He engraved ornamental cherubs, lions, and palm trees on the plates of the supports and frames wherever there was room, with wreaths all around.

Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam escaped to Egypt and found refuge with King Shishak of Egypt. He stayed in Egypt until Solomon died.

After this the son of the woman who owned the house got sick. His illness was so severe he could no longer breathe.

But the Babylonian army chased after the king. They caught up with him in the plains of Jericho, and his entire army deserted him.

From the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth.

Solomon laid the foundation for God’s temple; its length (determined according to the old standard of measure) was 90 feet, and its width 30 feet.

Zikri, an Ephraimite warrior, killed the king’s son Maaseiah, Azrikam, the supervisor of the palace, and Elkanah, the king’s second-in-command.

After these faithful deeds were accomplished, King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. He besieged the fortified cities, intending to seize them.

The people of the land executed all who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place.

On the twenty-fourth day of this same month the Israelites assembled; they were fasting and wearing sackcloth, their heads covered with dust.

Let its morning stars be darkened; let it wait for daylight but find none, nor let it see the first rays of dawn,

For he is our God; we are the people of his pasture, the sheep he owns. Today, if only you would obey him!

They surrounded me like bees. But they disappeared as quickly as a fire among thorns. Indeed, in the name of the Lord I pushed them away.

The Lord made a reliable promise to David; he will not go back on his word. He said, “I will place one of your descendants on your throne.

They say, “Let’s attack Judah, terrorize it, and conquer it. Then we’ll set up the son of Tabeel as its king.”

The splendor of his forest and his orchard will be completely destroyed, as when a sick man’s life ebbs away.

On every high mountain and every high hill there will be streams flowing with water, at the time of great slaughter when the fortified towers collapse.

(just as many were horrified by the sight of you) he was so disfigured he no longer looked like a man;

I was angry because of their sinful greed; I attacked them and angrily rejected them, yet they remained disobedient and stubborn.

For I solemnly warned your ancestors to obey me. I warned them again and again, ever since I delivered them out of Egypt until this very day.