Bible in 90 Days
10 Now while Ezra was davening and making vidduy, weeping and prostrating himself before the Beis HaElohim, a Kahal rav me’od, anashim, nashim, and yeladim, gathered to him from Yisroel, for the people wept bitterly.
2 And Shechanyah ben Yechiel, of the Bnei Elam, answered and said to Ezra, We have been unfaithful to Eloheinu, have married foreign am ha’aretz women; yet now there is mikveh for Yisroel in spite of this.
3 So now let us make a Brit with Eloheinu to put away all nashim and that born of them, according to the counsel of Adonoi and the charedim at the mitzvot of Eloheinu; and let it be done according to the Torah.
4 Arise! For this matter is your responsibility; but we will be with you; chazak and act.
5 Then Ezra rose and made the leading Kohanim, the Levi’im, and kol Yisroel take an oath that they would do according to this proposal; so they took the oath.
6 Then Ezra arose from before the Beis HaElohim and went into the chamber of Yehochanan ben Elyashiv. Although he went there, he did not eat lechem, nor drink water, for he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of those of the Golus.
7 And they issued a proclamation throughout Yehudah and Yerushalayim to all the Banim of the Golus, that they should assemble at Yerushalayim
8 And that whoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the sarim and the zekenim, all his possessions should be forfeited and he himself excluded from the Kahal of those of the Golus.
9 So all the men of Yehudah and Benyamin assembled at Yerushalayim within the three days. It was the ninth month on the twentieth of the month, and kol HaAm sat in the rechov before the Beis HaElohim, distressed by the occasion and the heavy rain.
10 Then Ezra HaKohen stood up and said to them, You have been unfaithful and have married foreign women adding to Ashmat Yisroel.
11 Now, therefore, make confession to Hashem Elohei Avoteichem and do His will; separate yourselves from the am ha’aretz and from the foreign women.
12 Then Kol HaKahal answered and said with a kol gadol, Ken! As you have said, so it is our duty to do.
13 But there are Am rav, it is the rainy season, and we are not able to stand bachotz (outside). Nor can the matter be done in one or two days, for we have transgressed greatly in this matter.
14 Let our leaders represent the Kol HaKahal and let all those in our towns who have married foreign women come at appointed times, together with the ziknei ir and shofetim of each town until the charon af Eloheinu on account of this matter is turned away from us.
15 Only Yonatan ben Asah’el and Yachzeyah ben Tikvah supported by Meshulam and Shabtai the Levi stood opposed.
16 But the Banim of the Golus did so. And Ezra HaKohen selected anashim who were Rashei HaAvot for each of their father’s households, all of them by shemot. So they convened on the first day of the tenth month to investigate the matter.
17 And they finished investigating all men who had married foreign women by the 1st day of the 1st month.
18 And among the Bnei HaKohanim who had married foreign women were found of the Bnei Yeshua ben Yotzadak, and his brothers; Ma’aseiyah, Eliezer, Yariv, and Gedalyah.
19 And they pledged to put away their women, and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their asham.
20 And of the Bnei Immer there were Chanani and Zevadyah;
21 and of the Bnei of Charim; Ma’aseiyah, Eliyah, Shemayah, Yechiel, and Uzziyah;
22 and of the Bnei of Pashchur; Elyoeinai, Ma’aseiyah, Yishmael, Netanel, Yozavad, and Elasah.
23 And of Levi’im there were Yozavad, Shimei, Kelayah (that is, Kelita), Petachyah, Yehudah, and Eliezer.
24 And of the singers there was Elyashiv; and of the gatekeepers; Shallum, Telem, and Uri.
25 And of Yisroel, of the Bnei of Parosh there were Ramyah, Yizziyah, Malchiyah, Miyamin, Eleazar, Malkiyah, and Benayah;
26 And of the Bnei Elam; Mattanyah, Zecharyah, Yechi’el, Avdi, Yeremot, and Eliyah;
27 And of the Bnei Zattu; Elyoeinai, Elyashiv, Mattanyah, Yeremot, Zavad, and Aziza;
28 And of the Bnei Bevai; Yehochanan, Chananyah, Zabbai, and Atlai;
29 And of the Bnei Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adayah, Yashuv, Sheal, and Ramot;
30 And of the Bnei Pachat-Moav; Adna, Kelal, Benayah, Ma’aseiyah, Mattanyah, Betzalel, Binnui, and Menasheh;
31 And of the Bnei Charim; Eliezer; Yishiyah, Malkiyah, Shemayah, Shim’on,
32 Benyamin, Malluch, and Shemaryah;
33 Of the Bnei of Chashum; Matnai, Mattattah, Zavad, Eliphelet, Yeremai, Manasheh, and Shimei;
34 Of the Bnei Bani; Ma’adai, Amram, U’el,
35 Benayah, Bedyah, Keluhi,
36 Vanyah, Meremot, Elyashiv,
37 Mattanyah, Mattnai, Ya’asai,
38 Bani, Binnui, Shimei,
39 Shelemyah, Natan, Adayah,
40 Machnavdai, Shashai, Sharai,
41 Azarel, Shelemyah, Shemaryah,
42 Shallum, Amaryah, and Yosef.
43 Of the Bnei Nevo there were Ye’iel, Mattityah, Zavad, Zevina, Yadai, Yoel, and Benayah.
44 All these had taken foreign women, and some of them wives by whom they had banim.
1 The Divrei Nechemyah ben Chachalyah. And it came to pass in the month Kislev, in the twentieth year [i.e., 445 B.C.E.], as I was in Shushan the capital [of Persia],
2 That Chanani, one of my achim [see 7:2], came, he and certain men, from Yehudah; and I asked them concerning the remnant of the Yehudim that had survived the Exile [the Golus], and concerning Yerushalayim.
3 And they said unto me, The remnant that have survived the Exile [the Golus] there in the province are in ra’ah gedolah and reproach; the Chomat Yerushalayim also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with eish.
4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for several yamim, and did a tzom, and davened before Elohei HaShomayim,
5 And said, O Hashem Elohei HaShomayim, HaEl HaGadol vHaNora, that is shomer habrit vachesed for them that love Him and are shomer mitzvot over His commandments,
6 Let Thine ear now be attentive, and Thine eyes open, that Thou mayest hear the tefillah of Thy eved, which I am davening before Thee now, yomam valailah, for the Bnei Yisroel Thy avadim, and mitvaddeh al chattot (confess the sins) of the Bnei Yisroel, which we have sinned against Thee. Both I and the Bais Avi have sinned.
7 We have dealt very corruptly against Thee, and have not been shomer mitzvot, neither over the chukkim, nor the mishpatim, which Thou commandedst Moshe Thy eved.
8 Remember, the word that Thou commandedst Moshe Thy eved, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations,
9 But if ye make teshuvah and turn unto Me, and are shomer over My mitzvot, and do them; though there were of you those exiled unto the uttermost part of HaShomayim, yet will I gather them from there, and will bring them unto the place [i.e., Yerushalayim] that I have chosen to make dwell Shmi (My Name) there.
10 Now these are Thy Avadim and Thy Am, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy ko’ach hagadol, and by Thy Yad HaChazakah.
11 O Adonoi, let now Thine ear be attentive to the tefillah of Thy eved, and to the tefillah of Thy Avadim, who desire to fear Thy Shem; and give success to Thy eved today, and grant him rachamim in the sight of this man. For I was the Mashkeh L’Melech.
2 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artachshasta HaMelech, that yayin was before him; and I took up the yayin, and gave it unto HaMelech. Now I had not been previously sad in his presence.
2 Wherefore HaMelech said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not choleh (sick)? This is nothing else but ro’ah lev. Then I was very much afraid,
3 And said unto HaMelech, HaMelech l’olam yicheyeh. Why should not my countenance look sad, when HaIr, the Bais Kivrot Avotai, lieth in ruins, and the gates thereof are consumed with eish?
4 Then HaMelech said unto me, For what dost Thou make request? So I davened to Elohei HaShomayim.
5 And I said unto HaMelech, If it please HaMelech, and if thy eved have found favor in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Yehudah, unto the Ir Kivrot Avotai, that I may rebuild her.
6 And HaMelech said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be, and when wilt thou return? So it pleased HaMelech to send me; and I set for him a zman.
7 Moreover I said unto HaMelech, If it please HaMelech, let iggrot be given me to the governors Beyond the River, that they may provide me safe conduct till I come into Yehudah;
8 And an iggeret unto Asaph the Shomer of the forest of HaMelech, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress by the Beis, and for the Chomat HaIr, and for the bais that I shall occupy. And HaMelech granted me, according to the Yad Elohai Hatovah upon me.
9 Then I came to the governors Beyond the River [Euphrates], and gave them the Iggrot HaMelech. Now HaMelech had sent captains of the army and parashim (a troop of horsemen) with me.
10 When Sanvalat the Choroni, and Toviyah the eved (official), the Ammoni, heard of it, it grieved them with a ra’ah gedolah that there was come an adam to seek the welfare of the Bnei Yisroel.
11 So I came to Yerushalayim; was there 3 yamim.
12 And I arose in the lailah, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what Elohai had put in my lev to do for Yerushalayim; neither was there any mount with me, save the mount that I rode upon.
13 And I went out by lailah by the Valley Gate, even before the Dragon’s Spring, and to the Dung Gate [3:13], and made inspection of the Chomat Yerushalayim, which had been broken down, and the gates thereof that were consumed with eish.
14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate, and to the King’s Pool [Pool of Shiloah], but there was no place for the mount that was under me to pass.
15 Then went I up in the lailah by way of the valley, and viewed the Chomah (Wall), and turned back, and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned.
16 And the officials knew not where I went, or what I did; neither as yet to the Yehudim, nor to the Kohanim, nor to the Nobles, nor to the Rulers, nor to the rest that were to do the melachah (work) had I said anything.
17 Then said I unto them, Ye see hara’ah (the trouble) that we are in, how Yerushalayim lieth in ruins, and the gates thereof are burned with eish; come, and let us rebuild the Chomat Yerushalayim, that we suffer derision no more.
18 Then I told them of the Yad Elohai Hatovah which was upon me; as also the Divrei HaMelech that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and rebuild. So they strengthened their hands in tovah (in the good).
19 But when Sanvalat the Choroni, and Toviyah the eved (official), the Ammoni, and Geshem the Arab, heard it, they laughed at us in mockery, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? Against HaMelech will you be moredim (ones rebelling)?
20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, Elohei HaShomayim, He will give us success; therefore we His avadim will arise and rebuild; but ye have no chelek (allotted portion), nor tzadakah (right), nor zikaron b’Yerushalayim (history to commemorate in Jerusalem).
3 Then Elyashiv the Kohen HaGadol rose up with his achim the Kohanim, and they rebuilt the Sheep Gate; they set it apart as kodesh, and set up the daletot of it; even unto the Migdal HaMe’ah they set it apart as kodesh, unto the Migdal Chanan’el.
2 And next unto him the Anshei Yericho built. And next to them built Zakkur ben Imri.
3 But the Fish Gate did the Bnei Hasnaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the daletot thereof, the locks , and the bars thereof.
4 And next unto them Meremot ben Uriyah ben Hakotz made repairs. And next unto them Meshullam ben Berekhyah ben Meshezav’el made repairs. And next unto them Tzadok ben Ba’ana did so.
5 And next unto them the Tekoim built; but their Nobles put not their necks to the Avodas adoneihem.
6 Moreover Yoyada ben Paseach and Meshullam ben Besodyah made repairs on the Sha’ar HaYeshanah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the daletot, and the locks, and the bars thereof.
7 And next unto them repaired Melatyah the Giveoni, and Yadon the Meronoti, the men of Giveon, and of Mitzpah, upto the seat of the governor of Beyond the River [Euphrates].
8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel ben Charhayah, one of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Chananyah son of the perfumers, and they fortified Yerushalayim upto the Broad Wall.
9 And next unto them repaired Refayah ben Chur, the ruler of half the district of Yerushalayim.
10 And next unto them repaired Yedayah ben Charumaph, opposite his bais. And next unto him repaired Chattush ben Chashavneyah.
11 Malkiyah ben Charim, and Chashuv ben Pachat-Moav, repaired the other section, and the Migdal HaTannurim.
12 And next unto him repaired Shallum ben Halochesh, the ruler of half the district of Yerushalayim, he and his banot.
13 The Valley Gate repaired Chanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoach; they rebuilt it, and set up the daletot thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and 1,000 cubits of Chomah unto the Dung Gate.
14 But the Dung Gate did Malkiyah ben Rechav, the ruler of the district of Beit Hakerem repair; he rebuilt it, and set up the daletot thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
15 But the Fountain Gate did Shallun ben Kol-Chozeh, ruler of Mitzpah district repair; he rebuilt it, covered it, set up the daletot thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the chomah of the Pool of Shelach [Shiloah] by the Gan HaMelech, and upto the stairs that go down from the Ir Dovid.
16 After him repaired Nechemyah ben Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beit-tzur, unto the place opposite the Kivrei Dovid, and to the artificial pool, and unto the Bais HaGiborim.
17 After him repaired the Levi’im, Rechum ben Bani. Next unto him repaired Chashavyah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, in his district.
18 After him repaired their achim, Bavai ben Chenadad, ruler half the Keilah district.
19 And next to him repaired Ezer ben Yeshua, the ruler of Mitzpah, another section fronting the ascent to the armory at the Corner.
20 After him Baruch ben Zakkai zealously repaired the other section, from the Corner unto the petach Bais Elyashiv the Kohen HaGadol.
21 After him repaired Meremot ben Uriyah ben Hakotz another section, from the entrance of the Bais Elyashiv even to the end of the Bais Elyashiv.
22 And after him repaired the Kohanim, who were the men of the surrounding area.
23 After him repaired Binyamin and Chashuv opposite their bais. After him repaired Azaryah ben Maaseiyah ben Ananyah etzel (beside, Prov 8:30) his bais.
24 After him repaired Binnui ben Chenadad another section, from the bais Azaryah unto the Corner, even unto the Pinnah.
25 Palal ben Uzai, opposite the Corner, and the Migdal which projects from upper part of the Bais HaMelech, that was by the khatzer (court) of the Guard. After him Pedayah ben Parosh
26 And the Netenim (servants of the Bais Hamikdash) dwelt on Ophel, made repairs unto the place opposite the Water Gate on the east, and the migdal that projects out.
27 After them the Tekoim repaired another section, opposite the great migdal that projects out, even unto the Chomat Ophel.
28 From above the Horse Gate repaired the Kohanim, every one opposite his bais.
29 After them repaired Tzadok ben Immer opposite his bais. After him repaired also Shemayah ben Shechanyah, the Shomer of the East Gate.
30 After him repaired Chananyah ben Shelemyah, and Chanun the sixth son of Tzalaph, another section. After him repaired Meshullam ben Berekhyah opposite his living quarters.
31 After him repaired Malkiyah one of the goldsmiths unto the place of the Netenim, and of the merchants, opposite the Sha’ar HaMifkad, and to the aliyyat hapinnah.
32 And between the aliyyat hapinnah unto the Sheep Gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.
4 (3:33) But it came to pass, that when Sanvalat heard that we were rebuilding the Chomah, he was angered, took great indignation, mocked the Yehudim.
2 (3:34) And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Shomron, and said, What do these feeble Yehudim? Will they fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Will they revive the avanim out of the heaps of the burned rubble?
3 (3:35) Now Toviyah the Ammoni was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox climb up on it, even he shall break down their chomat avanim.
4 (3:36) Shema, Eloheinu, for we are despised; turn their insults upon their own head, and give them as plunder in a land of captivity;
5 (3:37) And cover not their avon, and let not their chattat be blotted out from before thee, for they threw insults in the face of HaBonim.
6 (3:38) So we rebuilt HaChomah, and kol HaChomah was joined together unto half the height thereof, for HaAm had a mind to work.
7 (4:1) But it came to pass, that when Sanvalat, and Toviyah, and the Arabs, and the Ammonim, and the Ashdodim, heard about the Chomat Yerushalayim, that its repairs had gone ahead, and that the gaps began to be closed up, then they were very angry,
8 (4:2) And they plotted all of them together to come and to fight against Yerushalayim, and to hinder it.
9 (4:3) Nevertheless we davened unto Eloheinu, and set a watch against them yomam valailah, because of them.
10 (4:4) And Yehudah said, The koach of the bearers of burdens is giving out, and there is much rubble, so that we are not able to rebuild the Chomah (Wall).
11 (4:5) And our adversaries said, They shall have no da’as, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the melachah (work) to cease.
12 (4:6) And it came to pass, that when the Yehudim which dwelt near them came, they said unto us eser p’amim, Wherever ye turn, they will be upon us.
13 (4:7) Therefore set I behind the lower places of the Chomah, and on the exposed places, I even set HaAm by their mishpekhot with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
14 (4:8) And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the Nobles, and to the Officials, and to the rest of HaAm, Be not ye afraid of them. Remember Adonoi HaGadol vHaNorah, and fight for your achim, your banim, and your banot, your nashim, and your batim.
15 (4:9) And it came to pass, when our enemies were aware that it was known unto us, and HaElohim had brought their etzah (plan) to nought, that we returned all of us to HaChomah, every one unto his melachah (work).
16 (4:10) And it came to pass from that day forth, that half of my men did the melachah, and the other half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the body armor; and the officials posted themselves behind Kol Bais Yehudah
17 (4:11) Who were HaBonim BaChomah. And they that bore burdens, carried their loads such that each one with one of his hands did the melachah, and with the other hand held a weapon.
18 (4:12) For the Bonim, every one had his cherev girded by his side, and so built. And he that sounded the shofar was by me.
19 (4:13) And I said unto the Nobles, and to the Officials, and to the rest of haAm, The melachah is great and spread out, and we are separated along the Chomah, one far from another.
20 (4:14) In what place therefore ye hear the kol haShofar, rally ye thither unto us; Eloheinu shall fight for us.
21 (4:15) So we labored in the melachah, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn till the kokhavim appeared.
22 (4:16) Likewise at the same time said I unto HaAm, Let every one with his servant lodge within Yerushalayim, that in halailah they may be a mishmar (guard) to us, and at hayom a melachah (workman).
23 (4:17) So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my men, nor the anshei hamishmar (the men of the guard) which followed me, none of us put off our clothes; every one carried his weapon, even when he went for water.
5 And there was a great outcry of HaAm and of their nashim against their achim the Yehudim.
2 For there were that said, We, our banim, and our banot, are rabbim (many); therefore we must get dagan (grain) for them, that we may eat, and live.
3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our sadot (fields), kramim (vineyards), and batim (houses), that we might buy dagan, because of the ra’av (famine).
4 There were also that said, We have borrowed kesef for the tax of HaMelech, and that upon our sadot and kramim.
5 Yet now our basar is the same as the basar of acheinu (our brethren, countrymen), our banot as their banot; and, hinei, we bring into the bondage of slavery our banim and our banot, and some of our banot are brought unto bondage already, neither is it in our power to redeem them, for other men have our sadot and kramim.
6 And I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these devarim.
7 Then I consulted my own thoughts, and I rebuked the Nobles [see 3:5], and the officials, and said unto them, Ye exact massa (usury, i.e., seizing what is pledged against debts, whether people, land, or property), every one from his brother. And I called a kehillah gedolah against them.
8 And I said unto them, We as far as we have ability have redeemed acheinu (bought back our brethren) the Yehudim, which were sold unto the Goyim; and will ye even sell your brethren? Or shall they be sold back unto us? Then they were speechless, and found nothing to answer.
9 Also I said, It is not tov this thing ye are doing. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of Eloheinu and end the derision of the Goyim oyveinu (our enemies)?
10 I likewise, and my brethren, and my men, have allowed them to borrow kesef and dagan; let us stop now this massa (burden of debt).
11 Restore, now, to them, even today, their sadot, their kramim, their zayit groves, and their batim (houses), also the usury of the hundredth part of the kesef, and of the dagan, the tirosh (new wine), and the yitzhar (olive oil), that ye exact of them.
12 Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I summoned the Kohanim, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
13 Also I shook out the fold of my robe, and said, So may HaElohim shake out every man from his bais, and from that which belongs to him, that keepeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And Kol HaKahal said, Omein, and praised Hashem. And HaAm did according to this promise.
14 Moreover, from the yom that I was appointed to be their governor in Eretz Yehudah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artachshasta HaMelech, that is, twelve shanim, I and my brethren have not eaten the Lechem HaPechah (Allowance of the Governor).
15 But the former governors that had been before me placed a heavy burden on HaAm, and had taken of them lechem and yayin, in addition to the forty shekels of kesef; yea, even their assistants domineered HaAm; but so did not I, because of yirat Elohim.
16 But instead I continued in the melekhet HaChomah (work of this Wall), neither acquired we any sadeh; and all my men were gathered there unto the melachah (work).
17 Moreover there were at my shulchan a hundred and fifty of the Yehudim and officials, besides those that came unto us from among the Goyim around us.
18 Now that which was prepared daily was one shor (ox) and six choice sheep; also poultry were prepared at my expense, and every ten days skins of yayin in quantity of all kinds; yet for all this required not I the Lechem HaPechah, because the avodah was heavy upon this people.
19 Remember me, Elohai, for tovah, according to all that I have done for this people.
6 Now it came to pass when Sanvalat, and Toviyah, and Geshem the Arab, and the rest of oyveinu (our enemies), heard that I had rebuilt HaChomah, and that there was no peretz (gap) left therein (though at that time I had not set up the dalatot in the she’arim),
2 That Sanvalat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they were choshevim (the ones scheming) to do me ra’ah (harm).
3 And I sent malachim unto them, saying, I am doing a melachah gedolah, so that I cannot come down. Why should the melachah cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
4 Yet they sent unto me this message arbah pe’amim; and I answered them after the same manner.
5 Then sent Sanvalat his aid unto me in like manner the fifth time with an unsealed iggeret in his hand;
6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the Goyim, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Yehudim are choshevim (the ones scheming) revolt, for which cause thou buildest the Chomah, that thou mayest be their Melech, according to these reports.
7 And thou hast also appointed nevi’im to make this proclamation about thee at Yerushalayim, saying, There is a Melech in Yehudah! Now this report will get back to HaMelech. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such devarim (things) done as thou sayest, but thou inventest them out of thine own lev.
9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, Their hands shall get too weakened for the melachah, that it be not completed. Now therefore, strengthen my hands!
10 Afterward I came unto the bais Shemayah ben Delayah ben Mehetave’el, who was confined; and he said, Let us meet together in the Bais HaElohim, within the Heikhal, and let us close the dalatot of the Heikhal, for they will come to slay thee; yea, tonight they come to slay thee.
11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? And who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the Heikhal to save his life? I will not go in.
12 And, hinei, I perceived that Elohim had not sent him; but that he pronounced this nevu’ah (prophecy) against me, for Toviyah and Sanvalat had hired him.
13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have given me a shem rah (bad name), that they might discredit me.
14 Remember, Elohai, Toviyah and Sanvalat according to these their ma’asim, and also the neviah (prophetess) Noadyah, and the rest of the nevi’im, that would have intimidated me.
15 So the Chomah was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
16 And it came to pass, that when all oyveinu (our enemies) heard thereof, and all the Goyim around us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes, for they perceived that this melachah was accomplished by Eloheinu.
17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Yehudah sent many iggerot unto Toviyah, and the iggrot of Toviyah were making reply unto them.
18 For there were many ba’alei shevuah in Yehudah unto him, because he was the choson (son-in-law) of Shechanyah ben Arach, and his son Yehochanan had taken the bat Meshullam ben Berechyah.
19 Also they reported his [Toviyah’s supposed] merits before me, and uttered my words to him. And Toviyah sent letters with the intent of intimidating me. [T.N. We see that the work of G-d had to be accomplished, not in a vacuum of peace and tranquility, but against the backdrop of manipulation and intimidation. Nehemiah gives G-d the credit and the glory for his escaping every snare.]
7 Now it came to pass, when the chomah was rebuilt, and I had set up the dalatot, and the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levi’im were appointed,
2 That I gave my brother Chanani, along with Chananyah (the commander of the citadel), charge over Yerushalayim, for he was an ish emes, and feared HaElohim more than many.
3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Yerushalayim be opened until the shemesh be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the dalatot, and bar them, and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, every one in his watch, and every one to be near his bais.
4 Now the Ir was large and gedolah, but HaAm were few therein, and the batim (houses) were not rebuilt.
5 And Elohai put into mine lev to gather together the nobles, and the officials, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a Sefer HaYachash (record of the genealogy) of them which came up at the first, and found written therein:
6 These are the people of the province, that went up out of the Golus captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nevuchadnetzar Melech Bavel had carried away, and came again to Yerushalayim and to Yehudah, everyone unto his town;
7 Who came with Zerubavel, Yeshua, Nechemyah, Azaryah, Ra’amyah, Nachmani, Mordechai, Bilshan, Misperet, Bigvai, Nechum, and Ba’anah. The number of the men of the people of Yisroel was this:
8 The Bnei Parosh, 2,172.
9 The Bnei Shephatyah, 372.
10 The Bnei Arach, 652.
11 The Bnei Pachat-Moav, of the Bnei Yeshua and Yoav, 2,818.
12 The Bnei Elam, 1,254.
13 The Bnei Zattu, 845.
14 The Bnei Zaccai, 760.
15 The Bnei Binnui, 648.
16 The Bnei Bevai, 628.
17 The Bnei Azgad, 2,322.
18 The Bnei Adonikam, 667.
19 The Bnei Bigvai, 2,067.
20 The Bnei Adin, 655.
21 The Bnei Ater of Yechizkiyah, 98.
22 The Bnei Chashum, 328.
23 The Bnei Betzai, 324.
24 The Bnei Chariph, 112.
25 The Bnei Giveon, 95.
26 The men of Beit-Lechem and Netophah, 188.
27 The men of Anatot, 128.
28 The men of Beit-Azmavet, 42.
29 The men of Kiryat-Yearim, Kephirah, and Be’erot, 743.
30 The men of Ramah and Geva, 621.
31 The men of Michmas, 122.
32 The men of Beit-El and Ai, 123.
33 The men of the other Nevo, 52.
34 The people of the other Elam, 1,254.
35 The Bnei Charim, 320.
36 The Bnei Yericho, 345.
37 The Bnei Lod, Chadid, and Ono, 721.
38 The Bnei Senaah, 3,930.
39 The kohanim; the Bnei Yedayah, of the Bais Yeshua, 973.
40 The Bnei Immer, 1,052.
41 The Bnei Pashchur, 1,247.
42 The Bnei Charim, 1,017.
43 The Levi’im; the Bnei Yeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the Bnei Hodvah, 74.
44 The singers; the Bnei Asaph, 148.
45 The gatekeepers; the Bnei Shallum, the Bnei Ater, the Bnei Talmon, the Bnei Akuv, the Bnei Chatita, the Bnei Shovai, 138.
46 The Netinim [servants of the Beis Hamikdash]; the Bnei Tzicha, the Bnei Chasupha, the Bnei Tabbaot,
47 The Bnei Keros, the Bnei Sia, the Bnei Padon,
48 The Bnei Levanah, the Bnei Chagava, the Bnei Salmai,
49 The Bnei Chanan, the Bnei Giddel, the Bnei Gachar,
50 The Bnei Reayah, the Bnei Retzin, the Bnei Nekoda,
51 The Bnei Gazzam, the Bnei Uzza, the Bnei Paseach,
52 The Bnei Besai, the Bnei Meunim, the Bnei Nephishesim,
53 The Bnei Bakbuk, the Bnei Chakupha, the Bnei Charchur,
54 The Bnei Batzlit, the Bnei Mechida, the Bnei Charsha,
55 The Bnei Barkos, the Bnei Sisra, the Bnei Tamach,
56 The Bnei Netziach, the Bnei Chatipha.
57 The Bnei Avdei Sh’lomo; the Bnei Sotai, the Bnei Sopheret, the Bnei Perida, [T.N. This book teaches that the work of G-d is so difficult, that no one person can do it alone. People working together is a picture of what is involved in being in a Messianic kehillah or any ministry for G-d. We are inspired as we see how the wall came together in only 52 days (see Neh 6:15) when Nehemiah arrived in 445. However, everything was not accomplished quite so fast. The Mizbe’ach and the Beis Hamikdash were restored and the work took place from 538-515 B.C.E. and was finally completed after Darius I (522-486 B.C.E.) gave his official permission, though the foundation of the Beis Hamikdash was laid as early as 536 B.C.E. Then came the reforming work of Ezra in 458 B.C.E. during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424).
58 The Bnei Yaala, the Bnei Darkon, the Bnei Giddel,
59 The Bnei Shephatyah, the Bnei Chattil, the Bnei Pocheret-Hatzvayim, the Bnei Amon.
60 All the Netinim, and the Bnei Avdei Sh’lomo, were three hundred ninety and two.
61 And these were they which went up also from Tel-Melach, Tel-Charsha, Keruv, Addon, and Immer, but they could not show their bais avot, nor their zera, whether they were of Yisroel.
62 The Bnei Delayah, the Bnei Toviyah, the Bnei Nekoda, 642.
63 And of the kohanim; the Bnei Chavayah, the Bnei Hakotz, the Bnei Barzillai, which took one of the banot of Barzillai the Gileadi to wife, and was named after their shem.
64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found; therefore were they, as polluted, put from the Kehunah (Priesthood).
65 And the Tirshata said unto them that they should not eat of the kodesh hakodashim until there stood up a kohen with Urim and Tummim.
66 The kol hakahal together was 42,360,
67 not counting their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were 7,337; and they had 245 meshorarim (singing men) and meshorarot (singing women).
68 Their susim, seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
69 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; six thousand seven hundred and twenty donkeys.
70 And some of the chief of the avot gave unto the work. The Tirshata (governor) gave to the treasury a thousand drachmas of zahav, fifty basins, five hundred and thirty kasenos (garments) for the Kohanim.
71 And some of the chief of the avot gave to the treasury of the work twenty thousand drachmas of zahav, and two thousand and two hundred manim of kesef.
72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drachmas of zahav, and two thousand manim of kesef, and threescore and seven kasenos for the Kohanim.
73 So the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, and the gatekeepers, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Netinim, and kol Yisroel, dwelt in their towns; |8:1| and when the seventh month [Tishri] came, the Bnei Yisroel were in their towns.
8 And kol HaAm gathered themselves together as one man into the rechov that was before the Water Gate; and they spoke unto Ezra HaSofer to bring the Sefer Torat Moshe, which Hashem had commanded to Yisroel.
2 And Ezra HaKohen brought the Torah before the Kahal both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month [Rosh Hashanah].
3 And he read therein before the rechov that was before the Water Gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of kol HaAm were attentive unto the Sefer HaTorah.
4 And Ezra HaSofer stood upon a platform of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattityah, and Shema, and Anayah, and Uriyah, and Chilkiyah, and Ma’aseiyah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedayah, and Mishael, and Malkiyah, and Chashum, and Chashbadana, Zecharyah, and Meshullam.
5 And Ezra opened the Sefer before the eyes of kol HaAm (for he was above kol HaAm); and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
6 And Ezra blessed Hashem, HaElohim HaGadol. And kol HaAm answered, Omein, Omein, with lifting up their hands; and they bowed, and worshiped Hashem with their faces to the ground.
7 Also Yeshua, and Bani, and Sherevyah, Yamin, Akuv, Shabtai, Hodiyah, Ma’aseiyah, Kelita, Azaryah, Yozavad, Chanan, Pelayah, and the Levi’im caused the people to understand the Torah; and the people stood in their place.
8 So they read from the Sefer Torat HaElohim distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
9 And Nechemyah the Tirshata, and Ezra HaKohen HaSofer, and the Levi’im that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is kadosh unto Hashem Eloheichem; mourn not, nor weep. For kol HaAm wept, when they heard the words of the Torah.
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the choice foods, and drink the sweet things, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is kadosh unto Adoneinu; neither be ye grieving; for the chedvah (joy) of Hashem is your strength.
11 So the Levi’im calmed kol HaAm, saying, Be still, for the day is kadosh; neither be ye grieved.
12 And kol HaAm went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make simchah gedolah, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the avot of kol HaAm, the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, unto Ezra HaSofer, to understand the words of the Torah.
14 And they found written in the Torah which Hashem had commanded by Moshe, that the Bnei Yisroel should dwell in sukkot in the Chag of the seventh month,
15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their towns, and in Yerushalayim, saying, Go forth unto the hill country, and bring back olive branches, and wild olive branches, and myrtle, and palm branches, and branches of leafy trees, to make sukkot, as it is written.
16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves sukkot, every one upon the roof of his bais, and in their courtyards, and in the khatzerot Bais HaElohim, and in the rechov of the Water Gate, and in the rechov of the Ephrayim Gate.
17 And kol HaKahal of them that were come again out of the captivity made sukkot, and sat under the sukkot; for since the days of Yeshua ben Nun unto that day had not the Bnei Yisroel done so. And there was simchah gedolah.
18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last, he read from the Sefer Torat HaElohim. And they kept the Chag seven days; and then came Shmini Atzeret, according unto the mishpat.
9 Now in the 24th day of this month the Bnei Yisroel were assembled with a tzom, with sack-cloth, and adamah upon them.
2 And the Zera Yisroel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their chattot, and the avonot of their avot.
3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the Sefer Torat Hashem Eloheihem one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshiped Hashem Eloheihem.
4 Then stood up upon the platform, of the Levi’im, Yeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shevanyah, Bunni, Sherevyah, Bani, and Kenani, and cried with a kol gadol unto Hashem Eloheihem.
5 Then the Levi’im, Yeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Chashavneyah, Sherevyah, Hodiyah, Shevanyah, and Petachyah, said, Stand up and bless Hashem Eloheichem for ever and ever; and blessed be Shem Kevodecha, which is exalted above all brocha and tehillah.
6 Thou, even Thou, art Hashem alone; Thou hast made HaShomayim, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, ha’aretz, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all; and the Tz’va HaShomayim worshipeth Thee.
7 Thou art Hashem HaElohim, Who didst choose Avram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur Kasdim, and gavest shmo Avraham;
8 And foundest his lev ne’eman before Thee, and madest habrit (the covenant) with him to give the eretz HaKena’ani, the Chitti, the Emori, and the Perizzi, and the Yevusi, and the Girgashi, to give it to his zera, and hast performed Thy words; for Thou art tzaddik;
9 And didst see the affliction of Avoteinu in Mitzrayim, and heardest their cry by the Yam Suf;
10 And showedst otot and mofetim upon Pharaoh, and on all his avadim, and on kol HaAm of his land; for Thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst Thou get Thee a Shem, as it is this day.
11 And Thou didst divide the yam before them, so that they went through the midst of the yam on the yabashah; and their persecutors Thou threwest into the depths, as an even (stone) into the mighty waters.
12 Moreover Thou leddest them in the day by an Ammud Anan; and in the night by an Ammud Eish, to give them ohr in the way wherein they should go.
13 Thou camest down also upon Mt Sinai, and spoke with them from Shomayim, and gavest them mishpatim yesharim, and torot emes, chukkim and mitzvot tovim;
14 And madest known unto them Thy Shabbos Kadosh, and commandedst them mitzvot, chukkim, and torah, by the yad of Moshe Thy eved;
15 And gavest them lechem from Shomayim for their hunger, and broughtest forth mayim for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess Ha’Aretz which Thou hadst sworn to give them.
16 But they and Avoteinu dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and paid heed not to Thy mitzvot,
17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of Thy wonders that Thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a rosh to return to their bondage; but Thou art Eloah Selichot, channun and rachum, slow to anger, and of great chesed, and forsookest them not.
18 Yea, when they had made them an egel massekhah, and said, This is Eloheicha that brought thee up out of Mitzrayim, or when they committed ne’atzot gedolot (great blasphemies);
19 Yet Thou in Thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the midbar; the Ammud heAnan departed not from them by day, to lead them in HaDerech; neither the Ammud HaEish by night, to show them light, and HaDerech wherein they should walk.
20 Thou gavest also Thy Ruach HaTovah to instruct them, and withheldest not Thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them mayim for their thirst.
21 Yea, arba’im shanah didst Thou sustain them in the midbar, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out, and their feet swelled not.
22 Moreover Thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, allotting them as a boundary; so they possessed Eretz Sichon, and Eretz Melech Cheshbon, and Eretz Og Melech HaBashan.
23 Their children also multipliedst Thou as the kokhavim of Shomayim, and broughtest them into Ha’Aretz, concerning which Thou hadst promised to their avot, that they should go in to possess it.
24 So the children went in and possessed Ha’Aretz, and Thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Kena’anim, and gavest them into their hands, with their melachim, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would.
25 And they took fortified cities, and an adamah shemenah, and possessed batim full of all goods, wells dug, kramim, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance; so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.
26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against Thee, and cast Thy torah behind their backs, and slaughtered Thy nevi’im which testified against them to turn them to Thee, and they wrought ne’atzot gedolot.
27 Therefore Thou deliveredst them into the yad of their enemies, who oppressed them; and in the time of their tzoros, when they cried unto Thee, Thou heardest them from Shomayim; and according to Thy manifold mercies Thou gavest them moshi’im (deliverers), who saved them out of the yad of their enemies.
28 But after they had rest, they did rah again before Thee; therefore Thou abandoned them unto the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them; yet when they returned, cried unto Thee, Thou heardest them from Shomayim; and many times didst Thou deliver them according to Thy mercies;
29 And testifiedst against them, that Thou mightest bring them again unto Thy torah; yet they dealt proudly, and paid heed not unto Thy mitzvot, but sinned against Thy mishpatim, which if a man do, he shall live in them; and they stubbornly turned their backs, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.
30 Yet many shanim didst Thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by Thy Ruach [Hakodesh] by Thy nevi’im; yet would they not give ear; therefore gavest Thou them into the yad of the peoples of the lands.
31 Nevertheless for Thy great mercies’ sake Thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for Thou art El Channun v’Rachum.
32 Now therefore, Eloheinu, the great, the mighty, and the terrible G-d, Who keepest brit and chesed, let not all the hardships seem little before Thee, that hath come upon us, on melacheinu, on sareinu, and on Kohaneinu, and on nevi’einu, and on Avoteinu, and on all Thy people, since the time of the melachim of Assyria unto this day.
