When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he summoned 180,000 skilled warriors from Judah and Benjamin to attack Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.

He wisely placed some of his many sons throughout the regions of Judah and Benjamin in the various fortified cities. He supplied them with abundant provisions and acquired many wives for them.

Abijah launched the attack with 400,000 well-trained warriors, while Jeroboam deployed against him 800,000 well-trained warriors.

Certainly the Lord watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war.

The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and then enter the battle; but you wear your royal attire.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and they entered the battle.

He followed in the footsteps of the kings of Israel, just as Ahab’s dynasty had done, for he married Ahab’s daughter. He did evil in the sight of the Lord.

The Levites must surround the king. Each of you must hold his weapon in his hand. Whoever tries to enter the temple must be killed. You must accompany the king wherever he goes.”

Jehoiada and his sons led out the king’s son and placed on him the crown and the royal insignia. They proclaimed him king and poured olive oil on his head. They declared, “Long live the king!”

He made all who were in Jerusalem and Benjamin agree to it. The residents of Jerusalem acted in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors.

The king of Egypt made Jehoahaz’s brother Eliakim king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. Necho seized his brother Jehoahaz and took him to Egypt.

In the most holy place he made two images of cherubim and plated them with gold.

He made the curtain out of violet, purple, crimson, and white fabrics, and embroidered on it decorative cherubim.

He made the courtyard of the priests and the large enclosure and its doors; he plated their doors with bronze.

Solomon made so many of these items they did not weigh the bronze.

After twenty years, during which Solomon built the Lord’s temple and his royal palace,

Your attendants, who stand before you at all times and hear your wise sayings, are truly happy!

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

He ordered Judah to seek the Lord God of their ancestors and to observe his law and commands.

He removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. The kingdom had rest under his rule.

When Baasha heard the news, he stopped fortifying Ramah and abandoned the project.