Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters. But his brothers did not have many sons, so their whole clan was not as numerous as the sons of Judah.

According to the genealogical records of their families, they had 36,000 warriors available for battle, for they had numerous wives and sons.

David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first will become commanding general!” So Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first and became commander.

but then they made a stand in the middle of that area. They defended it and defeated the Philistines; the Lord gave them a great victory.

They and their relatives, all of them skilled and trained to make music to the Lord, numbered two hundred eighty-eight.

Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem with Jehoshaphat leading them; the Lord had given them reason to rejoice over their enemies.

The messengers journeyed from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun, but people mocked and ridiculed them.

Then I said, “Please, O LORD God of heaven, great and awesome God, who keeps his loving covenant with those who love him and obey his commandments,

Then those in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers has failed! The debris is so great that we are unable to rebuild the wall.”

Since man’s days are determined, the number of his months is under your control; you have set his limit and he cannot pass it.

He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots and he will depart by the breath of God’s mouth.

For the Lord promotes justice, and never abandons his faithful followers. They are permanently secure, but the children of evil men are wiped out.

You love justice and hate evil. For this reason God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy, elevating you above your companions.

He drove the nations out from before them; he assigned them their tribal allotments and allowed the tribes of Israel to settle down.

Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.

Free me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Because of me the godly will assemble, for you will vindicate me.

His mouth is very sweet; he is totally desirable. This is my beloved! This is my companion, O maidens of Jerusalem!

You must recognize the authority of the Lord who commands armies. He is the one you must respect; he is the one you must fear.

(9:1) The people walking in darkness see a bright light; light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness.

You will not be buried with them, because you destroyed your land and killed your people. The offspring of the wicked will never be mentioned again.