In the spring Ben Hadad mustered the Syrian army and marched to Aphek to fight Israel.

Micaiah said, “If you really do safely return, then the Lord has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take note, all you people.”

This is what the king says: ‘Don’t let Hezekiah mislead you, for he is not able to rescue you from my hand!

Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,

Recall the miraculous deeds he performed, his mighty acts and the judgments he decreed,

in using gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Get up and begin the work! May the Lord be with you!”

He made a bronze altar, 30 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 15 feet high.

Abijah’s power grew; he had fourteen wives and fathered twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.

He removed the pagan altars and the high places, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles.

Hezekiah and all the people were happy about what God had done for them, for it had been done quickly.

Everything was verified by number and by weight, and the total weight was written down at that time.

However, due to your abundant mercy you did not do away with them altogether; you did not abandon them. For you are a merciful and compassionate God.

The temple attendants were living on Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa were over them.

Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in King Ahasuerus’ royal palace.

“Why does God give light to one who is in misery, and life to those whose soul is bitter,

When they are scorched, they dry up, when it is hot, they vanish from their place.

My body is clothed with worms and dirty scabs; my skin is broken and festering.

If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression and be cheerful,’

It is higher than the heavens – what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol – what can you know?

he lived in ruined towns and in houses where no one lives, where they are ready to crumble into heaps.