Reference: Kings, The Books Of
Easton
The two books of Kings formed originally but one book in the Hebrew Scriptures. The present division into two books was first made by the LXX., which now, with the Vulgate, numbers them as the third and fourth books of Kings, the two books of Samuel being the first and second books of Kings.
They contain the annals of the Jewish commonwealth from the accession of Solomon till the subjugation of the kingdom by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians (apparently a period of about four hundred and fifty-three years). The books of Chronicles (q.v.) are more comprehensive in their contents than those of Kings. The latter synchronize with 1Ch 2:55-28:1. While in the Chronicles greater prominence is given to the priestly or Levitical office, in the Kings greater prominence is given to the kingly.
The authorship of these books is uncertain. There are some portions of them and of Jeremiah that are almost identical, e.g., 2Ki 24:18-20 and Jer 52; 39:1-10; 40:7-41:10. There are also many undesigned coincidences between Jeremiah and Kings (2KI 21-23 and Jer 7:15; 15:4; 19:3, etc.), and events recorded in Kings of which Jeremiah had personal knowledge. These facts countenance in some degree the tradition that Jeremiah was the author of the books of Kings. But the more probable supposition is that Ezra, after the Captivity, compiled them from documents written perhaps by David, Solomon, Nathan, Gad, and Iddo, and that he arranged them in the order in which they now exist.
In the threefold division of the Scriptures by the Jews, these books are ranked among the "Prophets." They are frequently quoted or alluded to by our Lord and his apostles (Mt 6:29; 12:42; Lu 4:25-26; 10:4; comp. 2Ki 4:29; Mr 1:6; comp. 2Ki 1:8; Mt 3:4, etc.).
The sources of the narrative are referred to (1) "the book of the acts of Solomon" (1Ki 11:41); (2) the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" (1Ki 14:29; 15:7,23, etc.); (3) the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (1Ki 14:19; 15:31; 16:14,20,27, etc.).
The date of its composition was some time between B.C. 561, the date of the last chapter (2Ki 25), when Jehoiachin was released from captivity by Evil-merodach, and B.C. 538, the date of the decree of deliverance by Cyrus.
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And the rest of the acts of Solomon and all that he did, and his wisdom, are written in the book of the Acts of Solomon.
And the rest of the deeds of Jeroboam - how he warred and how he reigned - are written in the book of the stories of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the acts of king Rehoboam and all he did, are written in the book of Acts of the kings of Judah.
And the rest of the deeds of Abijam and all that he did, are written in the book of the deeds that were done in the days of the kings of Judah. And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.
And the remnant of all the deeds of Asa and of all his might and of all that he did, and the cities which he built, are written in the chronicles of the acts done in the days of the kings of Judah. Neverthelater, in his old age he was diseased in his feet.
The rest of the deeds of Nadab, and all he did, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the deeds of Elah and all he did, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the Acts of Zimri and the treason that he wrought, are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his power that he used, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
And they said unto him, "It was a hairy man and girded with a girdle of a skin about his loins." And he said unto them, "It is Elijah the Tishbite."
Then he said to Gehazi, "Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand and away. If any man meet thee, salute him not. And if any salute thee, answer him not again. And put my staff upon the boy."
Zedekiah was twenty one years old when he began to reign and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, in all points like to Jehoiakim. read more. For through the wrath of the LORD it so chanced to Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out of his sight. And the said Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
And I shall thrust you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren the whole seed of Ephraim.
I will scatter them about also in all kingdoms and lands to be plagued, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for the things that he did in Jerusalem.
and say thus unto them: 'Hear the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and ye citizens of Jerusalem! Thus sayeth the LORD of Hosts the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring such a plague upon this place, that the ears of all that hear it, shall glow.
This John had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins; his meat was locusts and wild honey.
And yet for all that, I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his royalty, was not arrayed like unto one of these.
The queen of the south shall rise at the day of judgment with this generation, and shall condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the world, to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a beast's skin about his loins. And he did eat locusts and wild honey,
But I tell you of a truth, Many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when heaven was shut three years and six months, when great famishment was throughout all the land; And unto none of them was Elijah sent, save into Zarephath besides Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
Bear no wallet, neither scrip, nor shoes, and salute no man by the way.
Fausets
Title. In the Septuagint the books are called "the third and fourth of the Kingdoms," in Vulgate "the third and fourth book of Kings." Originally the two were one: Bomberg in his printed editions, 1518, 1549, divided them into two. Three periods are included. The first (1 Kings 1-11), 1015-975 B.C., Solomon's ascent of the throne, wisdom, consolidation of his power, erection of the temple, 40 years' reigning over the undivided twelve tribes; the time of Israel's glory, except that toward the close of his reign his polygamy and idolatry caused a decline, and God threatened the disruption of the kingdom (1 Kings 11). The second period, from the division into two kingdoms to the Assyrian captivity of the ten northern tribes, 975-722 B.C. The third period, from thence, in Hezekiah's reign, until Judah's captivity in Babylon, 722-560 B.C., down to the 37th year of Jehoiachin's exile and imprisonment. The second period (1Ki 12:1-2 Kings 10) comprises three stages:
(1) the enmity at first between Judah and Israel from Jeroboam to Omri, 1Ki 12:1-16:28;
(2) the intermarriage between the royal houses of Israel and of Judah, under Ahab, down to the destruction of both kings, Joram of Israel and Ahaziah of Judah, by Jehu, 1Ki 16:2-29 Kings 10;
(3) the renewal of hostilities, from Jehu's accession in Israel and Athaliah's usurpation in Judah to Israel's captivity in Hezekiah's sixth year, 1 Kings 11-17.