33 Howbeit Thou art tzaddik in all that is brought upon us; for Thou hast done emes, but we have done wrong;
34 Neither have melacheinu, sareinu, Kohaneinu, nor Avoteinu, kept Thy torah, nor paid heed unto Thy mitzvot and Thy testimonies, wherewith Thou didst testify against them.
35 For they have not served Thee in their malchut, and in Thy great goodness that Thou gavest them, and in the large and fertile land which Thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
36 Hinei, we are avadim this day, and for the land that Thou gavest unto Avoteinu to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, hinei, we are avadim in it;
37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the melachim whom Thou hast set over us because of chattoteinu; also they have dominion over geviyyoteinu, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in tzarah gedolah.
38 (10:1) And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our sarim, Levi’im, and Kohanim, seal unto it.
10 (10:2) Now those that sealed were, Nechemyah the tirshata ben Chachalyah, and Tzedekyah,
2 (3) Serayah, Azaryah, Yirmeyah,
3 (4) Pashchur, Amaryah, Malkiyah,
4 (5) Chattush, Shevanyah, Maluch,
5 (6) Charim, Meremot, Ovadyah,
6 (7) Daniel, Ginton, Baruch,
7 (8) Meshullam, Aviyah, Miyamin,
8 (9) Ma’azyah, Bilgai, Shemayah; these were the kohanim.
9 (10) And the Levi’im; both Yeshua ben Azanyah, Binnui of the Bnei Chenadad, Kadmiel;
10 (11) And their brethren, Shevanyah, Hodiyah, Kelita, Pelayah, Chanan,
11 (12) Micha, Rechov, Chashavyah,
12 (13) Zakkur, Sherevyah, Shevanyah,
13 (14) Hodiyah, Bani, and Beninu.
14 (15) The chief of the people: Parosh, Pachat-Moav, Elam, Zattu, Bani,
15 (16) Bunni, Azgad, Bevai,
16 (17) Adoniyah, Bigvai, Adin,
17 (18) Ater, Chizkiyah, Azzur,
18 (19) Hodiyah, Chashum, Betzai,
19 (20) Chariph, Anatot, Neivai,
20 (21) Magpiash, Meshullam, Chezir,
21 (22) Meshezav’el, Tzadok, Yaddua,
22 (23) Pelatyah, Chanan, Anayah,
23 (24) Hoshea, Chananyah, Chashuv,
24 (25) Halochesh, Pilcha, Shovek,
25 (26) Rechum, Chashavnah, Ma’aseiyah,
26 (27) And Achiyah, Chanan, Anan,
27 (28) Maluch, Charim, Ba’anah.
28 (29) And the rest of the people, the Kohanim, the Levi’im, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Netinim, and all they that had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands unto the Torat HaElohim, their wives, their banim, and their banot, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
29 (30) They were the machazikim (the ones joining) with their brethren, their nobles, and bound themselves with a curse, and into an oath, to walk in Torat HaElohim, which was given by Moshe Eved HaElohim, and to be shomer to do all the mitzvot of Hashem Adoneinu, and His mishpatim and His chukkot;
30 (31) And that we would not give our banot unto the peoples of the land, not take their banot for our banim;
31 (32) And if the people of the land bring merchandise or any grain on Shabbos or on Yom Kodesh to sell, that we would not buy it of them on Shabbos, or on Yom Kodesh; and that we would every Shanah HaShevi’it [Ex 23:11] forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.
32 (33) Also we will assume on us mitzvot, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the Avodat Beis Eloheinu [Mt 17:24];
33 (34) For the Lechem HaMa’arekhet, and for the Minchat HaTamid, and for the Olat HaTamid, of the Shabbatot, of the Chodashim, for the Mo’adim, and for the Kodashim, and for the Chatta’ot to make kapporah for Yisroel, and for all the work of the Beis Eloheinu.
34 (35) And we cast the goralot among the Kohanim, the Levi’im, and the people, for the korban of the wood, to bring it into the Beis Eloheinu, after the batim of Avoteinu, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the Mizbe’ach of Hashem Eloheinu, as it is written in the Torah [Lv 6:12-13];
35 (36) And to bring the bikkurei admateinu, and the bikkurei kol pri kol etz, year by year, unto Beis Hashem;
36 (37) Also the bechorot baneinu, and of our cattle, as it is written in the Torah, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the Beis Eloheinu, unto the Kohanim that minister in the Beis Eloheinu;
37 (38) And that we should bring the reshit arisoteinu, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of tirosh and of oil, unto the Kohanim, to the storerooms of the Beis Eloheinu; and the ma’aser of our land unto the Levi’im, that the same Levi’im might collect me’a’serim in all the cities of avodateinu.
38 (39) And the Kohen Ben Aharon shall be with the Levi’im, when the Levi’im receive tithes; and the Levi’im shall bring up the ma’aser hama’aser unto the Beis Eloheinu, to the storerooms, into the Beis HaOtzar.
39 (40) For the Bnei Yisroel and the Bnei Levi shall bring the terumah of the grain, of the tirosh, and the oil, unto the storerooms, where are Keli HaMikdash, and the Kohanim that minister, and the gatekeepers, and the singers; and we will not forsake the Beis Eloheinu.
11 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Yerushalayim; the rest of the people also cast goralot, to bring one of ten to dwell in Yerushalayim Ir HaKodesh, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Yerushalayim.
3 Now these are the chiefs of the province that dwelt in Yerushalayim, but in the towns of Yehudah dwelt every one in his possession in their towns—Yisroel, the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, and the Netinim, and the Bnei Avdei Sh’lomo.
4 And at Yerushalayim dwelt certain of the Bnei Yehudah, and of the Bnei Binyamin. Of the Bnei Yehudah; Atayah ben Uziyah, ben Zecharyah, ben Amaryah, ben Shephatyah, ben Mahalal’el, of the children of Peretz;
5 And Ma’aseiyah ben Baruch, ben Colchozeh, ben Chazayah, ben Adayah, ben Yoyariv, ben Zecharyah, ben Shelah.
6 All the Bnei Peretz that dwelt at Yerushalayim were four hundred threescore and eight anshei chayil.
7 And these are the Bnei Binyamin: Sallu ben Meshullam, ben Yoed, ben Pedayah, ben Kolayah, ben Ma’aseiyah, ben Itiel, ben Yeshayah.
8 And after him Gabai, Sallai, 928.
9 And Yoel ben Zichri was their pakid (overseer), and Yehudah ben Hasnuah was second over the Ir.
10 Of the Kohanim; Yedayah ben Yoyariv, Yachin,
11 Serayah ben Chilkiyah ben Meshullam ben Tzadok ben Merayot ben Achituv the Nagid Bais HaElohim.
12 And their brethren that did the work of the Beis {HaMikdash] were eight hundred twenty and two; and Adayah ben Yerocham, ben Pelalyah, ben Amtzi, ben Zecharyah, ben Pashchur, ben Malkiyah.
13 And his brethren, chief of the avot, two hundred forty and two; and Amashsai ben Azare’el ben Achzai ben Meshillemot ben Immer,
14 And their brethren, gibborei chayil, one hundred twenty and eight; and their overseer was Zavdiel ben HaGedolim.
15 Also of the Levi’im; Shemayah ben Chashuv ben Azrikam ben Chashavyah ben Bunni;
16 And Shabtai and Yozavad, of the chief of the Levi’im, had the oversight of the outside work of the Beis HaElohim.
17 And Matanyah ben Micha ben Zavdi ben Asaph was the Rosh leading techillah in tefillah, and Bakbukyah the second among his brethren, and Avda ben Shammua ben Galal ben Yedutun.
18 All the Levi’im in the Ir HaKodesh were two hundred fourscore and four.
19 Moreover the gatekeepers, Akuv, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were one hundred seventy and two.
20 And the rest of Yisroel, of the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, were in all the cities of Yehudah, every one in his nachalah.
21 But the Netinim dwelt in Ophel, and Tzicha and Gishpa were over the Netinim.
22 The overseer also of the Levi’im at Yerushalayim was Uzzi ben Bani, ben Chashavyah ben Matanyah ben Micha. Of the Bnei Asaph, the singers were responsible for the Beis HaElohim.
23 For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a regulation be for the singers, over their daily actities.
24 And Petachyah ben Mesheizav’el, of the Bnei Zerach ben Yehudah, was the king’s deputy in all matters concerning the people.
25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Yehudah dwelt at Kiryat-Arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Divon, and in the villages thereof, and at Yekabze’el, and in the villages thereof,
26 And at Yeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beit-Pelet,
27 And at Chatzar Shual, and at Beer Sheva, and in the villages thereof,
28 And at Tziklag, and at Mechonah, and in the villages thereof,
29 And at En-Rimmon, and at Tzorah, and at Yarmut,
30 Zanoach, Adulam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from BeerSheva unto the valley of Gehinnom.
31 The children also of Binyamin from Geva dwelt at Michmas, and Ayah, and Beit-El, and in their villages.
32 And at Anatot, Nov, Ananyah,
33 Chatzor, Ramah, Gittayim,
34 Chadid, Tzvo’im, Nevalat,
35 Lud, and Ono, the Gey-HaCharashim.
36 And of the Levi’im were divisions in Yehudah and in Binyamin.
12 Now these are the Kohanim and the Levi’im that went up with Zerubavel ben Sh’altiel, and Yeshua; Serayah, Yirmeyah, Ezra,
2 Amaryah, Maluch, Chattush,
3 Shechanyah, Rechum, Meremot,
4 Iddo, Gintoi, Achiyah,
5 Miyamin, Ma’adiyah, Bilgah,
6 Shemayah, and Yoyariv, Yedayah,
7 Sallu, Amok, Chilkiyah, Yedayah. These were the chief of the Kohanim and of their brethren in the days of Yeshua.
8 Moreover the Levi’im; Yeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherevyah, Yehudah, and Matanyah, which was over the huyedot, he and his brethren.
9 Also Bakbukyah and Unni, their brethren, were opposite them in the mishmarot (services).
10 And Yeshua fathered Yoyakim, Yoyakim also fathered Elyashiv, and Elyashiv fathered Yoyada,
11 And Yoyada fathered Yonatan, and Yonatan fathered Yaddua.
12 And in the days of Yoyakim these were Kohanim rashei haAvot; of Serayah, Merayah; of Yirmeyah, Chananyah;
13 Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amaryah, Yehochanan;
14 Of Melichu, Yonatan; of Shevanyah, Yosef;
15 Of Charim, Adna; of Merayot, Chelkai;
16 Of Iddo, Zecharyah; of Ginton, Meshullam;
17 Of Achiyah, Zichri; of Minyamin, of Moadyah, Piltai;
18 Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemayah, Yehonatan;
19 And of Yoyariv, Matnai; of Yedayah, Uzzi;
20 Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Ever;
21 Of Chilkiyah, Chashavyah; of Yedayah, Netanel.
22 The Levi’im in the days of Elyashiv, Yoyada, and Yochanan, and Yaddua, were recorded rashei haAvot; also the kohanim, to the reign of Daryavesh the Persian.
23 The Bnei Levi, the rashei haAvot, were written in the Sefer Divrei Hayamim, even until the days of Yochanan ben Elyashiv.
24 And the chiefs of the Levi’im: Chashavyah, Sherevyah, and Yeshua ben Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the mitzvat Dovid Ish HaElohim, choir opposite choir.
25 Matanyah, and Bakbukyah, Ovadyah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akuv, were gatekeepers keeping the storerooms of the gates.
26 These were in the days of Yoyakim ben Yeshua ben Yotzadak, and in the days of Nechemyah the governor, and of Ezra HaKohen HaSofer.
27 And at the dedication of the Chomat Yerushalayim they sought the Levi’im from all their places, to bring them to Yerushalayim, to keep the dedication with simchah, both with todot, and with singing, with cymbals, nevalim, and with kinorot.
28 And Bnei HaMishorerim gathered themselves together, both out of the region around Yerushalayim, and from the villages of Netophati;
29 Also from the Bais Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geva and Azmavet; for the singers had built villages around Yerushalayim.
30 Kohanim and Levi’im made themselves tahor, and made the people tahor, the gates, and the chomah.
31 Then I brought up the sarim of Yehudah upon the chomah, and appointed two great choirs to give thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the Dung Gate;
32 And after them went Hoshayah, and half of the sarim of Yehudah,
33 And Azaryah, Ezra, and Meshullam,
34 Yehudah, Binyamin, Shemayah, and Yirmeyah,
35 And certain of the banim of kohanim with trumpets; namely Zecharyah ben Yonatan ben Shemayah ben Matanyah ben Michayah ben Zaccur ben Asaph;
36 And his brethren, Shemayah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Ma’ai, Netanel, and Yehudah, Chanani, with the musical instruments of Dovid the Ish HaElohim, and Ezra the Sofer before them.
37 And at the Fountain Gate they went up by the steps of Ir Dovid, at the going up of the wall, above the Bais Dovid, even the Water Gate eastward.
38 The other company of them that gave thanks went opposite them, I after them, and half the people upon the wall, from beyond the Migdal of the Ovens even unto the Broad Wall;
39 And from above the Ephrayim Gate, and above the Old Gate, and above the Fish Gate, and the Migdal of Chanane’el, and the Migdal of the Hundred, even unto the Sheep Gate; and they stood still in the Prison Gate.
40 So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the Beis HaElohim, and I, and the half of the officials with me;
41 And the Kohanim: Elyakim, Ma’aseiyah, Minyamin, Michayah, Elyoeinai, Zecharyah, and Chananyah, with trumpets;
42 And Ma’aseiyah, Shemayah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Yehochanan, Malchiyah, Eilam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Yizrachyah their overseer.
43 Also that day they offered zevakhim gedolim, and rejoiced, for HaElohim had made them rejoice with great joy; the wives also and the children rejoiced, so that the joy of Yerushalayim was heard even afar off.
44 And at that time were some appointed over the storerooms for the Otzarot, for terumot, for the reshit, and for ma’aserot (tithes), to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions required by the Torah for the Kohanim and Levi’im: for Yehudah rejoiced for the Kohanim and for the Levi’im stationed [in Beis Hashem].
45 They performed the Mishmeret Eloheihem and the Mishmeret HaTahorah according to the commandment of Dovid, and of Sh’lomo bno.
46 For in the days of Dovid and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and shir tehillah and hodot unto Elohim.
47 And kol Yisroel in the days of Zerubavel, and in the days of Nechemyah, gave the portions for the singers and the gatekeepers, every day its portion; and they set aside as kodesh the portion for the Levi’im; and the Levi’im set aside as kodesh the portion for the Bnei Aharon. [T.N. See "days of Yeshua" Neh 12:7, Kohen Gadol ca. 560-490 B.C.E. resurrected from the national death in Golus and namesake of Moshiach Zech 6:11-12]
13 On that day they read in the Sefer Moshe in the ears of HaAm; and therein was found written, that the Ammoni and the Moavi should not come into the Kehal HaElohim forever,
2 Because they met not the Bnei Yisroel with lechem and with mayim, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them; howbeit Eloheinu turned the kelalah into a brocha.
3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the Torah, that they separated from Yisroel all the foreign descent.
4 And before this, Elyashiv the Kohen, having the oversight of the storeroom of the Beis Eloheinu, was allied unto Toviyah;
5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the minchah, the levonah, and the vessels, and the ma’aser of the grain, the tirosh, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levi’im, and the singers, and the gatekeepers; and the terumat hakohanim.
6 But in all this time was not I at Yerushalayim; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artachshasta Melech Bavel came I unto HaMelech, and after certain days obtained I leave of HaMelech;
7 And I came to Yerushalayim, and understood of the evil that Elyashiv did for Toviyah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the Beis HaElohim.
8 And it grieved me much; therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Toviyah out of the chamber.
9 Then I commanded, and they made tahor the chambers, and there brought I again the vessels of the Beis HaElohim, with the minchah and the levonah.
10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levi’im had not been given them, for the Levi’im and the singers, that did the work, had gone back every one to his sadeh.
11 Then contended I with the officials, and said, Why is the Beis HaElohim forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
12 Then brought all Yehudah the ma’asar of the grain and the tirosh and the oil unto the Otzarot.
13 And I made over the Otzarot Shelemyah the Kohen, and Tzadok the Sofer, and of the Levi’im, Pedayah; and next to them was Chanan ben Zakkur, ben Matanyah; for they were considered ne’emanim, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
14 Remember me, O Elohai, concerning this, and wipe not out my faithful deeds that I have done for the Beis Elohai, and for the offices thereof.
15 In those days saw I in Yehudah some treading winepresses on Shabbos, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys; as also yayin, grapes, and figs, and all manner of massa (burdens), which they brought into Yerushalayim on Shabbos; and I warned them against selling food on Shabbos.
16 There dwelt men of Tzor also therein, which brought dag (fish), and all manner of merchandise, and sold on Shabbos unto the Bnei Yehudah, and in Yerushalayim.
17 Then I contended with the nobles of Yehudah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, being Mechallel Shabbos (desecrator of Shabbos)?
18 Did not your avot thus, and did not Eloheinu bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? Yet ye bring more wrath upon Yisroel by committing Chillul Shabbos (desecration of Shabbos).
19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Yerushalayim began to be dark before Shabbos, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after Shabbos, and some of my own men set I at the gates, that there should no massa (burden) be brought in on Shabbos.
20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of merchandise lodged outside Yerushalayim.
21 Then I warned them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? If ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on Shabbos.
22 And I commanded the Levi’im that they should make themselves tahor, and that they should come and be shomer over the gates, to set apart as kodesh Shabbos. Remember me, O Elohai, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of Thy mercy.
23 In those days also saw I Yehudim that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moav,
24 And their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the language of the Yehudim, but according to the language of each people.
25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by Elohim, saying, Ye shall not give your banot unto their banim, nor take their banot unto your banim, or for yourselves.
26 Did not Sh’lomo Melech Yisroel sin by these things? Yet among many Goyim was there no melech like him, who was beloved of Elohav, and Elohim made him melech over kol Yisroel. Nevertheless even him did foreign women cause to sin.
27 Shall we then pay heed unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against Eloheinu in marrying strange wives?
28 And one of the Bnei Yoyada ben Elyashiv, the Kohen HaGadol, was son-inlaw to Sanvalat the Choroni; therefore I drove him away from me.
29 Remember them, O Elohai, because they have defiled the kehunah, and the brit (covenant) of the kehunah, and of the Levi’im.
30 Thus I cleansed them from all that is foreign, and had them attend again to the duties of the Kohanim and the Levi’im, every one in his appointed work;
31 And for the korban of wood, at times appointed, and for the bikkurim. Remember me, O Elohai, for good.
1 Adam, Shet, Enosh,
2 Kainan, Mahalal’el, Yered,
3 Chanoch, Metushelach, Lemech,
4 Noach, Shem, Cham, and Yephet.
5 The Bnei Yephet: Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Yavan, and Tuval, and Meshech, and Tiras.
6 And the Bnei Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Diphat, and Togarmah.
7 And the Bnei Yavan: Elishah, and Tarshishah, Kittim, and Rodanim.
8 The Bnei Cham: Cush, and Mitzrayim, Put, and Kena’an.
9 And the Bnei Cush: Seva, and Chavilah, and Savta, and Ra’amah, and Savtecha. And the Bnei Ra’amah: Sheva, and Dedan.
10 And Cush fathered Nimrod; he began to be a gibbor (mighty) one upon ha’aretz.
11 And Mitzrayim fathered Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehavim, and Naphtuchim,
12 And Patrusim, and Casluchim (of whom came the Pelishtim [Philistines]), and Caphtorim.
13 And Kena’an fathered Tzidon his bechor, and Chet,
14 The Yevusi also, and the Emori, and the Girgashi,
15 And the Chivi, and the Arki, and the Sini,
16 And the Arvadi, and the Tzemari, and the Chamati.
17 The Bnei Shem: Elam, and Ashur, and Arphachshad, and Lud, and Aram, and Utz, and Chul, and Geter, and Meshech.
18 And Arphachshad fathered Shelach, and Shelach fathered Ever.
19 And unto Ever were born two banim; the shem of the one was Peleg because in his days ha’aretz was divided [Gn 11:1-9]; and his brother’s shem was Yoktan.
20 And Yoktan fathered Almodad, and Sheleph, and Chatzarmavet, and Yerach,
21 Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,
22 And Eval, and Avimael, and Sheva,
23 And Ophir, and Chavilah, and Yovav. All these were the Bnei Yoktan.
24 Shem, Arphachshad, Shelach,
25 Ever, Peleg, Reu,
26 Serug, Nachor, Terach,
27 Avram, the same is Avraham.
28 The Bnei Avraham: Yitzchak, and Yishmael.
29 These are their toldot; The bechor of Yishmael, Nevayot; then Kedar, Adbe’el, Mivsam,
30 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Chadad, Tema,
31 Yetur, Naphish, Kedemah. These are the Bnei Yishmael.
32 Now the Bnei Keturah, Avraham’s pilegesh; she bore Zimran, Yokshan, Medan, Midyan, Yishbak, and Shuach. And the Bnei Yokshan; Sheva, and Dedan.
33 And the Bnei Midyan: Ephah, Epher, Chanoch, Avida, and Eldaah. All these are the Bnei Keturah.
34 And Avraham fathered Yitzchak. The Bnei Yitzchak: Esav and Yisroel.
35 The Bnei Esav: Eliphaz, Reuel, Yeush, Ya’alam, Korach.
36 The Bnei Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Tzephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, Amalek.
37 The Bnei Reuel: Nachat, Zerach, Shammah, Mizzah.
38 And the Bnei Seir: Lotan, Shoval, Tziveon, Anah, Dishon, Etzer, and Dishan.
39 And the Bnei Lotan: Chori, Homam; Timna was Lotan’s achot.
40 The Bnei Shoval: Alyan, Manachat, Eval, Shephi, Onam. The Bnei Tziveon: Ayah and Anah.
41 The Bnei Anah: Dishon. And the Bnei Dishon: Chamran, Eshban, Yitran, and Keran.
42 The Bnei Etzer: Bilhan, Za’avan, Ya’akan. The Bnei Dishan: Utz, and Aran.
43 Now these are the melachim that reigned in Eretz Edom before any melech reigned over the Bnei Yisroel: Bela Ben Beor; and the shem of his city was Dinhavah.
44 And when Bela was dead, Yovav Ben Zerach of Botzrah reigned in his place.
45 And when Yovav was dead, Chusham of Eretz Temani reigned in his place.
46 And when Chusham was dead, Hadad Ben Bedad, which defeated Midyan in the sadeh Moav, reigned in his place; and the shem of his city was Avit.
47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
48 And when Samlah was dead, Sha’ul of Rechovot-bythe-river reigned in his place.
49 And when Sha’ul was dead, Ba’al-Chanan Ben Achbor reigned in his place.
50 And when Baal-Chanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his place; and the shem of his city was Pai; and the shem of his isha was Mehetavel Bat Matred Bat Mei-Zahav.
51 Hadad died also. And the Allufim of Edom were; Timnah, Alvah, Yetet,
52 Oholivamah, Elah, Pinon,
53 Kenaz, Teman, Mivtzar,
54 Magdiel, Iram. These are the Allufim of Edom.
2 These are the Bnei Yisroel: Reuven, Shim’on, Levi, and Yehudah, Yissakhar, and Zevulun,
2 Dan, Yosef, and Binyamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
3 The Bnei Yehudah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah, which three were born unto him of Bat-Shua the Kanaanit. And Er, the bechor of Yehudah, was rah in the eyes of Hashem; and He put him to death.
4 And Tamar his kallah (daughter-in-law) bore him Peretz and Zerach. All the Bnei Yehudah were five.
5 The Bnei Peretz: Chetzron, and Chamul.
6 And the Bnei Zerach; Zimri, and Eitan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara, five of them in all.
7 And the Bnei Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Yisroel, who transgressed the cherem.
8 And the Bnei Eitan; Azaryah.
9 The Bnei Chetzron also, that were born unto him: Yerachme’el, and Ram, and Keluvai.
10 And Ram fathered Amminadav; and Amminadav fathered Nachshon Nasi Bnei Yehudah;
11 And Nachshon fathered Salma; Salma fathered Boaz,
12 And Boaz fathered Oved, and Oved fathered Yishai,
13 And Yishai fathered his bechor Eliav, and Avinadav the second, and Shimma the third,
14 Netanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,
15 Otzem the sixth, Dovid the seventh;
16 Whose achayot (sisters) were Tzeruyah, and Avigal. And the Bnei Tzeruyah: Avishai, and Yoav, and Asahel, three.
17 And Avigal bore Amasa, and avi Amasa was Yeter the Yishme’eli.
18 And Kalev Ben Chetzron fathered by Azuvah his isha, and by Yeriot; her banim are these; Yesher, and Shovav, and Ardon.
19 And when Azuvah was dead, Kalev took [as isha] unto him Ephrat, which bore him Chur.
20 And Chur fathered Uri, and Uri fathered Betzale’el.
21 And afterward Chetzron went in to the Bat Machir avi Gil’ad, whom he married when his age was threescore shanim; and she bore him Seguv.
22 And Seguv fathered Yair, who had three and twenty towns in Eretz Gil’ad.
23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with Chavvot Yair, from them, with Kenat, and the towns thereof, even threescore towns. All these belonged to the Bnei Machir avi Gil’ad.
24 And after that Chetzron was dead in Kalev Ephratah, then Aviyah Chetzron’s isha bore him Ashchur avi Tekoa.
25 And the Bnei Yerachme’el the bechor of Chetzron were Ram the bechor, and Bunah, and Oren, and Otzem, and Achiyah.
26 Yerachme’el had also another isha, whose shem was Atarah; she was the em of Onam.
27 And the Bnei Ram the bechor of Yerachme’el were Ma’atz, and Yamin, and Eker.
28 And the Bnei Onam were Shammai, and Yada. And the Bnei Shammai; Nadav and Avishur.
29 And the shem of the isha of Avishur was Avichayil, and she bore him Achban, and Molid.
30 And the Bnei Nadav: Seled, and Apayim, but Seled died without banim.
31 And the Bnei Apayim; Yishi. And the Bnei Yishi; Sheshan. And the Bnei Sheshan; Achlai.
32 And the Bnei Yada the brother of Shammai: Yeter, and Yonatan, and Yeter died without banim.
33 And the Bnei Yonatan: Pelet, and Zaza. These were the Bnei Yerachme’el.
34 Now Sheshan had no banim, but only banot. And Sheshan had an eved, a Mitzri (an Egyptian), shmo Yarcha.
35 And Sheshan gave his bat to Yarcha his eved as isha; and she bore him Attai.
36 And Attai fathered Natan, and Natan fathered Zavad,
37 And Zavad fathered Ephlal, and Ephlal fathered Oved,
38 And Oved fathered Yehu, and Yehu fathered Azaryah,
39 And Azaryah fathered Cheletz, and Cheletz fathered Eleasah,
40 And Eleasah fathered Sismai, and Sismai fathered Shallum,
41 And Shallum fathered Yekamyah, and Yekamyah fathered Elishama.
42 Now the Bnei Kalev the brother of Yerachme’el were Mesha his bechor, who was avi Ziph; and the Bnei Mareshah avi Chevron.
43 And the Bnei Chevron; Korach, and Tapuach, and Rekem, and Shema.
44 And Shema fathered Racham avi Yorkeam; and Rekem fathered Shammai.
45 And the Ben of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was avi Beit-tzur.
46 And Ephah, Kalev’s pilegesh, bore Charan, Motza, Gazez; and Charan fathered Gazez.
47 And the Bnei Yahdai; Regem, and Yotam, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Eiphah, and Sha’aph.
48 Ma’achah, Kalev’s pilegesh (concubine), bore Shever, and Tirchanah.
49 She bore also Sha’aph avi Madmannah, Sheva avi Machbenah, and avi Givea; and the Bat Kalev was Achsa.
50 These were the Bnei Kalev Ben Chur, the bechor of Ephratah; Shoval avi Kiryat Yearim.
51 Salma avi Beit-lechem, Chareph avi Beit-gader.
52 And Shoval avi Kiryat Yearim had banim; Haroeh, and half of Manuchot.
53 And the mishpekhot of Kiryat Yearim; the Yitri, and the Puti, and the Shumati, and the Mishra’i; of them came the Tzareati, and the Eshtauli.
54 The Bnei Salma; Beitlechem, and the Netophati, Atarot Bais Yoav, and half of the Manachati, the Tzori.
55 And the mishpekhot of the sofrim (scribes) which dwelt at Yabetz; the Tiratim, the Shimeatim, and Sukhatim. These are the Kinim that came of Chamat avi Bais Rechav.
3 Now these were the Bnei Dovid, which were born unto him in Chevron; the bechor Amnon, of Achinoam of Yizre’el; the second Daniel, of Aviga’il of Carmel;
2 The third, Avshalom Ben Ma’achah Bat Talmai Melech Geshur; the fourth, Adoniyah Ben Chaggit;
3 The fifth, Shephatyah of Avital; the sixth, Yitream by Eglah his isha.
4 These six were born unto him in Chevron; and there he reigned sheva shanim and shishah chodashim; and in Yerushalayim he reigned shloshim and shalosh shanah.
5 And these were born unto him in Yerushalayim: Shimea, and Shovav, and Natan, and Sh’lomo, four, by Bat-Shu’a Bat Ammiel;
6 Yivchar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,
7 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Yaphia,
8 And Elishama, and Elyada, and Eliphelet, nine.
9 These were all the Bnei Dovid, besides the Bnei Pilagshim (concubines), and Tamar their achot.
10 And Ben Sh’lomo was Rechav’am, Aviyah bno, Asa bno, Yehoshaphat bno,
11 Yoram bno, Achazyahu bno, Yoash bno,
12 Amatzyahu bno, Azaryah bno, Yotam bno,
13 Achaz bno, Chizkiyahu bno, Menasheh bno,
14 Amon bno, Yoshiyahu bno.
15 And the Bnei Yoshiyahu were, the bechor Yochanan, the second Y’hoyakim, the third Tzidkiyahu, the fourth Shallum.
16 And the Bnei Y’hoyakim; Yechanyah bno, Tzidkiyah bno.
17 And the Bnei Yechanyah: Assir, She’alti’el bno,
18 Malkiram also, and Pedayah, Shenatzar, Yekamuyah, Hoshama, and Nedavyah.
19 And the Ben Pedayah were: Zerubavel and Shimei. And Bnei Zerubavel: Meshullam, and Chananyah, and Shlomit their achot;
20 And Chashuvah, Ohel, Berechyah, Chasadyah, Yushav-chesed, 5.
21 And the Ben Chananyah: Pelatyah, and Yeshayah, the Bnei Refayah, the Bnei Arnan, the Bnei Ovadyah, the Bnei Shechanyah.
22 And the Bnei Shechanyah: Shema’yah; and the Bnei Shema’yah: Chattush, Igeal, Bariach, Nearyah, Shaphat, 6.
23 The Ben Nearyah: Elyoenai, Chizkiyah, Azrikam, 3.
24 And the Bnei Elyoenai were Hodavahu, and Elyashiv, and Pelayah, and Akuv, and Yochanan, and Delayah, and Anani, 7.
4 The Bnei Yehudah; Peretz, Chetzron, and Carmi, and Chur, and Shoval.
2 And Reayah Ben Shoval fathered Yachat; and Yachat fathered Achumai, and Lahad. These are the mishpekhot of the Tzorati.
3 And these were the sons of Etam; Yizre’el (Jezreel), Yishma, Yidbash; and the shem of their achot (sister) was Hatzlelponi;
4 And Penuel avi Gedor, and Ezer avi Chushah. These are the Bnei Chur, the bechor of Ephratah avi Beit- Lechem.
5 And Ashchur avi Tekoa had two nashim (wives), Chelah and Na’arah.
6 And Na’arah bore him Achuzam, Chepher, Temeni, Achashtari, the Bnei Na’arah.
7 And the Bnei Chelah were Tzeret, and Yetzochar, and Etnan.
8 And Kotz fathered Anuv, and Tzovevah, and the mishpekhot of Acharchel Ben Harum.
9 And Yabetz was more honorable than his brethren; and immo (his mother) called shmo Yabetz, saying, Because I bore him beotzev (with sorrow).
10 And Yabetz called on Elohei Yisroel, saying, O that Thou wouldest put a barucha on me indeed, and enlarge my territory, and that Thine yad might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from ra’ah, that it may not grieve me! And Elohim granted him that which he requested.
11 And Keluv achi (brother of) Shuchah fathered Mechir avi Eshton.
12 And Eshton fathered Beit Rapha, and Paseach, and Techinnah avi Ir Nachash. These are the anashim of Rechah.
13 And the Bnei Kenaz; Otniel, and Serayah; and the Bnei Otniel; Chatat.
14 And Meonotai fathered Ophrah; and Serayah fathered Yoav avi Gey Charashim; for they were charashim (craftsmen).
15 And the Bnei Kalev Ben Yephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Na’am; and the Bnei Elah, even Kenaz.
16 And the Bnei Yehallelel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tirya, and Asare’el.
17 And the Bnei Ezrah were Yeter, and Mered, and Epher, and Yalon; and she bore Miryam, and Shammai, and Yishbach avi Eshtemo’a.
18 And his isha Yehudiyah bore Yered avi Gedor, Chever avi Socho, and Yekutiel avi Zanoach. And these are the Bnei Bityah Bat Pharaoh, which Mered took [as isha].
19 And the Bnei eshet Hodiyah the achot (sister) of Nacham avi Keilah the Garmi, and Eshtemo’a the Ma’achati.
20 And the Bnei Shimon were Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben-Chanan, and Tilon. And the Bnei Yishi were Zochet, and Ben-Zochet.
21 The Bnei Shelah Ben Yehudah were Er avi Lechah, and La’adah avi Mareshah, and the mishpekhot of the bais of them that were workers with fine linen, of the Bais Ashbe’a,
22 And Yokim, and the anashim of Chozeva, and Yoash, and Saraph who ruled in Moav, and Yashuvi Lechem. And these are ancient records.
23 These were the yotzerim, (potters) and those that dwelt in Neta’im and Gederah; there they dwelt and worked for the melech.
24 The Bnei Shim’on were Nemuel, and Yamin, Yariv, Zerach and Sha’ul;
25 Shallum bno, Mivsam bno, Mishma bno.
26 And the Bnei Mishma: Chamuel bno, Zakkur bno, Shimei bno.
27 And Shimei had sixteen banim and six banot, but his brethren had not many banim, neither did all their mishpakhat multiply like the Bnei Yehudah.
28 And they dwelt at Beer-Sheva, and Moladah, and Chatzar Shual,
29 And at Bilhah, and at Etzem, and at Tolad,
30 And at Betuel, and at Chormah, and at Tziklag,
31 And at Beit Marcavot, and Chatzar Susim, and at Beit Biri, and at Sha’arayim. These were their towns until the reign of Dovid.
32 And their villages were Etam, and Ayin, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five towns;
33 And all their villages were all around these towns as far as Baal. These were their settlements, and their genealogical records.
34 And Meshovav, and Yamlech, and Yoshah Ben Amatzyah,
35 And Yoel, and Yehu Ben Yoshivyah Ben Serayah Ben Asiel,
36 And Elyo’enai, and Ya’akovah, and Yeshochayah, and Asayah, and Adiel, and Yesimiel, and Benayah,
37 And Ziza Ben Shiphi Ben Allon Ben Yedayah Ben Shimri Ben Shema’yah.
38 These listed by their shmot were nasi’im in their mishpekhot; and the bais of avoteihem increased greatly.
39 And they went to the outlying area of Gedor, even unto the east side of the gey (valley), to seek mireh (pasture) for their tzon.
40 And they found mireh fertile and tov, and ha’aretz was spacious, and quiet, and peaceful; for they of Cham had dwelt there of old.
41 And these listed by shemot came in the days of Chizkiyah Melech Yehudah, and attacked their ohalim, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their place, because there was mireh there for their tzon.
42 And some of them, even of the Bnei Shim’on, five hundred anashim, went to Har Seir, having for their leaders Pelatyah, and Nearyah, and Refayah, and Uzziel, the Bnei Yishi.
43 And they struck the she’erit (remnant) of Amalek that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.
5 Now the Bnei Reuven the bechor Yisroel, for he was the bechor; but forasmuch as he defiled the bed of aviv, his bechorah (firstborn birthright) was given unto the Bnei Yosef Ben Yisroel, though [the latter was] not listed in the family registers as the bechorah.
2 For Yehudah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the nagid; but the bechorah (portion of the firstborn) was Yosef’s.
3 The Bnei Reuven bechor Yisroel were Chanoch, and Pallu, Chetzron, and Carmi.
4 The Bnei Yoel: Shema’yah bno, Gog bno, Shimei bno,
5 Michah bno, Reayah bno, Ba’al bno,
6 Be’erah bno, whom Tilgat Pilneser Melech Ashur carried away into the Golus; he was nasi of the Reuveni.
7 And his relatives by their mishpekhot, when the genealogy of their toldot was reckoned, were the rosh, Ye’i’el, and Zecharyah,
8 And Bela Ben Azaz Ben Shema Ben Yoel who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nevo and Baal Meon;
9 And eastward he inhabited as far as the beginning of the midbar from the river Euphrates, because their mikneh (livestock) were multiplied in Eretz Gil’ad.
10 And in the days of Sha’ul they made milchamah with the Hagari’im, who fell by their yad; and they dwelt in their ohalim (tents) throughout all the area east of Gil’ad.
11 And the Bnei Gad dwelt next to them, in the Eretz Bashan as far as Salchah;
12 Yoel the rosh, and Shapham the mishneh (second), and Ya’nai, and Shaphat in Bashan.
13 And their achim of the bais avoteihem were Micha’el, and Meshullam, and Sheva, and Yorai, and Yakan, and Zia, and Ever, shivah (seven) in all.
