you may convert the tithe into money, secure the money, and travel to the place the Lord your God chooses for himself.

But I will certainly hide myself at that time because of all the wickedness they will have done by turning to other gods.

After Gideon died, the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They made Baal-Berith their god.

Furthermore, on the hill east of Jerusalem Solomon built a high place for the detestable Moabite god Chemosh and for the detestable Ammonite god Milcom.

There were also male cultic prostitutes in the land. They committed the same horrible sins as the nations that the Lord had driven out from before the Israelites.

Elijah replied, “I have not brought disaster on Israel. But you and your father’s dynasty have, by abandoning the Lord’s commandments and following the Baals.

Then they will honor you by obeying you throughout their lifetimes as they live on the land you gave to our ancestors.

Nevertheless you have done some good things; you removed the Asherah poles from the land and you were determined to follow the Lord.”

But Amaziah did not heed the warning, for God wanted to hand them over to Joash because they followed the gods of Edom.

My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to serve in his presence and offer sacrifices.”

He erected the altar of the Lord and offered on it peace offerings and thank offerings. He told the people of Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.

They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commandment of David and his son Solomon.

Please remember me for this, O my God, and do not wipe out the kindness that I have done for the temple of my God and for its services!

And he said to mankind, ‘The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

He despises a reprobate, but honors the Lord’s loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise.

He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to him and trust in the Lord!

How blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord and does not seek help from the proud or from liars!

God, the one who has reigned as king from long ago, will hear and humiliate them. (Selah) They refuse to change, and do not fear God.

To obey the Lord is the fundamental principle for wise living; all who carry out his precepts acquire good moral insight. He will receive praise forever.

It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning; for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.