The book is not a mere chronicle of kings' deeds and fortunes, but of their reigns in their spiritual relation to Jehovah the true, though invisible, King of the theocracy; hence it is ranked in the canon among "the prophets." The prophets therefore as His ministers, guardians of His rights, and interpreters of His counsel and will, come prominently forward in the book to maintain His prerogative before the kings His viceroys, and to counsel, warn, and punish as He who spoke in them deemed necessary, confirming their word by miraculous signs. Thus, Samuel by His direction anointed Saul and David to reign over His people; Nathan announced God's promise that David's throne and seed should be forever (2 Samuel 7); then when he sinned Nathan remounted his punishment, and upon his repentance immediate forgiveness (2 Samuel 12); similarly, Gad (2 Samuel 24). Nathan announced Solomon's appointment as successor (2Sa 12:25; 1Ch 22:9); anointed and installed him instead of Adonijah, the older brother (1 Kings 1).
Thenceforth, David's seed having been established in Judah in conformity with God's promise (2 Samuel 7), the prophets' agency in Judah was restricted to critical times and special cases requiring the expression of Jehovah's will in the way of either reproof of declension or encouragement of faithfulness. But in Israel their agency was more continuous and prominent, because of the absence of Jehovah's ordinary ministers the priests and Levites, and because of the state idolatry of the calves, to which Ahab added Baal worship. Jehovah appeared to Solomon at Gibeon shortly after his accession, again after his dedication of the temple, finally by a prophet, probably Ahijah, after his declension (1Ki 3:5, etc.; 1Ki 9:1, etc.; 1Ki 11:11, etc., 1 Kings 29). Elijah "the prophet as fire, whose words burned as a torch" (Sir 48:1), as champion of Jehovah, defeated Baal's and Asherah's prophets at Carmel; and averted utter apostasy front northern Israel by banding God's prophets in schools where Jehovah's worship was maintained, and a substitute supplied for the legal temple worship enjoyed by the godly in Judah.
The choice and treatment of materials was determined by the grand theme of the book, namely, the progressive development of the kingdom of God historically, in conformity with the divine promise through Nathan to David which is its germ: "I will set up thy seed after thee, and I will establish his kingdom ... forever. I will be his Father and lie shall be My son; if he commit iniquity I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; but My mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul" (2Sa 7:12-17). This is the guiding clue through the whole history. This book records its fulfillment, Jehovah prospering the pious kings of David's seed, chastising the backsliders, then casting away yet not for ever.
Notwithstanding Adonijah's attempt, Solomon is at the outset recorded as receiving David's kingdom as Jehovah had promised; he receives at Gibeon the renewal of the promise, on condition of faithfulness, and in answer to his prayer receives wisdom, and also riches and honour which he had not asked for; then after rearing the temple receives God's confirmation of the promise conditionally, "if there wilt walk before Me as David I will establish thy kingdom forever; but if ye (thou and thy people) shall at all turn from following Me ... then will I cut off Israel out of the land"; then in old age was sentenced for forsaking the covenant to have the kingdom rent from him and given to his servant; yet the grace unchangeably promised in 2 Samuel 7 mitigates the stroke, for David's sake the rending should take place not in Solomon's but in his son's days. Moreover one portion (Judah, also Benjamin, Simeon, and Dan in part Israel and Judah was reserved with Jerusalem for David's seed, and should not go with the other ten tribes to Jeroboam. (See ISRAEL; JUDAH.) )
The reigns of Israel's kings are more elaborately detailed, and previously to those of Judah, because Israel, with its crying evils requiring extraordinary prophetic interposition so frequently, furnished more materials for the theme of the book than Judah of which the development was more equable. All matters of important bearing on the kingdom of God in Judah are described fully. In both alike Jehovah appears as the gracious, long suffering God, yet the just punisher of the reprobate at last, but still for His covenant sake sparing and preserving a remnant, notwithstanding the idolatry of several even of Judah's kings (1Ki 15:4; 2Ki 8:19; 11:1-2). Jehovah promised, on condition of faithfulness, to Jeroboam too a sure house and the throne of Israel, but not for ever, only so long as the separate kingdom should last; for He added, "I will for this afflict the seed of David but not for ever" (1Ki 11:38-39).
Judah survived Israel's destruction because of its firm political basis in the continuous succession, of David's line, and its religious basis in the divinely appointed temple and Levitical priesthood. But Ahaz' impiety (though counteracted in part by godly Hezekiah) and especially Manasseh's awful blood. shedding and idolatry (the effects of which on the people the faithful Josiah could only undo externally) at last provoked God to give up Judah too to captivity; so Jehoiachin first and Zedekiah last were led away to Babylon, and Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. The book, in happy consonance with its design, closes with Jehoiachin's elevation from the prison to the highest throne of the vassal kings at Babylon, an earnest of brighter days to the covenant people, the first ray of the dawn of God's returning favor, and of His restoring the Jews, and of His fulfilling His promise that the kingdom and seed of David shall be forever. Relationship to 1 and 2 Samuel. Characteristics. The opening "now" marks that the books of Kings continue the books of Samuel, carrying on the history of the development of the kingdom, as foretold in the fundamental promise (2 Samuel 7).