14 These are the Bnei Avichayil Ben Churi Ben Yaroach Ben Gil’ad Ben Micha’el Ben Yeshishai Ben Yachdo Ben Buz.
15 Achi Ben Avdi’el Ben Guni was rosh of the bais avoteihem.
16 And they dwelt in Gil’ad in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the migrashim (open lands) of Sharon, within their borders.
17 All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Yotam Melech Yehudah, and in the days of Yarov’am Melech Yisroel.
18 The Bnei Reuven, and the Gadi, and half the shevet (tribe) of Menasheh, of bnei chayil, anashim able to bear mogen and cherev, and to shoot with keshet, and trained for milchamah, were four and forty elef seven hundred and threescore, that were ready for military service.
19 And they waged milchamah against the Hagari’im, with Yetur, and Naphish, and Nodav.
20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagari’im were delivered into their yad, and all that were with them, for they cried to Elohim in the milchamah, and He was entreated of them [T.N. These genealogies establish the massively eyewitnessed veracity of the death and resurrection of Israel in and from the Golus.] because they put their trust in Him.
21 And they took away their mikneh: of their gemalim fifty elef, and of tzon two hundred and fifty elef, and of chamorim two thousand, and of nefesh adam a hundred elef.
22 For there fell down many slain, because the milchamah was Elohim’s. And they took up residence in their place until the Golus.
23 And Bnei chatzi (half) shevet Menasheh dwelt in the land. They increased from Bashan unto Ba’al Chermon and Senir, and unto Har Chermon.
24 And these were the heads of the bais avotam, even Epher, Yishi, Eliel, Azriel, Yirmeyah, and Hodavyah, and Yachdiel, anashim gibborei chayil, famous men, and heads of the bais avotam.
25 And they transgressed against Elohei Avoteihem, and went a-whoring after the elohim of the peoples of the land, whom Elohim made shmad before them.
26 And Elohei Yisroel stirred up the ruach of Pul Melech Ashur, and the ruach of Tilgat Pilneser Melech Ashur, and he carried them away into Golus, even the Reuveni, and the Gadi, and the half tribe of Menasheh, and brought them unto Chalach, and Chavor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.
6 The Bnei Levi: Gershon, Kehat, and Merari.
2 (28) And the Bnei Kehat: Amram, Yitzhar, and Chevron, and Uzziel.
3 (29) And the Bnei Amram: Aharon, and Moshe, and Miryam. The bnei Aharon; Nadav, and Avihu, Eleazar, and Itamar.
4 (30) Eleazar fathered Pinchas, Pinchas fathered Avishua,
5 (31) And Avishua fathered Bukki, and Bukki fathered Uzzi,
6 (32) And Uzzi fathered Zerachyah, and Zerachyah fathered Merayot,
7 (33) Merayot fathered Amaryah, and Amaryah fathered Achituv,
8 (34) And Achituv fathered Tzadok, and Tzadok fathered Achima’atz,
9 (35) And Achima’atz fathered Azaryah, and Azaryah fathered Yochanan,
10 (36) And Yochanan fathered Azaryah (he it is that executed the kohen’s office in the Beis [Hamikdash] that Sh’lomo built in Yerushalayim),
11 (37) And Azaryah fathered Amaryah, and Amaryah fathered Achituv,
12 (38) And Achituv fathered Tzadok, and Tzadok fathered Shallum,
13 (39) And Shallum fathered Chilkiyah, and Chilkiyah fathered Azaryah,
14 (40) And Azaryah fathered Serayah, and Serayah fathered Yehotzadak,
15 (41) And Yehotzadak went into the Golus, when Hashem carried away Yehudah and Yerushalayim by the yad of Nevuchadnetzar.
16 (6:1) The Bnei Levi: Gershom, Kehat, and Merari.
17 (6:2) And these are the shmot of the Bnei Gershom: Livni and Shimei.
18 (6:3) And the Bnei Kehat were Amram, and Yitzhar, and Chevron, and Uzziel.
19 (6:4) The Bnei Merari: Machli and Mushi. And these are the mishpekhot of the Levi’im according to avoteihem.
20 (6:5) Of Gershom: Livni bno, Yachat bno, Zimmah bno,
21 (6:6) Yoach bno, Iddo bno, Zerach bno, Yeaterai bno.
22 (6:7) The Bnei Kehat: Amminadav bno, Korach bno, Assir bno,
23 (6:8) Elkanah bno, and Evyasaph bno, and Assir bno,
24 (6:9) Tachat bno, Uriel bno, Uziyah bno, and Sha’ul bno.
25 (6:10) And the Bnei Elkanah: Amasai, and Achimot.
26 (6:11) As for Elkanah, the Bnei Elkanah: Tzophai bno, and Nachat bno,
27 (6:12) Eliav bno, Yerocham bno, Elkanah bno.
28 (6:13) And the Bnei Shmuel: the bechor [Yoel], and the second, Aviyah.
29 (6:14) The Bnei Merari: Machli, Livni bno, Shimei bno, Uzzah bno,
30 (6:15) Shimea bno, Chagiyah bno, Asayah bno.
31 (6:16) And these are they whom Dovid set over the service of shir (song) in the Beis Hashem, after the Menoach HaAron (the coming to rest of the Ark).
32 (6:17) And they were the mesharetim (ministers) before the Mishkan Ohel Mo’ed with singing, until Sh’lomo had built the Beis Hashem in Yerushalayim, and then they performed their avodas [kodesh service] according to their mishpatim (regulations).
33 (6:18) And these are they that stood [ministering] with their banim. Of the Bnei Kehati; Heman the meshorer (singer) Ben Yoel Ben Shemuel,
34 (6:19) Ben Elkanah Ben Yerocham Ben Eliel Ben Toach,
35 (6:20) Ben Tzuph Ben Elkanah Ben Machat Ben Amasai,
36 (6:21) Ben Elkanah Ben Yoel Ben Azaryah Ben Tzephanyah,
37 (6:22) Ben Tachat Ben Assir Ben Evyasaph Ben Korach,
38 (6:23) Ben Yitzhar Ben Kehat Ben Levi Ben Yisroel.
39 (6:24) And achiv Asaph, who stood at his right hand, even Asaph Ben Berechyah Ben Shimea,
40 (6:25) Ben Micha’el Ben Ba’aseyah Ben Malkiyah,
41 (6:26) Ben Etni Ben Zerach Ben Adayah,
42 (6:27) Ben Eitan Ben Zimmah Ben Shimei,
43 (6:28) Ben Yachat Ben Gershom Ben Levi.
44 (6:29) And their achim the Bnei Merari stood on the left hand; Eitan Ben Kishi Ben Avdi Ben Maluch,
45 (6:30) Ben Chashavyah Ben Amatzyah Ben Chilkiyah,
46 (6:31) Ben Amtzi Ben Bani Ben Shemer,
47 (6:32) Ben Machli Ben Mushi Ben Merari Ben Levi.
48 (6:33) Their achim also the Levi’im were appointed unto all the avodas Mishkan Beis HaElohim.
49 (6:34) But Aharon and his banim presented the offerings upon the Mizbe’ach HaOlah and on the Mizbe’ach HaKetoret, and were appointed for all the work of the Kodesh HaKodashim, and to make kapporah for Yisroel, according to all that Moshe eved HaElohim had commanded.
50 (6:35) And these are the Bnei Aharon; Eleazar bno, Pinchas bno, Avishua bno,
51 (6:36) Bukki bno, Uzzi bno, Zerachyah bno,
52 (6:37) Merayot bno, Amaryah bno, Achituv bno,
53 (6:38) Tzadok bno, Achima’atz bno.
54 (6:39) Now these are their moshevot throughout their assigned territories, of the Bnei Aharon, of the mishpekhot of the Kehati, for the goral (lot) fell upon them.
55 (6:40) And they gave them Chevron in Eretz Yehudah, and the migrashim thereof all around it.
56 (6:41) The sadeh of the Ir, and the villages thereof, they gave to Kalev Ben Yephunneh.
57 (6:42) And to the Bnei Aharon they gave the cities of refuge, namely, Chevron, and Livnah with her migrashim, and Yatir, and Eshtemoa, with her migrashim,
58 (6:43) Chilez with her migrashim, Devir with hers,
59 (6:44) And Ashan with her migrashim, and Beit Shemesh with her migrashim;
60 (6:45) And out of the tribe of Binyamin; Geva with her migrashim, and Alemet with her migrashim, and Anatot with her migrashim. All their towns throughout their mishpekhot were 13 towns.
61 (6:46) And unto the Bnei Kehat, which were left of the mishpakhat of that tribe, were towns given out of the half tribe, namely, out of the half tribe of Menasheh, by goral, ten towns.
62 (6:47) And to the Bnei Gershom throughout their mishpekhot out of the tribe of Yissakhar, out of that of Asher, out of that of Naphtali, out of the tribe of Menasheh in Bashan, 13 towns.
63 (6:48) Unto the Bnei Merari were given by goral, throughout their mishpekhot, out of the tribe of Reuven, and out of that of Gad, and out of that of Zevulun, 12 towns.
64 (6:49) And the Bnei Yisroel gave to the Levi’im these towns with their migrashim.
65 (6:50) And they gave by goral out of the tribe of the Bnei Yehudah, and out of the tribe of the Bnei Shim’on, and out of the tribe of the Bnei Binyamin, these towns, which are called by their shmot.
66 (6:51) For some of the mishpekhot of the Bnei Kehat had towns of their territories out of the tribe of Ephrayim.
67 (6:52) They gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in Har Ephrayim with her migrashim; they gave Gezer with her migrashim,
68 (6:53) And Yokmeam with her migrashim, and Beit Choron with her migrashim,
69 (6:54) And Ayalon with her migrashim, and Gat Rimmon with her migrashim;
70 (6:55) And out of the half tribe of Menasheh; Aner with her migrashim, and Bileam with her migrashim, for the mishpakhat of the rest of the Bnei Kehat.
71 (6:56) Unto the Bnei Gershom were given out of the mishpakhat of the half tribe of Menasheh Golan in Bashan with her migrashim, and Ashtarot with her migrashim;
72 (6:57) And out of the tribe of Yissakhar; Kedesh with her migrashim, Davrat with her migrashim,
73 (6:58) And Ramot with her migrashim, and Anem with her migrashim;
74 (6:59) And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her migrashim, and Avdon with her migrashim,
75 (6:60) And Chukok with her migrashim, and Rechov with her migrashim;
76 (6:61) And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galil (Galilee) with her migrashim, and Chammon with her migrashim, and Kiryatayim with her migrashim.
77 (6:62) Unto the rest of the Bnei Merari were given out of the tribe of Zevulun, Rimmono with her migrashim, Tavor with her migrashim.
78 (6:63) And on the other side of the Yarden by Yericho, on the east side of Yarden, were given them out of the tribe of Reuven, Betzer in the midbar with her migrashim, and Yachtzah with her migrashim,
79 (6:64) Kedemot also with her migrashim, and Mepha’at with her migrashim;
80 (6:65) And out of the tribe of Gad: Ramot in Gil’ad with her migrashim, and Machanayim with her migrashim,
81 (6:66) And Cheshbon with her migrashim, and Ya’zer with her migrashim.
7 Now the Bnei Yissakhar were Tola, Pu’ah, Yashuv, Shimrom, 4.
2 And the Bnei Tola: Uzzi, Refayah, Yeriel, Yachmai, Yivsam, and Shmuel, heads of their bais avot, namely, of Tola; they were gibborei chayil (warriors of valor) in their toldot (generations), whose number was in the days of Dovid 22,600.
3 And the Bnei Uzzi: Yizrachyah; and the Bnei Yizrachyah: Micha’el, and Ovadyah, and Yoel, Yishiyah, 5, all of them rashim (leaders).
4 And with them, by their toldot, after their bais avot, were bands of soldiers for milchamah, 36,000, for they had many nashim and banim.
5 And their brethren among all the mishpekhot of Yissakhar were gibborei chayil, reckoned in all by their genealogies 87,000.
6 The Bnei Binyamin: Bela, and Becher, and Yedia’el, 3.
7 And the Bnei Bela: Etzbon, and Uzzi, and Uzzi’el, and Yerimot, and Iri, 5; heads of their bais avot, gibborei chayalim (warriors of valor); and were reckoned by their genealogies 22,034.
8 And the Bnei Becher: Zemira, and Yoash, and Eliezer, and Elyo’enai, and Omri, and Yerimot, and Aviyah, and Anatot, and Alemet. All these are the Bnei Becher.
9 And the number of them, listed by their toldot, heads of their bais avot, gibborei chayil, was twenty elef and two hundred.
10 The Bnei Yedia’el: Bilhan; and the Bnei Bilhan; Yeush, and Binyamin, and Ehud, and Kena’anah, and Zetan, and Tarshish, and Achishachar.
11 All these the Bnei Yedia’el, by the heads of families, gibborei chayalim, were seventeen elef and two hundred soldiers, fit to go forth for milchamah.
12 Shuppim also, and Chuppim, the Bnei Ir, and Chushim, the Bnei Acher.
13 The Bnei Naphtali: Yachtziel, and Guni, and Yetzer, and Shallum, the Bnei Bilhah.
14 The Bnei Menasheh: Ashriel, whom his Aramean pilegesh bore; she bore Machir avi Gil’ad;
15 And Machir took an isha from the Chuppim and Shuppim, whose achot’s shem was Ma’achah; and the shem of the second was Tzelophechad, and Tzelophechad had banot.
16 And Ma’achah eshet Machir bore ben, and she called shmo Peresh; and the shem of his brother was Sheresh; and his banim were Ulam and Rakem.
17 And the Bnei Ulam: Bedan. These were the Bnei Gil’ad Ben Machir Ben Menasheh.
18 And his achot Hammolekhet bore Ishhod, and Aviezer, and Machlah.
19 And the Bnei Shemidah were Achyan, and Shechem, and Likchi, and Ani’am.
20 And the Bnei Ephrayim: Shutalach, and Bered bno, and Tachat bno, and Eladah bno, and Tachat bno,
21 And Zavad bno, and Shutalach bno, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the anashim of Gat that were born in that land slaughtered, because they came down to take away their mikneh (livestock).
22 And Ephrayim avihem mourned many days, and his achim came to comfort him.
23 And when he went in to his isha, she conceived, and bore ben, and he called shmo Beri’ah, because it went in ra’ah (evil, disaster, misfortune) with his bais.
24 (And his bat was She’erah, who built Lower Beit-Choron, and the Upper, and Uzzen She’erah.)
25 And Refach was bno, also Resheph, and Telach bno, and Tachan bno,
26 La’adan bno, Ammihud bno, Elishama bno,
27 Non (Nun) bno, Yehoshuah bno.
28 And their possessions and settlements were Beit-El and the villages thereof, and to the east Na’aran, and to the west Gezer, with the villages thereof; Shechem also and the villages thereof, unto Ayyah and the villages thereof;
29 And by the borders of the Bnei Menasheh, Beit-She’an and her villages, Taanach and her villages, Megiddo and her villages, Dor and her villages. In these dwelt the Bnei Yosef Ben Yisroel.
30 The Bnei Asher: Yimnah, and Yishvah, and Yishvi, and Beri’ah, and Serach their achot.
31 And the Bnei Beriah: Chever, and Malki’el, who is avi Birzavit.
32 And Chever fathered Yaphlet, Shomer, Chotam, and Shu’a their achot.
33 And the Bnei Yaphlet: Pasach, Bimhal, Ashvat. These are the Bnei Yaphlet.
34 And the Bnei Shemer: Achi, Rohgah, Chubbah, and Aram.
35 And the Ben Helem his brother: Tzophach, Yimna, Shelesh, and Amal.
36 The Bnei Tzophach: Suach, Charnepher, Shu’al, Beri, and Yimrah,
37 Betzer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Yitran, and Be’era.
38 And the Bnei Yeter: Yephunneh, Pispah, Ara.
39 And the Bnei Ulla: Arach, Channiel, Ritzyah.
40 All these were the Bnei Asher, heads of their bais avot, choice gibborim chayalim, outstanding of the nasi’im. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were battle-ready was twenty and six elef anashim.
8 Now Binyamin fathered Bela his bechor, Ashbel the second, and Achrach the third,
2 Nochah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
3 And the Bnei Bela were Addar, Gera, Avihud,
4 Avishua, Na’aman, and Achoach,
5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Churam.
6 And these are the Bnei Echud: these are the rashei avot of the inhabitants of Geva, and they drove them out to Manachat;
7 And Na’aman, and Achiyah, and Gera drove them out, and fathered Uzza, and Achichud.
8 And Shacharayim fathered banim in the country of Moav, after he had sent them away: Chushim and Ba’ara were his nashim.
9 And he fathered of Chodesh his isha, Yovav, Tzivya, Mesha, and Malkam,
10 And Yeutz, Sochya, Mirmah. These were his banim, rashei avot.
11 And of Chushim he fathered Avituv, and Elpa’al.
12 The Bnei Elpaal: Ever, Misham, Shemed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the villages thereof;
13 Beriah also, and Shema, who were rashei avot of the inhabitants of Ayalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gat;
14 And Achyo, Shashak, and Yeremot,
15 Zevadyah, Arad, Eder,
16 Micha’el, Yishpah, and Yocha, the Bnei Beri’ah;
17 And Zevadyah, and Meshullam, and Chizki, and Chever,
18 Yishmerai also, and Yizli’ah, and Yovav, the Bnei Elpa’al;
19 Yakim, Zichri, Zavdi,
20 Elienai, Tziltai, Eli’el,
21 Adayah, Berayah, and Shimrat, the Bnei Shimei;
22 Yishpan, Ever, Eli’el,
23 Avdon, Zichri, Chanan,
24 Chananyah, Eilam, and Antotyah,
25 Yiphdeyah, and Penuel, the Bnei Shashak;
26 And Shamsherai, and Shecharyah, and Atalyah,
27 And Ya’areshyah, and Eliyah, and Zichri, the Bnei Yerocham.
28 These were rashei avot, by their toldot, leaders. These dwelt in Yerushalayim.
29 And at Giveon dwelt avi Giveon, shem of his isha: Ma’achah;
30 And his bechor was Avdon, and Tzur, and Kish, and Ba’al, and Nadav,
31 And Gedor, and Achyo, and Zecher.
32 And Miklot fathered Shime’ah. And these also dwelt near their achim in Yerushalayim with their achim.
33 And Ner fathered Kish, and Kish fathered Sha’ul, and Sha’ul fathered Yonatan, and Malki-Shua, and Avinadav, and Eshba’al.
34 And the Ben Yonatan was Meriv Ba’al; and Meriv Ba’al fathered Michah.
35 And the Bnei Michah were Piton, and Melech, and Tarea, and Achaz.
36 And Achaz fathered Yehoadah; and Yehoadah fathered Alemet, Azmavet, and Zimri; and Zimri fathered Motza,
37 And Motza fathered Binea; Rapha bno, Eleasah bno, Atzel bno.
38 And Atzel had six banim, whose shmot are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Yishma’el, and She’aryah, and Ovadyah, and Chanan. All these were the Bnei Atzel.
39 And the Bnei Eshek his brother were Ulam his bechor, Ye’ush the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40 And the Bnei Ulam were anashim gibbrei chayil, archers, and had many banim, and bnei banim, a hundred and fifty. All these are of the Bnei Binyamin.
9 So kol Yisroel were reckoned by genealogies; and, hinei, they were recorded and written down in the sefer of the melachim of Yisroel and Yehudah, who were carried away into the Golus to Bavel for their unfaithfulness.
2 Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their towns were Yisroel, the kohanim, Levi’im, and the Netinim [i.e., Temple servants].
3 And in Yerushalayim dwelt of the Bnei Yehudah, and of the Bnei Binyamin, and of the Bnei Ephrayim, and Menasheh:
4 Utai Ben Ammihud Ben Omri Ben Imri Ben Banimin, of the Bnei Peretz Ben Yehudah.
5 And of the Shiloni: Asayah the bechor, and his banim.
6 The Bnei Zerach: Yeu’el and their brethren, 690.
7 And of the Bnei Binyamin: Sallu Ben Meshullam Ben Hodavyah Ben Hasenuah,
8 And Yivneyah Ben Yerocham, and Elah Ben Uzzi Ben Michri and Meshullam Ben Shephatyah Ben Reuel Ben Yivniyah;
9 And their brethren, according to their toldot, 956. All these anashim were rashei avot in the bais avoteihem.
10 And of the kohanim; Yedayah, and Yehoyariv, and Yachin,
11 And Azaryah Ben Chilkiyah Ben Meshullam Ben Tzadok Ben Merayot Ben Achituv, the nagid of the Bais HaElohim;
12 And Adayah Ben Yerocham Ben Pashchur Ben Malkiyah, and Ma’asai Ben Adiel Ben Yachzerah, Ben Meshullam Ben Meshilmit Ben Immer;
13 And their brethren, heads of their bais avot, 1,760; gibborei chayil for the work of the avodas Bais HaElohim.
14 And of the Levi’im: Shema’yah Ben Chashshuv Ben Azrikam Ben Chashavyah of the Bnei Merari;
15 And Bakbakkar, Cheresh, Galal, and Matanyah Ben Michah Ben Zichri Ben Asaph;
16 And Ovadyah Ben Shema’yah Ben Galal Ben Yedutun, and Berechyah Ben Asa Ben Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophati.
17 And the sho’arim were Shallum, Akkuv, Talmon, Achiman, and their brethren; Shallum was HaRosh,
18 Who up to now had been stationed at Sha’ar HaMelech eastward; they were sho’arim in the machanot Bnei Levi.
19 And Shallum Ben Kore Ben Evyasaph Ben Korach and his brethren of the bais aviv, the Korechim, were over the work of the avodah, shomrei hasapim laOhel (keepers of the thresholds of the Tent [of Meeting]); and avoteihem, being over the Machaneh Hashem, were shomrim of the entrance.
20 And Pinchas Ben Eleazar was nagid over them in time past, and Hashem was with him.
21 And Zecharyah Ben Meshelemyah was sho’er (doorkeeper, gatekeeper) of the Petach of the Ohel Mo’ed.
22 All these which were haberurim (the ones being chosen) to be sho’arim (gatekeepers) in the sapim (thresholds) were 212. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom Dovid and Shmuel the Ro’eh (seer) did assign in their emunah (set office, entrusted responsibility).
23 So they and their banim had the oversight of the she’arim (gates) of the Beis Hashem, namely, the Beis HaOhel, by mishmarot (shifts, watches).
24 In four quarters were the sho’arim, toward the east, west, north, and south.
25 And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after shivat hayamim from time to time with them.
26 For these Levi’im, the four gibborei hasho’arim, were in their emunah (set office, entrusted responsibility), and were over the rooms and otzarot (treasuries) of the Bais HaElohim.
27 And they spent the night around the Bais HaElohim, because the mishmeret was upon them; they were responsible for the mafte’ach (key) thereof laboker laboker.
28 And certain of them had the charge of the kelim (vessels) of the avodah (service, ministry), that they should bring them in and out by inventory count.
29 Some of them also were appointed to oversee the kelim (vessels), and all the k’lei haKodesh, and the solet (flour), and the yayin, and the shemen, and the incense, and the spices.
30 And some of the Bnei HaKohanim mixed the blending of the spices [of the shemen mishchat kodesh, holy anointing oil].
31 And Mattityah, one of the Levi’im, who was the bechor of Shallum the Korechi, had the emunah (set office, entrusted responsibility) over the things that were made in hachavitim (panbaking [offerings]).
32 And other of their brethren, of the Bnei HaKehati, were over the Lechem HaMaarechet (Bread of Array, Showbread), to prepare it Shabbos Shabbos.
33 And these are the meshorerim (singers), family heads of the Levi’im, who remained in the Peturim Chambers; for they were employed in that work yomam valailah.
34 These family heads of the Levi’im were heads throughout their toldot; these dwelt at Yerushalayim.
35 And in Giveon dwelt the avi Giveon, Yeiel, the shem of whose isha was Ma’achah,
36 And his bechor Avdon, then Tzur, and Kish, and Ba’al, and Ner, and Nadav.
37 And Gedor, and Achyo, and Zecharyah, and Miklot.
38 And Miklot fathered Shimeam. And they also dwelt near their brethren at Yerushalayim with their brethren.
39 And Ner fathered Kish; and Kish fathered Sha’ul; and Sha’ul fathered Yonatan, and Malki-Shua, and Avinadav, and Eshba’al.
40 And the Ben Yonatan was Meriv-Ba’al; and Meriv-Ba’al fathered Michah.
41 And the Bnei Michah were Piton, and Melech, and Tachre’a.
42 And Achaz fathered Yarah; and Yarah fathered Alemet, and Azmavet, and Zimri; and Zimri fathered Motza;
43 And Motza fathered Binea; and Refayah bno, Eleasah bno, Atzel bno.
44 And Atzel had six banim, whose shmot are these; Azrikam, Bocheru, and Yishmael, and Shearyah, and Ovadyah, and Chanan; these were the Bnei Atzel.
10 Now the Pelishtim (Philistines) fought against Yisroel; and the men of Yisroel fled from before the Pelishtim, and fell down chalalim (slain ones) on Mt Gilboa.
2 And the Pelishtim followed hard after Sha’ul, and after his banim; and the Pelishtim slaughtered Yonatan, and Avinadav, and Malki Shua, the Bnei Sha’ul.
3 And the milchamah became intense against Sha’ul, and the archers overtook him, and he was wounded by the archers.
4 Then said Sha’ul to his noseh keli (armor bearer), Draw thy cherev, and thrust me through therewith; lest these arelim (uncircumcised ones) come and abuse me. But his noseh keli would not; for he was very afraid. So Sha’ul took a cherev, and fell upon it.
5 And when his noseh keli saw that Sha’ul was dead, he fell likewise on the cherev, and died.
6 So Sha’ul died, and his shloshet banim, and all his Bais died together.
7 And when kol Ish Yisroel that were in the emek (valley) saw that they fled, and that Sha’ul and his banim were dead, then they abandoned their towns, and fled; and the Pelishtim came and took occupation of them.
8 And it came to pass on the next day, when the Pelishtim came to strip the chalalim, that they found Sha’ul and his banim fallen on Mt Gilboa.
9 And when they had stripped him, they took his rosh (head), and his keli (armor), and sent into eretz Pelishtim all around, to carry the news unto their atzabim, and to the people.
10 And they put his keli in the Bais eloheihem, and fastened his head in the Bais Dagon.
11 And when kol Yavesh Gilead heard all that the Pelishtim had done to Sha’ul,
12 They arose, kol ish chayil, and took the gufat Sha’ul (body of Sha’ul), and the gufot of his banim, and brought them to Yavesh, and buried their atzmot under the elah (oak tree) in Yavesh, and underwent a tzom shivat yamim.
13 So Sha’ul died for his ma’al (unfaithfulness) which he committed against Hashem, even against the Devar Hashem, over which he was not shomer, and also for consulting an ov (one with a familiar spirit) to seek guidance;
14 And inquired not of Hashem; therefore He slaughtered him, and turned over the kingdom unto Dovid Ben Yishai.
11 Then kol Yisroel gathered themselves to Dovid unto Chevron, saying, Hinei, we are thy etzem (bone) and thy basar.
2 And moreover in time past, even when Sha’ul was melech, thou wast he that hamotzi (led out) and brought in Yisroel; and Hashem Eloheicha said unto thee, Thou shalt shepherd My people Yisroel, and thou shalt be Nagid over My people Yisroel.
3 Therefore came all the Ziknei Yisroel to HaMelech to Chevron; and Dovid cut a Brit with them in Chevron before Hashem; and vayimeshechu (they anointed) Dovid Melech over Yisroel, according to the Devar Hashem by Shmuel.
4 And Dovid and Kol Yisroel went to Yerushalayim, which is Yevus; where the Yevusi were, the inhabitants of ha’aretz.
5 And the inhabitants of Yevus said to Dovid, Thou shalt not come in here. Nevertheless Dovid took the Metzudat Tziyon, which is Ir Dovid.
6 And Dovid said, Whosoever attacketh the Yevusi barishonah shall be Rosh and Sar. So Yoav Ben Tzeruyah went up first, and became Rosh.
7 And Dovid dwelt in the Metzad; therefore they called it Ir Dovid.
8 And he built the Ir around it, even from the Millo to the surrounding area, and Yoav repaired the rest of the Ir.
9 So Dovid continued greater and greater, for Hashem Tzva’os was with him.
10 These also are the Roshei HaGibborim whom Dovid had, who strengthened themselves with him in his Malchut, and with all Yisroel, to make him Melech, according to the Devar Hashem concerning Yisroel.
11 And this is the mispar (number) of the Gibborim whom Dovid had: Yashov’am, a ben Chachmoni, Rosh HaShaloshim: he lifted up his khanit against shlosh me’ot slain by him at one time.
12 And after him was Eleazar Ben Dodo, the Achochi, who was one of the Shloshah HaGibborim.
13 He was with Dovid at Pas Dammim, and there the Pelishtim (Philistines) were gathered together to battle, where was chelekat hasadeh (a parcel of ground) full of se’orim (barley); and HaAm (the people, troops, army) fled from before the Pelishtim (Philistines).
14 And they set themselves in the midst of that chelekah (parcel), and delivered it, and slaughtered the Pelishtim (Philistines); vayosha Hashem (and Hashem saved) them by a teshu’ah gedolah (great deliverance).
15 Now three of the sheloshim rosh went down to the Tzur to Dovid, into the me’arah (cave) of Adulam; and the machaneh of the Pelishtim (Philistines) encamped in the Emek Rephaim.
16 And Dovid was then in the Metzudah, and the garrison of the Pelishtim was then at Beit-Lechem.
17 And Dovid had a [thirsty] longing, and said, Oh that one would draw for me drink of the mayim from the bor (well) of Beit-Lechem, that is at the sha’ar (gate)
18 And the Shlosha broke through the machaneh Pelishtim (Philistines), and drew mayim out of the bor Beit-Lechem, that was by the sha’ar, and took it, and brought it to Dovid; but Dovid would not drink of it, but poured it out [like a nesekh offering] to Hashem.
19 And said, Chalilah li meElohai (Elohai forbid it me), that I should do this thing. Shall I drink the dahm of these anashim at their nafshot? For at jeopardy of their nafshot they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these Shloshet HaGibborim.
20 And Avishai the brother of Yoav, he was Rosh HaSheloshah; for lifting up his khanit against Shlosh Me’ot, he slaughtered them, and had a shem among the Shloshah.
21 Of the Shloshah, he was more honored than the two; for he was their Sar; howbeit he attained not to the [first] Shloshah [in comparison].
22 Benayah Ben Yehoyada, a valiant man of Kavtze’el, who had done many exploits; he slaughtered two lion-like men of Moav; also he went down and slaughtered an ari in a bor (pit) on a yom sheleg (snowy day).
23 And he slaughtered the ish HaMitzri, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the yad HaMitzri was a khanit like a rod of an oreg (weaver); and he went down to him with a shevet (club), and plucked the khanit out of the yad HaMitzri, and slaughtered him with his own khanit.
24 These things did Benayah Ben Yehoyada, and had the shem among the Shloshah HaGibborim.
25 Behold, he was honored among the Shloshim, but attained not to the Shloshah; and Dovid set him over his mishma’at.
26 Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asah-El the brother of Yoav, Elchanan Ben Dodo of Beit-Lechem,
27 Shammot the Harori, Cheletz the Peloni,
28 Ira Ben Ikkesh the Tekoi, Aviezer the Antoti,
29 Sibchai the Chushati, Ilai the Achochi,
30 Maharai the Netophati, Cheled Ben Ba’anah the Netophati,
31 Ithai Ben Rivai of Giveah, that pertained to the Bnei Binyamin, Benayah the Piratoni,
32 Churai of the brooks of Ga’ash, Aviel the Arvati,
33 Azmavet the Bacharumi, Elyachba the Sha’alvoni,
34 The Bnei Hashem the Gizoni, Yonatan Ben Shageh the Harari,
35 Achiam Ben Sachar the Harari, Eliphal Ben Ur,
36 Chepher the Mecherati, Achiyah the Peloni,
37 Chetzro the Carmeli, Na’arai Ben Ezbai,
38 Yoel the brother of Natan, Mivchar Ben Hagri,
39 Tzelek the Ammoni, Naharai the Beroti, the armorbearer of Yoav ben Tzeruyah,
40 Ira the Yitri, Garev the Yitri,
41 Uriyah the Chitti, Zavad Ben Achlai,
42 Adina Ben Shiza the Reuveni, a rosh of the Reubeni, and shloshim with him,
43 Chanan Ben Ma’achah, and Yoshaphat the Mitni,
44 Uzzia the Ashterati, Shama and [T.N. Dovid knew he did not come to be served but to serve cf 1Chr 11:19; Mk 10:45] Ye’iel the Bnei Chotam the Aroeri,
45 Yedia’el Ben Shimri, and Yocha his brother, the Titzi,
46 Eliel the Mahavi, Yerivai, Yoshavyah, the Bnei Elna’am, Yitmah the Moavi,
47 Eliel, Oved, and Ya’asiel the Metzovayah.
12 Now these are they that came to Dovid to Tziklag, while he was still a fugitive because of Sha’ul Ben Kish; and they were among the gibborim, helpers in milchamah.
2 They were armed with keshet (bow), and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting khitzim (arrows) from a keshet; they were kinsmen of Sha’ul, of Binyamin.
3 The head was Achiezer, then Yoash, the Bnei Shema’ah the Giveati; Yeziel, Pelet, the Bnei Azmavet; Berachah, and Yehu the Antoti.
4 (5) And Yishmayah the Giveoni, a gibbor among the Shloshim (Thirty), and over the Shloshim; and Yirmeyah, Yachaziel, Yochanan, and Yozavad the Gederati,
5 (6) Eluzai, Yerimot, Bealyah, Shemaryahu, and Shephatyahu the Charuphi,
6 (7) Elkanah, Yishiyahu, Azare’el, Yoezer, and Yashov‘am, the Korchi,
7 (8) And Yoelah, and Zevadyah, the Bnei Yerocham of Gedor.
8 (9) And of the Gadi there separated themselves unto Dovid into the stronghold in the midbar gibborei hachayil (men of valor), and anshei tzavah (army men) for milchamah, that could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of aryeh, and were as swift as the gazelles upon the harim;
9 (10) Ezer the head, Ovadyah the second, Eliav the third,
10 (11) Mishmannah the fourth, Yirmeyah the fifth,
11 (12) Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
12 (13) Yochanan the eighth, Elzavad the ninth,
13 (14) Yirmeyah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.
14 (15) These were of the Bnei Gad, commanders of the tzava (army). One of the least was equal to a hundred, and the greatest to an elef.
15 (16) These are they that went over Yarden in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks; they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.
16 (17) And there came of the Bnei Binyamin and Yehudah to the stronghold unto Dovid.
17 (18) And Dovid went out before them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come in shalom unto me to help me, mine lev shall be united unto you, but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no chamas in mine hands, Elohei Avoteinu look thereon, and pass [His] judgment.
18 (19) Then the Ruach [HaKodesh] came upon Amasai, who was head of the Thirty, and he said, Thine are we, Dovid, and on thy side, thou Ben Yishai. Shalom, shalom be unto thee, and shalom be to thine helpers; for Eloheicha helpeth thee. Then Dovid received them, and made them heads of the gedud (raiding band, troop).
19 (20) And there defected some of Menasheh to Dovid, when he went with the Pelishtim (Philistines) against Sha’ul for milchamah, but they helped them [Pelishtim] not; for the rulers of the Pelishtim after etzah (counsel) sent him [Dovid] away, saying, He [Dovid] will defect to his adon Sha’ul to the jeopardy of our heads.
20 (21) As he went to Tziklag, there defected to him those of Menasheh, Adnach, and Yozavad, and Yedia’el, and Micha’el, and Yozavad, and Elihu, and Tziltai, heads of the alafim that were of Menasheh.
21 (22) And they helped Dovid against the gedud, for they were all gibborei chayil, and were sarim in the tzava (army).
22 (23) For at that time day by day there came men to Dovid to help him, until it was a machaneh gadol, like the Machaneh Elohim.
23 (24) And these are the numbers of the leaders that were ready-armed for the army, and came to Dovid to Chevron, to turn over the Malchut Sha’ul to him, according to the word of Hashem.
24 (25) The Bnei Yehudah that bore shield and romach (spear) were six alafim and eight hundred, ready-armed for tzva.
25 (26) Of the Bnei Shim’on, gibborei chayil for tzava, shivat alafim and one hundred.
26 (27) Of the Bnei Levi four alafim and six hundred.
27 (28) And Yehoyada was the nagid of those of Aharon, and with him were three alafim and sheva hundred;
28 (29) And Tzadok, a na’ar gibbor chayil, and of bais aviv twenty and two sarim.
29 (30) And of the Bnei Binyamin, the kindred of Sha’ul, three alafim; for up until then the greatest part of them had kept shomrim mishmeret Bais Sha’ul (guarded loyalty to the House of Sha’ul).
30 (31) And of the Bnei Ephrayim twenty elef and eight hundred, gibborei chayil, famous throughout the bais of their avot.
31 (32) And of the half tribe of Menasheh eighteen elef, which were designated by shmot, to come and make Dovid Melech.
32 (33) And of the Bnei Yissakhar, which were men that had binah (understanding) of the times, to know what Yisroel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were under their commandment.
33 (34) Of Zevulun, such as went forth to tzava (military service), expert in milchamah, with all instruments of milchamah, fifty elef, which could keep rank; they were not of double heart.
34 (35) And of Naphtali elef sarim, and with them with shield and khanit (spear) thirty and shivah elef.
35 (36) And of the Dani expert in milchamah twenty and eight elef and six hundred.
36 (37) And of Asher, such as went forth to tzava (military service), expert in milchamah, forty elef.
37 (38) And on the other side of Yarden, of the Reuveni, and the Gadi, and of the half shevet (tribe) of Menasheh, with all manner of instruments of tzava for the milchamah, a hundred and twenty elef.
38 (39) All these anshei milchamah, that could keep rank, came with a levav shalem to Chevron, to make Dovid Melech over kol Yisroel; and all the rest also of Yisroel were of lev echad to make Dovid Melech.
