He built fortified cities throughout Judah, for the land was at rest and there was no war during those years; the Lord gave him peace.

The Lord made his kingdom secure; all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he became very wealthy and greatly respected.

Zedekiah son of Kenaanah made iron horns and said, “This is what the Lord says, ‘With these you will gore Syria until they are destroyed!’”

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.

Ahaz gathered riches from the Lord’s temple, the royal palace, and the officials and gave them to the king of Assyria, but that did not help.

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

Hezekiah was very wealthy and greatly respected. He made storehouses for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, and all his other valuable possessions.

When he prayed to the Lord, the Lord responded to him and answered favorably his cry for mercy. The Lord brought him back to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh realized that the Lord is the true God.

He deported to Babylon all who escaped the sword. They served him and his sons until the Persian kingdom rose to power.

(3:33) Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he became angry and was quite upset. He derided the Jews,

They were telling me about his good deeds and then taking back to him the things I said. Tobiah, on the other hand, sent letters in order to scare me.

and I returned to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah by supplying him with a storeroom in the courts of the temple of God.

Esther replied, “If the king is so inclined, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

Have you not made a hedge around him and his household and all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock have increased in the land.

But extend your hand and strike everything he has, and he will no doubt curse you to your face!”

I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could pile up words against you and I could shake my head at you.

“Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action,” says the Lord. “I will provide the safety they so desperately desire.”

When someone comes to visit, he pretends to be friendly; he thinks of ways to defame me, and when he leaves he slanders me.

They will travel to Sheol like sheep, with death as their shepherd. The godly will rule over them when the day of vindication dawns; Sheol will consume their bodies and they will no longer live in impressive houses.

A psalm. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he performs amazing deeds! His right hand and his mighty arm accomplish deliverance.