They allotted these previously named cities from the territory of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their leaders, had assigned responsibilities, like their relatives, as they served in the Lord’s temple.

The lot for the east gate went to Shelemiah. They then cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise adviser, and the lot for the north gate went to him.

David said, “All of this I put in writing as the Lord directed me and gave me insight regarding the details of the blueprints.”

then listen from heaven, forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their ancestors.

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

the Lord appeared to Solomon at night and said to him: “I have answered your prayer and chosen this place to be my temple where sacrifices are to be made.

You must serve me as your father David did. Do everything I commanded and obey my rules and regulations.

Say, ‘This is what the king says: “Put this man in prison. Give him only a little bread and water until I return safely.”’”

Now the king of Syria had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight common soldiers or high ranking officers; fight only the king of Israel!”

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

(Wicked Athaliah and her sons had broken into God’s temple and used all the holy items of the Lord’s temple in their worship of the Baals.)

In one day King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel killed 120,000 warriors in Judah, because they had abandoned the Lord God of their ancestors.

The Lord humiliated Judah because of King Ahaz of Israel, for he encouraged Judah to sin and was very unfaithful to the Lord.

Shaphan brought the scroll to the king and reported, “Your servants are doing everything assigned to them.

Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your countrymen to do what the Lord commanded through Moses.”

They slaughtered the Passover lambs and the priests splashed the blood, while the Levites skinned the animals.

They burned down the Lord’s temple and tore down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned all its fortified buildings and destroyed all its valuable items.

All their neighbors assisted them with silver utensils, gold, equipment, animals, and expensive gifts, not to mention all the voluntary offerings.

Now Ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the Lord, to its observance, and to teaching its statutes and judgments in Israel.