1 Chronicles

 

     1[1-4] Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

     [5 -7] The descendants of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. The descendants of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Diphath, and Togarmah. The descendants of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.

     [8-16] The descendants of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. The descendants of Cush were Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raama, and Sabteca. The descendants of Raamah were Sheba and Dedan. Cush had Nimrod, who began to take power on the earth. Mizraim had Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim (where the Philistines came from), and Caphtorim. Canaan had Sidon, his firstborn, Heth, the Jebusite, the Amorite, the Girgashite, the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite, the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.

     [17-27] The descendants of Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech.    Arpachshad had Shelah, and Shelah had Eber. Eber had two sons; one was named Peleg because in his days the earth was divided (into continents); and his brother’s name was Joktan. Joktan had Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Ebal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, Jobab. All these were the descendants of Joktan. Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abram , which  is Abraham.             

     [28-31] The descendants of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael. These are their generations; the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the descendants of Ishmael.

     [32-33] The descendants of Keturah, Abraham’s mistress were Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, Shuah. The descendants of Jokshan were Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the descendants of Keturah.

     [34 -42] Abraham had Isaac. The descendants of Isaac were Esau and Jacob, who is Israel. The descendants of Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. The descendants of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, and Amalek. The descendants of Reuel were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. The descendants of Seir were Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. The descendants of Lotan were Hori and Homam; and Timna was Lotan’s sister. The descendants of Shobal were Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The descendants of Zibeon were Aiah and Anah. The descendant of Anah was Dishon. The descendants of Dishon were Hamran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.        The descendants of Ezer were Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan. The descendants of Dishan were Uz, and Aran.

     [43 -54] Now these are the rulers who ruled in the land of Edom, before there was any ruler over the people of Israel; Bela, child of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah. Bela died, and Jobab, of Zerah, of Bozrah ruled in his place. Jobab died, and Husham, of the land of the Temanites, ruled in his place. Husham died, and Hadad, who was of Bedad, who fought Midian in the field of Moab, ruled in his place; and the name of his city was Avith. Hadad died, and Samlah who was of Masrekah, ruled in his place. Samlah died, and Shaul, who was of Rehoboth by the river, ruled in his place. Shaul died, and Baal Hanan, who was of Achbor, ruled in his place. Baal Hanan died, and Hadad ruled in his place; and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. Hadad died. The captains of Edom were the leaders Timna, Aliah, Jetheth, Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, and Iram. These are the captains of Edom.

 

     2[1-8] These are the descendants of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The descendants of Judah were Er, Onan, and Shelah; which three were born to him of Shua’s daughter, the Canaanitess. Er, Judah’s firstborn was sinful in the sight of Yahweh, who killed him. Tamar, his daughter-in-law, had him Perez and Zerah. All the descendants of Judah were five. The descendants of Perez; Hezron, and Hamul. The descendants of Zerah; Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara; five of them in all. The descendants of Carmi; Achar, the one who troubled Israel, who sinned in taking the dedicated thing. The descendant of Ethan was Azariah. 

     [9-17] Hezron had Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram had Amminadab, and Amminadab had Nahshon, head of the people of Judah; and Nahshon had Salma, and Salma had Boaz, and Boaz had Obed, and Obed had Jesse; and Jesse had his firstborn Eliab, Abinadab, Shimea, Nethanel, Raddai, Ozem, David; and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The three descendants of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. Abigail had Amasa; and the father of Amasa was Jether, the Ishmaelite.

     [18 -24] Caleb, who was of Hezron, had children of Azubah, his wife, and of Jerioth; and these were her sons; Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.  Azubah died, and Caleb married Ephrath, who had Hur. Hur had Uri, and Uri had Bezalel. Afterward Hezron had sexual relations with the daughter of Machir, the father of Gilead, whom he took as wife when he was 60 years old; and she had Segub. Segub had Jair, who had 23 cities in the land of Gilead. Geshur and Aram took the towns of Jair from them with Kenath, along with its 60 towns. All these were the descendants of Machir, who had Gilead. After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, then Abijah, Hezron’s wife, had Ashhur, who had Tekoa.

[25-41] The descendants of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of Hezron, were Ram, the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. The descendants of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel, were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. The descendants of Onam were Shammai and Jada. The descendants of Shammai were Nadab and Abishur. The wife of Abishur was Abihail; and she had Ahban and Molid. The descendants of Nadab were Seled and Appaim; but Seled died without children. The descendant of Appaim was Ishi. The descendant of Ishi was Sheshan. The descendant of Sheshan was Ahlai. The descendants of Jada, the brother of Shammai, were Jether and Jonathan; and Jether died without children. The descendants of Jonathan were Peleth and Zaza. These were the descendants of Jerahmeel. Now Sheshan had only daughters. Sheshan had an Egyptian worker, whose name was Jarha. Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha, his worker, as wife; and she had Attai. Attai had Nathan, and Nathan had Zabad, and Zabad had Ephlal, and Ephlal had Obed, and Obed had Jehu, and Jehu had Azariah, and Azariah had Helez, and Helez had Eleasah, and Eleasah had Sismai, and Sismai had Shallum, and Shallum had Jekamiah, and Jekamiah had Elishama.

     [42-55] The descendants of Caleb, the brother of Jerahmeel, were Mesha, his firstborn, who had Ziph; and the descendants of Mareshah, who had Hebron. The descendants of Hebron were Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. Shema had Raham, who had Jorkeam; and Rekem had Shammai. Shammai had Maon; and Maon had Beth Zur. Ephah, Caleb’s mistress, had Haran, Moza, and Gazez; and Haran had Gazez. The descendants of Jahdai were Regem, Jothan, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. Maacah, Caleb’s mistress, had Sheber and Tirhanah. She also had Shaaph, who had Madmannah, Sheva, who had Machbena, and Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. These were the descendants of Caleb, the people of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah; Shobal, who had Kiriath Jearim, Salma, who had Bethlehem, and  Hareph, who had Beth Gader. Shobal who had Kiriath Jearim had Haroeh, and half of the Menuhoth (Manahathites), and the families of Kiriath Jearim; the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of whom came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites. The people of Salma were Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, half of the Manahathites, and the Zorites. The families of secretaries, who lived at Jabez were the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites, who came of Hammath, the head of the house of Rechab.

 

     3[1-9] Now these were the descendants of David, who were born to him in Hebron; the firstborn was Amnon, who was of Ahinoam, the Jezreelitess; the next was Daniel, who was of Abigail, the Carmelitess; then Absalom, who was of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, ruler of Geshur; and Adonijah, who was of Haggith; the fifth was Shephatiah, who was of Abital; the sixth was Ithream, by Eglah, his wife; six were born to him in Hebron, where he ruled seven and a half years. David also ruled in Jerusalem for 33 years; and these were born to him in Jerusalem; Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four in all, of Bathshua (Bathsheba), the daughter of Ammiel; and Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine in all. All these were descendants of David, besides the descendants of the mistresses; and Tamar was their sister.

     [10-24] Solomon had Rehoboam, who had Abijah, who had Asa, who had Jehoshaphat, who had Joram, who had Ahaziah, who had Joash, who had Amaziah, who had Azariah, who had Jotham, who had Ahaz, who had Hezekiah, who had Manasseh, who had Amon, who had Josiah. The descendants of Josiah were the firstborn, Johanan, the second, Jehoiakim, the third, Zedekiah, and the fourth, Shallum. Jehoiakim had Jeconiah,  who had Zedekiah. Jeconiah, the captive, had Shealtiel, who had, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. The descendants of Pedaiah were Zerubbabel and Shimei. The descendants of Zerubbabel were Meshullam and Hananiah; and Shelomith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab Hesed, five in all. The descendants of Hananiah were Pelatiah and Jeshaiah; the descendants of Rephaiah, the descendants of Arnan, the descendants of Obadiah, the descendants of Shecaniah. The descendant of Shecaniah was Shemaiah. The descendants of Shemaiah were Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six in all. The descendants of Neariah were Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three in all. The descendants of Elioenai were Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven in all.

 

     4[1-8] The descendants of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. Reaiah, of Shobal, had Jahath; and Jahath had Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. The descendants of Etam were Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash; and their sister was Hazzelelponi; and Penuel had Gedor, and Ezer, who had Hushah. These are the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the head of Bethlehem. Ashhur, who had Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah. Naarah had him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah. The descendants of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan. Hakkoz had Anub and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel, of Harum.

      [9-10] Now Jabez was more honorable than his family; and his mother named him Jabez, saying, Because I had him in pain. Now Jabez prayed to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You’d truly bless me, and expand my area, and that You’d be with me, and that you’d keep me from evil, so I won’t cause anymore pain! So God gave him what he asked.

     [11-12] Chelub, the brother of Shuhah, had Mehir, who had Eshton. Eshton had Beth Rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah, who had Ir Nahash. These are the people of Recah.

