1 Chronicles 11

David Becomes King of All Israel

1Then all Israel gathered before David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. 2In the past,*11:2 Or For some time. even when Saul was king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord your God told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be the leader of my people Israel.’”

3So there at Hebron, David made a covenant before the Lord with all the elders of Israel. And they anointed him king of Israel, just as the Lord had promised through Samuel.

David Captures Jerusalem

4Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (or Jebus, as it used to be called), where the Jebusites, the original inhabitants of the land, were living. 5The people of Jebus taunted David, saying, “You’ll never get in here!” But David captured the fortress of Zion, which is now called the City of David.

6David had said to his troops, “Whoever is first to attack the Jebusites will become the commander of my armies!” And Joab, the son of David’s sister Zeruiah, was first to attack, so he became the commander of David’s armies.

7David made the fortress his home, and that is why it is called the City of David. 8He extended the city from the supporting terraces*11:8 Hebrew the millo. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. to the surrounding area, while Joab rebuilt the rest of Jerusalem. 9And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was with him.

David’s Mightiest Warriors

10These are the leaders of David’s mighty warriors. Together with all Israel, they decided to make David their king, just as the Lord had promised concerning Israel.

11Here is the record of David’s mightiest warriors: The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three—the mightiest warriors among David’s men.*11:11 As in some Greek manuscripts (see also 2 Sam 23:8); Hebrew reads leader of the Thirty, or leader of the captains. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle.

12Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai,*11:12 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:9 (see also 1 Chr 27:4); Hebrew reads Dodo, a variant spelling of Dodai. a descendant of Ahoah. 13He was with David when the Philistines gathered for battle at Pas-dammim and attacked the Israelites in a field full of barley. The Israelite army fled, 14but Eleazar and David*11:14 Hebrew they. held their ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord saved them by giving them a great victory.

15Once when David was at the rock near the cave of Adullam, the Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. The Three (who were among the Thirty—an elite group among David’s fighting men) went down to meet him there. 16David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem.

17David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” 18So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. 19“God forbid that I should drink this!” he exclaimed. “This water is as precious as the blood of these men*11:19 Hebrew Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? who risked their lives to bring it to me.” So David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three.

David’s Thirty Mighty Men

20Abishai, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty.*11:20 As in Syriac version; Hebrew reads the Three; also in 11:21. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three. 21Abishai was the most famous of the Thirty and was their commander, though he was not one of the Three.

22There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions*11:22 Or two sons of Ariel. of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. 23Once, armed only with a club, he killed an Egyptian warrior who was 7¹/2 feet*11:23 Hebrew 5 cubits [2.3 meters]. tall and who was armed with a spear as thick as a weaver’s beam. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it. 24Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the three mightiest warriors. 25He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.

26David’s mighty warriors also included:

Asahel, Joab’s brother;

Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem;

27Shammah from Harod;*11:27 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:25; Hebrew reads Shammoth from Haror.

Helez from Pelon;

28Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa;

Abiezer from Anathoth;

29Sibbecai from Hushah;

Zalmon*11:29 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:28; Hebrew reads Ilai. from Ahoah;

30Maharai from Netophah;

Heled son of Baanah from Netophah;

31Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah (in the land of Benjamin);

Benaiah from Pirathon;

32Hurai from near Nahale-gaash*11:32a Or from the ravines of Gaash.;

Abi-albon*11:32b As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:31; Hebrew reads Abiel. from Arabah;

33Azmaveth from Bahurim*11:33 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:31; Hebrew reads Baharum.;

Eliahba from Shaalbon;

34the sons of Jashen*11:34 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:32; Hebrew reads sons of Hashem. from Gizon;

Jonathan son of Shagee from Harar;

35Ahiam son of Sharar*11:35 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:33; Hebrew reads son of Sacar. from Harar;

Eliphal son of Ur;

36Hepher from Mekerah;

Ahijah from Pelon;

37Hezro from Carmel;

Paarai*11:37 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 23:35; Hebrew reads Naarai. son of Ezbai;

38Joel, the brother of Nathan;

Mibhar son of Hagri;

39Zelek from Ammon;

Naharai from Beeroth, the armor bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah;

40Ira from Jattir;

Gareb from Jattir;

41Uriah the Hittite;

Zabad son of Ahlai;

42Adina son of Shiza, the Reubenite leader who had thirty men with him;

43Hanan son of Maacah;

Joshaphat from Mithna;

44Uzzia from Ashtaroth;

Shama and Jeiel, the sons of Hotham, from Aroer;

45Jediael son of Shimri;

Joha, his brother, from Tiz;

46Eliel from Mahavah;

Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam;

Ithmah from Moab;

47Eliel and Obed;

Jaasiel from Zobah.*11:47 Or the Mezobaite.

1 Chronicles 12

Warriors Join David’s Army

1The following men joined David at Ziklag while he was hiding from Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who fought beside David in battle. 2All of them were expert archers, and they could shoot arrows or sling stones with their left hand as well as their right. They were all relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. 3Their leader was Ahiezer son of Shemaah from Gibeah; his brother Joash was second-in-command. These were the other warriors:

Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth;

Beracah;

Jehu from Anathoth;

4Ishmaiah from Gibeon, a famous warrior and leader among the Thirty;

*12:4 Verses 12:4b-40 are numbered 12:5-41 in Hebrew text.Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad from Gederah;

5Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah from Haruph;

6Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites;

7Joelah and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham from Gedor.

8Some brave and experienced warriors from the tribe of Gad also defected to David while he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were expert with both shield and spear, as fierce as lions and as swift as deer on the mountains.

9Ezer was their leader.

Obadiah was second.

Eliab was third.

10Mishmannah was fourth.

Jeremiah was fifth.

11Attai was sixth.

Eliel was seventh.

12Johanan was eighth.

Elzabad was ninth.

13Jeremiah was tenth.

Macbannai was eleventh.

14These warriors from Gad were army commanders. The weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand! 15These were the men who crossed the Jordan River during its seasonal flooding at the beginning of the year and drove out all the people living in the lowlands on both the east and west banks.

16Others from Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold. 17David went out to meet them and said, “If you have come in peace to help me, we are friends. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when I am innocent, then may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you.”

18Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the Thirty, and he said,

“We are yours, David!

We are on your side, son of Jesse.

Peace and prosperity be with you,

and success to all who help you,

for your God is the one who helps you.”

So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops.

19Some men from Manasseh defected from the Israelite army and joined David when he set out with the Philistines to fight against Saul. But as it turned out, the Philistine rulers refused to let David and his men go with them. After much discussion, they sent them back, for they said, “It will cost us our heads if David switches loyalties to Saul and turns against us.”

20Here is a list of the men from Manasseh who defected to David as he was returning to Ziklag: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai. Each commanded 1,000 troops from the tribe of Manasseh. 21They helped David chase down bands of raiders, for they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army. 22Day after day more men joined David until he had a great army, like the army of God.

23These are the numbers of armed warriors who joined David at Hebron. They were all eager to see David become king instead of Saul, just as the Lord had promised.

24From the tribe of Judah, there were 6,800 warriors armed with shields and spears.

25From the tribe of Simeon, there were 7,100 brave warriors.

26From the tribe of Levi, there were 4,600 warriors. 27This included Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, who had 3,700 under his command. 28This also included Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 members of his family who were all officers.

29From the tribe of Benjamin, Saul’s relatives, there were 3,000 warriors. Most of the men from Benjamin had remained loyal to Saul until this time.

30From the tribe of Ephraim, there were 20,800 brave warriors, each highly respected in his own clan.

31From the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan, 18,000 men were designated by name to help David become king.

32From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

33From the tribe of Zebulun, there were 50,000 skilled warriors. They were fully armed and prepared for battle and completely loyal to David.

34From the tribe of Naphtali, there were 1,000 officers and 37,000 warriors armed with shields and spears.

35From the tribe of Dan, there were 28,600 warriors, all prepared for battle.

36From the tribe of Asher, there were 40,000 trained warriors, all prepared for battle.

37From the east side of the Jordan River—where the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh lived—there were 120,000 troops armed with every kind of weapon.

38All these men came in battle array to Hebron with the single purpose of making David the king over all Israel. In fact, everyone in Israel agreed that David should be their king. 39They feasted and drank with David for three days, for preparations had been made by their relatives for their arrival. 40And people from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. Vast supplies of flour, fig cakes, clusters of raisins, wine, olive oil, cattle, sheep, and goats were brought to the celebration. There was great joy throughout the land of Israel.

1 Chronicles 13

David Attempts to Move the Ark

1David consulted with all his officials, including the generals and captains of his army.*13:1 Hebrew the commanders of thousands and of hundreds. 2Then he addressed the entire assembly of Israel as follows: “If you approve and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send messages to all the Israelites throughout the land, including the priests and Levites in their towns and pasturelands. Let us invite them to come and join us. 3It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul.”

4The whole assembly agreed to this, for the people could see it was the right thing to do. 5So David summoned all Israel, from the Shihor Brook of Egypt in the south all the way to the town of Lebo-hamath in the north, to join in bringing the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6Then David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (also called Kiriath-jearim) to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name*13:6 Or the Ark of God, where the Name is proclaimed—the name. of the Lord who is enthroned between the cherubim. 7They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house. Uzzah and Ahio were guiding the cart. 8David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

9But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon,*13:9 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 6:6; Hebrew reads Kidon. the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. 10Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God.

11David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today.

12David was now afraid of God, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of God back into my care?” 13So David did not move the Ark into the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 14The Ark of God remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and everything he owned.

1 Chronicles 14

David’s Palace and Family

1Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar timber, and stonemasons and carpenters to build him a palace. 2And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had greatly blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

3Then David married more wives in Jerusalem, and they had more sons and daughters. 4These are the names of David’s sons who were born in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7Elishama, Eliada,*14:7 Hebrew Beeliada, a variant spelling of Eliada; compare 3:8 and parallel text at 2 Sam 5:16. and Eliphelet.

David Conquers the Philistines

8When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he marched out to meet them. 9The Philistines arrived and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. 10So David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”

The Lord replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.”

11So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “God did it!” David exclaimed. “He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). 12The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, so David gave orders to burn them.

13But after a while the Philistines returned and raided the valley again. 14And once again David asked God what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” God replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar*14:14 Or aspen, or balsam; also in 14:15. The exact identification of this tree is uncertain. trees. 15When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” 16So David did what God commanded, and they struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

17So David’s fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all the nations to fear David.

1 Chronicles 15

Preparing to Move the Ark

1David now built several buildings for himself in the City of David. He also prepared a place for the Ark of God and set up a special tent for it. 2Then he commanded, “No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever.”

3Then David summoned all Israel to Jerusalem to bring the Ark of the Lord to the place he had prepared for it. 4This is the number of the descendants of Aaron (the priests) and the Levites who were called together:

5From the clan of Kohath, 120, with Uriel as their leader.

6From the clan of Merari, 220, with Asaiah as their leader.

7From the clan of Gershon,*15:7 Hebrew Gershom, a variant spelling of Gershon. 130, with Joel as their leader.

8From the descendants of Elizaphan, 200, with Shemaiah as their leader.

9From the descendants of Hebron, 80, with Eliel as their leader.

10From the descendants of Uzziel, 112, with Amminadab as their leader.

11Then David summoned the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, and these Levite leaders: Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 12He said to them, “You are the leaders of the Levite families. You must purify yourselves and all your fellow Levites, so you can bring the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 13Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly.” 14So the priests and the Levites purified themselves in order to bring the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to Jerusalem. 15Then the Levites carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with its carrying poles, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.

16David also ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals. 17So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel along with his fellow Levites: Asaph son of Berekiah, and Ethan son of Kushaiah from the clan of Merari. 18The following men were chosen as their assistants: Zechariah, Jaaziel,*15:18 As in several Hebrew manuscripts and Greek version (see also parallel lists in 15:20; 16:5); Masoretic Text reads Zechariah ben Jaaziel. Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers—Obed-edom and Jeiel.