Nevertheless, the uniformity of the treatment of the history, and the unity of the language, mark that the work is independent of 1 and 2 Samuel. The author quotes from his original sources with standing formulas. He gives chronological notes: 1Ki 6:1 (the number 480 is a copyist's error, (See CHRONOLOGY; JUDGES.) ) 1Ki 6:37-38; 7:1; 9:10; 11:42; 14:20-21,25; 15:1-2,9-10. Moses' law is his standard for judging the kings (1Ki 2:3; 3:14; 2Ki 10:31; 11:12; 14:6; 17:37; 18:6; 21:8; 22:8; 23:3,21). He describes in the same phrase the beginning, character, and close of each reign (1Ki 11:43; 8/type/mstc'>14:8,20,31; 15:3,8,11-24,26/type/mstc'>26,34; 22:43,51,53; 16:19,26/type/mstc'>26,30; 2Ki 3:2-3; 8:24; 9/type/mstc'>10:29,31; 12:3; 13:2,9,11; 14:3,29; 15:3, etc.
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Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and will rid you out of their bondage, and will deliver you with a stretched-out arm and with great judgments.
and yet show mercy unto thousands among them that love me and keep my commandments.
If thy brother, an Hebrew, sell himself to thee, or an Hebrewess, he shall serve thee six years and the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.
"'Cursed be he that maintaineth not all the words of this law to do them.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.'
And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou laid to rest with thy fathers, then I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy body, and will establish his kingdom. And he shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the seat of his kingdom forever: read more. I will be his father and he shall be my son; insomuch that if he sin, I will but rebuke him with such a rod as men be rebuked with and with such plagues as the children of men be plagued with. But my mercy will I not take away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put down before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall endure without end after thee, and thy seat shall be established forever.'" And when Nathan had told David all these words and all this vision,
And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and called his name Jedidiah, of the LORD's behalf.
And see that thou keep the appointment of the LORD thy God, that thou walk in his ways and keep his commandments, ordinances, laws and testimonies, even as it is written in the law of Moses: that thou mayest understand all that thou oughtest to do, and all that thou shouldest meddle with.
And in Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, "Ask what I shall give thee."
And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep mine ordinances and commandments as David thy father did walk, I will lengthen thy days also."
ten stalled oxen, and twenty out of the pastures and a hundred sheep and goats, besides harts, bucks and buballs and fat poultry.
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for chariots and twelve thousand horsemen.
My servants shall bring them from Lebanon to the sea. And I will convey them by ship unto the place that thou shalt send me word, and will cause them to be discharged there, that thou mayest receive them. And thou shalt do me this pleasure again, to minister food for mine house."
And it came to pass, the four hundred and fourscore year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, and the fourth year of the reign of Solomon upon Israel, and the second month called Ziv, that he began to build the temple unto the LORD.
And it came to pass, the four hundred and fourscore year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, and the fourth year of the reign of Solomon upon Israel, and the second month called Ziv, that he began to build the temple unto the LORD.
And under the walls of the house he made galleries round about, both round about the temple and also the quyre. And so made sides round about. And the nethermost gallery was five cubits broad and the middle gallery six. And the third, seven cubits broad. For he made the walls without, whereon the beams lay, ever thinner and thinner, so that they were not fastened in the walls of the house.
And then he built chambers over all the temple of five cubits height, and coupled the house together with beams of Cedar.
In the fourth year of his reign was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, even in the month Ziv,
In the fourth year of his reign was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, even in the month Ziv, and in the eleventh year in the month Bul which is the eighth month, it was full finished in all that pertained thereto, and fashioned as it should be in all points. And so was he seven years in building of it.
And in the plain of Jordan did the king cast them: even in the clay of the earth between Succoth and Zarethan.
Howbeit the staves were so long that the ends of them appeared out of the holy place before the quyre, but were not seen without. And there they be unto this day.
Howbeit the staves were so long that the ends of them appeared out of the holy place before the quyre, but were not seen without. And there they be unto this day.
And when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD and of the king's palace, and of all that his desire and lust was to make:
Then at the end of twenty years in which Solomon had built the two houses, that is to wete, the house of the LORD and the king's palace -
And thereto the ships of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir great plenty of almug trees and precious stones. And king Solomon made of the almug trees pillars in the house of the LORD in the king's palace, and made harps and psalteries for singers. There came no more almug trees so, nor was any more seen unto this day.
whereupon the LORD said to Solomon, "Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept mine covenant and mine ordinances which I have commanded thee, therefore I will rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
And Hadad gat great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the Queen. And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son. And Tahpenes weaned him in Pharaoh's house. And he was in Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh.
And if thou shalt hearken unto all that I command thee, and shalt walk in my ways and do that is right in my sight, that thou keep mine ordinances and commandments as David my servant did: then will I be with thee and build thee a house that shall continue, as I built for my servant David, and will give Israel unto thee. And therewith will I vex the seed of David, but not forever.'" read more. And Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam: wherefore Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt unto Shishak king of Egypt and continued there until the death of Solomon. And the rest of the acts of Solomon and all that he did, and his wisdom, are written in the book of the Acts of Solomon.
And the rest of the acts of Solomon and all that he did, and his wisdom, are written in the book of the Acts of Solomon. And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem upon all Israel, was forty years. read more. And then he laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. And when Rehoboam the son of Nebat heard of it, being yet in Egypt - for he fled to Egypt for fear of Solomon - he came again out of Egypt.
