Jehoiada chose two wives for him who gave him sons and daughters.

The proposal seemed appropriate to the king and the entire assembly.

However, the people are numerous and it is the rainy season. We are unable to stand here outside. Furthermore, this business cannot be resolved in a day or two, for we have sinned greatly in this matter.

But if you repent and obey my commandments and do them, then even if your dispersed people are in the most remote location, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for my name to reside.’

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

But if you will look to God, and make your supplication to the Almighty,

I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and buried my horn in the dust;

A trap seizes him by the heel; a snare grips him.

then the Almighty himself will be your gold, and the choicest silver for you.

“Even today my complaint is still bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning.

God understands the way to it, and he alone knows its place.

Indeed, in truth, God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.

He does not allow the wicked to live, but he gives justice to the poor.

They die in their youth, and their life ends among the male cultic prostitutes.

He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through the clouds.

Do you make it leap like a locust? Its proud neighing is terrifying!

Hide them in the dust together, imprison them in the grave.

Will partners bargain for it? Will they divide it up among the merchants?

The Exalted God is my shield, the one who delivers the morally upright.

Sing to him a new song! Play skillfully as you shout out your praises to him!