The men of Israel replied to the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and we have a greater claim on David than you do! Why do you want to curse us? Weren’t we the first to suggest bringing back our king?” But the comments of the men of Judah were more severe than those of the men of Israel.

But God told Shemaiah the prophet,

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

The descendants of Moses the man of God were considered Levites.

But the Lord told Shemaiah the prophet,

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

Above the Horse Gate the priests worked, each in front of his house.

In Susa the citadel the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men.

For he is not a human being like I am, that I might answer him, that we might come together in judgment.

“Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?

how much less man, who is abominable and corrupt, who drinks in evil like water!

So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom! God will refute him, not man!’

For he repays a person for his work, and according to the conduct of a person, he causes the consequences to find him.

For his eyes are on the ways of an individual, he observes all a person’s steps.

They lock tightly together, one to the next; they cling together and cannot be separated.

Man ate the food of the mighty ones. He sent them more than enough to eat.

It goes well for the one who generously lends money, and conducts his business honestly.

A worthless and wicked person walks around saying perverse things;

Can a man hold fire against his chest without burning his clothes?

Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?