And when Rehoboam the son of Nebat heard of it, being yet in Egypt - for he fled to Egypt for fear of Solomon - he came again out of Egypt. And they sent and called him: and so Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, read more. "Thy father made our yoke grievous, but now make thou the grievous service of thy father and his sore yoke which he put upon us, lighter; and so we will serve thee." And he said unto them, "Depart yet for the space of three days, and then come again to me." And the people departed. And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that stood before Solomon his father, while he yet lived, and said, "What counsel give ye to answer this people withal?" And they said unto him, "If thou shalt be a servant unto this people this day and serve them and answer them and speak kind words to them: they will be thy servants forever." But he forsook the counsel that the old men had given him, and counselled with the young men that were nourished up with him and had waited on him. And he said unto them, "What counsel give ye, to answer this people withal which have communed with me saying, 'Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us, lighter?'" And the young men that were brought up with him, answered him, saying, "This people that have said unto thee, 'Thy father made our yoke heavy, make thou it us lighter' - thus answer them: 'My little finger shall be weightier than my father's loins! And now, where my father put a grievous yoke upon you, I will make it heavier. For where my father corrected you with scourges, I will chastise you with scorpions." And when Jeroboam and all the people were come to Rehoboam the third day - as the king appointed them, saying, "Come to me again this day three days" - the king answered the people churlishly and left the advice that old men gave him: and spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke grievous, but I will make it grievouser. For where my father chastised you with whips, I will chastise you with scorpions." And so the king hearkened not unto the people: for the turning away was of the LORD, to perform his saying, which the LORD said by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all Israel saw that the king regarded them not, the people answered the king again saying, "We have no part in David, nor inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents therefore Israel, and now see to thine own house David." And so Israel departed unto their tents.
And take with thee ten loaves and cracknels and a cruse of honey, and go to him: for he will tell thee what shall come of the lad."
and did rent the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it thee - and thou hast not been as was my servant David, which kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, to do that only which seemeth right in mine eyes -
And the rest of the deeds of Jeroboam - how he warred and how he reigned - are written in the book of the stories of the kings of Israel. And the days which Jeroboam reigned were twenty two years. And then he rested with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.
And the days which Jeroboam reigned were twenty two years. And then he rested with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead. And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah and was forty one years old when he began to reign, and reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. His mother's name was Naamah an Ammonite.
And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah and was forty one years old when he began to reign, and reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. His mother's name was Naamah an Ammonite.
The rest of the acts of king Rehoboam and all he did, are written in the book of Acts of the kings of Judah. And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their lives. read more. And Rehoboam laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonite. And Abijam his son reigned in his room.
And Rehoboam laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonite. And Abijam his son reigned in his room.
The eighteenth year of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, king Abijam reigned over Judah, and ruled three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Maacah, the daughter of Abishalom. read more. And he walked in all the sins of his father which he did before him, and his heart was not whole with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father. Nevertheless, for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a light in Jerusalem; that he set up his son after him to continue Jerusalem,
And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam as long as he lived. And the rest of the deeds of Abijam and all that he did, are written in the book of the deeds that were done in the days of the kings of Judah. And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam. read more. And Abijam rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David. And Asa his son reigned in his stead. The twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa began to reign over Judah, and ruled in Jerusalem forty one years. And his mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. And Asa did that seemed right in the eyes of the LORD, like David his father. And he made the stews of males depart the land, and put away all the idols that his fathers had made. And thereto he put down Maacah his mother from bearing rule, because she had made an idol in a grove. And Asa destroyed her idol and burnt it by the brook Kidron. But he put not down the hill altars. Nevertheless, Asa's heart was whole with the LORD all his days. And he brought in that which his father had dedicated, and the things dedicated unto the house of the LORD; silver, gold, and jewels. And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, because that he would let none of Asa's people, king of Judah, go in or out. Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasure of the house of the LORD, and all the treasure of the king's house and delivered it unto his servants, and sent them to Benhadad the son of Tabrimmon the son of Hezion king of Syria that dwelt at Damascus, saying, "There is a bond between thee and me as was between thy father and mine. Therefore, I send thee both gold and silver for a gift, that thou go and break the covenant between thee and Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me." And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, Dan, Abel called Bethmaacah and all Chinnereth with all the land of Naphtali. And when Baasha heard that, he left building of Ramah and dwelt in Tirzah. Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah, that none should be excused. And they took the stones of Ramah and the timber wherewith Baasha had built, and king Asa built therewith Geba in Benjamin and Mizphah. And the remnant of all the deeds of Asa and of all his might and of all that he did, and the cities which he built, are written in the chronicles of the acts done in the days of the kings of Judah. Neverthelater, in his old age he was diseased in his feet. And Asa laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father. And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his room.
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in his sin wherewith he made Israel sin.
And it was the third year of Asa king of Judah, when Baasha slew him, and reigned in his stead.
The rest of the deeds of Nadab, and all he did, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
And he did that which displeased the LORD, for he walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin wherewith he made Israel sin.
"Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of dust and made thee captain over my people Israel, and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam and hast made my people Israel sin, to anger me with their sin: therefore I will make clean riddance of Baasha and of all his house, and will make his house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. read more. And he that dieth of Baasha in the city, him shall dogs eat: and him that dieth in the fields, shall the fowls of the air eat." The rest of the deeds of Baasha, and what he did and his power, are written in the book of the histories of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the deeds of Baasha, and what he did and his power, are written in the book of the histories of the kings of Israel. And Baasha fell on sleep with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah. And Elah his son reigned in his stead. read more. And thereto through the Prophet Jehu the son of Hanani, the word of the LORD came against Baasha and against his house, because of all the wickedness that he did in the sight of the LORD, in angering him with the works of his hands, that he should be like the house of Jeroboam, because he had killed Nabad. The twenty sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah the son of Baasha began to reign over Israel in Tirzah, and continued two years. And his servant Zimri captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah drinking of strong drink, in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. And Zimri came and smote him and killed him the twenty seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead. And as soon as he was king and sat his seat, he slew all the house of Baasha and left not a pisser against a wall. And thereto he slew all his kin and friends, and so Zimri destroyed all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD which he spake to Baasha through Jehu the Prophet; for all the sins of Baasha and sins of Elah his son, wherewith they sinned and made Israel sin, to anger the LORD of Israel with their vanities. The rest of the deeds of Elah and all he did, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the deeds of Elah and all he did, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel. The twenty seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah, the people besieging Gibbethon a city of the Philistines. read more. And when the people that lay in the siege, heard say how Zimri had conspired, and how he had slain the king also: then all Israel made Omri the captain of the men of war king the same day over Israel even in the host. And Omri departed from Gibbethon and all Israel with him, and besieged Tirzah. And when Zimri saw that the city must needs be taken, he went into the palace of the king's house, and set the king's house afire upon himself; and there died, for his sins which he sinned in doing wickedness in the sight of the LORD, and for walking in the way of Jeroboam and in his sins which he did and made Israel sin.