19The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were chosen to sound the bronze cymbals. 20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were chosen to play the harps.*15:20 Hebrew adds according to Alamoth, which is probably a musical term. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. 21Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were chosen to play the lyres.*15:21 Hebrew adds according to the Sheminith, which is probably a musical term. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. 22Kenaniah, the head Levite, was chosen as the choir leader because of his skill.

23Berekiah and Elkanah were chosen to guard*15:23 Hebrew chosen as gatekeepers for; also in 15:24. the Ark. 24Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—all of whom were priests—were chosen to blow the trumpets as they marched in front of the Ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were chosen to guard the Ark.

Moving the Ark to Jerusalem

25Then David and the elders of Israel and the generals of the army*15:25 Hebrew the commanders of thousands. went to the house of Obed-edom to bring the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant up to Jerusalem with a great celebration. 26And because God was clearly helping the Levites as they carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

27David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who carried the Ark, and also the singers, and Kenaniah the choir leader. David was also wearing a priestly garment.*15:27 Hebrew a linen ephod. 28So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant with shouts of joy, the blowing of rams’ horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres.

29But as the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him.

1 Chronicles 16

1They brought the Ark of God and placed it inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. 2When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 3Then he gave to every man and woman in all Israel a loaf of bread, a cake of dates,*16:3 Or a portion of meat. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. and a cake of raisins.

4David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the Lord—to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel. 5Asaph, the leader of this group, sounded the cymbals. Second to him was Zechariah, followed by Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They played the harps and lyres. 6The priests, Benaiah and Jahaziel, played the trumpets regularly before the Ark of God’s Covenant.

David’s Song of Praise

7On that day David gave to Asaph and his fellow Levites this song of thanksgiving to the Lord:

8Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.

Let the whole world know what he has done.

9Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.

Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

10Exult in his holy name;

rejoice, you who worship the Lord.

11Search for the Lord and for his strength;

continually seek him.

12Remember the wonders he has performed,

his miracles, and the rulings he has given,

13you children of his servant Israel,

you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14He is the Lord our God.

His justice is seen throughout the land.

15Remember his covenant forever—

the commitment he made to a thousand generations.

16This is the covenant he made with Abraham

and the oath he swore to Isaac.

17He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,

and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:

18“I will give you the land of Canaan

as your special possession.”

19He said this when you were few in number,

a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.

20They wandered from nation to nation,

from one kingdom to another.

21Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.

He warned kings on their behalf:

22“Do not touch my chosen people,

and do not hurt my prophets.”

23Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!

Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.

24Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.

Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

25Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!

He is to be feared above all gods.

26The gods of other nations are mere idols,

but the Lord made the heavens!

27Honor and majesty surround him;

strength and joy fill his dwelling.

28O nations of the world, recognize the Lord,

recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.

29Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!

Bring your offering and come into his presence.

Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.

30Let all the earth tremble before him.

The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

31Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!

Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

32Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!

33Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord,

for he is coming to judge the earth.

34Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

35Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation!

Gather and rescue us from among the nations,

so we can thank your holy name

and rejoice and praise you.”

36Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,

who lives from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people shouted “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

Worship at Jerusalem and Gibeon

37David arranged for Asaph and his fellow Levites to serve regularly before the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, doing whatever needed to be done each day. 38This group included Obed-edom (son of Jeduthun), Hosah, and sixty-eight other Levites as gatekeepers.

39Meanwhile, David stationed Zadok the priest and his fellow priests at the Tabernacle of the Lord at the place of worship in Gibeon, where they continued to minister before the Lord. 40They sacrificed the regular burnt offerings to the Lord each morning and evening on the altar set aside for that purpose, obeying everything written in the Law of the Lord, as he had commanded Israel. 41David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the Lord, for “his faithful love endures forever.” 42They used their trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments to accompany their songs of praise to God.*16:42 Or to accompany the sacred music; or to accompany singing to God. And the sons of Jeduthun were appointed as gatekeepers.

43Then all the people returned to their homes, and David turned and went home to bless his own family.

1 Chronicles 17

The Lord’s Covenant Promise to David

1When David was settled in his palace, he summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace,*17:1 Hebrew a house of cedar. but the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant is out there under a tent!”

2Nathan replied to David, “Do whatever you have in mind, for God is with you.”

3But that same night God said to Nathan,

4“Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: You are not the one to build a house for me to live in. 5I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. My home has always been a tent, moving from one place to another in a Tabernacle. 6Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s leaders, the shepherds of my people. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?”’

7“Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. 8I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! 9And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, 10starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will defeat all your enemies.

“‘Furthermore, I declare that the Lord will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 11For when you die and join your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, one of your sons, and I will make his kingdom strong. 12He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for me. And I will secure his throne forever. 13I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my favor from him as I took it from the one who ruled before you. 14I will confirm him as king over my house and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.’”

15So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.

David’s Prayer of Thanks

16Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed,

“Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 17And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great,*17:17 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. O Lord God!

18“What more can I say to you about the way you have honored me? You know what your servant is really like. 19For the sake of your servant, O Lord, and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known.

20“O Lord, there is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 21What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people? You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations that stood in their way. 22You chose Israel to be your very own people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God.

23“And now, O Lord, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. May it be a promise that will last forever. 24And may your name be established and honored forever so that everyone will say, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, is Israel’s God!’ And may the house of your servant David continue before you forever.

25“O my God, I have been bold enough to pray to you because you have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him—a dynasty of kings! 26For you are God, O Lord. And you have promised these good things to your servant. 27And now, it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, so that it will continue forever before you. For when you grant a blessing, O Lord, it is an eternal blessing!”

1 Chronicles 18

David’s Military Victories

1After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath and its surrounding towns. 2David also conquered the land of Moab, and the Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.

3David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, as far as Hamath,*18:3 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. 4David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.

5When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. 6Then he placed several army garrisons*18:6 As in Greek version and Latin Vulgate (see also 2 Sam 8:6); Hebrew lacks several army garrisons. in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.

7David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, 8along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah*18:8 Hebrew reads Tibhath, a variant spelling of Tebah; compare parallel text at 2 Sam 8:8. and Cun. Later Solomon melted the bronze and molded it into the great bronze basin called the Sea, the pillars, and the various bronze articles used at the Temple.