39 (40) And there they were with Dovid yamim shloshah, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them.
40 (41) Moreover they that were kerovim (near ones, neighbors) to them, even unto Yissakhar and Zevulun and Naphtali, brought lechem on chamorim, and on gemalim (camels), and on peradim, and on bakar, and food of kemach (flour), cakes of figs, and raisin cakes, and yayin, and shemen, and bakar, and tzon abundantly; for there was simchah in Yisroel.
13 And Dovid consulted with the sarei ha’alafim and me’ot, and with every nagid.
2 And Dovid said unto kol Kehal Yisroel, If it seem tov unto you, and that it be of Hashem Eloheinu, let us send out everywhere unto acheinu (our brethren), that remain in kol Aratzot Yisroel, and with them also to the Kohanim and Levi’im which are in their towns and migroshot (adjacent open lands), that they may gather themselves unto us;
3 And let us bring back the Aron Eloheinu to us, for we inquired not of him in the yamim of Sha’ul.
4 And kol HaKahal said that they would do so, for the thing was yashar in the eyes of kol HaAm.
5 So Dovid assembled kol Yisroel together, from Shichor in Mitzrayim even unto the entrance of Chamat, to bring the Aron HaElohim from Kiryat Ye’arim.
6 And Dovid went up, and kol Yisroel, to Ba’alah, that is, to Kiryat Ye’arim, which belonged to Yehudah, to bring up from there the Aron HaElohim Hashem, that is enthroned upon the keruvim, that is called by [His] Shem.
7 And they moved the Aron HaElohim on an agalah chadashah from the bais Avinadav, and Uzza and Achyo guided the agalah.
8 And Dovid and Kol Yisroel rejoiced before HaElohim with kol oz and with shirim (songs), and with kinnorot (harps), and with nevalim (lyres), and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with chatzotzerot (trumpets).
9 And when they came unto the goren Kidon, Uzza reached his yad to steady the Aron; for the ox tilted it.
10 And the Af Hashem was kindled against Uzza, and He struck him down, because he put his yad to the Aron, and there he died before Elohim.
11 And Dovid burned with anger, because Hashem had made a peretz (outburst), breaking out upon Uzza, wherefore that makom is called Peretz-Uzzah to this day.
12 And Dovid was afraid of HaElohim that day, saying, How shall I bring the Aron HaElohim to me?
13 So Dovid brought not the Aron to himself to Ir Dovid, but took it aside into the bais Oved-Edom the Gitti.
14 And the Aron HaElohim remained with the Bais Oved-Edom in his bais three months. And Hashem made a brocha upon the Bais Oved-Edom, and all that he had. [T.N. When translating the OJB our team of proofreaders discovered the truth of this verse, 1Chr 13:14]
14 Now Churam Melech Tzor sent malachim to Dovid, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him a bais (palace).
2 And Dovid perceived that Hashem had established him Melech over Yisroel, for his malchut was lifted up on high, for the sake of His people Yisroel.
3 And Dovid took more nashim at Yerushalayim; and Dovid fathered more banim and banot.
4 Now these are the shmot of his banim which were born in Yerushalayim: Shammua, and Shovav, Natan, and Sh’lomo,
5 And Yivchar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Yaphia,
7 And Elishama, and Be’elyada, and Eliphalet.
8 And when the Pelishtim (Philistines) heard that Dovid nimshach (was anointed) Melech over kol Yisroel, all the Pelishtim went up to search for Dovid. Dovid heard of it, and went out against them.
9 And the Pelishtim (Philistines) came and spread out in the Emek Rephaim.
10 And Dovid inquired of Elohim, saying, Shall I go up against the Pelishtim? And wilt Thou deliver them into mine yad? And Hashem said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine yad.
11 So they came up to Ba’al-Peratzim; and Dovid defeated them there. Then Dovid said, Elohim hath broken out upon mine oyevim by mine yad like the peretz mayim (breaking forth of waters); therefore they called the shem of that makom Ba’al-Peratzim.
12 And when they [the Pelishtim] had abandoned their elohim there, Dovid gave a commandment, and they were burned with eish.
13 And the Pelishtim (Philistines) yet again spread out in the emek (valley).
14 Therefore Dovid inquired again of Elohim, and Elohim said unto him, Go not up after them; circle around upon them, and come upon them opposite the mulberry trees.
15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to milchamah; for HaElohim is gone forth before thee to strike the machaneh Pelishtim.
16 Dovid therefore did as Elohim commanded him, and they struck down the machaneh Pelishtim from Giveon even to Gezer.
17 And the shem (fame) of Dovid went out into all lands; and Hashem brought the pachad (terror) of him upon kol HaGoyim.
15 And Dovid made him batim (buildings) in Ir Dovid, and prepared a makom for Aron HaElohim, and pitched for it an ohel.
2 Then Dovid said, None may carry Aron HaElohim but the Levi’im; for them hath Hashem bachar (chosen) to carry the Aron HaElohim, and to minister unto Him ad olam.
3 And Dovid assembled kol Yisroel together at Yerushalayim, to bring up Aron Hashem unto his makom (place, home) which he had prepared for it.
4 And Dovid assembled the Bnei Aharon, and the Levi’im;
5 Of the Bnei Kehat; Uriel the sar, and his brethren a 120;
6 Of the Bnei Merari; Asayah the sar, and his brethren 220;
7 Of the Bnei Gershom; Yoel the sar and his brethren 130;
8 Of the Bnei Elitzaphan; Shema’yah the sar, and his brethren 200;
9 Of the Bnei Chevron; Eliel the sar, and his brethren 80;
10 Of the Bnei Uzziel; Amminadav the sar, and his brethren 112.
11 And Dovid summoned Tzadok and Evyatar (Abiathar) the Kohanim, as well as the Levi’im, for Uriel, Asayah, and Yoel, Shema’yah, and Eliel, and Amminadav,
12 And said unto them, Ye are the rashei ha’avot of the Levi’im; set yourselves apart as kodesh, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up Aron Hashem Elohei Yisroel unto the place that I have prepared for it.
13 For because ye did it not at the first, Hashem Eloheinu broke out upon us, for that we inquired of Him not according to the mishpat (due order, ordinance).
14 So the Kohanim and the Levi’im set themselves apart as kodesh to bring up Aron Hashem Elohei Yisroel.
15 And the Bnei HaLevi’im bore the Aron HaElohim upon their shoulders with the motot (poles) thereon, as Moshe commanded according to the Devar Hashem.
16 And Dovid spoke to the Sarei HaLevi’im to appoint their brethren to be the meshorerim (singers) with instruments of music, nevalim (lyres) and kinnorot (harps) and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with simchah.
17 So the Levi’im appointed Heman Ben Yoel; and of his brethren, Asaph Ben Berechyahu; and of the Bnei Merari their brethren, Eitan Ben Kushayahu;
18 And with them their brethren of the next rank, Zecharyah, Ben, and Ya’aziel, and Shemiramot, and Yechiel, and Unni, Eliav, and Benayahu, and Ma’aseiyahu, and Mattityahu, and Eliph’lehu, and Mikneyahu, and Oved Edom, and Ye’i’el, the sho’arim (gatekeepers).
19 So the meshorerim (singers), Heman, Asaph, and Eitan, sounded the cymbals of nechoshet;
20 And Zecharyah, and Aziel, and Shemiramot, and Yechiel, and Unni, and Eliav, and Ma’aseiyahu, and Benayahu, with nevalim (lyres) al-alamot (after the manner of virgins, i.e., in the treble—see Ps 46:1);
21 And Mattityahu, and Eliph’lehu, and Mikneyahu, and Oved Edom, and Ye’i’el, and Azazyahu, with kinnorot (harps) al-HaSheminit to direct.
22 And Kenanyahu, sar HaLevi’im, was for singing; he directed the song, because of his understanding.
23 And Berechyah and Elkanah were shoarim (doorkeepers) for the Aron.
24 And Shevanyahu, and Yehoshaphat, and Netanel, and Amasai, and Zecharyah, and Benayahu, and Eliezer, the Kohanim, did blow the trumpets before the Aron HaElohim; and Oved Edom and Yechiyah were shoarim (doorkeepers) for the Aron.
25 So Dovid, and the Ziknei Yisroel, and the sarim over alafim, went to bring up Aron Brit Hashem out of the Bais Oved Edom with simchah.
26 And it came to pass, when HaElohim helped the Levi’im that bore the Aron Brit Hashem, that they offered in sacrifice shivah bulls and shivah rams.
27 And Dovid was clothed with a me’il butz (fine linen robe), and all the Levi’im that bore the Aron, and the meshorerim (singers); and Kenanyah the master of the song with the meshorerim; Dovid also had upon him a linen ephod [see Psalm 110:4].
28 Thus kol Yisroel brought up the Aron Brit Hashem with shouting, and with sound of the shofar, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, sounding nevalim (lyres) and kinnorot (harps).
29 And it came to pass, as the Aron Brit Hashem came to Ir Dovid, that Michal Bat Sha’ul, looking out at the chalon, saw Dovid HaMelech dancing and whirling. And she despised him in her lev.
16 So they brought the Aron HaElohim, and set it inside the Ohel that Dovid had pitched for it; and they offered olot (burnt sacrifices) and shelamim before HaElohim.
2 And when Dovid had made an end of offering the olot and the shelamim, he blessed HaAm b’Shem Hashem.
3 And he apportioned to kol Ish Yisroel, both ish and isha, to every one a kikar lechem, and a good piece of meat, and a raisin cake.
4 And he appointed certain of the Levi’im as mesharetim (ministers) before the Aron Hashem, and to remember, and to thank and to praise Hashem Elohei Yisroel;
5 Asaph HaRosh, and mishneh to him Zecharyah, Ye’i’el, and Shemiramot, and Yechiel, and Mattityah, and Eliav, and Benayah, and Oved-Edom; and Ye’i’el with instruments of nevalim (lyres) and with kinnorot; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
6 Benayah also and Yachziel the Kohanim with chatzotzerot (trumpets) tamid (continually) before the Aron Brit HaElohim.
7 Then on that day Dovid first committed the giving of thanks unto Hashem into the yad Asaph and his achim.
8 Give thanks unto Hashem, call upon Shmo, make known His deeds among the nations.
9 Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, tell ye of all His nifle’ot (wondrous deeds).
10 Glory ye in Shem Kadesho; let the lev of them rejoice that seek Hashem.
11 Seek Hashem and His oz, seek His face tamid.
12 Remember His nifle’ot that He hath done, His mofetim, and the mishpatim of His mouth;
13 O ye zera Yisroel His eved, ye Bnei Ya’akov, His chosen ones.
14 He is Hashem Eloheinu; His mishpatim are in kol ha’aretz.
15 Be ye mindful l’olam of His Brit; the davar which He commanded to an elef dor;
16 Even of the Brit which He cut with Avraham, and of His shevu’a (oath) unto Yitzchak;
17 And hath confirmed the same to Ya’akov for a chok (decree), and to Yisroel for a Brit Olam,
18 Saying, Unto thee will I give Eretz Kena’an, the chevel (portion), the lot of your nachalah
19 When ye were but few, even a few, and gerim in it.
20 And when they went from goy (nation) to goy, and from one mamlachah to an Am acher (another people),
21 He permitted no ish to oppress them; he reproved melachim for their sakes,
22 Saying, Touch not Mine anointed ones, and do My nevi’im no harm.
23 Sing unto Hashem, kol ha’aretz; show forth from day to day His Yeshuah (salvation).
24 Declare His kavod among the Goyim; His nifle’ot among kol haAmim.
25 For gadol is Hashem, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above kol elohim.
26 For kol elohei haAmim are elilim, but Hashem made Shomayim.
27 Hod and Hadar are in His presence; oz and chedvah (joy) are in His makom (place, home, dwelling).
28 Ascribe unto Hashem, ye mishpechot Amim, ascribe unto Hashem Kavod and oz.
29 Ascribe unto Hashem the kavod due unto Shmo; bring a minchah, and come before Him; worship Hashem in the hadar (splendor) of kodesh (holiness).
30 Fear before Him, kol ha’aretz; the tevel (world) also shall be firmly established, that it be not moved.
31 Let HaShomayim have simcha, and let ha’aretz rejoice; and let them say among the Goyim, Hashem reigneth.
32 Let the yam roar, and the fulness thereof; let the sadeh rejoice, and all that is therein.
33 Then shall the trees of the ya’ar (forest, woods) sing out before Hashem, because He cometh to judge ha’aretz.
34 O give thanks unto Hashem, for He is tov; for His chesed endureth l’olam.
35 And say ye, Hosheini, Elohei Yisheinu (G-d of our salvation), and gather us together, and deliver us from the Goyim, that we may give thanks to Shem Kadshecha, and glory in Thy tehillah (praise).
36 Baruch Hashem Elohei Yisroel min HaOlam v’ad HaOlam. And kol HaAm said, Omein, and praised Hashem.
37 So he left there before the Aron Brit Hashem Asaph and his achim, to minister before the Aron tamid (continually), accordingly yom by its yom;
38 And Oved-Edom with their achim, threescore and eight; Oved-Edom Ben Yeditun and Chosah as Shoarim (gatekeepers);
39 And Tzadok HaKohen, and his achim the Kohanim, before the Mishkan Hashem in the bamah (high place) that was at Giveon,
40 To offer olot (burnt offerings) unto Hashem upon the Mizbe’ach HaOlah tamid (continually) boker and erev, and to do according to all that is written in the Torat Hashem, which He commanded Yisroel;
41 And with them Heman and Yedutun, and the rest that were the Chosen ones, who were designated by shemot, to give thanksgiving to Hashem, ki l’olam chasdo.
42 And with them Heman and Yedutun with Chatzotzerot (trumpets) and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with klei Shir HaElohim (musical instruments of G-d). And the Bnei Yedutun were at the Sha’ar (gate).
43 And kol haAm departed every ish to his bais; and Dovid returned to bless his bais.
17 Now it came to pass, as Dovid sat in his bais, that Dovid said to Natan HaNavi, Hinei, I dwell in a bais ha’arazim (a palace of cedars) but the Aron Brit Hashem [dwelleth] under tent curtains.
2 Then Natan said to Dovid, Do all that is in thine levav; for HaElohim is with thee.
3 And it came to pass the same lailah, that the Devar Elohim came to Natan, saying,
4 Go and tell Dovid Avdi, Thus saith Hashem, Thou shalt not build Me HaBayit to dwell in,
5 For I have not dwelt in a Bayit since the day that I brought up Yisroel until this day, but have gone from ohel to ohel, and from one mishkan to another.
6 Wheresoever I have walked with kol Yisroel, spoke I a word to any of the Shofetim of Yisroel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, Why have ye not built me a Bais Arazim?
7 Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto Avdi Dovid, Thus saith Hashem Tzva’os, I took thee from the naveh, even from following the tzon, that thou shouldest be Nagid over My people Yisroel;
8 And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine oyevim from before thee, and have made thee a shem like the shem of the gedolim that are in ha’aretz.
9 Also I will ordain a makom for My people Yisroel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the bnei avel oppress them any more, as they did at the beginning,
10 And since the time that I commanded Shofetim to be over My people Yisroel. Moreover I will subdue all thine oyevim. Furthermore I tell thee that Hashem will build thee a Bais (House, Dynasty).
11 And it shall come to pass, when thy yamim are expired that thou must go to be with Avoteicha, that I will raise up thy zera after thee, which shall be of thy banim; and I will establish his Malchut ([Messianic] Kingdom).
12 He shall build for Me a Bais, and I will establish his kisse ad olam.
13 I will be his Av, and he shall be My Ben [HaElohim]; and I will not take My chesed away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee,
14 But I will set him in Mine Bais and in My Malchut ad olam, and his kisse shall be established ad olam.
15 According to all these devarim, and according to all this chazon (revelation), so did Natan speak unto Dovid.
16 And Dovid HaMelech came and sat before Hashem, and said, Who am I, Hashem Elohim, and what is mine bais, that Thou hast brought me hitherto?
17 And as if this were not sufficient in Thine eyes, O Elohim, Thou hast also spoken of Bais Avdecha in the future afar off, and hast regarded me according to the estate of ha’adam hama’alah (the man of high degree), O Hashem Elohim.
18 What more can Dovid speak to Thee regarding the kavod of Thy eved? For Thou hast da’as of Thy eved.
19 Hashem, for the sake of Thy eved, and according to Thine own lev (heart, will), hast Thou done all this gedullah (greatness), in making known kol hagedulot (all great things).
20 Hashem, there is none like Thee, neither is there any Elohim zulah (besides) Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
21 And what one goy (nation) in ha’aretz is like Thy people Yisroel, whom HaElohim went to redeem to be His own people, to make for Thee Shem Gedullot and Nora’ot, by driving out Goyim from before Thy people whom Thou hast redeemed out of Mitzrayim?
22 For Thy people Yisroel didst Thou make Thine own people ad olam; Thou Hashem, became their Elohim.
23 Therefore now, Hashem, let the davar that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy eved and concerning his Bais be established ad olam, and do as Thou hast said.
24 Let it even be established, that Thy Shem may be magnified ad olam, saying, Hashem Tzva’os is Elohei Yisroel, even Elohim to Yisroel; let Bais Dovid Avdecha be established before Thee.
25 For Thou, O Elohai, hast revealed in the ozen of Thy eved that Thou wilt build him a Bais; therefore Thy eved hath found to daven in prayer before Thee.
26 Now, Hashem, Thou art HaElohim, and hast promised this tovah unto Thy eved.
27 Now therefore let it please Thee to make brocha upon the Bais of Thy eved, that it may be before Thee l’olam; for Thou makest brocha Hashem, and it shall be mevorech l’olam (blessed forever).
18 Now after this it came to pass, that Dovid struck the Pelishtim, and subdued them, and took Gat and her villages out of the yad of the Pelishtim.
2 And he struck Moav, and Moav became Dovid’s avadim, and brought minchah.
3 And Dovid struck Hadadezer Melech Tzovah unto Chamat, as he [Hadadezer] went to establish his dominion over the river Euphrates.
4 And Dovid captured from him elef chariots, and 7,000 parashim, and 20,000 foot soldiers. Dovid also hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them 100 chariot horses.
5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer Melech Tzovah, Dovid slaughtered of the Syrians 22,000 ish.
6 Then Dovid put garrisons in Aram Damascus; and the Syrians became Dovid’s avadim (subjects), bearing minchah (tribute). Thus Hashem saved Dovid wherever he went.
7 And Dovid took the shields of zahav that were on avadim of Hadadezer, and brought them to Yerushalayim.
8 Likewise from Tivchat, and from Kun, towns of Hadadezer, Dovid took very much nechoshet, wherewith Sh’lomo made the Yam HaNechoshet, and the Ammudim, and the kelei hanechoshet.
9 Now when To’u Melech Chamat heard how Dovid had struck down the whole army of Hadadezer Melech Tzovah,
10 He sent Hadoram bno to HaMelech Dovid, to give him a shalom greeting, and to congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and struck him down (for Hadadezer was an ish milchamah often against To’u); and he sent all manner kelim zahav, kesef and nechoshet.
11 Them also Dovid HaMelech dedicated as kodesh unto Hashem, with the kesef and the zahav that he brought from all these Goyim; from Edom, and from Moav, and from the Bnei Ammon, and from the Pelishtim, and from Amalek.
12 Moreover Avishai Ben Tzeruyah slaughtered of Edom in the Gey HaMelach eighteen elef.
13 And he put garrisons in Edom, and kol Edom became Dovid’s avadim. Thus Hashem saved Dovid wherever he went.
14 So Dovid reigned over kol Yisroel, and executed mishpat and tzedakah among all his people.
15 And Yoav Ben Tzeruyah was over the tzava (army), and Yehoshaphat Ben Achilud was mazkir (recorder, secretary).
16 And Tzadok Ben Achituv, and Avimelech Ben Evyatar (Abiathar), were the Kohanim, and Shavsha was sofer (scribe),
17 And Benayahu Ben Yehoyada was over the Kereti and the Peleti; and the Bnei Dovid were the rishonim (first ones) at the side of HaMelech.
19 Now it came to pass after this, that Nachash Melech Bnei Ammon died, and bno reigned in his place.
2 And Dovid said, I will show chesed unto Chanun Ben Nachash, because aviv (his father) showed chesed to me. And Dovid sent malachim to bring condolences to him concerning aviv. So the avadim of Dovid came into the eretz Bnei Ammon to Chanun, to console him.
3 But the sarim of the Bnei Ammon said to Chanun, Thinkest thou that Dovid doth honor avicha, that he hath sent menachamim (comforters) unto thee? Are not his avadim come unto thee for to reconnoiter, and to overthrow, and to spy out ha’aretz?
4 Therefore Chanun arrested Dovid’s avadim, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle at the buttocks, and sent them away.
5 Then there went certain ones, and told Dovid about the anashim. And he sent to meet them, for the anashim were greatly humiliated. And HaMelech said, Tarry at Yericho until your zakan be grown, and then return.
6 And when the Bnei Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to Dovid, Chanun and the Bnei Ammon sent elef kikar (talents) kesef to hire them chariots and parashim out of Aram Naharayim, and out of Aram Ma’achah, and out of Tzovah.
7 So they hired thirty and two elef chariots, and Melech Ma’achah and his troop, who came and encamped before Meidva. And the Bnei Ammon gathered themselves together from their towns, and moved out for milchamah.
8 And when Dovid heard of it, he sent Yoav, and kol tzava hagibborim.
9 And the Bnei Ammon came out, and drew up for milchamah before the gate of the Ir, and the melachim that were come were by themselves in the sadeh.
10 Now when Yoav saw that the milchamah was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the best of Yisroel, and deployed them to engage Aram (the Syrians).
11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the yad of Avishai his brother, and they deployed to engage the Bnei Ammon.
12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt save me, but if the Bnei Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will save thee.
13 Chazak (Be strong)! And let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the towns of Eloheinu, and let Hashem do that which is hatov in His eyes.
14 So Yoav and the troop that were with him drew near before the Syrians unto the milchamah; and they fled before him.
15 And when the Bnei Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Avishai his brother, and entered into the ir [Rabbah]. Then Yoav returned to Yerushalayim.
16 And when the Syrians saw that they were routed before Yisroel, they sent malachim, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the River, and Shophach sar tzava Hadadezer went before them.
17 And it was told Dovid; and he gathered kol Yisroel, and crossed over Yarden, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when Dovid had so deployed, they fought with him.
18 But the Syrians fled before Yisroel; and Dovid slaughtered of the Syrians shivah alafim in chariots, and forty elef foot soldiers, and killed Shophach sar hatzava.
19 And when avadim of Hadadezer saw that they were routed before Yisroel, they made shalom with Dovid, and became his avadim; neither would the Syrians help the Bnei Ammon any more. [T.N. 2Sm chp 11 is not repeated here, but the going of Dovid to Rabbah‖-see 2Sm 12:27-29‖is elucidated. In the hero lists, it is important to remember that some in their heroism were corruptible and some were incorruptible, Uriah being one of the latter]
20 And it came to pass, at the time of eshuvat hashanah, at the time that melachim go out to battle, Yoav led forth the chayl hatzava, and laid waste the eretz Bnei Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But Dovid tarried at Yerushalayim. And Yoav struck Rabbah, and destroyed it.
2 And Dovid took the ateret of their melech from off his rosh, and found it to weigh a talent of zahav, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon rosh Dovid; and he brought also exceeding much plunder out of the Ir.
3 And he brought out the people that were in it, and consigned them to saws, and to picks of barzel (iron), and to axes. Even so dealt Dovid with all the towns of the Bnei Ammon. And Dovid and kol HaAm returned to Yerushalayim.
4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose milchamah at Gezer with the Pelishtim (Philistines); at which time Sibbechai the Chushati slaughtered Sippai, that was of the yeledim of the Refa’im, and they were subdued.
5 And there was milchamah again with the Pelishtim (Philistines); and Elchanan ben Yair slaughtered Lachmi the brother of Golyat (Goliath) the Gitti, whose spear staff was like a weaver’s beam.
6 And yet again there was milchamah at Gat, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each yad, and six on each foot and he also was of Rapha descent.
7 But when he defied Yisroel, Yehonatan ben Shimea achi Dovid slaughtered him.
8 These were from the Rapha descended in Gat; and they fell by the yad of Dovid, and by the yad of his avadim.
21 And Satan stood up against Yisroel, and provoked Dovid to number Yisroel.
2 And Dovid said to Yoav and to the sarei HaAm, Go, number Yisroel from Beer Sheva even to Dan; and bring the mispar (number) of them to me, that I may know it.
3 But Yoav answered, Hashem make His people a hundred times so many more as they be, but, adoni HaMelech, are not they all the avadim of adoni? Why then doth adoni require this thing? Why will he be a cause of ashmah to Yisroel?
4 Nevertheless the davar HaMelech prevailed against Yoav. Therefore, Yoav departed, and went throughout kol Yisroel, and came to Yerushalayim.
5 And Yoav gave up the sum of the number of HaAm unto Dovid. And kol Yisroel were 1,100,000 ish that drew cherev; and Yehudah was 470,000 ish that drew cherev.
6 But Levi and Binyamin counted he not among them, for the davar HaMelech was abominable to Yoav.
7 And HaElohim was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Yisroel.
8 And Dovid said unto HaElohim, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing, but now, take away the avon of Thy eved, for I have done very foolishly.
9 And Hashem spoke unto Gad, Chozeh Dovid (seer of David) saying,
10 Go and tell Dovid, saying, Thus saith Hashem, I offer thee shalosh (three); choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.
11 So Gad came to Dovid, and said unto him, Thus saith Hashem, Choose for thee
12 Either shalosh shanim ra’av (famine); or shloshah chodashim to be subdued before thy foes, while that the cherev of thine oyevim overtaketh thee; or else sheloshet yamim cherev Hashem, even the dever, in HaAretz, and the Malach Hashem destroying throughout all the borders of Yisroel. Now therefore advise thyself what davar I shalll bring to Him that sent me.
13 And Dovid said unto Gad, I am in a great distress; let me fall now into the Yad Hashem; for rabbim me’od (very great) are His rachamim but let me not fall into the yad adam.
14 So Hashem sent dever upon Yisroel, and there fell of Yisroel shiv’im elef ish.
15 And HaElohim sent a Malach unto Yerushalayim to destroy her, and as he was destroying, Hashem beheld, and He relented Him of the ra’ah, and said to the Malach that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine yad. And the Malach Hashem stood by the goren (threshing floor) of Ornan the Yevusi.
16 And Dovid lifted up his eyes, and saw the Malach Hashem stand between Ha’Aretz and HaShomayim, having a drawn cherev in his yad stretched out over Yerushalayim. Then Dovid and the Zekenim, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
17 And Dovid said unto HaElohim, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? Even I it is that have sinned and done harah indeed; but as for these tzon, what have they done? Let Thine Yad, Hashem Elohai, be on me, and on the Bais Avi, but not on Thy people, not with magefah (plague, see Isa 53:8 for fulfillment).
18 Then the Malach Hashem commanded Gad to say to Dovid, that Dovid should go up, and set up a Mizbe’ach unto Hashem in the goren (threshing floor) of Ornan the Yevusi.
19 And Dovid went up at the davar of Gad, which he spoke B’Shem Hashem.
20 And Ornan turned back, and saw the Malach, and his four banim with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing chittim (wheat).
21 And as Dovid came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw Dovid, and went out from the goren (threshing floor), and prostated himself to Dovid with his face to the ground.
22 Then Dovid said to Ornan, Give me the makom of this goren (threshing floor), that I may build a Mizbe’ach therein unto Hashem; thou shalt give it me for the kesef male (full price), that the magefah (plague) may be withdrawn from HaAm.
23 And Ornan said unto Dovid, Take it to thee, and let adoni HaMelech do that which is tov in his eyes; see, I give thee the bakar also for olot (burnt offerings), and the threshing tools for wood, and the chittim (wheat) for the minchah (grain offering, meal offering); I give it all.
24 And HaMelech Dovid said to Ornan, Lo (no), but I will verily buy it for the kesef male (full price), for I will not take that which is thine for Hashem, nor offer olah (burnt offerings) without cost.
25 So Dovid gave to Ornan for the makom (place, site) six hundred shekels of zahav by weight.
26 And Dovid built there a Mizbe’ach unto Hashem, and offered olot (burnt offerings) and shelamim (peace offerings), and called upon Hashem, and He answered him from Shomayim by eish upon the Mizbe’ach HaOlah.
27 And Hashem commanded the Malach, and He put back his cherev again into the nedan (sheath) thereof.
28 At that time when Dovid saw that Hashem had answered him on the goren (threshing floor) of Ornan the Yevusi, then he sacrificed there.
29 For the Mishkan Hashem, which Moshe made in the midbar, and the Mizbe’ach HaOlah, were at that time in the bamah (high place) at Giveon.
30 But Dovid could not go before it to inquire of Elohim, for he was afraid because of the cherev Malach Hashem.
22 Then Dovid said, This is the Beis Hashem HaElohim, and this is the Mizbe’ach L’olah (Altar of the Burnt Offering) for Yisroel.
2 And Dovid commanded to gather together the gerim (aliens) that were in Eretz Yisroel; and he set masons to carve hewn stones to build the Beis HaElohim.
3 And Dovid prepared barzel (iron) in abundance for the masmerim (nails) for the daletot (doors) of the she’arim, and for the joints; and nechoshet unweighable in abundance;
4 Also cedar timber in abundance, for the Tzidonim and the Tzorim brought much cedar lumber to Dovid.
5 And Dovid said, Sh’lomo beni (my son) is na’ar and tender, and the Bayit that is to be built for Hashem must be exceeding magnificent, of fame and of tiferet before all nations. I will therefore now make preparation for it. So Dovid prepared abundantly before his mot (death).
6 Then he called for Sh’lomo bno, and charged him to build Bayit (House) for Hashem Elohei Yisroel.
7 And Dovid said to Sh’lomo, Beni (my son), as for me, it was in my mind to build Bayit (House) for the Shem of Hashem Elohai,
8 But the Devar Hashem came to me, saying, Thou hast done much shefach dahm, and hast made milchamot gedolot. Thou shalt not build Bayit (House) unto Shemi (My Name), because thou hast done much shefach dahm upon ha’aretz in My sight.
9 Hinei, Ben shall be born to thee, who shall be an ish menuchah (man of rest); and I will give him rest from all his oyevim all around; for shmo shall be Sh’lomo, and I will grant shalom and sheket (quiet) unto Yisroel in his yamim (days).
10 He shall build Bayit (House) for Shmi (My Name); and he shall be to Me as Ben and I will be to him as Av (Father); and I will establish the kisse of his Malchut over Yisroel ad olam.
11 Now, beni (my son), Hashem be with thee; and prosper thou, to succeed building the Beis Hashem Eloheicha, just as He hath said about thee.
12 Only Hashem give thee seichel and binah, so that when He give you command over Yisroel, that thou mayest be shomer over the torat Hashem Eloheicha.
13 Then shalt thou prosper, if thou art shomer to observe the chukkim and mishpatim which Hashem charged Moshe with concerning Yisroel. Chazak (be strong)! And be of good courage! Dread nothing in fear, nor be dismayed.
14 Now, hinei, in my oni (poor strivings) I have prepared for the Beis Hashem a hundred elef talents of zahav, and an elef alafim talents of kesef; and of nechoshet and barzel (iron) an unweighable abundance; timber also and even (stone) have I provided; and thou mayest add thereto.
15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and carvers of even (stone) and etz (wood), and all manner of artisans chacham in every task.
16 Of the zahav, the kesef, and the nechoshet, and the barzel, there is no number. Arise therefore, and begin and work, and Hashem be with thee.
17 Dovid also commanded all the sarim of Yisroel to help Sh’lomo bno, saying,
18 Is not Hashem Eloheichem with you? And hath He not given you rest on every side? For He hath given the inhabitants of ha’aretz into mine yad, and ha’aretz is subdued before Hashem, and before His people.
19 Now set your levav and your nefesh to seek Hashem Eloheichem; arise therefore, and build ye the Mikdash Hashem HaElohim, to bring Aron Brit Hashem, and the K’lei Kodesh HaElohim (Holy Vessels of G-d), into the Bayit that is to be built to the Shem of Hashem.
23 So when Dovid was old and full of days, he made Sh’lomo bno Melech Yisroel.
2 And he gathered together all the sarim of Yisroel, with the Kohanim and the Levi’im.
3 Now the Levi’im were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward; and their number by their gulgelot (totals, head count), gevarim (men), was thirty and eight elef.
4 Of which, twenty and four elef were to look after the work of the Beis Hashem; and six alafim were shoterim (officials) and shofetim (judges);
5 Moreover four alafim were sho’arim (gatekeepers); and four alafim praised Hashem with the kelim (instruments) which I made, said Dovid, to praise therewith.
6 And Dovid divided them into divisions among the Bnei Levi, namely, Gershon, Kehat, and Merari.
7 Of the Gershoni were La’dan, and Shimei.
8 The Bnei La’dan; the rosh was Yechiel, and Zetam, and Yoel, three.
9 The Bnei Shimei; Shlomit, and Chaziel, and Haran, three. These were the rashei avot of La’dan.
10 And the Bnei Shimei were Yachat, Zina, and Yeush, and Beriah. These four were the Bnei Shimei.
11 And Yachat was rosh, and Zizah the second; but Yeush and Beriah had not many banim; therefore they were in pekudah echad (one reckoning), according to their bais av.
12 The Bnei Kehat; Amram, Yitzhar, Chevron, and Uzziel, four.
13 The Bnei Amram; Aharon and Moshe; Aharon was separated, to set him apart as Kodesh Kodashim, he and his banim ad olam, to burn offerings before Hashem, to minister unto Him, and to bless b’Shmo ad olam.
14 Now concerning Moshe the Ish HaElohim, his banim were reckoned of the Shevet Levi.
15 The Bnei Moshe were Gershom, and Eliezer.
16 Of the Bnei Gershom, Shevuel was the rosh.
17 And the Bnei Eliezer were Rechavyah the rosh. And Eliezer had no banim acharim; but the Bnei Rechavyah were very many.
18 Of the Bnei Yitzhar: Shlomit the rosh.
19 Of the Bnei Chevron: Yeriyahu the first, Amaryah the seond, Yachziel the third, and Yekam’am the fourth.
20 Of the Bnei Uzziel: Michah the first and Yishiyah the second.
21 The Bnei Merari: Machli, and Mushi. The Bnei Machli; Eleazar, and Kish.
22 And Eleazar died, and had no banim, only banot, and their brethren the Bnei Kish took them as wives.
23 The Bnei Mushi; Machli, and Eder, and Yeremot, three.
24 These were the Bnei Levi after the bais avoteihem; even the rashei avot, as they were counted by number of shmot by their head count, that did the work for the avodas Beis Hashem, from the age of twenty shanah and upward.
25 For Dovid said, Hashem Elohei Yisroel hath given rest unto His people, that they may dwell in Yerushalayim ad l’olam;
26 And also unto the Levi’im; they shall no more carry the Mishkan, nor any kelim (vessels) of it for the avodah thereof.
27 According to the last instructions of Dovid the Bnei Levi were numbered from those twenty shanah and above;
28 Because their ma’amad (position) was to wait on the Bnei Aharon for the avodas Beis Hashem, in the khatzerot, and in the rooms, and in the tahorat (cleansing) of kol kodesh, and the work of the avodas Beis HaElohim;
29 Both for the Lechem HaMa’arechet (showbread), and for the solet (flour) for minchah, and for the cakes of matzot, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is scalded, and for all manner of measure and size;
30 And to stand baboker baboker to thank and praise Hashem, and likewise at erev (evening);
31 And to offer all olot (burnt offerings) unto Hashem on Shabbatot, at Rosh Chodesh, and at mo’adim, according to their number ordained for them, tamid before Hashem;
32 And that they should be shomer to keep the mishmeret (watch, guard responsibility) of the Ohel Mo’ed and the mishmeret of the Kodesh, and the mishmeret of the Bnei Aharon their brethren, in the avodas Beis Hashem.
24 Now these are the divisions of the Bnei Aharon; the Bnei Aharon; Nadav, and Avihu, Eleazar, and Itamar.
2 But Nadav and Avihu died before avihem (their father), and had no banim; therefore Eleazar and Itamar became Kohanim.
3 And Dovid with both Tzadok of the Bnei Eleazar, and Achimelech of the Bnei Itamar, divided them according to their pekudim (offices, assignments) in their avodah.
4 And there were more Rashei HaGevarim found of the Bnei Eleazar than of the Bnei Itamar, and thus were they divided. Among the Bnei Eleazar there were sixteen Rashim l’Bais Avot, and eight among the Bnei Itamar according to the Bais of their Avot.
5 Thus were they divided by goralot (lots) with one another; for the Sarei Kodesh and Sarei HaElohim, were of the Bnei Eleazar, and of the Bnei Itamar.
6 And Shema’yah ben Netanel the Sofer, one of the Levi’im, wrote them before HaMelech, and the Sarim, and Tzadok HaKohen, and Achimelech ben Evyatar (Abiathar), and before the Rashei HaAvot of the Kohanim and Levi’im, Bais Avechad being chosen for Eleazar, and one chosen for Itamar.
7 Now the first goral (lot) came forth to Yehoyariv, the second to Yedayah,
8 The third to Charim, the fourth to Seorim,
9 The fifth to Malkiyyah, the sixth to Miyamin,
10 The seventh to Hakotz, the eighth to Aviyah,
11 The ninth to Yeshua, the tenth to Shekhanyahu,
12 The eleventh to Elyashiv, the twelfth to Yakim,
13 The thirteenth to Chuppah, the fourteenth to Yeshevav,
14 The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,
15 The seventeenth to Chezir, the eighteenth to Happitztzetz,
16 The nineteenth to Petakhyah, the twentieth to Yechezkel,
17 The one and twentieth to Yachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,
18 The three and twentieth to Delayahu, the four and twentieth to Ma’azyahu.
19 These were the pekudim (offices, assigments) of them in their avodah to come into the Bais Hashem, according to their mishpatim (regulations), under Aharon Avihem just as Hashem Elohei Yisroel had commanded him.