     [13-23] The descendants of Kenaz were Othniel and Seraiah. The descendant of Othniel was Hathath. Meonothai had Ophrah; and Seraiah had Joab, who had Ge Harashim, who were craftsmen. The descendants of Caleb, of Jephunneh were Iru, Elah, and Naam; the descendant of Elah was Kenaz. The descendants of Jehallelel were Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.            The descendants of Ezrah were Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. These are the descendants of Bithiah the daughter of the Ruler of Egypt, whom Mered took; and she had Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah who had Eshtemoa. His wife the Jewess, had Jered, who had Gedor, Heber, who had Soco, and Jekuthiel, who had Zanoah. The descendants of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the ancestors of Keilah, the Garmite, and Eshtemoa, the Maacathite. The descendants of Shimon were Amnon, Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi were Zoheth, and Ben Zoheth. The descendants of Shelah, of Judah, were Er, who had Lecah, Laadah, who had Mareshah, and the families of the house of those who worked fine linen, of the house of Ashbea; and Jokim, the people of Cozeba, Joash, and Saraph who ruled in Moab, and Jashubilehem. The records are ancient. These were the potters, and the people of Netaim and Gederah, who lived with the ruler for his work.

     [24-33] The descendants of Simeon were Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul, who had Shallum, who had Mibsam, who had Mishma. The descendants of Mishma were Hammuel, who had Zaccur, who had, Shimei. Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his family didn’t have many children, neither did all their family multiply like the people of Judah. They lived at Beersheba, Moladah, Hazarshual, Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities when David began to rule. Their towns were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan, five cities; and all the towns that were around those cities, to Baal. These were their homes, and their genealogy.

     [34-43] Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah, of Amaziah, Joel, Jehu, of Joshibiah, of Seraiah, of Asiel, Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, and Ziza, of Shiphi, of Allon, of Jedaiah, of Shimri, of Shemaiah–these mentioned by name were leaders in their families; and their ancestors’ houses increased greatly. They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to look for pasture for their flocks. They found good pasture, and the land was large, quiet, and peaceable because those who lived there before were of Ham (Son of Noah). These written by name, came in the days of Hezekiah, ruler of Judah, and fought them, and the Meunim, who were found there, and destroyed them completely to today, and lived there in their place; because there was good pasture there for their flocks. Some of them, even of the descendants of Simeon, 500 men went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the descendants of Ishi. They fought what was left of the Amalekites, who escaped, and have lived there to today.

 

     5[1-9] The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn; but, because he had sex with his father’s wife, his birthright was given to the descendants of Joseph, of Israel; and the genealogy isn’t to be recognized after the birthright. Judah was greater than his family, and he became the leader; but the birthright was Joseph’s. The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. The descendants of Joel; Shemaiah who had Gog who had Shimei who had Micah who had Reaiah who had Baal who had Beerah whom Tilgath Pilneser, ruler of Assyria, carried away captive; he was head of the Reubenites. His family by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was recognized, were the leader, Jeiel, Zechariah, and Bethe, child of Azaz, of Shema, of Joel, who lived in Aroer to Nebo and Baal Meon, and eastward; he lived all the way to the entrance of the countryside from the river Euphrates, because their livestock were so many in the land of Gilead.

     [10-17] In the days of Saul, they went to war with the Hagrites, who fell by their power; and they lived in their homes throughout all the land east of Gilead. The descendants of Gad lived next to them, in the land of Bashan to Salecah; Joel, was their the leader, Shapham was next, then Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan. Their brothers of their ancestors’ houses; Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber, seven in all. These were the descendants of Abihail, of Huri, of Jaroah, of Gilead, of Michael, of Jeshishai, of Jahdo, of Buz; Ahi of Abdiel, of Guni, leader of their ancestors’ houses. They lived in Gilead in Bashan, and in its towns, and in all the outskirts of Sharon, as far as their borders. All these were recognized by genealogies in the days of Jotham ruler of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam ruler of Israel.

     [18-22] The descendants of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the family of of Manasseh, of soldiers, men able to bear arms, and to shoot with bow, and skillful in war were 44,760, that were able to go to war.  They went to war with the Hagrites with Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. They were helped against them, and the Hagrites were given into their power, and all who were with them because they cried to God in the battle, who they called on, because they put their trust in God. They took away their livestock; 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys, and 100,000 people. Many were killed, because the war was of God. They lived in their place until they were taken prisoners in the exile.

     [23-26] Half the family of Manasseh lived in the land; they filled the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon.   The heads of their ancestors’ houses were Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, strong experienced soldiers, well known, heads of their ancestors’ houses. They sinned against the God of their ancestors, and were unfaithful, following after the false gods of the peoples of the land whom God destroyed before them. The God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul, ruler of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser, ruler of Assyria, who carried them away, all the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the family of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the river of Gozan, to today.

 

     6[1 -15] The descendants of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The descendants of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The descendants of Amram were Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The descendants of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Eleazar had Phinehas, Phinehas had Abishua, Abishua had Bukki, Bukki had Uzzi, Uzzi had Zerahiah, Zerahiah had Meraioth, Meraioth had Amariah, Amariah had Ahitub, Ahitub had Zadok, Zadok had Ahimaaz, Ahimaaz had Azariah, Azariah had Johanan, and Johanan had Azariah (who executed the preacher’s office in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem), and Azariah had Amariah, Amariah had Ahitub, Ahitub had Zadok, Zadok had Shallum, Shallum had Hilkiah, Hilkiah had Azariah, Azariah had Seraiah, and Seraiah had Jehozadak, who became a prisoner when Yahweh carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

     [16-30] The descendants of Levi were Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. The descendants of Gershom were Libni and Shimei.             The descendants of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The descendants of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their ancestors’ houses. Of Gershom were Libni, who had Jahath, who had Zimmah, who had Joah, who had Iddo, who had Zerah, who had Jeatherai. The descendants of Kohath were Amminadab who had Korah, who had Assir, who had Elkanah, who had Ebiasaph, who had Assir, who had Tahath, who had Uriel, who had Uzziah, who had Shaul. The descendants of Elkanah were Amasai and Ahimoth. As for Elkanah, the descendants of Elkanah were Zophai, who had Nahath, who had Eliab, who had Jeroham, who had Elkanah. The descendants of Samuel were the firstborn, Joel, and the second, Abijah. The descendants of Merari were Mahli, Libni who had Shimei, who had Uzzah, who had Shimea, who had Haggiah, who had Asaiah.

     [31-48] These are the ones whom David set over the service of song in the Place of Worship of Yahweh, after the Chest of God came to rest.  They ministered with song before the tent of the Place of Worship, until Solomon had built the Place of Worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem; and they served in their office in their order. These are those who served, and their children. The descendants of the Kohathites were Heman, the singer, who was of Joel, who was of Samuel, who was of Elkanah, who was of Jeroham, who was of Eliel, who was of Toah, who was of Zuph, who was of Elkanah, who was of Mahath, who was of Amasai, who was of Elkanah, who was of Joel, who was of Azariah, who was of Zephaniah, who was of Tahath, who was of Assir, who was of Ebiasaph, who was of Korah, who was of Izhar, who was of Kohath, who was of Levi, who was of Israel. His brother Asaph who stood on his right hand, even Asaph, who was of Berechiah, who was of Shimea, who was of Michael, who was of Baaseiah, who was of Malchijah, who was of Ethni, who was of Zerah, who was of Adaiah, who was of Ethan, who was of Zimmah, who was of Shimei, who was of Jahath, who was of Gershom, who was of Levi. On the left hand their brothers the descendants of Merari; Ethan who was of Kishi, who was of Abdi, who was of Malluch, who was of Hashabiah, who was of Amaziah, who was of Hilkiah, who was of Amzi, who was of Bani, who was of Shemer, who was of Mahli, who was of Mushi, who was of Merari, who was of Levi. Their brothers the Levites were set apart for all the service of the tent of the house of God.

     [49-53] But Aaron and his family offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to ask forgiveness for Israel, according to what Moses the follower of God had told them. The descendants of Aaron were Eleazar, who had Phinehas, who had Abishua, who had Bukki, who had Uzzi, who had Zerahiah, who had Meraioth, who had Amariah, who had Ahitub, who had Zadok, who had Ahimaaz.

     [54-56] Now these are where they lived according to their communities in their borders; to the descendants of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (theirs was the first chosen), to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and the outskirts around it; but the fields of the city, with its towns, they gave to Caleb of Jephunneh. To the descendants of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron, Libnah also, with its outskirts, Jattir, Eshtemoa, with its outskirts, Hilen, with its outskirts, Debir, with its outskirts, Ashan, with its outskirts, Beth Shemesh, with its outskirts; and out of the family group of Benjamin, Geba, with its outskirts, Allemeth, with its outskirts, and Anathoth, with its outskirts. All their cities throughout their families were 13 cities.

     [61-70] To the rest of the descendants of Kohath were chosenby the Judgment stones, out of the family group, out of half the family of Manasseh, ten cities. To the descendants of Gershom, according to their families, out of the family group of Issachar, out of the family group of Asher, out of the family group of Naphtali, and out of the family group of Manasseh in Bashan, 13 cities. To the descendants of Merari were given by the Judgment stones, according to their families, out of the family group of Reuben, out of the family group of Gad, and out of the family group of Zebulun, 12 cities. The people of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their outskirts. They gave by the Judgment stones out of the family group of the people of Judah, out of the family group of the people of Simeon, and out of the family group of the people of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name. Some of the families of the descendants of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the family group of Ephraim. They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem, in the hill country of Ephraim, with its outskirts; Gezer, also with its outskirts, Jokmeam, with its outskirts, Beth Horon, with its outskirts, Aijalon, with its outskirts, Gath Rimmon, with its outskirts; and out of  half the family of Manasseh, Aner, with its outskirts, and Bileam, with its outskirts, for the rest of the family of the descendants of Kohath.