9When King Toi*18:9 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 8:9; Hebrew reads Tou; also in 18:10. of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of King Hadadezer of Zobah, 10he sent his son Joram*18:10 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 8:10; Hebrew reads Hadoram, a variant spelling of Joram. to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of gold, silver, and bronze.

11King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had taken from the other nations—from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek.

12Abishai son of Zeruiah destroyed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13He placed army garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.

14So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. 15Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. 16Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech*18:16a As in some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac version, and Latin Vulgate (see also 2 Sam 8:17); most Hebrew manuscripts read Abimelech. son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiah*18:16b As in parallel text at 2 Sam 8:17; Hebrew reads Shavsha. was the court secretary. 17Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard.*18:17 Hebrew of the Kerethites and Pelethites. And David’s sons served as the king’s chief assistants.

1 Chronicles 19

David Defeats the Ammonites

1Some time after this, King Nahash of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun*19:1 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 10:1; Hebrew lacks Hanun. became king. 2David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun because his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent messengers to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death.

But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon, 3the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the land so they can come in and conquer it!” 4So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved them, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.

5When David heard what had happened to the men, he sent messengers to tell them, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.

6When the people of Ammon realized how seriously they had angered David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent 75,000 pounds*19:6 Hebrew 1,000 talents [34,000 kilograms]. of silver to hire chariots and charioteers from Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. 7They also hired 32,000 chariots and secured the support of the king of Maacah and his army. These forces camped at Medeba, where they were joined by the Ammonite troops that Hanun had recruited from his own towns. 8When David heard about this, he sent Joab and all his warriors to fight them. 9The Ammonite troops came out and drew up their battle lines at the entrance of the city, while the other kings positioned themselves to fight in the open fields.

10When Joab saw that he would have to fight on both the front and the rear, he chose some of Israel’s elite troops and placed them under his personal command to fight the Arameans in the fields. 11He left the rest of the army under the command of his brother Abishai, who was to attack the Ammonites. 12“If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will help you. 13Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.”

14When Joab and his troops attacked, the Arameans began to run away. 15And when the Ammonites saw the Arameans running, they also ran from Abishai and retreated into the city. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem.

16The Arameans now realized that they were no match for Israel, so they sent messengers and summoned additional Aramean troops from the other side of the Euphrates River.*19:16a Hebrew the river. These troops were under the command of Shobach,*19:16b As in parallel text at 2 Sam 10:16; Hebrew reads Shophach; also in 19:18. the commander of Hadadezer’s forces.

17When David heard what was happening, he mobilized all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, and positioned his troops in battle formation. Then David engaged the Arameans in battle, and they fought against him. 18But again the Arameans fled from the Israelites. This time David’s forces killed 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army. 19When Hadadezer’s allies saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to David and became his subjects. After that, the Arameans were no longer willing to help the Ammonites.

1 Chronicles 20

David Captures Rabbah

1In the spring of the year,*20:1 Hebrew At the turn of the year. The first day of the year in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in March or April. when kings normally go out to war, Joab led the Israelite army in successful attacks against the land of the Ammonites. In the process he laid siege to the city of Rabbah, attacking and destroying it. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

2Then David went to Rabbah and removed the crown from the king’s head,*20:2a Or from the head of Milcom (as in Greek version and Latin Vulgate). Milcom, also called Molech, was the god of the Ammonites. and it was placed on his own head. The crown was made of gold and set with gems, and he found that it weighed seventy-five pounds.*20:2b Hebrew 1 talent [34 kilograms]. David took a vast amount of plunder from the city. 3He also made slaves of the people of Rabbah and forced them to labor with saws, iron picks, and iron axes.*20:3 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 12:31; Hebrew reads and cut them with saws, iron picks, and saws. That is how David dealt with the people of all the Ammonite towns. Then David and all the army returned to Jerusalem.

Battles against Philistine Giants

4After this, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. As they fought, Sibbecai from Hushah killed Saph,*20:4a As in parallel text at 2 Sam 21:18; Hebrew reads Sippai. a descendant of the giants,*20:4b Hebrew descendant of the Rephaites; also in 20:6, 8. and so the Philistines were subdued.

5During another battle with the Philistines, Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath of Gath. The handle of Lahmi’s spear was as thick as a weaver’s beam!

6In another battle with the Philistines at Gath, they encountered a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in all, who was also a descendant of the giants. 7But when he defied and taunted Israel, he was killed by Jonathan, the son of David’s brother Shimea.

8These Philistines were descendants of the giants of Gath, but David and his warriors killed them.

1 Chronicles 21

David Takes a Census

1Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. 2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.”

3But Joab replied, “May the Lord increase the number of his people a hundred times over! But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?”

4But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem 5and reported the number of people to David. There were 1,100,000 warriors in all Israel who could handle a sword, and 470,000 in Judah. 6But Joab did not include the tribes of Levi and Benjamin in the census because he was so distressed at what the king had made him do.

Judgment for David’s Sin

7God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it. 8Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”

9Then the Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer. This was the message: 10“Go and say to David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.’”

11So Gad came to David and said, “These are the choices the Lord has given you. 12You may choose three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of your enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of the Lord brings devastation throughout the land of Israel. Decide what answer I should give the Lord who sent me.”

13“I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”

14So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and 70,000 people died as a result. 15And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, the Lord relented and said to the death angel, “Stop! That is enough!” At that moment the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah*21:15 As in parallel text at 2 Sam 24:16; Hebrew reads Ornan, another name for Araunah; also in 21:18-28. the Jebusite.

16David looked up and saw the angel of the Lord standing between heaven and earth with his sword drawn, reaching out over Jerusalem. So David and the leaders of Israel put on burlap to show their deep distress and fell face down on the ground. 17And David said to God, “I am the one who called for the census! I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep—what have they done? O Lord my God, let your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy your people.”

David Builds an Altar

18Then the angel of the Lord told Gad to instruct David to go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 19So David went up to do what the Lord had commanded him through Gad. 20Araunah, who was busy threshing wheat at the time, turned and saw the angel there. His four sons, who were with him, ran away and hid. 21When Araunah saw David approaching, he left his threshing floor and bowed before David with his face to the ground.