20 And the rest of the Bnei Levi were these: Of the Bnei Amram: Shuvael; of the Bnei Shuvael: Yechdeyahu.
21 Concerning Rechavyahu, of the Bnei Rechavyahu, the first was Yishshiyah.
22 Of the Yitzhari: Shelomot; of the Bnei Shelomot: Yachat.
23 And [the Bnei Chevron]: Yeriyahu the first, Amaryahu the second, Yakhaziel the third, Yekam’am the fourth.
24 Of the Bnei Uzziel: Michah; of the Bnei Michah: Shamir.
25 The brother of Michah was Yishshiyah; of the Bnei Yishshiyah: Zecharyah.
26 The Bnei Merari were Machli and Mushi; the Bnei Ya’aziyahu, Beno.
27 The Bnei Merari: by Yaaziyahu: Beno, and Shoham, and Zakkur, and Ivri.
28 Of Machli came Eleazar, who had no banim.
29 Concerning Kish: the ben Kish was Yerachme’el.
30 The Bnei Mushi: Machli, and Eder, and Yerimot. These were the Bnei HaLevi’im after the Bais Avoteihem.
31 These likewise cast goralot (lots) corresponding to their brethren the Bnei Aharon in the presence of Dovid HaMelech, and Tzadok, and Achimelech, and the Rashei HaAvot LaKohanim and Levi’im, even the Avot HaRosh as well as Achiv HaKatan.
25 Moreover Dovid and the sarim of the tzava separated for avodah of the Bnei Asaph, and of Heman, and of Yedutun, who should prophesy with kinnorot, with nevalim, and with cymbals; and the number of the workmen according to their avodah (service) was;
2 Of the Bnei Asaph; Zakkur, and Yosef, and Netanyah, and Asarelah, the Bnei Asaph under the hand of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of HaMelech.
3 Of Yedutun, the Bnei Yedutun: Gedalyah, and Tzeri, and Yeshayahu, Chashavyahu, and Mattityahu, six, under the hands of their av Yedutun, who prophesied with a kinnor, to give thanks and to praise Hashem.
4 Of Heman, the Bnei Heman: Bukiyahu, Matanyahu, Uzziel, Shevuel, and Yerimot, Chananyah, Chanani, Eliatah, Giddalti, and Romamti, Ezer, Yoshbekashah, Maloti, Hotir, and Machazi’ot;
5 All these were the banim Heman the chozer (seer) of HaMelech in the devarim of Elohim, to lift up the keren. And HaElohim gave to Heman fourteen banim and three banot.
6 All these were under the hands of their av for shir in the Beis Hashem, with cymbals, nevalim, and kinnorot, for avodas Beis HaElohim, under the support of HaMelech to Asaph, Yedutun, and Heman.
7 So the number of them, with their brethren that were trained in the shir Hashem (music, songs of Hashem), even all that were skilled, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
8 And they cast goralot, shift against shift, katon as well as gadol, the meiven as well as the talmid (student).
9 Now the first goral which was for Asaph fell to Yosef; the second to Gedalyahu, who with his brethren and banim were 12;
10 The third to Zakkur, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
11 The fourth to Yitzri, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
12 The fifth to Netanyahu, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
13 The sixth to Bukiyahu, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
14 The seventh to Yesarelah, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
15 The eighth to Yeshayahu, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
16 The ninth to Matanyahu, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
17 The tenth to Shimei, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
18 The eleventh to Azare’el, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
19 The twelfth to Chashavyah, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
20 The thirteenth to Shuva’el, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
21 The fourteenth to Mattityahu, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
22 The fifteenth to Yeremot, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
23 The sixteenth to Chananyahu, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
24 The seventeenth to Yoshbekashah, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
25 The eighteenth to Chanani, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
26 The nineteenth to Maloti, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
27 The twentieth to Eliyatah, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
28 The one and twentieth to Hotir, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
29 The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
30 The three and twentieth to Machziot, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12;
31 The four and twentieth to Romamti Ezer, he, his banim, and his brethren, were 12.
26 Concerning the divisions of the sho’arim (gatekeepers); Of the Korchim was Meshelemyahu Ben Kore, of the Bnei Asaph.
2 And the banim of Meshelemyahu were Zecharyahu the bechor, Yedia’el the second, Zevadyahu the third, Yatniel the fourth,
3 Eilam the fifth, Yehochanan the sixth, Elyehoei’nai the seventh.
4 Moreover the banim of Oved Edom were Shema’yah the bechor, Yehozavad the second, Yoach the third, and Sachar the fourth, and Netan’el the fifth,
5 Ammi’el the sixth, Yissakhar the seventh, Peultai the eighth; for Elohim blessed him.
6 Also unto Shema’yah bno were banim born, that ruled throughout the bais avihem, for they were gibborei chayil.
7 The Bnei Shema’yah: Otni, and Repha’el, and Oved, Elzavad, whose brethren were bnei chayil, Elihu, and Semachyahu.
8 All these of the Bnei Oved Edom; they and their banim and their brethren, ish chayil for ko’ach for the avodah, were threescore and two of Oved Edom.
9 And Meshelemyahu had banim and brethren, bnei chayil, eighteen.
10 Also Chosah, of the Bnei Merari, had banim; Shimri the rosh, (for though he was not the bechor, yet avihu appointed him rosh);
11 Chilkiyahu the second, Tevalyahu the third, Zecharyahu the fourth; all the banim and brethren of Chosah were thirteen.
12 Among these were the divisions of the sho’arim, even among the rashei hagibborim, having mishmeret (duties), just as their brethren, to minister service in the Beis Hashem.
13 And they cast goralot, the katon as well as the gadol, to their bais avot, for every sha’ar.
14 And the goral for the east fell to Shelemyahu. Then for Zecharyahu bno, a yo’etz (counselor) with seichel (wisdom), they cast goralot; and his goral fell out northward.
15 To Oved Edom southward; and to his banim the Asuppim Bais.
16 To Shuppim and Chosah the goral came forth westward, with the Sha’ar Shallechet, by the upper road, mishmar (guard) corresponded to mishmar.
17 Eastward were six Levi’im, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim shnayim shnayim (two and two).
18 At Parbar westward, four at the road, and two at Parbar.
19 These are the divisions of the sho’arim among the Bnei Korchi, and among the Bnei Merari.
20 And of the Levi’im, Achiyah was over the otzarot of the Beis HaElohim, and over the otzarot of the kodashim.
21 As concerning the Bnei La’dan; the Bnei HaGershuni through La’dan, rashei ha’avot, even of La’dan the Gershoni, were Yechieli.
22 The Bnei Yechieli: Zetam, and Yoel his brother, which were over the otzarot of the Beis Hashem.
23 Of the Amrami, and the Yitzhari, the Chevroni, and the Uzzieli;
24 And Shevuel Ben Gershom Ben Moshe, was nagid of the otzarot.
25 And his brethren by Eliezer: Rechavyahu bno, and Yesha’yahu bno, and Yoram bno, and Zichri bno, and Shlomit bno.
26 Which Shlomit and his brethren were over all the otzarot of the kodashim, which Dovid HaMelech, and the rashei ha’avot, the sarim over alafim and me’ot, and the sarim of the tzava (army), had dedicated as kodesh.
27 Out of the plunder won in battles did they dedicate as kadosh to maintain the Beis Hashem.
28 And all that Shmuel the ro’eh (seer), and Sha’ul Ben Kish, and Avner Ben Ner, and Yoav Ben Tzeruyah, had dedicated as kodesh; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the yad of Shlomit, and of his brethren.
29 Of the Yitzhari, Kenanyahu and his banim were for the outside labor of Yisroel, for shoterim (officials) and shofetim (judges).
30 And of the Chevroni, Chashavyahu and his brethren, bnei chayil, an elef and shivah me’ot (hundred), were in charge of Yisroel on this side of the Yarden westward in all the work of Hashem, and in the avodas HaMelech.
31 Among the Chevroni was Yeriyah the rosh, even among the Chevroni, according to the toldot of his avot. In the fortieth year of the reign of Dovid they were sought, and there were found among them gibborei chayil at Yazer of Gil’ad.
32 And his brethren, bnei chayil, were two thousand and shivah hundred rashei ha’avot, whom Dovid HaMelech put over the Reuveni, the Gadi, and the half tribe of Menasheh, for every matter pertaining to Elohim, and the affairs of HaMelech.
27 Now the Bnei Yisroel after their number, namely, the rashei ha’avot and sarim of alafim and me’ot (hundreds), and their shoterim that served HaMelech in any matter of the divisions, which came in and went out chodesh b’chodesh (month by month) throughout all the months of the shanah, each division consisting of twenty and four elef.
2 Over the first division for the chodesh harishon was Yashov’am Ben Zavdiel; and in his division were twenty and four elef.
3 Of the Bnei Peretz was the rosh of all the sarim of the tzava’os (armies) for the first month.
4 And over the division of the second month was Dodai the Achochi, and of his division was Miklot also the nagid; in his division likewise were twenty and four elef.
5 The third sar (commander) of the tzava (army) for the third month was Benayahu Ben Yehoyada, the Kohen Rosh; and in his division were twenty and four elef.
6 This is that Benayahu, who was gibbor among the Shloshim (Thirty), and over the Shloshim; and in his division was Ammizabad bno.
7 The fourth for the fourth month was Asah-el the brother of Yoav, and Zevadyah bno after him; and in his division were twenty and four elef.
8 The fifth sar for the fifth month was Shamhut the Yizrach; and in his division were twenty and four elef.
9 The sixth for the sixth month was Ira Ben Ikkesh the Tekoi; and in his division were twenty and four elef.
10 The seventh for the seventh month was Cheletz the Peloni, of the Bnei Ephrayim; and in his division were 24,000.
11 The eighth for the eighth month was Sibbchai the Chushati, of the Zarchi; and in his division were 24,000.
12 The ninth for the ninth month was Aviezer the Anetoti, of Binyamin; and in his division were 24,000.
13 The tenth for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophati, of the Zarchi; and in his division were 24,000.
14 The eleventh for the eleventh month was Benayah the Piratoni, of the Bnei Ephrayim; and in his division were 24,000.
15 The twelfth for the twelfth month was Cheldai the Netophati, of Otniel; and in his division were 24,000.
16 Furthermore over the Shivtei Yisroel; the nagid of the Reuveni was Eliezer Ben Zichri; of the Simeoni, Shephatyahu Ben Ma’achah;
17 Of the Levi’im, Chashavyah Ben Kemu’el; of Aharon, Tzadok;
18 Of Yehudah, Elihu, one of the brethren of Dovid; of Yissakhar, Omri Ben Micha’el;
19 Of Zevulun, Yishmayahu Ben Ovadyah; of Naphtali, Yerimot Ben Azri’el;
20 Of the Bnei Ephrayim, Hoshea Ben Azazyahu; of the half tribe of Menasheh, Yoel Ben Pedayahu;
21 Of the half tribe of Menasheh in Gil’ad, Yiddo Ben Zecharyahu; of Binyamin, Ya’asiel Ben Avner;
22 Of Dan, Azare’el Ben Yerocham. These were the sarim of the Shivtei Yisroel.
23 But Dovid took not the number of them from twenty shanim and under; because Hashem had said he would increase Yisroel like to the kokhavim of HaShomayim.
24 Yoav Ben Tzeruyah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell ketzef (wrath) on account of this against Yisroel; neither was the number put in the Divrei HaYamim of Melech Dovid.
25 And over the otzarot HaMelech was Azmavet Ben Adiel; and over the storehouses in the sadot, in the towns, and in the villages, and in the migdalot was Yehonatan Ben Uziyahu;
26 And over them that did the work of the sadeh to till the adamah was Ezri Ben Keluv;
27 And over the kramim was Shimei the Ramati; over the increase of the kramim for the wine vats was Zavdi the Shiphmi;
28 And over the zeitim and the sycomore trees that were in the Shefelah was Ba’al Chanan the Gederi; over the shemen storehouses, Yoash;
29 And over the bakar (herd) that fed in Sharon was Shirtai the Sharoni; over the bakar that were in the valleys was Shaphat Ben Adlai;
30 Over the gemalim (camels) also was Ovil the Yishmaeli; and over the donkeys was Yechdeyahu the Meronoti;
31 And over the tzon (flock) was Yaziz the Hageri. All these were the sarim of the property which pertained to Melech Dovid.
32 Also Yonatan Dovid’s dod (uncle) was a yoetz (counsellor), an ish meivin, and a sofer; and Yechiel Ben Chachmoni was with the Bnei HaMelech;
33 And Achitophel was the yoetz l’Melech; and Chushai the Arki was the re’a HaMelech;
34 And after Achitophel was Yehoyada Ben Benayahu, and Evyatar (Abiathar); and the sar tzava (commander of the army) of HaMelech was Yoav.
28 And Dovid assembled kol Sarei Yisroel, the Sarei HaShevatim, and the Sarei HaMachlekot that ministered to HaMelech by course, and the Sarei HaAlafim, and Sarei HaMe’ot, and the Sarei kol rechush (stewards over all the property) and mikneh (livestock) of HaMelech, and of his banim, with the sarisim (palace officials), and with the Gibborim, and with all the Gibbor chayil, unto Yerushalayim.
2 Then Dovid HaMelech stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people. As for me, I had in mine levav to build a Bais Menuchah for the Aron Brit Hashem, and for the hadom (footstool) of Eloheinu, and had made ready to build;
3 But HaElohim said unto me, Thou shalt not build a Bais for My Shem, because thou hast been an ish milchamot of shefach damim.
4 Howbeit Hashem Elohei Yisroel chose me before all the Bais Avi to be Melech over Yisroel l’olam; for He hath chosen Yehudah to be Nagid; and of the Bais Yehudah, the Bais Avi; and among the Bnei Avi He was pleased to make me Melech over kol Yisroel.
5 And of all my banim, (for Hashem hath given me rabbim banim,) He hath chosen Sh’lomo beni (my son) to sit upon the kisse Malchut Hashem over Yisroel.
6 And He said unto me, Sh’lomo binecha, he shall build My Bais and My khatzerot (courts, courtyards), for I have chosen him to be Beni (My Son), and I will be his Av.
7 Moreover I will establish his Malchut ad l’olam, if he be steadfast to do My mitzvot and My mishpatim, as on this yom.
8 Now therefore in the sight of kol Yisroel the kehal Hashem, and in the ears of Eloheinu, be shomer and seek for all the Mitzvot Hashem Eloheichem lema’an (in order that) ye may possess this eretz hatovah; and leave it for a nachalah for your banim after you ad olam.
9 And thou, Sh’lomo beni (my son), know thou the Elohei Avicha, and serve Him with a lev shalem and with a nefesh chafetzah (willing mind), for Hashem searcheth kol levavot, and understandeth all the yetzer machashavot. If thou seek Him, He will be found by thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off forever.
10 Take heed now, for Hashem hath chosen thee to build a Bais l’Mikdash. Chazak! And do it!
11 Then Dovid gave to Sh’lomo bno the tavnit (plan, pattern) of the ulam, and of the structures thereof, and of the Ganzakim (storerooms) thereof, and of the Aliyyot (upper rooms) thereof, and of the Penimim (Inner ones) thereof, and of the Bais Hakappores (house of the kapporet),
12 And the tavnit of all that he had by the Ruach [Hakodesh], of the khatzerot (courtyards) of the Bais Hashem, and of all the surrounding chambers, of the Otzerot of the Bais HaElohim, and of the Otzerot of the kadashim (consecrated things);
13 Also for the courses of the Kohanim and the Levi’im, and for all the work of the Avodas Bais Hashem, and for all the kelei Avodas Bais Hashem.
14 He gave zahav by weight for things of zahav, for all kelei Avodah of every kind of avodah (service); for all kelei hakesef by weight, for all kelei avodah va’avodah (vessels for every kind of service),
15 Even the weight for the menorot hazahav, and for their nerot (lamps) of zahav was according to the weight for every menorah, and for the nerot (lamps) thereof; and for the menorat hakesef by weight, both for the menorah, and also for the nerot (lamps) thereof, according to the use of every menorah.
16 And by weight he gave zahav for the Shulchanot HaMa’arechet (the tables of the spreading out [showbread]) for each shulchan; and likewise kesef for the shulchanot hakesef (silver tables);
17 Also pure zahav for the mizlagot (forks), and the mizrakot (blood bowls), and shelves; kesot zahav tahor and the kipor hazahav (golden basin) for every kipor (basin); and likewise kesef by weight for every kipor hakesef (silver basin);
18 And for the Mizbe’ach HaKetoret refined zahav by weight; and zahav for the tavnit of the Merkavah, the Keruvim Zahav, that spread out their wings, and covered the Aron Brit Hashem.
19 All this, said Dovid, is in writing by the Yad Hashem on me, giving me seichel to understand all the works of this tavnit (plan, pattern).
20 And Dovid said to Sh’lomo bno, Chazak! Ve’emetz! (Be strong and take courage!) And do it; fear not, nor be discouraged; for Hashem Elohim, even Elohai, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the Avodas Bais Hashem.
21 And, hinei, the divisions of the Kohanim and the Levi’im, even they shall be with thee for all the Avodas Bais HaElohim and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing man, bringing their chochmah for kol Avodah; also the Sarim and kol HaAm will be wholly at thy commandment.
29 Furthermore Dovid HaMelech said unto kol HaKahal, Sh’lomo beni (my son), the one Elohim hath chosen, is yet na’ar and tender, and the melachah (work, task) is gedolah; for the palace is not for adam, but for Hashem Elohim.
2 Now I have provided with all my ko’ach for the Bais Elohai the zahav for things to be made of zahav, and the kesef for things of kesef, and the nechoshet for things of nechoshet, the barzel (iron) for things of barzel (iron), and etzim for things of etzim; onyx stones to be set, turquoise, and stones of various colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble, all in abundance.
3 Moreover, because I have set my affection on the Bais Elohai, I have of mine own segullah (treasure) zahav and kesef, which I have given to the Bais Elohai, over and above all that I have prepared for the Beis HaKodesh.
4 Even shloshet alafim talents of zahav, of the zahav of Ophir, and shivat alafim talents of refined kesef, to overlay the walls of the buildings;
5 The zahav for things of zahav, and the kesef for things of kesef, and for all manner of melachah (work) to be made by the hands of charashim (artisans). And who then is willing to consecrate his yad today unto Hashem?
6 Then the sarei ha’avot and the sarei shivtei Yisroel and the sarei ha’alafim and of me’ot, with the sarei melechet hamelech (officials over the work of the King), made freewill offerings.
7 And gave for the Avodas Beis HaElohim five thousand talents and ten thousand darkons of zahav, and ten thousand talents of kesef, and eighteen thousand talents of nechoshet, and one hundred thousand talents of barzel.
8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the Otzer Bais Hashem, by the yad of Yechiel the Gershoni.
9 Then the people rejoiced, for theirs were freewill offerings, because with lev shalem they offered willingly to Hashem; and Dovid HaMelech also rejoiced with simchah gedolah.
10 Wherefore Dovid blessed Hashem before the eyes of kol HaKahal; and Dovid said, Baruch atah Adonoi Elohei Yisroel Avinu meOlam v’ad olam.
11 Thine, Hashem is HaGedulah, and HaGevurah, and HaTiferet and HaNetzach and HaHod; for all that is in the Shomayim and in Ha’aretz is Thine; Thine is the Mamlachah, O Hashem, and Thou art exalted as Rosh above all.
12 Both osher and kavod come of Thee, and Thou art Moshel over all; and in Thine yad is ko’ach and gevurah; and in Thine yad it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
13 Now therefore, Eloheinu, we thank Thee, and praise Thy Shem Tiferet.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should have ko’ach to make this freewill offering? For all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.
15 For we are gerim before Thee, and toshavim (resident aliens), as were kol Avoteinu; our yamim on ha’aretz are as a tzel (shadow), and there is no mikveh (hope).
16 Hashem Eloheinu, all this great abundance that we have provided to build Thee a Bais for Shem Kadshecha cometh of Thine yad, and is all Thine own.
17 I know also, Elohai, that Thou doth test the levav, and hast pleasure in meisharim (integrities, uprightness, equity). As for me, in the yosher levavi I have made freewill offerings of all these things, and now have I seen with simchah Thy people, which are present here, willingly offer freewill offerings unto Thee.
18 Hashem Elohei Avraham, Yitzchak, and of Yisroel, Avoteinu, be shomer over this l’olam in the yetzer (inclination) of the machshevot (thoughts) of the levav of Thy people, and set their lev unto Thee.
19 And give unto Sh’lomo beni a levav shalem, to be shomer over Thy mitzvot, Thy edot, and Thy chukkot, and to do all these things, and to build the Bayit, for the which I have made provision.
20 And Dovid said to kol HaKahal, Barchu nah es Hashem Eloheichem. And kol HaKahal blessed Hashem Elohei Avoteihem, and bowed down, and fell prostrate before Hashem and before HaMelech.
21 And they sacrificed zevakhim unto Hashem, and offered olot unto Hashem, on the next day after that yom, even a thousand parim (bulls), a thousand eilim (rams), and a thousand kevasim, with their nesakim, and zevakhim in abundance for kol Yisroel;
22 And did eat and drink before Hashem on that day with simchah gedolah. And they crowned Sh’lomo Ben Dovid Melech the second time, and anointed him unto Hashem to be Nagid (ruler), and Tzadok to be Kohen.
23 Then Sh’lomo sat on the kisse Hashem as Melech instead of Dovid Aviv, and prospered, and kol Yisroel obeyed him.
24 And all the sarim, and the gibborim, and all the Bnei HaMelech Dovid submitted themselves unto Sh’lomo HaMelech.
25 And Hashem magnified Sh’lomo exceedingly in the eyes of all Yisroel, and bestowed upon him such hod malchut (royal majesty) as had not been on any melech before him in Yisroel.
26 Thus Dovid Ben Yishai reigned over kol Yisroel.
27 And the time that he reigned over Yisroel was arba’im shanah; sheva shanim reigned he in Chevron, and thirty and three reigned he in Yerushalayim.
28 And he died in a good old age, full of yamim, oisher, and kavod; and Sh’lomo bno reigned in his place.
29 Now the acts of Dovid HaMelech, first and last, behold, they are written in the Divrei Shmuel HaRo’eh, and in the Divrei Natan HaNavi, and in the Divrei Gad the chozeh (seer),
30 With all his malchut and his gevurah, and the times that passed around him, and around Yisroel, and over kol mamlechot ha’aratzot (kingdoms of the lands).
1 And Sh’lomo Ben Dovid was strengthened in his kingdom, and Hashem Elohav was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
2 Then Sh’lomo spoke unto kol Yisroel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and to the shofetim, and to every Nasi in kol Yisroel, the Rashei HaAvot.
3 So Sh’lomo, and Kol HaKahal with him, went to the high place that was at Giv’on, for there was the Ohel Mo’ed HaElohim, which Moshe eved Hashem had made in the midbar.
4 But the Aron HaElohim Dovid had brought up from Kiryat-Yearim to the place which Dovid had prepared for it; for he had pitched an Ohel for it at Yerushalayim.
5 Moreover the Mizbe’ach Hanechoshet, that Betzalel ben Uri ben Chur had made, he put in front of the Mishkan Hashem; and Sh’lomo and HaKahal inquired of Him.
6 And Sh’lomo went up there to the Mizbe’ach Hanechoshet before Hashem, which was at the Ohel Mo’ed, and offered a thousand olot upon it.
7 In that lailah did Elohim appear unto Sh’lomo, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
8 And Sh’lomo said unto Elohim, Thou hast showed chesed gadol unto Dovid Avi, and hast made me to reign in his place.
9 Now, Hashem Elohim, let Thy Davar unto Dovid Avi be established, for Thou hast made me melech over Am Rav like the aphar ha’aretz in multitude.
10 Give me now chochmah and intelligence, that I may go out and come in before HaAm Hazeh, for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?
11 And Elohim said to Sh’lomo, Because this was in thine levav, and thou hast not asked osher, riches, or kavod, nor the nefesh of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked yamim rabbim (many days, long life), but hast asked chochmah and intelligence for thyself, that thou mayest judge My people, over whom I have made thee melech,
12 Chochmah and intelligence is granted unto thee; and I will give thee osher, and riches, and kavod, such as none of the melachim have had that be before or after thee.
13 Then Sh’lomo came from his journey to the high place that was at Giv’on, from before the Ohel Mo’ed, to Yerushalayim, and reigned over Yisroel.
14 And Sh’lomo gathered chariots and parashim (horsemen); and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand parashim, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with HaMelech at Yerushalayim.
15 And HaMelech made kesef and zahav at Yerushalayim as plenteous as avanim, and cedar trees he made as abundant as the sycomore fig trees that are in the Shefelah.
16 And Sh’lomo had susim imported from Mitzrayim and from Keve; the royal buyers purchased them from Keve.
17 And they imported from Mitzrayim, and then exported a merkavah (chariot) for six hundred shekels of kesef, and a sus (horse) for a hundred and fifty; and so they exported susim to all the melachim of the Chittim, and to the melachim of Aram (Syria).
2 (1:18) And Sh’lomo determined to build a Bais for the Shem of Hashem, and a Bais (palace) for his kingdom.
2 (2:1) And Sh’lomo conscripted threescore and ten thousand ish to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand ish as stonecutters in the hill country, and three thousand and six hundred to be their foremen to oversee them.
3 (2:2) And Sh’lomo sent to Churam Melech Tzor, saying, As thou didst deal with Dovid Avi, and didst send him cedars to build him a Bais (palace) to dwell therein, even so deal with me.
4 (2:3) Hinei, I build a Bais for the Shem of Hashem Elohai, to set it apart as kodesh and to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him ketoret sammim (fragrant incense), and for the ma’arekhet tamid (regular offering of the rows of bread), and for the olot boker and erev, on the Shabbatot, and on every Rosh-Chodesh, and on the Mo’adei Hashem Eloheinu. This is for l’olam (forever) to Yisroel.
5 (2:4) And HaBeis which I build is gadol, for gadol is Eloheinu above kol HaElohim (all the g-ds).
6 (2:5) But who has the ko’ach to build Him a Bais, seeing the Shomayim and Shomayim of Shomayim cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a Bais, except to burn sacrifices before Him?
7 (2:6) Send me now therefore an ish chacham in zahav, and in kesef, and in nechoshet, and in barzel, and in purple, and in crimson, and in blue wool, and that has skill in the art of engraving to work with my chachamim in Yehudah and in Yerushalayim whom Dovid Avi did provide.
8 (2:7) Send me also cedar, pine, and algum logs, from the Levanon, for I know that thy avadim have skill to cut timber in the Levanon; and, hinei, my avadim shall be with thy avadim,
9 (2:8) Even to provide me lumber in abundance, for the Bais which I am about to build shall be gadol v’hafeleh (great and magnificent).
10 (2:9) And, hinei, I will give to thy avadim, the woodsmen that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten chittim, and twenty thousand measures of se’orim, and twenty thousand baths of yayin, and twenty thousand baths of shemen (olive oil).
11 (2:10) Then Churam Melech Tzor answered by letter, which he sent to Sh’lomo, Because Hashem hath loved His people, He hath made thee Melech over them.
12 (2:11) Churam said moreover, Baruch Hashem Elohei Yisroel, that made Shomayim v’et HaAretz, Who hath given to Dovid HaMelech a ben chacham (wise son), endued with seichel and binah, that might build a Bais for Hashem, and a Bais (palace) for his kingdom.
13 (2:12) And now I have sent an ish chacham, endued with binah, namely my master craftsman Churam-Avi,
14 (2:13) ben isha of the Banot Dan, and his av was an ish Tzor, trained to work in zahav, and in kesef, in nechoshet, in barzel, in avanim (stone), and in etzim (wood), in purple, in blue wool, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to engrave every kind of engraving, and to execute every design which shall be put to him, with thy chachamim, and with the chachmei adoni Dovid Avicha.
15 (2:14) Now therefore the chittim, and the se’orim, the shemen, and the yayin, which adoni hath spoken of, let him send unto his avadim,
16 (2:15) And we will cut etzim out of the Levanon, as much as thou shalt need; and we will float it to thee in rafts by yam to Yafo, and thou shalt carry it up to Yerushalayim.
17 (2:16) And Sh’lomo took a census of all the gerim that were in Eretz Yisroel, after the census wherewith Dovid Aviv had numbered them; and they were found a hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.
18 (2:17) And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be stonecutters in the hill country, and three thousand and six hundred menatzkhim (foremen overseers) to keep HaAm working. [T.N. See 1Kgs 6:1. 966 B.C.E. the construction began on the Beis HaMikdash.]
3 Then Sh’lomo began to build the Bais Hashem at Yerushalayim in Mt Moriyah, where Hashem appeared unto Dovid Avihu, in the makom (place) which Dovid had prepared in the goren (threshing floor) of Ornan the Yevusi.
2 And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his [Sh’lomo’s 970-930 B.C.E.] reign.
3 Now these are the foundations which Sh’lomo laid for the building of the Bais HaElohim. The length by cubits using the middah harishonah (old standard) was threescore cubits, and the width twenty cubits.
4 And the Ulam that was in the front of the Bais (porch or vestibule in front of the Holy Place), the length of it was according to the width of the Bais, twenty cubits, and the height was twenty, and he overlaid it within with zahav tahor.
5 And the Bais HaGadol he paneled with cypress, which he overlaid with zahav tov, and carved thereon timorim (palm trees) and sharsherot (chainwork).
6 And he decorated the Bais with precious stones for tiferet (beauty), and the zahav was zahav from Parvayim.
7 He overlaid also the Bais, the ceiling beams, the thresholds, and the walls thereof, and the daletot (doors) thereof, with zahav; and carved keruvim on the walls.
8 And he made the Bais Kodesh HaKadashim, the length whereof was according to the width of the bais, twenty cubits long, and the width thereof twenty cubits, and he overlaid it with zahav tov of six hundred talents.
9 And the weight of the masmerot (nails) was fifty shekels of zahav. And he overlaid the upper rooms with zahav.
10 And in the Bais Kodesh HaKadashim he made two keruvim of ma’aseh tza’atzu’im (sculpture work), and overlaid them with zahav.
11 And the wings of the keruvim were twenty cubits long; one wing of the one keruv was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the Bais; and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other keruv.
12 And one wing of the other keruv was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the Bais; and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other keruv.
13 The wings of these keruvim spread themselves forth twenty cubits; and they stood on their feet, and their faces turned inward.
14 And he made the Parochet of blue wool, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought keruvim thereon.
15 Also he made before the Bais two [freestanding] Ammudim (pillars) of thirty and five cubits high [53 feet], and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.
16 And he made sharsherot in the Devir, and put them on the rosh of the Ammudim; and made a hundred pomegranates, and put them on the sharsherot.
17 And he erected the Ammudim before the Heikhal, one on the right, and the other on the left; and called the shem of that on the right Yachin, and the shem of that on the left Boaz.
4 Moreover he made a Mizbe’ach nechoshet, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the width thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.
2 Also he made a Yam Mutzak (Molten "Sea") of ten cubits from brim to brim. It was round, and five cubits the height thereof, and a line of thirty cubits did completely encircle it.
3 And under it was the demut (likeness) of bulls, all around, ten per cubit, surrounding the Yam. Two rows of bulls were cast, when it was cast.
4 It stood upon shneym asar bakar (twelve bulls), three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the Yam was set above upon them, and all their hindquarters were toward the inside.
5 And the thickness of it was a handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a kos, like the flower of a lily; and it received and held the capacity of shloshet alafim baths.
6 He made also ten kiyyorim (lavers, basins for washing), and put five on the right and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as they offered for the olah (burnt offering) they washed in them; but the Yam was for the Kohanim to wash in.
7 And he made ten Menorot HaZahav as prescribed, and set them in the Heikhal, five on the right, and five on the left.
8 He made also ten Shulchanot, and placed them in the Heikhal, five on the right, and five on the left. And he made a hundred mizrekei zahav (golden basins).
9 Furthermore he made the Khatzer HaKohanim, and the Azarah HaGedolal (the Great Temple Courtyard area), and delatot laAzarah, and overlaid the daletot of them with nechoshet (bronze).
10 And he set the Yam on the right, eastward, opposite the south.
11 And Churam made the sirot, and the shovels, and the mizrakot. And Churam finished the melachah that he was to make for Melech Sh’lomo for the Beis HaElohim,
12 The two Ammudim, and the bases, and the capitals which were on the top of the two Ammudim, and the two nettings to cover the two bases of the capitals which were on the top of the Ammudim;
13 And four hundred pomegranates on the two nettings; two rows of pomegranates on each netting, to cover the two bases of the capitals which were upon the Ammudim.
14 He made also stands, and kiyyorot made he upon the stands,
15 One Yam, and twelve bakar under it.
16 The sirot also, and the shovels, and the mizlagot, and all their instruments, did Churam Aviv make for Melech Sh’lomo for the Bais Hashem of nechoshet maruk.
17 In the plain of Yarden did HaMelech cast them, in the avi ha’adamah between Sukkot and Tzeredatah.
18 Thus Sh’lomo made all these vessels in great abundance, for the weight of the nechoshet could not be found out.
19 And Sh’lomo made all the vessels that were for the Beis HaElohim, the Mizbe’ach HaZahav also, and the Shulchanot whereon the Lechem HaPanim was set;
20 Moreover the Menorot with their nerot (lamps), that they should burn as prescribed before the Devir, of zahav sagur;
21 And the flowers [see Ex.25:31], and the nerot (lamps), and the tongs, he made of zahav, and that perfect zahav;
22 And the snuffers, and the basins, and the ladles, and the firepans, of zahav sagur; and the Petach (Doorway) the Beis, the Daltot HaPenimiyyot (Inner Doors) thereof for the Kodesh HaKadashim, and the Daltot HaBeis laHeikhal, were of zahav.
5 Thus all the melachah (work) that Sh’lomo made for the Beis Hashem was completed; and Sh’lomo brought in all the things that Dovid Aviv had dedicated as kodesh; and the kesef, and the zahav, and all the articles, he put among the otzerot of the Bais HaElohim.
2 Then Sh’lomo gathered unto Yerushalayim the Ziknei Yisroel, and kol Rashei HaMattot (all the Heads of the Tribes), the Nesi’ei HaAvot (Family Chiefs) of the Bnei Yisroel, to bring up the Aron Brit Hashem out of Ir Dovid, which is Tziyon.
3 Kol Ish Yisroel assembled themselves unto the Melech in the Chag (Feast, i.e., Sukkot) which was in the seventh month [Tishri].
4 And all the Ziknei Yisroel came; and the Levi’im took up the Aron.
5 And they brought up the Aron, and the Ohel Mo’ed and kol Klei HaKodesh (all the Holy Articles) that were in the Ohel, these did the Kohanim and the Levi’im bring up.
6 Also HaMelech Sh’lomo, and Kol Adat Yisroel that were assembled unto him before the Aron, sacrificed tzon and bakar, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.
7 And the Kohanim brought in the Aron Brit Hashem unto its makom (place), to the Devir HaBeis, into the Kodesh HaKadoshim, even under the wings of the Keruvim;
8 For the Keruvim spread forth their wings over the place of the Aron, and the Keruvim covered over the Aron and the carrying poles thereof.
9 And they drew out the poles of the Aron, that the ends of the poles were seen from the Aron before the Devir; but they were not seen from the outside. And there it is unto this day.
10 There was nothing in the Aron except the two Luchot which Moshe put therein at Chorev, when Hashem made a Brit with the Bnei Yisroel, when they came out of Mitzrayim.
11 And it came to pass, when the Kohanim were come out of the Kodesh (for all the Kohanim that were present were set apart as kodesh, and the divisions were not observed;
12 Also the Levi’im which were the meshorarim (singers), all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Yedutun, with their banim and their achim, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and lyres and kinnorot (harps), stood at the east of the Mizbe’ach, and with them a hundred and twenty Kohanim sounding trumpets:
13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and meshorarim were as one, making kol echad (one voice, one sound) to be heard in praising and thanking Hashem; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and musical instruments, and praised Hashem, saying, Ki tov ki l’olam chasdo (For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever), that then the Beis was filled with an anan, even the Beis Hashem,
14 So that the Kohanim could not stand to minister by reason of the anan; for the Kavod Hashem had filled the Beis HaElohim [see Ac chps 1-2]. [T.N. See 1C 3:16-17 regarding the Messianic fulfillment of 1Chr 6:9]
6 Then said Sh’lomo, Hashem hath said that He would dwell in a dark cloud.
2 But I have built Thee a lofty Beis, even a place for Thee to dwell olamim.
3 And HaMelech turned his face, v’yevarech at kol Kehal Yisroel, and all the Kehal Yisroel stood.
4 And he said, Baruch Hashem Elohei Yisroel, Who hath with His hands fulfilled that which He spoke with His mouth to Dovid Avi, saying,
5 Since HaYom when I brought forth Ami out of Eretz Mitzrayim I chose no city among all the Shivtei Yisroel to build a Bais in, that Shmi might be there; neither chose I any ish to be a Nagid over Ami Yisroel,
6 But I chose Yerushalayim, that Shmi might be there; and chose Dovid to be over Ami Yisroel.
7 Now it was in the levav Dovid Avi to build a Bais for the Shem of Hashem Elohei Yisroel.
8 But Hashem said to Dovid Avi, Because it was in levavcha to build a Bais for Shmi, thou didst well in that it was in levavcha.
9 Nevertheless thou shalt not build HaBeis; but bincha (your Son) which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build HaBeis for Shmi.
10 Hashem therefore hath performed His Devar that He hath spoken; for I am risen up after Dovid Avi, and I sit on the kisse Yisroel, just as Hashem promised, and I built HaBeis for the Shem of Hashem Elohei Yisroel.
11 And in it have I put the Aron, wherein is the Brit Hashem that He cut with the Bnei Yisroel.
12 And he stood before the Mizbe’ach Hashem in front kol Kehal Yisroel, and spread forth his hands;
13 For Sh’lomo had made a kiyyor nechoshet (bronze platform) five cubits long, and five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the Azarah [see 4:9], and upon it he stood, and knelt down upon his knees before kol Kehal Yisroel, and spread forth his hands toward Shomayim.