     [71-76] To the descendants of Gershom were given, out of half the family of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan, with its outskirts, Ashtaroth, with its outskirts; and out of the family group of Issachar, Kedesh, with its outskirts, Daberath, with its outskirts, Ramoth, with its outskirts, Anem, with its outskirts; and out of the family group of Asher, Mashal, with its outskirts, Abdon, with its outskirts, Hukok, with its outskirts, Rehob, with its outskirts; and out of the family group of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee, with its outskirts, Hammon, with its outskirts, and Kiriathaim, with its outskirts.

     [77-81] To the rest of the Levites, the descendants of Merari were given, out of the family group of Zebulun, Rimmono, with its outskirts, Tabor, with its outskirts; and across the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan were given them, out of the family group of Reuben, Bezer in the countryside, with its outskirts, Jahzah, with its outskirts, Kedemoth, with its outskirts, Mephaath, with its outskirts; and out of the family group of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead, with its outskirts, Mahanaim, with its outskirts, Heshbon, with its outskirts, and Jazer, with its outskirts.

 

     7[1-5] The descendants of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four in all. The descendants of Tola were Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their ancestors’ houses, to wit, of Tola; strong experienced soldiers in their generations; their number in the days of David was 22,600. The descendant of Uzzi was Izrahiah. The descendants of Izrahiah were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, Isshiah, five leaders in all. With them, by their generations, after their ancestors’ houses were 36,000 military troops for war; and they had many wives and children. Their relatives among all the families of Issachar were strong experienced soldiers, 87,000 recognized in all by genealogy.

     [6-12] The descendants of Benjamin were Bela, Becher, and Jediael, three in all. The descendants of Bela were Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five in all; heads of ancestors’ houses, strong experienced soldiers; 22,034 recognized in all by genealogy.                 The descendants of Becher; Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the descendants of Becher. They were recognized by genealogy, after their generations, heads of their ancestors’ houses, 20,200 strong experienced soldiers. The descendant of Jediael was Bilhan. The descendants of Bilhan were Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. All these were sons of Jediael, according to the heads of their ancestors’ houses, strong experienced soldiers, 17,200 who were able to fight in the war. Shuppim and Huppim, the descendants of Ir, Hushim, the descendant of Aher.

     [13 -19] The descendants of Naphtali were Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum, who were the descendants of Bilhah. The descendant of Manasseh; Asriel, whom his mistress, the Aramitess had; she had Machir, who had Gilead; and Machir took a wife of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister’s name was Maacah; and the name of the second was Zelophehad; and Zelophehad had daughters. Maacah, the wife of Machir, had a son, and she named him Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh, who had Ulam and Rakem. The descendant of Ulam was Bedan. These were the descendants of Gilead of Machir, who was of Manasseh.  His sister Hammolecheth had Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. The descendants of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.

     [20-27] The descendants of Ephraim were Shuthelah, Bered, Tahath, Eleadah, Tahath, Zabad, Shuthelah, and Ezer and Elead, whom the people of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to take away their livestock. Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his family came to comfort him.           He had sex with his wife, and she conceived, and had a son, and he named him Beriah, because of the evil that had happened to his family. His daughter was Sheerah, who built lower and upper Beth Horon, and Uzzen Sheerah. He had Rephah and Resheph, who had Telah, who had Tahan, who had Ladan, who had Ammihud, who had Elishama, who had Nun, who had Joshua.

     [28-29] Their land and homes were Bethel, with its towns, eastward Naaran, westward Gezer, with its towns; Shechem also, with its towns, to Azzah, with its towns; and by the borders of the people of Manasseh, Beth Shean, with its towns, Taanach, with its towns, Megiddo, with its towns, Dor, with its towns. The people of Joseph, who was of Israel, lived in these towns.

     [30-40] The descendants of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister. The descendants of Beriah  were Heber and Malchiel, who had Birzaith. Heber had Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and Shua their sister. The descendants of Japhlet were Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the people of Japhlet. The descendants of Shemer were Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram. The descendants of Helem, his brother, were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. The descendants of Zophah were Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. The descendants of Jether were Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. The descendants of Ulla were Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. All these were the people of Asher, heads of their ancestors’ houses, the best and strongest experienced soldiers, leaders of the leaders. The number of them was 26,000 men recognized by genealogy for service in war.

 

     8[1-28] Benjamin had Bene, his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. Bene had Addar, Gera, Abihud, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. These are the descendants of Ehud; these are the heads of their ancestors’ houses of the people of Geba, and they carried them captive to Manahath; Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, he took them prisoner; and he had Uzza and Ahihud.         Shaharaim had children in the field of Moab, after he had sent away Hushim and Baara, his wives. By Hodesh, his wife, he had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his descendants, heads of the ancestors’ houses. By Hushim, he had Abitub and Elpaal. The descendants of Elpaal were Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns; and Beriah and Shema who were heads of  the ancestors’ houses of the people of Aijalon, who ran off the people of Gath; and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth. Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the descendants of Beriah. Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber (Hebrews), Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the descendants of Elpaal. Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the descendants of Shimei. Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the descendants of Shashak. Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the descendants of Jeroham. These were the heads of the ancestors’ houses throughout their generations, the leaders, who lived in Jerusalem.

     [29-32] In Gibeon, Jeiel lived, who had Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah; and his firstborn was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher. Mikloth had Shimeah. They also lived with their family in Jerusalem, next to their brothers.

     [33-40] Ner had Kish; and Kish had Saul; and Saul had Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. Of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal had Micah. The descendants of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. Ahaz had Jehoaddah; and Jehoaddah had Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri had Moza. Moza had Binea; Raphah had Eleasah, who had Azel. Azel had six sons whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the descendants of Azel. The descendants of Eshek, his brother, were Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. The descendants of Ulam were strong experienced soldiers, archers, and had many sons, and grandsons, 150 in all. All these were of the descendants of Benjamin.

 

     9[1-10] So all Israel were recognized by genealogies; and they’re written in the book of the Rulers of Israel (Kings); and Judah was carried away captive to Babylon (Iraq, Iran) for their disobedience. Now the first people who lived in their lands in their cities were Israel, the preachers, the Levites, and the Nethinim (church workers). The people of Judah lived In Jerusalem, of the people of Benjamin, and of the people of Ephraim and Manasseh; Uthai of Ammihud, who was of Omri, who was of Imri, who was of Bani, who was of the people of Perez, who was of Judah. Of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his children. The descendants of Zerah were Jeuel, and their family, 690 in all. The descendants of Benjamin were Sallu, who was of Meshullam, who was of Hodaviah, who was of Hassenuah, Ibneiah who was of Jeroham, Elah who was of Uzzi, who was of Michri, Meshullam who was of Shephatiah, who was of Reuel, who was of Ibnijah; and their families, according to their generations, 956 in all. All these were the heads of the ancestors’ houses by their families.

     [10-13] Of the preachers were Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin, and Azariah, who was of Hilkiah, who was of Meshullam, who was of Zadok, who was of Meraioth, who was of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; Adaiah who was of Jeroham, who was of Pashhur, who was of Malchijah; Maasai, who was of Adiel, who was of Jahzerah, who was of Meshullam, who was of Meshillemith, who was of Immer; and their families, heads of their ancestors’ houses, 1,760 capable men for the work of the service of the house of God.

     [14-16] Of the Levites were Shemaiah, who was of Hasshub, who was of Azrikam, who was of Hashabiah, who was of the descendants of Merari; Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, Mattaniah, who was of Mica, who was of Zichri, who was of Asaph, Obadiah, who was of Shemaiah, who was of Galal, who was of Jeduthun, and Berechiah, who was of Asa, who was of Elkanah, who lived in the towns of the Netophathites.

     [17-27] The doorkeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their family (Shallum was the leader), who up to now served in the ruler’s gate eastward; they were the doorkeepers for the town of the people of Levi. Shallum who was of Kore, who was of Ebiasaph, who was of Korah, and his family, family members’s household, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the doorway of the tent; and their ancestors, who had been over the camp of Yahweh, keepers of the entryway.     Phinehas, who was of Eleazar, was ruler over them in the past, and Yahweh was with him. Zechariah, who was of Meshelemiah, was doorkeeper of the Place of Worship. All these, who were chosen to be doorkeepers in the doorways were 212. These were recognized by genealogy in their towns, whom David and Samuel, the preacher, ordained in their office of trust. So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the Place of Worship of Yahweh, even the house of the tent, by division. On the four sides were the doorkeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south. Their families in their towns, were to come in every seven days, from time to time, to be with them because the four head doorkeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in the house of God. They stayed around the house of God, because they were in charge of it; and they opened it up each morning.

     [28-32] Some of them had charge of the pots of service, which were brought in and out by count. Some of them also were set over the furniture, over all the pots of the sanctuary, over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the spices.        Some of the descendants of the preachers prepared the mix of the spices. Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum, the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans. Some of their brothers, of the descendants of the Kohathites, were over the showbread, to prepare it every Seventh Day.

     [33-34] These are the singers, heads of the ancestors’ houses of the Levites, who lived in the rooms and were free from other service because they did their work day and night. These were heads of ancestors’ houses of the Levites, leaders throughout their generations, who lived at Jerusalem.

     [35-44] In Gibeon, Jeiel lived, who had Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah; and his firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth. Mikloth had Shimeam. They also lived with their family in Jerusalem, next to their brothers. Ner had Kish; and Kish had Saul; and Saul had Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.   Of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal had Micah. The descendants of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz. Ahaz had Jarah; and Jarah had Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri had Moza; and Moza had Binea; and Rephaiah, who had Eleasah, who had Azel. Azel had six sons whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan; these were the descendants of Azel.

 

     10[1-6] Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the people of Israel ran from the Philistines, and fell down dead on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. The battle went very bad against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was wounded by them.            Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword, and kill me, in case these unbelievers come and abuse me.” But his armor bearer wouldn’t do it because he was very afraid. So Saul took his sword, and fell on it. When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell on his sword, too, and died. So Saul and his three sons died; and his whole house died together.

     [7-12] When all the people of Israel, who were in the valley, saw that Saul and his sons were dead, they ran and left their cities; and the Philistines came and lived in them. On the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They stripped him, and took his head, and his armor, and sent it into the land of the Philistines all around, to carry the news to their false gods, and to the people. They put his armor in the house of their false gods, and hung his head in the house of Dagon. When all Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the soldiers went and took away the body of Saul and his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

     [13-14] So Saul died for his sin which he did against Yahweh, because of the word of Yahweh, which he didn’t keep; and also because he asked counsel of a witch with an evil spirit, and didn’t ask counsel of Yahweh; so he let him be killed, and turned the countries over to David, who was of Jesse.

 

     11[1-3] Then all Israel gathered together to go to David at Hebron, saying, See, we’re your own flesh and bone. In times past, even when Saul was our ruler, it was you who led Israel out and in; and Yahweh your God said to you, You’ll be the spiritual and political leader over My people Israel. So all the elders of Israel came to the ruler to Hebron; and David made an agreement with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed David ruler over Israel, according to the Word of Yahweh by Samuel.

     [4-9] David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which  is Jebus; and the Jebusites, the people of the land were there also. The people of Jebus said to David, “Don’t come in here!” But David took the stronghold of Zion, which is the same as the city of David. David said, “Whoever fights the Jebusites first will be leader and captain.” Joab of Zeruiah went up first, and was made leader. David lived in the stronghold; so they called it the city of David. He built the city up all around it, from Millo all around it; and Joab built the rest of the city. David grew greater and greater because Yahweh, the God of All Creation, was with him.

      [10-14] Now these are the leaders of the soldiers whom David had, who proved their strength with him in his countries, together with all Israel, to make him ruler, according to the word of Yahweh about Israel. This is the number of the soldiers whom David had; Jashobeam, of a Hachmonite, was the leader of the 30; he fought against 300 at one time and killed them all. After him was Eleazar of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three strongest soldiers. He was with David at Pasdammim, where the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where there was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people ran from the Philistines. They stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh saved them by a great victory.

     [15-21] Three of the 30 leaders went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the soldiers of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the fortress of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. David groaned, saying, Oh that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! So the three broke through the troops of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David; but David wouldn’t drink it, but poured it out as an offering to Yahweh, saying, My God forbid it me, that I should do this; I’ll drink the blood of these men, who have put their lives on the line? for with danger to their lives they brought it. So he wouldn’t drink it. These things did the three soldiers. Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was leader of the three because he fought against 300 and killed them, and had a name among the three. Of the three, he was more honorable than the other two, and was made their captain; But he wasn’t part of the first three.

     [22-25] Benaiah, who was of Jehoiada, who was born of a brave man of Kabzeel who had done very brave things, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab; he also went down and killed a lion in the bottom of a pit in the snow. He also killed an Egyptian of great height, who was 7 ½ feet tall; and in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear as long as a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and knocked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear. Benaiah of Jehoiada did these things, and had a name among the three soldiers, so he was more honorable than the 30, but he wasn’t part of the first three; and David set him over his guard.

     [26-47] Also the strongest of the troops were Asahel, the brother of Joab, Elhanan of Dodo, of Bethlehem, Shammoth, the Harorite, Helez, the Pelonite, Ira of Ikkesh, the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled of Baanah, the Netophathite, Ithai of Ribai, of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hurai of the rivers of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the people of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan of Shagee, the Hararite, Ahiam of Sacar, the Hararite, Eliphal of Ur, Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai of Ezbai, Joel, the brother of Nathan, Mibhar of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of Joab of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite, Zabad of Ahlai, Adina of Shiza, the Reubenite, a leader of the Reubenites, and 30 with him, Hanan of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite, Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel of Hotham the Aroerite, Jediael of Shimri, Joha his brother, the Tizite, Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai, and Joshaviah of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite, Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

 

     12[1-7] Now these are those who came to David to Ziklag, while he still kept himself close because of Saul of Kish; and they were among the soldiers, his helpers in war. They were armed with bows and arrows, and could use both the right and left hand in slinging stones and in shooting; they were of Saul’s brothers of Benjamin. The leader was Ahiezer; then Joash, who were of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, who were of Azmaveth, Beracah and Jehu the Anathothite, Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, the strongest among the 30, and leader over the 30, Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite, Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite, Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the Korahites, Joelah, Zebadiah, of Jeroham of Gedor.

     [8-15] Of the Gadites, there came over to David to the stronghold in the countryside, strong experienced soldiers, men trained for war, that could handle shield and spear; whose faces were as fierce as lions, and they were as fast as the deer on the mountains; Ezer the leader, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, Attai the 6^th, Eliel the 7^th, Johanan the 8^th, Elzabad the 9^th, Jeremiah the 10^th, Machbannai the 11^th. These of the descendants of Gad were leaders of the troops; Those who were least were equal to a hundred men, and the greatest to a thousand men. These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they ran off all those of the valleys, both toward the east and the west.

     [16 -18] Some of the people of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. David went out to meet them, and said to them, “If you come peaceably to help me, I will welcome you wholeheartedly; but if you come to hand me over to my enemies, seeing I’ve done nothing wrong, the God of our ancestors will look on it, and punish you.                Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was the leader of the 30, and he said, “We’re your people, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse; peace, be at peace, and we’re your helpers because your God helps you.” Then David took them, and made them leaders of the troop.

     [19-22] Some of Manasseh also came to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle; but they didn’t help them because the leaders of the Philistines sent him away after talking with one another, saying, He’ll turn against us back to his master Saul to put our lives in danger. As he went to Ziklag, Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai came to him of Manasseh, captains of thousands who were of Manasseh. They helped David against a band of drifters because they were all strong experienced soldiers, and were captains in the troops. For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great troop, like the troops of God.

     [23-37] These are the numbers of the heads of those who were armed for war, who came to David to Hebron, to turn the countries of Saul over to him, according to the word of Yahweh. The people of Judah who had shield and spear were 6,800, armed for war. Of the people of Simeon, 7,100 strong experienced soldiers for war. There were 4,600 of the people of Levi.          Jehoiada was the leader of the house of Aaron; and with him were 3,700, and Zadok, a young man very brave, and of his father’s house 22 captains. There were 3,000 of the people of Benjamin, the family of Saul because up to now most of them had been loyal to the house of Saul.  Of the people of Ephraim 20,800, strong experienced soldiers, well known in their ancestors’ houses. Of the half family group of Manasseh 18,000 were mentioned by name, to come and make David ruler.       Of the people of Issachar, those who understood the times, and knew what’srael should do, the leaders were 200; and all their families followed at their word.           Of Zebulun, 50,000 were able to go out in the troops, who could outfit the troops with all kinds of weapons, and who could set everything in order for David with an undivided heart. Of Naphtali 1,000 captains, and with them 37,000 with weapons. Of the Danites, 28,600, who could march in battle. Of Asher, 40,000 were able to go out in the troops, who could march in battle. On the other side of the Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of half the family of Manasseh, 120,000 with all kinds of weapons of war for the battle.

     [38-40] All these being soldiers, who could march in battle, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David ruler over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel was of a heart to make David their ruler also. They were there with David for three days, eating and drinking because their people had prepared for them. Besides, those who were near to them, even as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen, food of cornbread, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, and oil, and oxen and sheep in wealth because there was great happiness in Israel.

 

     13[1 -8] David consulted with every leader, with the captains of thousands and hundreds. David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it be the will of Yahweh our God, let us send everywhere to our families who are in all the land of Israel with whom the preachers and Levites are in their cities with their outskirts, that they may come to us; and let us bring back the Chest of our God to us because we didn’t go after it in the days of Saul.” All the assembly said that they would do so because the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. So David gathered all Israel together, from the Shihor, the River of Egypt, all the way to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the Chest of God from Kiriath Jearim. David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the Chest of Yahweh God that sits above the cherubim (angelic winged creatures), upon which God’s Name is called. They carried the Chest of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab; and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. David and all Israel played before God with all their strength, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals, and horns.

     [9-14] When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza reached out to hold the Chest because the oxen stumbled. Yahweh was angry at Uzza, and killed him, because he touched the Chest; so he died before God. David was unhappy, because Yahweh had killed Uzza; and he called that place Perez Uzza, to today. David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How will I bring the Chest of God home to me?” So David didn’t bring the Chest to him into the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The Chest of God was left with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months; and Yahweh blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and whatever he had.

 

     14[1-7] Hiram, ruler of Tyre, sent messengers to David, and and gave him cedar trees, stonebuilders, and woodworkers to build him a house. David understood that Yahweh had made him ruler over Israel because his land was uplifted, for his people Israel ‘s sake. David took more wives at Jerusalem and had more children. These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

     [8-12] When the Philistines heard that David was anointed ruler over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to look for David; and David heard it, and went out against them. Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim; So David asked of God, saying, “Should I go up against the Philistines? and will you put them in my power?” Yahweh said to him, “Go up; I’ll put them into your power.” So they came up to Baal Perazim, and David fought them there; and David said, “God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the waters were divided. So they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. They left their gods there; and David gave word, and they were burned with fire.

     [13-17] Then the Philistines raided the valley again. David asked again of God; and God said to him, “You won’t chase after them; but turn away from them, and come up on them next to the mulberry trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you’ll go out to battle because I, your God, will go out before you to fight the troops of the Philistines.” David did as God told him; and they fought the troops of the Philistines from Gibeon to Gezer. The fame of David went out into all lands; and Yahweh brought the fear of him on all nations.

 

     15[1-15] David built houses in the city of David; and he prepared a place for the Chest of God, and pitched a tent for it. Then David said, No one should carry the Chest of God but the Levites because Yahweh has chosen them to carry it, and to minister to him forever. David gathered all Israel at Jerusalem, to bring up the Chest of Yahweh to its place, which he had prepared for it. David gathered together the descendants of Aaron, and the Levites; of the descendants of Kohath, Uriel the leader, and 120 family members; of the descendants of Merari, Asaiah the leader, and 220 family members; of the descendants of Gershom, Joel the leader, and 130 family members; of the descendants of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the leader, and 200 family members; of the descendants of Hebron, Eliel the leader, and 80 family members; of the descendants of Uzziel, Amminadab the leader, and 112 family members. David called for Zadok and Abiathar, the preachers, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab, saying to them, “You’re the heads of the ancestors’ houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, both you and your family, that you may bring up the Chest of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to the place that I’ve made for it. Because you didn’t carry it at the first, the power of Yahweh our God broke out on us, because we didn’t watch out for God according to the rule.” So the preachers and the Levites dedicated themselves to bring up the Chest of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The people of the Levites had the Chest of God on their shoulders with the poles on it, as Moses told them according to the word of Yahweh.

     [16 -25] David said to the leader of the Levites to appoint their families the singers with instruments of music, lyres, harps, and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up their voices with great happiness. So the Levites set Heman of Joel; and his family members, Asaph of Berechiah; and of the descendants of Merari their families, Ethan of Kushaiah; and with them their families of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers. So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were set with cymbals of brass to sound aloud; and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah with lyres set to Alamoth; and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead. Chenaniah, head of the Levites was over the song; he taught the singing, because he was skillful. Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the Chest. Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the preachers, blew the horns before the Chest of God; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the Chest.

     [25 -29] So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring up the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh out of the house of Obed-Edom with great happiness. When God helped the Levites who had the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who had the Chest, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers; and David had on him a golden breastplate of linen. So all Israel brought up the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, horns, cymbals, and sounding aloud with lyres and harps. As the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh came to the city of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked out at the window, and saw the ruler David dancing and playing; and she hated him in her heart.

 

     16[1-3] They brought in the Chest of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh. He gave to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins.

    [4-36] He set certain of the Levites to minister before the Chest of Yahweh, and to celebrate and to thank and praise Yahweh, the God of Israel; Asaph the leader, and second to him  Zechariah, Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel with lyres and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud; and Benaiah and Jahaziel the preachers with horns continually, before the Chest of the promised agreement of God. Then on that day David first ordained to give thanks to Yahweh, by the hand of Asaph and his family.

 

Oh give thanks to Yahweh. Call on God’s name. Make the acts of God known among the peoples.

Sing to God. Sing praises to God. Tell of all God’s wonderful works.

Glory in God’s holy name. Let the heart of those who look for Yahweh be happy.

Turn to Yahweh, who is your strength. Turn to God forevermore.

Remember the wonderful works God has done, God’s wonders, and God’s Word,

you people of Israel, God’s workers, you people of Jacob, God’s chosen ones.

 Yahweh is our God, whose  judgments are in all the earth.

Remember God’s promised agreement forever, God’s Word is for a thousand generations,

the promised agreement which God made with Abraham, and promised to Isaac.

God confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting promised agreement, saying,

I’ll you give the land of Canaan, the land of your inheritance,

when you were but a few in number, yes, very few, and foreigners were in it.

They went about from nation to nation, from one country to another people.

God wouldn’t let anyone do them wrong. Yes, God reproved rulers for their sakes, saying,

Don’t touch my anointed ones! Don’t hurt my preachers.

Sing to Yahweh, all the earth! Display God’s saving grace from day to day.

Tell of God’s glory among the nations, and God’s wonderful works among all the peoples.

For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised, who also is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are false gods, but Yahweh made the heavens.

God is honorable and awesome. Where God is, there is strength and happiness.

Give credit to Yahweh, you peoples, credit to Yahweh glory and strength!

Credit to Yahweh the glory due to God’s name. Bring an offering, and come to God. Worship Yahweh in holy display.

Tremble before God, all the earth. The world also is set uped that it can’t be moved.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth be happy! Let them say among the nations, Yahweh rules.

Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field triumph, and whatever’s in it!

Then the trees of the forest will sing for great happiness before Yahweh, who comes to judge the earth.

Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for God is good, whose loving kindness lasts forever.

Say, Save us, God of our saving grace! Gather us together and bring us back  from the nations,

to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.

Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting.

All the people said, Amen, and praised Yahweh.

 

     [37-43] So he left there, before the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh, Asaph and his family, to minister before the Chest continually, as every day’s work required; and Obed-Edom with 68 family members; Obed-Edom also of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers; and Zadok the preacher, and his family the preachers, before the tent of Yahweh in the high place that was at Gibeon, to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to what’s written in the law of Yahweh which God told to Israel; and with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh, because God’s loving kindness lasts forever; and with them Heman and Jeduthun with horns and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God; and the descendants of Jeduthun to be at the gate. All the people went home; and David returned to bless his house.

 

     17[1-15] When David moved in his house, he said to Nathan the preacher, “See, I live in a house of cedar, but the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh is under tent curtains. Nathan said to David, “Do what’s in your heart because God is with you.” The same night, the word of God came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell David My worker, ‘Yahweh says, ‘You won’t build Me a house to live in because I haven’t lived in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, to today, but have gone from one tent to another. In all the places in which I’ve walked with all Israel, have I said a word to any of the judges of Israel whom I told to be shepherd of My people, saying, Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’ So now this will you tell my worker David, ‘Yahweh, the God of All Creation says, I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, so that you would be head over My people Israel; and I’ve been with you wherever you’ve gone, and have stopped all your enemies from before you; and I’ll make you a name, like the name of the great ones who are dead in the earth. I’ll appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may live in their own place, and be moved no more; neither will the evil people hurt them any more, as at the first, and as from the day that I told the judges to be over My people Israel; and I’ll defeat all your enemies. Besides I tell you that Yahweh will build you a house. When your days are done that you must go to be with your ancestors, I’ll put your child after you, who will be one of your sons; and I’ll set up his rule. He’ll build Me a house, and I’ll set up his throne forever. I’ll be like a parent to him, and he’ll be my child; and I won’t take my loving kindness away from him, as I took it from Saul that was before you; but I’ll settle him in My house and in My land forever; and his throne will be set up forever.’” So Nathan told David all these words, according to this vision.

     [16 -27] Then David the ruler went in, and sat before Yahweh and said, “Who am I, Yahweh God, and what’s my house, that You’ve brought me this far? This was a small thing in Your eyes, God; but You’ve told me of Your worker’s house for a great while to come, and have thought of me like someone of high degree, Yahweh God. What can David say more to You about the honor which is done to Your worker? for You know Your worker. Yahweh, for Your worker’s sake, and according to Your own heart, have You done this great thing, to make known all these great things. Yahweh, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to what we’ve heard with our ears. What nation in the earth is like Your people Israel, whom You, God, went to save for Yourself for a people, to make You a name by great and awesome things, in driving out the nations from before Your people, whom You brought out of Egypt? For Your people Israel You made Your own people forever; and You, Yahweh, became their God. Now, Yahweh, let the word that You’ve said about Your worker, and about my house, being set up forever, and do as You’ve said. Let Your Name be lifted up and made well known forever, saying, Yahweh, the God of All Creation is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel; and the house of David Your worker is set up before You. For You, my God, have revealed to Your worker that You’ll build me a house; so has Your worker found in my heart to pray before You. Now, Yahweh, You’re God, and have promised this good thing to Your worker, and now it has pleased You to bless the house of Your worker, that it may continue forever before You because You, Yahweh, have blessed, and it’s blessed forever.

 

     18[1-4] After this, David fought the Philistines, and defeated them, and took Gath with its towns out of the hand of the Philistines. He fought Moab; and the Moabites became workers for David, and brought tax money to him. David fought Hadadezer, ruler of Zobah Hamath, as he went to set up his rule by the river Euphrates. David took from him 1,000 war vehicles, 7,000 riders, and 20,000 foot soldiers; and David hamstrung all the war vehicle horses, but kept enough for 100 of them.

     [5-8] When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer ruler of Zobah, David defeated 22,000 Syrians. Then David put fortresss in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became workers for David, and brought him tax money. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. David took the shields of gold that were on the workers of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a whole lot of brass, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, and the pillars, and the pots of brass.

     [9-13] When Tou ruler of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the troops of Hadadezer ruler of Zobah, he sent his son Hadoram to ruler David, to greet him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; (for Hadadezer had many wars with Tou; ) and he had with him all kinds of things of gold, silver, and brass. These also ruler David dedicated to Yahweh with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations; from Edom, Moab, the people of Ammon, the Philistines, and Amalek. Besides Abishai of Zeruiah defeated 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He put fortresses in Edom; and all the Edomites became workers to David. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went.

     [14-17] So David ruled over all Israel; and he gave justice and equality to all his people. Joab of Zeruiah was over the troops; and Jehoshaphat of Ahilud was recorder; and Zadok of Ahitub, and Abimelech of Abiathar were preachers; and Shavsha was secretary; and Benaiah of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were leaders for him.

 

     19[1-5] After this, Nahash the ruler of the people of Ammon died, and his son ruled in his place. David said, I’ll show kindness to Hanun of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. So David sent messengers to comfort him about his father. David’s workers came into the land of the people of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. But the leaders of the people of Ammon said to Hanun, ‘Do you think that David honors your father, in that he has sent comforters to you? Aren’t his workers come to you to search, to overthrow, and to spy out the land?” So Hanun took David’s workers, shaved them, tore their clothes half off exposing their buttocks, and sent them away. Then certain people went and told David how the men were treated. He went to meet them because the men were greatly ashamed. David said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.”

     [6 -9] When the people of Ammon saw that they had made themselves hateful to David, Hanun and the people of Ammon sent  7,500 pounds of silver to hire them war vehicles and riders out of Mesopotamia, out of Arammaacah, and out of Zobah. So they hired 32,000 war vehicles, and the ruler of Maacah and his people who came and encamped before Medeba. The people of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle. When David heard it, he sent Joab, and all the troops of soldiers. The people of Ammon came out, and got ready for battle at the gate of the city; and the rulers who had come were by themselves in the field.

     [10-15] Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose the best men of Israel, and put them in battle against the Syrians. The rest of the people he put into the hand of Abishai his brother; and they put themselves in battle against the people of Ammon. He said, If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you’ll help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I’ll help you. Be brave, and let us fight strong for our people, and for the cities of our God; and may Yahweh do what’s best. So Joab and the people who were with him came to battle the Syrians; and they ran before him. When the people of Ammon saw that the Syrians had run, they likewise ran before Abishai his brother, and went into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

     [16-19] When the Syrians saw that they were defeated by Israel, they sent messengers, and drew out the Syrians who were across the river with Shophach, the captain of the troops of Hadadezer, at their head. It was told David; and he gathered all Israel together, crossed over the Jordan, and came on them, and went to battle against them. So when David had gone to battle against the Syrians, they fought with him. The Syrians ran before Israel; and David killed of the Syrians the soldiers of 7,000 war vehicles, and 41,000 foot soldiers, and killed Shophach the captain of the troops. When the workers of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David, and served him; and the Syrians wouldn’t help the people of Ammon any more.

 

     20[1-3] At the beginning of the year, at the time when rulers go out to battle, Joab led out the troops, and destroyed the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab fought Rabbah, and overthrew it. David took the crown of their ruler from off his head, and found it to weigh 75 lbs of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set on David’s head; and he brought a lot of stuff out of the city. He brought out the people who were in it, and made them work with saws, harrows of iron, and axes. David did this to all the cities of the people of Ammon. David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.     

     [4-8] After this, a war started at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai, the Hushathite, killed Sippai, of the descendants of the giant; and they were defeated. There was again war with the Philistines; and Elhanan of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was as long as a weaver’s beam. There was again war at Gath where there was another giant, who was very tall and had 24 fingers and toes, six on each hand and foot, and who was born to the giant. When he defied Israel, Jonathan of Shimea, David’s brother killed him. These were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his soldiers.

 

     21[1 -8] Satan rose up against Israel, moving David to number Israel. David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know how many we have. Joab said, Yahweh make his people a hundred times as many as they are; but Ruler David, aren’t they all your workers? Why do you want to know this thing? Why will you be a cause of guilt to Israel? But the ruler’s word was strong against Joab. So Joab left, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. All those of Israel were 1,100,000 soldiers; and in Judah were 470,000 soldiers. But he didn’t count Levi and Benjamin with them because the ruler’s word was wrong to Joab. God was unhappy with this thing and so punished Israel. David said to God, I’ve sinned greatly, in that I’ve done this thing; but now, forgive, I beg you, the sin of Your worker because I’ve done a very ungodly thing.

     [9-17] The messenger of Yahweh said to Gad, David’s preacher, saying, “Go and speak to David, saying, ‘Yahweh says, I offer you three choices; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” So Gad came to David, saying to him, “Yahweh says, ‘Choose which you want, either three years of no harvests; or three months to be destroyed by your enemies, while they overtake you; or else three days by the hand of Yahweh, with disease in the land, and the angel of Yahweh destroying throughout all the borders of Israel.’ Now think about it and tell me what answer I’ll give to the One who sent Me.” David said to Gad, I’m in great trouble; so let me fall, I pray, into the hand of Yahweh because God’s mercies are very great; and let me not fall into the hand of humans. So Yahweh sent a disease on Israel; and 70,000 men of Israel fell. God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; and as it was about to be destroyed, Yahweh saw, and repented of the evil, saying to the destroying angel, “It’s enough; now stay your hand.” The angel of Yahweh was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David looked up, and saw the angel of Yahweh standing between earth and the sky, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in mourning clothes, fell on their faces. David said to God, Isn’t it I who ordered the people to be counted? It’s I who has sinned and done very evil; but these people, what have they done? Please let your hand, O Yahweh my God, be against me, and against my father’s house; but not against Your people, that they should be troubled.

     [18-27] Then the angel of Yahweh told Gad to tell David, that David should go up, and raise an altar to Yahweh in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David went up at the saying of Gad, which he said in the Name of Yahweh. Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshing floor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground. Then David said to Ornan, Give me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build on it an altar to Yahweh and I’ll pay you the full price to give it to me, that this disease may be stopped from the people. Ornan said to David, “Take it to you, and do whatever’s good in your eyes; see, I give you the oxen for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meal offering; I give it all.” But David said to Ornan, “No; but I’ll most certainly buy it for the full price because I won’t take what’s yours for Yahweh, nor offer a burnt offering without cost.” So David gave to Ornan for the place 600 gold coins by weight. David built there an altar to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh, who answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering. Yahweh told the angel to put up the sword again into its sheath.

     [28-30] At that time, when David saw that Yahweh had answered him in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there. For the tent of Yahweh, which Moses made in the countryside, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time in the high place at Gibeon. But David couldn’t go before it to ask of God because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of Yahweh.

 

     22[1-5] Then David said, “This is the Place of Worship of Yahweh God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” David told them to gather together the foreigners who were in the land of Israel; and he set stonebuilders to hew worked stones to build the house of God. David prepared much iron for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the hinges; and a whole lot of brass; and too many cedar trees to count because the Sidonians and the people of Tyre brought a great many cedar trees to David. David said, “Solomon my child is young and immature, and the house that is to be built for Yahweh must be very wonderful, of great fame and well known throughout all countries; so I’ll make preparation for it. So David prepared a great deal before his death.

     [6-10] Then he called for Solomon his son, and told him to build a house for Yahweh, the God of Israel. David said to Solomon his son, “As for me, it was in my heart to build a house to the Name of Yahweh my God. But the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, ‘You’ve killed many people, and have made great wars; so you won’t build a house in My Name, because you’ve shed much blood on the earth in My sight. See, a son will be born to you, who will be one of rest; and I’ll give him rest from all his enemies around; whose name will be Solomon, and I’ll give peace and quietness to Israel in his days; he’ll build a house for My Name; and he’ll be My child, and I’ll be like a parent to him; and I’ll set up the throne of his rule over Israel forever.’

     [11-16] Now, my child, Yahweh will be with you; and you will do well, and build the Place of Worship of Yahweh your God, just as God has said about you. May Yahweh give you good judgment and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel; so that you may keep the law of Yahweh your God. Then you’ll do well, if you keep the laws and the rules which Yahweh gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and brave. Don’t be scared, nor be worried. Now, see, I’ve gone through a lot of trouble to prepare for the Place of Worship of Yahweh 7,500,000 lbs of gold, and 75,000,000 lbs of silver, and more brass and iron than can be weighed because there’s so much; I’ve also gotten wood and stone; and you may add to them. There are also many workers for you, stonecutters and builders and woodworkers, and all kinds of skillful people in every trade; of the gold, silver, brass, and iron, there is no number. Get up and get to work, and Yahweh be with you.

     [17-19] David also told all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, “Isn’t Yahweh your God with you? Hasn’t God given you rest on every side? Who has given the people of the land to me; and the land is peaceful before Yahweh, and before God’s people. Now set your heart and your soul to look after Yahweh your God; Get up, and build the sanctuary of Yahweh God, to bring the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh, and the holy pots of God, into the house that is to be built to the Name of Yahweh.

 

     23[1-6] Now David was very old and near death; and he made Solomon his son ruler over Israel. He gathered together all the leaders of Israel with the preachers and the Levites. The Levites were counted from 30 years old and up; and their number by their polls, was 38,000. Of these, 24,000 were to oversee the work of the Place of Worship of Yahweh; and 6,000 were officers and judges; and 4,000 were doorkeepers; and 4,000 praised Yahweh with the instruments which David made for giving praise. David divided them into divisions according to the descendants of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

     [7-11] Of the Gershonites were Ladan and Shimei. The descendants of Ladan were Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel, three in all.  The descendants of Shimei were Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three in all. These were the heads of the ancestors’ houses of Ladan. The descendants of Shimei were Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the descendants of Shimei. Jahath was the first, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah didn’t have many sons; so they became one house in counting.

     [12-20] The descendants of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four in all. The descendants of Amram were Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was set apart, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons, forever, to burn incense before Yahweh, to minister to God, and to bless the Name of God, forever. But as for Moses, the follower of God, his sons were named among the family group of Levi. The descendants of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer. The descendant of Gershom was Shebuel the leader. The descendant of Eliezer was Rehabiah the leader; and Eliezer had no other sons; but Rehabiah had very many descendants. The descendant of Izhar was Shelomith the leader. The descendants of Hebron were Jeriah the leader, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. The descendants of Uzziel were Micah the leader, and Isshiah the second.

     [21-23] The descendants of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. The descendants of Mahli were Eleazar and Kish. Eleazar died, and had no sons, but only daughters; and their cousins, the descendants of Kish, married them. The descendants of Mushi were Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three in all.

     [24-32] These were the descendants of Levi after their ancestors’ houses, even the heads of the ancestors’ houses of the ones who were counted, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of the Place of Worship of Yahweh, from 20 years old and up. For David said, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people and lives in Jerusalem forever; and also the Levites won’t have to carry the tent and all the pots for its service.”   For by the last words of David, the descendants of Levi were counted, from 20 years old and up. For their office was to wait on the descendants of Aaron for the service of the Place of Worship of Yahweh, in the courts, the rooms, and the purifying of all the holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God, and for the showbread also, and for the fine flour for meal offerings, whether its wafers made without yeast, or of what’s baked in the pan, or of what’s soaked, and for all kinds of measures and sizes; and to stand every morning and evening to thank and praise Yahweh; and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Seventh Days, on the new moons, and on the set celebrations, in number according to the rule about them, continually before Yahweh; and that they should keep charge of the Place of Worship, and of the holy place, and charge of the descendants of Aaron, their family members, for the service of the Place of Worship of Yahweh.

 

     24[1-6] These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The descendants of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, having no children; so Eleazar and Ithamar served in the preacher’s office. David, with Zadok of the descendants of Eleazar, and Ahimelech, of the sons Ithamar, divided them according to their order in their service. There were more leaders found of the descendants of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and so they were divided in this way: there were sixteen of the descendants of Eleazar, heads of their ancestors’ houses; and eight of the sons Ithamar, according to their ancestors’ houses. They were divided impartially by drawing the judgment stones because they were leaders of the sanctuary, and leaders of God, both of the descendants of Eleazar, and of the sons Ithamar. Shemaiah of Nethanel, the secretary, who was of the Levites, wrote them down in the presence of the ruler, the leaders, Zadok the preacher, Ahimelech of Abiathar, the heads of the ancestors’ houses of the preachers and of the Levites; one house being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.

     [7-19] Now the 1^st to be chosen was Jehoiarib, the 2^nd to Jedaiah, the 3^rd to Harim, the 4^th to Seorim, the 5^th to Malchijah, the 6^th to Mijamin, the 7^th to Hakkoz, the 8^th to Abijah, the 9^th to Jeshua, the 10^th to Shecaniah, the 11^th to Eliashib, the 12^th to Jakim, the 13^th to Huppah, the 14^th to Jeshebeab, the 15^th to Bilgah, the 16^th to Immer, the 17^th to Hezir, the 18^th to Happizzez, the 19^th to Pethahiah, the 20^th to Jehezkel, the 21^st to Jachin, the 22^nd to Gamul, the 23^rd to Delaiah, and the 24^th to Maaziah. This was their order in their service, to come into the Place of Worship of Yahweh according to the rule given to them by Aaron their father, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had told him.

     [20-31] Of the rest of the descendants of Levi; of the descendants of Amram, Shubael; of the descendants of Shubael, Jehdeiah.     Of Rehabiah; of the descendants of Rehabiah, Isshiah 1^st. Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the descendants of Shelomoth, Jahath. The descendants of Hebron; Jeriah 1^st, Amariah 2^nd, Jahaziel 3^rd, and Jekameam 4^th. The descendants of Uzziel, Micah; of the descendants of Micah, Shamir. The brother of Micah, Isshiah; of the descendants of Isshiah, Zechariah. The descendants of Merari; Mahli and Mushi; the descendants of Jaaziah; Beno. The descendants of Merari; of Jaaziah, Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. Of Mahli; Eleazar, who had no sons. Of Kish; the descendants of Kish; Jerahmeel. The descendants of Mushi; Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the descendants of the Levites after their ancestors’ houses. In the same way, these threw judgment stones, even as their family members, the descendants of Aaron, in the presence of David the ruler, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the ancestors’ houses of the preachers and of the Levites; the ancestors’ houses of the leader even as those of his younger brother.

 

     25[1-7] Besides, David and the leaders of the troops set apart for the service certain of the descendants of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who would serve with harps, lyres, and cymbals; and the number of those who did the work according to their service was; of the descendants of Asaph; Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah, the descendants of Asaph, under the hand of Asaph who served after the order of the ruler. Of Jeduthun; the descendants of Jeduthun were Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun with the harp, who served in giving thanks and praising Yahweh. Of Heman; the descendants of Heman were Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these were the descendants of Heman, the ruler’s preacher, in the words of God, to sound the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were under the hands of their father for song in the Place of Worship of Yahweh with cymbals, lyres, and harps, for the service of the house of God; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the ruler.            There were 288 skillful singers in number, along with their brothers, who were taught in singing to Yahweh.

     [8-31] They threw judgment stones for their offices, all alike, from the least to the greatest, the teacher as well as the scholar. Now those chosen for Asaph was Joseph 1^st; the 2^nd Gedaliah; he and his family were 12; the 3^rd Zaccur, and his family, 12; the 4^th Izri, and his family, 12; the 5^th Nethaniah, and his family, 12; the 6^th Bukkiah, and his family, 12; the 7^th Jesharelah, and his family, 12; the 8^th Jeshaiah, and his family, 12; the 9^th Mattaniah, and his family, 12; the 10^th Shimei, and his family, 12; the 11^th Azarel, and his family, 12; the 12^th Hashabiah, and his family, 12; the 13^th, Shubael, and his family, 12; the 14^th, Mattithiah, and his family, 12; the 15^th Jeremoth, and his family, 12; the 16^th Hananiah, and his family, 12; the 17^th Joshbekashah, and his family, 12; the 18^th Hanani, and his family, 12; the 19^th Mallothi, and his family, 12; the 20^th Eliathah, and his family, 12; the 21^st Hothir, and his family, 12; the 22^nd Giddalti, and his family, 12; the 23^rd Mahazioth, and his family, 12; the 24^th Romamtiezer, and his family, 12.

 

     26[1-11] For the divisions of the doorkeepers there were of the Korahites, Meshelemiah of Kore, of the descendants of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons; Zechariah the 1^st , Jediael the 2^nd  Zebadiah the 3^rd, Jathniel the 4^th, Elam the 5^th, Jehohanan the 6^th, and Eliehoenai the 7^th. Obed-Edom had sons; Shemaiah the 1^st, Jehozabad the 2^nd, Joah the 3^rd, Sacar the 4^th, Nethanel the 5^th, Ammiel the 6^th, Issachar the 7^th, and Peullethai the 8^th whom God blessed. Also to his son Shemaiah sons were born who ruled over the house of their father because they were strong experienced soldiers. The descendants of Shemaiah were Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, whose brothers were soldiers, Elihu and Semachiah. All these were of the descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their brothers, strong men for the service; Obed-Edom had 62 in all.  Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, 18 soldiers in all. Also Hosah, of the people of Merari, had sons; Shimri the 1^st, (though he wasn’t the firstborn, still his father made him leader), Hilkiah the 2^nd, Tebaliah the 3^rd, Zechariah the 4^th; the sons and brothers of Hosah were 13 in all.

     [12-19] Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the leaders, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the Place of Worship of Yahweh. They threw judgment stones, from the least to the greatest, according to their ancestors’ houses, for every door. Shelemiah was chosen for the east. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they threw judgment stones; and he was chosen for the north. Obed-Edom was chosen for the south; and to his sons the storehouse. Shuppim and Hosah were chosen for the west, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the highway that goes up, watch against watch. On the east were six Levites, on the north four a day, on the south four a day, and for the storehouse two and two. For the Parbar on the west, four at the highway, and two at Parbar. These were the divisions of the doorkeepers; of the descendants of the Korahites, and of the descendants of Merari.

     [20-28] Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasury of the house of God, and over the treasury of the dedicated things.      The descendants of Ladan, the descendants of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan were the heads of the ancestors’ houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite, namely Jehieli. The descendants of Jehieli were Zetham and Joel his brother, over the treasury of the Place of Worship of Yahweh. Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites; and Shebuel of Gershom, of Moses, was ruler over the treasury. His family; of Eliezer came Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son. This Shelomoth and his family were over all the treasury of the dedicated things, which David the ruler, and the heads of the ancestors’ houses, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the leaders of the troops, had dedicated. They dedicated some of the stuff won in battle to repair the Place of Worship of Yahweh. What Samuel the preacher, Saul of Kish, Abner of Ner, and Joab of Zeruiah, had dedicated, whoever had dedicated anything, it was placed under the control of Shelomoth, and his family members.

     [29-32] Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges. Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his family, 1,700 experienced soldiers, had the oversight of Israel across the Jordon westward, for all the business of Yahweh, and for the service of the ruler. Jerijah was the leader of the Hebronites, according to their generations by their ancestors’ houses. In the 40^th year of the rule of David they were searched for, and there were found with them strong experienced soldiers at Jazer of Gilead. His family, 2,700 experienced soldiers, heads of ancestors’ houses, whom ruler David made overseers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half the family of of the Manassites, for every matter pertaining to God, and for the affairs of the ruler.

 

     27[1 -15] Now the people of Israel after their number, the heads of ancestors’ houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the ruler, in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out monthly, every month of the year of every division were 24,000. Over the division for the 1^st month was Jashobeam of Zabdiel; and in his division were 24,000. He was of the people of Perez, the head of all the leaders of the troops for the 1^st month. Over the division of the 2^nd month was Dodai the Ahohite, and his division; and Mikloth the ruler; and in his division were 24,000. The captain of the troops for the 3^rd month was Benaiah, of Jehoiada the preacher, leader; and in his division were 24,000. This is that Benaiah, who was the strongest of the 30, and over the 30; and of his division was Ammizabad. The captain for the 4^th month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 5^th month was Shamhuth the Izrahite; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 6^th month was Ira of Ikkesh the Tekoite; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 7^th month was Helez the Pelonite, of the people of Ephraim; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 8^th month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 9^th month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 10^th month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 11^th month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the people of Ephraim; and in his division were 24,000. The captain for the 12^th month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; and in his division were 24,000.

     [16-24] Also over the family groups of Israel; the leader of the Reubenites was Eliezer of Zichri; of the Simeonites, Shephatiah who was of Maacah; of Levi, Hashabiah who was of Kemuel; of Aaron, Zadok; who was of Judah, Elihu, one of the brothers of David; of Issachar, Omri who was of Michael; of Zebulun, Ishmaiah who was of Obadiah; of Naphtali, Jeremoth who was of Azriel; of the people of Ephraim, Hoshea who was of Azaziah; of half the family of Manasseh, Joel who was of Pedaiah; of half the family of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo who was of Zechariah; of Benjamin, Jaasiel who was of Abner; of Dan, Azarel who was of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the family groups of Israel. But David didn’t count those from 20 years old and under, because Yahweh had promised to increase Israel like the stars of the sky. Joab of Zeruiah began to count, but didn’t finish; and God’s anger came on Israel for this; neither was the number put into the account in the chronicles of the ruler David.

     [25-31] Over the ruler’s stores was Azmaveth of Adiel; and over all the stores in the fields, the cities,the towns, and the towers was Jonathan of Uzziah; Over those who did the work of the field tilling the ground was Ezri of Chelub; and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the harvest of the vineyards for the winecellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite; and over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowland was Baal Hanan the Gederite; and over the cellars of oil was Joash; and over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat who was of Adlai; and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite; and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. All these were the heads of everything which was David’s, the ruler.

     [32-34] Also Jonathan, David’s uncle was a counselor, one of understanding, and a secretary; and Jehiel of Hachmoni was with the ruler’s sons. Ahithophel was the ruler’s counselor; and Hushai the Archite was the ruler’s friend. After Ahithophel was Jehoiada of Benaiah, and Abiathar; and the captain of the ruler’s troops was Joab.

 

     28[1-5] David gathered all the leaders of Israel, the leaders of the family groups, and the leaders of the companies who served the ruler by division, and the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, and the heads over all the things of the ruler and his family, along with the officers, and all the strong experienced soldiers, to Jerusalem. Then David, the ruler, stood up on his feet, saying, “Hear me, my brothers, and my people; as for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building. But God said to me, You won’t build a house for My Name, because you’re a man of war, and have killed many people.     But Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my father to be ruler over Israel forever, who has chosen Judah to be head; and in the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the descendants of my father, God was pleased to make me ruler over all Israel; of all my children (for Yahweh has given me many children), and has chosen Solomon, my child, to sit on the throne of the land of Yahweh over Israel.

     [6-10] God said to me, Solomon your son, will build my house and my courts because I’ve chosen him to be my child, and I’ll be like a parent to him. I’ll set up his countries forever, if he continues to do my words and my rules, as at today. So now, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of Yahweh, and in the audience of our God, keep and search out all the words of Yahweh your God; that you may take this good land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. You, Solomon my child, know the God of your father, and serve God with a perfect heart and with a willing mind because Yahweh searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts; if you look for God, God will be found of you; but if you stop serving God, God will throw you away forever. Be careful now because Yahweh has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”

     [11-19] Then David gave to Solomon his son the plan of the house of the Place of Worship, and of its rooms, and of its storerooms, and of its upper rooms, and of its inner rooms, and of the place of the mercy seat; and the plan of what he had designed by the Spirit, for the courts of the Place of Worship of Yahweh, and for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God, and for the treasuries of the dedicated things; also for the divisions of the preachers and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the Place of Worship of Yahweh, and for all the pots of service in the Place of Worship of Yahweh; of gold by weight for the pots of gold, for all the pots of every kind of service; of silver for all the pots of silver by weight, for all pots of every kind of service; by weight also for the lampstands of gold and its lamps, of gold, by weight for every lampstand and its lamps; and for the lampstands of silver, silver by weight for every lampstand and its lamps,  according to the use of every lampstand; and the gold by weight for the tables of showbread, for every table; and silver for the tables of silver; and the forks, and the bowls, and the cups, of pure gold; and for the golden bowls, by weight for every bowl; and for the silver bowls, by weight for every bowl; and for the altar of incense, refined gold by weight; and gold for the plan of the Chest, even the cherubim (angelic winged creatures), that spread out their wings, and covered the Chest of the promised agreement of Yahweh. “All this, I’ve been made to understand by writing with the hand of Yahweh on me, even all the design of this plan,” said David.

     [20-21] David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and brave, and do it; don’t be scared, nor be troubled because Yahweh God, even my God, is with you; who won’t fail you, nor leave you, until all the work for the service of the Place of Worship of Yahweh is finished. See, there are the divisions of the preachers and the Levites, for all the service of the house of God; and there will be with you in all kinds of work every willing person who has skill, for any kind of service; also the captains and all the people will be entirely under your control.

 

      29[1-5] David the ruler said to all the assembly, Solomon, my child, whom alone God has chosen, is still young and immature, and the work is great because the palace isn’t for humans, but for Yahweh God. Now I’ve prepared with all my strength for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the brass for the things of brass, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, stones for inlaid work, and of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones, and many marble stones. In addition, because I’ve set my affection on the house of my God, seeing that I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, I give it to the house of my God, over and above what I’ve prepared for the holy house, even 225,000 lbs of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 525,000 lbs of refined silver with which to overlay the walls of the houses; of gold for the things of gold, and of silver for the things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be made by the hands of the craftspeople. Who then offers willingly to dedicate themself today to Yahweh?”

     [6-9] Then the leaders of the ancestors’ houses, and the leaders of the family groups of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds with the heads over the ruler’s work, offered willingly; and they gave for the service of the house of God of gold 450,000 lbs and 10,000 gold coins, and of silver 750,000 lbs, and of brass 1,350,000 lbs, and of iron 7,500,000 lbs. They with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the Place of Worship of Yahweh, under the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people were happy, because they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to Yahweh; and David the ruler also had great happiness.

     [10-20] So David blessed Yahweh before all the assembly; and David said, “You’re blessed, Yahweh, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yahweh, Yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the awesomeness because everything that’s in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. The earth is Yours, Yahweh, and you’re greater than all. Both riches and honor come of You, and You rule over all; and in Your hand is power and strength; and it’s in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all. So now, our God, we thank You, and praise Your wonderful Name. But who am I, and what’s my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come of You, and of Your own have we given You.    For we’re strangers before You, and foreigners, as all our ancestors were; our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there’s no living forever. Yahweh our God, all this store that we’ve prepared to build You a house for Your holy Name comes of Your hand, and is all Your own. I know also, my God, that You try the heart, and are pleased with goodness. As for me, in the goodness of my heart I’ve willingly offered all these things; and now I’ve seen with great happiness Your people, that are present here, offer willingly to You. Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and lead their heart to You; and give to Solomon my child a perfect heart, to keep Your words, Your judgments, and your laws, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for which I’ve provided.” David said to all the assembly, “Now bless Yahweh your God.” All the assembly blessed Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, and bowed down their heads and humbled themselves before Yahweh and the ruler.

     [21-25] They made sacrifices to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the next day after that day, even 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in wealth for all Israel, and ate and drank before Yahweh on that day with great happiness. They made Solomon, the child of David, ruler the second time, and anointed him to Yahweh to be head, and Zadok to be preacher. Then Solomon sat on the throne of Yahweh as ruler instead of David his father, and did well; and all Israel obeyed him. All the leaders, the soldiers, and also all of the descendants of ruler David pledged themselves to Solomon the ruler. Yahweh made Solomon very well known in the sight of all Israel, and put on him such royal awesomeness as hadn’t been on any ruler before him in Israel.

     [26-30] Now David of Jesse ruled over all Israel. The time that he ruled over Israel was 40 years; he ruled seven years in Hebron, and 33 years in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor; and Solomon his son ruled in his place. Now the acts of David the ruler, first and last, are written in the history of Samuel, the preacher, and in the history of Nathan, the preacher, and in the history of Gad, the preacher, with all his rule and strength, and the circumstances that came over him, and over Israel, and over all the nations of the countries.