for his sins which he sinned in doing wickedness in the sight of the LORD, and for walking in the way of Jeroboam and in his sins which he did and made Israel sin. The rest of the Acts of Zimri and the treason that he wrought, are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the Acts of Zimri and the treason that he wrought, are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. Moreover, that same season was Israel divided in twain, for half the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and the other half followed Omri. read more. But the people that followed Omri prevailed against them that followed Tibni the son of Ginath. And so Tibni died and Omri reigned. The thirty first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel twelve years and he ruled six years in Tirzah. And he bought the hill of Samaria of one Shemer for two hundred talents of silver, and built in the hill, and called the name of the city which he had built Samaria after the name of Shemer, the lord of the hill. And this Omri wrought wickedness in the eyes of the LORD worse than all that were before him, and walked in all the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel sin, to anger the LORD God of Israel with their vanities.
and walked in all the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel sin, to anger the LORD God of Israel with their vanities. The rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his power that he used, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
The rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his power that he used, are written in the chronicles of the kings of Israel. And Omri laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria, and Ahab his son reigned in his stead. read more. The thirty eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and reigned in Samaria twenty two years. And he displeased the LORD above all that were before him.
And when Ahab went up to eat and to drink, Elijah went up to the top of mount Carmel; and bowed himself to the earth, and put his face between his knees,
And he arose and did eat and drink and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights, unto Horeb the mount of God,
And the Prophet went forth and waited for the king by the way and altered his face with ashes.
And he hasted and took the ashes away from his eyes: and the king of Israel knew him, that he was of the Prophets.
And the king of Israel went to his house wayward and heavy, and entered into Samaria.
Then went Ahab unto his house wayward and evil apaid, because of the words which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken unto him, saying, "I will not give to thee the inheritance of my fathers." And he laid him down upon his bed and turned away his face, and would eat no meat. And then Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, "Why art thou so froward, that thou eatest no meat?"
And Micaiah said, "Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go from chamber to chamber to hide thee."
The rest of the deeds of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and the cities that he built, are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father and bowed not therefrom. But did that was right in the eyes of the LORD. Only he did not put the hill altars out of the way: for the people offered and burnt their sacrifices yet in the hill altars.
And the remnant of the stews of the males, which remained in the days of his father, he put clean out of the land.
Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign upon Israel in Samaria, the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and was king over Israel two years,
And he served Baal and bowed himself to him and angered the LORD God of Israel, in all things, as did his father.
And then Elijah took his mantle and wrapped it together and smote the water, and it divided itself, part the one way and part the other, and they two went over on the dry land.
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, "Go and sell the oil and pay thy creditor. And live, thou and thy children, off the rest."
Then he said to Gehazi, "Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand and away. If any man meet thee, salute him not. And if any salute thee, answer him not again. And put my staff upon the boy."
And the king of Syria fought against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, "In such a place and in such a place will I pitch."
Then he said, "Go and spy where he is that I may send and fetch him." And one told the king, saying, "See, he is in Dothan."
And there arose great dearth in Samaria: for they had besieged it, until an ass's head was worth four score sicles of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of doves' dung worth five sicles.
And then Joash the son of Jehoahaz went again - and took out of the hand of Benhadad, son of Hazael, the cities which he had taken away out of the hands of Jehoahaz his father, with war. And three times did Joash beat him and brought the cities of Israel again.
And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and killed him, and reigned in his stead.
The rest of the acts of Pekah, and all he did, are written in the Stories of the Kings of Israel.
For the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God which brought them out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and feared other gods. And they walked in the ordinance of the heathen which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel, and in the things which the kings of Israel had made. read more. And the children of Israel wrapped themselves in things that were not well toward the LORD their God. And they built them Hill altars in all their cities, both in the towers where they kept watch and also in the strong towns.
And the children of Israel wrapped themselves in things that were not well toward the LORD their God. And they built them Hill altars in all their cities, both in the towers where they kept watch and also in the strong towns. And they made them images and groves on every high hill and under every green tree. read more. And there they sacrificed in the Hill altars, as did the heathen which the LORD carried away at their coming, and wrought wicked deeds, to anger the LORD withal. And they served Idols, whereof the LORD had said to them, "Ye shall not do so." And the LORD testified to Israel and to Judah, by all the prophets and by all the seers, saying, "Turn from your wicked ways and keep my commandments and mine ordinances according to all the laws which I commanded your fathers, and as I sent to you by my servants the prophets." Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the necks of their fathers that did not believe the LORD their God. And they refused his ordinances and his covenant that he had made with their fathers, and the witness which he had witnessed to them and followed vanity and became vain, like to the heathen that were round about them, of which the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. But they left the commandments of the LORD their God and made them Images of metal, even two calves: and made groves and bowed themselves unto all the Host of heaven, and served Baal. And they sacrificed their sons and their daughters in fire, and used witchcraft and enchantments, and were sold to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, for to anger him. Wherefore the LORD was exceeding wroth with Israel and put them out of his sight, that there was left but the tribe of Judah only. And thereto Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the ordinances of Israel which they had made. Therefore the LORD cast up all the seed of Israel and vexed them and delivered them into the hands of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. And Israel divided themselves from the house of David, and made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. Which Jeroboam thrust Israel away from the LORD and made them sin a great sin.
And Israel divided themselves from the house of David, and made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. Which Jeroboam thrust Israel away from the LORD and made them sin a great sin. And so the children of Israel walked in all the sin of Jeroboam which he had set up, and departed not therefrom, read more. until the LORD had put Israel away out of his sight, as he said by all his servants the prophets. And so he translated Israel out of their land to Assyria, even unto this day.
And they feared the LORD, yet they made them priests of the lowest of the people, for the Hill altars; which sacrificed for them in the houses of the Hill altars. And so they feared the LORD, and yet served their own gods after the manner of the people from whence they were brought. read more. Unto this day they do after the old manner: they neither fear the LORD, neither do after their own ordinances and customs, and after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob whose name he called Israel, and made a covenant with them and charged them, saying, "Fear not any other gods, nor bow yourselves to them nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them: But to the LORD which brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm: him fear and to him bow and to him do sacrifice. And the ordinances, customs, law and commandment which I wrote for you, see that ye be diligent to do for evermore, and fear not any other gods. And the covenant that I have made with you, see ye forget not, and that you fear none other gods: but the LORD your God ye shall fear, and he shall deliver you out of the hands of all your enemies." Howbeit, they heard not, but did after the old manner. And even so did these nations fear the LORD and serve their images thereto: and so did their children, and their children's children too. Even as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
And the said season Hezekiah rent off the doors of the temple of the LORD and the pillars, which the said Hezekiah king of Judah covered over, and gave them to the king of Assyria.
And the LORD spake by his servants the Prophets, saying, "Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done such abominations - and hath wrought wickedly above all that the Amorites which were before him did; and hath made Judah sin also with his Idols - read more. Therefore thus sayeth the LORD God of Israel: Behold, I will bring such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that the ears of all that hear it shall tingle at it. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the squaring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab. And I will wipe out Jerusalem, as a man would wipe a dish, and when he hath wiped it, turneth it upside down. And though I leave a remnant of mine inheritance, yet I will deliver them into the hands of them that hate them, and they shall be robbed and spoiled of all their enemies: even because they have done wickedly and have angered me, since the time their fathers came out of Egypt unto this day." And thereto Manasseh shed innocent blood exceeding abundantly, in so much that he replenished Jerusalem in all corners, beside his sin wherewith he made Judah sin and to do evil in the sight of the LORD.
He put down the horses that the kings of Israel had given to the son at the entering of the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain which was the ruler of the suburbs, and burnt the chariots of the sun with fire.
And the LORD sent upon him men of war out of Chaldea, out of Syria, out of the Moabites, and from the children of Ammon: and sent them into Judah to destroy it, according to the saying of the LORD which he spake by his servants the Prophets.
The rest of the deeds of Jehoiakim and all he did, are written in the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah.
But the king of Egypt came now no more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Euphrates, all that pertained to the king of Egypt.
Zedekiah was twenty one years old when he began to reign and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
Therefore, in the ninth year of his reign, the tenth day of the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon with all his power to Jerusalem: and pitched against the town and made engines against it on every side. And the city continued besieged until the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. read more. And the ninth day of the fourth month of that year, there was so great hunger in the city, that there was no sustenance for the people of the land.
And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and fettered him, and carried him to Babylon.
Nebuzaradan the chief Marshal carried away, and left of the poor of the land to dress the vines and to till the ground.
Nebuzaradan the chief Marshal carried away, and left of the poor of the land to dress the vines and to till the ground.
And the chief Marshal took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the highest priest save one, and three keepers of the door.
And the staves of the Ark, were so long, that they were seen a little before the quire, but not far without. And there it remaineth unto this day.
even the children of them, which were left after them in the land, and were not consumed of the children of Israel - them did Solomon make tributaries unto this day.
And the rest of the acts of king Solomon, both first and last, are written in the book of Nathan the Prophet and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite and in the visions of Iddo the seer of visions against Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed fasting throughout all Judah.
And Jehoshaphat and his people went to rob away the spoil of them and found among them abundance of goods and raiment and of pleasant Jewels, and caught from them more than they could carry away: so that they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
The rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, are written in the works of Jehu the son of Hanani, which noted them in the book of the kings of Israel.
And so Edom departed from under the hand of Judah unto this day. That same time also did Libnah depart from under his power, because he left the LORD God of his fathers.
And when they had made an end of the burnt offering, the king and all that were with him kneeled down and bowed themselves and gave praise and thanks.
The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and his goodness are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
And I shall thrust you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren the whole seed of Ephraim.
And say thou unto them, Thus sayeth the LORD God of Israel: Cursed be every one that is not obedient unto the words of this covenant which I commanded unto your fathers; what time as I brought them out of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Be obedient unto my voice, and do according to all that I commanded you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God, read more. and will keep my promise, that I have sworn unto your fathers: Namely, that I would give them a land which floweth with milk and honey, as ye see it is come to pass unto this day." Then answered I, and said, "Amen. It is even so, O LORD, as thou sayest."
I will scatter them about also in all kingdoms and lands to be plagued, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for the things that he did in Jerusalem.
Moreover, thus said the LORD unto Jeremiah, "Go thy way, and buy thee an earthen pitcher, and bring forth the Senators, and the chief priests
and say thus unto them: 'Hear the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and ye citizens of Jerusalem! Thus sayeth the LORD of Hosts the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring such a plague upon this place, that the ears of all that hear it, shall glow.
"And the pitcher shalt thou break, in the sight of the men, that shall be with thee, and say unto them,
These are the words that the LORD spake unto Jeremiah, what time as king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashhur the son of Malchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, priest, saying,
After that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had led away captive Jechoniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the mighty men also of Judah, with the workmasters, and cunning men of Jerusalem, unto Babylon. The LORD showed me a vision: Behold, there stood two mounds of figs before the Temple of the LORD. In the one mound were very good figs, even like as those that be first ripe. In the other mound were very naughty figs, which might not be eaten they were so evil.
Lo, I will send out, and call for all the people that dwell in the North, sayeth the LORD, and will prepare Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon my servant, and will bring them upon this land, and upon all that dwell therein, and upon all the people that are about them, and will utterly root them out. I will make of them a wilderness, a mockage, and a continual desert.
and all kings of the land of Uz, all the kings of the Philistine's land - Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron and the remnant of Ashdod - the Edomites, the Moabites, and the Ammonites;
But if they be true Prophets in very deed, and if the word of the LORD be committed unto them, then let them pray the LORD of Hosts that the remnant of the ornaments, which are in the house of the LORD, and remain yet in the house of the king of Judah and at Jerusalem, be not carried to Babylon also. For thus hath the LORD of Hosts spoken concerning the pillars, the laver, the seat and the residue of the ornaments that yet remain in this city, read more. which Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon took not, when he carried away Jechoniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the power of Judah and Jerusalem, from Jerusalem unto Babylon, captive.
and after two years will I bring again into this place all the ornaments of the LORD's house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon carried away from this place unto Babylon. Yea, I will bring again Jechoniah the son of Jehoiakim the king of Judah himself, with all the prisoners of Judah that are carried unto Babylon even into this place, sayeth the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon." read more. Then the prophet Jeremiah gave answer unto the prophet Hananiah, before the priests and before all the people that were present in the house of the LORD. And the prophet Jeremiah said, "Amen, the LORD do that, and grant the thing which thou hast prophesied: that he may bring again all the ornaments of the LORD's house, and restore all the prisoners from Babylon into this place.
Thus sayeth the LORD of Hosts the God of Israel: Because thou hast sealed letters under thy name unto all the people that is at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, yea and sent them to all the priests: wherein thou writest thus unto him: 'The LORD hath ordained thee to be priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, that thou shouldest be the chief in the house of the LORD above all prophets, and preachers, and that thou mightest put them in prison, or in the stocks. read more. How happeneth it then, that thou hast not reproved Jeremiah of Anathoth, which never leaveth of his prophesying? And beside all this, he hath sent us word unto Babylon, and told us plainly, that our captivity shall long endure: that we should build us houses to dwell therein, and to plant us gardens, that we might enjoy the fruit thereof.' Which letter Zephaniah the priest did read, and let Jeremiah the prophet hear it.
Thou showest mercy upon thousands, thou recompensest the wickedness of the fathers, into the bosom of the children that come after them. Thou art the great and mighty God, whose name is the LORD of Hosts: great in counsel, and infinite in thought. Thine eyes look upon all the ways of men's children, to reward every one after his way, and according to the fruits of his inventions. read more. Thou hast done great tokens and wonders in the land of Egypt, as we see this day upon the people of Israel and upon those men: to make thy name great as it is come to pass this day. Thou hast brought thy people of Israel out of the land of Egypt, with tokens, with wonders, with a mighty hand, with a stretched out arm and with great terribleness;
'When seven years are out, every man shall let his bought servant, a Hebrew go free, if he have served him six years.' But your fathers obeyed me not and hearkened not unto me.
"Thus sayeth the LORD God of Israel: This answer shall ye give to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me for counsel, 'Behold, Pharaoh's host which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into his own land: but the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, win it, and set fire upon it.
Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchiah, perceived the words, that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, namely on this manner: "Thus sayeth the LORD: Whoso remaineth in this city shall perish, either with the sword, with hunger or with pestilence: But whoso falleth unto the Chaldeans, shall escape, winning his soul for a prey, and shall live. read more. For thus sayeth the LORD: This city, no doubt, must be delivered into the power of the king of Babylon, and he also shall win it." Then said the princes unto the king, "Sir, we beseech you let this man be put to death; For thus he discourageth the hands of the soldiers that be in this city, and the hands of all the people, when he speaketh such words unto them. This man verily laboureth not for peace of the people, but mischief." Zedekiah the king answered and said, "Lo, he is in your hands, for the king may deny you nothing." Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that dwelt in the fore entry of the prison. And they let down Jeremiah with cords into a dungeon, where there was no water, but mire. So Jeremiah stuck fast in the mire. Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, being a chamberlain in the king's court, understood that they had cast Jeremiah in to the dungeon: he went out of the king's house, and spake to the king, which then sat under the port of Benjamin, these words: "My lord the king, whereas these men meddle with Jeremiah the prophet, they do him wrong: Namely, in that they have put him in prison, there to die of hunger for there is no more bread in the city."
Now when the city of Jerusalem was taken - for in the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth Month, came Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon and all his Host, and besieged Jerusalem, and in the eleventh year of Zedekiah in the fourth Month the ninth day of that Month, he brake in to the city - read more. Then all the princes of the king of Babylon, came in, and sat them down under the port: Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim the Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer the Rabmag, with all the other princes of the king of Babylon. And when Zedekiah the king of Judah with his soldiers saw them, they fled, and departed out of the city by night through the king's garden, and through the port that is between the two walls, and so they went toward the wilderness. But the Chaldeans' Host followed fast after them, and took Zedekiah in the field of Jericho, and brought him prisoner to Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon unto Riblah, that lieth in the land of Hamath where he gave judgment upon him. So the king of Babylon caused the children of Zedekiah and all the nobles of Judah be slain before his face at Riblah. And made Zedekiah's eyes to be put out, and bound him with chains, and sent him to Babylon.
And made Zedekiah's eyes to be put out, and bound him with chains, and sent him to Babylon.
But Nebuzaradan the chief captain let the rascal people, and those that had nothing, dwell still in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and corn fields at the same time. Nebuchadnezzar also the king of Babylon gave Nebuzaradan the chief captain a charge, concerning Jeremiah, saying, read more. "Take and cherish him, and make much of him: see thou do him no harm, but entreat him after his own desire." So Nebuzaradan the chief captain, Nabushazban the chief chamberlain, Nergalsharezer the treasurer and all the king of Babylon's lords, sent for Jeremiah, and caused him be let out of the fore entry of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan: that he should carry him home, and so he dwelt among the people.
For doubtless I will save thee, so that thou shalt not perish with the sword: but thy life shall be saved, and that because thou hast put thy trust in me, sayeth the LORD.'"
This is the manner how the LORD intreated Jeremiah, when Nebuzaradan the chief Captain had let him go free from Ramah, whither he had led him bound among all the prisoners, that were carried from Jerusalem and Judah unto Babylon. The chief Captain called for Jeremiah, and said unto him, "The LORD thy God spake mightily before of the misery upon this place: read more. Now the LORD hath sent it, and performed it as he had promised. For ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not been obedient to his voice, therefore cometh this plague upon you. Behold, I loose the binds from thy hands this day: if thou wilt now go with me unto Babylon, up then. For I will see to thee, and provide for thee: But if thou wilt not go with me to Babylon, then remain here. Behold, all the land is at thy will, look where thou thinkest convenient and good for thee to abide, there dwell. If thou canst not be content to dwell alone, then remain with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan: whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people, or remain wheresoever it pleaseth thee." So the chief Captain of the guard gave him his expenses with a reward, and let him go.
Here follow the words of the LORD to the prophet Jeremiah which he spake unto the Gentiles. These words following preached he to the Egyptians concerning the Host of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, when he was in Carchemish beside the water of Euphrates: what time as Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon slew him; In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah. read more. "Ye make ready buckler and shield, ye go forth to fight. Ye harness your horses, and set yourselves upon them. Ye set your helmets fast on, ye bring forth your spears. Ye scour your swords, and put on your breastplates. But alas, how happeneth it, that I see you so afraid? Why shrink ye back? Wherefore are your worthies slain? Yea, they run so fast away, that none of them looketh behind him. Fearfulness is fallen upon every one of them, sayeth the LORD. The lightest of foot shall not flee away, and the worthies shall not escape. Toward the north by the water of Euphrates, they shall stumble and fall. But what is he, this that swelleth up as it were a flood, roaring and raging like the streams of water? It is Egypt that riseth up like a flood, and casteth out the waters with so great noise. For they say, 'We will go up, and will cover the earth; we will destroy the cities, with them that dwell therein.' Get you to horseback, roll forth the Chariots, come forth ye worthies: ye Ethiopians, ye Libyans with your bucklers, ye Libyans with your bows: So shall this day be unto the LORD God of Hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his enemies. The sword shall devour, it shall be satisfied and bathed in their blood: For the LORD God of Hosts shall have a slain offering toward the North, by the water of Euphrates. Go up, O Gilead, and bring treacle unto the daughter of Egypt: But in vain shalt thou go to surgery, for thy wound shalt not be stopped. The Heathen shall hear of thy shame, and the land shall be full of thy confusion: for one strong man shall stumble upon another. How then should they not fall both together?"
But I will make Esau bare, and discover his secrets, so that he shall not be able to hide them. His seed shall be wasted away; yea his brethren and his neighbours, and he himself shall not be left behind.
But the poor people of the country did Nebuzaradan the chief Captain leave in the land, to occupy the vineyards and fields.
And yet for all that, I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his royalty, was not arrayed like unto one of these.
The queen of the south shall rise at the day of judgment with this generation, and shall condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the world, to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
But I tell you of a truth, Many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when heaven was shut three years and six months, when great famishment was throughout all the land; And unto none of them was Elijah sent, save into Zarephath besides Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. read more. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and yet none of them was healed, saving Naaman of Syria."
Bear no wallet, neither scrip, nor shoes, and salute no man by the way.
God hath not cast away his people which he knew before. Either know ye not what the scripture saith by the mouth of Elijah, how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, "Lord they have killed thy prophets and digged down thine altars: and I am left only, and they seek my life." read more. But what saith the answer of God to him again? "I have reserved unto me seven thousand men which have not bowed their knees to Baal."
And the women received their dead raised to life again. Others were racked, and would not be delivered, that they might receive a better resurrection.
Elijah was a man, mortal even as we are, and he prayed in his prayer, that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, that thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which called herself a prophetess to teach and to deceive my servants, to make them commit fornication, and to eat meats offered up unto idols.
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophesying: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all manner plagues, as often as they will.