55 Bible Verses about Government

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. The rod of discipline (instruction) will drive it far from him.

Correct your son while there is hope. Do not contribute to his death.

Do not withhold discipline from a child. If you spank him with a stick he will not die.

He who spares the rod (authority) hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines (instructs) him promptly.

The king establishes the land by justice. He who receives gifts overthrows it.

In the multitude of people is the king's honor, but the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to desire strong drink. They will drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are bitter. read more.
Let him drink and forget his poverty. Let him remember his misery no more.

The God of Israel has spoken. The protector of Israel said to me: 'The king who rules with justice, who rules in obedience to God.

You have heard my vows, O God, and you have given me what belongs to those who respect your name. Add many years to the king's life; let him live on and on! May he rule forever in your presence, O God. Protect him with your constant love and faithfulness.

Since you rage against me and you boast in my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your mouth. I will make you go back the way you came.

I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws. I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords.

I make fools of fortunetellers and frustrate the predictions of astrologers. The words of the wise I refute and show that their wisdom is foolishness.

Jehovah controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream. He turns it where ever he wishes.

He leads priests away stripped and overthrows men long established.

To the angel of the congregation in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation says this: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. read more.
You say, I am rich and have become wealthy and have need of nothing." You do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I counsel you to buy gold from me, gold purified by fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be clothed. In this way the shame of your nakedness will not appear. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with me. To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. This is a faithful saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we deny him, He will deny us!

I, Daniel, was grieved to the center of my being, and the visions in my head troubled me. I came near to one of them that stood nearby, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me. 'HE MADE ME KNOW THE INTERPRETATION OF EVERYTHING. These FOUR GREAT BEASTS, ARE FOUR KINGS, that arise out of the earth. read more.
The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom. They will possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.' I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast that was different from the others. This beast was exceeding terrible. It had teeth made of iron. Its claws were made of copper. It devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet. There were ten horns on its head. Three horns fell and another horn came up. The horn that had eyes and a mouth spoke great (domineering) (boastful) things. Its appearance was greater than the others. I watched that same horn as it made war with the holy ones. It prevailed against (defeated) them. Then the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the holy ones of the Most High, and the time came that the holy ones possessed the kingdom. (Revelation 5:10; 20:4, 6) He said: 'The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on earth. It will be different from all other kingdoms. It will devour the entire earth. It will trample it down and break it in pieces. The ten horns are ten kings that will arise out of this kingdom! Another will arise after them. He will be different from the former, and he will subdue three kings. He will speak words against the Most High (Supreme God) and wear down (afflict) (cause great distress) the holy ones of the Most High. He will think to change the times and law and will have control until a time and times and half a time. (Three and one-half years) But the judgment shall be set (applied) and they will take away his power forever. The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people who are the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom! All dominions (legal authorities) will serve and obey him.'

The Son of man indeed goes, as it has been determined. But woe to that man through whom he is betrayed! They questioned among themselves, which of them would do this thing. Contention grew between them concerning which of them was the greatest. read more.
He told them: The kings of the nations have lordship over them. Those who have authority over them are called Benefactors. But you should not be this way. He who is the greater among you let him become as the younger. He that is chief among you is he who serves. Which is greater, he who sits and eats or he who serves? Is it he who sits and eats? However I am in the midst of you as he who serves. You have continued with me in my temptations. I assigned a kingdom to you just as my Father assigned it to me. Just as you eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

To the angel of the congregation in Thyatira write: This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes blaze like fire, whose feet shine like polished brass. I know your works. I know your love, your faithfulness, your service, and your patience. I know that you are doing more now than you did at first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads my servants astray so that they commit immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. read more.
I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. Watch this! I am going to throw her into a sickbed. Those who commit sexual sins with her will also suffer much trouble, unless they repent and turn away from what she is doing. I will kill her children with deadly plague. Then all the congregations will know that I am the one who searches hearts and minds. I will reward each of you for what you have done. But to the rest of you in Thyatira, all who do not hold on to Jezebel's teaching, who have not learned what are called the deep things of Satan," I will not burden you with anything else. Just hold on to what you have until I come. To the person who conquers and continues to do my works to the end, I will give power (authority) over the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron and break them to pieces like clay vessels: even as I received from my Father. I will give him the morning star.

If you do, you will no longer belong to Jehovah's people.'

They answered: You were born in sin and you teach us? Then they threw him out.

You will eat unleavened bread for seven days. The first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh day will be cut off from Israel.

The person who eats the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings that belong to Jehovah, in his uncleanness, that person will be cut off from his people.

but do not bring them to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to offer them to Jehovah. They must be excluded from the people.

Jehovah spoke his word to me. Jehovah asked: Nation of Israel, can I do with you as this potter does with clay? Nation of Israel, You are in my hands like the clay in the potter's hands. At one time I may threaten to tear up, break down, and destroy a nation or a kingdom. read more.
However if the nation that I threatened turns away from doing wrong. Then I will change my plans about the disaster I planned to do to it. At another time I may promise to build and plant a nation or a kingdom. If that nation does what I consider evil and does not obey me I will change my mind about the good that I promised to do to it.

The decision is by the decree of the watchers. The sentence by the word of the holy ones! It is to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will, and sets over it the lowest of men.

Which of all these does not know that the hand of Jehovah has done this? In his hand are the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food? read more.
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? To God belong wisdom and power. Counsel and understanding are his. What he tears down cannot be rebuilt. The man he imprisons cannot be released. If he holds back the waters, there is drought. If he lets them loose, they devastate the land. To him belong strength and victory. Both deceived and deceivers are his. He leads counselors away stripped and makes fools of judges. He takes off the bonds put on by kings and ties a belt around their waist. He leads priests away stripped and overthrows men long established. He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders. He pours out contempt upon nobles and disarms the mighty. He uncovers the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. He makes nations great, and destroys them. He enlarges nations, and disperses them.

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to nothing and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

Give them an order for their masters: This is what Jehovah of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Say this to your masters, I used my great strength and my powerful arm to make the earth along with the people and the animals on it. I give it to anyone I please. Now I have handed all these countries over to my servant King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. I have even made wild animals serve him. read more.
All nations will serve him, his son, and his grandson until Babylon is defeated. Then many nations and great kings will make him their slave. Suppose nations or kingdoms will not serve or surrender to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. I will punish those nations by wars, famines, and plagues, until I have put an end to them by Nebuchadnezzar's power, says Jehovah.

Then he taught them that the Son of man must suffer many things. The elders, chief priests, and the scribes will reject him. He will be killed and after three days he will rise from the dead.

It was morning. The chief priests and those in authority conspired to put Jesus to death. They tied his hands with cords and led him to the ruler, Pilate.

When he went into the Temple, the chief priests and those in authority over the people came to him while he was teaching. They asked: By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?

Early in the morning the chief priests met hurriedly with the elders, the teachers of the Law, and the entire Council. They made their plans. They led Jesus away in chains and handed him over to Pilate.

The chief priest and the elders of the people assembled at the court of Caiaphas, the high priest. All of them, using deceit, worked together to capture Jesus and kill him. They insisted: Not during the feast; it could start a riot among the people.

If any man is hungry let him eat at home. That way you come together without condemnation. I will give direction to care for other matters when I come.

The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.

if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the congregation of God?

Do not rebuke (censure) (criticize) an elder, but appeal to him as a father, the younger men as brothers.

Jesus answered: If a man loves me, he will obey my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and dwell with him. He who does not love me does not obey my words. The word you hear is not mine, but comes from the Father who sent me. I speak these things while being present with you. read more.
The Father will send a helper in my name, the Holy Spirit, which (Greek: hos he ho) (which) (that one) will teach you all things and bring to your memory all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you! My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives to you. Do not let your heart be troubled or full of fear. You heard me say I will go away and I will come again to you. If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father. The Father is greater than I! Now I told you before it takes place. That way when it happens you may believe. I will speak no more with you. The prince of the world comes. He has no hold on me!

If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who perish. The god of this age (world) (religious, social, political, and economic arrangement) has blinded the minds of unbelievers that the light of the good news of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine on them.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away. For if I do not go away the helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send it to you. (Greek: autos: it) Upon arrival this one will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. First of sin because they do not practice active faith in me. read more.
Second, of righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will not see me anymore. And third, of judgment because the prince of this world has been judged.

How is it we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who come to nothing (are doomed to destruction)? We speak the wisdom of God in a secret, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages (generations and human entities) for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew (understood) for had they known it they would not have impaled the glorious Lord (esteemed Master).

Let them give thanks to Jehovah because of his goodness. He performed his miracles for the sons of men. Let them glorify him when the people are gathered for worship. Let them praise him in the company of respected leaders. He changes rivers into a desert, springs into thirsty ground, read more.
and fertile ground into a layer of salt because of the wickedness of the people living there. He changes deserts into lakes (marshland) and dry ground into springs. There he settles those who are hungry, and they build cities to live in. They plant in fields and vineyards that produce crops. He blesses them, and their numbers multiply, and he does not allow a shortage of cattle. They became few in number and were humiliated because of oppression, disaster, and sorrow. He poured contempt on their influential people and made them stumble around in a pathless desert.

That day they were very happy as they ate and drank in the presence of Jehovah. For a second time they proclaimed Solomon king. In the name of Jehovah they anointed him as their ruler and Zadok as priest.

The entire assembly made an agreement with the king in God's Temple. Then Jehoiada said to them: Here is the king's son. He should be king, as Jehovah said about David's descendants.

Jehovah said to Moses: Take Joshua son of Nun, a capable man, and place your hands on his head. Have him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and the entire congregation, and there before them all proclaim him as your successor. Give him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. read more.
He will depend on Eleazar the priest, who will learn my will by using the Urim and Thummim. In this way Eleazar will direct Joshua and the whole congregation of Israel in all their affairs. Moses did as Jehovah commanded him. He had Joshua stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation. Moses put his hands on Joshua's head and proclaimed him as his successor, just as Jehovah proclaimed.

Samuel asked the people: Do you see whom Jehovah has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people. Then all the people shouted: Long live the king!

One day the nation's elders came to Samuel at Ramah. They said: You are an old man. You set a good example for your sons. But they have not followed it. Now we want a king to be our leader like all the other nations. Choose one for us! Samuel was upset to hear the leaders say they wanted a king. So he prayed about it. read more.
Jehovah answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king. Ever since the day I rescued my people from Egypt, they have turned from me to worship idols. Now they are turning away from you. Listen to them. But be sure to warn them and tell them about the behavior and rights of a king who rules over them. Then Samuel told the people who had asked him for a king everything Jehovah said. Samuel said: These are the rights of a king: He will draft your sons and make them serve on his chariots and horses, and make them run ahead of his chariots. He will appoint them to be his officers over one thousand or over fifty soldiers. He will have them plow his ground and harvest his crops. He will require them to make weapons and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters from you and force them to make perfumes, cook, and bake. He will take away the best of your fields, vineyards, and olive orchards and give them to his officials. He will take a tenth of your grain and wine and give it to his aids and officials. He will confiscate your male and female slaves, your best cattle, and your donkeys for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks. In addition, you will be his servants. You will cry out because of the king whom you have chosen for yourselves. Jehovah will not answer you when that day comes. But the people refused to listen to Samuel. They said: We want a king! We want to be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles. Samuel listened to everything they said. Then he repeated it to Jehovah. Jehovah answered: Do what they want. Give them a king. Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home.

The king who faithfully judges the poor will have his throne established forever.

Once you spoke in vision to your godly ones. You said: I have given help to one who is mighty. I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found David my servant. I anointed him with my holy oil. With him my hand will be established; my arm also will strengthen him. read more.
No enemy will tax him. No wicked man will oppress him. I will beat down his adversaries before him. I will strike those who hate him. But my faithfulness and my loving kindness will be with him. In my name, his horn (power) (strength) will be exalted (increased). I will set his hand also on the sea, and his right hand on the rivers. He will call to me: You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation! I will also appoint him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. I will keep my loving kindness for him forevermore. My covenant will stand firm with him. I will make his descendants endure forever and his throne like the days of heaven. If his descendants abandon my law and do not live by my rules, if they violate my statutes and do not obey my commandments, then with a rod I will punish their transgression and their crimes with beatings. But I will not take my loving kindness away from him or allow my truth to become perverted. I will not dishonor my promise or alter my own agreement. On my holiness I have taken an oath: I will not lie to David. His descendants will last forever. His throne will be in my presence like the sun. It shall be established forever like the moon. It will be like a faithful witness in heaven.

Say this to my servant David: 'This is what Jehovah of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture where you followed sheep so that you could be the leader of my people Israel. I was with you wherever you went. I destroyed all your enemies in front of you. I will make your name famous like the names of the greatest people on earth. I will make a place for my people Israel and plant them there. They will dwell in their own place and not be troubled anymore. The wicked will not oppress them as they used to do read more.
when I let judges rule my people. I have kept your enemies from attacking you. Now I promise that you and your descendants will be kings. I will choose one of your sons to be king when you reach the end of your life and are buried in the tomb of your ancestors. I will make him a strong ruler. I will allow no one to take his long lasting kingdom away from him. He will be the one to build a temple for me. I will be his father. He will be my son. When he does wrong I will correct him just as parents correct children. I will never put an end to my agreement with him. I put an end to my agreement with Saul when he was king before you. I will make sure that one of your descendants will be king for a very long time. Your throne will be established from generation to generation.'

King David stood there and said: Listen to me relatives (brothers and sisters) and subjects. I had my heart set on building the Temple where the Ark of Jehovah's Covenant could be placed. This Temple will be a stool for our God's feet, and I have made preparations to build it. However God told me: 'You must not build the Temple for my name because you have fought wars and caused bloodshed.' Yet, from my entire family Jehovah God of Israel chose me to be king of Israel for as long as I live. He had chosen the tribe of Judah to lead Israel. From the families of Judah he chose my father's family. From among my father's sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel. read more.
Of all my sons, for Jehovah has given me many sons, he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of Jehovah's kingdom to rule Israel. He told me: 'Your son Solomon will build my Temple and my courtyards because I have chosen him to be my son. I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom for a very long time if he will remain determined to obey my commands and laws, as he is doing today.'

God is mighty, but does not despise men. He is mighty in strength of understanding. He does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their rights. He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous. He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.

Jehovah answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king.

All the people answered together: We will do everything Jehovah has said. So Moses brought their answer back to Jehovah.

The Israelites would break camp or set up camp at Jehovah's command. They stayed at the place where the column of smoke stayed over the tent.

that you may enter into the covenant with Jehovah your God, and into His oath that Jehovah your God is making with you today.

Gideon answered: I will not be your ruler, nor will my son. Jehovah will be your ruler!

It was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea. Herod served as tetrarch of Galilee. Herod's brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene.

After five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders. They brought an orator, Tertullus, who made a statement to the governor against Paul.

From the time when I was made ruler of the people in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year till the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, for twelve years, my servants and I have never taken the food that was the right of the ruler.

Rehum, the chief ruler, and Shimshai the scribe, sent a letter against Jerusalem, to Artaxerxes the king as follows: The letter was sent by Rehum, the chief ruler, and Shimshai the scribe and their friends; the Dinaites and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites (people of Susa), the Dehaites, the Elamites,

They tied his hands with cords and led him to the ruler, Pilate.

A divisive and dissentious man should be admonished, and after two times have nothing to do with that man.

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I handed them over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.

Deliver this one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

I told you in advance as if I were present the second time. Being absent now I write to those who have sinned and to all others. If I come again I will not spare you.

This is what Jehovah says: Heaven is my throne. Earth is my footstool. Where can you people build a house or resting place for me?

God is your throne forever and ever. A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

Jehovah has prepared his throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all.

I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it. From before him the earth and heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.

I tell you, offer no promises at all, not by heaven, because it is God's throne.

For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will accomplish this.

Jehovah will rule as king forever and ever.

Say to God: How awe-inspiring are your deeds! Your power is so great that your enemies will cringe in front of you. The whole earth will worship you. They will sing praises to you. They will make music to praise your name. Come and see the works of God, his awe-inspiring deeds for the sons of men. read more.
He turned the sea into dry land. They crossed the river on foot. We rejoiced because of what he did there. He rules forever with his might. His eyes watch the nations. Rebels will not be able to oppose him.

Jehovah will be king forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise Jehovah!

The seventh angel blew his trumpet. There were great voices in heaven, saying: The kingdom of the world has become our God's, and his Christ will rule as king forever and ever. The twenty-four elders, who sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshiped God, Saying: We give you thanks, Jehovah God the Almighty, the one who is and who was, because you have taken your great power, and begun to rule as king. (Exodus 6:3) (Amos 4:13)

Forgive sins and they are forgiven. Do not forgive sins and they are not forgiven.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is improper and unlawful in heaven, and whatever you declare lawful on earth must be lawful in heaven.

I tell you; whatever things are fixed by you on earth will be declared improper and unlawful in heaven. Whatever you make free on earth will be declared lawful in heaven.

They went through the towns and delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. They told them to obey those rules.

Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.

Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do every good work,

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose. Render therefore to all their due. Provide tribute to whom tribute is due. Give custom to whom custom is owed. Render fear to whom fear is owed and offer honor to whom honor is deserved.

Tell us what you think? Is it lawful to pay the poll tax to Caesar, or not? Jesus perceived their wickedness. He said: Why do you test me, you hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. They brought a penny (denarius) to him. read more.
He asked: Whose image and superscription is on this coin? Caesar's, they said. Then he said: Pay Caesar the things that are Caesar's. Pay God the things that are God's.

He said to them: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it is to the king, or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do good. It is God's will that you do the right things and that this will silence the ignorance of foolish men. read more.
Be free, and yet do not use your freedom for a covering for evil, but as servants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Reverence and respect God. Honor the king.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests. He asked them: What are you willing to give me to deliver him to you? They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

So she sent a letter in Ahab's name, stamped with his stamp, to the elders and nobles who were in authority with Naboth. The letter she wrote is as follows: Let a time of public sorrow be fixed, and put Naboth at the head of the people. Get two good-for-nothing persons to come before him and give witness that he has been cursing God and the king. Then take him out and have him stoned to death. read more.
So the elders and nobles in authority in his town did as Jezebel said in the letter she sent them. They gave orders for a day of public sorrow and put Naboth at the head of the people. The two good-for-nothing persons came in and took their seats before him and gave witness against Naboth, in front of the people. They said: Naboth has been cursing God and the king. Then they took him outside the town and had him stoned to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel, saying: Naboth has been stoned and is dead.

Standing in front of them were seventy elders of the house of Israel. Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan stood among them. Each man had his censer in his hand and the fragrance of the cloud of incense was rising. Then he said: Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are committing in the dark, each man in the room of his carved images? For they say: 'Jehovah does not see us! Jehovah has forsaken the land!'

Judas, his betrayer, heard he was to be put to death. Out of regret, he took the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and those in authority. He said: I have done wrong in giving a righteous man to you.

Then his wife Jezebel said: Are you now the ruler of Israel? Get up, eat and be happy. I will give you the garden of Naboth the Jezreelite. So she sent a letter in Ahab's name, stamped with his stamp, to the elders and nobles who were in authority with Naboth. The letter she wrote is as follows: Let a time of public sorrow be fixed, and put Naboth at the head of the people. read more.
Get two good-for-nothing persons to come before him and give witness that he has been cursing God and the king. Then take him out and have him stoned to death. So the elders and nobles in authority in his town did as Jezebel said in the letter she sent them. They gave orders for a day of public sorrow and put Naboth at the head of the people. The two good-for-nothing persons came in and took their seats before him and gave witness against Naboth, in front of the people. They said: Naboth has been cursing God and the king. Then they took him outside the town and had him stoned to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel, saying: Naboth has been stoned and is dead. Jezebel, hearing that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, said to Ahab: Get up and take as your heritage the garden of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he would not give you for money. Naboth is dead. When he heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab went down to the garden of Naboth the Jezreelite to take it as his heritage.

King Solomon took an oath by Jehovah, saying: May God's punishment be on me if Adonijah does not give payment for these words with his life. Now by the living God Jehovah who has given me my throne from David my father. He made me one of a line of kings. He gave me his word. Adonijah will be put to death this day. King Solomon sent Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada to attack and kill him.

Joab received news of this for Joab had been one of Adonijah's supporters. He was not on Absalom's side. Then Joab went in flight to the Tent of Jehovah and put his hands on the corners of the altar. When King Solomon heard about this he sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada to kill him. Benaiah went to the Tent of Jehovah and told Joab: Come out. Joab said: No! Let me die here. So Benaiah returned to the king and gave him the answer Joab gave him. read more.
The king said: Do as he said. Kill him there and bury him in the earth. This will remove the guilt of his senseless murders from my father's family and me. Jehovah will punish Joab for those murders he committed without my father David's knowledge. Joab killed two innocent men who were better men than he: Abner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa, commander of the army of Judah. Jehovah will repay him for the blood Joab shed. The blood will fall on Joab and on his descendants as long as they live. Jehovah will always give success to David's descendants who sit on his throne. So Benaiah went to the Tent of Jehovah's presence and killed Joab. He was buried at his home in the wilderness.

The king sent for Shimei and said to him: Build a house for yourself here in Jerusalem. Live in it and do not leave the city. If you ever leave and go beyond Kidron Brook, you will die and it will be your fault. As you say, Your Majesty, Shimei answered. I will do what you say. So he lived in Jerusalem a long time. read more.
Three years later, however, two of Shimei's slaves ran away to the king of Gath, Achish son of Maacah. When Shimei heard that they were in Gath, he saddled his donkey and went to King Achish in Gath, to find his slaves. He found them and brought them back home. When Solomon heard what Shimei did, he sent for him and said: I made you promise in Jehovah's name not to leave Jerusalem. I warned you that if you ever did, you would die. Did you not agree to it and say that you would obey me? Why did you break your promise and disobey my command? You know very well all the wrong that you did to my father David. Jehovah will punish you for it. But he will bless me, and he will make David's kingdom secure forever. The king gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada. He killed Shimei. Solomon was now in complete control.

Rehoboam went to Shechem. All the people of northern Israel gathered to make him king. Jeroboam son of Nebat went to Egypt to escape from King Solomon. When he heard this news he returned from Egypt. The people of the northern tribes sent for him. Then they all went together to Rehoboam and said to him: read more.
Your father Solomon treated us harshly and placed heavy burdens on us. If you make these burdens lighter and make life easier for us, we will be your loyal subjects. Come back in three days and I will give you my answer, he replied. So they left. Then King Rehoboam consulted elders who had been with Solomon his father when he was living. He said: In your opinion, what answer am I to give to these people? They said to him: If you will be a servant to this people today, caring for them and giving them a favorable answer, then they will be your servants for ever. But he paid no attention to the opinion of the elders. He went to the young men who were his advisors: What is your opinion? He asked: What answer are we to give to this people? They want me to lighten the burdens placed on them by my father. His young advisors said: This is the answer to give to the people who came to you saying: 'Your father put a hard yoke on us; will you make it less?' Say to them: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's body.' If my father put a hard yoke on you, I will make it harder! My father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give you blows with snakes.' So all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day just as the king ordered. The king gave them a harsh answer. He paid no attention to the suggestion of the elders. He gave them the answer suggested by the young advisors. He said: My father made your yoke hard, but I will make it harder! My father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give it with snakes. The king did not listen to the people. This came about by Jehovah's purpose, so that what he had said by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, son of Nebat, might be fulfilled. When all Israel realized that the king would not respond to their request, the people in answer said to the king: What share do we have in David? What is our heritage in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel; now see to your people, David. So Israel went away to their tents.

Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the Spirit of Jehovah took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

But Jehovah said to Samuel: Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature. I have rejected him. God does not see as man sees. Man looks at the outward appearance. Jehovah looks at the heart (inner man).

Jehovah said to Samuel: How long will you mourn for Saul? After all I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Take oil in your vessel and go. I will send you to Jesse, the Beth-lehemite. I have a king from among his sons.

Once you spoke in vision to your godly ones. You said: I have given help to one who is mighty. I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found David my servant. I anointed him with my holy oil. With him my hand will be established; my arm also will strengthen him. read more.
No enemy will tax him. No wicked man will oppress him. I will beat down his adversaries before him. I will strike those who hate him. But my faithfulness and my loving kindness will be with him. In my name, his horn (power) (strength) will be exalted (increased). I will set his hand also on the sea, and his right hand on the rivers. He will call to me: You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation! I will also appoint him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. I will keep my loving kindness for him forevermore. My covenant will stand firm with him. I will make his descendants endure forever and his throne like the days of heaven. If his descendants abandon my law and do not live by my rules, if they violate my statutes and do not obey my commandments, then with a rod I will punish their transgression and their crimes with beatings. But I will not take my loving kindness away from him or allow my truth to become perverted. I will not dishonor my promise or alter my own agreement. On my holiness I have taken an oath: I will not lie to David. His descendants will last forever. His throne will be in my presence like the sun. It shall be established forever like the moon. It will be like a faithful witness in heaven.

I will allow no one to take his long lasting kingdom away from him. He will be the one to build a temple for me. I will be his father. He will be my son. When he does wrong I will correct him just as parents correct children. I will never put an end to my agreement with him. I put an end to my agreement with Saul when he was king before you. read more.
I will make sure that one of your descendants will be king for a very long time. Your throne will be established from generation to generation.'

So Joseph went to bury his father. All the king's officials, the senior men of his court, and all the leading men of Egypt went with Joseph.

The king of Egypt was told that the people had escaped. He and his officials changed their minds and said: What have we done? We have let the Israelites escape, and we have lost them as our slaves!

The king and his officials approved this plan, and he said to them: We will never find a better man than Joseph. He is a man who has God's Spirit in him.

Jehovah told Moses: Go back to the king. I have made him and his officials stubborn, so that I could work these signs.

Pharaoh's servants said to him: How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go so that they may serve Jehovah their God. Do you not yet know that Egypt is destroyed?

Now it came about in the days of Ahasuerus, that Ahasuerus who was ruler of a hundred and twenty-seven divisions of the kingdom, from India as far as Ethiopia:

In the days of King Amraphel of Shinar, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim,

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of all the inhabited earth.

Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

It pleased Darius to appoint a hundred and twenty governors over the kingdom. They were to be located throughout the whole kingdom. Three commissioners were placed over them. Daniel was one of the commissioners. These governors were to give account to them so that the king would not suffer loss. Daniel was distinguished above the other commissioners and the governors because an excellent spirit (mind) was in him. Therefore the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Jehovah made the whole nation stand in awe of Solomon. He made him more glorious than any other king that had ruled Israel.

This is because the kingdom belongs to Jehovah and he rules the nations.

Jehovah will place a king over Israel who will put an end to Jeroboam's house.

Jehovah spoke to the prophet Jehu son of Hanani and gave him this message to give to Baasha: I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over my people Israel. You have gone the way of Jeroboam. You made my people Israel do evil, moving me to wrath by their sins. Truly, I will take away the family of Baasha. I will make your family like the family of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. read more.
Dogs will eat anyone of the family of Baasha who dies in town. The birds of the air will eat anyone who dies in the open country.

Yet, from my entire family Jehovah God of Israel chose me to be king of Israel for as long as I live. He had chosen the tribe of Judah to lead Israel. From the families of Judah he chose my father's family. From among my father's sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel. Of all my sons, for Jehovah has given me many sons, he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of Jehovah's kingdom to rule Israel.

Jehovah called Moses from the mountain. So Moses went up the mountain to God. Jehovah told him: This is what you must say to the descendants of Jacob. Tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to Egypt and how I carried you on the wings of eagles and brought you to me. If you will obey me and are faithful to the terms of my covenant, then out of all the nations you will be my own special possession, for all the earth is mine. read more.
You will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation. These are the words you must speak to the children of Israel.' Moses went down the mountain and called for the elders of the people. He repeated to them all the words that Jehovah had commanded him. All the people answered together: We will do everything Jehovah has said. So Moses brought their answer back to Jehovah.

This day Jehovah your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your being. You declared Jehovah to be your God today. You said you would walk in his ways and keep his statutes, his commandments and his ordinances, and listen to his voice. Jehovah declared you to be his people and a treasured possession. Obey his commandments and receive his promise. read more.
He will set you high above all nations that he has made, for praise, fame, and honor. You will be a consecrated people to Jehovah your God, as he has spoken.

These are the terms of the covenant that Jehovah commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab. All this was in addition to the covenant Jehovah made with them at Mount Sinai. Moses called together all the people of Israel and said: You saw for yourselves what Jehovah did to the king of Egypt, to his officials, and to his entire country. You saw the terrible plagues, the miracles, and the great wonders that Jehovah performed. read more.
To this very day Jehovah has not given you a heart to know, eyes to see, or ears to hear. I led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you. Your sandal has not worn out on your foot. You have not eaten bread. You have not drunk wine or strong drink. This in order that you might know that I am Jehovah your God. When you reached this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out to meet us for battle. We defeated them! We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites. Keep the words of this covenant to do them that you may prosper in all that you do. You stand today, all of you, before Jehovah your God: your leaders, your tribes, your elders and your officers, even all the men of Israel. Your little ones, your wives, and the alien who is within your camps, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water, that you may enter into the covenant with Jehovah your God, and into His oath that Jehovah your God is making with you today. Jehovah will confirm today with this promise that you are his people and that he is your God. This is what he told you. This is what he promised your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with an oath.

Samuel was upset to hear the leaders say they wanted a king. So he prayed about it. Jehovah answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king.

God used this visit to Joram to bring about Ahaziah's downfall. While Ahaziah was there, a man named Jehu confronted him and Joram. Jehu was the son of Nimshi, whom Jehovah chose to destroy the dynasty of Ahab.

Still I will not take the entire kingdom from him. I will give one tribe to your son, because of my servant David, and because of Jerusalem, the town of my selection.

Rehoboam went to Shechem. All the people of northern Israel gathered to make him king. Jeroboam son of Nebat went to Egypt to escape from King Solomon. When he heard this news he returned from Egypt. The people of the northern tribes sent for him. Then they all went together to Rehoboam and said to him: read more.
Your father Solomon treated us harshly and placed heavy burdens on us. If you make these burdens lighter and make life easier for us, we will be your loyal subjects. Come back in three days and I will give you my answer, he replied. So they left. Then King Rehoboam consulted elders who had been with Solomon his father when he was living. He said: In your opinion, what answer am I to give to these people? They said to him: If you will be a servant to this people today, caring for them and giving them a favorable answer, then they will be your servants for ever. But he paid no attention to the opinion of the elders. He went to the young men who were his advisors: What is your opinion? He asked: What answer are we to give to this people? They want me to lighten the burdens placed on them by my father. His young advisors said: This is the answer to give to the people who came to you saying: 'Your father put a hard yoke on us; will you make it less?' Say to them: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's body.' If my father put a hard yoke on you, I will make it harder! My father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give you blows with snakes.' So all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day just as the king ordered. The king gave them a harsh answer. He paid no attention to the suggestion of the elders. He gave them the answer suggested by the young advisors. He said: My father made your yoke hard, but I will make it harder! My father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give it with snakes. The king did not listen to the people. This came about by Jehovah's purpose, so that what he had said by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, son of Nebat, might be fulfilled. When all Israel realized that the king would not respond to their request, the people in answer said to the king: What share do we have in David? What is our heritage in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel; now see to your people, David. So Israel went away to their tents. Rehoboam was still king over those of the children of Israel who were living in the towns of Judah. Then King Rehoboam sent Adoniram, the overseer of the forced work. He was stoned to death by all Israel. King Rehoboam went quickly and got into his carriage to escape to Jerusalem. Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had come back, they requested a meeting of the people. At that meeting they made him king over Israel. There was none who followed the house of David except the tribe of Judah. When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he called together one hundred and eighty thousand of the best soldiers from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. He wanted to go to war and restore his control over the northern tribes of Israel. But God told the prophet Shemaiah: Give this message to Rehoboam and to all the people of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin: Do not attack the people of Israel, your own relatives. All of you go home. What has happened is my will.' They all obeyed Jehovah's command and went home.

The king refused to listen to the people because Jehovah was directing these events to carry out the promise he had made to Jeroboam, Nebat's son through Ahijah from Shiloh.

Jehovah says: Do not wage war against your relatives. Everyone, go home. What has happened is my doing. So they obeyed the word of Jehovah. They turned back from their attack on Jeroboam.

The next day Moses settled disputes among the people. He was busy from morning till night. Jethro saw everything that Moses had to do. He asked: What is all this that you are doing for the people? Why are you doing this all alone? There are people standing here from morning till night to consult you? Moses answered: They come here to find out what God wants them to do. read more.
They bring their complaints to me. I make decisions on the basis of God's laws. Jethro replied: That is not a good way to do it. You and your people will wear yourselves out. This is too much work for you. You cannot do it alone! Listen to the advice I give you. May God be with you! You must be the people's representative to God and bring their disagreements to him. You must instruct them in the laws and the teachings. Show them how to live and tell them what to do. You should choose capable men from all the people. Find men who respect God. These must be men you can trust who hate corruption. Put them in charge of groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. They must be the ones who usually settle disagreements among the people. They should bring all-important cases to you. But they should settle all minor cases themselves. Make it easier for yourself by letting them help you. If you do this, as God commands, you will not wear yourself out. All these people can go home with their disputes settled. Moses took Jethro's advice and chose capable men from among all the Israelites. He appointed them as leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They judged the people on a permanent basis. The difficult cases were taken to Moses but they decided the smaller disputes themselves.

Jehovah replied to Moses: Assemble seventy respected men who are recognized as elders of the people. Bring them to me at the tent of my presence, and tell them to stand there beside you. I will come down and speak with you there. I will take some of the spirit I have given and give it to them. Then they can help you bear the responsibility for these people. You will not have to bear it alone.

Thus Moses went out and told the people what Jehovah said. He assembled seventy of the leaders and placed them around the tent. Jehovah came down in the cloud and spoke to him. He took some of the spirit he had given to Moses and gave it to the seventy elders. When the Spirit came on them, they began to shout like prophets, but not for long.

I spoke to you then and said: 'I am not able to bear the burden of you alone. Jehovah your God has increased your numbers. Today you are more numerous than the stars of heaven. Jehovah the God of your fathers will make you a thousand times as many as you are, and bless you, as he promised you! read more.
How can I alone bear your encumbrance, your burden, and your strife? Take wise men with understanding, who are known among your tribes. I will make them rulers over you.' You answered me: 'The thing you speak is good for us to do.' So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men and known, and made them rulers over you. I made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. I charged your judges to hear the cases between your countrymen and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger with him. You will not show partiality in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great. You will not fear man for the judgment is God's. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.'

Seven years after King Jehoiachin and the rest of us had been led away as prisoners to Babylon, some of Israel's leaders came to me on the tenth day of the fifth month. They sat down and asked for a message from Jehovah.

Sanctify a fast! Call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the House of Jehovah your God. Call out to Jehovah.

On the fifth day of the sixth month in the sixth year, I was sitting in my home. Judah's older men were sitting in front of me. The power of the Lord Jehovah came over me.

Some of Israel's elders came to me and sat down in front of me.

Son of man, these elders have come to find out what I want them to do. As surely as I live, I will not give them an answer of any kind.

I said: Please listen, you heads of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel: is it not your responsibility to know justice? You hate good and love evil! You rip off their skin and their flesh from off their bones! You eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them! You break their bones, and chop them in pieces similar to the contents of a pot or a caldron. read more.
They will cry to Jehovah but he will not answer them. In fact, he will hide his face from them at that time because they have done evil things.

Jezebel his wife came to him and asked: Why is your spirit so bitter that you have no desire for food? He replied: I was talking to Naboth the Jezreelite. I said to him: 'Let me have your garden for money, or, if it pleases you, I will give you another garden for it.' 'But he said: I will not give you my garden.' Then his wife Jezebel said: Are you now the ruler of Israel? Get up, eat and be happy. I will give you the garden of Naboth the Jezreelite. read more.
So she sent a letter in Ahab's name, stamped with his stamp, to the elders and nobles who were in authority with Naboth. The letter she wrote is as follows: Let a time of public sorrow be fixed, and put Naboth at the head of the people. Get two good-for-nothing persons to come before him and give witness that he has been cursing God and the king. Then take him out and have him stoned to death. So the elders and nobles in authority in his town did as Jezebel said in the letter she sent them. They gave orders for a day of public sorrow and put Naboth at the head of the people. The two good-for-nothing persons came in and took their seats before him and gave witness against Naboth, in front of the people. They said: Naboth has been cursing God and the king. Then they took him outside the town and had him stoned to death.

Take away the wicked before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

Please hear this you heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel. You who abhor justice, and pervert honesty! They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with immorality. The leaders judge for a bribe, and the priests teach for wages! The prophets predict for money yet they rely on Jehovah when they say: Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? No evil will come upon us.

Do not curse God. Do not curse a ruler of your people.

Do not curse the king, no not even in thought. Do not curse the rich in your bedchamber for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and that which has wings will tell the matter.

He took the book of the covenant, in which Jehovah's commandments were written, and read it aloud to the people. They said: We will obey Jehovah. We will do everything that he has commanded.

Moses went down the mountain and called for the elders of the people. He repeated to them all the words that Jehovah had commanded him. All the people answered together: We will do everything Jehovah has said. So Moses brought their answer back to Jehovah.

Moses told the people all Jehovah's words and legal decisions. Then all the people answered with one voice: We will do everything Jehovah told us to do.

You stand today, all of you, before Jehovah your God: your leaders, your tribes, your elders and your officers, even all the men of Israel. Your little ones, your wives, and the alien who is within your camps, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water, that you may enter into the covenant with Jehovah your God, and into His oath that Jehovah your God is making with you today. read more.
Jehovah will confirm today with this promise that you are his people and that he is your God. This is what he told you. This is what he promised your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with an oath. You are not the only people to receive this promise and its conditions. It is for those of you who are standing here with us today in the presence of Jehovah our God and also for those who are not here today.

Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it is to the king, or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do good.

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose. Render therefore to all their due. Provide tribute to whom tribute is due. Give custom to whom custom is owed. Render fear to whom fear is owed and offer honor to whom honor is deserved.

([Prayers of David]) O God, give the king your justice. Give your righteousness to the royal son. He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness. read more.
He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces. They will fear you as long as the sun and moon endures, throughout all generations. He will come down like rain on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his day the righteous will flourish. There will be abundance of peace, until the moon is no more. He will have dominion from sea to sea, from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles will bring tribute (presents). The kings of Sheba and Seba will offer gifts. Yes, all kings will bow down before him. All nations will serve him. When he cries he will deliver the needy and the poor who have no helper. He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the needy. He will redeem (rescue) them from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight. He will live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Men shall pray for him continually. They shall praise him all day long. There shall be abundance of grain throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field. His name will endure forever. His name will continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and call him blessed.

A wise king sifts out the wicked. He rolls the threshing wheel over them.

David responded to Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon from Beeroth: I once seized a man who told me that Saul had died. He thought he was bringing good news. I killed him in Ziklag to reward him for his news. How much more should I reward wicked men who kill an innocent man on his own bed in his home? Jehovah has rescued me from every trouble. I solemnly swear, as Jehovah lives, I will now seek revenge for his murder and rid the land of you. read more.
David gave the order for his soldiers to kill Rechab and Baanah and cut off their hands and feet. They killed them and hung their hands and feet near the pool in Hebron. They took Ishbosheth's head and buried it in Abner's tomb there at Hebron.

David asked the young man who brought him the news: Where are you from? He answered: I am an Amalekite, son of a foreign resident. David asked: Why were you not afraid to take it upon yourself to destroy Jehovah's (YHWH) anointed king? David called one of the young men and said: Execute him! So he struck him and he died. read more.
David said to him: Your blood is on your head. Your mouth has testified against you. For you admit that you killed Jehovah's anointed.

The next morning, David wrote a letter and told Uriah to deliver it to Joab. The letter said: Put Uriah on the front line where the fighting is the worst. Pull the troops back from him, so that he will be wounded and die. Joab carefully watched the city of Rabbah. He put Uriah in a place where he knew there were some of the enemy's best soldiers. read more.
The men of the city came out and fought Joab. Some of David's mercenaries fell and died. This included Uriah the Hittite.

Like a roaring lion and a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the helpless people.

Please hear this you heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel. You who abhor justice, and pervert honesty! They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with immorality. The leaders judge for a bribe, and the priests teach for wages! The prophets predict for money yet they rely on Jehovah when they say: Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? No evil will come upon us. read more.
It is your fault that Zion will be plowed like a field. Jerusalem will become heaps of ruin, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

Thus David, the leaders of Israel, and the army's commanders joyfully went to get the Ark of Jehovah's Covenant from Obed Edom's house.

The elders in his palace stood beside him to raise him up from the ground. But he was unwilling and he would not eat with them.

David saw the angel standing in midair, holding his sword in his hand, ready to destroy Jerusalem. Then David and the leaders of the people, all of whom were wearing sackcloth bowed low, with their faces touching the ground.

All the elders of Israel came to King David at Hebron. He made a sacred alliance with them. They anointed him, and he became king of Israel.

Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. David made a covenant with them at Hebron in the presence of Jehovah. Then they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of Jehovah by Samuel.

Meanwhile, Abner communicated with the leaders of Israel: For some time now you wanted to make David your king. Do it now! This is what Jehovah said about David: 'I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and all their other enemies through my servant David.' Abner also spoke to the people of Benjamin. Then Abner went directly to David in Hebron. He told him everything Israel and the entire tribe of Benjamin had approved. read more.
Twenty men accompanied Abner to see David at Hebron. David had a feast for Abner and his men. Abner told David: I must go now so that I can gather all Israel for you, Your Majesty. They will make an agreement with you. You will rule over all that your heart desires. Then David dismissed Abner, who left peacefully.

Pilate saw that he could do nothing. The people were ready to cause much trouble. He took water and washed his hands in front of the people. He said: The blood of this man is not on my hands. You are responsible.

As a result of this Pilate sought to release him. The Jews cried out: If you release this man you are not Caesar's friend. Every one that makes himself a king speaks against Caesar. When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment-seat. They were at a place called The Stone Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the Preparation of the Passover, about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews: Behold, your King! read more.
They cried out: Away with him, away with him, impale him! Pilate asked: Should I impale your King? The chief priests answered: We have no king but Caesar. Then he delivered him to them to be impaled.

The king stood in his place and made a promise to Jehovah that he would follow Jehovah and obey his commandments, instructions, and laws with his entire heart and being. He said he would live by the terms of the covenant (promise) written in this book.

Then the king sent for all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to join him.

The king sent for all the respected leaders of Judah and Jerusalem to join him.

I will not return with you, Samuel answered. You rejected Jehovah's command. He has rejected you as king of Israel. Samuel turned to leave, but Saul caught hold of his cloak, and it tore. Samuel said to him: Jehovah has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today. He gave it to someone who is a better man than you.

When he removed him, he made David their king. He testified about him when he said: I found David the son of Jesse is a man after my own heart. He will do my will.

The officer in charge said to Daniel: I fear my lord the king. He has appointed your food and your drink. Why should he see your faces worse looking than other young people your age? Would you endanger my head with the king?

The king answered: I have decided. If you do not make the dream known to me and it's interpretation you will be cut in pieces, and your houses will be made a dunghill (foul smelling pile of rubbish). But if you tell me the dream and what it means you will receive gifts and rewards and great honor from me. Therefore tell me the dream and the interpretation of it. They answered the second time. They said: Let the king tell his servants the dream. Then we will tell the interpretation. read more.
The king responded: I am certain that you bargain for time, because you see my command is firm. If you do not tell me my dream, the law will apply to you. You are stalling by speaking lies to me until I change my requirements. Tell me the dream, and I will know that you can show me the interpretation of it. The Chaldeans answered: There is no man on earth who can do what the king requires. No king, lord, or ruler, has asked such a thing of any magician, or enchanter, or Chaldean. It is a rare thing that the king requires. There is no other person who can show it to the king, except the gods, and they do not live with humans. This caused the king to be angry. In fact he became furious! He commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed. So the decree was delivered. The wise men were to be executed. They searched for Daniel and his companions to execute them.

Because of the greatness he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he chose he killed and whom he chose he kept alive. Whom he chose he raised up, and whom he chose he put down.

Go and tell Jeroboam that this is what Jehovah, the God of Israel, says to him: I chose you from among the people and made you the ruler of my people Israel. I took the kingdom away from David's descendants and gave it to you. You have not been like my servant David. He was completely loyal to me. He obeyed my commands, and did only what I approve of. You have committed far greater sins than those who ruled before you. You have rejected me and have aroused my anger by making idols and metal images to worship. read more.
I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will kill all your male descendants, young and old alike. I will get rid of your family. They will be swept away like dung. Dogs will eat members of your family who die in the city. Vultures will eat any who die in the open country. I, Jehovah, have spoken! Ahijah went on to say to Jeroboam's wife: Go back home. As soon as you enter the town, your son will die. All the people of Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He will be the only member of Jeroboam's family who will be properly buried for he is the only one with whom Jehovah, the God of Israel, is pleased. Jehovah will place a king over Israel who will put an end to Jeroboam's house. Jehovah will punish Israel, and she will shake like a reed shaking in a stream. He will uproot the people of Israel from this good land that he gave to their ancestors. He will scatter them beyond the Euphrates River, because they have aroused his anger by making idols of the goddess Asherah. Jehovah will abandon Israel because Jeroboam sinned and led the people of Israel into sin.

And Baasha, the son of Ahijah, of the family of Issachar, made a secret design against him, attacking him at Gibbethon, a town of the Philistines. Nadab and the armies of Israel were making war on Gibbethon. In the third year of the rule of Asa, king of Judah, Baasha put him to death, and became king in his place. When he became king, he sent destruction on all the offspring of Jeroboam. He killed every person of the family of Jeroboam according to the word of Jehovah as stated by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite. read more.
This happened because Jeroboam aroused the anger of Jehovah, the God of Israel, by the sins he committed and that he caused Israel to commit.

They questioned him: Why do your disciples go against the teaching of the fathers? They eat food with unwashed hands.

You hypocrites (liars)! Isaiah's prophecy was right about you. These people honor me with their lips, but their heart (innermost thoughts) is far from me. But their worship is to no purpose, while they give as their teaching the rules (commands) of men.'

The Pharisees and some of the scribes came from Jerusalem to gather around Jesus. They saw that some of his disciples ate their bread with unwashed defiled hands. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat until they wash their hands. They practice the tradition of the elders.)

King Solomon summoned all the leaders of the tribes and clans of Israel to come to him in Jerusalem. They were to take Jehovah's Ark of the Covenant from Zion, David's City, to the Temple. They all assembled during the festival. It was the seventh month, the month of Ethanim. As soon as all the elders gathered, the priests lifted the Ark

Then Solomon assembled the respected leaders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the Israelite families. They came to Jerusalem to take the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah from the City of David, which is Zion. The men of Israel gathered around the king at the Festival of Booths in the seventh month. When all the leaders of Israel had arrived, the Levites picked up the ark.

Enter the land Jehovah your God gives you. Possess it and live in it. You will say: I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me, you shall surely set a king over you whom Jehovah your God chooses. It will be one from among your countrymen. You may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman. He must not increase his herd of horses. He must not send the people to return to Egypt to get more horses. For Jehovah said to you: You should never again return that way. read more.
He must not take many wives or his heart will turn astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. When he first sits on the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll taken in the presence of the Levitical priests. He should keep it with him. He should read from it all the days of his life. In this way he will learn to respect Jehovah his God by carefully observing all the words of this Law and these statutes. He must not think he is better than the rest of his people. He will not disobey these commandments in any way. So he and his sons will rule for a long time in Israel.

Take wise men with understanding, who are known among your tribes. I will make them rulers over you.' You answered me: 'The thing you speak is good for us to do.' So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men and known, and made them rulers over you. I made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.

Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying: 'Take provisions with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them: We are your servants. Therefore make a treaty with us.'

Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king who will no longer take advise. He comes out of prison to rule as king. He that is born in his kingdom becomes poor.

Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child and your princes eat in the morning!

You are blessed, O land, when your king is the son of nobles and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head. He kissed him and said: Jehovah has anointed you to be ruler of his people Israel. You will rule his people. You will save them from all their enemies. This will be the sign that Jehovah has anointed you to be ruler of his people.

Jehovah revealed the following message to Samuel before Saul came: This time tomorrow I will send you a man from the territory of Benjamin. Anoint him to be ruler of my people Israel. He will save my people from the Philistines. I have seen my people suffering and their cry has reached me. Samuel noticed Saul. Jehovah told him: There is the man I told you about. This man will govern my people.

When the righteous increase the people rejoice. When the wicked rule the people mourn.

The words of the wise heard in quietness are more than the loud cry of the ruler of fools.

My son, respect Jehovah and the king. Do not associate with those who want to change things. Their calamity will rise suddenly! Who knows the ruin from both of them?

After these things were done, the captains came to me and said: The people of Israel and the priests and Levites have not kept themselves separate from the people of the lands. They have taken part in the disgusting ways of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

And that if anyone did not come before three days were past, as ordered by the rulers and the responsible men, all his goods would be put under the curse. He himself would be cut off from the meeting of the people who had come back. Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin came together to Jerusalem before three days were past. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people were seated in the wide square in front of the house of God. They shook with fear because of this business of this business and because of the great rain. Ezra the priest got to his feet and said to them: You have done wrong and taken strange women for your wives, thus increasing the sin of Israel. read more.
Give praise to Jehovah, the God of your fathers, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the strange women. Then all the people, answered with a loud voice: As you have said, so it is right for us to do. The number of people is great, and it is a time of much rain; it is not possible for us to go on waiting outside. This is not a thing that may be done in one day or even two: for our sin in this business is great. So now let our rulers be representatives for all the people. Let all those in our towns who are married to strange women come at fixed times, and with them the responsible men and the judges of every town, till the burning wrath of our God is turned away from us, and this has been done.

One day the nation's elders came to Samuel at Ramah. They said: You are an old man. You set a good example for your sons. But they have not followed it. Now we want a king to be our leader like all the other nations. Choose one for us! Samuel was upset to hear the leaders say they wanted a king. So he prayed about it. read more.
Jehovah answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king. Ever since the day I rescued my people from Egypt, they have turned from me to worship idols. Now they are turning away from you. Listen to them. But be sure to warn them and tell them about the behavior and rights of a king who rules over them. Then Samuel told the people who had asked him for a king everything Jehovah said.

But the people refused to listen to Samuel. They said: We want a king! We want to be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles. Samuel listened to everything they said. Then he repeated it to Jehovah. read more.
Jehovah answered: Do what they want. Give them a king. Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home.

The wicked run when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. There are many princes after the transgression of a land. But a man of understanding and knowledge remains for a long time.

Saul heard that David and his men were found. Saul stayed in Gibeah under the tamarisk tree at the worship site. He held his spear in his hand. All his officials stood around him.

Saul said: Listen here, son of Ahitub! He responded: Here I am lord. Saul asked him: Why did you and Jesse's son plot against me? You gave him bread and a sword. You even prayed to God that he could rise up against me and ambush me, as he is doing now. Ahimelech asked the king: But whom among all your officials can you trust like David? Your Majesty, he is your son-in-law, the commander of your bodyguard. He is honored in your own household. read more.
Is this the first time I have prayed to God for him? Not at all! You should not blame my family or me for this. I knew nothing at all about this. The king said: Ahimelech, you and your entire family are going to die. The king said to the guards who were attending him: Turn around and kill the priests of Jehovah! They are also with David. They knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me. But the servants of the king were not willing to lift a hand to attack the priests of Jehovah. The king said to Doeg: You turn around and attack the priests. Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also killed the people of Nob, the city of the priests. Using his sword, he killed men and women, children and infants, cows, donkeys, and sheep.

These cities will be places of refuge from any relative who can avenge the death. So anyone accused of murder will not have to die until he has had a trial in front of the community.

Then the community must use these rules in order to decide if you are innocent or if the dead person's relative can avenge the death. If you are innocent, the community must protect you from that relative. They must take you back to the city of refuge you fled to. You must live there until the death of the chief priest who was anointed with the holy oil.

The king who faithfully judges the poor will have his throne established forever.

The ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor. He who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

The hand of the diligent will bear rule. The lazy will be under forced labor.

If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked.

The king gave them a harsh answer. He paid no attention to the suggestion of the elders.

Then King Rehoboam consulted elders who had been with Solomon his father when he was living. He said: In your opinion, what answer am I to give to these people? They said to him: If you will be a servant to this people today, caring for them and giving them a favorable answer, then they will be your servants for ever. But he paid no attention to the opinion of the elders. He went to the young men who were his advisors:

When the righteous increase the people rejoice. When the wicked rule the people mourn.

Saul said: May God strike me dead if you are not put to death! But the people said to Saul: Will Jonathan, who won this great victory for Israel, be put to death? No! We promise by the living Jehovah that he will not lose even a hair from his head. What he did today was done with God's help. So the people saved Jonathan from being put to death.

Jehovah sent Hadad the Edomite to make trouble for Solomon. He was of the king's seed in Edom.

God also caused Rezon son of Eliada to turn against Solomon. Rezon had fled from his master, King Hadadezer of Zobah,

When the leaders of Judah heard what had happened, they hurried from the royal palace to the Temple and took their places at the New Gate. The priests and the prophets said to the leaders and to the people: This man deserves to be sentenced to death because he has spoken against our city. You heard him with your own ears. Then I Jeremiah said: Jehovah sent me to proclaim everything that you heard me say against this Temple and against this city. read more.
You must change the way you are living and the things you are doing. You must obey Jehovah your God. If you do, he will change his mind about the destruction that he said he would bring on you. I am in your hand (power)! Do with me whatever you think is fair and right. But if you put me to death, you and everyone else in Jerusalem will be guilty of murdering an innocent man. This is because everything I spoke came from Jehovah. The judges and the other people told the priests and prophets: Since Jeremiah only told us what Jehovah our God had said, we do not think he deserves to die. Then some of the leaders from other towns stepped forward. They told the crowd: Years ago when Hezekiah was king of Judah, a prophet named Micah from the town of Moresheth said: 'Jehovah of Hosts says, Jerusalem will be plowed under and left in ruins. Thorns will cover the mountain where the Temple now stands.' Then the leaders continued: No one put Micah to death for saying that. Instead, King Hezekiah prayed to Jehovah with reverence and trembling and asked him to have mercy. Then Jehovah decided not to destroy Jerusalem, even though he had already said he would. People of Judah, if Jeremiah is killed we will bring a terrible disaster on ourselves. There was another man prophesying in the name of Jehovah. His name was Uriah, son of Shemaiah, from Kiriath Jearim. He prophesied against this city and this land as Jeremiah did. When King Jehoiakim and all his personal troops and officials heard what Uriah said the king wanted to put him to death. But Uriah heard about it and fled in fear to Egypt. King Jehoiakim sent soldiers to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor and other soldiers along with him. They brought Uriah from Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim. The king executed Uriah and threw his body into the burial ground for the common people. Ahikam, son of Shaphan, supported Jeremiah. So Jeremiah was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

For the rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous in case the righteous put forth their hands to iniquity.

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Reverence and respect God. Honor the king.

Jehovah was angry with Solomon. This is because his heart turned away from Jehovah, the God of Israel, who had twice come to him in a vision. Jehovah had given him orders about this very thing that he was not to go after other gods. But he did not obey the orders of Jehovah. So Jehovah said to Solomon: Because you have done this, and have not kept the agreement and laws I gave you, I will take the kingdom away from you by force and will give it to your servant. read more.
I will not do it in your lifetime, because of your father David, but I will take it from your son. Still I will not take the entire kingdom from him. I will give one tribe to your son, because of my servant David, and because of Jerusalem, the town of my selection.

Joseph said to Pharaoh: Pharaoh had the same dream twice. God has told Pharaoh what he is going to do. The seven good cows are seven years. The seven good heads of grain are seven years. It is all the same dream. The seven thin, sickly cows that came up behind them are seven years. The seven empty heads of grain scorched by the east wind are also seven years. Seven years of famine are coming! read more.
It is just as I said to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what he is going to do. Seven years are coming when there will be plenty of food in Egypt. Seven years of famine will follow. Then people will forget that there was plenty of food in Egypt. The famine will ruin the land. People will not remember that there was once plenty of food in the land, because the coming famine will be so severe. The reason Pharaoh has had a recurring dream is because the matter has been definitely decided by God. He will do it very soon. Pharaoh should look for a wise and intelligent man and put him in charge of Egypt. Make arrangements to appoint supervisors over the land. Take a fifth of Egypt's harvest during the seven good years. Have them collect all the food during these good years. Store up grain under Pharaoh's control, to be kept for food in the cities. This food will be a reserve supply for our country during the seven years of famine that will happen in Egypt. Then the land will not be ruined by the famine. The king and his officials approved this plan, and he said to them: We will never find a better man than Joseph. He is a man who has God's Spirit in him. The king said to Joseph: God has shown you all this. Therefore it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. I will put you in charge of my country. All my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine. I now appoint you governor over all Egypt. Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand. He clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot. They proclaimed before him: Bow the knee! Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph: Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh named Joseph, Zaphenath-paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of Egypt. Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. During the seven years of plenty the land produced abundantly. He gathered all the food of these seven years that occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities. He placed in every city the food from its own surrounding fields. Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea. He finally stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure. Before the year of famine came, there were born to Joseph two sons, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. Joseph named his firstborn son Manasseh, because God helped him forget all his troubles and all about his father's family. He named the second son Ephraim, because God made him fruitful in the land where he had suffered. The seven years when there was plenty of food in Egypt came to an end. The seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every other country, but there was food throughout Egypt. When the Egyptians became hungry, they cried out to the king for food. So he ordered them to go to Joseph and do what he told them. The famine grew worse and spread over the entire country. Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. People came to Egypt from all over the world to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.

He immediately commanded his guard to behead John the Baptist and bring his head to him. He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the young lady. In turn she gave it to her mother.

All the Israelite congregation raised their voices and cried out loud all that night. They complained to Moses and Aaron: If only we had died in Egypt or in this desert! Why is Jehovah bringing us to this land? Is it just to have us die in battle? Our wives and children will be taken as prisoners of war! Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt? read more.
They said to each other: Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt. Immediately, Moses and Aaron bowed with their faces touching the ground in front of the whole congregation of Israel assembled there. At the same time, two of those who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothes in despair. They said to the entire congregation of Israel: The land we explored is very good. If Jehovah is pleased with us, he will take us there and give us that rich and fertile land. Do not rebel against Jehovah. Do not be afraid of the people who live there. We will conquer them easily. Jehovah is with us and has defeated the gods who protected them. Do not be afraid. The whole congregation threatened to stone them to death. Then suddenly the people saw the dazzling light of Jehovah's presence (glory) (splendor) appear over the tent.

Then the king of Israel sent for all the responsible men of the land, and said: Now will you take note and see the evil purpose of this man. He sent for my wives and my children, my silver and my gold, and I did not keep them back. All the responsible men and the people said to him: Do not pay attention to him or do what he says.

In the third year of his reign he sent out the following officials to teach in the cities of Judah: Benhail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah. With them were the Levites Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, Tob Adonijah, and the priests Elishama and Jehoram. They taught in Judah. They had the Book of Torah (the Law) (Jehovah's Teachings) with them when they taught the people in all the cities of Judah.

Saul replied: I have sinned! Now please honor me in front of the elders of my people and in front of Israel. Come back with me. Let me worship Jehovah your God!

Jehovah came to him again in a vision just as he had done at Gibeon. Jehovah said: I have heard your prayers and your supplication you made. I have made this house holy. I put my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there at all times. As for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father did, uprightly and with a true heart, doing what I have given you orders to do, keeping my laws and my decisions; read more.
I will make the seat of your rule over Israel certain forever. I gave my word to David your father. I said: You will never be without a man to be king in Israel. But if you turn from my ways, you or your children, and do not keep my orders and my laws which I have put before you, but go and make yourselves servants to other gods and give them worship: I will have Israel cut off from the land I gave them. I will abandon this house even though I have made it holy for myself. I will put you out of my sight. Israel will be a public example, and a word of shame among all peoples. This house will become a mass of broken walls. Everyone who goes by will be overcome with wonder at it and make whistling sounds. They will say: Why has Jehovah done this to this land and to this house? The answer will be: 'Because they turned away from Jehovah their God. The one who took their fathers out of the land of Egypt. They took for themselves other gods and gave them worship and became their servants: that is why Jehovah has sent this evil on them.'

Jehovah made the whole nation stand in awe of Solomon. He made him more glorious than any other king that had ruled Israel.

What all Israel was saying reached the king at his house. So King David sent this message to the priests Zadok and Abiathar: Ask the leaders of Judah, Why should you be the last tribe to reinstate the king back to his palace?

So the Moabites said to the leaders of Midian: All those people will eventually eat up everything around us the same way cattle eat up the grass in a field. At that time Balak, son of Zippor, was king of Moab.

The elders of Moab and Midian left. They took money with them to pay for Balaam's services. They came to Balaam and told him what Balak had said.

The king ordered Ashpenaz the chief of his officials to bring in some of the Israelites including some of the royal family and nobles. These were young people who had no defects. They were good looking and intelligent, with knowledge. They showed wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of science. They had ability to serve in the king's court and were taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans. The king assigned a daily amount of the king's special rich food for them and also the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years. At the end of that time they would serve the king. read more.
Now among these children of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The officer in charge gave names to them: To Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach and Azariah was named Abednego. Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's special food and wine. He requested permission from the officer in charge that he might not defile himself. God caused the officer in charge to show special favor and kindness to Daniel. The officer in charge said to Daniel: I fear my lord the king. He has appointed your food and your drink. Why should he see your faces worse looking than other young people your age? Would you endanger my head with the king? Daniel answered the officer appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Test your servants, please, for ten days. Give them vegetables to eat and water to drink. You compare our appearance and the appearance of the young people who eat the king's special food. Then you deal with us according to what you see. So he listened to them and allowed them to prove the matter for ten days. They looked better when the ten days ended! They were fairer in appearance and fatter in flesh than the young people who ate the king's special food. So the steward took away their special food and wine and gave them vegetables and water. God gave these young people knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of all types of literature and learning. Daniel had understanding and wisdom in all visions and dreams. When the appointed time for learning ended the chief officer brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. The king interviewed them and found out that none was found to be like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they served the king. The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire realm. This was in every matter of wisdom and understanding.

He hoped that Paul would give him money to free him. He sent for him frequently and conversed with him.

This seemed like good advice to Absalom and all the Israelite leaders.

Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying: 'Take provisions with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them: We are your servants. Therefore make a treaty with us.'

I sent for my lovers, but they were false to me. My priests and my responsible men are dying. They look for food to give them new life.

Behold, the eyes of the Lord Jehovah are upon the sinful kingdom! Yet, I will destroy it from off the face of the earth! I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, said Jehovah.

and chose capable men from among all the Israelites. He appointed them as leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.

I spoke to you then and said: 'I am not able to bear the burden of you alone. Jehovah your God has increased your numbers. Today you are more numerous than the stars of heaven. Jehovah the God of your fathers will make you a thousand times as many as you are, and bless you, as he promised you! read more.
How can I alone bear your encumbrance, your burden, and your strife? Take wise men with understanding, who are known among your tribes. I will make them rulers over you.' You answered me: 'The thing you speak is good for us to do.' So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men and known, and made them rulers over you. I made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. I charged your judges to hear the cases between your countrymen and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger with him. You will not show partiality in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great. You will not fear man for the judgment is God's. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.'