22David said to Araunah, “Let me buy this threshing floor from you at its full price. Then I will build an altar to the Lord there, so that he will stop the plague.”

23“Take it, my lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, and the threshing boards for wood to build a fire on the altar, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give it all to you.”

24But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it for the full price. I will not take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!” 25So David gave Araunah 600 pieces of gold*21:25 Hebrew 600 shekels of gold, about 15 pounds or 6.8 kilograms in weight. in payment for the threshing floor.

26David built an altar there to the Lord and sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. And when David prayed, the Lord answered him by sending fire from heaven to burn up the offering on the altar. 27Then the Lord spoke to the angel, who put the sword back into its sheath.

28When David saw that the Lord had answered his prayer, he offered sacrifices there at Araunah’s threshing floor. 29At that time the Tabernacle of the Lord and the altar of burnt offering that Moses had made in the wilderness were located at the place of worship in Gibeon. 30But David was not able to go there to inquire of God, because he was terrified by the drawn sword of the angel of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 22

1Then David said, “This will be the location for the Temple of the Lord God and the place of the altar for Israel’s burnt offerings!”

Preparations for the Temple

2So David gave orders to call together the foreigners living in Israel, and he assigned them the task of preparing finished stone for building the Temple of God. 3David provided large amounts of iron for the nails that would be needed for the doors in the gates and for the clamps, and he gave more bronze than could be weighed. 4He also provided innumerable cedar logs, for the men of Tyre and Sidon had brought vast amounts of cedar to David.

5David said, “My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced. And since the Temple to be built for the Lord must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world, I will begin making preparations for it now.” So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death.

6Then David sent for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel. 7“My son, I wanted to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord my God,” David told him. 8“But the Lord said to me, ‘You have killed many men in the battles you have fought. And since you have shed so much blood in my sight, you will not be the one to build a Temple to honor my name. 9But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon,*22:9 Solomon sounds like and is probably derived from the Hebrew word for “peace.” and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. 10He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

11“Now, my son, may the Lord be with you and give you success as you follow his directions in building the Temple of the Lord your God. 12And may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the Lord your God as you rule over Israel. 13For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!

14“I have worked hard to provide materials for building the Temple of the Lord—nearly 4,000 tons of gold, 40,000 tons of silver,*22:14 Hebrew 100,000 talents [3,400 metric tons] of gold, 1,000,000 talents [34,000 metric tons] of silver. and so much iron and bronze that it cannot be weighed. I have also gathered timber and stone for the walls, though you may need to add more. 15You have a large number of skilled stonemasons and carpenters and craftsmen of every kind. 16You have expert goldsmiths and silversmiths and workers of bronze and iron. Now begin the work, and may the Lord be with you!”

17Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon in this project. 18“The Lord your God is with you,” he declared. “He has given you peace with the surrounding nations. He has handed them over to me, and they are now subject to the Lord and his people. 19Now seek the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. Build the sanctuary of the Lord God so that you can bring the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor the Lord’s name.”

1 Chronicles 23

Duties of the Levites

1When David was an old man, he appointed his son Solomon to be king over Israel. 2David summoned all the leaders of Israel, together with the priests and Levites. 3All the Levites who were thirty years old or older were counted, and the total came to 38,000. 4Then David said, “From all the Levites, 24,000 will supervise the work at the Temple of the Lord. Another 6,000 will serve as officials and judges. 5Another 4,000 will work as gatekeepers, and 4,000 will praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have made.” 6Then David divided the Levites into divisions named after the clans descended from the three sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

The Gershonites

7The Gershonite family units were defined by their lines of descent from Libni*23:7 Hebrew Ladan (also in 23:8, 9), a variant spelling of Libni; compare 6:17. and Shimei, the sons of Gershon. 8Three of the descendants of Libni were Jehiel (the family leader), Zetham, and Joel. 9These were the leaders of the family of Libni.

Three of the descendants of Shimei were Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran. 10Four other descendants of Shimei were Jahath, Ziza,*23:10 As in Greek version and Latin Vulgate (see also 23:11); Hebrew reads Zina. Jeush, and Beriah. 11Jahath was the family leader, and Ziza was next. Jeush and Beriah were counted as a single family because neither had many sons.

The Kohathites

12Four of the descendants of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

13The sons of Amram were Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart to dedicate the most holy things, to offer sacrifices in the Lord’s presence, to serve the Lord, and to pronounce blessings in his name forever.

14As for Moses, the man of God, his sons were included with the tribe of Levi. 15The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer. 16The descendants of Gershom included Shebuel, the family leader. 17Eliezer had only one son, Rehabiah, the family leader. Rehabiah had numerous descendants.

18The descendants of Izhar included Shelomith, the family leader.

19The descendants of Hebron included Jeriah (the family leader), Amariah (the second), Jahaziel (the third), and Jekameam (the fourth).

20The descendants of Uzziel included Micah (the family leader) and Isshiah (the second).

The Merarites

21The descendants of Merari included Mahli and Mushi.

The sons of Mahli were Eleazar and Kish. 22Eleazar died with no sons, only daughters. His daughters married their cousins, the sons of Kish.

23Three of the descendants of Mushi were Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.

24These were the descendants of Levi by clans, the leaders of their family groups, registered carefully by name. Each had to be twenty years old or older to qualify for service in the house of the Lord. 25For David said, “The Lord, the God of Israel, has given us peace, and he will always live in Jerusalem. 26Now the Levites will no longer need to carry the Tabernacle and its furnishings from place to place.” 27In accordance with David’s final instructions, all the Levites twenty years old or older were registered for service.

28The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, as they served at the house of the Lord. They also took care of the courtyards and side rooms, helped perform the ceremonies of purification, and served in many other ways in the house of God. 29They were in charge of the sacred bread that was set out on the table, the choice flour for the grain offerings, the wafers made without yeast, the cakes cooked in olive oil, and the other mixed breads. They were also responsible to check all the weights and measures. 30And each morning and evening they stood before the Lord to sing songs of thanks and praise to him. 31They assisted with the burnt offerings that were presented to the Lord on Sabbath days, at new moon celebrations, and at all the appointed festivals. The required number of Levites served in the Lord’s presence at all times, following all the procedures they had been given.