14 And said, Hashem Elohei Yisroel, ein kmocha Elohim (there is no G-d like Thee) in Shomayim, nor in Ha’aretz; shomer HaBrit, who showest chesed unto Thy avadim, that walk before Thee with all their hearts.
15 Thou which has been shomer over Thy eved Dovid Avi over that which Thou hast promised him; and spoke with Thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with Thine hand, as it is this day.
16 Now therefore, Hashem Elohei Yisroel, be shomer over Dovid Avi to keep that which Thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee an ish in My sight to sit upon the Kisse Yisroel; if only Banecha are shomer over their way to walk in My torah, as thou hast walked before Me.
17 Now then, Hashem Elohei Yisroel, let Thy Davar come true, which Thou hast spoken unto Thy eved Dovid.
18 But will Elohim really dwell with HaAdam on ha’aretz? Hinei, Shomayim and the Shmei HaShomayim cannot contain Thee; how much less this Beis which I built!
19 Yet give attention to the tefillah of Thy eved, and to his techinnah (supplication), O Hashem Elohai, to pay heed unto the cry and the tefillah which Thy eved prayeth before Thee;
20 That Thine eyes may be open toward this Beis yomam valailah, toward the makom (place) whereof Thou hast said that Thou wouldest put Shimcha there; to pay heed unto the tefillah which Thy eved prayeth toward this makom.
21 Pay heed therefore unto the tachanunei Avdecha (suppplications of Thy servant), and of Thy people Yisroel, which they shall daven toward this place; hear Thou from Thy dwelling place, even from Shomayim; and when Thou hearest, salachta (forgive).
22 If an ish sin against his neighbor, and he is made to swear under oath and he swears an oath before Thine Mizbe’ach in this Beis,
23 Then hear Thou from Shomayim, and act, and judge Thy avadim, by requiting the guilty, by recompensing his way upon his own rosh; and by justifying the tzaddik, by giving him according to his tzedakah.
24 And if thy people Yisroel be defeated before the oyev (enemy), because they have sinned against Thee; and shall return and confess Shmecha, and pray and make techinnah before Thee in this Beis,
25 Then hear Thou from Shomayim, and forgive the sin of Thy people Yisroel, and bring them back to HaAdamah which Thou gave to them and to Avoteichem.
26 When Shomayim is shut up, and there is no matar (rain), because they have sinned against Thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess Shmecha, and turn from their sin, when Thou dost afflict them;
27 Then hear Thou from Shomayim, and forgive the sin of Thy avadim, and of Thy people Yisroel, when Thou hast taught them the Derech HaTovah, wherein they should walk; and send matar upon Thy land, which Thou hast given unto Thy people for a nachalah.
28 If there be ra’av (hunger, famine) in the land, if there be dever, if there be blight, or mildew, locust, or grasshopper; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever nega or machalah there be,
29 Then what tefillah or what techinnah soever shall be made of kol ha’adam, or of all Thy people Yisroel, when every one shall know his own nega and his own pain, and shall spread forth his hands in this Beis,
30 Then hear Thou from Shomayim Thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose lev Thou knowest; (for Thou only knowest the hearts of the Bnei HaAdam),
31 That they may fear Thee, to walk in Thy ways, so long as they live in HaAdamah which Thou gavest unto Avoteinu.
32 Also concerning the nokhri, who is not of Thy people Yisroel, but is come from a far country for the sake of Shimcha Hagadol, Thy yad hachazakeh, and Thy zero’a stretched out; if they come and pray toward this Beis,
33 Then hear Thou from Shomayim, even from Thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the nokhri calleth for to Thee, that kol Amei Ha’aretz may know Shmecha, and fear Thee, as doth Thy people Yisroel, and may know that this Beis which I have built is called by Shimcha.
34 If Thy people go out to milchamah against their enemies by the derech that Thou shalt send them, and they pray unto Thee toward this city which Thou hast chosen, and the Beis which I have built for Shmecha,
35 Then hear Thou from Shomayim their tefillah and their techinnah, and uphold their mishpat.
36 If they sin against Thee, (for there is no adam which sinneth not), and Thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captive unto an Eretz rechokah or kerovah,
37 Yet if they change in their heart in the land where they are carried captive, and repent and supplicate unto Thee in the land of their captivity, saying, Chatanu (we have sinned), he’evnu (we have done wrong), and rashanu (we acted wickedly);
38 If they return to Thee with all their lev and with all their nefesh in the land of their captivity, where they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land, which Thou gavest unto Avotam, and toward HaIr which Thou hast chosen, and toward the Beis which I have built for Thy Shem,
39 Then hear Thou from Shomayim, even from Thy dwelling place, their tefillah and their techinnah, and uphold their mishpat, and forgive Thy people which have sinned against Thee.
40 Now, Elohai, may Thine eyes be open, and let Thine ears be attentive unto the tefillah that is davened in this place.
41 Now therefore arise, Hashem Elohim, into Thy resting place, Thou, and the Aron of Thy might; let Thy Kohanim, Hashem Elohim, be clothed with Teshu’ah, and let Thy Chasidim rejoice in goodness.
42 Hashem Elohim, turn not away the face of Thine Moshiach. Remember the Chasdei Dovid Avdecha.
7 Now when Sh’lomo had made an end of davening, the eish came down from Shomayim, and consumed the olah and the zevakhim; and the kavod Hashem filled HaBeis.
2 And the Kohanim could not enter into the Beis Hashem, because the kavod Hashem had filled the Beis Hashem.
3 And when all the Bnei Yisroel saw how the eish came down, and the kavod Hashem upon HaBeis, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the ritzpah (floor, pavement) and worshiped, and gave thanks to Hashem, saying, Ki tov ki l’olam chasdo (For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever).
4 Then HaMelech and kol HaAm offered zevach before Hashem.
5 And HaMelech Sh’lomo offered zevach of 22,000 bakar, and 120,000 tzon; so HaMelech and kol HaAm dedicated the Beis HaElohim.
6 And the Kohanim stood at their mishmerot (watches); the Levi’im also with kelei shir Hashem, (musical instruments of Hashem) which Dovid HaMelech had made to give thanks to Hashem‖ki l’oham chasdo (for His mercy endureth forever)‖whenever Dovid praised by their means; and the Kohanim sounded khatzotzrot (trumpets) opposite them, and kol Yisroel stood.
7 Moreover Sh’lomo set apart as kodesh the toch hekhatzer (center of the courtyard) that was in front of the Beis Hashem; for there he offered HaOlot and the chelvei hashelamim (fat of peace offerings), because the Mizbe’ach hanechoshet which Sh’lomo had made was not able to receive the Olot, and the Mincha, and HaChalavim (the fats).
8 Also at the same time Sh’lomo kept the Chag (see v. 9) shivat yamim, and kol Yisroel with him, a Kahal Gadol Me’od, from the Levo (Approach) Chamat unto the Wadi Mitzrayim.
9 And on the Yom HaShemini they held an Atzeret (solemn assembly); for they kept the chanukat HaMizbe’ach (dedication of the altar, i.e., the Beis Hamikdash) shivat yamim, and the chag [Sukkot] shivat yamim.
10 And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent HaAm away into their ohalim joyful and tovei lev for the goodness that Hashem had showed unto Dovid, and to Sh’lomo, and to Yisroel His Am.
11 Thus Sh’lomo finished the Beis Hashem, and the Beis HaMelech; and all that came into the lev Sh’lomo to do in the Beis Hashem, and in his own palace, he prosperously effected.
12 And Hashem appeared to Sh’lomo balailah, and said unto him, I have heard thy tefillah, and have chosen this makom for Myself for a Beis Zevach.
13 When I shut up Shomayim that there be no matar, or when I command the locusts to devour HaAretz, or when I send dever among Ami (My People)
14 If Ami, which are called by Shmi, shall humble themselves, and daven, and seek my face, and turn from their derakhim hara’im (wicked ways), then will I hear from Shomayim, and will forgive their chattat, and will heal their land.
15 Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attentive unto the tefillah that is made in Makom HaZeh.
16 For now have I chosen and set apart as kodesh HaBeis HaZeh, that Shmi may be there ad olam, and Mine eyes and Mine lev shall be there kol hayamim.
17 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before Me, as Dovid Avicha walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe My chukkot and My mishpatim;
18 Then will I establish the kisse of thy Malchut, just as I have covenanted with Dovid Avicha, saying, Lo yikaret lecha ish moshel b’Yisroel.
19 But if ye turn away, and forsake My chukkot and My mitzvot, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve elohim acherim, and worship them,
20 Then will I uproot them out of My Adamah which I have given them; and HaBeis HaZeh, which I have set apart as kodesh for Shmi, will I cast out of My sight, and will make it to be a Mashal (byword) and an object of ridicule among Kol haAmim.
21 And HaBeis HaZeh, which is elyon, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath Hashem done thus unto HaAretz HaZot, and unto HaBeis Hazeh?
22 And it shall be answered, Because they forsook Hashem Elohei Avoteihem, Who brought them forth out of Eretz Mitzrayim, and they laid hold on elohim acherim, and worshiped them, and served them; therefore hath He brought all this ra’ah upon them.
8 And it came to pass at the end of esrim shanah, wherein Sh’lomo had built the Beis Hashem, and his own bais (palace),
2 That the cities which Churam had restored to Sh’lomo, Sh’lomo rebuilt them, and caused the Bnei Yisroel to dwell there.
3 And Sh’lomo went to Chamat Tzovah, and captured it.
4 And he built Tadmor in the midbar, and all the storage towns, which he built in Chamat.
5 Also he rebuilt Upper Beit Choron, and Lower Beit Choron, fortified cities, with walls, gates, and bars,
6 And Ba’alat, and all the storage towns that Sh’lomo had, and all the towns for the chariots, and the towns for the parashim (horsemen, cavalry) all the cheshek Sh’lomo (desire of Solomon) that he desired to build in Yerushalayim, and in the Levanon, and throughout all the eretz of his Memshalet.
7 As for kol haAm that were left of the Chitti, and HaEmori, and the Perizzi, and the Chivi, and the Yevusi, who were not of Yisroel,
8 From their banim, who were left after them in HaAretz, whom the Bnei Yisroel consumed not, them did Sh’lomo conscript for forced labor until yom hazeh.
9 But of the Bnei Yisroel did Sh’lomo make no avadim for his melachah; for they were anshei milchamah, and commanders of his officers, and commanders of his chariots and parash.
10 And these were the chief of the officials of Sh’lomo HaMelech, even two hundred and fifty, that exercised authority over HaAm.
11 And Sh’lomo brought up the Bat Pharaoh out of Ir Dovid unto the palace that he had built for her, for he said, Isha li (wife for me) shall not dwell in the Bais Dovid Melech Yisroel, because the places whereunto the Aron Hashem hath come are Kodesh.
12 Then Sh’lomo offered up Olot unto Hashem on the Mizbe’ach Hashem, which he had built before the Ulam,
13 Even according to the requirement of each day on its day, offering according to the mitzvat Moshe, on the Shabbatot, and on Rosh Chodesh, and on the Mo’adot, three times in the year, even in the Chag HaMatzot, and in the Chag HaShavuot, and in the Chag HaSukkot.
14 And he appointed, according to the mishpat Dovid Aviv, the machlekot (divisions) of the Kohanim to their avodah service, and the Levi’im to their mishmerot (watches), to praise and minister before the Kohanim, as the requirement of every yom required; the Sho’arim (Gatekeepers) also by their machlekot (divisions) at every sha’ar; for thus was the mitzvot Dovid Ish HaElohim.
15 And they deviated not from the mitzvat HaMelech unto the Kohanim and Levi’im concerning any matter, or concerning the otzarot.
16 Now all the work of Sh’lomo was carried out from the yom musad (day of the foundation) of the Beis Hashem until its completion. So the Beis Hashem was perfected.
17 Then went Sh’lomo to Etzyon-Gever, and to Eilat, on the seacoast of Eretz Edom. [T.N. See Ep 2:20 in connection with the musad (foundation in 2Chr 8:16) where the OJBC speaks about Shluchim and Nevi’im and Moshiach as the Rosh Pinah]
18 And Churam sent him by the hands of his avadim oniyot, and avadim that were experienced seamen; and they went with the avadim of Sh’lomo to Ophir, and took from there four hundred and fifty talents of zahav, and brought them to Sh’lomo HaMelech.
9 And when the Malkat Sheva (Queen of Sheba) heard of the fame of Sh’lomo, she came to test Sh’lomo with chidot (hard questions, riddles) at Yerushalayim, with a very great caravan, and camels that carried spices, and zahav in abundance, and precious stones; and when she was come to Sh’lomo, she communed with him of all that was in her levav.
2 And Sh’lomo gave answer to all her questions; and there was nothing hid from Sh’lomo which he explained not to her.
3 And when the Malkat Sheva had seen the Chochmat Sh’lomo, and HaBais (the Palace) that he had built,
4 And the ma’akhal (food) of his shulchan, and the moshav of his avadim, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his aliyah (ascent) by which he went up to the Beis Hashem; there was no more ruach in her.
5 And she said to HaMelech, Emes was the davar (report) which I heard in mine own country about thine acts, and of thy chochmah;
6 Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, hinei, the one half of the greatness of thy chochmah was not told me, for thou exceedest the report that I heard.
7 Ashrei are thy anashim, and ashrei are these thy avadim, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy chochmah.
8 Baruch Hashem Eloheicha Who delighted in thee to set thee on His kisse, to be Melech for Hashem Eloheicha, because Eloheicha loved Yisroel, to establish them l’olam, therefore He made thee Melech over them, to maintain Mishpat and Tzedakah.
9 And she gave HaMelech a hundred and twenty talents of zahav, and spices in great abundance, and precious stones; neither was there ever any such spice as the Malkat Sheva gave Sh’lomo HaMelech.
10 And the avadim also of Churam, and the avadim of Sh’lomo, which brought zahav from Ophir, brought atzei algummim (algum trees) and precious stones.
11 And HaMelech made of the atzei algummim steps for the Beis Hashem, and for the Beis HaMelech, and kinnorot and nevalim for the musicians; and there were none such seen before in the Eretz Yehudah.
12 And Sh’lomo HaMelech gave to Malkat Sheva all her chefetz, whatsoever she asked, beside such that she had brought unto HaMelech. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her avadim.
13 Now the weight of zahav that came to Sh’lomo in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of zahav;
14 Besides that which traders and merchants brought. And all the melachim of Arabia and governors of the country brought zahav and kesef to Sh’lomo.
15 And Melech Sh’lomo made 200 shields of hammered zahav; 600 measures of hammered zahav went to one shield.
16 And 300 moginnim he made of hammered zahav; 300 measures of zahav went to one mogen. And HaMelech put them in Beis Ya’ar HaLevanon (House of the Forest of Levanon).
17 Moreover HaMelech made a kisse shen gadol (great ivory throne) and overlaid it with zahav tahor.
18 And there were six steps to the kisse, with a kevesh (ramp) of zahav, which was attached to the kisse, and arms on each side of the seat, and two aroyot (lions) standing by the armrests;
19 And 12 aroyot stood there on the one side and on the other upon 6 steps. There was nothing like it made for any other mamlechah.
20 And all the kelei mashkeh (drinking vessels) of Sh’lomo HaMelech were of zahav, and all the kelei Beis Ya’ar HaLevanon were of pure zahav; none were of kesef; it [silver] was not accounted as anything in the days of Sh’lomo.
21 HaMelech had a fleet of oniyyot that went to Tarshish with the avadim of Churam. Once every three years came the oniyyot Tarshish bringing zahav, and kesef, ivory, and monkeys, and peacocks.
22 And Sh’lomo HaMelech surpassed all the Malkhei HaAretz in riches and chochmah.
23 And all the Malkhei Ha’Aretz sought the presence of Sh’lomo, to hear his chochmah, that HaElohim had put in his lev.
24 And they brought every ish his minchah (present), kelei kesef, kelei zahav, and clothing, weapons, and spices, susim, and peradim (mules), at a set rate.
25 And Sh’lomo had four thousand stalls for susim and markovot (chariots), and twelve thousand parashim whom he kept in the chariot cities, and with HaMelech at Yerushalayim.
26 And he reigned over all the melachim from the River [i.e., the Euphrates] even unto the Eretz Pelishtim, and to the border of Mitzrayim.
27 And HaMelech made kesef in Yerushalayim as common as stones, and cedar trees he made like sycamore trees that are in the Shefelah in abundance.
28 And they imported unto Sh’lomo susim out of Mitzrayim, and from all the lands.
29 Now the rest of the Divrei Sh’lomo, harishonim and ha’acharonim, are they not written in the Divrei Natan HaNavi, and in the Nevu’at Achiyah the Shiloni, and in the chazot Yadai HaChozer against Yarov’am ben Nevat?
30 And Sh’lomo reigned in Yerushalayim over kol Yisroel arba’im shaneh.
31 And Sh’lomo slept with Avotav, and he was buried in Ir Dovid Aviv. And Rechav’am Bno reigned in his place.
10 And Rechav’am went to Shechem, for to Shechem were kol Yisroel come to make him melech.
2 And it came to pass, when Yarov’am ben Nevat, who was in Mitzrayim, where he fled from the presence of Sh’lomo HaMelech heard it, that Yarov’am returned out of Mitzrayim.
3 And they sent and called him. So Yarov’am and kol Yisroel came and spoke to Rechav’am, saying,
4 Avicha made our ol (yoke) kasheh (difficult, harsh); now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous avodas Avicha, and his heavy ol (yoke i.e., taxes, see verse 18) that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
5 And he said unto them, Shuvu (come back, return) unto me after shloshet yamin. And HaAm departed.
6 And HaMelech Rechav’am took counsel with the Zekenim that had stood before Sh’lomo Avi while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to HaAm HaZeh?
7 And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou be kind to HaAm HaZeh, and please them, and speak devarim tovim to them, they will be thy avadim kol hayamim (all the days).
8 But he forsook the Atzat HaZekenim they gave him, and took counsel with the yeladim that were brought up with him, that stood before him.
9 And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to HaAm HaZeh, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat haOl that Avicha did put upon us?
10 And the yeladim that grew up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer HaAm that spoke unto thee, saying, Avicha made our ol (yoke) heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than the loins of Avi.
11 For whereas Avi put an ol kaved (a heavy yoke) upon you, I will add more to your ol (yoke). Avi chastised you with shotim (whips), but I will chastise you with akrabim (scorpions).
12 So Yarov’am and kol HaAm came to Rechav’am on the Yom HaShelishi, as HaMelech said, Shuva (return) to me on the Yom HaShelishi.
13 And HaMelech answered them kashah (harshly); and HaMelech Rechav’am forsook the Atzat HaZekenim,
14 And answered them after the Atzat HaYeladim, saying, Avi made your ol (yoke) heavy, but I will add thereto; Avi chastised you with shotim (whips), but I will chastise you with akrabim (scorpions).
15 So HaMelech paid heed not unto HaAm, for the nesibah (turn of events, circumstance) was of HaElohim, that Hashem might perform His Devar, which He spoke by the yad Achiyah HaShiloni to Yarov’am ben Nevat. [1Kgs 11:29-39]
16 And when kol Yisroel saw that HaMelech would not pay heed unto them, HaAm answered HaMelech, saying, What chelek have we in Dovid? We have none nachalah in Ben Yishai. Every ish to your ohalim, O Yisroel; and now, Dovid, see to thine own Bais. So kol Yisroel went to their ohalim.
17 But as for the Bnei Yisroel that dwelt in the towns of Yehudah, Rechav’am reigned over them.
18 Then HaMelech Rechav’am sent Hadoram [I Kgs 12:18 "Adoram"] who was over the mas (tax, tribute); and the Bnei Yisroel stoned him with stones, that he died. But HaMelech Rechav’am made speed to get up into his merkavah, to escape to Yerushalayim.
19 And Yisroel rebelled against the Bais Dovid unto Hayom Hazeh.
11 And when Rechav’am was come to Yerushalayim, he gathered of the Bais Yehudah and Binyamin a hundred and fourscore thousand bachur oseh milchamah (chosen men, which were warriors), to make war against Yisroel, that he might restore the mamlachah to Rechav’am.
2 But the Devar Hashem came to Shemayah the Ish HaElohim, saying,
3 Speak unto Rechav’am ben Sh’lomo Melech Yehudah, and to kol Yisroel in Yehudah and Binyamin, saying,
4 Thus saith Hashem, Ye shall not go up, nor make war against your achim. Shuvu (return) every ish to his bais, for this thing is done from Me. And they obeyed the divrei Hashem, and returned back from going against Yarov’am.
5 And Rechav’am dwelt in Yerushalayim, and built arim lematzor (cities for defense) in Yehudah.
6 He built even Beit-Lechem, and Eitam, and Tekoa,
7 Bei-Tzur, Socho, Adulam,
8 Gat, Mareshah, Ziph,
9 And Adorayim, and Lachish, and Azekah,
10 And Tzorah, and Ayalon, and Chevron, which are in Yehudah and in Binyamin arei metzurot (fortified cities).
11 And he fortified the metzurot (fortifications), and put negidim (rulers) in them, and otzerot ma’achal (storage places of food), and of shemen and yayin.
12 And in all the cities he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Yehudah and Binyamin on his side.
13 And the Kohanim and the Levi’im that were in kol Yisroel availed themselves to him from all their territories.
14 For the Levi’im abandoned their commonlands and their achuzzah (possession, estate) and came to Yehudah and Yerushalayim; for Yarov’am and his banim had cast them off from executing the office of Kohen unto Hashem.
15 And he ordained him kohanim for the high places, and for the se’irim (goat idols, demons) and for the agalim (calf idols) which he had made.
16 And after them from all the Shivtei Yisroel such as set their hearts to seek Hashem Elohei Yisroel came to Yerushalayim, to sacrifice unto Hashem Elohei Avoteihem.
17 So they strengthened the Malchut Yehudah, and made Rechav’am ben Sh’lomo strong, shanim shalosh. For shanim shalosh they walked in the Derech Dovid u’Sh’lomo.
18 And Rechav’am took him Machalat bat Yerimot Ben Dovid as isha, and Avichayil bat Eliav ben Yishai,
19 Which bore him banim: Yeush, and Shemaryah, and Zaham.
20 And after her he took Ma’achah bat Avshalom, who bore him Aviyah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shlomit.
21 And Rechav’am loved Ma’achah bat Avshalom more than any of his nashim and his pilagshim; (for he took eighteen nashim, and threescore pilagshim, and fathered twenty and eight banim, and threescore banot.)
22 And Rechav’am made Aviyah ben Ma’achah the rosh, to be nagid among his achim, for he intended to make him melech.
23 And he acted wisely, and dispersed kol banim of him throughout all the lands of Yehudah and Binyamin, unto all of the arei hametzurot (fortified cities); and he gave them mazon (provision, food) in abundance. And he took for them many wives.
12 And it came to pass, when Rechav’am had established the malchut, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the Torat Hashem, and kol Yisroel with him.
2 And it came to pass, that in the shanah hachamishit of Melech Rechav’am Shishak Melech Mitzrayim came up against Yerushalayim, because they were unfaithful to Hashem,
3 With 1200 chariots, and 60,000 parashim, and troops without number that came with him out of Mitzrayim, the Luvim, the Sukkiim, and the Cushim.
4 And he captured the arei hametzurot (fortified cities) which are of Yehudah, and came as far as Yerushalayim.
5 Then came Shemayah HaNavi to Rechav’am, and to the Sarim of Yehudah, that were assembled in Yerushalayim because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith Hashem, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also abandoned you in the yad Shishak.
6 Whereupon the Sarim (princes) of Yisroel and HaMelech humbled themselves; and they said, Tzaddik Hashem.
7 And when Hashem saw that they humbled themselves, the Devar Hashem came to Shemayah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some peleitah (deliverance, rescue); and My chamah (anger, wrath) shall not be poured out upon Yerushalayim by the yad Shishak.
8 Nevertheless they shall be his avadim; that they may differentiate My avodah, and the avodat mamlechut of the lands.
9 So Shishak Melech Mitzrayim came up against Yerushalayim, and carried away the otzerot of the Beis Hashem, and the otzerot Bais HaMelech. He took all; he carried away also the moginei hazahav (shields of gold) which Sh’lomo had made.
10 Instead of which HaMelech Rechav’am made moginei nechoshet, and committed them to the hands of the commanders of the guard, the Shomrim who kept the Petach Bais Hamelech.
11 And as often as HaMelech entered into the Beis Hashem, the guard came and got the shields, and afterward brought them again into the guardroom.
12 And when he humbled himself, the Af Hashem turned from him, that He would not destroy him altogether; and also in Yehudah things went well.
13 So HaMelech Rechav’am strengthened himself in Yerushalayim, and reigned; for Rechav’am was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Yerushalayim, HaIr that Hashem had chosen out of all the Shivtei Yisroel, to put Shmo there. And the shem immo was Na’amah HaAmmonit.
14 And he did rah, because he set not his lev to seek Hashem.
15 Now the acts of Rechav’am, harishonim and ha’acharonim, are they not written in the Divrei Shemayah HaNavi, and of Iddo HaChozer with genealogies? And there were milchamot between Rechav’am and Yarov’am continually.
16 And Rechav’am slept with Avotav, and was buried in Ir Dovid; and Aviyah bno reigned in his place.
13 Now in the eighteenth year of Melech Yarov’am began Aviyah to reign over Yehudah.
2 He reigned 3 shanim in Yerushalayim. And the shem immo was Michayah bat Uriel of Giveah. And there was milchamah between Aviyah and Yarov’am.
3 And Aviyah led the milchamah with an army of gibborei milchamah, even 400 elef ish bachur. Yarov’am also drew up for milchamah against him with 800 elef ish bachur, gibbor chayil.
4 And Aviyah stood up upon Mt Tzemarayim, which is in the hill country of Ephrayim, and said, Hear me, thou Yarov’am, and kol Yisroel.
5 Ought ye not to know that Hashem Elohei Yisroel gave the Mamlachah over Yisroel to Dovid l’olam (forever), even to him and to his banim by a Brit Melach [see Num 18:19]?
6 Yet Yarov’am ben Nevat eved Sh’lomo ben Dovid is risen up, and hath rebelled against Adonav.
7 And there are gathered unto him anashim rekim, the Bnei Beliyaal, and have strengthened themselves against Rechav’am ben Sh’lomo, when Rechav’am was na’ar and rakh levav (fainthearted), and could not withstand them.
8 And now ye think to withstand the Mamlechet Hashem in the yad Bnei Dovid; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you eglei zahav, which Yarov’am made you for elohim.
9 Have ye not cast out the Kohanim of Hashem, the Bnei Aharon, and the Levi’im, and have made you kohanim after the manner of the peoples of other lands? So whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bull and 7 rams, the same may be a kohen of them that are no elohim.
10 But as for us, Hashem is Eloheinu, and we have not forsaken Him, and the Kohanim, mesharetim unto Hashem, are the Bnei Aharon, and the Levi’im do their work;
11 And they burn unto Hashem baboker baboker and baerev baerev olot and ketoret sammim; the array of lechem is also set in order upon the shulchan hatahor; and the menorah hazahav with the nerot thereof is lit erev ba’erev, for we are the Shomrim of the Mishmeret Hashem Eloheinu; but ye have forsaken Him.
12 And, hinei, HaElohim Himself is with us as Rosh, and His Kohanim have their chatzotzerot to sound the alarm against you. O Bnei Yisroel, fight ye not against Hashem Elohei Avoteichem; for ye shall not prosper.
13 But Yarov’am caused a ma’arav to come about behind them so that they were before Yehudah, and the ma’arav was behind them.
14 And when Yehudah turned, hinei, the milchamah was before and behind, and they cried unto Hashem, and the Kohanim sounded the battle trumpets.
15 Then the Ish Yehudah gave a shout, and as the Ish Yehudah shouted, it came to pass, that HaElohim routed Yarov’am and kol Yisroel before Aviyah and Yehudah.
16 And the Bnei Yisroel fled before Yehudah, and Elohim delivered them into their yad.
17 And Aviyah and his army slaughtered them with a makkah rabbah (great slaughter); so there fell down slain of Yisroel five hundred thousand ish bachur.
18 Thus the Bnei Yisroel were subdued at that time, and the Bnei Yehudah prevailed, because they relied upon Hashem Elohei Avoteihem.
19 And Aviyah pursued after Yarov’am, and took cities from him: Beit-El with the towns thereof, and Yeshanah with the villages thereof, and Ephrayim with the villages thereof.
20 Neither did Yarov’am recover ko’ach again in the days of Aviyah; and Hashem struck him, and he died.
21 But Aviyah grew strong, and married fourteen nashim, and fathered twenty and two banim, and sixteen banot.
22 And the rest of the acts of Aviyah, and his deeds, and his words, are written in the Midrash HaNavi Iddo.
14 (13:23) So Aviyah slept with Avotav, and they buried him in Ir Dovid, and Asa bno reigned in his place. In his days HaAretz was at peace eser shanim.
2 (14:1) And Asa did that which was hatov and yashar in the eyes of Hashem Elohav;
3 (14:2) For he took away the mizbechot hanekhar (foreign altars), and the high places, and smashed the matzevot, and cut down the Asherim;
4 (14:3) And commanded Yehudah to seek Hashem Elohei Avoteihem, and to observe the Torah and the Mitzvah.
5 (14:4) Also he took away out of all the towns of Yehudah the high places and the chammanim (sun-pillar idols); and the mamlachah was at peace under him.
6 (14:5) And he built arei metzurah in Yehudah; for HaAretz was at peace, and he had no milchanah in those years, because Hashem had given him rest.
7 (14:6) Therefore he said unto Yehudah, Let us build up these cities, and make about them chomah, and migdalim, gates, and bars. HaAretz is yet before us, because we have sought Hashem Eloheinu, we have sought Him, and He hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
8 (14:7) And Asa had an army of men that bore shields and spears, out of Yehudah three hundred thousand; and out of Binyamin, that bore mogen and drew keshet (bow), two hundred and fourscore elef; all these were gibborei chayil.
9 (14:8) And there came out against them Zerach HaCushi with a host of elef alafim, and three hundred merkavot; and came as far as Mareshah.
10 (14:9) Then Asa went out against him, and they took up position for the milchamah in the valley of Zephatah at Mareshah.
11 (14:10) And Asa cried unto Hashem Elohav, and said, Hashem, there is none besides Thee to help, whether with rav, or with them that have no ko’ach. Help us, Hashem Eloheinu, for we rely on Thee; in Shimecha we go against this multitude. Hashem Thou art Eloheinu; let no enosh prevail against Thee.
12 (14:11) So Hashem struck down HaCushim before Asa, and before Yehudah, and HaCushim fled.
13 (14:12) And Asa and HaAm that were with him pursued them as far as Gerar, and HaCushim fell, until they could not survive, for they were crushed before Hashem, and before His Machaneh. They carried off very much plunder.
14 (14:13) And they destroyed all the towns around Gerar; for the Pachad Hashem fell upon them, and they plundered all the towns, for there was exceeding much booty in them.
15 (14:14) They attacked also the ohalim of herdsmen, and carried off tzon and gemalim in abundance, and returned to Yerushalayim.
15 And the Ruach Elohim came upon Azaryahu ben Oded;
2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and kol Yehudah and Binyamin. Hashem is with you, while ye be with Him; if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.
3 Now for yamim rabbim Yisroel hath been without the Elohei Emes, and without a Kohen Moreh, and without Torah.
4 But when they in their tzoros did turn unto Hashem Elohei Yisroel, and sought Him, He was found by them.
5 And in those times there was no shalom to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but mehumot rabbot (great turmoil) was upon all the inhabitants of the lands.
6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city, for Elohim did trouble them with every tzuris.
7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak, for there is sachar (reward) for your pe’ulah (work).
8 And when Asa heard these words, and the nevu’ah of Oded HaNavi, he took courage, and put away the shikkutzim (abominable idols) from kol Eretz Yehudah and Binyamin, and from the cities which he had captured from Mt Ephrayim, and renewed the Mizbe’ach Hashem, that was in front of the Ulam Hashem.
9 And he gathered all Yehudah and Binyamin, and the gerim with them from Ephrayim and Menasheh, and from Shim’on, for they fell to him from Yisroel in abundance, when they saw that Hashem Elohav was with him.
10 So they gathered themselves together at Yerushalayim in the chodesh hashelishi, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.
11 And they offered unto Hashem on that day, of the plunder which they had brought back, 700 bakar and 7000 tzon.
12 And they entered into the Brit to seek Hashem Elohei Avoteihem with all their lev and with all their nefesh;
13 That whosoever would not seek Hashem Elohei Yisroel should be put to death, whether katan or gadol, whether ish or isha.
14 And they swore unto Hashem with a kol gadol, and with teruah, and with trumpets, and with shoferot.
15 And all Yehudah rejoiced at the shevu’ah, for they had sworn with all their lev, and sought Him with their whole ratzon; and He was found by them; and Hashem gave them rest all around.
16 And also concerning Ma’achah em Asa HaMelech, he deposed her from being gevirah, because she had made to Asherah a mifletzet, and Asa cut down her mifletzet, and ground it up, and burned it at the Wadi Kidron.
17 But the high places were not removed from Yisroel; nevertheless the levav Asa was shalem all his days.
18 And he brought into the Beis HaElohim the things that Aviv had dedicated as kodesh, and that he himself had dedicated as kodesh, kesef, and zahav, and kelim.
19 And there was no more milchamah unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.
16 In the six and thirtieth year Malchut Asa (of the reign of Asa) Ba’asha Melech Yisroel went up against Yehudah, and fortified Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to the territory of Asa Melech Yehudah.
2 Then Asa brought out kesef and zahav out of the otzarot of the Beis Hashem and of the Bais HaMelech, and sent to Ben-Hadad Melech Aram (Syria), the one ruling in Damascus, saying,
3 There is a brit between me and thee, as there was between Avi and Avicha. Hinei, I have sent thee kesef and zahav; come, break thy brit with Ba’asha Melech Yisroel, that he may withdraw from me.
4 And Ben-Hadad paid heed unto HaMelech Asa, and sent the officers of his forces against the cities of Yisroel, and they struck down Iyon, and Dan, and Abel Mayim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.
5 And it came to pass, when Ba’asha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.
6 Then Asa HaMelech took all Yehudah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Ba’asha was building; and he built therewith Geva and Mitzpah.
7 And at that time Chanani HaRo’eh came to Asa Melech Yehudah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on Melech Aram, and not relied on Hashem Eloheicha, therefore is the army of Melech Aram escaped out of thine yad.
8 Were not the Cushim and the Luvim a huge army, with very many chariots and parashim? Yet, because thou didst rely on Hashem, He delivered them into thine yad.
9 For the eyes of Hashem run to and fro kol HaAretz, to strengthen them whose lev is shalem (wholehearted) toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; therefore from henceforth thou shalt have milchamot.
10 Then Asa was wroth with the ro’eh, put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of HaAm at the same time.
11 And, hinei, the acts of Asa, harishonim and ha’acharonim, see, they are written in the Sefer HaMelachim Yehudah and Yisroel.
12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his malchut (reign) became diseased in his raglayim, until his disease was exceedingly great. Yet even in his disease he sought not Hashem, but only the rofe’im.
13 And Asa slept with his Avotav, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.
14 And they buried him in his own kever (sepulchre, burial cave), which he had cut for himself in Ir Dovid, and laid him on a mishkav (bed) which was filled with sweet spices and perfumes prepared by the apothecaries art; and they burned for him a very large serefah gedolah (great fire, pyre).
17 And Yehoshaphat bno reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Yisroel.
2 And he placed troops in all the fortified cities of Yehudah, and set netzivim (garrisons) in Eretz Yehudah, and in the towns of Ephrayim, which Asa Aviv had captured.
3 And Hashem was with Yehoshaphat, because he walked in the darkhei Dovid Aviv harishonim, and sought not unto Ba’alim;
4 But sought Hashem Elohei Aviv, and walked in His mitzvot, and not after the ma’asei Yisroel.
5 Therefore Hashem established the Mamlachah in his yad; and all Yehudah brought to Yehoshaphat minchah; and he had osher and kavod in abundance.
6 And his lev was elevated in the darkhei Hashem; moreover he removed the high places and Asherim from Yehudah.
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his sarim (officials), even to Ben-Chayil, and to Ovadyah, and to Zecharyah, and to Netanel, and to Michayahu, to teach in the cities of Yehudah.
8 And with them he sent Levi’im, even Shemayahu, and Netanyahu, and Zevadyahu, and Asahel, and Shemiramot, and Yehonatan, and Adoniyahu, and Tuviyahu, and Tov Adoniyah, Levi’im; and with them Elishama and Yehoram, Kohanim.
9 And they taught in Yehudah, and had with them the Sefer Torat Hashem, and went about throughout all the cities of Yehudah, and taught HaAm.
10 And the Pachad Hashem fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were surrounding Yehudah, so that they made no war against Yehoshaphat.
11 Also some of the Pelishtim (Philistines) brought Yehoshaphat minchah, and kesef massa (tribute); and the Arabs brought him tzon, seven thousand seven hundred rams, and seven thousand seven hundred goats.
12 And Yehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built in Yehudah fortresses and storage cities.
13 And he had melachah rabbah in the cities of Yehudah; and the anshei milchamah, gibborei chayil were in Yerushalayim.
14 And these are the pekuddat (enrollment numbers) of them according to the Bais Avoteihem: of Yehudah, the sarei alafim; Adnah HaSar, and with him gibborei chayil three hundred elef.
15 And next to him was Yehochanan HaSar, and with him two hundred and fourscore elef.
16 And next to him was Amasyah ben Zichri, who volunteered unto Hashem, and with him two hundred elef gibbor chayil.
17 And from Binyamin, Elyada a gibbor chayil, and with him armed men with keshet and mogen two hundred elef.
18 And next to him was Yehozavad, and with him a hundred and fourscore elef battle-ready.
19 These waited on HaMelech, beside those whom HaMelech put in the fortified cities throughout all Yehudah.
18 Now Yehoshaphat had osher and kavod in abundance, and allied himself with Ach’av.
2 And l’ketz shanim he went down to Ach’av in Shomron. And Ach’av killed tzon and bakar for him in abundance, and for HaAm that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramot Gil’ad.
3 And Ach’av Melech Yisroel said unto Yehoshaphat Melech Yehudah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramot Gil’ad? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the milchamah.
4 And Yehoshaphat said unto the Melech Yisroel, Inquire, now at the Devar Hashem today.
5 Therefore the Melech Yisroel gathered together of nevi’im four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to war against Ramot Gil’ad, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for HaElohim will deliver it into the yad HaMelech.
6 But Yehoshaphat said, Is there not here a navi of Hashem, that we might inquire of him?
7 And the Melech Yisroel said unto Yehoshaphat, There is yet ish echad (one man), by whom we may inquire of Hashem, but I hate him because he never prophesied for tov about me, but always ra’ah; the same is Mikhay’hu ben Imla. And Yehoshaphat said, HaMelech should not say that.
8 And the Melech Yisroel called for one of his officials, and said, Bring at once Mikhay’hu ben Imla.
9 And the Melech Yisroel and Yehoshaphat Melech Yehudah sat either of them on his kisse, clothed in their begadim, and they sat in the goren (threshing floor) at the petach (entrance) Sha’ar Shomron; and all the nevi’im prophesied before them.
10 And Tzidkiyahu ben Kena’anah had made him karnayim of barzel, and said, Thus saith Hashem, With these thou shalt gore Aram (Syria) until they be consumed.
11 And all the nevi’im prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramot Gil’ad, and be victorious, for Hashem shall deliver it into the yad HaMelech.
12 And the malach that went to call Mikhay’hu spoke to him, saying, Hinei, the divrei hanevi’im declare tov to HaMelech with peh echad (one mouth); let thy word therefore, now, be like one of theirs, and speak thou tov.
13 And Mikhay’hu said, As Hashem liveth, only what Elohai saith, that will I speak.
14 And when he was come to HaMelech, HaMelech said unto him, Mikhay’hu, shall we go to war against Ramot Gil’ad, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and be victorious, and they shall be delivered into your yad.
15 And HaMelech said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the emes to me in the Shem of Hashem?
16 Then he said, I saw kol Yisroel scattered upon the mountains, like tzon that have no ro’eh, and Hashem said, These have no adonim; let them return therefore every ish to his bais in shalom.
17 And the Melech Yisroel said to Yehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy tov unto me, but rah?
18 Again he said, Therefore hear the Devar Hashem: I saw Hashem sitting upon His Kisse, and all Tzva HaShomayim standing on his right and on his left.
19 And Hashem said, Who shall entice Ach’av Melech Yisroel, that he may go up and fall at Ramot Gil’ad? And one spoke saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.
20 Then there came out a ruach, and stood before Hashem, and said, I will entice him. And Hashem said unto him, How?
21 And he said, I will go out, and be a ruach sheker (lying spirit) in the mouth of all his nevi’im. And Hashem said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also succeed; go out, and do even so.
22 Now therefore, hinei, Hashem hath put a ruach sheker in the mouth of these thy nevi’im, and Hashem hath decreed ra’ah against thee.
23 Then Tzidkiyahu ben Kena’anah came near, and struck Mikhay’hu upon the lechi (cheek), and said, Which way went the Ruach Hashem from me to speak unto thee?
24 And Mikhay’hu said, Thou shalt find out on that yom when thou shalt go into cheder b’cheder (inner chamber) to hide thyself.
25 Then the Melech Yisroel said, Take ye Mikhay’hu, and carry him back to Amon Sar HaIr, and to Yoash ben HaMelech,
26 And say, Thus saith HaMelech, Put this in the bais hakeleh, and feed him with only a scanty prison diet of lechem and only mayim, until I return b’shalom.
27 And Mikhay’hu said, If thou certainly return in shalom, then hath not Hashem spoken by me. And he said, Mark words, all ye people.
28 So the Melech Yisroel and Yehoshaphat Melech Yehudah went up to Ramot Gil’ad.
29 And the Melech Yisroel said unto Yehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and I will go to the milchamah; but put thou on thy robes. So the Melech Yisroel disguised himself; and they went to the milchamah.
30 Now Melech Aram had commanded the commanders of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with katon or gadol, only with the Melech Yisroel.
31 And it came to pass, when the commanders of the chariots saw Yehoshaphat, that they said, It is the Melech Yisroel. Therefore they surrounded him to fight, but Yehoshaphat cried out, and Hashem helped him; and Elohim moved them away from him.
32 For it came to pass, that, when the commanders of the chariots perceived that it was not Melech Yisroel, they turned back from pursuing him.
33 And an ish drew a keshet at random, and struck Melech Yisroel between the devakim (joints) of the shiryon (armor); therefore he said to his chariot driver, Turn thine yad, that thou mayest take me out of the machaneh, for I am wounded.
34 And the milchamah increased that day. Howbeit the Melech Yisroel propped himself up in his merkavah facing Aram (the Syrians) until the erev; and about the time of the shemesh going down he died. [T.N. This story illustrates the great difficulty in being a preacher that people will listen to: they want to hear what they want to hear, and, being set in their ways, have decided to mold the House of G-d to their stubbornness, rather than change or grow in the L-rd]
19 And Yehoshaphat Melech Yehudah returned to his Bais (Palace) in shalom in Yerushalayim.
2 And Yehu ben Chanani HaChozer (the Seer) went out to meet him, and said to HaMelech Yehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the rasha, and love them that hate Hashem? Therefore ketzef (wrath) is upon thee from before Hashem.
3 Nevertheless there are devarim tovim (good things) found in thee, in that thou hast removed HaAsherot from HaAretz, and hast prepared thine lev to seek HaElohim.
4 And Yehoshaphat dwelt in Yerushalayim; and he went out again among HaAm from Beer Sheva to Mt Ephrayim, and he turned them back unto Hashem Elohei Avoteihem.
5 And he appointed Shofetim in HaAretz throughout all the fortified cities of Yehudah, city by city,
6 And said to the Shofetim, Take heed what ye do, for ye judge not for adam, but for Hashem, Who is with you in the devar mishpat (verdict).
7 Wherefore now let the Pachad Hashem be upon you; be shomer and do it, for there is no avlah (injustice) with Hashem Eloheinu, nor massa panim (respect of persons), nor mikkach shochad (taking of bribes).
8 Moreover in Yerushalayim did Yehoshaphat station Levi’im, and Kohanim, and Rashei HaAvot Yisroel, for the Mishpat Hashem, and for riv (disputes), and they returned to Yerushalayim.
9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the yirat Hashem, be’emunah and with a levav shalem.
10 And what riv soever shall come before you of your achim that dwell in your cities, between dahm and dahm, between torah and mitzvah, chukkot and mishpatim, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against Hashem, and so ketzef (wrath) come upon you, and upon your achim; this do, and ye shall not trespass.
11 And, hinei, Amaryahu Kohen HaRosh is over you in all matters of Hashem; and Zevadyahu ben Yishmael, the Nagid of the Bais Yehudah, for all the matters of HaMelech; also the Levi’im shall be shoterim (officers) before you. Deal courageously, and Hashem be with hatov.
20 It came to pass after this also, that the Bnei Moav, and the Bnei Ammon, and with them some Ammonim, came against Yehoshaphat to make milchamah.
2 Then there came some that told Yehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the Yam (Dead Sea), from Aram; and, hinei, they are in Chatzatzon-Tamar, which is Ein-Gedi.
3 And Yehoshaphat feared, and set his face to inquire of Hashem, and proclaimed a tzom throughout all Yehudah.
4 And Yehudah gathered themselves together, to ask help of Hashem, even from all the towns of Yehudah they came to seek help of Hashem.
5 And Yehoshaphat stood in the Kehal Yehudah and Yerushalayim, in the Beis Hashem, before the khatzer hachadashah,
6 And he said, Hashem Elohei Avoteinu, art not Thou Elohim in Shomayim? And moshel (rulest) not Thou over kol mamlechot haGoyim? And in Thine yad is there not ko’ach and gevurah, so that none is able to withstand thee?
7 Art not Thou Eloheinu, Who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Yisroel, and gavest it to the Zera Avraham ohav’cha l’olam (Thy friend forever)?
8 And they dwelt therein, and have built Thee a Mikdash therein for Thy Shem, saying,
9 If, when ra’ah cometh upon us, as the cherev, shefot, or dever, or ra’av (famine), we stand before HaBeis HaZeh, and in Thy presence, (for Thy Shem is in HaBeis HaZeh,) and cry unto Thee in tzarateinu (our affliction), then Thou wilt hear and save.
10 And now, hinei, the Bnei Ammon and Moav and Mt Seir, whom Thou wouldest not let Yisroel invade, when they came out of Eretz Mitzrayim, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not,
11 Hinei, what gomelim (ones repaying) they are to us, to come to drive us out of Thy yerushah (inheritance), which Thou hast given us.
12 O Eloheinu, wilt Thou not judge them? For we have no ko’ach against this great multitude that cometh against us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee.
13 And all Yehudah stood before Hashem, with their little ones, their nashim, and their banim.
14 Then upon Yachziel ben Zecharyahu ben Benayah ben Ye’i’el ben Matanyah, a Levi of the Bnei Asaph, came the Ruach Hashem in the midst of the Kahal,
15 And he said, Pay heed ye, all Yehudah, and ye inhabitants of Yerushalayim, and thou Melech Yehoshaphat. Thus saith Hashem unto you: Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the milchamah is not yours, but that of Elohim.
16 Makhar (tomorrow) go ye down against them; hinei, they come up by the Ascent of Tzitz; and ye shall find them at the end of the wadi, before the midbar of Yeruel.
17 Ye shall not need to fight in this; take up your battle positions, stand ye firm, and see the Yeshuat Hashem with you, O Yehudah and Yerushalayim. Fear not, nor be dismayed; makhar (tomorrow) go out against them, for Hashem will be with you.
18 And Yehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Yehudah and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim fell down before Hashem, worshiping Hashem.
19 And the Levi’im, of the Bnei HaKehatim, and of the Bnei HaKorchim, stood up to praise Hashem Elohei Yisroel with an exceeding kol gadol.
20 And they rose early in the boker, and went forth into the Midbar Tekoa; and as they went forth, Yehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Yehudah, and ye inhabitants of Yerushalayim. Ha’aminu BaHashem Eloheichem (Believe in Hashem Eloheichem), so shall ye be established; have faith in His Nevi’im, so shall ye be victorious.
21 And when he had consulted with HaAm, he appointed meshorarim (singers) unto Hashem, and that should praise the hadrat kodesh, as they went out before the army, and to say, Hodu L’Adonoi ki l’olam chasdo (Give thanks to Hashem, for His mercy endureth forever).
22 And when they began with rinnah and tehillah, Hashem set me’arevim (ambushers) against the Bnei Ammon, Moav, and Mt Seir, which were come against Yehudah, and they were struck down.
23 For the Bnei Ammon and Moav stood up against the inhabitants of Mt Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
24 And when Yehudah came toward the mitzpeh (guard tower) in the midbar, they looked toward the multitude, and, hinei, they were pegarim (corpses) fallen on the ground, and there was no escapee.
25 And when Yehoshaphat and his people came to carry off the plunder of them, they found among them in abundance both property with the pegarim, and articles of value, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away, and they were yamim shelosha in gathering of the plunder, it was so much.
26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the Berachah Valley, for there they blessed Hashem; therefore the shem of that place was called, The Berachah Valley unto this day.
27 Then they returned, kol ish Yehudah and Yerushalayim, and Yehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Yerushalayim with simcha; for Hashem had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
28 And they came to Yerushalayim with nevalim and kinnorot and chatzotzerot unto the Beis Hashem.
29 And the Pachad Elohim was on all the kingdoms of those lands, when they had heard that Hashem fought against the oyevei Yisroel.
30 So the Malchut Yehoshaphat was at peace, for Elohav gave him rest on every side.
31 And Yehoshaphat reigned over Yehudah. He was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Yerushalayim. And shem immo was Azuvah bat Shilchi.
32 And he walked in the derech Aviv Asa, and departed not from it, doing that which was yashar in the sight of Hashem.
33 Howbeit the high places were not removed; for HaAm as yet had not set their hearts unto Elohei Avoteihem.
34 Now the rest of the acts of Yehoshaphat, harishonim and ha’acharonim, hinei, they are written in the Annals of Yehu ben Chanani, who is recorded in the Sefer of the Melachim of Yisroel.
35 And after this did Yehoshaphat Melech Yehudah join himself in alliance with Achazyah Melech Yisroel, who did very wickedly;
36 And he joined himself with him to make oniyot (ships) to go to Tarshish, and they made the oniyot in Etzyon-Gever.
37 Then Eliezer ben Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Yehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself in alliance with Achazyahu, Hashem hath wrecked thy ma’asim. And the oniyot were wrecked, that they were not able to sail to Tarshish. [T.N. Yehoshaphat had a weakness for entangling himself with non-believers and suffering the consequences.]
21 Now Yehoshaphat slept with his avot, and was buried with his avot in Ir Dovid. And Yehoram bno reigned in his place.
2 And he had achim, the Bnei Yehoshaphat, Azaryah, and Yechiel, and Zecharyahu, and Azaryahu, and Michael, and Shephatyahu. All these were the Bnei Yehoshaphat Melech Yisroel.
3 And their av have given them mattanot rabbot of kesef, and of zahav, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Yehudah, but the Mamlachah (Kingdom) he gave to Yehoram; because he was the bechor.
4 Now when Yehoram was risen up to the Mamlachah of his av, he strengthened himself, and slaughtered all his achim with the cherev, and also a number of the sarim (leading political figures) of Yisroel.
5 Yehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned shemoneh shanim in Yerushalayim.
6 And he walked in the derech of the melachim of Yisroel, as did the Bais Ach’av, for he had the Bat Ach’av to wife, and he wrought that which was rah in the eyes of Hashem.
7 However, Hashem was not willing to destroy the Bais Dovid, for the sake of HaBrit that He had cut with Dovid, and since He promised to give a ner (lamp) to him and to his banim kol hayamim.
8 In the days of Yehoram, Edom rebelled from under the yad Yehudah, and made themselves a melech.
9 Then Yehoram went forth with his sarim (princes), and all his chariots with him, and he rose up by lailah, and struck down Edom which had surrounded him, and the commanders of the chariots.
10 So the Edomites rebelled from under the yad Yehudah unto this day. At the same time also did Livnah rebel from under his yad, because he had forsaken Hashem Elohei Avotav.
11 Moreover he built high places [unlawful altars] in the mountains of Yehudah and caused the inhabitants of Yerushalayim to commit fornication, and led Yehudah astray.
12 And there came a miktav (letter) to him from Eliyahu HaNavi, saying, Thus saith Hashem Elohei Dovid Avicha, Because thou hast not walked in the darkhei Yehoshaphat Avicha, nor in the darkhei Asa Melech Yehudah,
13 But hast walked in the derech of the melachim of Yisroel, and hast made Yehudah and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim to go awhoring, like the whoredoms of the Bais Ach’av, and also hast murdered thy achim of Bais Avicha, which were better than thee;
14 Hinei, with a maggefah gedolah (great plague) will Hashem strike thy people, and thy banim, and thy nashim, and all thy possessions;
15 And thou shalt have cholayim rabbim with machla (disease) of thy bowels, until thy bowels come out by reason of the choli yamim al yamim.
16 Moreover Hashem stirred up against Yehoram the ruach HaPelishtim, and of the Arabs, who lived near the Kushim;
17 And they came up against Yehudah, and invaded, and carried away all the possessions that were found in the Bais HaMelech, and also his banim, and his nashim; so that there was left him not a ben except Yehoachaz (Achazyahu, Ahaziah), the youngest of his banim.
18 And after all this Hashem struck him in his bowels with a choli for which there was no marpeh.
19 And it came to pass that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels protruded out by reason of his choli; so he died in great pain. And his people kindled no pyre in his honor, as they had done for his avot.
20 Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Yerushalayim shemoneh shanim, and departed without chemdah (desire [for him]). Howbeit they buried him in the Ir Dovid, but not in the kevarot hamelachim.
22 And the inhabitants of Yerushalayim made Achazyahu (Ahaziah of Judah) his (i.e., Yehoram’s) youngest son melech in his place; for the troops that came with the Arabs into the machaneh had slain all the eldest. So Achazyahu (Ahaziah) ben Yehoram Melech Yehudah reigned.
2 Twenty and two years old was Achazyahu (Ahaziah) when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Yerushalayim And shem immo was Atalyah bat Omri (i.e., granddaughter of Omri the father of Ahab).
3 He also walked in the darkhei Bais Ach’av (Ahab); for immo (his mother) was his counselor to do rah.
4 Therefore he did rah in the eyes of Hashem like the Bais Ach’av (House of Ahab); for they were his yo’atzim (counselors) after the mot (death) of his av to his (i.e., Achazyahu’s, Ahaziah’s) ruin.
5 He walked also after their etza (advice, counsel), and went with Yehoram ben Ach’av Melech Yisroel to war against Chatzael Melech Aram (Syria) at Ramot Gil’ad; and the Syrians wounded Yoram.
6 And he (Yoram) returned to Yizre’el (Jezreel) to recover from his wounds which were inflicted upon him at Ramah, when he fought with Chatzael Melech Aram. And Achazyahu (Ahaziah) ben Yehoram Melech Yehudah went down to see Yehoram ben Ach’av at Yizre’el (Jezreel), because he was wounded.
7 And the tevusat Achazyahu (downfall of Ahaziah) was of Elohim in coming to Yoram, for when he arrived, he went out with Yehoram against Yehu ben Nimshi, whom Hashem had anointed to cut off the Bais Ach’av (the House of Ahab).
8 And it came to pass, that, when Yehu was executing mishpat upon the Bais Ach’av, and found the sarei Yehudah, and the bnei achei Achazyahu that were in attendance with Achazyahu, he slaughtered them.
9 And he searched for Achazyahu, and they captured him while he was hiding in Shomron (Samaria), and brought him to Yehu; and when they had slain him, they buried him. Because, they said, he is a ben Yehoshaphat, who sought Hashem with all his levav. So the Bais Achazyahu had no koach to retain the mamlachah (kingdom).
10 But when Atalyah em Achazyahu saw that her son was dead, she arose and began destroying kol zera hamamlachah (all the royal seed) of the Bais Yehudah.
11 But Yehoshavat Bat HaMelech, took Yoash ben Achazyahu, and stole him away from among the Bnei HaMelech that were being murdered, and put him and his nurse in a cheder hamittot (bedroom). So Yehoshavat Bat HaMelech Yehoram, the isha of Yehoyada HaKohen, (for she was the achot of Achazyahu), hid him from Atalyah, so that she slaughtered him not.
12 And he was with them hid in the Bais Elohim shesh shanim. And Atalyah reigned over HaAretz.
23 And in the seventh year Yehoyada strengthened himself, and took the commanders of hundreds, Azaryah ben Yerocham, and Yishmael ben Yehochanan, and Azaryahu ben Oved, and Ma’aseiyahu ben Adayahu, and Elishaphat ben Zichri, into brit with him.
2 And they went about in Yehudah, and gathered the Levi’im out of all the towns of Yehudah, and the Rashei HaAvot of Yisroel, and they came to Yerushalayim.
3 And Kol HaKahal made a brit with HaMelech in the Beis Elohim. And he (i.e., Kohen Gadol Yehoyada) said unto them, Hinei, the Ben HaMelech shall reign, just as Hashem hath said of the Bnei Dovid.
4 This is the thing that ye shall do: A third part of you coming on duty on Shabbos, of the Kohanim and of the Levi’im, shall keep watch at the doors;
5 And a third part shall be at the Bais HaMelech; and a third part at the Sha’ar HaYesod; and Kol HaAm shall be in the Khatzerot of the Beis Hashem.
6 But let none enter into the Beis Hashem, except the Kohanim, and the ministering Levi’im; they shall go in, for they are kodesh; but Kol HaAm shall be shomer over the mishmeret Hashem (the instructions of Hashem).
7 And the Levi’im shall surround HaMelech, every ish with his weapon in his yad; and whosoever else cometh into the Beis, he shall be put to death, but be ye with HaMelech when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.
8 So the Levi’im and all Yehudah did according to all things that Yehoyada HaKohen had commanded, and took every ish his men that were to go on duty on Shabbos, with them that were to go off duty on Shabbos; for Yehoyada HaKohen dismissed not the machlekot.
9 Moreover Yehoyada HaKohen delivered to the commanders of hundreds spears, and large shields, and small shields, that had belonged to Dovid HaMelech, which were in the Beis Elohim.
10 And he stationed kol haAm, every ish having his weapon in his yad, from the right side of the Beis to the left side of the Beis, near the Mizbe’ach and Beis , and around HaMelech.
11 Then they brought out the Ben HaMelech, and put upon him the nezer, and gave him the Edut, and proclaimed him Melech. And Yehoyada and his banim anointed him, and shouted, Yechi HaMelech!
12 Now when Atalyah heard the noise of HaAm running and cheering HaMelech, she came to HaAm into the Beis Hashem,
13 And she looked, and, hinei, HaMelech stood at his ammud at the entrance, and the sarim and the chatzotzerot (trumpeters) beside HaMelech; and Kol HaAm HaAretz same’ach (rejoiced), and sounded the chatzotzerot, also the meshorarim with instruments of music, and the praise leaders. Then Atalyah tore her robe, shouted, Kesher, Kesher!
14 Then Yehoyada HaKohen brought out the commanders of hundreds that were set over the army, and said unto them, Bring her out between the sederot (ranks); and whosoever followeth her, let him be put to death with the cherev. For the Kohen said, Do not put her to death in the Beis Hashem.
15 So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entrance of the Sha’ar HaSusim by the Beis HaMelech, they put her to death there.
16 And Yehoyada made a brit between him, and between Kol HaAm, and between HaMelech, that they should be Am LaHashem.
17 Then kol HaAm went to the Beis HaBa’al, and tore it down, and broke in pieces its mizbechot and its tzelem, and slaughtered Mattan Kohen HaBaal in front of the mizbechot.
18 Also Yehoyada assigned the Pekudot of the Beis Hashem by the yad of the Kohanim the Levi’im, whom Dovid had assigned in the Beis Hashem, to offer olot Hashem, as it is written in the Torat Moshe, with simcha and with shir, as it was ordained by Dovid.
19 And he set the Sho’arim at the Sha’arei Beis Hashem, that none tamei in any thing should enter in.
20 And he took the commanders of hundreds, and the nobles, and the moshelim of HaAm, and Kol HaAm HaAretz, and brought down HaMelech from the Beis Hashem; and they came through the Sha’ar HaElyon into the Beis HaMelech, and seated HaMelech upon the Kisse HaMamlachah.
21 And kol Am HaAretz rejoiced; and the Ir was quiet after that they had put to death Atalyah with the cherev.
24 Yoash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned arba’im shanah in Yerushalayim. Shem immo also was Tzivyah of Beer Sheva.
2 And Yoash did that which was yashar in the eyes of Hashem kol yemei Yehoyada HaKohen.
3 And Yehoyada took for him nashim shtayim; and he fathered banim and banot.
4 And it came to pass after this, that Yoash was minded to renovate the Bais Hashem.
5 And he called together the Kohanim and the Levi’im, and said to them, Go out unto the towns of Yehudah, and collect from Kol Yisroel kesef to repair the Bais Eloheichem annually, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levi’im hastened it not.
6 And HaMelech called for Yehoyada HaRosh, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levi’im to bring in from Yehudah and from Yerushalayim the mas’at (the tax of) Moshe Eved Hashem and the Kahal L’Yisroel L’Ohel HaEdut?
7 For the sons of that wicked woman Atalyah had broken in the Beis HaElohim; all the Kadshei Beis Hashem did they bestow upon Ba’alim.
8 And at the commandment of HaMelech they made aron echad and set it outside at the Sha’ar Beis Hashem.
9 And they made a proclamation in Yehudah and in Yerushalayim, to bring in to Hashem the mas’at Moshe Eved HaElohim laid upon Yisroel in the midbar.
10 And all the sarim and kol HaAm rejoiced, and brought in, and dropped into the aron, until it was full.
11 Now it came to pass, that at what time the aron was brought unto the Pekuddat HaMelech by the yad of the Levi’im, and when they saw that there was much kesef, the Sofer HaMelech and the official, the Pakid Kohen HaRosh came and emptied the aron, and took it, and carried it to its place again. Thus they did yom b’yom, and collected kesef in abundance.
12 And HaMelech and Yehoyada gave it to such as did the work of the Avodas Beis Hashem, and hired masons and carpenters to renovate the Beis Hashem, and also such as wrought barzel and nechoshet to repair the Beis Hashem.
13 So the workmen wrought, and the work in the yad of them was furthered, and they restored the Beis HaElohim to its original form and reinforced it.
14 And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the kesef before HaMelech and Yehoyada, whereof were made vessels for the Beis Hashem, even keli sharet, and for the olot, and ladles, and vessels of zahav and kesef. And they offered olot in the Beis Hashem continually all the days of Yehoyada.
15 But Yehoyada was old, and was full of yamim when he died: 130 years old was he in his mot.
16 And they buried him in Ir Dovid among the Melachim, because he had done tovah in Yisroel, both toward HaElohim, and His Beis.
17 Now after the mot Yehoyada came the sarim of Yehudah, and paid homage to HaMelech. Then HaMelech paid heed unto them.
18 And they forsook the Beis Hashem Elohei Avoteihem, and served HaAsherim and the atzabim; and ketzef (wrath) came upon Yehudah and Yerushalayim because of their trespass.
19 Yet He sent Nevi’im to them, to bring them back unto Hashem; and they testified against them; but they would not give ear.
20 And the Ruach Elohim came upon Zecharyah ben Yehoyada HaKohen, which stood before HaAm and he said unto them, Thus saith HaElohim, Why transgress ye the mitzvot Hashem, that ye cannot prosper? Because ye have forsook Hashem, He hath also forsaken you.
21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the order of HaMelech in the khatzer of the Beis Hashem.
22 Thus Yoash HaMelech remembered not the chesed which Yehoyada Aviv had done to him, but slaughtered bno. And when he died, he said, May Hashem look upon it, and may He call to account.
23 And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the army of Aram came up against him, they invaded Yehudah and Yerushalayim, destroyed all the sarim of the people from among HaAm, sent all their plunder unto Melech Darmasek (Damascus].
24 For the army of Aram came with a small company of men, and Hashem delivered a very great army into their yad, because they had forsaken Hashem Elohei Avoteihem. So they executed shefatim against Yoash.
25 And when they withdrew from him, (for they left him with machaluyim rabbim [many wounds]), his own avadim conspired against him on account of the dahm of the Bnei Yehoyada HaKohen, and slaughtered him on his bed, and he died; and they buried him in Ir David, but they buried him not in the Kivrot HaMelachim.
26 And these are they that conspired against him: Zavad ben Shim’at an Ammonit, and Yehozavad ben Shimrit the Moavit.
27 Now concerning his banim, and the rav hamassa concerning him, and the repairing of the Beis HaElohim, hinei, they are written in the Midrash Sefer HaMelachim. And Amatzyah bno reigned in his place.
25 Amatzyah was 25 old when he began to reign,and he reigned 29 shanah in Yerushalayim. And shem immo was Yehoadan of Yerushalayim.
2 And he did that which was yashar in the eyes of Hashem, but not with a levav shalem.
3 Now it came to pass, when the mamlachah was established under him, that he slaughtered his avadim that had murdered HaMelech Aviv.
4 But he slaughtered not their banim, but did as it is written in the Torah in the Sefer Moshe, where Hashem commanded, saying, The avot shall not die for the banim, neither shall the banim die for the avot, but every ish shall die for his own chet.
5 Moreover Amatzyahu gathered Yehudah together, and set them in order in Bais Avot by officers of thousands and officers of hundreds, throughout all Yehudah and Binyamin; and he mustered them from esrim shanah and above, and found them three hundred elef bachur, battleready choice men, that could handle spear and shield.
6 He hired also a hundred elef gibbor chayil out of Yisroel for a hundred talents of kesef.
7 But there came an Ish HaElohim to him, saying, O HaMelech, let not the Tzeva Yisroel go with thee; for Hashem is not with Yisroel, not with kol Bnei Ephrayim.
8 But if thou wilt go, do it; chazak (be strong) for the milchamah; HaElohim shall make thee fall before the enemy, for Elohim hath ko’ach to help, and to cast down.
9 And Amatzyahu said to the Ish HaElohim, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have paid for the army of Yisroel? And the Ish HaElohim answered, Hashem is able to give thee much more than this.
10 Then Amatzyahu separated them, the army that had come to him from Ephrayim, to go home again; therefore their anger was greatly kindled against Yehudah, and they returned home in chari af (great anger).
11 And Amatzyahu strengthened himself, led forth his army, went to the Gey HaMelach, struck down 10,000 of the Bnei Se’ir.
12 And another 10,000 left chayyim (alive) did the Bnei Yehudah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the cliff, and cast them down from the top of the cliff, that they all were dashed to pieces.
13 But the soldiers of the army which Amatzyahu sent back, that they should not go with him to milchamah, fell upon the cities of Yehudah, from Shomron even unto Beit-Choron, and struck down three thousand of them, and took much plunder.
14 Now it came to pass, after that Amatzyahu returned from the slaughter of the people of Edom, that he brought the elohei Bnei Se’ir, and set them up for him to be elohim, and bowed down himself before them, and burned ketoret unto them.
15 Therefore the Af Hashem was kindled against Amatzyahu, and he sent unto him a navi, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the elohei haAm, which could not deliver their own people out of thine yad?
16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that HaMelech said unto him, Art thou appointed the adviser to HaMelech? Forbear. Why shouldest thou be struck down? Then the navi forbore, and said, I know that Elohim hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not paid heed unto my etza (counsel).
17 Then Amatzyahu Melech Yehudah consulted, and sent to Yoash ben Yehoachaz ben Yehu, Melech Yisroel, saying, Come, let us meet face to face.
18 And Yoash Melech Yisroel sent to Amatzyahu Melech Yehudah, saying, The thistle that was in the Levanon sent to the cedar that was in the Levanon, saying, Give thy bat to beni (my son) as isha; then there passed by a chayyat hasadeh (wild beast) that was in the Levanon, and trode down the thistle.
19 Thou sayest, Hinei, thou hast struck down the people of Edom; and thine lev lifteth thee up to be proud. Abide now at home. Why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Yehudah with thee?
20 But Amatzyah would not hear, for it came from HaElohim, that He might deliver them into the yad of their enemies, because they sought after the elohei Edom.
21 So Yoash Melech Yisroel went up and they met face to face, both he and Amatzyahu Melech Yehudah, at Beit Shemesh, which belongeth to Yehudah.
22 And Yehudah was routed before Yisroel, and they fled every ish to his ohel.
23 And Yoash Melech Yisroel captured Amatzyahu Melech Yehudah ben Yoash ben Yehoachaz, at Beit Shemesh, and brought him to Yerushalayim, and broke down the Chomat Yerushalayim from the Sha’ar Ephrayim to the Sha’ar HaPinnah, a section the length of which was four hundred cubits.
24 And he took all the zahav and the kesef, and all the vessels that were found in the Beis HaElohim with Oved Edom, and the otzerot Bais HaMelech, the hostages also, and returned to Shomron.
25 And Amatzyahu ben Yoash Melech Yehudah lived after the mot Yoash ben Yehoachaz Melech Yisroel fifteen years.
26 Now the rest of the acts of Amatzyahu, harishonim and ha’acharonim, hinei, are they not written in the Sefer of the Melachim of Yehudah and Yisroel?
27 Now after the time that Amatzyah did turn away from following Hashem they made a kesher against him in Yerushalayim; and he fled to Lachish, but they sent to Lachish after him, and slaughtered him there.
28 And they brought him upon susim, and buried him with Avotav in Ir Yehudah.
26 Then kol HaAm Yehudah took Uziyahu, who was sixteen years old, and made him Melech in the place of Aviv Amatzyahu.
2 He built up Eilat, and restored it to Yehudah, after that HaMelech [Amatzyahu] slept with Avotav.
3 Sixteen years old was Uziyahu when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two shanah in Yerushalayim. Shem immo also was Yecholyahu of Yerushalayim.
4 And he did that which was yashar in the eyes of Hashem, according to all that Aviv Amatzyahu did.
5 And he sought Elohim in the days of Zecharyahu, who had understanding in the visions of HaElohim; and as long as he sought Hashem, HaElohim made him to have success.
6 And he went forth and warred against the Pelishtim (Philistines), and broke down the chomat Gat, and the chomat Yavneh, and the chomat Ashdod, and built towns near Ashdod, and among the Pelishtim (Philistines).
7 And HaElohim helped him against the Pelishtim (Philistines), and against the Arabs that dwelt in Gur Ba’al, and the Me’unim.
8 And the Amonim gave minchah to Uziyahu, and shmo spread abroad even to the approach to Mitzrayim; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.
9 Moreover Uziyahu built migdalim (towers) in Yerushalayim at the Sha’ar HaPinnah, and at the Sha’ar of the Gey, and at the Miktzo’a, and he fortified them.
10 Also he built migdalim in the midbar, and dug borot rabbim (many wells), for he had much livestock, both in the Shefelah (Lowlands), and in the Mishor (Plains, Level Country); ikkarim (field workers, farmers) also, and koremim (vineyard workers, vine-keepers) in the hills, and in the Carmel, for he loved adamah (the soil).
11 Moreover Uziyahu had an army of fighting men that went out to tzava (battle) in troops, according to the number of their mustering by the yad Ye’i’el the Sofer and Ma’aseiyahu the Shoter (Officer), under the yad Chananyahu, one of the officials of HaMelech.
12 The whole mispar (number) of the Rashei HaAvot over the mighty warriors were two thousand and six hundred.
13 And under their yad was a battle group, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made milchamah with mighty ko’ach, to help HaMelech against the enemy.
14 And Uziyahu prepared for them throughout all the army moginim (shields), and spears, and helmets, and armor, and bows, and slingstones.
15 And he made in Yerushalayim machines designed by inventive engineers, for use on the migdalim and upon the corners of the city wall, to shoot khitzim (arrows) and avanim gedolot. And shmo spread far abroad, for he was marvellously helped, until when chazak (he became powerful).
16 But when he became powerful, his lev was lifted up to his downfall, for he was unfaithful against Hashem Elohav, and he entered into the Heikhal Hashem to burn ketoret upon the Mizbe’ach HaKetoret.
17 And Azaryahu HaKohen went in after him, and with him shemonim Kohanim of Hashem, that were men of courage.
18 And they stood up against Uziyahu HaMelech, and said unto him, It is not for you, Uziyahu, to burn ketoret unto Hashem, but to the Kohanim the Bnei Aharon, that are hamekudashim (consecrated and ritually pure) to burn ketoret. Go out from the Mikdash, for thou hast been treacherous; neither shall it be for thine kavod (honor) from Hashem Elohim.
19 Then Uziyahu became angry, and had a mikteret (censer) in his yad to burn ketoret, and while he was raging with the Kohanim, the tzara’at even broke out on his metzach (forehead) before the Kohanim in the Beis Hashem, near the Mizbe’ach HaKetoret.
20 And Azaryahu the Kohen HaRosh, and all the Kohanim, looked upon him, and, hinei, he was leprous on his metzach, and they thrust him out from there; yea, he himself hasted also to go out, because Hashem nun-gimmel-ayin-vav [had smitten him, afflicted him, see Isaiah 53:8, 10 where Hashem has the "nega" fall on not on this Ben Dovid Uziyahu, but on Moshiach Ben Dovid].
21 And Uziyahu HaMelech was metzorah (a leper) unto his yom mot, and dwelt in a leper asylum house, because of his leprosy; for he was nigzar [see Isaiah 53:8 which uses same word nigzar, "excluded," of Moshiach who was nigzar from the land of the living, meaning Moshiach died] from the Beis Hashem; and Yotam bno was over the Bais HaMelech, governing the Am HaAretz.
22 Now the rest of the acts of Uziyah, harishonim and ha’acharonim, did Yeshayahu ben Amoz, HaNavi, record.
23 So Uziyahu slept with Avotav, and they buried him with Avotav in the sadeh hakevurah which belonged to the Melachim; for they said, He is a metzorah. And Yotam bno reigned in his place.
27 Yotam was twenty and five shanah when he began to reign, and he was king sixteen shanah in Yerushalayim. The shem immo also was Yerushah bat Tzadok.
2 And he did that which was yashar (right) in the eyes of Hashem, according to all that his av Uziyah did; howbeit he entered not into the Heikhal Hashem. And the people did corruptly still.
3 He built the upper sha’ar Beis Hashem, and on the chomat Ophel he built much.
4 Moreover he built towns in the har Yehudah, and in the forests he built fortresses and migdalim.
5 He fought also with Melech Bnei Ammon, and prevailed against them. And the Bnei Ammon gave him the same year a hundred talents of kesef, and ten thousand measures of chittim (wheat), and ten thousand of se’orim (barley). The Bnei Ammon did pay this amount unto him, both the second year, and the third.
6 So Yotam became mighty, because he made the darkhei Yotam steadfast before Hashem Elohav.
7 Now the rest of the divrei Yotam, and all his milchamot, and his ways, lo, they are written in the sefer of the melachim of Yisroel and Yehudah.
8 He was five and twenty shanah when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen shanah in Yerushalayim.
9 And Yotam slept with his avot, and they buried him in Ir Dovid; and Achaz bno reigned in his place.
28 Achaz was 20 when he began to reign, and he reigned 16 years in Yerushalayim; but he did not that which was yashar in the eyes of Hashem, like Dovid Aviv,
2 For he walked in the ways of the melachim of Yisroel, and made also massekhot for Ba’alim.
3 Moreover he burned ketoret in the Gey Ben Hinnom, and burned his banim in the eish, after the to’avot of the Goyim whom Hashem had driven out before the Bnei Yisroel.
4 He also sacrificed and burned ketoret on the high places, and on the hilltops, and under every green tree.
5 Therefore Hashem Elohav delivered him into the yad Melech Aram; and they defeated him, and carried off a great multitude of prisoners, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the yad Melech Yisroel, who inflicted on him makkah gedolah.
6 For Pekach ben Remalyahu slaughtered in Yehudah 120 elef in yom echad, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken Hashem Elohei Avotam.
7 And Zichri, a gibbor of Ephrayim, slaughtered Ma’aseiyahu ben HaMelech, and Azrikam the Nagid HaBais, and Elkanah Mishneh HaMelech.
8 And the Bnei Yisroel carried away captive of their achim 200 elef nashim, banim, and banot, and took also away much plunder from them, and carried back the plunder to Shomron.
9 But a navi of Hashem was there shmo Oded, and he went out before the faces of the tzava returning to Shomron, and said unto them, Hinei, because Hashem Elohei Avoteichem was angry with Yehudah, He hath delivered them into your yad, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto Shomayim.
10 And now ye intend to keep under the Bnei Yehudah and Yerushalayim for avadim and shefachot unto you, but are there not with you, even with you, sins against Hashem Eloheichem?
11 Now hear me therefore, and send back the prisoners, which ye have taken captive of your achim, for the Charon Af Hashem is upon you.
12 Then certain anashim of the Rashei Bnei Ephrayim, Azaryahu ben Yehochanan, Berechyahu ben Meshillemot, Yechizkiyahu ben Shallum, and Amasa ben Chadlai, stood up against them that came from the tzava,
13 And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the prisoners here; for whereas we have offended against Hashem already, ye intend to add more to chattotenu and to ashmatenu, for our guilt is great, and there is Charon Af against Yisroel.
14 So the soldiers released the prisoners and the plunder before the sarim and kol HaKahal.
15 And the men which were designated by shemot rose up, and took the prisoners, and with the plunder clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and put balm on them, and carried all the weak of them upon donkeys, and brought them to Yericho, the Ir Temarim, to their achim. Then they returned to Shomron.
16 At that time did HaMelech Achaz send unto the melachim of Assyria to help him.
17 For again the people of Edom had come and attacked Yehudah, and carried away prisoners.
18 The Pelishtim also had invaded the towns of the Shefelah, and of the Negev of Yehudah, and had taken Beit Shemesh, Ayalon, Gederot, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof, and they dwelt there.
19 For Hashem brought Yehudah low because of Achaz Melech Yisroel, for he brought disgrace to Yehudah, and acted treacherously against Hashem.
20 And Tilgat Pilneser Melech Ashur came unto him, and oppressed him, but helped him not.
21 For Achaz took away a portion out of the Beis Hashem, and out of the Bais HaMelech, and of the sarim, and gave it unto Melech Ashur, but he helped him not.
22 And in the time of his distress he did act even more unfaithfully against Hashem. This is that Melech Achaz.
23 For he sacrificed unto the elohei Damascus, which defeated him, and he said, Because the elohim of the melachim of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of kol Yisroel.
24 And Achaz gathered together the vessels of the Beis HaElohim, and cut up the vessels of the Beis HaElohim and shut up the daletot Beis Hashem, and he set up for him mizbechot in every corner of Yerushalayim.
25 And in every town in Yehudah he made high places to burn ketoret unto elohim acherim, and provoked to anger Hashem Elohei Avotav.
26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, the rishonim and the acharonim, hinei, they are written in the Sefer of the Melachim of Yehudah and Yisroel.
27 And Achaz slept with Avotav, and they buried him in the city, even in Yerushalayim, but they brought him not into the keverim of the Melachim of Yisroel. And Chizkiyah bno reigned in his place.
29 Chizkiyahu began to reign when he was 25 years old, and he reigned 29 years in Yerushalayim. And the shem immo was Aviyah bat Zecharyahu.
2 And he did that which was yashar in the eyes of Hashem, according to all that Dovid Aviv had done.
3 He in the first year of his reign, in the chodesh harishon, opened the daletot Beis Hashem, and repaired them.
4 And he brought in the Kohanim and the Levi’im, and gathered them together into the rechov hamizrach (eastern plaza),
5 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levi’im, set yourselves apart as kodesh now and consecrate the Beis Hashem Elohei Avoteichem, and remove the niddah (contamination) from HaKodesh.
6 For Avoteinu have been unfaithful, and have done that which is rah in the eyes of Hashem Eloheinu, have forsaken Him, have turned away their faces from the Mishkan Hashem, and to it they have turned their backs.
7 Also they have shut the daletot of the Ulam, and put out the nerot, and have not burned ketoret nor offered olah in HaKodesh unto Elohei Yisroel.
8 Therefore the wrath of Hashem was upon Yehudah and Yerushalayim, and he hath caused them to be a horror and an object of scorn and hissing, as ye see with your eyes.
9 For, hinei, Avoteinu have fallen by the cherev, our banim, our banot, our nashim are in captivity for this.
10 Now it is in mine lev to make a Brit with Hashem Elohei Yisroel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us.
11 My banim, be not now negligent, for Hashem hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that ye should minister unto Him, and burn ketoret.
12 Then the Levi’im arose: Machat ben Amasai, and Yoel ben Azaryahu, of the Bnei HaKehati; and of the Bnei Merari, Kish ben Avdi, Azaryahu ben Yehallelel; and, of the Gershoni, Yoach ben Zimmah, and Eden ben Yoach;
13 And of the Bnei Elitzaphan, Shimri, and Ye’i’el; and of the Bnei Asaph; Zecharyahu, and Matanyahu;
14 And of the Bnei Heman, Yechiel, and Shimei; and of the Bnei Yedutun, Shemayah, and Uzziel.
15 And they gathered their achim, and set themselves apart as kodesh, and went in, according to the mitzvat HaMelech, by the words of Hashem, to make tahor the Beis Hashem.
16 And the Kohanim went into the penimah (inner part) Beis Hashem, to make it tahor, and brought out all tumah that they found in the Heikhal Hashem into the khatzer (courtyard) of the Beis Hashem. And the Levi’im took it, to carry it outside into the Wadi Kidron.
17 Now they began on the first day of the chodesh harishon to set apart as kodesh, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the Ulam Hashem; so they set apart as kodesh the Beis Hashem in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they finished.
18 Then they went penimah to Chizkiyah HaMelech, and said, We have made tahor all the Beis Hashem, and the Mizbe’ach HaOlah, with all the vessels thereof, and the Shulchan HaMa’arechet (Table of the Stacks of Showbread), with all the vessels thereof.
19 Moreover all the kelim (vessels), which HaMelech Achaz in his reign did remove in his unfaithfulness, have we prepared and set apart as kodesh, and, hinei, they are before the Mizbe’ach Hashem.
20 Then Chizkiyah HaMelech got up, and gathered the sarim of HaIr, and went up to the Beis Hashem.
21 And they brought seven bulls, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven male goats, for a chattat (sin offering) for the Mamlachah (Kingdom), and for the Mikdash, and for Yehudah. And he commanded the Bnei Aharon HaKohanim to offer them on the Mizbe’ach Hashem.
22 So they slaughtered the bulls, and the kohanim received the dahm, and sprinkled it on the Mizbe’ach; likewise, when they had slaughtered the rams, they sprinkled the dahm upon the Mizbe’ach; they slaughtered also the lambs, and they sprinkled the dahm upon the Mizbe’ach.
23 And they brought forth the male goats for the chattat before HaMelech and HaKahal; and they laid their hands upon them,
24 And the Kohanim slaughtered them, and they made a sin offering with their dahm upon the Mizbe’ach, to make kapporah for kol Yisroel; for HaMelech commanded that the olah (burnt offering) and the (chattat) should be made for kol Yisroel.
25 And he stationed the Levi’im in the Beis Hashem with cymbals, with nevalim, and with kinnorot, according to the mitzvat Dovid, and of Gad the Chozeh HaMelech and Natan HaNavi; for so was the commandment of Hashem by His Nevi’im.
26 And the Levi’im stood with the instruments of Dovid, and the Kohanim with the trumpets.
27 And Chizkiyah commanded to offer the olah (burnt offering) upon the Mizbe’ach. And when the olah (burnt offering) began, the Shir Hashem began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by Dovid Melech Yisroel.
28 And Kol HaKahal worshiped, and the Shir was being sung, and sounded, and all this continued until the olah was completed.
29 And when it had made an end of being offered up, HaMelech and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshiped.
30 Moreover Chizkiyah HaMelech and the sarim commanded the Levi’im to praise Hashem with the words of Dovid, and of Asaph the Chozeh (seer). And they sang praises with simchah, and they bowed their heads and worshiped.
31 Then Chizkiyah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto Hashem, come near and bring zevakhim and todot into the Beis Hashem. And the Kahal brought in zevakhim and todot; and, as many as were of a willing heart, olot (burnt offerings).
32 And the number of the olah, which the Kahal brought, was threescore and ten bulls, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all these were for an olah (burnt offering) to Hashem.
33 And the kadashim were six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep.
34 But the Kohanim were too few, so that they could not skin all the olot; therefore their achim the Levi’im did help them, until the work was completed, and until the other Kohanim had set them apart as kodesh for the Levi’im were more yashar in lev to set themselves apart as kodesh than the Kohanim.
35 And also the olah were in abundance, with the fat of the shelamim, and the nesakhim for every olah. So the Avodas Beis Hashem was set in order.
36 And Chizkiyah rejoiced, and kol HaAm, that HaElohim had prepared the people, for the matter was done suddenly.
30 And Chizkiyah sent to kol Yisroel and Yehudah, and wrote iggerot also to Ephrayim and Menasheh, that they should come to the Beis Hashem at Yerushalayim, to keep the Pesach Hashem Elohei Yisroel.
2 For HaMelech had conferred and agreed with his sarim, and kol HaKahal in Yerushalayim, to keep the Pesach in the second month.
3 For they could not keep it at its time, because the Kohanim had not set themselves apart as kodesh in sufficient numbers, neither had HaAm gathered themselves together to Yerushalayim.
4 And the thing pleased HaMelech and kol HaKahal.
5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout kol Yisroel, from Beer Sheva even to Dan, that they should come to keep Pesach unto Hashem Elohei Yisroel in Yerushalayim, for not many had kept Pesach as prescribed.
6 So the runners went with the iggerot from HaMelech and his sarim throughout kol Yisroel and Yehudah, and according to the commandment of HaMelech, saying, Ye Bnei Yisroel, shuvu (turn, return) unto Hashem Elohei Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yisroel, and He will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the yad of the Kings of Assyria.
7 And be not ye like Avoteichem, and like your achim, which were unfaithful against Hashem Elohei Avoteihem, Who therefore gave them up to a desolation, as ye see.
8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as Avoteichem were, but yield yourselves unto Hashem, and come to His Mikdash, which He hath set apart as kodesh l’olam; and serve Hashem Eloheichem, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you.
9 For if ye turn again unto Hashem, your achim and your banim shall find rachamim before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come back into HaAretz HaZot, for Hashem Eloheichem is channun (gracious) and rachum (compassionate), and will not turn away His face from you, if ye return unto Him.
10 So the runners passed from town to town through Eretz Ephrayim and Menasheh even unto Zevulun, but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.
11 Nevertheless anashim of Asher and Menasheh and of Zevulun humbled themselves, and went to Yerushalayim.
12 Also in Yehudah the Yad HaElohim was to give them lev echad to carry out the mitzvat HaMelech and of the sarim, by the word of Hashem.
13 And there assembled at Yerushalayim Am Rav (Much People) to keep Chag HaMatzot in the second month, a kahal larov me’od (a very great congregation).
14 And they arose and removed the mizbechot that were in Yerushalayim, and all the incense altars they took away, and threw them into the Wadi Kidron.
15 Then they slaughtered the Pesach on the fourteenth day of the second month; and the Kohanim and the Levi’im were ashamed, and they set themselves apart as kodesh, and brought olot to the Beis Hashem.
16 And they stood in their place after their prescribed manner, according to the Torat Moshe Ish HaElohim; the Kohanim sprinkled the dahm, which they received of the yad of the Levi’im.
17 For there were rabbim in HaKahal that were not set apart as kodesh; therefore the Levi’im had the charge of the shechitah (ritual slaughter) of the Pesachim for every one that was not tahor and therefore could not set them apart as kodesh unto Hashem.
18 For most of HaAm, even many of Ephrayim, and Menasheh, Yissakhar, and Zevulun, had not made themselves tahor, yet did they eat the Pesach contrary to what was written. But Chizkiyah davened for them, saying, May Hashem Hatov grant kapporah to
19 Everyone that prepareth his lev to seek HaElohim, Hashem Elohei Avotav, though he be not tahor according to the taharat HaKodesh.
20 And Hashem paid heed to Chizkiyah, and healed HaAm.
21 And the Bnei Yisroel that were present at Yerushalayim kept the Chag HaMatzot shivat yamim with simchah gedolah; and the Levi’im and the Kohanim praised Hashem yom b’yom, singing with loud instruments unto Hashem.
22 And Chizkiyah spoke words of comfort unto all the Levi’im who taught the seichel tov of Hashem, and they did eat the mo’ed seven days, offering zivkhei shelamim, and making confession to Hashem Elohei Avoteihem.
23 And the kol HaKahal conferred and agreed to celebrate still another shivat yamim; and they kept another shivat yamim with simcha.
24 For Chizkiyah Melech Yehudah did give to the Kahal a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep; and the sarim gave to the Kahal a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep; and a great number of Kohanim set themselves apart as kodesh.
25 And kol Kehal Yehudah, with the Kohanim and the Levi’im, and kol HaKahal that came out of Yisroel, and the gerim that came out of Eretz Yisroel, and that dwelt in Yehudah, rejoiced.
26 So there was simchah gedolah in Yerushalayim; for since the days of Sh’lomo Ben Dovid Melech Yisroel there was not the like in Yerushalayim.
27 Then the Kohanim and the Levi’im arose and blessed HaAm, and their voice was heard, and their tefillah came up to His Ma’on Kodesh, even unto Shomayim.
31 Now when all this was completed, kol Yisroel that were present went out to the towns of Yehudah, and smashed the matzevot, and cut down the Asherim, and threw down the high places and the mizbechot throughout kol Yehudah and Binyamin, in Ephrayim also and Menasheh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Bnei Yisroel returned, every ish to his achuzzah, into their own towns.
2 And Chizkiyah appointed the machlekot of the Kohanim and the Levi’im after their divisions, every ish according to his avodas service, the Kohanim and Levi’im for olah and for shelamim, to minister, to give thanks, to praise in the Sh’arei Machanot Hashem.
3 A gift from HaMelech, from his own possessions, was for the olot, for the boker and erev olot, and the olot for the Shabbatot, and for Rosh Chodesh, and for the Mo’adim, as it is written in the Torat Hashem.
4 Moreover he commanded HaAm that dwelt in Yerushalayim to give the menat HaKohanim v’HaLevi’im (support of the Kohanim and the Levi’im), that they might strengthen themselves in the Torat Hashem.
5 And as soon as the devar went out, the Bnei Yisroel brought in abundance the reshit of dagan, tirosh, and yitzhar (pure olive oil), and devash, and of all the increase of the sadeh; and the ma’aser (tithe) of all things they brought in abundantly.
6 And concerning the Bnei Yisroel and Yehudah, that dwelt in the towns of Yehudah, they also brought in the ma’aser of bakar and tzon, and the ma’aser of kadashim which were hamekudashim (consecrated, set apart as kodesh) unto Hashem Eloheihem, and piled them in heaps.
7 In the chodesh hashelishi they began to lay foundations for the heaps, and completed them in the chodesh hashevi’i.
8 And when Chizkiyahu and the sarim came and saw the heaps, they blessed Hashem, and His Am Yisroel.
9 Then Chizkiyahu questioned the Kohanim and the Levi’im concerning the heaps.
10 And Azaryahu HaKohen HaRosh of the Bais Tzadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the terumah into the Beis Hashem, we have had enough to eat, and have plenty to spare, for Hashem hath blessed His people; and that which is notar (left over) is this great amount.
11 Then Chizkiyahu commanded to prepare leshakhot (storerooms) in the Beis Hashem; and they prepared them,
12 And brought in the terumah and the ma’aser and the kadashim be’emunah (faithfully), over which Conanyah the Levi was Nagid, and Shimei his brother was mishneh (second).
13 And Yechiel, and Azazyahu, and Nachat, and Asahel, and Yerimot, and Yozavad, and Eliel, and Yismachyah, and Machat, and Benayahu, were pekidim (overseers) under the yad Conanyah and Shimei his brother, by the command of Chizkiyahu HaMelech, and Azaryahu the nagid of the Beis HaElohim.
14 And Kore ben Imnah the Levi, the sho’er (gatekeeper) at the east, was over the nidvot HaElohim (freewill offerings of G-d), to distribute the terumat Hashem, and the kadshei hakadashim.
15 And next to him be’emunah were Eden, and Minyamin, and Yeshua, and Shemayahu, Amaryahu, and Shechanyahu, in the towns of the Kohanim, to give to their achim by machlekot, to the gadol as well as the katan.
16 This was besides those males who were recorded in the genealogical records, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the Beis Hashem for its daily duty for their avodas service in their mishmerot (watches, shifts) according to their machlekot,
17 Both to the genealogy of the Kohanim by the Bais Avoteihem, and the Levi’im from twenty years old and upward, in their mishmerot by their machlekot (divisions);
18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their nashim, and their banim, and their banot, throughout kol Kahal, for be’emunah (in faithfulness) they set themselves apart as kodesh in kodesh (holiness);
19 Also of the Bnei Aharon the Kohanim, which were in the pasture lands of their towns, in each town, the men that were designated by name to give manot [see 1Chr 31:4] to every zakhar among the Kohanim, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levi’im.
20 And thus did Chizkiyahu throughout kol Yehudah, and wrought that which was tov and yashar and emes before Hashem Elohav.
21 And in every ma’aseh that he began in the Avodas Beis HaElohim, and in the Torah, and in the Mitzvah, to seek Elohav, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
32 After these things, and haemes thereof, Sancheriv (Sennacherib) Melech Assyria came, and invaded Yehudah, and laid siege against the fortified cities, and thought to conquer them for himself.
2 And when Chizkiyahu saw that Sancheriv was come, and that he was purposed to make milchamah against Yerushalayim,
3 He took counsel with his sarim and his gibborim to cover over the waters of the springs [Spring of Gihon] which were outside the Ir; and they did support him.
4 So there was gathered Am Rav together, who covered the springs, and the wadi that flowed through the midst of HaAretz, saying, Why should the melachim of Assyria come, and find mayim rabbim?
5 Also he strengthened himself, and repaired all the chomah that was broken down, and raised it on the migdalot, and another chomah outside of it, and repaired Millo [terraces] in Ir Dovid, and made weapons and shields in abundance.
6 And he appointed sarim milchamot over HaAm, and gathered them together before him in the rechov of the Sha’ar HaIr, and spoke encouragingly to them, saying,
7 Chizku (be strong) and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed because of the melech Assyria, nor because of all the vast army that is with him, for there be more with us than with him.
8 With him is zero’a basar, but with us is Hashem Eloheinu to help us, and to fight milchamoteinu (our battles). And HaAm took heart upon the words of Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah.
9 After this did Sancheriv melech Assyria send his avadim to Yerushalayim, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, with all his forces with him,) unto Chizkiyah Melech Yehudah, and unto kol Yehudah that were in Yerushalayim, saying,
10 Thus saith Sancheriv melech Assyria, Whereon do ye base confidence, that ye abide in the siege in Yerushalayim?
11 Doth not Chizkiyahu mislead you to give over yourselves to die by ra’av and by tzama, saying, Hashem Eloheinu shall deliver us out of the yad Melech Assyria?
12 Is not this the same Chizkiyah that has removed His high places and His mizbechot, and commanded Yehudah and Yerushalayim, saying, Ye shall worship before Mizbe’ach echad, and burn ketoret upon it?
13 Know ye not what I and avotai have done unto all the people of other lands? Were the elohei goyei ha’aratzot able to deliver their land out of mine yad?
14 Who was there among kol elohei haGoyim that avotai utterly destroyed, that could save his people out of mine yad, that Eloheichem should be able to save you out of mine yad?
15 Now therefore let not Chizkiyahu deceive you, nor mislead you on this manner, neither yet believe him, for no g-d of any goy or mamlachah was able to deliver his people out of mine yad, and out of the yad of avotai. How much less shall Eloheichem deliver you out of mine yad?
16 And his avadim spoke yet more against Hashem HaElohim, and against His eved Chizkiyahu.
17 He wrote also sefarim to blaspheme Hashem Elohei Yisroel, and to speak against Him, saying, As the elohei goyei ha’aratzot have not saved their people out of mine yad, so shall not the Elohei Chizkiyahu save his people out of mine yad.
18 Then they cried with a kol gadol in the language of the Yehudim unto the Am Yerushalayim that were on the chomah, to frighten them, and to terrorize them, that they might capture the Ir.
19 And they spoke against the Elohei Yerushalayim, as against the g-ds of the peoples of the land, which were the work of the hands of ha’adam.
20 And for this cause Chizkiyahu HaMelech, and Yeshayah ben Amoz, HaNavi, davened and cried out to Shomayim.
21 And Hashem sent a malach, which destroyed all the fighting gibborim, and the nagid and sar in the machaneh of the melech Assyria. So he withdrew in boshet panim (shamefaced disgrace) to his own land. And when he was entered the bais elohav, they that came forth of his own loins [i.e., his sons] cut him down there with the cherev.
22 Thus Hashem saved Chizkiyahu and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim from the yad Sancheriv Melech Ashur, and from the yad of all other, and guided them on every side.
23 And many brought minchah unto Hashem to Yerushalayim, and migdanot (expensive gifts) to Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah, so that he was magnified in the sight of Kol HaGoyim from thenceforth.
24 In those yamim Chizkiyah became ill, to the point of mot, and davened unto Hashem, and He answered him, and He gave him a mofet [see 2Kgs 20:1-11].
25 But Chizkiyahu did not render back according to the benefit done unto him; for his lev was lifted up in pride; therefore there was ketzef (wrath) upon him, and upon Yehudah and Yerushalayim.
26 Notwithstanding Chizkiyahu humbled himself for the pride of his lev, both he and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, so that the ketzef Hashem came not upon them in the days of Chizkiyah.
27 And Chizkiyahu had exceeding much osher and kavod, and he made himself otzarot for kesef, and for zahav, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for moginim, and for all manner of valuable things;
28 Silos also for the increase of dagan, and tirosh and yitzhar (pure olive oil); and stalls for the livestock, and pens for all the sheep.
29 Moreover he built him towns, and possessions of tzon and bakar in abundance, for Elohim had given him wealth very much.
30 This same Chizkiyahu also covered over the upper source of the Gichon Spring and tunneled it straight down to the west side of Ir Dovid. Chizkiyahu prospered in all his works.
31 Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the sarim of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the mofet that was done in HaAretz, HaElohim left him, to test him, that He might know all that was in his lev.
32 Now the rest of the acts of Chizkiyahu, and his acts of chesed, hinei, they are written in the Chazon Yeshayahu ben Amoz HaNavi, and in the Sefer Melachim of Yehudah and Yisroel.
33 And Chizkiyahu slept with Avotav, and they buried him on the ascent in kivrei Bnei Dovid; and all Yehudah and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim did him kavod at his mot. And Menasheh bno reigned in his place.
33 Menasheh was 12 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 55 years in Yerushalayim,
2 But did that which was rah in the eyes of Hashem, like unto the to’avot HaGoyim, whom Hashem had driven out before the Bnei Yisroel.
3 For he rebuilt the high places which Chizkiyahu Aviv had demolished, erected mizbechot for Ba’alim, and made Asherot, and worshiped all the tzva HaShomayim, and served them.
4 Also he built mizbechot in the Beis Hashem, whereof Hashem had said, In Yerushalayim shall Shmi be forever.
5 And he built mizbechot for all the tzva HaShomayim in the two khatzerot (courtyards) of the Beis Hashem.
6 And he caused his banot to pass through the eish in the Gey Ben Hinnom; also he practiced astrology, fortunetelling, and witchcraft, and necromancy and consulted mediums and spiritists; he wrought rah in the eyes of Hashem, to provoke Him to anger.
7 And he set a pesel hasemel which he had made in the Beis HaElohim, of which Elohim had said to Dovid and to Sh’lomo bno, In this Beis, and in Yerushalayim, which I have chosen before all the Shivtei Yisroel, will I put Shmi forever;
8 Neither will I anymore remove the regel Yisroel from HaAretz which I have appointed for Avoteichem; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to kol HaTorah and the Chukkim and the Mishpatim by the yad Moshe.
9 So Menasheh made Yehudah and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim to be led astray, and to do rah more than the Goyim, whom Hashem had destroyed before the Bnei Yisroel.
10 And Hashem spoke to Menasheh, and to his people, but they would not pay heed.
11 Therefore Hashem brought upon them the sarei hatzavah of Melech Ashur (Assyria), which captured Menasheh with a hunter’s hooks, and bound him with bronze shackles, and hauled him off to Babylon.
12 And when he was in distress, he besought Hashem Elohav, and humbled himself greatly before Elohei Avotav,
13 And davened unto Him, and He was entreated of him, and heard his techinnah, and brought him back again to Yerushalayim into his malchut. Then Menasheh knew that Hashem hu HaElohim.
14 Now after this he rebuilt a chomah chitzonah of Ir Dovid, on the west side of Gichon, in the valley, at the approach of Sha’ar HaDagim, and encompassed the Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Yehudah.
15 And he removed the elohei hanekhar, and the semel (image) from the Beis Hashem, and all the mizbechot that he had built in the har of the Beis Hashem, and in Yerushalayim, and cast them outside the Ir.
16 And he rebuilt the Mizbe’ach Hashem, and sacrificed thereon zivkhei shelamim and todah, and commanded Yehudah to serve Hashem Elohei Yisroel.
17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, albeit unto Hashem Eloheihem.
18 Now the rest of the acts of Menasheh, and his tefillah unto Elohav, and the divrei HaChozim that spoke to him b’Shem Hashem Elohei Yisroel, hinei, they are written in the annals of the Melachim of Yisroel.
19 His tefillah also, and how He was entreated of him, and all his chattat, and his unfaithfulness, and the mekomot (sites, places) wherein he built high places, and set up Asherim and pesilim, before he was humbled; hinei, they are written among the records of Chozai.
20 So Menasheh slept with Avotav, and they buried him in his own bais; and Amon bno reigned in his place.
21 Amon was 22 shanah when he began to reign, and reigned two shanim in Yerushalayim.
22 But he did that which was rah in the eyes of Hashem, as did Menasheh Aviv, for Amon sacrificed unto all the pesilim (idols) which Menasheh Aviv had made, and served them;
23 And humbled not himself before Hashem, as Menasheh Aviv had humbled himself; but Amon increased more and more in ashmah.
24 And his avadim made a kesher against him, assassinated him in his own bais.
25 But the am ha’aretz slaughtered all them that had made the kesher against HaMelech Amon; and the am ha’aretz made Yoshiyahu (Josiah) bno Melech in his place.
34 Yoshiyahu was 8 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Yerushalayim 31 shanah.
2 And he did that which was yashar in the eyes of Hashem, and walked in the ways of Dovid Aviv, and veered off neither right nor left.
3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet na’ar (young), he began to seek after Elohei Dovid Aviv; and in the twelfth year he began to make tahor Yehudah and Yerushalayim from the high places, and the Asherim, and the pesilim, and the massekhot (molten images).
4 And they demolished the mizbechot of Ba’alim in his presence; and the incense stands erected above them he smashed; and the Asherim, and the pesilim, and the massekhot he demolished and made dust of them, and scattered upon the keverim (graves) of them that had sacrificed unto them.
5 And he burned the atzmot of the Kohanim upon their mizbechot, and made tahor Yehudah and Yerushalayim.
6 And so did he in the towns of Menasheh, and Ephrayim, and Shim’on, even as far as Naphtali, and in their ruins all around.
7 And when he had broken down the mizbechot and the Asherim, and had beaten the pesilim into powder, and cut down all the incense stands throughout all Eretz Yisroel, he returned to Yerushalayim.
8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had made tahor HaAretz, and HaBeis, he sent Shaphan ben Atzalyahu, and Ma’aseiyahu the Sar HaIr, and Yoach ben Yo’achaz the recorder, to repair the Beis Hashem Elohav.
9 And when they came to Chilkiyahu the Kohen HaGadol, they delivered the kesef that was brought into the Beis Elohim, which the Levi’im, the Shomrei HaSaf (the Doorkeepers), had collected from the people of Menasheh and Ephrayim, and from kol She’erit Yisroel, and kol Yehudah and Binyamin, and they returned to Yerushalayim.
10 And they entrusted it into the yad oseh hamelachah (hand of the master workmen) that had hamufkadim (oversight) of the Beis Hashem, and they paid it to the workmen that wrought in the Beis Hashem, to repair and restore HaBeis [HaMikdash];
11 Even to the charashim (craftsmen, artisans) and builders gave they it, to buy quarried stones, and timber for rafters and beams, for the buildings which the Melachim of Yehudah had destroyed.
12 And the men did the melachah (work) be’emunah (faithfully, with integrity); and the mufkadim (overseers) of them were Yachat and Ovadyahu, the Levi’im, of the Bnei Merari; and Zecharyah and Meshullam, of the Bnei Kehati, to give oversight; and other of the Levi’im, all that were meiven (expert) in musical instruments.
13 Also they were over the sabalim (bearers of burdens) and the overseers of all that wrought the work in every kind of avodah; and of the Levi’im there were soferim (scribes), shoterim (officers) and sho’arim (doorkeepers).
14 And when they brought out the kesef that was brought into the Beis Hashem, Chilkiyahu HaKohen found a Sefer Torat Hashem given through Moshe.
15 And Chilkiyahu answered and said to Shaphan the Sofer, I have found the Sefer HaTorah in the Beis Hashem. And Chilkiyahu delivered the Sefer to Shaphan.
16 And Shaphan carried the Sefer to HaMelech, and brought HaMelech word back again, saying, All that was committed into the yad of avadim, they are doing.
17 And they have emptied out the kesef that was found in the Beis Hashem, and have entrusted it into the yad hamufkadim and to the yad osei hamelachah.
18 Then Shaphan the Sofer told HaMelech, saying, Chilkiyahu HaKohen hath given me a Sefer. And Shaphan read it in the presence of HaMelech.
19 And it came to pass, when HaMelech had heard the divrei HaTorah, that he tore his garments.
20 And HaMelech commanded Chilkiyahu, and Achikam ben Shaphan, and Avdon ben Michah, and Shaphan HaSofer, and Asayah eved HaMelech, saying,
21 Go, inquire of Hashem for me, and for them that are nishar (left, remaining, the remnant) in Yisroel and in Yehudah, concerning the divrei hasefer that is found; for gadolah chamat Hashem is poured out upon us, because Avoteinu have not been shomer over the Devar Hashem, to do after all that is written in HaSefer Hazeh.
22 And Chilkiyahu, and they that HaMelech had sent, went to Chuldah the neviah, the wife of Shallum ben Tokehat ben Chasrah, Shomer HaBegadim (Keeper of the Wardrobe) (now she dwelt in Yerushalayim in the Mishneh), and they spoke to her to this effect.
23 And she answered them, Thus saith Hashem Elohei Yisroel, Tell ye the ish that sent you to me,
24 Thus saith Hashem, Hinei, I will bring ra’ah upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the alot (curses) that are written in the Sefer which they have read in the presence of Melech Yehudah,
25 Because they have forsaken Me, and have burned ketoret unto elohim acherim, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore My wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.
26 And as for Melech Yehudah, who sent you to inquire of Hashem, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith Hashem Elohei Yisroel concerning the words which thou hast heard;
27 Because thine lev was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before Elohim, when thou heardest His words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before Me, and didst tear thy garments, and weep in My Presence, I have even heard thee also, saith Hashem.
28 Hinei, I will gather thee to Avoteicha, thou shalt be gathered to thy kever in shalom, neither shall thine eyes see all ra’ah I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of it. So they brought back HaMelech word.
29 Then HaMelech sent and gathered together all the Ziknei Yehudah and Yerushalayim.
30 And HaMelech went up to the Beis Hashem, and kol Ish Yehudah, and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, and the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, and kol haAm, gadol and katan; and he read in their ears kol divrei Sefer HaBrit that was found in the Beis Hashem.
31 And HaMelech stood at his place, and cut HaBrit in the presence of Hashem, to walk after Hashem, and to be shomer over His mitzvot, and His testimonies, and His chukkot, with all his lev, and with all his nefesh, to perform the divrei HaBrit which are written in Sefer HaZeh.
32 And he caused all that being found in Yerushalayim and Binyamin to make a pledge to it. And the inhabitants of Yerushalayim did according to the Brit Elohim, Elohei Avoteihem.
33 And Yoshiyah removed kol hato’evot out of all the territories that pertained to the Bnei Yisroel, and made all that were present in Yisroel to do avodas [kodesh] service to Hashem Eloheihem. And all his days they veered not from following Hashem, Elohei Avoteihem.
35 Moreover Yoshiyahu kept Pesach unto Hashem in Yerushalayim, and they slaughtered the Pesach on the fourteenth day of the first month.
2 And he set up the Kohanim in their mishmerot, and encouraged them to the Avodas Beis Hashem,
3 And said unto the Levi’im that taught kol Yisroel, which were hakedoshim unto Hashem, Put the Aron HaKodesh in the Beis which Sh’lomo Ben Dovid Melech Yisroel did build; it shall not be a massa (burden, something carried) upon your ketefayim (shoulders); serve now Hashem Eloheichem and His people Yisroel,
4 And prepare yourselves by Bais Avoteichem, after your machlekot, according to the writing of Dovid Melech Yisroel, and according to the mikhtav of Sh’lomo bno.
5 And stand in HaKodesh according to the pelugot Bais HaAvot (groupings of families) of your achim the Bnei HaAm, and after the chalukat Bais Av (family subdivisions) of the Levi’im.
6 So slaughter the Pesach, and set yourselves apart as kodesh, and prepare your achim, that they may do according to the Devar Hashem by the yad Moshe.
7 And Yoshiyahu gave to HaAm, of the tzon, kevasim and goats, all for the Pesachim, for all that were present, to the number of 30,000 plus 3,000 bakar; these were from the property of HaMelech.
8 And his sarim gave linedavah (voluntarily) unto HaAm, to the Kohanim, to the Levi’im. Chilkiyah, Zecharyahu, Yechiel, negidei Beis HaElohim, gave unto the Kohanim for the Pesachim 2,600 and 300 bakar.
9 Conanyah also, and Shemayahu and Netanel, his achim, and Chashavyahu and Ye’i’el and Yozavad, Sarei HaLevi’im, gave unto the Levi’im for Pesachim 5,000 and 500 bakar.
10 So the Avodah (Service) was prepared, and the Kohanim stood in their place, and the Levi’im in their machlekot, according to the mitzvat HaMelech.
11 And they slaughtered the Pesach, and the Kohanim sprinkled the dahm from their hands, and the Levi’im skinned them.
12 And they removed the olah, that they might give according to the pelugot l’Bais Avot l’Bnei HaAm, to offer unto Hashem, as it is written in the Sefer Moshe. And so did they with the bakar.
13 And they roasted the Pesach with eish according to the mishpat; but the other kadashim they boiled in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and distributed them in haste among kol Bnei HaAm.
14 And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the Kohanim; because the Kohanim the Bnei Aharon were busied in offering olah and the chalavim (fats) until lailah; therefore the Levi’im prepared for themselves, and for the Kohanim, the Bnei Aharon.
15 And the meshorarim (singers), the Bnei Asaph, were in their place, according to the mitzvat Dovid, and Asaph, and Heman, and Yedutun, Chozeh HaMelech; and the sho’arim (gatekeepers) were at every sha’ar; neither did they need to depart from their Avodah, for their achim the Levi’im prepared for them.
16 So all the Avodas Hashem was prepared that same day, to keep the Pesach, and to offer olot upon the Mizbe’ach Hashem, according to the mitzvat HaMelech Yoshiyahu.
17 And the Bnei Yisroel that were present kept the Pesach at that time, and the Chag HaMatzot seven days.
18 And there was no Pesach like it in Yisroel from the days of Shmuel HaNavi; neither did all the Melachim of Yisroel keep such a Pesach as Yoshiyahu kept, and the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, and kol Yehudah and Yisroel that were present, and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim.
19 In the eighteenth shanah of the reign of Yoshiyahu was this Pesach kept.
20 After all this, when Yoshiyahu had set in order the Beis [HaMikdash], Necho Melech Mitzrayim went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Yoshiyahu went up against him.
21 But he sent malachim to him, saying, Mah li valach (What have I to do with thee), thou Melech Yehudah? I come not against thee this day, but against the Bais wherewith I have war [i.e., Babylon], for Elohim commanded me to make haste; forbear thee from meddling with Elohim, Who is with me, that He destroy thee not.
22 Nevertheless Yoshiyahu would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and paid heed not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of Elohim, and went to fight in the Valley of Megiddo.
23 And the archers shot at Melech Yoshiyahu; and HaMelech said to his avadim, Take me away; for I am badly wounded.
24 His avadim therefore took him out of that merkavah, and put him in the mishneh merkavah that he had; and they brought him to Yerushalayim, and he died, and was buried in the kivrot Avotav. And all Yehudah and Yerushalayim mourned for Yoshiyahu.
25 And Yirmeyahu lamented for Yoshiyahu; and all the sharim (singing men) and the sharot (singing women) commemorate Yoshiyahu in their laments to this day, and made them as chok [set custom] in Yisroel; and, hinei, they are written in HaKinot (the Laments).
26 Now the rest of the acts of Yoshiyahu, and his acts of chesed, according to what is written in the Torat Hashem,
27 And his deeds, harishonim and ha’acharonim, hinei, they are written in the Sefer of the Melachim of Yisroel and Yehudah.
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