger.

When Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps,