Then the king turned around ¹  and pronounced a blessing over the whole Israelite assembly as they stood there. ² 

For six months Joab and the entire Israelite army ¹  stayed there until they had exterminated every male in Edom. ² 

They even built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.

Drink from the stream; I have already told ¹  the ravens to bring you food ²  there.”

Then Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my sailors join yours in the fleet,” ¹  but Jehoshaphat refused.

His servants advised ¹  him, “A young virgin must be found for our master, the king, ²  to take care of the king’s needs ³  and serve as his nurse. She can also sleep with you ⁴  and keep our master, the king, warm.” ⁵ 

Now a prophet visited King Ahab of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Do you see this huge army? ¹  Look, I am going to hand it over to you this very day. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

All the people followed him up, playing flutes and celebrating so loudly they made the ground shake. ¹ 

King Solomon sent men to bring him down ¹  from the altar. He came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon told him, “Go home.” ² 

Solomon demonstrated his loyalty to the Lord by following ¹  the practices ²  of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.

Solomon had twelve district governors appointed throughout Israel who acquired supplies for the king and his palace. Each was responsible for one month in the year.

All the people of Judah and Israel had security; everyone from Dan to Beer Sheba enjoyed the produce of their vines and fig trees throughout Solomon’s lifetime. ¹ 

He fashioned two bronze pillars; each pillar was 27 feet ¹  high and 18 feet ²  in circumference.

The wheels were constructed like chariot wheels; their crossbars, rims, spokes, and hubs were made of cast metal.

He engraved ornamental cherubs, lions, and palm trees on the plates of the supports and frames wherever there was room, ¹  with wreaths ²  all around.

Solomon did not assign Israelites to these work crews; ¹  the Israelites served as his soldiers, attendants, officers, charioteers, and commanders of his chariot forces. ² 

These men were also in charge of Solomon’s work projects; there were a total of 550 men who supervised the workers. ¹ 

Throughout the afternoon they were in an ecstatic frenzy, ¹  but there was no sound, no answer, and no response. ² 

Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are the true God ¹  and that you are winning back their allegiance.” ² 

The king of Israel replied, “Tell him the one who puts on his battle gear should not boast like one who is taking it off.” ¹