32And so, under the supervision of the priests, the Levites watched over the Tabernacle and the Temple*23:32 Hebrew the Tent of Meeting and the sanctuary. and faithfully carried out their duties of service at the house of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 24

Duties of the Priests

1This is how Aaron’s descendants, the priests, were divided into groups for service. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and they had no sons. So only Eleazar and Ithamar were left to carry on as priests.

3With the help of Zadok, who was a descendant of Eleazar, and of Ahimelech, who was a descendant of Ithamar, David divided Aaron’s descendants into groups according to their various duties. 4Eleazar’s descendants were divided into sixteen groups and Ithamar’s into eight, for there were more family leaders among the descendants of Eleazar.

5All tasks were assigned to the various groups by means of sacred lots so that no preference would be shown, for there were many qualified officials serving God in the sanctuary from among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. 6Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, acted as secretary and wrote down the names and assignments in the presence of the king, the officials, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the family leaders of the priests and Levites. The descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar took turns casting lots.

7The first lot fell to Jehoiarib.

The second lot fell to Jedaiah.

8The third lot fell to Harim.

The fourth lot fell to Seorim.

9The fifth lot fell to Malkijah.

The sixth lot fell to Mijamin.

10The seventh lot fell to Hakkoz.

The eighth lot fell to Abijah.

11The ninth lot fell to Jeshua.

The tenth lot fell to Shecaniah.

12The eleventh lot fell to Eliashib.

The twelfth lot fell to Jakim.

13The thirteenth lot fell to Huppah.

The fourteenth lot fell to Jeshebeab.

14The fifteenth lot fell to Bilgah.

The sixteenth lot fell to Immer.

15The seventeenth lot fell to Hezir.

The eighteenth lot fell to Happizzez.

16The nineteenth lot fell to Pethahiah.

The twentieth lot fell to Jehezkel.

17The twenty-first lot fell to Jakin.

The twenty-second lot fell to Gamul.

18The twenty-third lot fell to Delaiah.

The twenty-fourth lot fell to Maaziah.

19Each group carried out its appointed duties in the house of the Lord according to the procedures established by their ancestor Aaron in obedience to the commands of the Lord, the God of Israel.

Family Leaders among the Levites

20These were the other family leaders descended from Levi:

From the descendants of Amram, the leader was Shebuel.*24:20 Hebrew Shubael (also in 24:20b), a variant spelling of Shebuel; compare 23:16 and 26:24.

From the descendants of Shebuel, the leader was Jehdeiah.

21From the descendants of Rehabiah, the leader was Isshiah.

22From the descendants of Izhar, the leader was Shelomith.*24:22 Hebrew Shelomoth (also in 24:22b), a variant spelling of Shelomith; compare 23:18.

From the descendants of Shelomith, the leader was Jahath.

23From the descendants of Hebron, Jeriah was the leader,*24:23 Hebrew From the descendants of Jeriah; compare 23:19. Amariah was second, Jahaziel was third, and Jekameam was fourth.

24From the descendants of Uzziel, the leader was Micah.

From the descendants of Micah, the leader was Shamir, 25along with Isshiah, the brother of Micah.

From the descendants of Isshiah, the leader was Zechariah.

26From the descendants of Merari, the leaders were Mahli and Mushi.

From the descendants of Jaaziah, the leader was Beno.

27From the descendants of Merari through Jaaziah, the leaders were Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri.

28From the descendants of Mahli, the leader was Eleazar, though he had no sons.

29From the descendants of Kish, the leader was Jerahmeel.

30From the descendants of Mushi, the leaders were Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.

These were the descendants of Levi in their various families. 31Like the descendants of Aaron, they were assigned to their duties by means of sacred lots, without regard to age or rank. Lots were drawn in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family leaders of the priests and the Levites.

1 Chronicles 25

Duties of the Musicians

1David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. Here is a list of their names and their work:

2From the sons of Asaph, there were Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. They worked under the direction of their father, Asaph, who proclaimed God’s messages by the king’s orders.

3From the sons of Jeduthun, there were Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,*25:3 As in one Hebrew manuscript and some Greek manuscripts (see also 25:17); most Hebrew manuscripts lack Shimei. Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six in all. They worked under the direction of their father, Jeduthun, who proclaimed God’s messages to the accompaniment of the lyre, offering thanks and praise to the Lord.

4From the sons of Heman, there were Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shubael,*25:4 Hebrew Shebuel, a variant spelling of Shubael; compare 25:20. Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. 5All these were the sons of Heman, the king’s seer, for God had honored him with fourteen sons and three daughters.

6All these men were under the direction of their fathers as they made music at the house of the Lord. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals, harps, and lyres at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king. 7They and their families were all trained in making music before the Lord, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician. 8The musicians were appointed to their term of service by means of sacred lots, without regard to whether they were young or old, teacher or student.

9The first lot fell to Joseph of the Asaph clan and twelve of his sons and relatives.*25:9 As in Greek version; Hebrew lacks and twelve of his sons and relatives.

The second lot fell to Gedaliah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

10The third lot fell to Zaccur and twelve of his sons and relatives.

11The fourth lot fell to Zeri*25:11 Hebrew Izri, a variant spelling of Zeri; compare 25:3. and twelve of his sons and relatives.

12The fifth lot fell to Nethaniah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

13The sixth lot fell to Bukkiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

14The seventh lot fell to Asarelah*25:14 Hebrew Jesarelah, a variant spelling of Asarelah; compare 25:2. and twelve of his sons and relatives.

15The eighth lot fell to Jeshaiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

16The ninth lot fell to Mattaniah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

17The tenth lot fell to Shimei and twelve of his sons and relatives.

18The eleventh lot fell to Uzziel*25:18 Hebrew Azarel, a variant spelling of Uzziel; compare 25:4. and twelve of his sons and relatives.

19The twelfth lot fell to Hashabiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

20The thirteenth lot fell to Shubael and twelve of his sons and relatives.

21The fourteenth lot fell to Mattithiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

22The fifteenth lot fell to Jerimoth*25:22 Hebrew Jeremoth, a variant spelling of Jerimoth; compare 25:4. and twelve of his sons and relatives.

23The sixteenth lot fell to Hananiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

24The seventeenth lot fell to Joshbekashah*25:24 Hebrew Joshbekasha, a variant spelling of Joshbekashah; compare 25:4. and twelve of his sons and relatives.

25The eighteenth lot fell to Hanani and twelve of his sons and relatives.

26The nineteenth lot fell to Mallothi and twelve of his sons and relatives.

27The twentieth lot fell to Eliathah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

28The twenty-first lot fell to Hothir and twelve of his sons and relatives.

29The twenty-second lot fell to Giddalti and twelve of his sons and relatives.

30The twenty-third lot fell to Mahazioth and twelve of his sons and relatives.

31The twenty-fourth lot fell to Romamti-ezer and twelve of his sons and relatives.

1 Chronicles 26

Duties of the Gatekeepers

1These are the divisions of the gatekeepers:

From the Korahites, there was Meshelemiah son of Kore, of the family of Abiasaph.*26:1 As in Greek version (see also Exod 6:24); Hebrew reads Asaph. 2The sons of Meshelemiah were Zechariah (the oldest), Jediael (the second), Zebadiah (the third), Jathniel (the fourth), 3Elam (the fifth), Jehohanan (the sixth), and Eliehoenai (the seventh).

4The sons of Obed-edom, also gatekeepers, were Shemaiah (the oldest), Jehozabad (the second), Joah (the third), Sacar (the fourth), Nethanel (the fifth), 5Ammiel (the sixth), Issachar (the seventh), and Peullethai (the eighth). God had richly blessed Obed-edom.

6Obed-edom’s son Shemaiah had sons with great ability who earned positions of great authority in the clan. 7Their names were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad. Their relatives, Elihu and Semakiah, were also very capable men.

8All of these descendants of Obed-edom, including their sons and grandsons—sixty-two of them in all—were very capable men, well qualified for their work.

9Meshelemiah’s eighteen sons and relatives were also very capable men.

10Hosah, of the Merari clan, appointed Shimri as the leader among his sons, though he was not the oldest. 11His other sons included Hilkiah (the second), Tebaliah (the third), and Zechariah (the fourth). Hosah’s sons and relatives, who served as gatekeepers, numbered thirteen in all.

12These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of the Lord. 13They were assigned by families for guard duty at the various gates, without regard to age or training, for it was all decided by means of sacred lots.

14The responsibility for the east gate went to Meshelemiah*26:14 Hebrew Shelemiah, a variant spelling of Meshelemiah; compare 26:2. and his group. The north gate was assigned to his son Zechariah, a man of unusual wisdom. 15The south gate went to Obed-edom, and his sons were put in charge of the storehouse. 16Shuppim and Hosah were assigned the west gate and the gateway leading up to the Temple.*26:16 Or the gate of Shalleketh on the upper road (also in 26:18). The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. Guard duties were divided evenly. 17Six Levites were assigned each day to the east gate, four to the north gate, four to the south gate, and two pairs at the storehouse. 18Six were assigned each day to the west gate, four to the gateway leading up to the Temple, and two to the courtyard.*26:18 Or the colonnade. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

19These were the divisions of the gatekeepers from the clans of Korah and Merari.

Treasurers and Other Officials

20Other Levites, led by Ahijah, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to the Lord. 21From the family of Libni*26:21a Hebrew Ladan, a variant spelling of Libni; compare 6:17. in the clan of Gershon, Jehiel*26:21b Hebrew Jehieli (also in 26:22), a variant spelling of Jehiel; compare 23:8. was the leader. 22The sons of Jehiel, Zetham and his brother Joel, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord.

23These are the leaders that descended from Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel:

24From the clan of Amram, Shebuel was a descendant of Gershom son of Moses. He was the chief officer of the treasuries. 25His relatives through Eliezer were Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zicri, and Shelomoth.

26Shelomoth and his relatives were in charge of the treasuries containing the gifts that King David, the family leaders, and the generals and captains*26:26 Hebrew the commanders of thousands and of hundreds. and other officers of the army had dedicated to the Lord. 27These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of the Lord. 28Shelomoth*26:28 Hebrew Shelomith, a variant spelling of Shelomoth. and his relatives also cared for the gifts dedicated to the Lord by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah. All the other dedicated gifts were in their care, too.

29From the clan of Izhar came Kenaniah. He and his sons were given administrative responsibilities*26:29 Or were given outside work; or were given work away from the Temple area. over Israel as officials and judges.

30From the clan of Hebron came Hashabiah. He and his relatives—1,700 capable men—were put in charge of the Israelite lands west of the Jordan River. They were responsible for all matters related to the things of the Lord and the service of the king in that area.

31Also from the clan of Hebron came Jeriah,*26:31 Hebrew Jerijah, a variant spelling of Jeriah; compare 23:19. who was the leader of the Hebronites according to the genealogical records. (In the fortieth year of David’s reign, a search was made in the records, and capable men from the clan of Hebron were found at Jazer in the land of Gilead.) 32There were 2,700 capable men among the relatives of Jeriah. King David sent them to the east side of the Jordan River and put them in charge of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were responsible for all matters related to God and to the king.

1 Chronicles 27

Military Commanders and Divisions

1This is the list of Israelite generals and captains,*27:1 Hebrew commanders of thousands and of hundreds. and their officers, who served the king by supervising the army divisions that were on duty each month of the year. Each division served for one month and had 24,000 troops.

2Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was commander of the first division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the first month. 3He was a descendant of Perez and was in charge of all the army officers for the first month.

4Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah, was commander of the second division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the second month. Mikloth was his chief officer.

5Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest was commander of the third division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the third month. 6This was the Benaiah who commanded David’s elite military group known as the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was his chief officer.

7Asahel, the brother of Joab, was commander of the fourth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the fourth month. Asahel was succeeded by his son Zebadiah.

8Shammah*27:8 Hebrew Shamhuth, a variant spelling of Shammah; compare 11:27 and 2 Sam 23:25. the Izrahite was commander of the fifth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the fifth month.

9Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa was commander of the sixth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the sixth month.

10Helez, a descendant of Ephraim from Pelon, was commander of the seventh division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the seventh month.

11Sibbecai, a descendant of Zerah from Hushah, was commander of the eighth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the eighth month.

12Abiezer from Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin was commander of the ninth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the ninth month.

13Maharai, a descendant of Zerah from Netophah, was commander of the tenth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the tenth month.

14Benaiah from Pirathon in Ephraim was commander of the eleventh division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the eleventh month.

15Heled,*27:15 Hebrew Heldai, a variant spelling of Heled; compare 11:30 and 2 Sam 23:29. a descendant of Othniel from Netophah, was commander of the twelfth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the twelfth month.

Leaders of the Tribes

16The following were the tribes of Israel and their leaders:

These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

23When David took his census, he did not count those who were younger than twenty years of age, because the Lord had promised to make the Israelites as numerous as the stars in heaven. 24Joab son of Zeruiah began the census but never finished it because*27:24 Or never finished it, and yet. the anger of God fell on Israel. The total number was never recorded in King David’s official records.

Officials of David’s Kingdom

25Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the palace treasuries.

Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the regional treasuries throughout the towns, villages, and fortresses of Israel.

26Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the field workers who farmed the king’s lands.

27Shimei from Ramah was in charge of the king’s vineyards.

Zabdi from Shepham was responsible for the grapes and the supplies of wine.

28Baal-hanan from Geder was in charge of the king’s olive groves and sycamore-fig trees in the foothills of Judah.*27:28 Hebrew the Shephelah.

Joash was responsible for the supplies of olive oil.

29Shitrai from Sharon was in charge of the cattle on the Sharon Plain.

Shaphat son of Adlai was responsible for the cattle in the valleys.

30Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels.

Jehdeiah from Meronoth was in charge of the donkeys.

31Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the king’s flocks of sheep and goats.

All these officials were overseers of King David’s property.

32Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a wise counselor to the king, a man of great insight, and a scribe. Jehiel the Hacmonite was responsible for teaching the king’s sons. 33Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend. 34Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.

1 Chronicles 28

David’s Instructions to Solomon

1David summoned all the officials of Israel to Jerusalem—the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains,*28:1 Hebrew the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom. 2David rose to his feet and said: “My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it, 3but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’

4“Yet the Lord, the God of Israel, has chosen me from among all my father’s family to be king over Israel forever. For he has chosen the tribe of Judah to rule, and from among the families of Judah he chose my father’s family. And from among my father’s sons the Lord was pleased to make me king over all Israel. 5And from among my sons—for the Lord has given me many—he chose Solomon to succeed me on the throne of Israel and to rule over the Lord’s kingdom. 6He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will build my Temple and its courtyards, for I have chosen him as my son, and I will be his father. 7And if he continues to obey my commands and regulations as he does now, I will make his kingdom last forever.’

8“So now, with God as our witness, and in the sight of all Israel—the Lord’s assembly—I give you this charge. Be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.

9“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.”

11Then David gave Solomon the plans for the Temple and its surroundings, including the entry room, the storerooms, the upstairs rooms, the inner rooms, and the inner sanctuary—which was the place of atonement. 12David also gave Solomon all the plans he had in mind*28:12 Or the plans of the spirit that was with him. for the courtyards of the Lord’s Temple, the outside rooms, the treasuries, and the rooms for the gifts dedicated to the Lord. 13The king also gave Solomon the instructions concerning the work of the various divisions of priests and Levites in the Temple of the Lord. And he gave specifications for the items in the Temple that were to be used for worship.

14David gave instructions regarding how much gold and silver should be used to make the items needed for service. 15He told Solomon the amount of gold needed for the gold lampstands and lamps, and the amount of silver for the silver lampstands and lamps, depending on how each would be used. 16He designated the amount of gold for the table on which the Bread of the Presence would be placed and the amount of silver for other tables.

17David also designated the amount of gold for the solid gold meat hooks used to handle the sacrificial meat and for the basins, pitchers, and dishes, as well as the amount of silver for every dish. 18He designated the amount of refined gold for the altar of incense. Finally, he gave him a plan for the Lord’s “chariot”—the gold cherubim*28:18 Hebrew for the gold cherub chariot. whose wings were stretched out over the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant. 19“Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord.*28:19 Or was written under the direction of the Lord.”

20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly. 21The various divisions of priests and Levites will serve in the Temple of God. Others with skills of every kind will volunteer, and the officials and the entire nation are at your command.”

1 Chronicles 29

Gifts for Building the Temple

1Then King David turned to the entire assembly and said, “My son Solomon, whom God has clearly chosen as the next king of Israel, is still young and inexperienced. The work ahead of him is enormous, for the Temple he will build is not for mere mortals—it is for the Lord God himself! 2Using every resource at my command, I have gathered as much as I could for building the Temple of my God. Now there is enough gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood, as well as great quantities of onyx, other precious stones, costly jewels, and all kinds of fine stone and marble.

3“And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. This is in addition to the building materials I have already collected for his holy Temple. 4I am donating more than 112 tons of gold*29:4a Hebrew 3,000 talents [102 metric tons] of gold. from Ophir and 262 tons of refined silver*29:4b Hebrew 7,000 talents [238 metric tons] of silver. to be used for overlaying the walls of the buildings 5and for the other gold and silver work to be done by the craftsmen. Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the Lord today?”

6Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army,*29:6 Hebrew the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly. 7For the construction of the Temple of God, they gave about 188 tons of gold,*29:7a Hebrew 5,000 talents [170 metric tons] of gold. 10,000 gold coins,*29:7b Hebrew 10,000 darics [a Persian coin] of gold, about 185 pounds or 84 kilograms in weight. 375 tons of silver,*29:7c Hebrew 10,000 talents [340 metric tons] of silver. 675 tons of bronze,*29:7d Hebrew 18,000 talents [612 metric tons] of bronze. and 3,750 tons of iron.*29:7e Hebrew 100,000 talents [3,400 metric tons] of iron. 8They also contributed numerous precious stones, which were deposited in the treasury of the house of the Lord under the care of Jehiel, a descendant of Gershon. 9The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy.