# verses

text:
Then Abner called out to Joab,“Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will turn bitter in the end? When will you tell the people to turn aside from pursuing their brothers?”

normalized_text:
then abner called out to joab must the sword devour forever don t you realize that this will turn bitter in the end when will you tell the people to turn aside from pursuing their brothers


text:
Joab replied,“As surely as God lives, if you had not said this, it would have been morning before the people would have abandoned pursuit of their brothers!”

normalized_text:
joab replied as surely as god lives if you had not said this it would have been morning before the people would have abandoned pursuit of their brothers


text:
Then Joab blew the ram’s horn and all the people stopped in their tracks. They stopped chasing Israel and ceased fighting.

normalized_text:
then joab blew the ram s horn and all the people stopped in their tracks they stopped chasing israel and ceased fighting


text:
Abner and his men went through the rift valley all that night. They crossed the Jordan River and went through the whole region of Bitron and came to Mahanaim.

normalized_text:
abner and his men went through the rift valley all that night they crossed the jordan river and went through the whole region of bitron and came to mahanaim


text:
Now Joab returned from chasing Abner and assembled all the people. Nineteen of David’s soldiers were missing, in addition to Asahel.

normalized_text:
now joab returned from chasing abner and assembled all the people nineteen of david s soldiers were missing in addition to asahel


text:
They took Asahel’s body and buried him in his father’s tomb at Bethlehem. Joab and his men then traveled all that night and reached Hebron by dawn.

normalized_text:
they took asahel s body and buried him in his father s tomb at bethlehem joab and his men then traveled all that night and reached hebron by dawn


text:
However, the war was prolonged between the house of Saul and the house of David. David was becoming steadily stronger, while the house of Saul was becoming increasingly weaker.

normalized_text:
however the war was prolonged between the house of saul and the house of david david was becoming steadily stronger while the house of saul was becoming increasingly weaker


text:
His second son was Kileab, born to Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. His third son was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur.

normalized_text:
his second son was kileab born to abigail the widow of nabal the carmelite his third son was absalom the son of maacah daughter of king talmai of geshur


text:
Abner Defects to David’s Camp As the war continued between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was becoming more influential in the house of Saul.

normalized_text:
abner defects to david s camp as the war continued between the house of saul and the house of david abner was becoming more influential in the house of saul


text:
Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah. Ish-bosheth said to Abner,“Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”

normalized_text:
now saul had a concubine named rizpah daughter of aiah ish bosheth said to abner why did you sleep with my father s concubine


text:
These words of Ish-bosheth really angered Abner and he said,“Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah? This very day I am demonstrating loyalty to the house of Saul your father and to his relatives and his friends! I have not betrayed you into the hand of David. Yet you have accused me of sinning with this woman today!

normalized_text:
these words of ish bosheth really angered abner and he said am i the head of a dog that belongs to judah this very day i am demonstrating loyalty to the house of saul your father and to his relatives and his friends i have not betrayed you into the hand of david yet you have accused me of sinning with this woman today


text:
namely, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah all the way from Dan to Beer Sheba!”

normalized_text:
namely to transfer the kingdom from the house of saul and to establish the throne of david over israel and over judah all the way from dan to beer sheba


text:
Then Abner sent messengers to David saying,“To whom does the land belong? Make an agreement with me, and I will do whatever I can to cause all Israel to turn to you.”

normalized_text:
then abner sent messengers to david saying to whom does the land belong make an agreement with me and i will do whatever i can to cause all israel to turn to you


text:
So David said,“Good! I will make an agreement with you. I ask only one thing from you. You will not see my face unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to visit me.”

normalized_text:
so david said good i will make an agreement with you i ask only one thing from you you will not see my face unless you bring saul s daughter michal when you come to visit me


text:
David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul with this demand:“Give me my wife Michal whom I acquired for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

normalized_text:
david sent messengers to ish bosheth son of saul with this demand give me my wife michal whom i acquired for a hundred philistine foreskins


text:
Her husband went along behind her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Finally Abner said to him,“Go back!” So he returned home.

normalized_text:
her husband went along behind her weeping all the way to bahurim finally abner said to him go back so he returned home


text:
Act now! For the LORD has said to David,‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.’”

normalized_text:
act now for the lord has said to david by the hand of my servant david i will save my people israel from the philistines and from all their enemies


text:
Then Abner spoke privately with the Benjaminites. Abner also went to Hebron to inform David privately of all that Israel and the entire house of Benjamin had agreed to.

normalized_text:
then abner spoke privately with the benjaminites abner also went to hebron to inform david privately of all that israel and the entire house of benjamin had agreed to


text:
When Abner, accompanied by twenty men, came to David in Hebron, David prepared a banquet for Abner and the men who were with him.

normalized_text:
when abner accompanied by twenty men came to david in hebron david prepared a banquet for abner and the men who were with him


text:
Abner said to David,“Let me leave so that I may go and gather all Israel to my lord the king so that they may make an agreement with you. Then you will rule over all that you desire.” So David sent Abner away, and he left in peace.

normalized_text:
abner said to david let me leave so that i may go and gather all israel to my lord the king so that they may make an agreement with you then you will rule over all that you desire so david sent abner away and he left in peace


text:
Abner Is Killed Now David’s soldiers and Joab were coming back from a raid, bringing a great deal of plunder with them. Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, for David had sent him away and he had left in peace.

normalized_text:
abner is killed now david s soldiers and joab were coming back from a raid bringing a great deal of plunder with them abner was no longer with david in hebron for david had sent him away and he had left in peace


text:
When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, Joab was told:“Abner the son of Ner came to the king; he sent him away, and he left in peace!”

normalized_text:
when joab and all the army that was with him arrived joab was told abner the son of ner came to the king he sent him away and he left in peace


text:
So Joab went to the king and said,“What have you done? Abner has come to you! Why would you send him away? Now he’s gone on his way!

normalized_text:
so joab went to the king and said what have you done abner has come to you why would you send him away now he s gone on his way


text:
You know Abner the son of Ner! Surely he came here to spy on you and to determine when you leave and when you return and to discover everything that you are doing!”

normalized_text:
you know abner the son of ner surely he came here to spy on you and to determine when you leave and when you return and to discover everything that you are doing


text:
Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah.(But David was not aware of it.)

normalized_text:
then joab left david and sent messengers after abner they brought him back from the well of sirah but david was not aware of it


text:
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside at the gate as if to speak privately with him. Joab then stabbed him in the abdomen and killed him, avenging the shed blood of his brother Asahel.

normalized_text:
when abner returned to hebron joab took him aside at the gate as if to speak privately with him joab then stabbed him in the abdomen and killed him avenging the shed blood of his brother asahel


text:
When David later heard about this, he said,“I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD of the shed blood of Abner son of Ner!

normalized_text:
when david later heard about this he said i and my kingdom are forever innocent before the lord of the shed blood of abner son of ner


text:
May his blood whirl over the head of Joab and the entire house of his father! May the males of Joab’s house never cease to have someone with a running sore or a skin disease or one who works at the spindle or one who falls by the sword or one who lacks food!”

normalized_text:
may his blood whirl over the head of joab and the entire house of his father may the males of joab s house never cease to have someone with a running sore or a skin disease or one who works at the spindle or one who falls by the sword or one who lacks food


text:
So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel in Gibeon during the battle.

normalized_text:
so joab and his brother abishai killed abner because he had killed their brother asahel in gibeon during the battle


text:
David instructed Joab and all the people who were with him,“Tear your clothes! Put on sackcloth! Lament before Abner!” Now King David followed behind the funeral pallet.

normalized_text:
david instructed joab and all the people who were with him tear your clothes put on sackcloth lament before abner now king david followed behind the funeral pallet


normalized_text: so they buried abner in hebron the king cried loudly over abner s grave and all the people wept too
text:
So they buried Abner in Hebron. The king cried loudly over Abner’s grave and all the people wept too.


text:
Your hands were not bound, and your feet were not put into irons. You fell the way one falls before criminals.”All the people wept over him again.

normalized_text:
your hands were not bound and your feet were not put into irons you fell the way one falls before criminals all the people wept over him again


text:
Then all the people came and encouraged David to eat food while it was still day. But David took an oath saying,“God will punish me severely if I taste bread or anything whatsoever before the sun sets!”

normalized_text:
then all the people came and encouraged david to eat food while it was still day but david took an oath saying god will punish me severely if i taste bread or anything whatsoever before the sun sets


text:
All the people noticed this and it pleased them. In fact, everything the king did pleased all the people.

normalized_text:
all the people noticed this and it pleased them in fact everything the king did pleased all the people


text:
All the people and all Israel realized on that day that the killing of Abner son of Ner was not done at the king’s instigation.

normalized_text:
all the people and all israel realized on that day that the killing of abner son of ner was not done at the king s instigation


text:
Then the king said to his servants,“Do you not realize that a great leader has fallen this day in Israel?

normalized_text:
then the king said to his servants do you not realize that a great leader has fallen this day in israel


text:
Today I am weak, even though I am anointed as king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too much for me to bear! May the LORD punish appropriately the one who has done this evil thing!”

normalized_text:
today i am weak even though i am anointed as king these men the sons of zeruiah are too much for me to bear may the lord punish appropriately the one who has done this evil thing


text:
Ish-bosheth is killed When Ish-bosheth the son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he was very disheartened, and all Israel was afraid.

normalized_text:
ish bosheth is killed when ish bosheth the son of saul heard that abner had died in hebron he was very disheartened and all israel was afraid


text:
Now Saul’s son had two men who were in charge of raiding units; one was named Baanah and the other Recab. They were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who was a Benjaminite.(Beeroth is regarded as belonging to Benjamin,

normalized_text:
now saul s son had two men who were in charge of raiding units one was named baanah and the other recab they were sons of rimmon the beerothite who was a benjaminite beeroth is regarded as belonging to benjamin


text:
for the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have remained there as resident foreigners until the present time.)

normalized_text:
for the beerothites fled to gittaim and have remained there as resident foreigners until the present time


text:
Now Saul’s son Jonathan had a son who was crippled in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan arrived from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but in her haste to get away, he fell and was injured. Mephibosheth was his name.

normalized_text:
now saul s son jonathan had a son who was crippled in both feet he was five years old when the news about saul and jonathan arrived from jezreel his nurse picked him up and fled but in her haste to get away he fell and was injured mephibosheth was his name


text:
Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite– Recab and Baanah– went at the hottest part of the day to the home of Ish-bosheth, as he was enjoying his midday rest.

normalized_text:
now the sons of rimmon the beerothite recab and baanah went at the hottest part of the day to the home of ish bosheth as he was enjoying his midday rest


text:
They entered the house under the pretense of getting wheat and mortally wounded him in the stomach. Then Recab and his brother Baanah escaped.

normalized_text:
they entered the house under the pretense of getting wheat and mortally wounded him in the stomach then recab and his brother baanah escaped


text:
They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was resting on his bed in his bedroom. They mortally wounded him and then cut off his head. Taking his head, they traveled on the way of the rift valley all that night.

normalized_text:
they had entered the house while ish bosheth was resting on his bed in his bedroom they mortally wounded him and then cut off his head taking his head they traveled on the way of the rift valley all that night


text:
They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David in Hebron, saying to the king,“Look! The head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy who sought your life! The LORD has granted vengeance to my lord the king this day against Saul and his descendants!”

normalized_text:
they brought the head of ish bosheth to david in hebron saying to the king look the head of ish bosheth son of saul your enemy who sought your life the lord has granted vengeance to my lord the king this day against saul and his descendants


text:
David replied to Recab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite,“As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered my life from all adversity,

normalized_text:
david replied to recab and his brother baanah the sons of rimmon the beerothite as surely as the lord lives who has delivered my life from all adversity


text:
when someone told me that Saul was dead– even though he thought he was bringing good news– I seized him and killed him in Ziklag. That was the good news I gave to him!

normalized_text:
when someone told me that saul was dead even though he thought he was bringing good news i seized him and killed him in ziklag that was the good news i gave to him


text:
Surely when wicked men have killed an innocent man as he slept in his own house, should I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth?”

normalized_text:
surely when wicked men have killed an innocent man as he slept in his own house should i not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth


text:
So David issued orders to the soldiers and they put them to death. Then they cut off their hands and feet and hung them near the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the tomb of Abner in Hebron.

normalized_text:
so david issued orders to the soldiers and they put them to death then they cut off their hands and feet and hung them near the pool in hebron but they took the head of ish bosheth and buried it in the tomb of abner in hebron


text:
David Is Anointed King Over Israel All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron saying,“Look, we are your very flesh and blood!

normalized_text:
david is anointed king over israel all the tribes of israel came to david at hebron saying look we are your very flesh and blood


text:
In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you,‘You will shepherd my people Israel; you will rule over Israel.’”

normalized_text:
in the past when saul was our king you were the real leader in israel the lord said to you you will shepherd my people israel you will rule over israel


text:
When all the leaders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, King David made an agreement with them in Hebron before the LORD. They designated David as king over Israel.

normalized_text:
when all the leaders of israel came to the king at hebron king david made an agreement with them in hebron before the lord they designated david as king over israel


text:
In Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

normalized_text:
in hebron he reigned over judah for seven years and six months and in jerusalem he reigned for thirty three years over all israel and judah


text:
David Occupies Jerusalem Then the king and his men advanced to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who lived in the land. The Jebusites said to David,“You cannot invade this place! Even the blind and the lame will turn you back, saying,‘David cannot invade this place!’”

normalized_text:
david occupies jerusalem then the king and his men advanced to jerusalem against the jebusites who lived in the land the jebusites said to david you cannot invade this place even the blind and the lame will turn you back saying david cannot invade this place


text:
David said on that day,“Whoever attacks the Jebusites must approach the‘lame’ and the‘blind’ who are David’s enemies by going through the water tunnel.” For this reason it is said,“The blind and the lame cannot enter the palace.”

normalized_text:
david said on that day whoever attacks the jebusites must approach the lame and the blind who are david s enemies by going through the water tunnel for this reason it is said the blind and the lame cannot enter the palace


text:
So David lived in the fortress and called it the City of David. David built all around it, from the terrace inwards.

normalized_text:
so david lived in the fortress and called it the city of david david built all around it from the terrace inwards


text:
King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons. They built a palace for David.

normalized_text:
king hiram of tyre sent messengers to david along with cedar logs carpenters and stonemasons they built a palace for david


text:
David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that he had elevated his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

normalized_text:
david realized that the lord had established him as king over israel and that he had elevated his kingdom for the sake of his people israel


text:
David married more concubines and wives from Jerusalem after he arrived from Hebron. Even more sons and daughters were born to David.

normalized_text:
david married more concubines and wives from jerusalem after he arrived from hebron even more sons and daughters were born to david


text:
Conflict with the Philistines When the Philistines heard that David had been designated king over Israel, they all went up to search for David. When David heard about it, he went down to the fortress.

normalized_text:
conflict with the philistines when the philistines heard that david had been designated king over israel they all went up to search for david when david heard about it he went down to the fortress


text:
So David asked the LORD,“Should I march up against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD said to David,“March up, for I will indeed hand the Philistines over to you.”

normalized_text:
so david asked the lord should i march up against the philistines will you hand them over to me the lord said to david march up for i will indeed hand the philistines over to you


text:
So David marched against Baal Perazim and defeated them there. Then he said,“The LORD has burst out against my enemies like water bursts out.” So he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.

normalized_text:
so david marched against baal perazim and defeated them there then he said the lord has burst out against my enemies like water bursts out so he called the name of that place baal perazim


text:
So David asked the LORD what he should do. This time the LORD said to him,“Don’t march straight up. Instead, circle around behind them and come against them opposite the trees.

normalized_text:
so david asked the lord what he should do this time the lord said to him don t march straight up instead circle around behind them and come against them opposite the trees


text:
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, act decisively. For at that moment the LORD is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”

normalized_text:
when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees act decisively for at that moment the lord is going before you to strike down the army of the philistines


text:
David did just as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines from Gibeon all the way to Gezer.

normalized_text:
david did just as the lord commanded him and he struck down the philistines from gibeon all the way to gezer


text:
David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem David again assembled all the best men in Israel, thirty thousand in number.

normalized_text:
david brings the ark to jerusalem david again assembled all the best men in israel thirty thousand in number


text:
David and all the men who were with him traveled to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, who sits enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.

normalized_text:
david and all the men who were with him traveled to baalah in judah to bring up from there the ark of god which is called by the name of the lord of heaven s armies who sits enthroned between the cherubim that are on it


text:
They loaded the ark of God on a new cart and carried it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart.

normalized_text:
they loaded the ark of god on a new cart and carried it from the house of abinadab which was on the hill uzzah and ahio the sons of abinadab were guiding the new cart


text:
They brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on the hill. Ahio was walking in front of the ark,

normalized_text:
they brought it with the ark of god from the house of abinadab on the hill ahio was walking in front of the ark


text:
while David and all Israel were energetically celebrating before the LORD, singing and playing various stringed instruments, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals.

normalized_text:
while david and all israel were energetically celebrating before the lord singing and playing various stringed instruments tambourines rattles and cymbals


text:
When they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and grabbed hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled.

normalized_text:
when they arrived at the threshing floor of nacon uzzah reached out and grabbed hold of the ark of god because the oxen stumbled


text:
The LORD was so furious with Uzzah, he killed him on the spot for his negligence. He died right there beside the ark of God.

normalized_text:
the lord was so furious with uzzah he killed him on the spot for his negligence he died right there beside the ark of god


text:
David was angry because the LORD attacked Uzzah; so he called that place Perez Uzzah, which remains its name to this very day.

normalized_text:
david was angry because the lord attacked uzzah so he called that place perez uzzah which remains its name to this very day


text:
So David was no longer willing to bring the ark of the LORD to be with him in the City of David. David left it in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

normalized_text:
so david was no longer willing to bring the ark of the lord to be with him in the city of david david left it in the house of obed edom the gittite


text:
The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months. The LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his family.

normalized_text:
the ark of the lord remained in the house of obed edom the gittite for three months the lord blessed obed edom and all his family


text:
King David was told,“The LORD has blessed the family of Obed-Edom and everything he owns because of the ark of God.” So David went and joyfully brought the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David.

normalized_text:
king david was told the lord has blessed the family of obed edom and everything he owns because of the ark of god so david went and joyfully brought the ark of god from the house of obed edom to the city of david


text:
Those who carried the ark of the LORD took six steps and then David sacrificed an ox and a fatling calf.

normalized_text:
those who carried the ark of the lord took six steps and then david sacrificed an ox and a fatling calf


text:
As the ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked out the window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him.

normalized_text:
as the ark of the lord entered the city of david saul s daughter michal looked out the window when she saw king david leaping and dancing before the lord she despised him


text:
They brought the ark of the LORD and put it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before the LORD.

normalized_text:
they brought the ark of the lord and put it in its place in the middle of the tent that david had pitched for it then david offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before the lord


text:
When David finished offering the burnt sacrifices and peace offerings, he pronounced a blessing over the people in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

normalized_text:
when david finished offering the burnt sacrifices and peace offerings he pronounced a blessing over the people in the name of the lord of heaven s armies


text:
He then handed out to each member of the entire assembly of Israel, both men and women, a portion of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. Then all the people went home.

normalized_text:
he then handed out to each member of the entire assembly of israel both men and women a portion of bread a date cake and a raisin cake then all the people went home


text:
When David went home to pronounce a blessing on his own house, Michal, Saul’s daughter, came out to meet him. She said,“How the king of Israel has distinguished himself this day! He has exposed himself today before his servants’ slave girls the way a vulgar fool might do!”

normalized_text:
when david went home to pronounce a blessing on his own house michal saul s daughter came out to meet him she said how the king of israel has distinguished himself this day he has exposed himself today before his servants slave girls the way a vulgar fool might do


text:
David replied to Michal,“It was before the LORD! I was celebrating before the LORD, who chose me over your father and his entire family and appointed me as leader over the LORD’s people Israel.

normalized_text:
david replied to michal it was before the lord i was celebrating before the lord who chose me over your father and his entire family and appointed me as leader over the lord s people israel


text:
I am willing to shame and humiliate myself even more than this! But with the slave girls whom you mentioned let me be distinguished!”

normalized_text:
i am willing to shame and humiliate myself even more than this but with the slave girls whom you mentioned let me be distinguished


text:
The Lord Establishes a Covenant with David The king settled into his palace, for the LORD gave him relief from all his enemies on all sides.

normalized_text:
the lord establishes a covenant with david the king settled into his palace for the lord gave him relief from all his enemies on all sides


text:
The king said to Nathan the prophet,“Look! I am living in a palace made from cedar, while the ark of God sits in the middle of a tent.”

normalized_text:
the king said to nathan the prophet look i am living in a palace made from cedar while the ark of god sits in the middle of a tent


normalized_text: nathan replied to the king you should go and do whatever you have in mind for the lord is with you
text:
Nathan replied to the king,“You should go and do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.”


text:
“Go, tell my servant David:‘This is what the LORD has said: Do you really intend to build a house for me to live in?

normalized_text:
go tell my servant david this is what the lord has said do you really intend to build a house for me to live in


text:
I have not lived in a house from the time I brought the Israelites up from Egypt to the present day. Instead, I was traveling with them and living in a tent.

normalized_text:
i have not lived in a house from the time i brought the israelites up from egypt to the present day instead i was traveling with them and living in a tent


text:
Wherever I moved among all the Israelites, I did not say to any of their leaders whom I appointed to care for my people Israel,“Why have you not built me a house made from cedar?”’

normalized_text:
wherever i moved among all the israelites i did not say to any of their leaders whom i appointed to care for my people israel why have you not built me a house made from cedar


text:
“So now, say this to my servant David:‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has said: I took you from the pasture and from your work as a shepherd to make you leader of my people Israel.

normalized_text:
so now say this to my servant david this is what the lord of heaven s armies has said i took you from the pasture and from your work as a shepherd to make you leader of my people israel


text:
I was with you wherever you went, and I defeated all your enemies before you. Now I will make you as famous as the great men of the earth.

normalized_text:
i was with you wherever you went and i defeated all your enemies before you now i will make you as famous as the great men of the earth


text:
I will establish a place for my people Israel and settle them there; they will live there and not be disturbed any more. Violent men will not oppress them again, as they did in the beginning

normalized_text:
i will establish a place for my people israel and settle them there they will live there and not be disturbed any more violent men will not oppress them again as they did in the beginning


text:
and during the time when I appointed judges to lead my people Israel. Instead, I will give you relief from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that he himself will build a dynastic house for you.

normalized_text:
and during the time when i appointed judges to lead my people israel instead i will give you relief from all your enemies the lord declares to you that he himself will build a dynastic house for you


text:
When the time comes for you to die, I will raise up your descendant, one of your own sons, to succeed you, and I will establish his kingdom.

normalized_text:
when the time comes for you to die i will raise up your descendant one of your own sons to succeed you and i will establish his kingdom


text:
I will become his father and he will become my son. When he sins, I will correct him with the rod of men and with wounds inflicted by human beings.

normalized_text:
i will become his father and he will become my son when he sins i will correct him with the rod of men and with wounds inflicted by human beings


text:
But my loyal love will not be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.

normalized_text:
but my loyal love will not be removed from him as i removed it from saul whom i removed from before you


text:
David Offers a Prayer to God King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said,“Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you should have brought me to this point?

normalized_text:
david offers a prayer to god king david went in sat before the lord and said who am i o sovereign lord and what is my family that you should have brought me to this point


text:
And you didn’t stop there, O LORD God! You have also spoken about the future of your servant’s family. Is this your usual way of dealing with men, O Sovereign LORD?

normalized_text:
and you didn t stop there o lord god you have also spoken about the future of your servant s family is this your usual way of dealing with men o sovereign lord


text:
For the sake of your promise and according to your purpose you have done this great thing in order to reveal it to your servant.

normalized_text:
for the sake of your promise and according to your purpose you have done this great thing in order to reveal it to your servant


text:
Therefore you are great, O Sovereign LORD, for there is none like you! There is no God besides you! What we have heard is true!

normalized_text:
therefore you are great o sovereign lord for there is none like you there is no god besides you what we have heard is true


text:
Who is like your people, Israel, a unique nation on the earth? Their God went to claim a nation for himself and to make a name for himself! You did great and awesome acts for your land, before your people whom you delivered for yourself from the Egyptian empire and its gods.

normalized_text:
who is like your people israel a unique nation on the earth their god went to claim a nation for himself and to make a name for himself you did great and awesome acts for your land before your people whom you delivered for yourself from the egyptian empire and its gods


text:
So now, O LORD God, make this promise you have made about your servant and his family a permanent reality. Do as you promised,

normalized_text:
so now o lord god make this promise you have made about your servant and his family a permanent reality do as you promised


text:
so you may gain lasting fame, as people say,‘The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is God over Israel!’ The dynasty of your servant David will be established before you,

normalized_text:
so you may gain lasting fame as people say the lord of heaven s armies is god over israel the dynasty of your servant david will be established before you


text:
for you, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, have told your servant,‘I will build you a dynastic house.’ That is why your servant has had the courage to pray this prayer to you.

normalized_text:
for you o lord of heaven s armies the god of israel have told your servant i will build you a dynastic house that is why your servant has had the courage to pray this prayer to you


text:
Now, O Sovereign LORD, you are the true God! May your words prove to be true! You have made this good promise to your servant!

normalized_text:
now o sovereign lord you are the true god may your words prove to be true you have made this good promise to your servant


text:
Now be willing to bless your servant’s dynasty so that it may stand permanently before you, for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken. By your blessing may your servant’s dynasty be blessed on into the future!”

normalized_text:
now be willing to bless your servant s dynasty so that it may stand permanently before you for you o sovereign lord have spoken by your blessing may your servant s dynasty be blessed on into the future


text:
David Subjugates Nearby Nations Later David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. David took Metheg Ammah from the Philistines.

normalized_text:
david subjugates nearby nations later david defeated the philistines and subdued them david took metheg ammah from the philistines


text:
He defeated the Moabites. He made them lie on the ground and then used a rope to measure them off. He put two-thirds of them to death and spared the other third. The Moabites became David’s subjects and brought tribute.

normalized_text:
he defeated the moabites he made them lie on the ground and then used a rope to measure them off he put two thirds of them to death and spared the other third the moabites became david s subjects and brought tribute


text:
David defeated King Hadadezer son of Rehob of Zobah when he came to reestablish his authority over the Euphrates River.

normalized_text:
david defeated king hadadezer son of rehob of zobah when he came to reestablish his authority over the euphrates river


text:
David seized from him 1,700 charioteers and 20,000 infantrymen. David cut the hamstrings of all but a hundred of the chariot horses.

normalized_text:
david seized from him 1 700 charioteers and 20 000 infantrymen david cut the hamstrings of all but a hundred of the chariot horses


text:
The Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, but David killed 22,000 of the Arameans.

normalized_text:
the arameans of damascus came to help king hadadezer of zobah but david killed 22 000 of the arameans


text:
David placed garrisons in the territory of the Arameans of Damascus; the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The LORD protected David wherever he campaigned.

normalized_text:
david placed garrisons in the territory of the arameans of damascus the arameans became david s subjects and brought tribute the lord protected david wherever he campaigned


text:
he sent his son Joram to King David to extend his best wishes and to pronounce a blessing on him for his victory over Hadadezer, for Toi had been at war with Hadadezer. He brought with him various items made of silver, gold, and bronze.

normalized_text:
he sent his son joram to king david to extend his best wishes and to pronounce a blessing on him for his victory over hadadezer for toi had been at war with hadadezer he brought with him various items made of silver gold and bronze


text:
King David dedicated these things to the LORD, along with the dedicated silver and gold that he had taken from all the nations that he had subdued,

normalized_text:
king david dedicated these things to the lord along with the dedicated silver and gold that he had taken from all the nations that he had subdued


text:
including Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. This also included some of the plunder taken from King Hadadezer son of Rehob of Zobah.

normalized_text:
including edom moab the ammonites the philistines and amalek this also included some of the plunder taken from king hadadezer son of rehob of zobah


text:
David became famous when he returned from defeating the Edomites in the Valley of Salt; he defeated 18,000 in all.

normalized_text:
david became famous when he returned from defeating the edomites in the valley of salt he defeated 18 000 in all


text:
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. The LORD protected David wherever he campaigned.

normalized_text:
he placed garrisons throughout edom and all the edomites became david s subjects the lord protected david wherever he campaigned


text:
David’s Cabinet Joab son of Zeruiah was general in command of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was secretary;

normalized_text:
david s cabinet joab son of zeruiah was general in command of the army jehoshaphat son of ahilud was secretary


text:
David Finds Mephibosheth Then David asked,“Is anyone still left from the family of Saul, so that I may extend kindness to him for the sake of Jonathan?”

normalized_text:
david finds mephibosheth then david asked is anyone still left from the family of saul so that i may extend kindness to him for the sake of jonathan


text:
Now there was a servant from Saul’s house named Ziba, so he was summoned to David. The king asked him,“Are you Ziba?” He replied,“At your service.”

normalized_text:
now there was a servant from saul s house named ziba so he was summoned to david the king asked him are you ziba he replied at your service


text:
The king asked,“Is there not someone left from Saul’s family, that I may extend God’s kindness to him?” Ziba said to the king,“One of Jonathan’s sons is left; both of his feet are crippled.”

normalized_text:
the king asked is there not someone left from saul s family that i may extend god s kindness to him ziba said to the king one of jonathan s sons is left both of his feet are crippled


text:
The king asked him,“Where is he?” Ziba told the king,“He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

normalized_text:
the king asked him where is he ziba told the king he is at the house of makir son of ammiel in lo debar


text:
When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed low with his face toward the ground. David said,“Mephibosheth?” He replied,“Yes, at your service.”

normalized_text:
when mephibosheth son of jonathan the son of saul came to david he bowed low with his face toward the ground david said mephibosheth he replied yes at your service


text:
David said to him,“Don’t be afraid, because I will certainly extend kindness to you for the sake of Jonathan your father. I will give back to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will be a regular guest at my table.”

normalized_text:
david said to him don t be afraid because i will certainly extend kindness to you for the sake of jonathan your father i will give back to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather saul and you will be a regular guest at my table


text:
Then Mephibosheth bowed and said,“Of what importance am I, your servant, that you show regard for a dead dog like me?”

normalized_text:
then mephibosheth bowed and said of what importance am i your servant that you show regard for a dead dog like me


text:
Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s attendant, and said to him,“Everything that belonged to Saul and to his entire house I hereby give to your master’s grandson.

normalized_text:
then the king summoned ziba saul s attendant and said to him everything that belonged to saul and to his entire house i hereby give to your master s grandson


text:
You will cultivate the land for him– you and your sons and your servants. You will bring its produce and it will be food for your master’s grandson to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will be a regular guest at my table.”(Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)

normalized_text:
you will cultivate the land for him you and your sons and your servants you will bring its produce and it will be food for your master s grandson to eat but mephibosheth your master s grandson will be a regular guest at my table now ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants


text:
Ziba said to the king,“Your servant will do everything that my lord the king has instructed his servant to do.” So Mephibosheth was a regular guest at David’s table, just as though he were one of the king’s sons.

normalized_text:
ziba said to the king your servant will do everything that my lord the king has instructed his servant to do so mephibosheth was a regular guest at david s table just as though he were one of the king s sons


text:
Now Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. All the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants.

normalized_text:
now mephibosheth had a young son whose name was mica all the members of ziba s household were mephibosheth s servants


text:
Mephibosheth was living in Jerusalem, for he was a regular guest at the king’s table. But both his feet were crippled.

normalized_text:
mephibosheth was living in jerusalem for he was a regular guest at the king s table but both his feet were crippled


text:
David said,“I will express my loyalty to Hanun son of Nahash just as his father was loyal to me.” So David sent his servants with a message expressing sympathy over his father’s death. When David’s servants entered the land of the Ammonites,

normalized_text:
david said i will express my loyalty to hanun son of nahash just as his father was loyal to me so david sent his servants with a message expressing sympathy over his father s death when david s servants entered the land of the ammonites


text:
the Ammonite officials said to their lord Hanun,“Do you really think David is trying to honor your father by sending these messengers to express his sympathy? No, David has sent his servants to you to get information about the city and spy on it so they can overthrow it!”

normalized_text:
the ammonite officials said to their lord hanun do you really think david is trying to honor your father by sending these messengers to express his sympathy no david has sent his servants to you to get information about the city and spy on it so they can overthrow it


text:
So Hanun seized David’s servants and shaved off half of each one’s beard. He cut the lower part of their robes off so that their buttocks were exposed, and then sent them away.

normalized_text:
so hanun seized david s servants and shaved off half of each one s beard he cut the lower part of their robes off so that their buttocks were exposed and then sent them away


text:
Messengers told David what had happened, so he summoned them, for the men were thoroughly humiliated. The king said,“Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown again; then you may come back.”

normalized_text:
messengers told david what had happened so he summoned them for the men were thoroughly humiliated the king said stay in jericho until your beards have grown again then you may come back


text:
When the Ammonites realized that David was disgusted with them, they sent and hired 20,000 foot soldiers from Aram Beth Rehob and Aram Zobah, in addition to 1000 men from the king of Maacah and 12,000 men from Ish-tob.

normalized_text:
when the ammonites realized that david was disgusted with them they sent and hired 20 000 foot soldiers from aram beth rehob and aram zobah in addition to 1000 men from the king of maacah and 12 000 men from ish tob


text:
The Ammonites marched out and were deployed for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the men from Aram Zobah, Rehob, Ish-tob, and Maacah were by themselves in the field.

normalized_text:
the ammonites marched out and were deployed for battle at the entrance of the city gate while the men from aram zobah rehob ish tob and maacah were by themselves in the field


text:
When Joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts, he chose some of Israel’s best men and deployed them against the Arameans.

normalized_text:
when joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts he chose some of israel s best men and deployed them against the arameans


text:
He put his brother Abishai in charge of the rest of the army and they were deployed against the Ammonites.

normalized_text:
he put his brother abishai in charge of the rest of the army and they were deployed against the ammonites


text:
Joab said,“If the Arameans start to overpower me, you come to my rescue. If the Ammonites start to overpower you, I will come to your rescue.

normalized_text:
joab said if the arameans start to overpower me you come to my rescue if the ammonites start to overpower you i will come to your rescue


text:
Be strong! Let’s fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our God! The LORD will do what he decides is best!”

normalized_text:
be strong let s fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our god the lord will do what he decides is best


text:
When the Ammonites saw the Arameans flee, they fled before his brother Abishai and went into the city. Joab withdrew from fighting the Ammonites and returned to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
when the ammonites saw the arameans flee they fled before his brother abishai and went into the city joab withdrew from fighting the ammonites and returned to jerusalem


text:
Then Hadadezer sent for Arameans from beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam. Shobach, the general in command of Hadadezer’s army, led them.

normalized_text:
then hadadezer sent for arameans from beyond the euphrates river and they came to helam shobach the general in command of hadadezer s army led them


text:
When David was informed, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, and came to Helam. The Arameans deployed their forces against David and fought with him.

normalized_text:
when david was informed he gathered all israel crossed the jordan river and came to helam the arameans deployed their forces against david and fought with him


text:
The Arameans fled before Israel. David killed 700 Aramean charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach, the general in command of the army, who died there.

normalized_text:
the arameans fled before israel david killed 700 aramean charioteers and 40 000 foot soldiers he also struck down shobach the general in command of the army who died there


text:
When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subjects of Israel. The Arameans were no longer willing to help the Ammonites.

normalized_text:
when all the kings who were subject to hadadezer saw they were defeated by israel they made peace with israel and became subjects of israel the arameans were no longer willing to help the ammonites


text:
David Commits Adultery with Bathsheba In the spring of the year, at the time when kings normally conduct wars, David sent out Joab with his officers and the entire Israelite army. They defeated the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
david commits adultery with bathsheba in the spring of the year at the time when kings normally conduct wars david sent out joab with his officers and the entire israelite army they defeated the ammonites and besieged rabbah but david stayed behind in jerusalem


text:
One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of his palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. Now this woman was very attractive.

normalized_text:
one evening david got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of his palace from the roof he saw a woman bathing now this woman was very attractive


text:
So David sent someone to inquire about the woman. The messenger said,“Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”

normalized_text:
so david sent someone to inquire about the woman the messenger said isn t this bathsheba the daughter of eliam the wife of uriah the hittite


text:
David sent some messengers to get her. She came to him and he went to bed with her.(Now at that time she was in the process of purifying herself from her menstrual uncleanness.) Then she returned to her home.

normalized_text:
david sent some messengers to get her she came to him and he went to bed with her now at that time she was in the process of purifying herself from her menstrual uncleanness then she returned to her home


text:
When Uriah came to him, David asked about how Joab and the army were doing and how the campaign was going.

normalized_text:
when uriah came to him david asked about how joab and the army were doing and how the campaign was going


text:
Then David said to Uriah,“Go down to your home and relax.” When Uriah left the palace, the king sent a gift to him.

normalized_text:
then david said to uriah go down to your home and relax when uriah left the palace the king sent a gift to him


text:
But Uriah stayed at the door of the palace with all the servants of his lord. He did not go down to his house.

normalized_text:
but uriah stayed at the door of the palace with all the servants of his lord he did not go down to his house


text:
So they informed David,“Uriah has not gone down to his house.” So David said to Uriah,“Haven’t you just arrived from a journey? Why haven’t you gone down to your house?”

normalized_text:
so they informed david uriah has not gone down to his house so david said to uriah haven t you just arrived from a journey why haven t you gone down to your house


text:
Uriah replied to David,“The ark and Israel and Judah reside in temporary shelters, and my lord Joab and my lord’s soldiers are camping in the open field. Should I go to my house to eat and drink and go to bed with my wife? As surely as you are alive, I will not do this thing!”

normalized_text:
uriah replied to david the ark and israel and judah reside in temporary shelters and my lord joab and my lord s soldiers are camping in the open field should i go to my house to eat and drink and go to bed with my wife as surely as you are alive i will not do this thing


text:
So David said to Uriah,“Stay here another day. Tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem both that day and the following one.

normalized_text:
so david said to uriah stay here another day tomorrow i will send you back so uriah stayed in jerusalem both that day and the following one


text:
Then David summoned him. He ate and drank with him, and got him drunk. But in the evening he went out to sleep on his bed with the servants of his lord; he did not go down to his own house.

normalized_text:
then david summoned him he ate and drank with him and got him drunk but in the evening he went out to sleep on his bed with the servants of his lord he did not go down to his own house


text:
In the letter he wrote:“Station Uriah at the front in the thick of the battle and then withdraw from him so he will be cut down and killed.”

normalized_text:
in the letter he wrote station uriah at the front in the thick of the battle and then withdraw from him so he will be cut down and killed


text:
So as Joab kept watch on the city, he stationed Uriah at the place where he knew the best enemy soldiers were.

normalized_text:
so as joab kept watch on the city he stationed uriah at the place where he knew the best enemy soldiers were


text:
When the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, some of David’s soldiers fell in battle. Uriah the Hittite also died.

normalized_text:
when the men of the city came out and fought with joab some of david s soldiers fell in battle uriah the hittite also died


text:
if the king becomes angry and asks you,‘Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you realize they would shoot from the wall?

normalized_text:
if the king becomes angry and asks you why did you go so close to the city to fight didn t you realize they would shoot from the wall


text:
Who struck down Abimelech the son of Jerub-Besheth? Didn’t a woman throw an upper millstone down on him from the wall so that he died in Thebez? Why did you go so close to the wall?’ just say to him,‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.’”

normalized_text:
who struck down abimelech the son of jerub besheth didn t a woman throw an upper millstone down on him from the wall so that he died in thebez why did you go so close to the wall just say to him your servant uriah the hittite is also dead


text:
So the messenger departed. When he arrived, he informed David of all the news that Joab had sent with him.

normalized_text:
so the messenger departed when he arrived he informed david of all the news that joab had sent with him


text:
The messenger said to David,“The men overpowered us and attacked us in the field. But we forced them to retreat all the way to the door of the city gate.

normalized_text:
the messenger said to david the men overpowered us and attacked us in the field but we forced them to retreat all the way to the door of the city gate


text:
Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall and some of the king’s soldiers died. Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.”

normalized_text:
then the archers shot at your servants from the wall and some of the king s soldiers died your servant uriah the hittite is also dead


text:
David said to the messenger,“Tell Joab,‘Don’t let this thing upset you. There is no way to anticipate whom the sword will cut down. Press the battle against the city and conquer it.’ Encourage him with these words.”

normalized_text:
david said to the messenger tell joab don t let this thing upset you there is no way to anticipate whom the sword will cut down press the battle against the city and conquer it encourage him with these words


text:
When the time of mourning passed, David had her brought to his palace. She became his wife and she bore him a son. But what David had done upset the LORD.

normalized_text:
when the time of mourning passed david had her brought to his palace she became his wife and she bore him a son but what david had done upset the lord


text:
Nathan the Prophet Confronts David So the LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to David, Nathan said,“There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.

normalized_text:
nathan the prophet confronts david so the lord sent nathan to david when he came to david nathan said there were two men in a certain city one rich and the other poor


text:
But the poor man had nothing except for a little lamb he had acquired. He raised it, and it grew up alongside him and his children. It used to eat his food, drink from his cup, and sleep in his arms. It was just like a daughter to him.

normalized_text:
but the poor man had nothing except for a little lamb he had acquired he raised it and it grew up alongside him and his children it used to eat his food drink from his cup and sleep in his arms it was just like a daughter to him


text:
“When a traveler arrived at the rich man’s home, he did not want to use one of his own sheep or cattle to feed the traveler who had come to visit him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and cooked it for the man who had come to visit him.”

normalized_text:
when a traveler arrived at the rich man s home he did not want to use one of his own sheep or cattle to feed the traveler who had come to visit him instead he took the poor man s lamb and cooked it for the man who had come to visit him


text:
Then David became very angry at this man. He said to Nathan,“As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die!

normalized_text:
then david became very angry at this man he said to nathan as surely as the lord lives the man who did this deserves to die


text:
Nathan said to David,“You are that man! This is what the LORD God of Israel has said:‘I chose you to be king over Israel and I rescued you from the hand of Saul.

normalized_text:
nathan said to david you are that man this is what the lord god of israel has said i chose you to be king over israel and i rescued you from the hand of saul


text:
I gave you your master’s house, and put your master’s wives into your arms. I also gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all that somehow seems insignificant, I would have given you so much more as well!

normalized_text:
i gave you your master s house and put your master s wives into your arms i also gave you the house of israel and judah and if all that somehow seems insignificant i would have given you so much more as well


text:
Why have you shown contempt for the LORD’s decrees by doing evil in my sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and you have taken his wife to be your own wife! You have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.

normalized_text:
why have you shown contempt for the lord s decrees by doing evil in my sight you have struck down uriah the hittite with the sword and you have taken his wife to be your own wife you have killed him with the sword of the ammonites


text:
So now the sword will never depart from your house. For you have despised me by taking the wife of Uriah the Hittite as your own!’

normalized_text:
so now the sword will never depart from your house for you have despised me by taking the wife of uriah the hittite as your own


text:
This is what the LORD has said:‘I am about to bring disaster on you from inside your own household! Right before your eyes I will take your wives and hand them over to your companion. He will go to bed with your wives in broad daylight!

normalized_text:
this is what the lord has said i am about to bring disaster on you from inside your own household right before your eyes i will take your wives and hand them over to your companion he will go to bed with your wives in broad daylight


text:
Then David exclaimed to Nathan,“I have sinned against the LORD!” Nathan replied to David,“Yes, and the LORD has forgiven your sin. You are not going to die.

normalized_text:
then david exclaimed to nathan i have sinned against the lord nathan replied to david yes and the lord has forgiven your sin you are not going to die


text:
Nonetheless, because you have treated the LORD with such contempt in this matter, the son who has been born to you will certainly die.”

normalized_text:
nonetheless because you have treated the lord with such contempt in this matter the son who has been born to you will certainly die


text:
Then Nathan went to his home. The LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and the child became very ill.

normalized_text:
then nathan went to his home the lord struck the child that uriah s wife had borne to david and the child became very ill


text:
Then David prayed to God for the child and fasted. He would even go and spend the night lying on the ground.

normalized_text:
then david prayed to god for the child and fasted he would even go and spend the night lying on the ground


text:
The elders of his house stood over him and tried to lift him from the ground, but he was unwilling, and refused to eat food with them.

normalized_text:
the elders of his house stood over him and tried to lift him from the ground but he was unwilling and refused to eat food with them


text:
On the seventh day the child died. But the servants of David were afraid to inform him that the child had died, for they said,“While the child was still alive he would not listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He will do himself harm!”

normalized_text:
on the seventh day the child died but the servants of david were afraid to inform him that the child had died for they said while the child was still alive he would not listen to us when we spoke to him how can we tell him that the child is dead he will do himself harm


text:
When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he realized that the child was dead. So David asked his servants,“Is the child dead?” They replied,“Yes, he’s dead.”

normalized_text:
when david saw that his servants were whispering to one another he realized that the child was dead so david asked his servants is the child dead they replied yes he s dead


text:
So David got up from the ground, bathed, put on oil, and changed his clothes. He went to the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then, when he entered his palace, he requested that food be brought to him, and he ate.

normalized_text:
so david got up from the ground bathed put on oil and changed his clothes he went to the house of the lord and worshiped then when he entered his palace he requested that food be brought to him and he ate


text:
His servants said to him,“What is this that you have done? While the child was still alive, you fasted and wept. Once the child was dead you got up and ate food!”

normalized_text:
his servants said to him what is this that you have done while the child was still alive you fasted and wept once the child was dead you got up and ate food


text:
He replied,“While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept because I thought,‘Perhaps the LORD will show pity and the child will live.

normalized_text:
he replied while the child was still alive i fasted and wept because i thought perhaps the lord will show pity and the child will live


text:
But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Am I able to bring him back at this point? I will go to him, but he cannot return to me!’”

normalized_text:
but now he is dead why should i fast am i able to bring him back at this point i will go to him but he cannot return to me


text:
So David comforted his wife Bathsheba. He came to her and went to bed with her. Later she gave birth to a son, and David named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child

normalized_text:
so david comforted his wife bathsheba he came to her and went to bed with her later she gave birth to a son and david named him solomon now the lord loved the child


text:
David’s Forces Defeat the Ammonites So Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal city.

normalized_text:
david s forces defeat the ammonites so joab fought against rabbah of the ammonites and captured the royal city


text:
Joab then sent messengers to David, saying,“I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city.

normalized_text:
joab then sent messengers to david saying i have fought against rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city


text:
So now assemble the rest of the army and besiege the city and capture it. Otherwise I will capture the city and it will be named for me.”

normalized_text:
so now assemble the rest of the army and besiege the city and capture it otherwise i will capture the city and it will be named for me


text:
He took the crown of their king from his head– it was gold, weighed about seventy-five pounds, and held a precious stone– and it was placed on David’s head. He also took from the city a great deal of plunder.

normalized_text:
he took the crown of their king from his head it was gold weighed about seventy five pounds and held a precious stone and it was placed on david s head he also took from the city a great deal of plunder


text:
He removed the people who were in it and made them labor with saws, iron picks, and iron axes, putting them to work at the brick kiln. This was his policy with all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all the army returned to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
he removed the people who were in it and made them labor with saws iron picks and iron axes putting them to work at the brick kiln this was his policy with all the ammonite cities then david and all the army returned to jerusalem


text:
The Rape of Tamar Now David’s son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar. In the course of time David’s son Amnon fell madly in love with her.

normalized_text:
the rape of tamar now david s son absalom had a beautiful sister named tamar in the course of time david s son amnon fell madly in love with her


text:
But Amnon became frustrated because he was so lovesick over his sister Tamar. For she was a virgin, and to Amnon it seemed out of the question to do anything to her.

normalized_text:
but amnon became frustrated because he was so lovesick over his sister tamar for she was a virgin and to amnon it seemed out of the question to do anything to her


text:
Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very crafty man.

normalized_text:
now amnon had a friend named jonadab the son of david s brother shimeah jonadab was a very crafty man


text:
He asked Amnon,“Why are you, the king’s son, so depressed every morning? Can’t you tell me?” So Amnon said to him,“I’m in love with Tamar the sister of my brother Absalom.”

normalized_text:
he asked amnon why are you the king s son so depressed every morning can t you tell me so amnon said to him i m in love with tamar the sister of my brother absalom


text:
Jonadab replied to him,“Lie down on your bed and pretend to be sick. When your father comes in to see you, say to him,‘Please let my sister Tamar come in so she can fix some food for me. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I can watch. Then I will eat from her hand.’”

normalized_text:
jonadab replied to him lie down on your bed and pretend to be sick when your father comes in to see you say to him please let my sister tamar come in so she can fix some food for me let her prepare the food in my sight so i can watch then i will eat from her hand


text:
So Amnon lay down and pretended to be sick. When the king came in to see him, Amnon said to the king,“Please let my sister Tamar come in so she can make a couple of cakes in my sight. Then I will eat from her hand.”

normalized_text:
so amnon lay down and pretended to be sick when the king came in to see him amnon said to the king please let my sister tamar come in so she can make a couple of cakes in my sight then i will eat from her hand


text:
So David sent Tamar to the house saying,“Please go to the house of Amnon your brother and prepare some food for him.”

normalized_text:
so david sent tamar to the house saying please go to the house of amnon your brother and prepare some food for him


text:
So Tamar went to the house of Amnon her brother, who was lying down. She took the dough, kneaded it, made some cakes while he watched, and baked them.

normalized_text:
so tamar went to the house of amnon her brother who was lying down she took the dough kneaded it made some cakes while he watched and baked them


text:
But when she took the pan and set it before him, he refused to eat. Instead Amnon said,“Get everyone out of here!” So everyone left.

normalized_text:
but when she took the pan and set it before him he refused to eat instead amnon said get everyone out of here so everyone left


text:
Then Amnon said to Tamar,“Bring the cakes into the bedroom; then I will eat from your hand.” So Tamar took the cakes that she had prepared and brought them to her brother Amnon in the bedroom.

normalized_text:
then amnon said to tamar bring the cakes into the bedroom then i will eat from your hand so tamar took the cakes that she had prepared and brought them to her brother amnon in the bedroom


text:
As she brought them to him to eat, he grabbed her and said to her,“Come on! Get in bed with me, my sister!”

normalized_text:
as she brought them to him to eat he grabbed her and said to her come on get in bed with me my sister


text:
But she said to him,“No, my brother! Don’t humiliate me! This just isn’t done in Israel! Don’t do this foolish thing!

normalized_text:
but she said to him no my brother don t humiliate me this just isn t done in israel don t do this foolish thing


text:
How could I ever be rid of my humiliation? And you would be considered one of the fools in Israel! Just speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.”

normalized_text:
how could i ever be rid of my humiliation and you would be considered one of the fools in israel just speak to the king for he will not withhold me from you


text:
Then Amnon greatly despised her. His disdain toward her surpassed the love he had previously felt toward her. Amnon said to her,“Get up and leave!”

normalized_text:
then amnon greatly despised her his disdain toward her surpassed the love he had previously felt toward her amnon said to her get up and leave


text:
But she said to him,“No I won’t, for sending me away now would be worse than what you did to me earlier!” But he refused to listen to her.

normalized_text:
but she said to him no i won t for sending me away now would be worse than what you did to me earlier but he refused to listen to her


text:
He called his personal attendant and said to him,“Take this woman out of my sight and lock the door behind her!”

normalized_text:
he called his personal attendant and said to him take this woman out of my sight and lock the door behind her


text:
(Now she was wearing a long robe, for this is what the king’s virgin daughters used to wear.) So Amnon’s attendant removed her and bolted the door behind her.

normalized_text:
now she was wearing a long robe for this is what the king s virgin daughters used to wear so amnon s attendant removed her and bolted the door behind her


text:
Then Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went on her way, wailing as she went.

normalized_text:
then tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe she was wearing she put her hands on her head and went on her way wailing as she went


text:
Her brother Absalom said to her,“Was Amnon your brother with you? Now be quiet, my sister. He is your brother. Don’t take it so seriously!” Tamar, devastated, lived in the house of her brother Absalom.

normalized_text:
her brother absalom said to her was amnon your brother with you now be quiet my sister he is your brother don t take it so seriously tamar devastated lived in the house of her brother absalom


text:
But Absalom said nothing to Amnon, either bad or good, yet Absalom hated Amnon because he had humiliated his sister Tamar.

normalized_text:
but absalom said nothing to amnon either bad or good yet absalom hated amnon because he had humiliated his sister tamar


text:
Absalom Has Amnon Put to Death Two years later Absalom’s sheepshearers were in Baal Hazor, near Ephraim. Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

normalized_text:
absalom has amnon put to death two years later absalom s sheepshearers were in baal hazor near ephraim absalom invited all the king s sons


text:
Then Absalom went to the king and said,“My shearers have begun their work. Let the king and his servants go with me.”

normalized_text:
then absalom went to the king and said my shearers have begun their work let the king and his servants go with me


text:
But the king said to Absalom,“No, my son. We shouldn’t all go. We shouldn’t burden you in that way.” Though Absalom pressed him, the king was not willing to go. Instead, David blessed him.

normalized_text:
but the king said to absalom no my son we shouldn t all go we shouldn t burden you in that way though absalom pressed him the king was not willing to go instead david blessed him


text:
Then Absalom said,“If you will not go, then let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king replied to him,“Why should he go with you?”

normalized_text:
then absalom said if you will not go then let my brother amnon go with us the king replied to him why should he go with you


text:
Absalom instructed his servants,“Look! When Amnon is drunk and I say to you,‘Strike Amnon down,’ kill him then and there. Don’t fear! Is it not I who have given you these instructions? Be strong and courageous!”

normalized_text:
absalom instructed his servants look when amnon is drunk and i say to you strike amnon down kill him then and there don t fear is it not i who have given you these instructions be strong and courageous


text:
So Absalom’s servants did to Amnon exactly what Absalom had instructed. Then all the king’s sons got up; each one rode away on his mule and fled.

normalized_text:
so absalom s servants did to amnon exactly what absalom had instructed then all the king s sons got up each one rode away on his mule and fled


text:
While they were still on their way, the following report reached David:“Absalom has killed all the king’s sons; not one of them is left!”

normalized_text:
while they were still on their way the following report reached david absalom has killed all the king s sons not one of them is left


text:
Then the king stood up and tore his garments and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing there with torn garments as well.

normalized_text:
then the king stood up and tore his garments and lay down on the ground all his servants were standing there with torn garments as well


text:
Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah, said,“My lord should not say,‘They have killed all the young men who are the king’s sons.’ For only Amnon is dead. This is what Absalom has talked about from the day that Amnon humiliated his sister Tamar.

normalized_text:
jonadab the son of david s brother shimeah said my lord should not say they have killed all the young men who are the king s sons for only amnon is dead this is what absalom has talked about from the day that amnon humiliated his sister tamar


text:
Now don’t let my lord the king be concerned about the report that has come saying,‘All the king’s sons are dead.’ It is only Amnon who is dead.”

normalized_text:
now don t let my lord the king be concerned about the report that has come saying all the king s sons are dead it is only amnon who is dead


text:
In the meantime Absalom fled. When the servant who was the watchman looked up, he saw many people coming from the west on a road beside the hill.

normalized_text:
in the meantime absalom fled when the servant who was the watchman looked up he saw many people coming from the west on a road beside the hill


text:
Just as he finished speaking, the king’s sons arrived, wailing and weeping. The king and all his servants wept loudly as well.

normalized_text:
just as he finished speaking the king s sons arrived wailing and weeping the king and all his servants wept loudly as well


text:
But Absalom fled and went to King Talmai son of Ammihud of Geshur. And David grieved over his son every day.

normalized_text:
but absalom fled and went to king talmai son of ammihud of geshur and david grieved over his son every day


text:
David Permits Absalom to Return to Jerusalem Now Joab son of Zeruiah realized that the king longed to see Absalom.

normalized_text:
david permits absalom to return to jerusalem now joab son of zeruiah realized that the king longed to see absalom


text:
So Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman. He told her,“Pretend to be in mourning and put on garments for mourning. Don’t anoint yourself with oil. Instead, act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for some time.

normalized_text:
so joab sent to tekoa and brought from there a wise woman he told her pretend to be in mourning and put on garments for mourning don t anoint yourself with oil instead act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for some time


text:
So the Tekoan woman went to the king. She bowed down with her face to the ground in deference to him and said,“Please help me, O king!”

normalized_text:
so the tekoan woman went to the king she bowed down with her face to the ground in deference to him and said please help me o king


text:
Your servant has two sons. When the two of them got into a fight in the field, there was no one present who could intervene. One of them struck the other and killed him.

normalized_text:
your servant has two sons when the two of them got into a fight in the field there was no one present who could intervene one of them struck the other and killed him


text:
Now the entire family has risen up against your servant, saying,‘Turn over the one who struck down his brother, so that we can execute him and avenge the death of his brother whom he killed. In so doing we will also destroy the heir.’ They want to extinguish my remaining coal, leaving no one on the face of the earth to carry on the name of my husband.”

normalized_text:
now the entire family has risen up against your servant saying turn over the one who struck down his brother so that we can execute him and avenge the death of his brother whom he killed in so doing we will also destroy the heir they want to extinguish my remaining coal leaving no one on the face of the earth to carry on the name of my husband


text:
The Tekoan woman said to the king,“My lord the king, let any blame fall on me and on the house of my father. But let the king and his throne be innocent!”

normalized_text:
the tekoan woman said to the king my lord the king let any blame fall on me and on the house of my father but let the king and his throne be innocent


text:
She replied,“In that case, let the king invoke the name of the LORD your God so that the avenger of blood may not add to the killing! Then they will not destroy my son!” He replied,“As surely as the LORD lives, not a single hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.”

normalized_text:
she replied in that case let the king invoke the name of the lord your god so that the avenger of blood may not add to the killing then they will not destroy my son he replied as surely as the lord lives not a single hair of your son s head will fall to the ground


text:
Then the woman said,“Please permit your servant to speak to my lord the king about another matter.” He replied,“Tell me.”

normalized_text:
then the woman said please permit your servant to speak to my lord the king about another matter he replied tell me


text:
The woman said,“Why have you devised something like this against God’s people? When the king speaks in this fashion, he makes himself guilty, for the king has not brought back the one he has banished.

normalized_text:
the woman said why have you devised something like this against god s people when the king speaks in this fashion he makes himself guilty for the king has not brought back the one he has banished


text:
Certainly we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again. But God does not take away life; instead he devises ways for the banished to be restored.

normalized_text:
certainly we must die and are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again but god does not take away life instead he devises ways for the banished to be restored


text:
I have now come to speak with my lord the king about this matter, because the people have made me fearful. But your servant said,‘I will speak to the king! Perhaps the king will do what his female servant asks.

normalized_text:
i have now come to speak with my lord the king about this matter because the people have made me fearful but your servant said i will speak to the king perhaps the king will do what his female servant asks


text:
Yes! The king may listen and deliver his female servant from the hand of the man who seeks to remove both me and my son from the inheritance God has given us!’

normalized_text:
yes the king may listen and deliver his female servant from the hand of the man who seeks to remove both me and my son from the inheritance god has given us


text:
So your servant said,‘May the word of my lord the king be my security, for my lord the king is like the angel of God when it comes to deciding between right and wrong! May the LORD your God be with you!’”

normalized_text:
so your servant said may the word of my lord the king be my security for my lord the king is like the angel of god when it comes to deciding between right and wrong may the lord your god be with you


text:
Then the king replied to the woman,“Don’t hide any information from me when I question you.” The woman said,“Let my lord the king speak!”

normalized_text:
then the king replied to the woman don t hide any information from me when i question you the woman said let my lord the king speak


text:
The king said,“Did Joab put you up to all of this?” The woman answered,“As surely as you live, my lord the king, there is no deviation to the right or to the left from all that my lord the king has said. For your servant Joab gave me instructions. He has put all these words in your servant’s mouth.

normalized_text:
the king said did joab put you up to all of this the woman answered as surely as you live my lord the king there is no deviation to the right or to the left from all that my lord the king has said for your servant joab gave me instructions he has put all these words in your servant s mouth


text:
Your servant Joab did this so as to change this situation. But my lord has wisdom like that of the angel of God, and knows everything that is happening in the land.”

normalized_text:
your servant joab did this so as to change this situation but my lord has wisdom like that of the angel of god and knows everything that is happening in the land


normalized_text: then the king said to joab all right i will do this thing go and bring back the young man absalom
text:
Then the king said to Joab,“All right! I will do this thing! Go and bring back the young man Absalom!”


text:
Then Joab bowed down with his face toward the ground and thanked the king. Joab said,“Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord the king, because the king has granted the request of your servant!”

normalized_text:
then joab bowed down with his face toward the ground and thanked the king joab said today your servant knows that i have found favor in your sight my lord the king because the king has granted the request of your servant


text:
But the king said,“Let him go over to his own house. He may not see my face.” So Absalom went over to his own house; he did not see the king’s face.

normalized_text:
but the king said let him go over to his own house he may not see my face so absalom went over to his own house he did not see the king s face


text:
Now in all Israel everyone acknowledged that there was no man as handsome as Absalom. From the soles of his feet to the top of his head he was perfect in appearance.

normalized_text:
now in all israel everyone acknowledged that there was no man as handsome as absalom from the soles of his feet to the top of his head he was perfect in appearance


text:
When he would shave his head– at the end of every year he used to shave his head, for it grew too long and he would shave it– he used to weigh the hair of his head at three pounds according to the king’s weight.

normalized_text:
when he would shave his head at the end of every year he used to shave his head for it grew too long and he would shave it he used to weigh the hair of his head at three pounds according to the king s weight


text:
Then Absalom sent a message to Joab asking him to send him to the king, but Joab was not willing to come to him. So he sent a second message to him, but he still was not willing to come.

normalized_text:
then absalom sent a message to joab asking him to send him to the king but joab was not willing to come to him so he sent a second message to him but he still was not willing to come


text:
So he said to his servants,“Look, Joab has a portion of field adjacent to mine and he has some barley there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set Joab’s portion of the field on fire.

normalized_text:
so he said to his servants look joab has a portion of field adjacent to mine and he has some barley there go and set it on fire so absalom s servants set joab s portion of the field on fire


text:
Then Joab got up and came to Absalom’s house. He said to him,“Why did your servants set my portion of field on fire?”

normalized_text:
then joab got up and came to absalom s house he said to him why did your servants set my portion of field on fire


text:
Absalom said to Joab,“Look, I sent a message to you saying,‘Come here so that I can send you to the king with this message:“Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.”’ Let me now see the face of the king. If I am at fault, let him put me to death!”

normalized_text:
absalom said to joab look i sent a message to you saying come here so that i can send you to the king with this message why have i come from geshur it would be better for me if i were still there let me now see the face of the king if i am at fault let him put me to death


text:
So Joab went to the king and informed him. The king summoned Absalom, and he came to the king. Absalom bowed down before the king with his face toward the ground and the king kissed him.

normalized_text:
so joab went to the king and informed him the king summoned absalom and he came to the king absalom bowed down before the king with his face toward the ground and the king kissed him


text:
Absalom Leads an Insurrection against David Some time later Absalom managed to acquire a chariot and horses, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard.

normalized_text:
absalom leads an insurrection against david some time later absalom managed to acquire a chariot and horses as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard


text:
Now Absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road that led to the city gate. Whenever anyone came by who had a complaint to bring to the king for arbitration, Absalom would call out to him,“What city are you from?” The person would answer,“I, your servant, am from one of the tribes of Israel.”

normalized_text:
now absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road that led to the city gate whenever anyone came by who had a complaint to bring to the king for arbitration absalom would call out to him what city are you from the person would answer i your servant am from one of the tribes of israel


text:
Absalom would then say to him,“Look, your claims are legitimate and appropriate. But there is no representative of the king who will listen to you.”

normalized_text:
absalom would then say to him look your claims are legitimate and appropriate but there is no representative of the king who will listen to you


text:
Absalom would then say,“If only they would make me a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement.”

normalized_text:
absalom would then say if only they would make me a judge in the land then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and i would make sure he receives a just settlement


text:
When someone approached to bow before him, Absalom would extend his hand and embrace him and kiss him.

normalized_text:
when someone approached to bow before him absalom would extend his hand and embrace him and kiss him


text:
Absalom acted this way toward everyone in Israel who came to the king for justice. In this way Absalom won the loyalty of the citizens of Israel.

normalized_text:
absalom acted this way toward everyone in israel who came to the king for justice in this way absalom won the loyalty of the citizens of israel


text:
After four years Absalom said to the king,“Let me go and repay my vow that I made to the LORD while I was in Hebron.

normalized_text:
after four years absalom said to the king let me go and repay my vow that i made to the lord while i was in hebron


text:
For I made this vow when I was living in Geshur in Aram:‘If the LORD really does allow me to return to Jerusalem, I will serve the LORD.

normalized_text:
for i made this vow when i was living in geshur in aram if the lord really does allow me to return to jerusalem i will serve the lord


text:
Then Absalom sent spies through all the tribes of Israel who said,“When you hear the sound of the horn, you may assume that Absalom rules in Hebron.”

normalized_text:
then absalom sent spies through all the tribes of israel who said when you hear the sound of the horn you may assume that absalom rules in hebron


text:
Now two hundred men had gone with Absalom from Jerusalem. Since they were invited, they went naively and were unaware of what Absalom was planning.

normalized_text:
now two hundred men had gone with absalom from jerusalem since they were invited they went naively and were unaware of what absalom was planning


text:
While he was offering sacrifices, Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s adviser, to come from his city, Giloh. The conspiracy was gaining momentum, and the people were starting to side with Absalom.

normalized_text:
while he was offering sacrifices absalom sent for ahithophel the gilonite david s adviser to come from his city giloh the conspiracy was gaining momentum and the people were starting to side with absalom


text:
David Flees from Jerusalem Then a messenger came to David and reported,“The men of Israel are loyal to Absalom!”

normalized_text:
david flees from jerusalem then a messenger came to david and reported the men of israel are loyal to absalom


text:
So David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem,“Come on! Let’s escape! Otherwise no one will be delivered from Absalom! Go immediately, or else he will quickly overtake us and bring disaster on us and kill the city’s residents with the sword.”

normalized_text:
so david said to all his servants who were with him in jerusalem come on let s escape otherwise no one will be delivered from absalom go immediately or else he will quickly overtake us and bring disaster on us and kill the city s residents with the sword


text:
So the king and all the members of his royal court set out on foot, though the king left behind ten concubines to attend to the palace.

normalized_text:
so the king and all the members of his royal court set out on foot though the king left behind ten concubines to attend to the palace


text:
All his servants were leaving with him, along with all the Kerethites, all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites– some six hundred men who had come on foot from Gath. They were leaving with the king.

normalized_text:
all his servants were leaving with him along with all the kerethites all the pelethites and all the gittites some six hundred men who had come on foot from gath they were leaving with the king


text:
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite,“Why should you come with us? Go back and stay with the new king, for you are a foreigner and an exile from your own country.

normalized_text:
then the king said to ittai the gittite why should you come with us go back and stay with the new king for you are a foreigner and an exile from your own country


text:
It seems like you arrived just yesterday. Today should I make you wander around by going with us? I go where I must go. But as for you, go back and take your men with you. May genuine loyal love protect you!”

normalized_text:
it seems like you arrived just yesterday today should i make you wander around by going with us i go where i must go but as for you go back and take your men with you may genuine loyal love protect you


text:
But Ittai replied to the king,“As surely as the LORD lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means death or life, there I will be as well!”

normalized_text:
but ittai replied to the king as surely as the lord lives and as my lord the king lives wherever my lord the king is whether it means death or life there i will be as well


text:
So David said to Ittai,“Come along then.” So Ittai the Gittite went along, accompanied by all his men and all the dependents who were with him.

normalized_text:
so david said to ittai come along then so ittai the gittite went along accompanied by all his men and all the dependents who were with him


text:
All the land was weeping loudly as all these people were leaving. As the king was crossing over the Kidron Valley, all the people were leaving on the road that leads to the desert.

normalized_text:
all the land was weeping loudly as all these people were leaving as the king was crossing over the kidron valley all the people were leaving on the road that leads to the desert


text:
Zadok and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. When they positioned the ark of God, Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city.

normalized_text:
zadok and all the levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of god when they positioned the ark of god abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city


text:
Then the king said to Zadok,“Take the ark of God back to the city. If I find favor in the LORD’s sight he will bring me back and enable me to see both it and his dwelling place again.

normalized_text:
then the king said to zadok take the ark of god back to the city if i find favor in the lord s sight he will bring me back and enable me to see both it and his dwelling place again


text:
However, if he should say,‘I do not take pleasure in you,’ then he will deal with me in a way that he considers appropriate.”

normalized_text:
however if he should say i do not take pleasure in you then he will deal with me in a way that he considers appropriate


text:
The king said to Zadok the priest,“Are you a seer? Go back to the city in peace! Your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan may go with you and Abiathar.

normalized_text:
the king said to zadok the priest are you a seer go back to the city in peace your son ahimaaz and abiathar s son jonathan may go with you and abiathar


text:
As David was going up the Mount of Olives, he was weeping as he went; his head was covered and his feet were bare. All the people who were with him also had their heads covered and were weeping as they went up.

normalized_text:
as david was going up the mount of olives he was weeping as he went his head was covered and his feet were bare all the people who were with him also had their heads covered and were weeping as they went up


text:
Now David had been told,“Ahithophel has sided with the conspirators who are with Absalom. So David prayed,“Make the advice of Ahithophel foolish, O LORD.

normalized_text:
now david had been told ahithophel has sided with the conspirators who are with absalom so david prayed make the advice of ahithophel foolish o lord


text:
When David reached the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite met him with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.

normalized_text:
when david reached the summit where he used to worship god hushai the arkite met him with his clothes torn and dirt on his head


text:
But you will be able to counter the advice of Ahithophel if you go back to the city and say to Absalom,‘I will be your servant, O king! Previously I was your father’s servant, and now I will be your servant.’

normalized_text:
but you will be able to counter the advice of ahithophel if you go back to the city and say to absalom i will be your servant o king previously i was your father s servant and now i will be your servant


text:
Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there with you. Everything you hear in the king’s palace you must tell Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

normalized_text:
zadok and abiathar the priests will be there with you everything you hear in the king s palace you must tell zadok and abiathar the priests


text:
Furthermore, their two sons are there with them, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. You must send them to me with any information you hear.”

normalized_text:
furthermore their two sons are there with them zadok s son ahimaaz and abiathar s son jonathan you must send them to me with any information you hear


text:
David Receives Gifts from Ziba When David had gone a short way beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a couple of donkeys that were saddled, and on them were two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred raisin cakes, a hundred baskets of summer fruit, and a container of wine.

normalized_text:
david receives gifts from ziba when david had gone a short way beyond the summit ziba the servant of mephibosheth was there to meet him he had a couple of donkeys that were saddled and on them were two hundred loaves of bread a hundred raisin cakes a hundred baskets of summer fruit and a container of wine


text:
The king asked Ziba,“Why did you bring these things?” Ziba replied,“The donkeys are for the king’s family to ride on, the loaves of bread and the summer fruit are for the attendants to eat, and the wine is for those who get exhausted in the desert.”

normalized_text:
the king asked ziba why did you bring these things ziba replied the donkeys are for the king s family to ride on the loaves of bread and the summer fruit are for the attendants to eat and the wine is for those who get exhausted in the desert


text:
The king asked,“Where is your master’s grandson?” Ziba replied to the king,“He remains in Jerusalem, for he said,‘Today the house of Israel will give back to me my grandfather’s kingdom.’”

normalized_text:
the king asked where is your master s grandson ziba replied to the king he remains in jerusalem for he said today the house of israel will give back to me my grandfather s kingdom


text:
The king said to Ziba,“Everything that was Mephibosheth’s now belongs to you.” Ziba replied,“I bow before you. May I find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”

normalized_text:
the king said to ziba everything that was mephibosheth s now belongs to you ziba replied i bow before you may i find favor in your sight my lord the king


text:
Shimei Curses David and His Men Then King David reached Bahurim. There a man from Saul’s extended family named Shimei son of Gera came out, yelling curses as he approached.

normalized_text:
shimei curses david and his men then king david reached bahurim there a man from saul s extended family named shimei son of gera came out yelling curses as he approached


text:
He threw stones at David and all of King David’s servants, as well as all the people and the soldiers who were on his right and on his left.

normalized_text:
he threw stones at david and all of king david s servants as well as all the people and the soldiers who were on his right and on his left


text:
The LORD has punished you for all the spilled blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you rule. Now the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. Disaster has overtaken you, for you are a man of bloodshed!”

normalized_text:
the lord has punished you for all the spilled blood of the house of saul in whose place you rule now the lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son absalom disaster has overtaken you for you are a man of bloodshed


text:
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king,“Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!”

normalized_text:
then abishai son of zeruiah said to the king why should this dead dog curse my lord the king let me go over and cut off his head


text:
But the king said,“What do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because the LORD has said to him,‘Curse David!’, who can say to him,‘Why have you done this?’”

normalized_text:
but the king said what do we have in common you sons of zeruiah if he curses because the lord has said to him curse david who can say to him why have you done this


text:
Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants,“My own son, my very own flesh and blood, is trying to take my life. So also now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone so that he can curse, for the LORD has spoken to him.

normalized_text:
then david said to abishai and to all his servants my own son my very own flesh and blood is trying to take my life so also now this benjaminite leave him alone so that he can curse for the lord has spoken to him


text:
So David and his men went on their way. But Shimei kept going along the side of the hill opposite him, yelling curses as he threw stones and dirt at them.

normalized_text:
so david and his men went on their way but shimei kept going along the side of the hill opposite him yelling curses as he threw stones and dirt at them


text:
The king and all the people who were with him arrived exhausted at their destination, where David refreshed himself.

normalized_text:
the king and all the people who were with him arrived exhausted at their destination where david refreshed himself


text:
The Advice of Ahithophel Now when Absalom and all the men of Israel arrived in Jerusalem, Ahithophel was with him.

normalized_text:
the advice of ahithophel now when absalom and all the men of israel arrived in jerusalem ahithophel was with him


text:
When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him,“Long live the king! Long live the king!”

normalized_text:
when david s friend hushai the arkite came to absalom hushai said to him long live the king long live the king


normalized_text: absalom said to hushai do you call this loyalty to your friend why didn t you go with your friend
text:
Absalom said to Hushai,“Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”


text:
Hushai replied to Absalom,“No, I will be loyal to the one whom the LORD, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen.

normalized_text:
hushai replied to absalom no i will be loyal to the one whom the lord these people and all the men of israel have chosen


text:
Moreover, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”

normalized_text:
moreover whom should i serve should it not be his son just as i served your father so i will serve you


text:
Ahithophel replied to Absalom,“Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to care for the palace. All Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. Then your followers will be motivated to support you.”

normalized_text:
ahithophel replied to absalom sleep with your father s concubines whom he left to care for the palace all israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father then your followers will be motivated to support you


text:
So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

normalized_text:
so they pitched a tent for absalom on the roof and absalom slept with his father s concubines in the sight of all israel


text:
In those days Ahithophel’s advice was considered as valuable as a prophetic revelation. Both David and Absalom highly regarded the advice of Ahithophel.

normalized_text:
in those days ahithophel s advice was considered as valuable as a prophetic revelation both david and absalom highly regarded the advice of ahithophel


text:
The Death of Ahithophel Ahithophel said to Absalom,“Let me pick out twelve thousand men. Then I will go and pursue David this very night.

normalized_text:
the death of ahithophel ahithophel said to absalom let me pick out twelve thousand men then i will go and pursue david this very night


text:
When I catch up with him he will be exhausted and worn out. I will rout him, and the entire army that is with him will flee. I will kill only the king

normalized_text:
when i catch up with him he will be exhausted and worn out i will rout him and the entire army that is with him will flee i will kill only the king


text:
and will bring the entire army back to you. In exchange for the life of the man you are seeking, you will get back everyone. The entire army will return unharmed.”

normalized_text:
and will bring the entire army back to you in exchange for the life of the man you are seeking you will get back everyone the entire army will return unharmed


text:
So Hushai came to Absalom. Absalom said to him,“Here is what Ahithophel has advised. Should we follow his advice? If not, what would you recommend?”

normalized_text:
so hushai came to absalom absalom said to him here is what ahithophel has advised should we follow his advice if not what would you recommend


text:
Hushai went on to say,“You know your father and his men– they are soldiers and are as dangerous as a bear out in the wild that has been robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier; he will not stay overnight with the army.

normalized_text:
hushai went on to say you know your father and his men they are soldiers and are as dangerous as a bear out in the wild that has been robbed of her cubs your father is an experienced soldier he will not stay overnight with the army


text:
At this very moment he is hiding out in one of the caves or in some other similar place. If it should turn out that he attacks our troops first, whoever hears about it will say,‘Absalom’s army has been slaughtered!’

normalized_text:
at this very moment he is hiding out in one of the caves or in some other similar place if it should turn out that he attacks our troops first whoever hears about it will say absalom s army has been slaughtered


text:
If that happens even the bravest soldier– one who is lion-hearted– will virtually melt away. For all Israel knows that your father is a warrior and that those who are with him are brave.

normalized_text:
if that happens even the bravest soldier one who is lion hearted will virtually melt away for all israel knows that your father is a warrior and that those who are with him are brave


text:
My advice therefore is this: Let all Israel from Dan to Beer Sheba– in number like the sand by the sea!– be mustered to you, and you lead them personally into battle.

normalized_text:
my advice therefore is this let all israel from dan to beer sheba in number like the sand by the sea be mustered to you and you lead them personally into battle


text:
We will come against him wherever he happens to be found. We will descend on him like the dew falls on the ground. Neither he nor any of the men who are with him will be spared alive– not one of them!

normalized_text:
we will come against him wherever he happens to be found we will descend on him like the dew falls on the ground neither he nor any of the men who are with him will be spared alive not one of them


text:
If he regroups in a city, all Israel will take up ropes to that city and drag it down to the valley, so that not a single pebble will be left there!”

normalized_text:
if he regroups in a city all israel will take up ropes to that city and drag it down to the valley so that not a single pebble will be left there


text:
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said,“The advice of Hushai the Arkite sounds better than the advice of Ahithophel.” Now the LORD had decided to frustrate the sound advice of Ahithophel, so that the LORD could bring disaster on Absalom.

normalized_text:
then absalom and all the men of israel said the advice of hushai the arkite sounds better than the advice of ahithophel now the lord had decided to frustrate the sound advice of ahithophel so that the lord could bring disaster on absalom


text:
Then Hushai reported to Zadok and Abiathar the priests,“Here is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the leaders of Israel to do, and here is what I have advised.

normalized_text:
then hushai reported to zadok and abiathar the priests here is what ahithophel has advised absalom and the leaders of israel to do and here is what i have advised


text:
Now send word quickly to David and warn him,“Don’t spend the night at the fords of the wilderness tonight. Instead, be sure you cross over, or else the king and everyone who is with him may be overwhelmed.”

normalized_text:
now send word quickly to david and warn him don t spend the night at the fords of the wilderness tonight instead be sure you cross over or else the king and everyone who is with him may be overwhelmed


text:
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying in En Rogel. A female servant would go and inform them, and they would then go and inform King David. It was not advisable for them to be seen going into the city.

normalized_text:
now jonathan and ahimaaz were staying in en rogel a female servant would go and inform them and they would then go and inform king david it was not advisable for them to be seen going into the city


text:
But a young man saw them on one occasion and informed Absalom. So the two of them quickly departed and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. There was a well in his courtyard, and they got down in it.

normalized_text:
but a young man saw them on one occasion and informed absalom so the two of them quickly departed and went to the house of a man in bahurim there was a well in his courtyard and they got down in it


text:
His wife then took the covering and spread it over the top of the well and scattered some grain over it. No one was aware of what she had done.

normalized_text:
his wife then took the covering and spread it over the top of the well and scattered some grain over it no one was aware of what she had done


text:
When the servants of Absalom approached the woman at her home, they asked,“Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman replied to them,“They crossed over the stream.” Absalom’s men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
when the servants of absalom approached the woman at her home they asked where are ahimaaz and jonathan the woman replied to them they crossed over the stream absalom s men searched but did not find them so they returned to jerusalem


text:
After the men had left, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed out of the well. Then they left and informed King David. They advised David,“Get up and cross the stream quickly, for Ahithophel has devised a plan to catch you.”

normalized_text:
after the men had left ahimaaz and jonathan climbed out of the well then they left and informed king david they advised david get up and cross the stream quickly for ahithophel has devised a plan to catch you


text:
So David and all the people who were with him got up and crossed the Jordan River. By dawn there was not one person left who had not crossed the Jordan.

normalized_text:
so david and all the people who were with him got up and crossed the jordan river by dawn there was not one person left who had not crossed the jordan


text:
When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and returned to his house in his hometown. After setting his household in order, he hanged himself. So he died and was buried in the grave of his father.

normalized_text:
when ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed he saddled his donkey and returned to his house in his hometown after setting his household in order he hanged himself so he died and was buried in the grave of his father


text:
Meanwhile David had gone to Mahanaim, while Absalom and all the men of Israel had crossed the Jordan River.

normalized_text:
meanwhile david had gone to mahanaim while absalom and all the men of israel had crossed the jordan river


text:
Absalom had made Amasa general in command of the army in place of Joab.(Now Amasa was the son of an Israelite man named Jether, who had married Abigail the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother.)

normalized_text:
absalom had made amasa general in command of the army in place of joab now amasa was the son of an israelite man named jether who had married abigail the daughter of nahash and sister of zeruiah joab s mother


text:
When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Makir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim

normalized_text:
when david came to mahanaim shobi the son of nahash from rabbah of the ammonites makir the son of ammiel from lo debar and barzillai the gileadite from rogelim


text:
brought bedding, basins, and pottery utensils. They also brought food for David and all who were with him, including wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,

normalized_text:
brought bedding basins and pottery utensils they also brought food for david and all who were with him including wheat barley flour roasted grain beans lentils


text:
honey, curds, flocks, and cheese. For they said,“The people are no doubt hungry, tired, and thirsty there in the desert.”

normalized_text:
honey curds flocks and cheese for they said the people are no doubt hungry tired and thirsty there in the desert


text:
The Death of Absalom David assembled the army that was with him. He appointed leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds.

normalized_text:
the death of absalom david assembled the army that was with him he appointed leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds


text:
David then sent out the army– a third under the leadership of Joab, a third under the leadership of Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under the leadership of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops,“I too will indeed march out with you.”

normalized_text:
david then sent out the army a third under the leadership of joab a third under the leadership of joab s brother abishai son of zeruiah and a third under the leadership of ittai the gittite the king said to the troops i too will indeed march out with you


text:
But the soldiers replied,“You should not do this! For if we should have to make a rapid retreat, they won’t be too concerned about us. Even if half of us should die, they won’t be too concerned about us. But you are like ten thousand of us! So it is better if you remain in the city for support.”

normalized_text:
but the soldiers replied you should not do this for if we should have to make a rapid retreat they won t be too concerned about us even if half of us should die they won t be too concerned about us but you are like ten thousand of us so it is better if you remain in the city for support


text:
Then the king said to them,“I will do whatever seems best to you.”So the king stayed beside the city gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

normalized_text:
then the king said to them i will do whatever seems best to you so the king stayed beside the city gate while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands


text:
The king gave this order to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai:“For my sake deal gently with the young man Absalom.” Now the entire army was listening when the king gave all the leaders this order concerning Absalom.

normalized_text:
the king gave this order to joab abishai and ittai for my sake deal gently with the young man absalom now the entire army was listening when the king gave all the leaders this order concerning absalom


text:
Then the army marched out to the field to fight against Israel. The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.

normalized_text:
then the army marched out to the field to fight against israel the battle took place in the forest of ephraim


text:
The army of Israel was defeated there by David’s men. The slaughter there was great that day– 20,000 soldiers were killed.

normalized_text:
the army of israel was defeated there by david s men the slaughter there was great that day 20 000 soldiers were killed


text:
The battle there was spread out over the whole area, and the forest consumed more soldiers than the sword devoured that day.

normalized_text:
the battle there was spread out over the whole area and the forest consumed more soldiers than the sword devoured that day


text:
Then Absalom happened to come across David’s men. Now as Absalom was riding on his mule, it went under the branches of a large oak tree. His head got caught in the oak and he was suspended in midair, while the mule he had been riding kept going.

normalized_text:
then absalom happened to come across david s men now as absalom was riding on his mule it went under the branches of a large oak tree his head got caught in the oak and he was suspended in midair while the mule he had been riding kept going


text:
Joab replied to the man who was telling him this,“What! You saw this? Why didn’t you strike him down right on the spot? I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a commemorative belt!”

normalized_text:
joab replied to the man who was telling him this what you saw this why didn t you strike him down right on the spot i would have given you ten pieces of silver and a commemorative belt


text:
The man replied to Joab,“Even if I were receiving a thousand pieces of silver, I would not strike the king’s son! In our very presence the king gave this order to you and Abishai and Ittai,‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’

normalized_text:
the man replied to joab even if i were receiving a thousand pieces of silver i would not strike the king s son in our very presence the king gave this order to you and abishai and ittai protect the young man absalom for my sake


text:
If I had acted at risk of my own life– and nothing is hidden from the king!– you would have abandoned me.”

normalized_text:
if i had acted at risk of my own life and nothing is hidden from the king you would have abandoned me


text:
Joab replied,“I will not wait around like this for you!” He took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the middle of Absalom while he was still alive in the middle of the oak tree.

normalized_text:
joab replied i will not wait around like this for you he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the middle of absalom while he was still alive in the middle of the oak tree


text:
Then Joab blew the trumpet and the army turned back from chasing Israel, for Joab had called for the army to halt.

normalized_text:
then joab blew the trumpet and the army turned back from chasing israel for joab had called for the army to halt


text:
They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and stacked a huge pile of stones over him. In the meantime all the Israelite soldiers fled to their homes.

normalized_text:
they took absalom threw him into a large pit in the forest and stacked a huge pile of stones over him in the meantime all the israelite soldiers fled to their homes


text:
Prior to this Absalom had set up a monument and dedicated it to himself in the King’s Valley, reasoning“I have no son who will carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and to this day it is known as Absalom’s Memorial.

normalized_text:
prior to this absalom had set up a monument and dedicated it to himself in the king s valley reasoning i have no son who will carry on my name he named the monument after himself and to this day it is known as absalom s memorial


text:
David Learns of Absalom’s Death Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said,“Let me run and give the king the good news that the LORD has vindicated him before his enemies.”

normalized_text:
david learns of absalom s death then ahimaaz the son of zadok said let me run and give the king the good news that the lord has vindicated him before his enemies


text:
But Joab said to him,“You will not be a bearer of good news today. You will bear good news some other day, but not today, for the king’s son is dead.”

normalized_text:
but joab said to him you will not be a bearer of good news today you will bear good news some other day but not today for the king s son is dead


text:
Then Joab said to the Cushite,“Go and tell the king what you have seen.” After bowing to Joab, the Cushite ran off.

normalized_text:
then joab said to the cushite go and tell the king what you have seen after bowing to joab the cushite ran off


text:
Ahimaaz the son of Zadok again spoke to Joab,“Whatever happens, let me go after the Cushite.” But Joab said,“Why is it that you want to go, my son? You have no good news that will bring you a reward.”

normalized_text:
ahimaaz the son of zadok again spoke to joab whatever happens let me go after the cushite but joab said why is it that you want to go my son you have no good news that will bring you a reward


text:
But he said,“Whatever happens, I want to go!” So Joab said to him,“Then go!” So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Jordan plain, and he passed the Cushite.

normalized_text:
but he said whatever happens i want to go so joab said to him then go so ahimaaz ran by the way of the jordan plain and he passed the cushite


text:
Now David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate at the wall. When he looked, he saw a man running by himself.

normalized_text:
now david was sitting between the inner and outer gates and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate at the wall when he looked he saw a man running by himself


text:
So the watchman called out and informed the king. The king said,“If he is by himself, he brings good news.” The runner came ever closer.

normalized_text:
so the watchman called out and informed the king the king said if he is by himself he brings good news the runner came ever closer


text:
Then the watchman saw another man running. The watchman called out to the gatekeeper,“There is another man running by himself.” The king said,“This one also is bringing good news.”

normalized_text:
then the watchman saw another man running the watchman called out to the gatekeeper there is another man running by himself the king said this one also is bringing good news


text:
The watchman said,“It appears to me that the first runner is Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” The king said,“He is a good man, and he comes with good news.”

normalized_text:
the watchman said it appears to me that the first runner is ahimaaz son of zadok the king said he is a good man and he comes with good news


text:
Then Ahimaaz called out and said to the king,“Greetings!” He bowed down before the king with his face toward the ground and said,“May the LORD your God be praised because he has defeated the men who opposed my lord the king!”

normalized_text:
then ahimaaz called out and said to the king greetings he bowed down before the king with his face toward the ground and said may the lord your god be praised because he has defeated the men who opposed my lord the king


text:
The king replied,“How is the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz replied,“I saw a great deal of confusion when Joab was sending the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was all about.”

normalized_text:
the king replied how is the young man absalom ahimaaz replied i saw a great deal of confusion when joab was sending the king s servant and me your servant but i don t know what it was all about


text:
Then the Cushite arrived and said,“May my lord the king now receive the good news! The LORD has vindicated you today and delivered you from the hand of all who have rebelled against you!”

normalized_text:
then the cushite arrived and said may my lord the king now receive the good news the lord has vindicated you today and delivered you from the hand of all who have rebelled against you


text:
The king asked the Cushite,“How is the young man Absalom?” The Cushite replied,“May the enemies of my lord the king and all who have plotted against you be like that young man!”

normalized_text:
the king asked the cushite how is the young man absalom the cushite replied may the enemies of my lord the king and all who have plotted against you be like that young man


text:
(19:1) The king then became very upset. He went up to the upper room over the gate and wept. As he went he said,“My son, Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I could have died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!”

normalized_text:
19 1 the king then became very upset he went up to the upper room over the gate and wept as he went he said my son absalom my son my son absalom if only i could have died in your place absalom my son my son


text:
So the victory of that day was turned to mourning as far as all the people were concerned. For the people heard on that day,“The king is grieved over his son.”

normalized_text:
so the victory of that day was turned to mourning as far as all the people were concerned for the people heard on that day the king is grieved over his son


text:
That day the people stole away to go to the city the way people who are embarrassed steal away in fleeing from battle.

normalized_text:
that day the people stole away to go to the city the way people who are embarrassed steal away in fleeing from battle


text:
So Joab visited the king at his home. He said,“Today you have embarrassed all your servants who have saved your life this day, as well as the lives of your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your concubines.

normalized_text:
so joab visited the king at his home he said today you have embarrassed all your servants who have saved your life this day as well as the lives of your sons your daughters your wives and your concubines


text:
You seem to love your enemies and hate your friends! For you have as much as declared today that leaders and servants don’t matter to you. I realize now that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, it would be all right with you.

normalized_text:
you seem to love your enemies and hate your friends for you have as much as declared today that leaders and servants don t matter to you i realize now that if absalom were alive and all of us were dead today it would be all right with you


text:
So get up now and go out and give some encouragement to your servants. For I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out there, not a single man will stay here with you tonight! This disaster will be worse for you than any disaster that has overtaken you from your youth right to the present time!”

normalized_text:
so get up now and go out and give some encouragement to your servants for i swear by the lord that if you don t go out there not a single man will stay here with you tonight this disaster will be worse for you than any disaster that has overtaken you from your youth right to the present time


text:
So the king got up and sat at the city gate. When all the people were informed that the king was sitting at the city gate, they all came before him.David Goes Back to JerusalemBut the Israelite soldiers had all fled to their own homes.

normalized_text:
so the king got up and sat at the city gate when all the people were informed that the king was sitting at the city gate they all came before him david goes back to jerusalembut the israelite soldiers had all fled to their own homes


text:
All the people throughout all the tribes of Israel were arguing among themselves saying,“The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies. He rescued us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom.

normalized_text:
all the people throughout all the tribes of israel were arguing among themselves saying the king delivered us from the hand of our enemies he rescued us from the hand of the philistines but now he has fled from the land because of absalom


text:
But Absalom, whom we anointed as our king, has died in battle. So now why do you hesitate to bring the king back?”

normalized_text:
but absalom whom we anointed as our king has died in battle so now why do you hesitate to bring the king back


text:
Then King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests saying,“Tell the elders of Judah,‘Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back to his palace, when everything Israel is saying has come to the king’s attention.

normalized_text:
then king david sent a message to zadok and abiathar the priests saying tell the elders of judah why should you delay any further in bringing the king back to his palace when everything israel is saying has come to the king s attention


text:
You are my brothers– my very own flesh and blood! Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back?’

normalized_text:
you are my brothers my very own flesh and blood why should you delay any further in bringing the king back


text:
Say to Amasa,‘Are you not my flesh and blood? God will punish me severely, if from this time on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”

normalized_text:
say to amasa are you not my flesh and blood god will punish me severely if from this time on you are not the commander of my army in place of joab


text:
He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. Then they sent word to the king saying,“Return, you and all your servants as well.”

normalized_text:
he won over the hearts of all the men of judah as though they were one man then they sent word to the king saying return you and all your servants as well


text:
So the king returned and came to the Jordan River. Now the people of Judah had come to Gilgal to meet the king and to help him cross the Jordan.

normalized_text:
so the king returned and came to the jordan river now the people of judah had come to gilgal to meet the king and to help him cross the jordan


text:
Shimei son of Gera the Benjaminite from Bahurim came down quickly with the men of Judah to meet King David.

normalized_text:
shimei son of gera the benjaminite from bahurim came down quickly with the men of judah to meet king david


text:
There were a thousand men from Benjamin with him, along with Ziba the servant of Saul’s household, and with him his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They hurriedly crossed the Jordan within sight of the king.

normalized_text:
there were a thousand men from benjamin with him along with ziba the servant of saul s household and with him his fifteen sons and twenty servants they hurriedly crossed the jordan within sight of the king


text:
They crossed at the ford in order to help the king’s household cross and to do whatever he thought appropriate.Now after he had crossed the Jordan, Shimei son of Gera threw himself down before the king.

normalized_text:
they crossed at the ford in order to help the king s household cross and to do whatever he thought appropriate now after he had crossed the jordan shimei son of gera threw himself down before the king


text:
He said to the king,“Don’t think badly of me, my lord, and don’t recall the sin of your servant on the day when you, my lord the king, left Jerusalem! Please don’t call it to mind!

normalized_text:
he said to the king don t think badly of me my lord and don t recall the sin of your servant on the day when you my lord the king left jerusalem please don t call it to mind


text:
For I, your servant, know that I sinned, and I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

normalized_text:
for i your servant know that i sinned and i have come today as the first of all the house of joseph to come down to meet my lord the king


text:
Abishai son of Zeruiah replied,“For this should not Shimei be put to death? After all, he cursed the LORD’s anointed!”

normalized_text:
abishai son of zeruiah replied for this should not shimei be put to death after all he cursed the lord s anointed


text:
But David said,“What do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? You are like my enemy today! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?”

normalized_text:
but david said what do we have in common you sons of zeruiah you are like my enemy today should anyone be put to death in israel today don t i know that today i am king over israel


text:
Now Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, came down to meet the king. From the day the king had left until the day he safely returned, Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet nor trimmed his mustache nor washed his clothes.

normalized_text:
now mephibosheth saul s grandson came down to meet the king from the day the king had left until the day he safely returned mephibosheth had not cared for his feet nor trimmed his mustache nor washed his clothes


text:
When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him,“Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?”

normalized_text:
when he came from jerusalem to meet the king the king asked him why didn t you go with me mephibosheth


text:
He replied,“My lord the king, my servant deceived me! I said,‘Let me get my donkey saddled so that I can ride on it and go with the king,’ for I am lame.

normalized_text:
he replied my lord the king my servant deceived me i said let me get my donkey saddled so that i can ride on it and go with the king for i am lame


text:
But my servant has slandered me to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like an angel of God. Do whatever seems appropriate to you.

normalized_text:
but my servant has slandered me to my lord the king but my lord the king is like an angel of god do whatever seems appropriate to you


text:
After all, there was no one in the entire house of my grandfather who did not deserve death from my lord the king. But instead you allowed me to eat at your own table! What further claim do I have to ask the king for anything?”

normalized_text:
after all there was no one in the entire house of my grandfather who did not deserve death from my lord the king but instead you allowed me to eat at your own table what further claim do i have to ask the king for anything


text:
Then the king replied to him,“Why should you continue speaking like this? You and Ziba will inherit the field together.”

normalized_text:
then the king replied to him why should you continue speaking like this you and ziba will inherit the field together


text:
Mephibosheth said to the king,“Let him have the whole thing! My lord the king has returned safely to his house!”

normalized_text:
mephibosheth said to the king let him have the whole thing my lord the king has returned safely to his house


text:
Now when Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, he crossed the Jordan with the king so he could send him on his way from there.

normalized_text:
now when barzillai the gileadite had come down from rogelim he crossed the jordan with the king so he could send him on his way from there


text:
But Barzillai was very old– eighty years old, in fact– and he had taken care of the king when he stayed in Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man.

normalized_text:
but barzillai was very old eighty years old in fact and he had taken care of the king when he stayed in mahanaim for he was a very rich man


text:
So the king said to Barzillai,“Cross over with me, and I will take care of you while you are with me in Jerusalem.”

normalized_text:
so the king said to barzillai cross over with me and i will take care of you while you are with me in jerusalem


text:
Barzillai replied to the king,“How many days do I have left to my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

normalized_text:
barzillai replied to the king how many days do i have left to my life that i should go up with the king to jerusalem


text:
I am presently eighty years old. Am I able to discern good and bad? Can I taste what I eat and drink? Am I still able to hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should I continue to be a burden to my lord the king?

normalized_text:
i am presently eighty years old am i able to discern good and bad can i taste what i eat and drink am i still able to hear the voices of male and female singers why should i continue to be a burden to my lord the king


text:
I will cross the Jordan with the king and go a short distance. Why should the king reward me in this way?

normalized_text:
i will cross the jordan with the king and go a short distance why should the king reward me in this way


text:
Let me return so that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But look, here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever seems appropriate to you.”

normalized_text:
let me return so that i may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother but look here is your servant kimham let him cross over with my lord the king do for him whatever seems appropriate to you


text:
The king replied,“Kimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever I deem appropriate. And whatever you choose, I will do for you.”

normalized_text:
the king replied kimham will cross over with me and i will do for him whatever i deem appropriate and whatever you choose i will do for you


text:
So all the people crossed the Jordan, as did the king. After the king had kissed him and blessed him, Barzillai returned to his home.

normalized_text:
so all the people crossed the jordan as did the king after the king had kissed him and blessed him barzillai returned to his home


text:
When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed over with him. Now all the soldiers of Judah along with half of the soldiers of Israel had helped the king cross over.

normalized_text:
when the king crossed over to gilgal kimham crossed over with him now all the soldiers of judah along with half of the soldiers of israel had helped the king cross over


text:
Then all the men of Israel began coming to the king. They asked the king,“Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, sneak the king away and help the king and his household cross the Jordan– and not only him but all of David’s men as well?”

normalized_text:
then all the men of israel began coming to the king they asked the king why did our brothers the men of judah sneak the king away and help the king and his household cross the jordan and not only him but all of david s men as well


text:
All the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel,“Because the king is our close relative! Why are you so upset about this? Have we eaten at the king’s expense? Or have we misappropriated anything for our own use?”

normalized_text:
all the men of judah replied to the men of israel because the king is our close relative why are you so upset about this have we eaten at the king s expense or have we misappropriated anything for our own use


text:
The men of Israel replied to the men of Judah,“We have ten shares in the king, and we have a greater claim on David than you do! Why do you want to curse us? Weren’t we the first to suggest bringing back our king?” But the comments of the men of Judah were more severe than those of the men of Israel.

normalized_text:
the men of israel replied to the men of judah we have ten shares in the king and we have a greater claim on david than you do why do you want to curse us weren t we the first to suggest bringing back our king but the comments of the men of judah were more severe than those of the men of israel


text:
Sheba’s Rebellion Now a wicked man named Sheba son of Bicri, a Benjaminite, happened to be there. He blew the trumpet and said,“We have no share in David; we have no inheritance in this son of Jesse! Every man go home, O Israel!”

normalized_text:
sheba s rebellion now a wicked man named sheba son of bicri a benjaminite happened to be there he blew the trumpet and said we have no share in david we have no inheritance in this son of jesse every man go home o israel


text:
So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bicri. But the men of Judah stuck by their king all the way from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
so all the men of israel deserted david and followed sheba son of bicri but the men of judah stuck by their king all the way from the jordan river to jerusalem


text:
Then David went to his palace in Jerusalem. The king took the ten concubines he had left to care for the palace and placed them under confinement. Though he provided for their needs, he did not sleep with them. They remained under restriction until the day they died, living out the rest of their lives as widows.

normalized_text:
then david went to his palace in jerusalem the king took the ten concubines he had left to care for the palace and placed them under confinement though he provided for their needs he did not sleep with them they remained under restriction until the day they died living out the rest of their lives as widows


text:
Then the king said to Amasa,“Call the men of Judah together for me in three days, and you be present here with them too.”

normalized_text:
then the king said to amasa call the men of judah together for me in three days and you be present here with them too


text:
So Amasa went out to call Judah together. But in doing so he took longer than the time that the king had allotted him.

normalized_text:
so amasa went out to call judah together but in doing so he took longer than the time that the king had allotted him


text:
Then David said to Abishai,“Now Sheba son of Bicri will cause greater disaster for us than Absalom did! Take your lord’s servants and pursue him. Otherwise he will secure fortified cities for himself and get away from us.”

normalized_text:
then david said to abishai now sheba son of bicri will cause greater disaster for us than absalom did take your lord s servants and pursue him otherwise he will secure fortified cities for himself and get away from us


text:
So Joab’s men, accompanied by the Kerethites, the Pelethites, and all the warriors, left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bicri.

normalized_text:
so joab s men accompanied by the kerethites the pelethites and all the warriors left jerusalem to pursue sheba son of bicri


text:
When they were near the big rock that is in Gibeon, Amasa came to them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire and had a dagger in its sheath belted to his waist. When he advanced, it fell out.

normalized_text:
when they were near the big rock that is in gibeon amasa came to them now joab was dressed in military attire and had a dagger in its sheath belted to his waist when he advanced it fell out


text:
Joab said to Amasa,“How are you, my brother?” With his right hand Joab took hold of Amasa’s beard as if to greet him with a kiss.

normalized_text:
joab said to amasa how are you my brother with his right hand joab took hold of amasa s beard as if to greet him with a kiss


text:
Amasa did not protect himself from the knife in Joab’s other hand, and Joab stabbed him in the abdomen, causing Amasa’s intestines to spill out on the ground. There was no need to stab him again; the first blow was fatal. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bicri.

normalized_text:
amasa did not protect himself from the knife in joab s other hand and joab stabbed him in the abdomen causing amasa s intestines to spill out on the ground there was no need to stab him again the first blow was fatal then joab and his brother abishai pursued sheba son of bicri


text:
One of Joab’s soldiers who stood over Amasa said,“Whoever is for Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!”

normalized_text:
one of joab s soldiers who stood over amasa said whoever is for joab and whoever is for david follow joab


text:
Amasa was squirming in his own blood in the middle of the path, and this man had noticed that all the soldiers stopped. Having noticed that everyone who came across Amasa stopped, the man pulled him away from the path and into the field and threw a garment over him.

normalized_text:
amasa was squirming in his own blood in the middle of the path and this man had noticed that all the soldiers stopped having noticed that everyone who came across amasa stopped the man pulled him away from the path and into the field and threw a garment over him


text:
Sheba traveled through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth Maacah and all the Berite region. When they had assembled, they too joined him.

normalized_text:
sheba traveled through all the tribes of israel to abel of beth maacah and all the berite region when they had assembled they too joined him


text:
So Joab’s men came and laid siege against him in Abel of Beth Maacah. They prepared a siege ramp outside the city which stood against its outer rampart. As all of Joab’s soldiers were trying to break through the wall so that it would collapse,

normalized_text:
so joab s men came and laid siege against him in abel of beth maacah they prepared a siege ramp outside the city which stood against its outer rampart as all of joab s soldiers were trying to break through the wall so that it would collapse


text:
a wise woman called out from the city,“Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab,‘Come near so that I may speak to you.’”

normalized_text:
a wise woman called out from the city listen up listen up tell joab come near so that i may speak to you


text:
When he approached her, the woman asked,“Are you Joab?” He replied,“I am.” She said to him,“Listen to the words of your servant.” He said,“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

normalized_text:
when he approached her the woman asked are you joab he replied i am she said to him listen to the words of your servant he said go ahead i m listening


text:
She said,“In the past they would always say,‘Let them inquire in Abel,’ and that is how they settled things.

normalized_text:
she said in the past they would always say let them inquire in abel and that is how they settled things


text:
I represent the peaceful and the faithful in Israel. You are attempting to destroy an important city in Israel. Why should you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”

normalized_text:
i represent the peaceful and the faithful in israel you are attempting to destroy an important city in israel why should you swallow up the lord s inheritance


text:
That’s not the way things are. There is a man from the hill country of Ephraim named Sheba son of Bicri. He has rebelled against King David. Give me just this one man, and I will leave the city.” The woman said to Joab,“This very minute his head will be thrown over the wall to you!”

normalized_text:
that s not the way things are there is a man from the hill country of ephraim named sheba son of bicri he has rebelled against king david give me just this one man and i will leave the city the woman said to joab this very minute his head will be thrown over the wall to you


text:
Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice and they cut off Sheba’s head and threw it out to Joab. Joab blew the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each going to his own home. Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice and they cut off sheba s head and threw it out to joab joab blew the trumpet and his men dispersed from the city each going to his own home joab returned to the king in jerusalem


text:
Now Joab was the general in command of all the army of Israel. Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and the Perethites.

normalized_text:
now joab was the general in command of all the army of israel benaiah the son of jehoiada was over the kerethites and the perethites


text:
The Gibeonites Demand Revenge During David’s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years. So David inquired of the LORD. The LORD said,“It is because of Saul and his bloodstained family, because he murdered the Gibeonites.”

normalized_text:
the gibeonites demand revenge during david s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years so david inquired of the lord the lord said it is because of saul and his bloodstained family because he murdered the gibeonites


text:
So the king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke with them.(Now the Gibeonites were not descendants of Israel; they were a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had made a promise to them, but Saul tried to kill them because of his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah.)

normalized_text:
so the king summoned the gibeonites and spoke with them now the gibeonites were not descendants of israel they were a remnant of the amorites the israelites had made a promise to them but saul tried to kill them because of his zeal for the people of israel and judah


text:
David said to the Gibeonites,“What can I do for you, and how can I make amends so that you will bless the LORD’s inheritance?”

normalized_text:
david said to the gibeonites what can i do for you and how can i make amends so that you will bless the lord s inheritance


text:
The Gibeonites said to him,“We have no claim to silver or gold from Saul or from his family, nor would we be justified in putting to death anyone in Israel.” David asked,“What then are you asking me to do for you?”

normalized_text:
the gibeonites said to him we have no claim to silver or gold from saul or from his family nor would we be justified in putting to death anyone in israel david asked what then are you asking me to do for you


text:
They replied to the king,“As for this man who exterminated us and who schemed against us so that we were destroyed and left without status throughout all the borders of Israel–

normalized_text:
they replied to the king as for this man who exterminated us and who schemed against us so that we were destroyed and left without status throughout all the borders of israel


text:
let seven of his male descendants be turned over to us, and we will execute them before the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, who was the LORD’s chosen one.” The king replied,“I will turn them over.”

normalized_text:
let seven of his male descendants be turned over to us and we will execute them before the lord in gibeah of saul who was the lord s chosen one the king replied i will turn them over


text:
The king had mercy on Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, in light of the LORD’s oath that had been taken between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

normalized_text:
the king had mercy on mephibosheth son of jonathan the son of saul in light of the lord s oath that had been taken between david and jonathan son of saul


text:
So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Aiah’s daughter Rizpah whom she had born to Saul, and the five sons of Saul’s daughter Merab whom she had born to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite.

normalized_text:
so the king took armoni and mephibosheth the two sons of aiah s daughter rizpah whom she had born to saul and the five sons of saul s daughter merab whom she had born to adriel the son of barzillai the meholathite


text:
He turned them over to the Gibeonites, and they executed them on a hill before the LORD. The seven of them died together; they were put to death during harvest time– during the first days of the beginning of the barley harvest.

normalized_text:
he turned them over to the gibeonites and they executed them on a hill before the lord the seven of them died together they were put to death during harvest time during the first days of the beginning of the barley harvest


text:
Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain fell on them, she did not allow the birds of the air to feed on them by day, nor the wild animals by night.

normalized_text:
rizpah the daughter of aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock from the beginning of the harvest until the rain fell on them she did not allow the birds of the air to feed on them by day nor the wild animals by night


text:
he went and took the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan from the leaders of Jabesh Gilead.(They had secretly taken them from the plaza at Beth Shan. It was there that Philistines publicly exposed their corpses after they had killed Saul at Gilboa.)

normalized_text:
he went and took the bones of saul and of his son jonathan from the leaders of jabesh gilead they had secretly taken them from the plaza at beth shan it was there that philistines publicly exposed their corpses after they had killed saul at gilboa


text:
David brought the bones of Saul and of Jonathan his son from there; they also gathered up the bones of those who had been executed.

normalized_text:
david brought the bones of saul and of jonathan his son from there they also gathered up the bones of those who had been executed


text:
They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin at Zela in the grave of his father Kish. After they had done everything that the king had commanded, God responded to their prayers for the land.

normalized_text:
they buried the bones of saul and his son jonathan in the land of benjamin at zela in the grave of his father kish after they had done everything that the king had commanded god responded to their prayers for the land


text:
Israel Engages in Various Battles with the Philistines Another battle was fought between the Philistines and Israel. So David went down with his soldiers and fought the Philistines. David became exhausted.

normalized_text:
israel engages in various battles with the philistines another battle was fought between the philistines and israel so david went down with his soldiers and fought the philistines david became exhausted


text:
Now Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, had a spear that weighed three hundred bronze shekels, and he was armed with a new weapon. He had said that he would kill David.

normalized_text:
now ishbi benob one of the descendants of rapha had a spear that weighed three hundred bronze shekels and he was armed with a new weapon he had said that he would kill david


text:
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to David’s aid, striking the Philistine down and killing him. Then David’s men took an oath saying,“You will not go out to battle with us again! You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel!”

normalized_text:
but abishai the son of zeruiah came to david s aid striking the philistine down and killing him then david s men took an oath saying you will not go out to battle with us again you must not extinguish the lamp of israel


text:
Later there was another battle with the Philistines, this time in Gob. On that occasion Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the descendants of Rapha.

normalized_text:
later there was another battle with the philistines this time in gob on that occasion sibbekai the hushathite killed saph who was one of the descendants of rapha


text:
Yet another battle occurred with the Philistines in Gob. On that occasion Elhanan the son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

normalized_text:
yet another battle occurred with the philistines in gob on that occasion elhanan the son of jair the bethlehemite killed the brother of goliath the gittite the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver s beam


text:
Yet another battle occurred in Gath. On that occasion there was a large man who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in all! He too was a descendant of Rapha.

normalized_text:
yet another battle occurred in gath on that occasion there was a large man who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot twenty four in all he too was a descendant of rapha


text:
These four were the descendants of Rapha who lived in Gath; they were killed by David and his soldiers.

normalized_text:
these four were the descendants of rapha who lived in gath they were killed by david and his soldiers


text:
David Sings to the Lord David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul.

normalized_text:
david sings to the lord david sang to the lord the words of this song when the lord rescued him from the power of all his enemies including saul


text:
My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter, my shield, the horn that saves me, my stronghold, my refuge, my savior. You save me from violence!

normalized_text:
my god is my rocky summit where i take shelter my shield the horn that saves me my stronghold my refuge my savior you save me from violence


text:
In my distress I called to the LORD; I called to my God. From his heavenly temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.

normalized_text:
in my distress i called to the lord i called to my god from his heavenly temple he heard my voice he listened to my cry for help


text:
The depths of the sea were exposed; the inner regions of the world were uncovered by the LORD’s battle cry, by the powerful breath from his nose.

normalized_text:
the depths of the sea were exposed the inner regions of the world were uncovered by the lord s battle cry by the powerful breath from his nose


text:
You prove to be reliable to one who is blameless, but you prove to be deceptive to one who is perverse.

normalized_text:
you prove to be reliable to one who is blameless but you prove to be deceptive to one who is perverse


text:
The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the LORD’s promise is reliable; he is a shield to all who take shelter in him.

normalized_text:
the one true god acts in a faithful manner the lord s promise is reliable he is a shield to all who take shelter in him


normalized_text: they cry out but there is no one to help them they cry out to the lord but he does not answer them
text:
They cry out, but there is no one to help them; they cry out to the LORD, but he does not answer them.


text:
I grind them as fine as the dust of the ground; I crush them and stomp on them like clay in the streets.

normalized_text:
i grind them as fine as the dust of the ground i crush them and stomp on them like clay in the streets


text:
You rescue me from a hostile army; you preserve me as a leader of nations; people over whom I had no authority are now my subjects.

normalized_text:
you rescue me from a hostile army you preserve me as a leader of nations people over whom i had no authority are now my subjects


text:
He delivers me from my enemies; you snatch me away from those who attack me; you rescue me from violent men.

normalized_text:
he delivers me from my enemies you snatch me away from those who attack me you rescue me from violent men


text:
He gives his king magnificent victories; he is faithful to his chosen ruler, to David and to his descendants forever!”

normalized_text:
he gives his king magnificent victories he is faithful to his chosen ruler to david and to his descendants forever


text:
David’s Final Words These are the final words of David:“The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised up as the ruler chosen by the God of Jacob, Israel’s beloved singer of songs:

normalized_text:
david s final words these are the final words of david the oracle of david son of jesse the oracle of the man raised up as the ruler chosen by the god of jacob israel s beloved singer of songs


text:
The God of Israel spoke, the protector of Israel spoke to me. The one who rules fairly among men, the one who rules in the fear of God,

normalized_text:
the god of israel spoke the protector of israel spoke to me the one who rules fairly among men the one who rules in the fear of god


text:
is like the light of morning when the sun comes up, a morning in which there are no clouds. He is like the brightness after rain that produces grass from the earth.

normalized_text:
is like the light of morning when the sun comes up a morning in which there are no clouds he is like the brightness after rain that produces grass from the earth


text:
My dynasty is approved by God, for he has made a perpetual covenant with me, arranged in all its particulars and secured. He always delivers me, and brings all I desire to fruition.

normalized_text:
my dynasty is approved by god for he has made a perpetual covenant with me arranged in all its particulars and secured he always delivers me and brings all i desire to fruition


text:
The one who touches them must use an iron instrument or the wooden shaft of a spear. They are completely burned up right where they lie!”

normalized_text:
the one who touches them must use an iron instrument or the wooden shaft of a spear they are completely burned up right where they lie


text:
David’s Warriors These are the names of David’s warriors:Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was head of the officers. He killed eight hundred men with his spear in one battle.

normalized_text:
david s warriors these are the names of david s warriors josheb basshebeth a tahkemonite was head of the officers he killed eight hundred men with his spear in one battle


text:
Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo, the son of Ahohi. He was one of the three warriors who were with David when they defied the Philistines who were assembled there for battle. When the men of Israel retreated,

normalized_text:
next in command was eleazar son of dodo the son of ahohi he was one of the three warriors who were with david when they defied the philistines who were assembled there for battle when the men of israel retreated


text:
he stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand grew so tired that it seemed stuck to his sword. The LORD gave a great victory on that day. When the army returned to him, the only thing left to do was to plunder the corpses.

normalized_text:
he stood his ground and fought the philistines until his hand grew so tired that it seemed stuck to his sword the lord gave a great victory on that day when the army returned to him the only thing left to do was to plunder the corpses


text:
Next in command was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines assembled at Lehi, where there happened to be an area of a field that was full of lentils, the army retreated before the Philistines.

normalized_text:
next in command was shammah son of agee the hararite when the philistines assembled at lehi where there happened to be an area of a field that was full of lentils the army retreated before the philistines


text:
But he made a stand in the middle of that area. He defended it and defeated the Philistines; the LORD gave them a great victory.

normalized_text:
but he made a stand in the middle of that area he defended it and defeated the philistines the lord gave them a great victory


text:
At the time of the harvest three of the thirty leaders went down to David at the cave of Adullam. A band of Philistines was camped in the valley of Rephaim.

normalized_text:
at the time of the harvest three of the thirty leaders went down to david at the cave of adullam a band of philistines was camped in the valley of rephaim


text:
David was thirsty and said,“How I wish someone would give me some water to drink from the cistern in Bethlehem near the gate!”

normalized_text:
david was thirsty and said how i wish someone would give me some water to drink from the cistern in bethlehem near the gate


text:
So the three elite warriors broke through the Philistine forces and drew some water from the cistern in Bethlehem near the gate. They carried it back to David, but he refused to drink it. He poured it out as a drink offering to the LORD

normalized_text:
so the three elite warriors broke through the philistine forces and drew some water from the cistern in bethlehem near the gate they carried it back to david but he refused to drink it he poured it out as a drink offering to the lord


text:
and said,“O LORD, I will not do this! It is equivalent to the blood of the men who risked their lives by going.” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three elite warriors.

normalized_text:
and said o lord i will not do this it is equivalent to the blood of the men who risked their lives by going so he refused to drink it such were the exploits of the three elite warriors


text:
Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was head of the three. He killed three hundred men with his spear and gained fame among the three.

normalized_text:
abishai son of zeruiah the brother of joab was head of the three he killed three hundred men with his spear and gained fame among the three


text:
From the three he was given honor and he became their officer, even though he was not one of the three.

normalized_text:
from the three he was given honor and he became their officer even though he was not one of the three


text:
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a brave warrior from Kabzeel who performed great exploits. He struck down the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in a cistern on a snowy day.

normalized_text:
benaiah son of jehoiada was a brave warrior from kabzeel who performed great exploits he struck down the two sons of ariel of moab he also went down and killed a lion in a cistern on a snowy day


text:
He also killed an impressive-looking Egyptian. The Egyptian wielded a spear, while Benaiah attacked him with a club. He grabbed the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

normalized_text:
he also killed an impressive looking egyptian the egyptian wielded a spear while benaiah attacked him with a club he grabbed the spear out of the egyptian s hand and killed him with his own spear


text:
He received honor from the thirty warriors, though he was not one of the three elite warriors. David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

normalized_text:
he received honor from the thirty warriors though he was not one of the three elite warriors david put him in charge of his bodyguard


text:
Included with the thirty were the following: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,

normalized_text:
included with the thirty were the following asahel the brother of joab elhanan son of dodo from bethlehem


text:
David Displeases the Lord by Taking a Census The LORD’s anger again raged against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying,“Go count Israel and Judah.”

normalized_text:
david displeases the lord by taking a census the lord s anger again raged against israel and he incited david against them saying go count israel and judah


text:
The king told Joab, the general in command of his army,“Go through all the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beer Sheba and muster the army, so I may know the size of the army.”

normalized_text:
the king told joab the general in command of his army go through all the tribes of israel from dan to beer sheba and muster the army so i may know the size of the army


text:
Joab replied to the king,“May the LORD your God make the army a hundred times larger right before the eyes of my lord the king! But why does my master the king want to do this?”

normalized_text:
joab replied to the king may the lord your god make the army a hundred times larger right before the eyes of my lord the king but why does my master the king want to do this


text:
But the king’s edict stood, despite the objections of Joab and the leaders of the army. So Joab and the leaders of the army left the king’s presence in order to muster the Israelite army.

normalized_text:
but the king s edict stood despite the objections of joab and the leaders of the army so joab and the leaders of the army left the king s presence in order to muster the israelite army


text:
They crossed the Jordan and camped at Aroer, on the south side of the city, at the wadi of Gad, near Jazer.

normalized_text:
they crossed the jordan and camped at aroer on the south side of the city at the wadi of gad near jazer


text:
Then they went on to Gilead and to the region of Tahtim Hodshi, coming to Dan Jaan and on around to Sidon.

normalized_text:
then they went on to gilead and to the region of tahtim hodshi coming to dan jaan and on around to sidon


text:
Then they went to the fortress of Tyre and all the cities of the Hivites and the Canaanites. Then they went on to the Negev of Judah, to Beer Sheba.

normalized_text:
then they went to the fortress of tyre and all the cities of the hivites and the canaanites then they went on to the negev of judah to beer sheba


text:
Joab reported the number of warriors to the king. In Israel there were 800,000 sword-wielding warriors, and in Judah there were 500,000 soldiers.

normalized_text:
joab reported the number of warriors to the king in israel there were 800 000 sword wielding warriors and in judah there were 500 000 soldiers


text:
David felt guilty after he had numbered the army. David said to the LORD,“I have sinned greatly by doing this! Now, O LORD, please remove the guilt of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”

normalized_text:
david felt guilty after he had numbered the army david said to the lord i have sinned greatly by doing this now o lord please remove the guilt of your servant for i have acted very foolishly


text:
When David got up the next morning, the LORD’s message had already come to the prophet Gad, David’s seer:

normalized_text:
when david got up the next morning the lord s message had already come to the prophet gad david s seer


text:
“Go, tell David,‘This is what the LORD has said: I am offering you three forms of judgment. Pick one of them and I will carry it out against you.’”

normalized_text:
go tell david this is what the lord has said i am offering you three forms of judgment pick one of them and i will carry it out against you


text:
Gad went to David and told him,“Shall seven years of famine come upon your land? Or shall you flee for three months from your enemy with him in hot pursuit? Or shall there be three days of plague in your land? Now decide what I should tell the one who sent me.”

normalized_text:
gad went to david and told him shall seven years of famine come upon your land or shall you flee for three months from your enemy with him in hot pursuit or shall there be three days of plague in your land now decide what i should tell the one who sent me


text:
David said to Gad,“I am very upset! I prefer that we be attacked by the LORD, for his mercy is great; I do not want to be attacked by men!”

normalized_text:
david said to gad i am very upset i prefer that we be attacked by the lord for his mercy is great i do not want to be attacked by men


text:
So the LORD sent a plague through Israel from the morning until the completion of the appointed time. Seventy thousand men died from Dan to Beer Sheba.

normalized_text:
so the lord sent a plague through israel from the morning until the completion of the appointed time seventy thousand men died from dan to beer sheba


text:
When the angel extended his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from his judgment. He told the angel who was killing the people,“That’s enough! Stop now!”(Now the LORD’s angel was near the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.)

normalized_text:
when the angel extended his hand to destroy jerusalem the lord relented from his judgment he told the angel who was killing the people that s enough stop now now the lord s angel was near the threshing floor of araunah the jebusite


text:
When he saw the angel who was destroying the people, David said to the LORD,“Look, it is I who have sinned and done this evil thing! As for these sheep– what have they done? Attack me and my family.”

normalized_text:
when he saw the angel who was destroying the people david said to the lord look it is i who have sinned and done this evil thing as for these sheep what have they done attack me and my family


text:
David Acquires a Threshing Floor and Constructs an Altar There So Gad went to David that day and told him,“Go up and build an altar for the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”

normalized_text:
david acquires a threshing floor and constructs an altar there so gad went to david that day and told him go up and build an altar for the lord on the threshing floor of araunah the jebusite


text:
When Araunah looked out and saw the king and his servants approaching him, he went out and bowed to the king with his face to the ground.

normalized_text:
when araunah looked out and saw the king and his servants approaching him he went out and bowed to the king with his face to the ground


text:
Araunah said,“Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David replied,“To buy from you the threshing floor so I can build an altar for the LORD, so that the plague may be removed from the people.”

normalized_text:
araunah said why has my lord the king come to his servant david replied to buy from you the threshing floor so i can build an altar for the lord so that the plague may be removed from the people


text:
Araunah told David,“My lord the king may take whatever he wishes and offer it. Look! Here are oxen for burnt offerings, and threshing sledges and harnesses for wood.

normalized_text:
araunah told david my lord the king may take whatever he wishes and offer it look here are oxen for burnt offerings and threshing sledges and harnesses for wood


text:
I, the servant of my lord the king, give it all to the king!” Araunah also told the king,“May the LORD your God show you favor!”

normalized_text:
i the servant of my lord the king give it all to the king araunah also told the king may the lord your god show you favor


text:
But the king said to Araunah,“No, I insist on buying it from you! I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt sacrifices that cost me nothing.”So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty pieces of silver.

normalized_text:
but the king said to araunah no i insist on buying it from you i will not offer to the lord my god burnt sacrifices that cost me nothing so david bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty pieces of silver


text:
Then David built an altar for the LORD there and offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings. And the LORD accepted prayers for the land, and the plague was removed from Israel.

normalized_text:
then david built an altar for the lord there and offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings and the lord accepted prayers for the land and the plague was removed from israel


text:
¶ Adonijah Tries to Seize the Throne King David was very old; even when they covered him with blankets, he could not get warm.

normalized_text:
adonijah tries to seize the throne king david was very old even when they covered him with blankets he could not get warm


text:
His servants advised him,“A young virgin must be found for our master, the king, to take care of the king’s needs and serve as his nurse. She can also sleep with you and keep our master, the king, warm.”

normalized_text:
his servants advised him a young virgin must be found for our master the king to take care of the king s needs and serve as his nurse she can also sleep with you and keep our master the king warm


text:
So they looked through all Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

normalized_text:
so they looked through all israel for a beautiful young woman and found abishag a shunammite and brought her to the king


text:
The young woman was very beautiful; she became the king’s nurse and served him, but the king was not intimate with her.

normalized_text:
the young woman was very beautiful she became the king s nurse and served him but the king was not intimate with her


text:
Now Adonijah, son of David and Haggith, was promoting himself, boasting,“I will be king!” He managed to acquire chariots and horsemen, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard.

normalized_text:
now adonijah son of david and haggith was promoting himself boasting i will be king he managed to acquire chariots and horsemen as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard


text:
(Now his father had never corrected him by saying,“Why do you do such things?” He was also very handsome and had been born right after Absalom.)

normalized_text:
now his father had never corrected him by saying why do you do such things he was also very handsome and had been born right after absalom


text:
But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s elite warriors did not ally themselves with Adonijah.

normalized_text:
but zadok the priest benaiah son of jehoiada nathan the prophet shimei rei and david s elite warriors did not ally themselves with adonijah


text:
Adonijah sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened steers at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, as well as all the men of Judah, the king’s servants.

normalized_text:
adonijah sacrificed sheep cattle and fattened steers at the stone of zoheleth near en rogel he invited all his brothers the king s sons as well as all the men of judah the king s servants


text:
Nathan said to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother,“Has it been reported to you that Haggith’s son Adonijah has become king behind our master David’s back?

normalized_text:
nathan said to bathsheba solomon s mother has it been reported to you that haggith s son adonijah has become king behind our master david s back


text:
Visit King David and say to him,‘My master, O king, did you not solemnly promise your servant,“Surely your son Solomon will be king after me; he will sit on my throne”? So why has Adonijah become king?’

normalized_text:
visit king david and say to him my master o king did you not solemnly promise your servant surely your son solomon will be king after me he will sit on my throne so why has adonijah become king


text:
So Bathsheba visited the king in his private quarters.(The king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.)

normalized_text:
so bathsheba visited the king in his private quarters the king was very old and abishag the shunammite was serving the king


text:
She replied to him,“My master, you swore an oath to your servant by the LORD your God,‘Solomon your son will be king after me and he will sit on my throne.’

normalized_text:
she replied to him my master you swore an oath to your servant by the lord your god solomon your son will be king after me and he will sit on my throne


text:
He has sacrificed many cattle, steers, and sheep and has invited all the king’s sons, Abiathar the priest, and Joab, the commander of the army, but he has not invited your servant Solomon.

normalized_text:
he has sacrificed many cattle steers and sheep and has invited all the king s sons abiathar the priest and joab the commander of the army but he has not invited your servant solomon


text:
Now, my master, O king, all Israel is watching anxiously to see who is named to succeed my master the king on the throne.

normalized_text:
now my master o king all israel is watching anxiously to see who is named to succeed my master the king on the throne


text:
If a decision is not made, when my master the king is buried with his ancestors, my son Solomon and I will be considered state criminals.”

normalized_text:
if a decision is not made when my master the king is buried with his ancestors my son solomon and i will be considered state criminals


text:
The king was told,“Nathan the prophet is here.” Nathan entered and bowed before the king with his face to the floor.

normalized_text:
the king was told nathan the prophet is here nathan entered and bowed before the king with his face to the floor


text:
Nathan said,“My master, O king, did you announce,‘Adonijah will be king after me; he will sit on my throne’?

normalized_text:
nathan said my master o king did you announce adonijah will be king after me he will sit on my throne


text:
For today he has gone down and sacrificed many cattle, steers, and sheep and has invited all the king’s sons, the army commanders, and Abiathar the priest. At this moment they are having a feast in his presence, and they have declared,‘Long live King Adonijah!’

normalized_text:
for today he has gone down and sacrificed many cattle steers and sheep and has invited all the king s sons the army commanders and abiathar the priest at this moment they are having a feast in his presence and they have declared long live king adonijah


text:
But he did not invite me– your servant– or Zadok the priest, or Benaiah son of Jehoiada, or your servant Solomon.

normalized_text:
but he did not invite me your servant or zadok the priest or benaiah son of jehoiada or your servant solomon


text:
Has my master the king authorized this without informing your servants who should succeed my master the king on his throne?”

normalized_text:
has my master the king authorized this without informing your servants who should succeed my master the king on his throne


text:
David Picks Solomon as His Successor King David responded,“Summon Bathsheba!” She came and stood before the king.

normalized_text:
david picks solomon as his successor king david responded summon bathsheba she came and stood before the king


text:
I will keep today the oath I swore to you by the LORD God of Israel:‘Surely Solomon your son will be king after me; he will sit in my place on my throne.’”

normalized_text:
i will keep today the oath i swore to you by the lord god of israel surely solomon your son will be king after me he will sit in my place on my throne


text:
Bathsheba bowed down to the king with her face to the floor and said,“May my master, King David, live forever!”

normalized_text:
bathsheba bowed down to the king with her face to the floor and said may my master king david live forever


text:
King David said,“Summon Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” They came before the king,

normalized_text:
king david said summon zadok the priest nathan the prophet and benaiah son of jehoiada they came before the king


text:
and he told them,“Take your master’s servants with you, put my son Solomon on my mule, and lead him down to Gihon.

normalized_text:
and he told them take your master s servants with you put my son solomon on my mule and lead him down to gihon


text:
There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet will anoint him king over Israel; then blow the trumpet and declare,‘Long live King Solomon!’

normalized_text:
there zadok the priest and nathan the prophet will anoint him king over israel then blow the trumpet and declare long live king solomon


text:
Then follow him up as he comes and sits on my throne. He will be king in my place; I have decreed that he will be ruler over Israel and Judah.”

normalized_text:
then follow him up as he comes and sits on my throne he will be king in my place i have decreed that he will be ruler over israel and judah


text:
Benaiah son of Jehoiada responded to the king:“So be it! May the LORD God of my master the king confirm it!

normalized_text:
benaiah son of jehoiada responded to the king so be it may the lord god of my master the king confirm it


text:
As the LORD is with my master the king, so may he be with Solomon, and may he make him an even greater king than my master King David!”

normalized_text:
as the lord is with my master the king so may he be with solomon and may he make him an even greater king than my master king david


text:
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites, and the Pelethites went down, put Solomon on King David’s mule, and led him to Gihon.

normalized_text:
so zadok the priest nathan the prophet benaiah son of jehoiada the kerethites and the pelethites went down put solomon on king david s mule and led him to gihon


text:
Zadok the priest took a horn filled with olive oil from the tent and poured it on Solomon; the trumpet was blown and all the people declared,“Long live King Solomon!”

normalized_text:
zadok the priest took a horn filled with olive oil from the tent and poured it on solomon the trumpet was blown and all the people declared long live king solomon


normalized_text: all the people followed him up playing flutes and celebrating so loudly they made the ground shake
text:
All the people followed him up, playing flutes and celebrating so loudly they made the ground shake.


text:
Now Adonijah and all his guests heard the commotion just as they had finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he asked,“Why is there such a noisy commotion in the city?”

normalized_text:
now adonijah and all his guests heard the commotion just as they had finished eating when joab heard the sound of the trumpet he asked why is there such a noisy commotion in the city


text:
As he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said,“Come in, for an important man like you must be bringing good news.”

normalized_text:
as he was still speaking jonathan son of abiathar the priest arrived adonijah said come in for an important man like you must be bringing good news


text:
The king sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites, and the Pelethites and they put him on the king’s mule.

normalized_text:
the king sent with him zadok the priest nathan the prophet benaiah son of jehoiada the kerethites and the pelethites and they put him on the king s mule


text:
Then Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him king in Gihon. They went up from there rejoicing, and the city is in an uproar. That is the sound you hear.

normalized_text:
then zadok the priest and nathan the prophet anointed him king in gihon they went up from there rejoicing and the city is in an uproar that is the sound you hear


text:
The king’s servants have even come to congratulate our master King David, saying,‘May your God make Solomon more famous than you and make him an even greater king than you!’ Then the king leaned on the bed

normalized_text:
the king s servants have even come to congratulate our master king david saying may your god make solomon more famous than you and make him an even greater king than you then the king leaned on the bed


text:
and said this:‘The LORD God of Israel is worthy of praise because today he has placed a successor on my throne and allowed me to see it.’”

normalized_text:
and said this the lord god of israel is worthy of praise because today he has placed a successor on my throne and allowed me to see it


text:
Solomon was told,“Look, Adonijah fears you; see, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying,‘May King Solomon solemnly promise me today that he will not kill his servant with the sword.’”

normalized_text:
solomon was told look adonijah fears you see he has taken hold of the horns of the altar saying may king solomon solemnly promise me today that he will not kill his servant with the sword


text:
Solomon said,“If he is a loyal subject, not a hair of his head will be harmed, but if he is found to be a traitor, he will die.”

normalized_text:
solomon said if he is a loyal subject not a hair of his head will be harmed but if he is found to be a traitor he will die


text:
King Solomon sent men to bring him down from the altar. He came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon told him,“Go home.”

normalized_text:
king solomon sent men to bring him down from the altar he came and bowed down to king solomon and solomon told him go home


text:
Do the job the LORD your God has assigned you by following his instructions and obeying his rules, commandments, regulations, and laws as written in the law of Moses. Then you will succeed in all you do and seek to accomplish,

normalized_text:
do the job the lord your god has assigned you by following his instructions and obeying his rules commandments regulations and laws as written in the law of moses then you will succeed in all you do and seek to accomplish


text:
and the LORD will fulfill his promise to me,‘If your descendants watch their step and live faithfully in my presence with all their heart and being, then,’ he promised,‘you will not fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

normalized_text:
and the lord will fulfill his promise to me if your descendants watch their step and live faithfully in my presence with all their heart and being then he promised you will not fail to have a successor on the throne of israel


text:
“You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me– how he murdered two commanders of the Israelite armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. During peacetime he struck them down like he would in battle; when he shed their blood as if in battle, he stained the belt on his waist and the sandals on his feet.

normalized_text:
you know what joab son of zeruiah did to me how he murdered two commanders of the israelite armies abner son of ner and amasa son of jether during peacetime he struck them down like he would in battle when he shed their blood as if in battle he stained the belt on his waist and the sandals on his feet


text:
“Treat fairly the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and provide for their needs, because they helped me when I had to flee from your brother Absalom.

normalized_text:
treat fairly the sons of barzillai of gilead and provide for their needs because they helped me when i had to flee from your brother absalom


text:
“Note well, you still have to contend with Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who tried to call down upon me a horrible judgment when I went to Mahanaim. He came down and met me at the Jordan, and I solemnly promised him by the LORD,‘I will not strike you down with the sword.’

normalized_text:
note well you still have to contend with shimei son of gera the benjaminite from bahurim who tried to call down upon me a horrible judgment when i went to mahanaim he came down and met me at the jordan and i solemnly promised him by the lord i will not strike you down with the sword


text:
But now don’t treat him as if he were innocent. You are a wise man and you know how to handle him; make sure he has a bloody death.”

normalized_text:
but now don t treat him as if he were innocent you are a wise man and you know how to handle him make sure he has a bloody death


text:
David reigned over Israel forty years; he reigned in Hebron seven years, and in Jerusalem thirty-three years.

normalized_text:
david reigned over israel forty years he reigned in hebron seven years and in jerusalem thirty three years


text:
Solomon Secures the Throne Solomon sat on his father David’s throne, and his royal authority was firmly solidified.

normalized_text:
solomon secures the throne solomon sat on his father david s throne and his royal authority was firmly solidified


text:
Haggith’s son Adonijah visited Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. She asked,“Do you come in peace?” He answered,“Yes.”

normalized_text:
haggith s son adonijah visited bathsheba solomon s mother she asked do you come in peace he answered yes


text:
He said,“You know that the kingdom was mine and all Israel considered me king. But then the kingdom was given to my brother, for the LORD decided it should be his.

normalized_text:
he said you know that the kingdom was mine and all israel considered me king but then the kingdom was given to my brother for the lord decided it should be his


text:
He said,“Please ask King Solomon if he would give me Abishag the Shunammite as a wife, for he won’t refuse you.”

normalized_text:
he said please ask king solomon if he would give me abishag the shunammite as a wife for he won t refuse you


text:
So Bathsheba visited King Solomon to speak to him on Adonijah’s behalf. The king got up to greet her, bowed to her, and then sat on his throne. He ordered a throne to be brought for the king’s mother, and she sat at his right hand.

normalized_text:
so bathsheba visited king solomon to speak to him on adonijah s behalf the king got up to greet her bowed to her and then sat on his throne he ordered a throne to be brought for the king s mother and she sat at his right hand


text:
She said,“I would like to ask you for just one small favor. Please don’t refuse me.” He said,“Go ahead and ask, my mother, for I would not refuse you.”

normalized_text:
she said i would like to ask you for just one small favor please don t refuse me he said go ahead and ask my mother for i would not refuse you


text:
King Solomon answered his mother,“Why just request Abishag the Shunammite for him? Since he is my older brother, you should also request the kingdom for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”

normalized_text:
king solomon answered his mother why just request abishag the shunammite for him since he is my older brother you should also request the kingdom for him for abiathar the priest and for joab son of zeruiah


text:
King Solomon then swore an oath by the LORD,“May God judge me severely, if Adonijah does not pay for this request with his life!

normalized_text:
king solomon then swore an oath by the lord may god judge me severely if adonijah does not pay for this request with his life


text:
Now, as certainly as the LORD lives(he who made me secure, allowed me to sit on my father David’s throne, and established a dynasty for me as he promised), Adonijah will be executed today!”

normalized_text:
now as certainly as the lord lives he who made me secure allowed me to sit on my father david s throne and established a dynasty for me as he promised adonijah will be executed today


text:
The king then told Abiathar the priest,“Go back to your property in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but today I will not kill you because you did carry the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and you suffered with my father through all his difficult times.”

normalized_text:
the king then told abiathar the priest go back to your property in anathoth you deserve to die but today i will not kill you because you did carry the ark of the sovereign lord before my father david and you suffered with my father through all his difficult times


text:
Solomon removed Abiathar from being a priest for the LORD, fulfilling the LORD’s message that he had pronounced against the family of Eli in Shiloh.

normalized_text:
solomon removed abiathar from being a priest for the lord fulfilling the lord s message that he had pronounced against the family of eli in shiloh


text:
When the news reached Joab(for Joab had supported Adonijah, although he had not supported Absalom), he ran to the tent of the LORD and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar.

normalized_text:
when the news reached joab for joab had supported adonijah although he had not supported absalom he ran to the tent of the lord and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar


text:
When King Solomon heard that Joab had run to the tent of the LORD and was right there beside the altar, he ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada,“Go, strike him down.”

normalized_text:
when king solomon heard that joab had run to the tent of the lord and was right there beside the altar he ordered benaiah son of jehoiada go strike him down


text:
When Benaiah arrived at the tent of the LORD, he said to him,“The king says,‘Come out!’” But he replied,“No, I will die here!” So Benaiah sent word to the king and reported Joab’s reply.

normalized_text:
when benaiah arrived at the tent of the lord he said to him the king says come out but he replied no i will die here so benaiah sent word to the king and reported joab s reply


text:
The king told him,“Do as he said! Strike him down and bury him. Take away from me and from my father’s family the guilt of Joab’s murderous, bloody deeds.

normalized_text:
the king told him do as he said strike him down and bury him take away from me and from my father s family the guilt of joab s murderous bloody deeds


text:
May the LORD punish him for the blood he shed; behind my father David’s back he struck down and murdered with the sword two men who were more innocent and morally upright than he– Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

normalized_text:
may the lord punish him for the blood he shed behind my father david s back he struck down and murdered with the sword two men who were more innocent and morally upright than he abner son of ner commander of israel s army and amasa son of jether commander of judah s army


text:
May Joab and his descendants be perpetually guilty of their shed blood, but may the LORD give perpetual peace to David, his descendants, his family, and his dynasty.”

normalized_text:
may joab and his descendants be perpetually guilty of their shed blood but may the lord give perpetual peace to david his descendants his family and his dynasty


text:
The king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada to take his place at the head of the army, and the king appointed Zadok the priest to take Abiathar’s place.

normalized_text:
the king appointed benaiah son of jehoiada to take his place at the head of the army and the king appointed zadok the priest to take abiathar s place


text:
Next the king summoned Shimei and told him,“Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there– but you may not leave there to go anywhere!

normalized_text:
next the king summoned shimei and told him build yourself a house in jerusalem and live there but you may not leave there to go anywhere


text:
If you ever do leave and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will certainly die! You will be responsible for your own death.”

normalized_text:
if you ever do leave and cross the kidron valley know for sure that you will certainly die you will be responsible for your own death


text:
Shimei said to the king,“My master the king’s proposal is acceptable. Your servant will do as you say.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.

normalized_text:
shimei said to the king my master the king s proposal is acceptable your servant will do as you say so shimei lived in jerusalem for a long time


text:
Three years later two of Shimei’s servants ran away to King Achish son of Maacah of Gath. Shimei was told,“Look, your servants are in Gath.”

normalized_text:
three years later two of shimei s servants ran away to king achish son of maacah of gath shimei was told look your servants are in gath


text:
So Shimei got up, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to find his servants; Shimei went and brought back his servants from Gath.

normalized_text:
so shimei got up saddled his donkey and went to achish at gath to find his servants shimei went and brought back his servants from gath


text:
the king summoned Shimei and said to him,“You will recall that I made you take an oath by the LORD, and I solemnly warned you,‘If you ever leave and go anywhere, know for sure that you will certainly die.’ You said to me,‘The proposal is acceptable; I agree to it.’

normalized_text:
the king summoned shimei and said to him you will recall that i made you take an oath by the lord and i solemnly warned you if you ever leave and go anywhere know for sure that you will certainly die you said to me the proposal is acceptable i agree to it


text:
Then the king said to Shimei,“You are well aware of the way you mistreated my father David. The LORD will punish you for what you did.

normalized_text:
then the king said to shimei you are well aware of the way you mistreated my father david the lord will punish you for what you did


text:
The king then gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada who went and executed Shimei. So Solomon took firm control of the kingdom.

normalized_text:
the king then gave the order to benaiah son of jehoiada who went and executed shimei so solomon took firm control of the kingdom


text:
The Lord Gives Solomon Wisdom Solomon made an alliance by marriage with Pharaoh, king of Egypt; he married Pharaoh’s daughter. He brought her to the City of David until he could finish building his residence and the temple of the LORD and the wall around Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
the lord gives solomon wisdom solomon made an alliance by marriage with pharaoh king of egypt he married pharaoh s daughter he brought her to the city of david until he could finish building his residence and the temple of the lord and the wall around jerusalem


text:
Now the people were offering sacrifices at the high places, because in those days a temple had not yet been built to honor the LORD.

normalized_text:
now the people were offering sacrifices at the high places because in those days a temple had not yet been built to honor the lord


text:
Solomon demonstrated his loyalty to the LORD by following the practices of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.

normalized_text:
solomon demonstrated his loyalty to the lord by following the practices of his father david except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places


text:
The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for it had the most prominent of the high places. Solomon would offer up a thousand burnt sacrifices on the altar there.

normalized_text:
the king went to gibeon to offer sacrifices for it had the most prominent of the high places solomon would offer up a thousand burnt sacrifices on the altar there


normalized_text: one night in gibeon the lord appeared to solomon in a dream god said tell me what i should give you
text:
One night in Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream. God said,“Tell me what I should give you.”


text:
Solomon replied,“You demonstrated great loyalty to your servant, my father David, as he served you faithfully, properly, and sincerely. You have maintained this great loyalty to this day by allowing his son to sit on his throne.

normalized_text:
solomon replied you demonstrated great loyalty to your servant my father david as he served you faithfully properly and sincerely you have maintained this great loyalty to this day by allowing his son to sit on his throne


text:
Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in my father David’s place, even though I am only a young man and am inexperienced.

normalized_text:
now o lord my god you have made your servant king in my father david s place even though i am only a young man and am inexperienced


text:
Your servant stands among your chosen people; they are a great nation that is too numerous to count or number.

normalized_text:
your servant stands among your chosen people they are a great nation that is too numerous to count or number


text:
So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.”

normalized_text:
so give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours


text:
God said to him,“Because you asked for the ability to make wise judicial decisions, and not for long life, or riches, or vengeance on your enemies,

normalized_text:
god said to him because you asked for the ability to make wise judicial decisions and not for long life or riches or vengeance on your enemies


text:
I grant your request, and give you a wise and discerning mind superior to that of anyone who has preceded or will succeed you.

normalized_text:
i grant your request and give you a wise and discerning mind superior to that of anyone who has preceded or will succeed you


text:
Furthermore, I am giving you what you did not request– riches and honor so that you will be the greatest king of your generation.

normalized_text:
furthermore i am giving you what you did not request riches and honor so that you will be the greatest king of your generation


text:
If you follow my instructions by obeying my rules and regulations, just as your father David did, then I will grant you long life.”

normalized_text:
if you follow my instructions by obeying my rules and regulations just as your father david did then i will grant you long life


text:
Solomon then woke up and realized it was a dream. He went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant, offered up burnt sacrifices, presented peace offerings, and held a feast for all his servants.

normalized_text:
solomon then woke up and realized it was a dream he went to jerusalem stood before the ark of the lord s covenant offered up burnt sacrifices presented peace offerings and held a feast for all his servants


text:
One of the women said,“My master, this woman and I live in the same house. I had a baby while she was with me in the house.

normalized_text:
one of the women said my master this woman and i live in the same house i had a baby while she was with me in the house


text:
Then three days after I had my baby, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one else in the house except the two of us.

normalized_text:
then three days after i had my baby this woman also had a baby we were alone there was no one else in the house except the two of us


text:
She got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side, while your servant was sleeping. She put him in her arms, and put her dead son in my arms.

normalized_text:
she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while your servant was sleeping she put him in her arms and put her dead son in my arms


text:
I got up in the morning to nurse my son, and there he was, dead! But when I examined him carefully in the morning, I realized it was not my baby.”

normalized_text:
i got up in the morning to nurse my son and there he was dead but when i examined him carefully in the morning i realized it was not my baby


text:
The other woman said,“No! My son is alive; your son is dead!” But the first woman replied,“No, your son is dead; my son is alive.” Each presented her case before the king.

normalized_text:
the other woman said no my son is alive your son is dead but the first woman replied no your son is dead my son is alive each presented her case before the king


text:
The king said,“One says,‘My son is alive; your son is dead,’ while the other says,‘No, your son is dead; my son is alive.’”

normalized_text:
the king said one says my son is alive your son is dead while the other says no your son is dead my son is alive


text:
The real mother spoke up to the king, for her motherly instincts were aroused. She said,“My master, give her the living child! Whatever you do, don’t kill him!” But the other woman said,“Neither one of us will have him! Let them cut him in two!”

normalized_text:
the real mother spoke up to the king for her motherly instincts were aroused she said my master give her the living child whatever you do don t kill him but the other woman said neither one of us will have him let them cut him in two


text:
When all Israel heard about the judicial decision which the king had rendered, they respected the king, for they realized that he possessed divine wisdom to make judicial decisions.

normalized_text:
when all israel heard about the judicial decision which the king had rendered they respected the king for they realized that he possessed divine wisdom to make judicial decisions


text:
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, wrote down what happened. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was in charge of the records.

normalized_text:
elihoreph and ahijah the sons of shisha wrote down what happened jehoshaphat son of ahilud was in charge of the records


text:
Azariah son of Nathan was supervisor of the district governors.Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king.

normalized_text:
azariah son of nathan was supervisor of the district governors zabud son of nathan was a priest and adviser to the king


text:
Solomon had twelve district governors appointed throughout Israel who acquired supplies for the king and his palace. Each was responsible for one month in the year.

normalized_text:
solomon had twelve district governors appointed throughout israel who acquired supplies for the king and his palace each was responsible for one month in the year


text:
Baana son of Ahilud was in charge of Taanach and Megiddo, as well as all of Beth Shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah and on past Jokmeam.

normalized_text:
baana son of ahilud was in charge of taanach and megiddo as well as all of beth shean next to zarethan below jezreel from beth shean to abel meholah and on past jokmeam


text:
Ben Geber was in charge of Ramoth Gilead; he controlled the villages of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan, including sixty large walled cities with bronze bars locking their gates.

normalized_text:
ben geber was in charge of ramoth gilead he controlled the villages of jair son of manasseh in gilead as well as the region of argob in bashan including sixty large walled cities with bronze bars locking their gates


text:
Geber son of Uri was in charge of the land of Gilead(the territory which had once belonged to King Sihon of the Amorites and to King Og of Bashan). He was sole governor of the area.

normalized_text:
geber son of uri was in charge of the land of gilead the territory which had once belonged to king sihon of the amorites and to king og of bashan he was sole governor of the area


text:
Solomon’s Wealth and Fame The people of Judah and Israel were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore; they had plenty to eat and drink and were happy.

normalized_text:
solomon s wealth and fame the people of judah and israel were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore they had plenty to eat and drink and were happy


text:
(5:1) Solomon ruled all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms paid tribute as Solomon’s subjects throughout his lifetime.

normalized_text:
5 1 solomon ruled all the kingdoms from the euphrates river to the land of the philistines as far as the border of egypt these kingdoms paid tribute as solomon s subjects throughout his lifetime


text:
ten calves fattened in the stall, twenty calves from the pasture, and a hundred sheep, not to mention rams, gazelles, deer, and well-fed birds.

normalized_text:
ten calves fattened in the stall twenty calves from the pasture and a hundred sheep not to mention rams gazelles deer and well fed birds


text:
His royal court was so large because he ruled over all the kingdoms west of the Euphrates River from Tiphsah to Gaza; he was at peace with all his neighbors.

normalized_text:
his royal court was so large because he ruled over all the kingdoms west of the euphrates river from tiphsah to gaza he was at peace with all his neighbors


text:
All the people of Judah and Israel had security; everyone from Dan to Beer Sheba enjoyed the produce of their vines and fig trees throughout Solomon’s lifetime.

normalized_text:
all the people of judah and israel had security everyone from dan to beer sheba enjoyed the produce of their vines and fig trees throughout solomon s lifetime


text:
The district governors acquired supplies for King Solomon and all who ate in his royal palace. Each was responsible for one month in the year; they made sure nothing was lacking.

normalized_text:
the district governors acquired supplies for king solomon and all who ate in his royal palace each was responsible for one month in the year they made sure nothing was lacking


normalized_text: each one also brought to the assigned location his quota of barley and straw for the various horses
text:
Each one also brought to the assigned location his quota of barley and straw for the various horses.


text:
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment; the breadth of his understanding was as infinite as the sand on the seashore.

normalized_text:
god gave solomon wisdom and very great discernment the breadth of his understanding was as infinite as the sand on the seashore


text:
He was wiser than any man, including Ethan the Ezrahite or Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. He was famous in all the neighboring nations.

normalized_text:
he was wiser than any man including ethan the ezrahite or heman calcol and darda the sons of mahol he was famous in all the neighboring nations


text:
He produced manuals on botany, describing every kind of plant, from the cedars of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows on walls. He also produced manuals on biology, describing animals, birds, insects, and fish.

normalized_text:
he produced manuals on botany describing every kind of plant from the cedars of lebanon to the hyssop that grows on walls he also produced manuals on biology describing animals birds insects and fish


text:
People from all nations came to hear Solomon’s display of wisdom; they came from all the kings of the earth who heard about his wisdom.

normalized_text:
people from all nations came to hear solomon s display of wisdom they came from all the kings of the earth who heard about his wisdom


text:
Solomon Gathers Building Materials for the Temple(5:15) King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to Solomon when he heard that he had been anointed king in his father’s place.(Hiram had always been an ally of David.)

normalized_text:
solomon gathers building materials for the temple 5 15 king hiram of tyre sent messengers to solomon when he heard that he had been anointed king in his father s place hiram had always been an ally of david


text:
“You know that my father David was unable to build a temple to honor the LORD his God, for he was busy fighting battles on all fronts while the LORD subdued his enemies.

normalized_text:
you know that my father david was unable to build a temple to honor the lord his god for he was busy fighting battles on all fronts while the lord subdued his enemies


normalized_text: but now the lord my god has made me secure on all fronts there is no adversary or dangerous threat
text:
But now the LORD my God has made me secure on all fronts; there is no adversary or dangerous threat.


text:
So I have decided to build a temple to honor the LORD my God, as the LORD instructed my father David,‘Your son, whom I will put on your throne in your place, is the one who will build a temple to honor me.’

normalized_text:
so i have decided to build a temple to honor the lord my god as the lord instructed my father david your son whom i will put on your throne in your place is the one who will build a temple to honor me


text:
So now order some cedars of Lebanon to be cut for me. My servants will work with your servants. I will pay your servants whatever you say is appropriate, for you know that we have no one among us who knows how to cut down trees like the Sidonians.”

normalized_text:
so now order some cedars of lebanon to be cut for me my servants will work with your servants i will pay your servants whatever you say is appropriate for you know that we have no one among us who knows how to cut down trees like the sidonians


text:
When Hiram heard Solomon’s message, he was very happy. He said,“The LORD is worthy of praise today because he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation.”

normalized_text:
when hiram heard solomon s message he was very happy he said the lord is worthy of praise today because he has given david a wise son to rule over this great nation


text:
Hiram then sent this message to Solomon:“I received the message you sent to me. I will give you all the cedars and evergreens you need.

normalized_text:
hiram then sent this message to solomon i received the message you sent to me i will give you all the cedars and evergreens you need


text:
My servants will bring the timber down from Lebanon to the sea. I will send it by sea in raft-like bundles to the place you designate. There I will separate the logs and you can carry them away. In exchange you will supply the food I need for my royal court.”

normalized_text:
my servants will bring the timber down from lebanon to the sea i will send it by sea in raft like bundles to the place you designate there i will separate the logs and you can carry them away in exchange you will supply the food i need for my royal court


text:
and Solomon supplied Hiram annually with 20,000 cors of wheat as provision for his royal court, as well as 120,000 gallons of pure olive oil.

normalized_text:
and solomon supplied hiram annually with 20 000 cors of wheat as provision for his royal court as well as 120 000 gallons of pure olive oil


text:
So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he had promised him. And Hiram and Solomon were at peace and made a treaty.

normalized_text:
so the lord gave solomon wisdom as he had promised him and hiram and solomon were at peace and made a treaty


text:
He sent them to Lebanon in shifts of 10,000 men per month. They worked in Lebanon for one month, and then spent two months at home. Adoniram was supervisor of the work crews.

normalized_text:
he sent them to lebanon in shifts of 10 000 men per month they worked in lebanon for one month and then spent two months at home adoniram was supervisor of the work crews


text:
By royal order they supplied large valuable stones in order to build the temple’s foundation with chiseled stone.

normalized_text:
by royal order they supplied large valuable stones in order to build the temple s foundation with chiseled stone


text:
Solomon’s and Hiram’s construction workers, along with men from Byblos, did the chiseling and prepared the wood and stones for the building of the temple.

normalized_text:
solomon s and hiram s construction workers along with men from byblos did the chiseling and prepared the wood and stones for the building of the temple


text:
The Building of the Temple In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites left Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, during the month Ziv(the second month), he began building the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
the building of the temple in the four hundred and eightieth year after the israelites left egypt in the fourth year of solomon s reign over israel during the month ziv the second month he began building the lord s temple


text:
The porch in front of the main hall of the temple was 30 feet long, corresponding to the width of the temple. It was 15 feet wide, extending out from the front of the temple.

normalized_text:
the porch in front of the main hall of the temple was 30 feet long corresponding to the width of the temple it was 15 feet wide extending out from the front of the temple


text:
He built an extension all around the walls of the temple’s main hall and holy place and constructed side rooms in it.

normalized_text:
he built an extension all around the walls of the temple s main hall and holy place and constructed side rooms in it


text:
The bottom floor of the extension was seven and a half feet wide, the middle floor nine feet wide, and the third floor ten and a half feet wide. He made ledges on the temple’s outer walls so the beams would not have to be inserted into the walls.

normalized_text:
the bottom floor of the extension was seven and a half feet wide the middle floor nine feet wide and the third floor ten and a half feet wide he made ledges on the temple s outer walls so the beams would not have to be inserted into the walls


text:
As the temple was being built, only stones shaped at the quarry were used; the sound of hammers, pickaxes, or any other iron tool was not heard at the temple while it was being built.

normalized_text:
as the temple was being built only stones shaped at the quarry were used the sound of hammers pickaxes or any other iron tool was not heard at the temple while it was being built


text:
The entrance to the bottom level of side rooms was on the south side of the temple; stairs went up to the middle floor and then on up to the third floor.

normalized_text:
the entrance to the bottom level of side rooms was on the south side of the temple stairs went up to the middle floor and then on up to the third floor


text:
He built an extension all around the temple; it was seven and a half feet high and it was attached to the temple by cedar beams.

normalized_text:
he built an extension all around the temple it was seven and a half feet high and it was attached to the temple by cedar beams


text:
“As for this temple you are building, if you follow my rules, observe my regulations, and obey all my commandments, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David.

normalized_text:
as for this temple you are building if you follow my rules observe my regulations and obey all my commandments i will fulfill through you the promise i made to your father david


text:
He constructed the walls inside the temple with cedar planks; he paneled the inside with wood from the floor of the temple to the rafters of the ceiling. He covered the temple floor with boards made from the wood of evergreens.

normalized_text:
he constructed the walls inside the temple with cedar planks he paneled the inside with wood from the floor of the temple to the rafters of the ceiling he covered the temple floor with boards made from the wood of evergreens


text:
He built a wall 30 feet in from the rear of the temple as a partition for an inner sanctuary that would be the most holy place. He paneled the wall with cedar planks from the floor to the rafters.

normalized_text:
he built a wall 30 feet in from the rear of the temple as a partition for an inner sanctuary that would be the most holy place he paneled the wall with cedar planks from the floor to the rafters


text:
The inside of the temple was all cedar and was adorned with carvings of round ornaments and of flowers in bloom. Everything was cedar; no stones were visible.

normalized_text:
the inside of the temple was all cedar and was adorned with carvings of round ornaments and of flowers in bloom everything was cedar no stones were visible


text:
He prepared the inner sanctuary inside the temple so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD could be placed there.

normalized_text:
he prepared the inner sanctuary inside the temple so that the ark of the covenant of the lord could be placed there


text:
The inner sanctuary was 30 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 30 feet high. He plated it with gold, as well as the cedar altar.

normalized_text:
the inner sanctuary was 30 feet long 30 feet wide and 30 feet high he plated it with gold as well as the cedar altar


text:
Solomon plated the inside of the temple with gold. He hung golden chains in front of the inner sanctuary and plated the inner sanctuary with gold.

normalized_text:
solomon plated the inside of the temple with gold he hung golden chains in front of the inner sanctuary and plated the inner sanctuary with gold


normalized_text: he plated the entire inside of the temple with gold as well as the altar inside the inner sanctuary
text:
He plated the entire inside of the temple with gold, as well as the altar inside the inner sanctuary.


text:
The second cherub also had a wingspan of 15 feet; it was identical to the first in measurements and shape.

normalized_text:
the second cherub also had a wingspan of 15 feet it was identical to the first in measurements and shape


text:
He put the cherubim in the inner sanctuary of the temple. Their wings were spread out. One of the first cherub’s wings touched one wall and one of the other cherub’s wings touched the opposite wall. The first cherub’s other wing touched the second cherub’s other wing in the middle of the room.

normalized_text:
he put the cherubim in the inner sanctuary of the temple their wings were spread out one of the first cherub s wings touched one wall and one of the other cherub s wings touched the opposite wall the first cherub s other wing touched the second cherub s other wing in the middle of the room


text:
On all the walls around the temple, inside and out, he carved cherubim, palm trees, and flowers in bloom.

normalized_text:
on all the walls around the temple inside and out he carved cherubim palm trees and flowers in bloom


text:
He made doors of olive wood at the entrance to the inner sanctuary; the pillar on each doorpost was five-sided.

normalized_text:
he made doors of olive wood at the entrance to the inner sanctuary the pillar on each doorpost was five sided


text:
On the two doors made of olive wood he carved cherubim, palm trees, and flowers in bloom, and he plated them with gold. He plated the cherubim and the palm trees with hammered gold.

normalized_text:
on the two doors made of olive wood he carved cherubim palm trees and flowers in bloom and he plated them with gold he plated the cherubim and the palm trees with hammered gold


text:
In the same way he made doorposts of olive wood for the entrance to the main hall, only with four-sided pillars.

normalized_text:
in the same way he made doorposts of olive wood for the entrance to the main hall only with four sided pillars


text:
He carved cherubim, palm trees, and flowers in bloom and plated them with gold, leveled out over the carvings.

normalized_text:
he carved cherubim palm trees and flowers in bloom and plated them with gold leveled out over the carvings


text:
In the month Ziv of the fourth year of Solomon’s reign the foundation was laid for the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
in the month ziv of the fourth year of solomon s reign the foundation was laid for the lord s temple


text:
In the eleventh year, in the month Bul(the eighth month) the temple was completed in accordance with all its specifications and blueprints. It took seven years to build.

normalized_text:
in the eleventh year in the month bul the eighth month the temple was completed in accordance with all its specifications and blueprints it took seven years to build


text:
He named it“The Palace of the Lebanon Forest”; it was 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. It had four rows of cedar pillars and cedar beams above the pillars.

normalized_text:
he named it the palace of the lebanon forest it was 150 feet long 75 feet wide and 45 feet high it had four rows of cedar pillars and cedar beams above the pillars


text:
The roof above the beams supported by the pillars was also made of cedar; there were forty-five beams, fifteen per row.

normalized_text:
the roof above the beams supported by the pillars was also made of cedar there were forty five beams fifteen per row


text:
He made a colonnade 75 feet long and 45 feet wide. There was a porch in front of this and pillars and a roof in front of the porch.

normalized_text:
he made a colonnade 75 feet long and 45 feet wide there was a porch in front of this and pillars and a roof in front of the porch


text:
He also made a throne room, called“The Hall of Judgment,” where he made judicial decisions. It was paneled with cedar from the floor to the rafters.

normalized_text:
he also made a throne room called the hall of judgment where he made judicial decisions it was paneled with cedar from the floor to the rafters


text:
The palace where he lived was constructed in a similar way. He also constructed a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married.

normalized_text:
the palace where he lived was constructed in a similar way he also constructed a palace like this hall for pharaoh s daughter whom he had married


text:
All of these were built with the best stones, chiseled to the right size and cut with a saw on all sides, from the foundation to the edge of the roof and from the outside to the great courtyard.

normalized_text:
all of these were built with the best stones chiseled to the right size and cut with a saw on all sides from the foundation to the edge of the roof and from the outside to the great courtyard


text:
Around the great courtyard were three rows of chiseled stones and one row of cedar beams, like the inner courtyard of the LORD’s temple and the hall of the palace.

normalized_text:
around the great courtyard were three rows of chiseled stones and one row of cedar beams like the inner courtyard of the lord s temple and the hall of the palace


text:
He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. He had the skill and knowledge to make all kinds of works of bronze. He reported to King Solomon and did all the work he was assigned.

normalized_text:
he was the son of a widow from the tribe of naphtali and his father was a craftsman in bronze from tyre he had the skill and knowledge to make all kinds of works of bronze he reported to king solomon and did all the work he was assigned


text:
The latticework on the tops of the pillars was adorned with ornamental wreaths and chains; the top of each pillar had seven groupings of ornaments.

normalized_text:
the latticework on the tops of the pillars was adorned with ornamental wreaths and chains the top of each pillar had seven groupings of ornaments


text:
When he made the pillars, there were two rows of pomegranate-shaped ornaments around the latticework covering the top of each pillar.

normalized_text:
when he made the pillars there were two rows of pomegranate shaped ornaments around the latticework covering the top of each pillar


text:
On the top of each pillar, right above the bulge beside the latticework, there were two hundred pomegranate-shaped ornaments arranged in rows all the way around.

normalized_text:
on the top of each pillar right above the bulge beside the latticework there were two hundred pomegranate shaped ornaments arranged in rows all the way around


text:
He set up the pillars on the porch in front of the main hall. He erected one pillar on the right side and called it Yakin; he erected the other pillar on the left side and called it Boaz.

normalized_text:
he set up the pillars on the porch in front of the main hall he erected one pillar on the right side and called it yakin he erected the other pillar on the left side and called it boaz


text:
He also made the large bronze basin called“The Sea.” It measured 15 feet from rim to rim, was circular in shape, and stood seven-and-a-half feet high. Its circumference was 45 feet.

normalized_text:
he also made the large bronze basin called the sea it measured 15 feet from rim to rim was circular in shape and stood seven and a half feet high its circumference was 45 feet


text:
Under the rim all the way around it were round ornaments arranged in settings 15 feet long. The ornaments were in two rows and had been cast with“The Sea.”

normalized_text:
under the rim all the way around it were round ornaments arranged in settings 15 feet long the ornaments were in two rows and had been cast with the sea


text:
“The Sea” stood on top of twelve bulls. Three faced northward, three westward, three southward, and three eastward.“The Sea” was placed on top of them, and they all faced outward.

normalized_text:
the sea stood on top of twelve bulls three faced northward three westward three southward and three eastward the sea was placed on top of them and they all faced outward


text:
It was four fingers thick and its rim was like that of a cup shaped like a lily blossom. It could hold about 12,000 gallons.

normalized_text:
it was four fingers thick and its rim was like that of a cup shaped like a lily blossom it could hold about 12 000 gallons


text:
He also made ten bronze movable stands. Each stand was six feet long, six feet wide, and four-and-a-half feet high.

normalized_text:
he also made ten bronze movable stands each stand was six feet long six feet wide and four and a half feet high


text:
On these frames and joints were ornamental lions, bulls, and cherubim. Under the lions and bulls were decorative wreaths.

normalized_text:
on these frames and joints were ornamental lions bulls and cherubim under the lions and bulls were decorative wreaths


text:
Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles and four supports. Under the basin the supports were fashioned on each side with wreaths.

normalized_text:
each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles and four supports under the basin the supports were fashioned on each side with wreaths


text:
Inside the stand was a round opening that was a foot-and-a-half deep; it had a support that was two and one-quarter feet long. On the edge of the opening were carvings in square frames.

normalized_text:
inside the stand was a round opening that was a foot and a half deep it had a support that was two and one quarter feet long on the edge of the opening were carvings in square frames


text:
The four wheels were under the frames and the crossbars of the axles were connected to the stand. Each wheel was two and one-quarter feet high.

normalized_text:
the four wheels were under the frames and the crossbars of the axles were connected to the stand each wheel was two and one quarter feet high


text:
The wheels were constructed like chariot wheels; their crossbars, rims, spokes, and hubs were made of cast metal.

normalized_text:
the wheels were constructed like chariot wheels their crossbars rims spokes and hubs were made of cast metal


text:
On top of each stand was a round opening three-quarters of a foot deep; there were also supports and frames on top of the stands.

normalized_text:
on top of each stand was a round opening three quarters of a foot deep there were also supports and frames on top of the stands


text:
He engraved ornamental cherubim, lions, and palm trees on the plates of the supports and frames wherever there was room, with wreaths all around.

normalized_text:
he engraved ornamental cherubim lions and palm trees on the plates of the supports and frames wherever there was room with wreaths all around


text:
He made the ten stands in this way. All of them were cast in one mold and were identical in measurements and shape.

normalized_text:
he made the ten stands in this way all of them were cast in one mold and were identical in measurements and shape


text:
He also made ten bronze basins, each of which could hold about 240 gallons. Each basin was six feet in diameter; there was one basin for each stand.

normalized_text:
he also made ten bronze basins each of which could hold about 240 gallons each basin was six feet in diameter there was one basin for each stand


text:
He put five basins on the south side of the temple and five on the north side. He put“The Sea” on the south side, in the southeast corner.

normalized_text:
he put five basins on the south side of the temple and five on the north side he put the sea on the south side in the southeast corner


text:
Hiram also made basins, shovels, and bowls. He finished all the work on the LORD’s temple he had been assigned by King Solomon.

normalized_text:
hiram also made basins shovels and bowls he finished all the work on the lord s temple he had been assigned by king solomon


text:
He made the two pillars, the two bowl-shaped tops of the pillars, the latticework for the bowl-shaped tops of the two pillars,

normalized_text:
he made the two pillars the two bowl shaped tops of the pillars the latticework for the bowl shaped tops of the two pillars


text:
the four hundred pomegranate-shaped ornaments for the latticework of the two pillars(each latticework had two rows of these ornaments at the bowl-shaped top of the pillar),

normalized_text:
the four hundred pomegranate shaped ornaments for the latticework of the two pillars each latticework had two rows of these ornaments at the bowl shaped top of the pillar


text:
and the pots, shovels, and bowls. All these items King Solomon assigned Hiram to make for the LORD’s temple were made from polished bronze.

normalized_text:
and the pots shovels and bowls all these items king solomon assigned hiram to make for the lord s temple were made from polished bronze


text:
Solomon also made all these items for the LORD’s temple: the gold altar, the gold table on which was kept the Bread of the Presence,

normalized_text:
solomon also made all these items for the lord s temple the gold altar the gold table on which was kept the bread of the presence


text:
the pure gold lampstands at the entrance to the inner sanctuary(five on the right and five on the left), the gold flower-shaped ornaments, lamps, and tongs,

normalized_text:
the pure gold lampstands at the entrance to the inner sanctuary five on the right and five on the left the gold flower shaped ornaments lamps and tongs


text:
the pure gold bowls, trimming shears, basins, pans, and censers, and the gold door sockets for the inner sanctuary(the most holy place) and for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

normalized_text:
the pure gold bowls trimming shears basins pans and censers and the gold door sockets for the inner sanctuary the most holy place and for the doors of the main hall of the temple


text:
When King Solomon finished constructing the LORD’s temple, he put the holy items that belonged to his father David(the silver, gold, and other articles) in the treasuries of the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
when king solomon finished constructing the lord s temple he put the holy items that belonged to his father david the silver gold and other articles in the treasuries of the lord s temple


text:
Solomon Moves the Ark into the Temple Then Solomon convened in Jerusalem Israel’s elders, all the leaders of the Israelite tribes and families, so they could witness the transferal of the ark of the LORD’s covenant from the City of David(that is, Zion).

normalized_text:
solomon moves the ark into the temple then solomon convened in jerusalem israel s elders all the leaders of the israelite tribes and families so they could witness the transferal of the ark of the lord s covenant from the city of david that is zion


text:
All the men of Israel assembled before King Solomon during the festival in the month Ethanim(the seventh month).

normalized_text:
all the men of israel assembled before king solomon during the festival in the month ethanim the seventh month


text:
The priests and Levites carried the ark of the LORD, the tent of meeting, and all the holy items in the tent.

normalized_text:
the priests and levites carried the ark of the lord the tent of meeting and all the holy items in the tent


text:
Now King Solomon and all the Israelites who had assembled with him went on ahead of the ark and sacrificed more sheep and cattle than could be counted or numbered.

normalized_text:
now king solomon and all the israelites who had assembled with him went on ahead of the ark and sacrificed more sheep and cattle than could be counted or numbered


text:
The priests brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant to its assigned place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, in the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim.

normalized_text:
the priests brought the ark of the lord s covenant to its assigned place in the inner sanctuary of the temple in the most holy place under the wings of the cherubim


text:
The cherubim’s wings extended over the place where the ark sat; the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles.

normalized_text:
the cherubim s wings extended over the place where the ark sat the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles


text:
The poles were so long their ends were visible from the holy place in front of the inner sanctuary, but they could not be seen from beyond that point. They have remained there to this very day.

normalized_text:
the poles were so long their ends were visible from the holy place in front of the inner sanctuary but they could not be seen from beyond that point they have remained there to this very day


text:
There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets Moses had placed there in Horeb. It was there that the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites after he brought them out of the land of Egypt.

normalized_text:
there was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets moses had placed there in horeb it was there that the lord made a covenant with the israelites after he brought them out of the land of egypt


text:
The priests could not carry out their duties because of the cloud; the LORD’s glory filled his temple.

normalized_text:
the priests could not carry out their duties because of the cloud the lord s glory filled his temple


text:
Then the king turned around and pronounced a blessing over the whole Israelite assembly as they stood there.

normalized_text:
then the king turned around and pronounced a blessing over the whole israelite assembly as they stood there


text:
He said,“The LORD God of Israel is worthy of praise because he has fulfilled what he promised my father David.

normalized_text:
he said the lord god of israel is worthy of praise because he has fulfilled what he promised my father david


text:
He told David,‘Since the day I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from all the tribes of Israel to build a temple in which to live. But I have chosen David to lead my people Israel.’

normalized_text:
he told david since the day i brought my people israel out of egypt i have not chosen a city from all the tribes of israel to build a temple in which to live but i have chosen david to lead my people israel


text:
The LORD told my father David,‘It is right for you to have a strong desire to build a temple to honor me.

normalized_text:
the lord told my father david it is right for you to have a strong desire to build a temple to honor me


text:
The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have taken my father David’s place and have occupied the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised. I have built this temple for the honor of the LORD God of Israel

normalized_text:
the lord has kept the promise he made i have taken my father david s place and have occupied the throne of israel as the lord promised i have built this temple for the honor of the lord god of israel


text:
and set up in it a place for the ark containing the covenant the LORD made with our ancestors when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

normalized_text:
and set up in it a place for the ark containing the covenant the lord made with our ancestors when he brought them out of the land of egypt


text:
Solomon Prays for Israel Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward the sky.

normalized_text:
solomon prays for israel solomon stood before the altar of the lord in front of the entire assembly of israel and spread out his hands toward the sky


text:
He prayed:“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth below! You maintain covenantal loyalty to your servants who obey you with sincerity.

normalized_text:
he prayed o lord god of israel there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth below you maintain covenantal loyalty to your servants who obey you with sincerity


text:
You have kept your word to your servant, my father David; this very day you have fulfilled what you promised.

normalized_text:
you have kept your word to your servant my father david this very day you have fulfilled what you promised


text:
Now, O LORD, God of Israel, keep the promise you made to your servant, my father David, when you said,‘You will never fail to have a successor ruling before me on the throne of Israel, provided that your descendants watch their step and serve me as you have done.’

normalized_text:
now o lord god of israel keep the promise you made to your servant my father david when you said you will never fail to have a successor ruling before me on the throne of israel provided that your descendants watch their step and serve me as you have done


text:
“God does not really live on the earth! Look, if the sky and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this temple I have built!

normalized_text:
god does not really live on the earth look if the sky and the highest heaven cannot contain you how much less this temple i have built


text:
But respond favorably to your servant’s prayer and his request for help, O LORD my God. Answer the desperate prayer your servant is presenting to you today.

normalized_text:
but respond favorably to your servant s prayer and his request for help o lord my god answer the desperate prayer your servant is presenting to you today


text:
Night and day may you watch over this temple, the place where you promised you would live. May you answer your servant’s prayer for this place.

normalized_text:
night and day may you watch over this temple the place where you promised you would live may you answer your servant s prayer for this place


text:
Respond to the request of your servant and your people Israel for this place. Hear from inside your heavenly dwelling place and respond favorably.

normalized_text:
respond to the request of your servant and your people israel for this place hear from inside your heavenly dwelling place and respond favorably


text:
“When someone is accused of sinning against his neighbor and the latter pronounces a curse on the alleged offender before your altar in this temple, be willing to forgive the accused if the accusation is false.

normalized_text:
when someone is accused of sinning against his neighbor and the latter pronounces a curse on the alleged offender before your altar in this temple be willing to forgive the accused if the accusation is false


text:
Listen from heaven and make a just decision about your servants’ claims. Condemn the guilty party, declare the other innocent, and give both of them what they deserve.

normalized_text:
listen from heaven and make a just decision about your servants claims condemn the guilty party declare the other innocent and give both of them what they deserve


text:
“The time will come when your people Israel are defeated by an enemy because they sinned against you. If they come back to you, renew their allegiance to you, and pray for your help in this temple,

normalized_text:
the time will come when your people israel are defeated by an enemy because they sinned against you if they come back to you renew their allegiance to you and pray for your help in this temple


text:
then listen from heaven, forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them back to the land you gave to their ancestors.

normalized_text:
then listen from heaven forgive the sin of your people israel and bring them back to the land you gave to their ancestors


text:
“The time will come when the skies are shut up tightly and no rain falls because your people sinned against you. When they direct their prayers toward this place, renew their allegiance to you, and turn away from their sin because you punish them,

normalized_text:
the time will come when the skies are shut up tightly and no rain falls because your people sinned against you when they direct their prayers toward this place renew their allegiance to you and turn away from their sin because you punish them


text:
then listen from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Certainly you will then teach them the right way to live and send rain on your land that you have given your people to possess.

normalized_text:
then listen from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants your people israel certainly you will then teach them the right way to live and send rain on your land that you have given your people to possess


text:
“The time will come when the land suffers from a famine, a plague, blight and disease, or a locust invasion, or when their enemy lays siege to the cities of the land, or when some other type of plague or epidemic occurs.

normalized_text:
the time will come when the land suffers from a famine a plague blight and disease or a locust invasion or when their enemy lays siege to the cities of the land or when some other type of plague or epidemic occurs


text:
When all your people Israel pray and ask for help, as they acknowledge their pain and spread out their hands toward this temple,

normalized_text:
when all your people israel pray and ask for help as they acknowledge their pain and spread out their hands toward this temple


text:
then listen from your heavenly dwelling place, forgive their sin, and act favorably toward each one based on your evaluation of his motives.(Indeed you are the only one who can correctly evaluate the motives of all people.)

normalized_text:
then listen from your heavenly dwelling place forgive their sin and act favorably toward each one based on your evaluation of his motives indeed you are the only one who can correctly evaluate the motives of all people


text:
Then they will obey you throughout their lifetimes as they live on the land you gave to our ancestors.

normalized_text:
then they will obey you throughout their lifetimes as they live on the land you gave to our ancestors


text:
“Foreigners, who do not belong to your people Israel, will come from a distant land because of your reputation.

normalized_text:
foreigners who do not belong to your people israel will come from a distant land because of your reputation


text:
When they hear about your great reputation and your ability to accomplish mighty deeds, they will come and direct their prayers toward this temple.

normalized_text:
when they hear about your great reputation and your ability to accomplish mighty deeds they will come and direct their prayers toward this temple


text:
Then listen from your heavenly dwelling place and answer all the prayers of the foreigners. Then all the nations of the earth will acknowledge your reputation, obey you like your people Israel do, and recognize that this temple I built belongs to you.

normalized_text:
then listen from your heavenly dwelling place and answer all the prayers of the foreigners then all the nations of the earth will acknowledge your reputation obey you like your people israel do and recognize that this temple i built belongs to you


text:
“When you direct your people to march out and fight their enemies, and they direct their prayers to the LORD toward his chosen city and this temple I built for your honor,

normalized_text:
when you direct your people to march out and fight their enemies and they direct their prayers to the lord toward his chosen city and this temple i built for your honor


text:
“The time will come when your people will sin against you(for there is no one who is sinless!) and you will be angry with them and deliver them over to their enemies, who will take them as prisoners to their own land, whether far away or close by.

normalized_text:
the time will come when your people will sin against you for there is no one who is sinless and you will be angry with them and deliver them over to their enemies who will take them as prisoners to their own land whether far away or close by


text:
When your people come to their senses in the land where they are held prisoner, they will repent and beg for your mercy in the land of their imprisonment, admitting,‘We have sinned and gone astray; we have done evil.’

normalized_text:
when your people come to their senses in the land where they are held prisoner they will repent and beg for your mercy in the land of their imprisonment admitting we have sinned and gone astray we have done evil


text:
When they return to you with all their heart and being in the land where they are held prisoner, and direct their prayers to you toward the land you gave to their ancestors, your chosen city, and the temple I built for your honor,

normalized_text:
when they return to you with all their heart and being in the land where they are held prisoner and direct their prayers to you toward the land you gave to their ancestors your chosen city and the temple i built for your honor


normalized_text: forgive all the rebellious acts of your sinful people and cause their captors to have mercy on them
text:
Forgive all the rebellious acts of your sinful people and cause their captors to have mercy on them.


text:
After all, they are your people and your special possession whom you brought out of Egypt, from the middle of the iron-smelting furnace.

normalized_text:
after all they are your people and your special possession whom you brought out of egypt from the middle of the iron smelting furnace


text:
“May you be attentive to your servant’s and your people Israel’s requests for help and may you respond to all their prayers to you.

normalized_text:
may you be attentive to your servant s and your people israel s requests for help and may you respond to all their prayers to you


text:
After all, you picked them out of all the nations of the earth to be your special possession, just as you, O Sovereign LORD, announced through your servant Moses when you brought our ancestors out of Egypt.”

normalized_text:
after all you picked them out of all the nations of the earth to be your special possession just as you o sovereign lord announced through your servant moses when you brought our ancestors out of egypt


text:
When Solomon finished presenting all these prayers and requests to the LORD, he got up from before the altar of the LORD where he had kneeled and spread out his hands toward the sky.

normalized_text:
when solomon finished presenting all these prayers and requests to the lord he got up from before the altar of the lord where he had kneeled and spread out his hands toward the sky


normalized_text: when he stood up he pronounced a blessing over the entire assembly of israel saying in a loud voice
text:
When he stood up, he pronounced a blessing over the entire assembly of Israel, saying in a loud voice:


text:
“The LORD is worthy of praise because he has made Israel his people secure just as he promised! Not one of all the faithful promises he made through his servant Moses is left unfulfilled!

normalized_text:
the lord is worthy of praise because he has made israel his people secure just as he promised not one of all the faithful promises he made through his servant moses is left unfulfilled


text:
May he make us submissive, so we can follow all his instructions and obey the commandments, rules, and regulations he commanded our ancestors.

normalized_text:
may he make us submissive so we can follow all his instructions and obey the commandments rules and regulations he commanded our ancestors


text:
May the LORD our God be constantly aware of these requests of mine I have presented to him, so that he might vindicate his servant and his people Israel as the need arises.

normalized_text:
may the lord our god be constantly aware of these requests of mine i have presented to him so that he might vindicate his servant and his people israel as the need arises


text:
May you demonstrate wholehearted devotion to the LORD our God by following his rules and obeying his commandments, as you are presently doing.”

normalized_text:
may you demonstrate wholehearted devotion to the lord our god by following his rules and obeying his commandments as you are presently doing


text:
Solomon Dedicates the Temple The king and all Israel with him were presenting sacrifices to the LORD.

normalized_text:
solomon dedicates the temple the king and all israel with him were presenting sacrifices to the lord


text:
Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. Then the king and all the Israelites dedicated the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
solomon offered as peace offerings to the lord 22 000 cattle and 120 000 sheep then the king and all the israelites dedicated the lord s temple


text:
That day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard that is in front of the LORD’s temple. He offered there burnt sacrifices, grain offerings, and the fat from the peace offerings, because the bronze altar that stood before the LORD was too small to hold all these offerings.

normalized_text:
that day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard that is in front of the lord s temple he offered there burnt sacrifices grain offerings and the fat from the peace offerings because the bronze altar that stood before the lord was too small to hold all these offerings


text:
At that time Solomon and all Israel with him celebrated a festival before the LORD our God for two entire weeks. This great assembly included people from all over the land, from Lebo Hamath in the north to the Stream of Egypt in the south.

normalized_text:
at that time solomon and all israel with him celebrated a festival before the lord our god for two entire weeks this great assembly included people from all over the land from lebo hamath in the north to the stream of egypt in the south


text:
On the fifteenth day after the festival started, he dismissed the people. They asked God to empower the king and then went to their homes, happy and content because of all the good the LORD had done for his servant David and his people Israel.

normalized_text:
on the fifteenth day after the festival started he dismissed the people they asked god to empower the king and then went to their homes happy and content because of all the good the lord had done for his servant david and his people israel


text:
The Lord Gives Solomon a Promise and a Warning After Solomon finished building the LORD’s temple, the royal palace, and all the other construction projects he had planned,

normalized_text:
the lord gives solomon a promise and a warning after solomon finished building the lord s temple the royal palace and all the other construction projects he had planned


text:
The LORD said to him,“I have answered your prayer and your request for help that you made to me. I have consecrated this temple you built by making it my permanent home; I will be constantly present there.

normalized_text:
the lord said to him i have answered your prayer and your request for help that you made to me i have consecrated this temple you built by making it my permanent home i will be constantly present there


text:
You must serve me with integrity and sincerity, just as your father David did. Do everything I commanded and obey my rules and regulations.

normalized_text:
you must serve me with integrity and sincerity just as your father david did do everything i commanded and obey my rules and regulations


text:
Then I will allow your dynasty to rule over Israel permanently, just as I promised your father David,‘You will not fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

normalized_text:
then i will allow your dynasty to rule over israel permanently just as i promised your father david you will not fail to have a successor on the throne of israel


text:
“But if you or your sons ever turn away from me, fail to obey the regulations and rules I instructed you to keep, and decide to serve and worship other gods,

normalized_text:
but if you or your sons ever turn away from me fail to obey the regulations and rules i instructed you to keep and decide to serve and worship other gods


text:
then I will remove Israel from the land I have given them, I will abandon this temple I have consecrated with my presence, and Israel will be mocked and ridiculed among all the nations.

normalized_text:
then i will remove israel from the land i have given them i will abandon this temple i have consecrated with my presence and israel will be mocked and ridiculed among all the nations


text:
This temple will become a heap of ruins; everyone who passes by it will be shocked and will hiss out their scorn, saying,‘Why did the LORD do this to this land and this temple?’

normalized_text:
this temple will become a heap of ruins everyone who passes by it will be shocked and will hiss out their scorn saying why did the lord do this to this land and this temple


text:
Others will then answer,‘Because they abandoned the LORD their God, who led their ancestors out of Egypt. They embraced other gods whom they worshiped and served. That is why the LORD has brought all this disaster down on them.’”

normalized_text:
others will then answer because they abandoned the lord their god who led their ancestors out of egypt they embraced other gods whom they worshiped and served that is why the lord has brought all this disaster down on them


text:
Foreign Affairs and Building Projects After twenty years, during which Solomon built the LORD’s temple and the royal palace,

normalized_text:
foreign affairs and building projects after twenty years during which solomon built the lord s temple and the royal palace


text:
King Solomon gave King Hiram of Tyre twenty cities in the region of Galilee, because Hiram had supplied Solomon with cedars, evergreens, and all the gold he wanted.

normalized_text:
king solomon gave king hiram of tyre twenty cities in the region of galilee because hiram had supplied solomon with cedars evergreens and all the gold he wanted


text:
When Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the cities Solomon had given him, he was not pleased with them.

normalized_text:
when hiram went out from tyre to inspect the cities solomon had given him he was not pleased with them


text:
Hiram asked,“Why did you give me these cities, my friend?” He called that area the region of Cabul, a name which it has retained to this day.

normalized_text:
hiram asked why did you give me these cities my friend he called that area the region of cabul a name which it has retained to this day


text:
Here are the details concerning the work crews King Solomon conscripted to build the LORD’s temple, his palace, the terrace, the wall of Jerusalem, and the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.

normalized_text:
here are the details concerning the work crews king solomon conscripted to build the lord s temple his palace the terrace the wall of jerusalem and the cities of hazor megiddo and gezer


text:
(Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had attacked and captured Gezer. He burned it and killed the Canaanites who lived in the city. He gave it as a wedding present to his daughter, who had married Solomon.)

normalized_text:
pharaoh king of egypt had attacked and captured gezer he burned it and killed the canaanites who lived in the city he gave it as a wedding present to his daughter who had married solomon


text:
all the storage cities that belonged to him, and the cities where chariots and horses were kept. He built whatever he wanted in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout his entire kingdom.

normalized_text:
all the storage cities that belonged to him and the cities where chariots and horses were kept he built whatever he wanted in jerusalem lebanon and throughout his entire kingdom


text:
Now several non-Israelite peoples were left in the land after the conquest of Joshua, including the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

normalized_text:
now several non israelite peoples were left in the land after the conquest of joshua including the amorites hittites perizzites hivites and jebusites


text:
Their descendants remained in the land(the Israelites were unable to wipe them out completely). Solomon conscripted them for his work crews, and they continue in that role to this very day.

normalized_text:
their descendants remained in the land the israelites were unable to wipe them out completely solomon conscripted them for his work crews and they continue in that role to this very day


text:
Solomon did not assign Israelites to these work crews; the Israelites served as his soldiers, attendants, officers, charioteers, and commanders of his chariot forces.

normalized_text:
solomon did not assign israelites to these work crews the israelites served as his soldiers attendants officers charioteers and commanders of his chariot forces


text:
These men were also in charge of Solomon’s work projects; there were a total of 550 men who supervised the workers.

normalized_text:
these men were also in charge of solomon s work projects there were a total of 550 men who supervised the workers


text:
Solomon built the terrace as soon as Pharaoh’s daughter moved up from the City of David to the palace Solomon built for her.

normalized_text:
solomon built the terrace as soon as pharaoh s daughter moved up from the city of david to the palace solomon built for her


text:
Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense along with them before the LORD. He made the temple his official worship place.

normalized_text:
three times a year solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the lord burning incense along with them before the lord he made the temple his official worship place


text:
King Solomon also built ships in Ezion Geber, which is located near Elat in the land of Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.

normalized_text:
king solomon also built ships in ezion geber which is located near elat in the land of edom on the shore of the red sea


text:
Hiram sent his fleet and some of his sailors, who were well acquainted with the sea, to serve with Solomon’s men.

normalized_text:
hiram sent his fleet and some of his sailors who were well acquainted with the sea to serve with solomon s men


text:
Solomon Entertains a Queen When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she came to challenge him with difficult questions.

normalized_text:
solomon entertains a queen when the queen of sheba heard about solomon she came to challenge him with difficult questions


text:
She arrived in Jerusalem with a great display of pomp, bringing with her camels carrying spices, a very large quantity of gold, and precious gems. She visited Solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind.

normalized_text:
she arrived in jerusalem with a great display of pomp bringing with her camels carrying spices a very large quantity of gold and precious gems she visited solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind


text:
the food in his banquet hall, his servants and attendants, their robes, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings which he presented in the LORD’s temple, she was amazed.

normalized_text:
the food in his banquet hall his servants and attendants their robes his cupbearers and his burnt offerings which he presented in the lord s temple she was amazed


text:
She said to the king,“The report I heard in my own country about your wise sayings and insight was true!

normalized_text:
she said to the king the report i heard in my own country about your wise sayings and insight was true


text:
I did not believe these things until I came and saw them with my own eyes. Indeed, I didn’t hear even half the story! Your wisdom and wealth surpass what was reported to me.

normalized_text:
i did not believe these things until i came and saw them with my own eyes indeed i didn t hear even half the story your wisdom and wealth surpass what was reported to me


text:
May the LORD your God be praised because he favored you by placing you on the throne of Israel! Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he made you king so you could make just and right decisions.”

normalized_text:
may the lord your god be praised because he favored you by placing you on the throne of israel because of the lord s eternal love for israel he made you king so you could make just and right decisions


text:
She gave the king 120 talents of gold, a very large quantity of spices, and precious gems. The quantity of spices the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon has never been matched.

normalized_text:
she gave the king 120 talents of gold a very large quantity of spices and precious gems the quantity of spices the queen of sheba gave king solomon has never been matched


text:
(Hiram’s fleet, which carried gold from Ophir, also brought from Ophir a very large quantity of fine timber and precious gems.

normalized_text:
hiram s fleet which carried gold from ophir also brought from ophir a very large quantity of fine timber and precious gems


text:
With the timber the king made supports for the LORD’s temple and for the royal palace and stringed instruments for the musicians. No one has seen so much of this fine timber to this very day.)

normalized_text:
with the timber the king made supports for the lord s temple and for the royal palace and stringed instruments for the musicians no one has seen so much of this fine timber to this very day


text:
King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she requested, besides what he had freely offered her. Then she left and returned to her homeland with her attendants.

normalized_text:
king solomon gave the queen of sheba everything she requested besides what he had freely offered her then she left and returned to her homeland with her attendants


text:
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; 600 measures of gold were used for each shield.

normalized_text:
king solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold 600 measures of gold were used for each shield


text:
He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold were used for each of these shields. The king placed them in the Palace of the Lebanon Forest.

normalized_text:
he also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold three minas of gold were used for each of these shields the king placed them in the palace of the lebanon forest


text:
There were six steps leading up to the throne, and the back of it was rounded on top. The throne had two armrests with a statue of a lion standing on each side.

normalized_text:
there were six steps leading up to the throne and the back of it was rounded on top the throne had two armrests with a statue of a lion standing on each side


text:
There were twelve statues of lions on the six steps, one lion at each end of each step. There was nothing like it in any other kingdom.

normalized_text:
there were twelve statues of lions on the six steps one lion at each end of each step there was nothing like it in any other kingdom


text:
All of King Solomon’s cups were made of gold, and all the household items in the Palace of the Lebanon Forest were made of pure gold. There were no silver items, for silver was not considered very valuable in Solomon’s time.

normalized_text:
all of king solomon s cups were made of gold and all the household items in the palace of the lebanon forest were made of pure gold there were no silver items for silver was not considered very valuable in solomon s time


text:
Along with Hiram’s fleet, the king had a fleet of large merchant ships that sailed the sea. Once every three years the fleet came into port with cargoes of gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

normalized_text:
along with hiram s fleet the king had a fleet of large merchant ships that sailed the sea once every three years the fleet came into port with cargoes of gold silver ivory apes and peacocks


text:
Year after year visitors brought their gifts, which included items of silver, items of gold, clothes, perfume, spices, horses, and mules.

normalized_text:
year after year visitors brought their gifts which included items of silver items of gold clothes perfume spices horses and mules


text:
Solomon accumulated chariots and horses. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses. He kept them in assigned cities and in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
solomon accumulated chariots and horses he had 1 400 chariots and 12 000 horses he kept them in assigned cities and in jerusalem


text:
The king made silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones; cedar was as plentiful as sycamore fig trees are in the foothills.

normalized_text:
the king made silver as plentiful in jerusalem as stones cedar was as plentiful as sycamore fig trees are in the foothills


text:
They paid 600 silver pieces for each chariot from Egypt and 150 silver pieces for each horse. They also sold chariots and horses to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Syria.

normalized_text:
they paid 600 silver pieces for each chariot from egypt and 150 silver pieces for each horse they also sold chariots and horses to all the kings of the hittites and to the kings of syria


text:
The Lord Punishes Solomon for Idolatry King Solomon fell in love with many foreign women(besides Pharaoh’s daughter), including Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites.

normalized_text:
the lord punishes solomon for idolatry king solomon fell in love with many foreign women besides pharaoh s daughter including moabites ammonites edomites sidonians and hittites


text:
They came from nations about which the LORD had warned the Israelites,“You must not establish friendly relations with them! If you do, they will surely shift your allegiance to their gods.” But Solomon was irresistibly attracted to them.

normalized_text:
they came from nations about which the lord had warned the israelites you must not establish friendly relations with them if you do they will surely shift your allegiance to their gods but solomon was irresistibly attracted to them


text:
When Solomon became old, his wives shifted his allegiance to other gods; he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

normalized_text:
when solomon became old his wives shifted his allegiance to other gods he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the lord his god as his father david had been


normalized_text: solomon did evil in the lord s sight he did not remain loyal to the lord like his father david had
text:
Solomon did evil in the LORD’s sight; he did not remain loyal to the LORD, like his father David had.


text:
Furthermore, on the hill east of Jerusalem Solomon built a high place for the detestable Moabite god Chemosh and for the detestable Ammonite god Milcom.

normalized_text:
furthermore on the hill east of jerusalem solomon built a high place for the detestable moabite god chemosh and for the detestable ammonite god milcom


text:
He built high places for all his foreign wives so they could burn incense and make sacrifices to their gods.

normalized_text:
he built high places for all his foreign wives so they could burn incense and make sacrifices to their gods


text:
The LORD was angry with Solomon because he had shifted his allegiance away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him on two occasions

normalized_text:
the lord was angry with solomon because he had shifted his allegiance away from the lord the god of israel who had appeared to him on two occasions


text:
and had warned him about this very thing, so that he would not follow other gods. But he did not obey the LORD’s command.

normalized_text:
and had warned him about this very thing so that he would not follow other gods but he did not obey the lord s command


text:
So the LORD said to Solomon,“Because you insist on doing these things and have not kept the covenantal rules I gave you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.

normalized_text:
so the lord said to solomon because you insist on doing these things and have not kept the covenantal rules i gave you i will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant


text:
However, for your father David’s sake I will not do this while you are alive. I will tear it away from your son’s hand instead.

normalized_text:
however for your father david s sake i will not do this while you are alive i will tear it away from your son s hand instead


text:
But I will not tear away the entire kingdom; I will leave your son one tribe for my servant David’s sake and for the sake of my chosen city Jerusalem.”

normalized_text:
but i will not tear away the entire kingdom i will leave your son one tribe for my servant david s sake and for the sake of my chosen city jerusalem


text:
During David’s campaign against Edom, Joab, the commander of the army, while on a mission to bury the dead, killed every male in Edom.

normalized_text:
during david s campaign against edom joab the commander of the army while on a mission to bury the dead killed every male in edom


text:
For Joab and the entire Israelite army stayed there six months until they had exterminated every male in Edom.

normalized_text:
for joab and the entire israelite army stayed there six months until they had exterminated every male in edom


text:
Hadad, who was only a small boy at the time, escaped with some of his father’s Edomite servants and headed for Egypt.

normalized_text:
hadad who was only a small boy at the time escaped with some of his father s edomite servants and headed for egypt


text:
They went from Midian to Paran; they took some men from Paran and went to Egypt. Pharaoh, king of Egypt, gave him a house and some land and supplied him with food.

normalized_text:
they went from midian to paran they took some men from paran and went to egypt pharaoh king of egypt gave him a house and some land and supplied him with food


text:
Tahpenes’ sister gave birth to his son, named Genubath. Tahpenes raised him in Pharaoh’s palace; Genubath grew up in Pharaoh’s palace among Pharaoh’s sons.

normalized_text:
tahpenes sister gave birth to his son named genubath tahpenes raised him in pharaoh s palace genubath grew up in pharaoh s palace among pharaoh s sons


text:
While in Egypt Hadad heard that David had passed away and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead. So Hadad asked Pharaoh,“Give me permission to leave so I can return to my homeland.”

normalized_text:
while in egypt hadad heard that david had passed away and that joab the commander of the army was dead so hadad asked pharaoh give me permission to leave so i can return to my homeland


text:
Pharaoh said to him,“What do you lack here that makes you want to go to your homeland?” Hadad replied,“Nothing, but please give me permission to leave.”

normalized_text:
pharaoh said to him what do you lack here that makes you want to go to your homeland hadad replied nothing but please give me permission to leave


text:
God also brought against Solomon another enemy, Rezon son of Eliada who had run away from his master, King Hadadezer of Zobah.

normalized_text:
god also brought against solomon another enemy rezon son of eliada who had run away from his master king hadadezer of zobah


text:
He gathered some men and organized a raiding band. When David tried to kill them, they went to Damascus, where they settled down and gained control of the city.

normalized_text:
he gathered some men and organized a raiding band when david tried to kill them they went to damascus where they settled down and gained control of the city


text:
He was Israel’s enemy throughout Solomon’s reign and, like Hadad, caused trouble. He loathed Israel and ruled over Syria.

normalized_text:
he was israel s enemy throughout solomon s reign and like hadad caused trouble he loathed israel and ruled over syria


text:
Jeroboam son of Nebat, one of Solomon’s servants, rebelled against the king. He was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah.

normalized_text:
jeroboam son of nebat one of solomon s servants rebelled against the king he was an ephraimite from zeredah whose mother was a widow named zeruah


text:
This is what prompted him to rebel against the king: Solomon built a terrace and he closed up a gap in the wall of the city of his father David.

normalized_text:
this is what prompted him to rebel against the king solomon built a terrace and he closed up a gap in the wall of the city of his father david


text:
Jeroboam was a talented man; when Solomon saw that the young man was an accomplished worker, he made him the leader of the work crew from the tribe of Joseph.

normalized_text:
jeroboam was a talented man when solomon saw that the young man was an accomplished worker he made him the leader of the work crew from the tribe of joseph


text:
At that time, when Jeroboam had left Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on the road; the two of them were alone in the open country. Ahijah was wearing a brand new robe,

normalized_text:
at that time when jeroboam had left jerusalem the prophet ahijah the shilonite met him on the road the two of them were alone in the open country ahijah was wearing a brand new robe


text:
Then he told Jeroboam,“Take ten pieces, for this is what the LORD God of Israel has said:‘Look, I am about to tear the kingdom from Solomon’s hand and I will give ten tribes to you.

normalized_text:
then he told jeroboam take ten pieces for this is what the lord god of israel has said look i am about to tear the kingdom from solomon s hand and i will give ten tribes to you


text:
He will retain one tribe, for my servant David’s sake and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.

normalized_text:
he will retain one tribe for my servant david s sake and for the sake of jerusalem the city i have chosen out of all the tribes of israel


text:
I am taking the kingdom from him because they have abandoned me and worshiped the Sidonian goddess Astarte, the Moabite god Chemosh, and the Ammonite god Milcom. They have not followed my instructions by doing what I approve and obeying my rules and regulations, like Solomon’s father David did.

normalized_text:
i am taking the kingdom from him because they have abandoned me and worshiped the sidonian goddess astarte the moabite god chemosh and the ammonite god milcom they have not followed my instructions by doing what i approve and obeying my rules and regulations like solomon s father david did


text:
I will not take the whole kingdom from his hand. I will allow him to be ruler for the rest of his life for the sake of my chosen servant David who kept my commandments and rules.

normalized_text:
i will not take the whole kingdom from his hand i will allow him to be ruler for the rest of his life for the sake of my chosen servant david who kept my commandments and rules


text:
I will leave his son one tribe so my servant David’s dynasty may continue to serve me in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen as my home.

normalized_text:
i will leave his son one tribe so my servant david s dynasty may continue to serve me in jerusalem the city i have chosen as my home


text:
You must obey all I command you to do, follow my instructions, do what I approve, and keep my rules and commandments, like my servant David did. Then I will be with you and establish for you a lasting dynasty, as I did for David; I will give you Israel.

normalized_text:
you must obey all i command you to do follow my instructions do what i approve and keep my rules and commandments like my servant david did then i will be with you and establish for you a lasting dynasty as i did for david i will give you israel


text:
Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam escaped to Egypt and found refuge with King Shishak of Egypt. He stayed in Egypt until Solomon died.

normalized_text:
solomon tried to kill jeroboam but jeroboam escaped to egypt and found refuge with king shishak of egypt he stayed in egypt until solomon died


text:
Solomon’s Reign Ends The rest of the events of Solomon’s reign, including all his accomplishments and his wise decisions, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of Solomon.

normalized_text:
solomon s reign ends the rest of the events of solomon s reign including all his accomplishments and his wise decisions are recorded in the scroll called the annals of solomon


text:
Then Solomon passed away and was buried in the city of his father David. His son Rehoboam replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
then solomon passed away and was buried in the city of his father david his son rehoboam replaced him as king


text:
Rehoboam Loses His Kingdom Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, for all Israel had gathered in Shechem to make Rehoboam king.

normalized_text:
rehoboam loses his kingdom rehoboam traveled to shechem for all israel had gathered in shechem to make rehoboam king


text:
When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard the news, he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since.

normalized_text:
when jeroboam son of nebat heard the news he was still in egypt where he had fled from king solomon and had been living ever since


normalized_text: they sent for him and jeroboam and the whole israelite assembly came and spoke to rehoboam saying
text:
They sent for him, and Jeroboam and the whole Israelite assembly came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,


text:
“Your father made us work too hard. Now if you lighten the demands he made and don’t make us work as hard, we will serve you.”

normalized_text:
your father made us work too hard now if you lighten the demands he made and don t make us work as hard we will serve you


text:
King Rehoboam consulted with the older advisers who had served his father Solomon when he had been alive. He asked them,“How do you advise me to answer these people?”

normalized_text:
king rehoboam consulted with the older advisers who had served his father solomon when he had been alive he asked them how do you advise me to answer these people


text:
They said to him,“Today if you will be a servant to these people and grant their request, speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants from this time forward.”

normalized_text:
they said to him today if you will be a servant to these people and grant their request speaking kind words to them they will be your servants from this time forward


text:
But Rehoboam rejected their advice and consulted the young advisers who served him, with whom he had grown up.

normalized_text:
but rehoboam rejected their advice and consulted the young advisers who served him with whom he had grown up


text:
He asked them,“How do you advise me to respond to these people who said to me,‘Lessen the demands your father placed on us’?”

normalized_text:
he asked them how do you advise me to respond to these people who said to me lessen the demands your father placed on us


text:
The young advisers with whom Rehoboam had grown up said to him,“Say this to these people who have said to you,‘Your father made us work hard, but now lighten our burden.’ Say this to them:‘I am a lot harsher than my father!

normalized_text:
the young advisers with whom rehoboam had grown up said to him say this to these people who have said to you your father made us work hard but now lighten our burden say this to them i am a lot harsher than my father


text:
My father imposed heavy demands on you; I will make them even heavier. My father punished you with ordinary whips; I will punish you with whips that really sting your flesh.’”

normalized_text:
my father imposed heavy demands on you i will make them even heavier my father punished you with ordinary whips i will punish you with whips that really sting your flesh


text:
Jeroboam and all the people reported to Rehoboam on the third day, just as the king had ordered when he said,“Return to me on the third day.”

normalized_text:
jeroboam and all the people reported to rehoboam on the third day just as the king had ordered when he said return to me on the third day


text:
and followed the advice of the younger ones. He said,“My father imposed heavy demands on you; I will make them even heavier. My father punished you with ordinary whips; I will punish you with whips that really sting your flesh.”

normalized_text:
and followed the advice of the younger ones he said my father imposed heavy demands on you i will make them even heavier my father punished you with ordinary whips i will punish you with whips that really sting your flesh


text:
The king refused to listen to the people, because the LORD was instigating this turn of events so that he might bring to pass the prophetic announcement he had made through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat.

normalized_text:
the king refused to listen to the people because the lord was instigating this turn of events so that he might bring to pass the prophetic announcement he had made through ahijah the shilonite to jeroboam son of nebat


text:
When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, the people answered the king,“We have no portion in David, no share in the son of Jesse! Return to your homes, O Israel! Now, look after your own dynasty, O David!” So Israel returned to their homes.

normalized_text:
when all israel saw that the king refused to listen to them the people answered the king we have no portion in david no share in the son of jesse return to your homes o israel now look after your own dynasty o david so israel returned to their homes


text:
King Rehoboam sent Adoniram, the supervisor of the work crews, out after them, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam managed to jump into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
king rehoboam sent adoniram the supervisor of the work crews out after them but all israel stoned him to death king rehoboam managed to jump into his chariot and escape to jerusalem


text:
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. No one except the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty.

normalized_text:
when all israel heard that jeroboam had returned they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all israel no one except the tribe of judah remained loyal to the davidic dynasty


text:
When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he summoned 180,000 skilled warriors from all of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin to attack Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon.

normalized_text:
when rehoboam arrived in jerusalem he summoned 180 000 skilled warriors from all of judah and the tribe of benjamin to attack israel and restore the kingdom to rehoboam son of solomon


text:
“Say this to King Rehoboam son of Solomon of Judah, and to all Judah and Benjamin, as well as the rest of the people,

normalized_text:
say this to king rehoboam son of solomon of judah and to all judah and benjamin as well as the rest of the people


text:
‘This is what the LORD has said:“Do not attack and make war with your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you go home. Indeed this thing has happened because of me.”’” So they obeyed the LORD’s message. They went home in keeping with the LORD’s message.

normalized_text:
this is what the lord has said do not attack and make war with your brothers the israelites each of you go home indeed this thing has happened because of me so they obeyed the lord s message they went home in keeping with the lord s message


text:
Jeroboam Makes Golden Calves Jeroboam built up Shechem in the Ephraimite hill country and lived there. From there he went out and built up Penuel.

normalized_text:
jeroboam makes golden calves jeroboam built up shechem in the ephraimite hill country and lived there from there he went out and built up penuel


text:
If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the LORD’s temple in Jerusalem, their loyalty could shift to their former master, King Rehoboam of Judah. They might kill me and return to King Rehoboam of Judah.”

normalized_text:
if these people go up to offer sacrifices in the lord s temple in jerusalem their loyalty could shift to their former master king rehoboam of judah they might kill me and return to king rehoboam of judah


text:
After the king had consulted with his advisers, he made two golden calves. Then he said to the people,“It is too much trouble for you to go up to Jerusalem. Look, Israel, here are your gods who brought you up from the land of Egypt.”

normalized_text:
after the king had consulted with his advisers he made two golden calves then he said to the people it is too much trouble for you to go up to jerusalem look israel here are your gods who brought you up from the land of egypt


text:
Jeroboam inaugurated a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival celebrated in Judah. On the altar in Bethel he offered sacrifices to the calves he had made. In Bethel he also appointed priests for the high places he had made.

normalized_text:
jeroboam inaugurated a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the festival celebrated in judah on the altar in bethel he offered sacrifices to the calves he had made in bethel he also appointed priests for the high places he had made


text:
A Prophet from Judah Visits Bethel On the fifteenth day of the eighth month(a date he had arbitrarily chosen) Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had made in Bethel. He inaugurated a festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to offer sacrifices.

normalized_text:
a prophet from judah visits bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month a date he had arbitrarily chosen jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had made in bethel he inaugurated a festival for the israelites and went up to the altar to offer sacrifices


text:
Just then a prophet arrived from Judah with the LORD’s message for Bethel, as Jeroboam was standing near the altar ready to offer a sacrifice.

normalized_text:
just then a prophet arrived from judah with the lord s message for bethel as jeroboam was standing near the altar ready to offer a sacrifice


text:
He cried out against the altar with the LORD’S message,“O altar, altar! This is what the LORD has said,‘Look, a son named Josiah will be born to the Davidic dynasty. He will sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who offer sacrifices on you. Human bones will be burned on you.’”

normalized_text:
he cried out against the altar with the lord s message o altar altar this is what the lord has said look a son named josiah will be born to the davidic dynasty he will sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who offer sacrifices on you human bones will be burned on you


text:
That day he had also given a sign, saying,“This is the sign that the LORD has declared: The altar will split open and the ashes on it will pour out.”

normalized_text:
that day he had also given a sign saying this is the sign that the lord has declared the altar will split open and the ashes on it will pour out


text:
When the king heard the prophet’s message that he had cried out against the altar in Bethel, Jeroboam took his hand from the altar and pointed it saying,“Seize him!” Then the hand that he had pointed at him stiffened up and he could not pull it back.

normalized_text:
when the king heard the prophet s message that he had cried out against the altar in bethel jeroboam took his hand from the altar and pointed it saying seize him then the hand that he had pointed at him stiffened up and he could not pull it back


text:
Meanwhile the altar split open and the ashes poured from the altar in fulfillment of the sign the prophet had given with the LORD’s message.

normalized_text:
meanwhile the altar split open and the ashes poured from the altar in fulfillment of the sign the prophet had given with the lord s message


text:
The king responded to the prophet,“Seek the favor of the LORD your God and pray for me, so that my hand may be restored.” So the prophet sought the LORD’s favor and the king’s hand was restored as it was at first.

normalized_text:
the king responded to the prophet seek the favor of the lord your god and pray for me so that my hand may be restored so the prophet sought the lord s favor and the king s hand was restored as it was at first


text:
The king then said to the prophet,“Come home with me and have something to eat, so that I may give you a gift.”

normalized_text:
the king then said to the prophet come home with me and have something to eat so that i may give you a gift


text:
But the prophet said to the king,“Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you. I am not allowed to eat food or drink water in this place.

normalized_text:
but the prophet said to the king even if you were to give me half your possessions i would not go with you i am not allowed to eat food or drink water in this place


text:
For this is how I was commanded in the LORD’s message,‘Eat no food. Drink no water. And do not return by the way you came.’”

normalized_text:
for this is how i was commanded in the lord s message eat no food drink no water and do not return by the way you came


text:
Now there was an old prophet living in Bethel. When his sons came home, they told him everything the prophet had done in Bethel that day. And they told their father all the words that he had spoken to the king.

normalized_text:
now there was an old prophet living in bethel when his sons came home they told him everything the prophet had done in bethel that day and they told their father all the words that he had spoken to the king


text:
Their father asked them,“Which road did he take?” His sons showed him the road the prophet from Judah had taken.

normalized_text:
their father asked them which road did he take his sons showed him the road the prophet from judah had taken


text:
He then told his sons,“Saddle the donkey for me.” When they had saddled the donkey for him, he mounted it

normalized_text:
he then told his sons saddle the donkey for me when they had saddled the donkey for him he mounted it


text:
and took off after the prophet, whom he found sitting under an oak tree. He asked him,“Are you the prophet from Judah?” He answered,“Yes, I am.”

normalized_text:
and took off after the prophet whom he found sitting under an oak tree he asked him are you the prophet from judah he answered yes i am


text:
But he replied,“I can’t go back with you. I am not allowed to eat food or to drink water with you in this place.

normalized_text:
but he replied i can t go back with you i am not allowed to eat food or to drink water with you in this place


text:
For an order came to me in the LORD’s message,‘Eat no food. Drink no water there. And do not return by the way you came.’”

normalized_text:
for an order came to me in the lord s message eat no food drink no water there and do not return by the way you came


text:
Then the old prophet said,“I too am a prophet like you. And an angel has told me in a message from the LORD,‘Bring him back with you to your house so he can eat food and drink water.’” But he had lied to him.

normalized_text:
then the old prophet said i too am a prophet like you and an angel has told me in a message from the lord bring him back with you to your house so he can eat food and drink water but he had lied to him


text:
While they were sitting at the table, the LORD’s message came to the old prophet who had brought him back.

normalized_text:
while they were sitting at the table the lord s message came to the old prophet who had brought him back


text:
So he cried out to the prophet who had come from Judah,“This is what the LORD has said,‘You have rebelled against the LORD’s instruction and have not obeyed the command the LORD your God gave you.

normalized_text:
so he cried out to the prophet who had come from judah this is what the lord has said you have rebelled against the lord s instruction and have not obeyed the command the lord your god gave you


text:
You went back. You ate food. And you drank water in the place of which he had said to you,“Eat no food. Drink no water.” Therefore your corpse will not be buried in your ancestral tomb.’”

normalized_text:
you went back you ate food and you drank water in the place of which he had said to you eat no food drink no water therefore your corpse will not be buried in your ancestral tomb


text:
So this is what happened after he had eaten food and drunk water. The old prophet saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back.

normalized_text:
so this is what happened after he had eaten food and drunk water the old prophet saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back


text:
So the prophet from Judah travelled on. Then a lion attacked him on the road and killed him.There was his body lying on the road, with the donkey standing next to it, and the lion just standing there by the body.

normalized_text:
so the prophet from judah travelled on then a lion attacked him on the road and killed him there was his body lying on the road with the donkey standing next to it and the lion just standing there by the body


text:
Then some men came passing by and saw the body lying in the road with the lion standing next to the body. They went and reported what they had seen in the city where the old prophet lived.

normalized_text:
then some men came passing by and saw the body lying in the road with the lion standing next to the body they went and reported what they had seen in the city where the old prophet lived


text:
When the old prophet who had invited him to his house heard the news, he said,“It is the prophet who rebelled against the LORD. The LORD delivered him over to the lion and it tore him up and killed him, in keeping with the LORD’S message that he had spoken to him.”

normalized_text:
when the old prophet who had invited him to his house heard the news he said it is the prophet who rebelled against the lord the lord delivered him over to the lion and it tore him up and killed him in keeping with the lord s message that he had spoken to him


text:
He went and found the body lying in the road with the donkey and the lion standing beside it; the lion had neither eaten the body nor attacked the donkey.

normalized_text:
he went and found the body lying in the road with the donkey and the lion standing beside it the lion had neither eaten the body nor attacked the donkey


text:
The old prophet picked up the prophet’s body, put it on the donkey, and brought it back. The old prophet then entered the city to mourn him and to bury him.

normalized_text:
the old prophet picked up the prophet s body put it on the donkey and brought it back the old prophet then entered the city to mourn him and to bury him


text:
After he buried him, he said to his sons,“When I die, bury me in the tomb where the prophet is buried; put my bones right beside his bones,

normalized_text:
after he buried him he said to his sons when i die bury me in the tomb where the prophet is buried put my bones right beside his bones


text:
because the message that he announced as the LORD’s message against the altar in Bethel and against all the temples on the high places in the cities of the north will certainly be fulfilled.”

normalized_text:
because the message that he announced as the lord s message against the altar in bethel and against all the temples on the high places in the cities of the north will certainly be fulfilled


text:
A Prophet Announces the End of Jeroboam’s Dynasty After this happened, Jeroboam still did not change his evil ways; he continued to appoint common people as priests at the high places. Anyone who wanted the job he consecrated as a priest.

normalized_text:
a prophet announces the end of jeroboam s dynasty after this happened jeroboam still did not change his evil ways he continued to appoint common people as priests at the high places anyone who wanted the job he consecrated as a priest


normalized_text: this sin caused jeroboam s dynasty to come to an end and to be destroyed from the face of the earth
text:
This sin caused Jeroboam’s dynasty to come to an end and to be destroyed from the face of the earth.


text:
Jeroboam told his wife,“Disguise yourself so that people cannot recognize you are Jeroboam’s wife. Then go to Shiloh; Ahijah the prophet, who told me I would rule over this nation, lives there.

normalized_text:
jeroboam told his wife disguise yourself so that people cannot recognize you are jeroboam s wife then go to shiloh ahijah the prophet who told me i would rule over this nation lives there


text:
Take ten loaves of bread, some small cakes, and a container of honey and visit him. He will tell you what will happen to the boy.”

normalized_text:
take ten loaves of bread some small cakes and a container of honey and visit him he will tell you what will happen to the boy


text:
Jeroboam’s wife did as she was told. She went to Shiloh and visited Ahijah. Now Ahijah could not see; he had lost his eyesight in his old age.

normalized_text:
jeroboam s wife did as she was told she went to shiloh and visited ahijah now ahijah could not see he had lost his eyesight in his old age


text:
But the LORD had told Ahijah,“Look, Jeroboam’s wife is coming to find out from you what will happen to her son, for he is sick. Tell her such-and-such. When she comes, she will be in a disguise.”

normalized_text:
but the lord had told ahijah look jeroboam s wife is coming to find out from you what will happen to her son for he is sick tell her such and such when she comes she will be in a disguise


text:
When Ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps as she came through the door, he said,“Come on in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you pretending to be someone else? I have been commissioned to give you bad news.

normalized_text:
when ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps as she came through the door he said come on in wife of jeroboam why are you pretending to be someone else i have been commissioned to give you bad news


text:
Go, tell Jeroboam,‘This is what the LORD God of Israel has said:“I raised you up from among the people and made you ruler over my people Israel.

normalized_text:
go tell jeroboam this is what the lord god of israel has said i raised you up from among the people and made you ruler over my people israel


text:
I tore the kingdom away from the Davidic dynasty and gave it to you. But you are not like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me wholeheartedly by doing only what I approve.

normalized_text:
i tore the kingdom away from the davidic dynasty and gave it to you but you are not like my servant david who kept my commandments and followed me wholeheartedly by doing only what i approve


text:
You have sinned more than all who came before you. You went and angered me by making other gods, formed out of metal; you have completely disregarded me.

normalized_text:
you have sinned more than all who came before you you went and angered me by making other gods formed out of metal you have completely disregarded me


text:
So I am ready to bring disaster on the dynasty of Jeroboam. I will cut off every last male belonging to Jeroboam in Israel, including even the weak and incapacitated. I will burn up the dynasty of Jeroboam, just as one burns manure until it is completely consumed.

normalized_text:
so i am ready to bring disaster on the dynasty of jeroboam i will cut off every last male belonging to jeroboam in israel including even the weak and incapacitated i will burn up the dynasty of jeroboam just as one burns manure until it is completely consumed


text:
Dogs will eat the members of your family who die in the city, and the birds of the sky will eat the ones who die in the country.”’ Indeed, the LORD has announced it!

normalized_text:
dogs will eat the members of your family who die in the city and the birds of the sky will eat the ones who die in the country indeed the lord has announced it


text:
All Israel will mourn him and bury him. He is the only one in Jeroboam’s family who will receive a decent burial, for he is the only one in whom the LORD God of Israel found anything good.

normalized_text:
all israel will mourn him and bury him he is the only one in jeroboam s family who will receive a decent burial for he is the only one in whom the lord god of israel found anything good


normalized_text: the lord will raise up a king over israel who will cut off jeroboam s dynasty it is ready to happen
text:
The LORD will raise up a king over Israel who will cut off Jeroboam’s dynasty. It is ready to happen!


text:
The LORD will attack Israel, making it like a reed that sways in the water. He will remove Israel from this good land he gave to their ancestors and scatter them beyond the Euphrates River, because they angered the LORD by making Asherah poles.

normalized_text:
the lord will attack israel making it like a reed that sways in the water he will remove israel from this good land he gave to their ancestors and scatter them beyond the euphrates river because they angered the lord by making asherah poles


text:
He will hand Israel over to their enemies because of the sins which Jeroboam committed and which he made Israel commit.”

normalized_text:
he will hand israel over to their enemies because of the sins which jeroboam committed and which he made israel commit


text:
So Jeroboam’s wife got up and went back to Tirzah. As she crossed the threshold of the house, the boy died.

normalized_text:
so jeroboam s wife got up and went back to tirzah as she crossed the threshold of the house the boy died


text:
All Israel buried him and mourned for him, in keeping with the LORD’s message that he had spoken through his servant, the prophet Ahijah.

normalized_text:
all israel buried him and mourned for him in keeping with the lord s message that he had spoken through his servant the prophet ahijah


text:
Jeroboam’s Reign Ends The rest of the events of Jeroboam’s reign, including the details of his battles and rule, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
jeroboam s reign ends the rest of the events of jeroboam s reign including the details of his battles and rule are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of israel


text:
Rehoboam’s Reign over Judah Now Rehoboam son of Solomon ruled in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king and he ruled for seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD chose from all the tribes of Israel to be his home. His mother was an Ammonite woman named Naamah.

normalized_text:
rehoboam s reign over judah now rehoboam son of solomon ruled in judah he was forty one years old when he became king and he ruled for seventeen years in jerusalem the city the lord chose from all the tribes of israel to be his home his mother was an ammonite woman named naamah


text:
Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD. They made him more jealous by their sins than their ancestors had done.

normalized_text:
judah did evil in the sight of the lord they made him more jealous by their sins than their ancestors had done


text:
They even built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.

normalized_text:
they even built for themselves high places sacred pillars and asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree


text:
There were also male cultic prostitutes in the land. They committed the same horrible sins as the nations that the LORD had driven out from before the Israelites.

normalized_text:
there were also male cultic prostitutes in the land they committed the same horrible sins as the nations that the lord had driven out from before the israelites


text:
He took away the treasures of the LORD’s temple and of the royal palace; he took everything, including all the golden shields that Solomon had made.

normalized_text:
he took away the treasures of the lord s temple and of the royal palace he took everything including all the golden shields that solomon had made


text:
King Rehoboam made bronze shields to replace them and assigned them to the officers of the royal guard who protected the entrance to the royal palace.

normalized_text:
king rehoboam made bronze shields to replace them and assigned them to the officers of the royal guard who protected the entrance to the royal palace


text:
Whenever the king visited the LORD’s temple, the royal guard carried them and then brought them back to the guardroom.

normalized_text:
whenever the king visited the lord s temple the royal guard carried them and then brought them back to the guardroom


text:
The rest of the events of Rehoboam’s reign, including his accomplishments, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Judah.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of rehoboam s reign including his accomplishments are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of judah


text:
Rehoboam passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. His mother was an Ammonite named Naamah. His son Abijah replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
rehoboam passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the city of david his mother was an ammonite named naamah his son abijah replaced him as king


text:
Abijah’s Reign over Judah In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijah became king over Judah.

normalized_text:
abijah s reign over judah in the eighteenth year of the reign of jeroboam son of nebat abijah became king over judah


text:
He followed all the sinful practices of his father before him. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his ancestor David had been.

normalized_text:
he followed all the sinful practices of his father before him he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the lord his god as his ancestor david had been


text:
Nevertheless for David’s sake the LORD his God maintained his dynasty in Jerusalem by giving him a son to succeed him and by protecting Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
nevertheless for david s sake the lord his god maintained his dynasty in jerusalem by giving him a son to succeed him and by protecting jerusalem


text:
He did this because David had done what he approved and had not disregarded any of his commandments his entire lifetime, except for the incident involving Uriah the Hittite.

normalized_text:
he did this because david had done what he approved and had not disregarded any of his commandments his entire lifetime except for the incident involving uriah the hittite


text:
The rest of the events of Abijah’s reign, including all his accomplishments, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Judah. Abijah and Jeroboam had been at war with each other.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of abijah s reign including all his accomplishments are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of judah abijah and jeroboam had been at war with each other


text:
Asa’s Reign over Judah In the twentieth year of Jeroboam’s reign over Israel, Asa became the king of Judah.

normalized_text:
asa s reign over judah in the twentieth year of jeroboam s reign over israel asa became the king of judah


text:
He removed the male cultic prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the disgusting idols his ancestors had made.

normalized_text:
he removed the male cultic prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the disgusting idols his ancestors had made


text:
He also removed Maacah his grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had made a loathsome Asherah pole. Asa cut down her loathsome pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

normalized_text:
he also removed maacah his grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had made a loathsome asherah pole asa cut down her loathsome pole and burned it in the kidron valley


text:
The high places were not eliminated, yet Asa was wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD throughout his lifetime.

normalized_text:
the high places were not eliminated yet asa was wholeheartedly devoted to the lord throughout his lifetime


text:
He brought the holy items that he and his father had made into the LORD’s temple, including the silver, gold, and other articles.

normalized_text:
he brought the holy items that he and his father had made into the lord s temple including the silver gold and other articles


text:
King Baasha of Israel attacked Judah and established Ramah as a military outpost to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the land of King Asa of Judah.

normalized_text:
king baasha of israel attacked judah and established ramah as a military outpost to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the land of king asa of judah


text:
Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the LORD’s temple and of the royal palace and handed it to his servants. He then told them to deliver it to Ben Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, ruler in Damascus, along with this message:

normalized_text:
asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the lord s temple and of the royal palace and handed it to his servants he then told them to deliver it to ben hadad son of tabrimmon the son of hezion king of syria ruler in damascus along with this message


text:
“I want to make a treaty with you, like the one our fathers made. See, I have sent you silver and gold as a present. Break your treaty with King Baasha of Israel, so he will retreat from my land.”

normalized_text:
i want to make a treaty with you like the one our fathers made see i have sent you silver and gold as a present break your treaty with king baasha of israel so he will retreat from my land


text:
Ben Hadad accepted King Asa’s offer and ordered his army commanders to attack the cities of Israel. They conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maacah, and all the territory of Naphtali, including the region of Kinnereth.

normalized_text:
ben hadad accepted king asa s offer and ordered his army commanders to attack the cities of israel they conquered ijon dan abel beth maacah and all the territory of naphtali including the region of kinnereth


text:
King Asa ordered all the men of Judah(no exemptions were granted) to carry away the stones and wood that Baasha had used to build Ramah. King Asa used the materials to build up Geba(in Benjamin) and Mizpah.

normalized_text:
king asa ordered all the men of judah no exemptions were granted to carry away the stones and wood that baasha had used to build ramah king asa used the materials to build up geba in benjamin and mizpah


text:
The rest of the events of Asa’s reign, including all his successes and accomplishments, as well as a record of the cities he built, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Judah. Yet when he was very old he developed a foot disease.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of asa s reign including all his successes and accomplishments as well as a record of the cities he built are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of judah yet when he was very old he developed a foot disease


text:
Asa passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the city of his ancestor David. His son Jehoshaphat replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
asa passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the city of his ancestor david his son jehoshaphat replaced him as king


text:
Nadab’s Reign over Israel In the second year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Jeroboam’s son Nadab became the king of Israel; he ruled Israel for two years.

normalized_text:
nadab s reign over israel in the second year of asa s reign over judah jeroboam s son nadab became the king of israel he ruled israel for two years


text:
He did evil in the sight of the LORD. He followed in his father’s footsteps and encouraged Israel to sin.

normalized_text:
he did evil in the sight of the lord he followed in his father s footsteps and encouraged israel to sin


text:
Baasha son of Ahijah, from the tribe of Issachar, conspired against Nadab and assassinated him in Gibbethon, which was in Philistine territory. This happened while Nadab and all the Israelite army were besieging Gibbethon.

normalized_text:
baasha son of ahijah from the tribe of issachar conspired against nadab and assassinated him in gibbethon which was in philistine territory this happened while nadab and all the israelite army were besieging gibbethon


text:
When he became king, he executed Jeroboam’s entire family. He wiped out everyone who breathed, in keeping with the LORD’s message that he had spoken through his servant Ahijah the Shilonite.

normalized_text:
when he became king he executed jeroboam s entire family he wiped out everyone who breathed in keeping with the lord s message that he had spoken through his servant ahijah the shilonite


text:
This happened because of the sins which Jeroboam committed and which he made Israel commit. These sins angered the LORD God of Israel.

normalized_text:
this happened because of the sins which jeroboam committed and which he made israel commit these sins angered the lord god of israel


text:
The rest of the events of Nadab’s reign, including all his accomplishments, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of nadab s reign including all his accomplishments are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of israel


text:
Baasha’s Reign over Israel In the third year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah became king over all Israel in Tirzah; he ruled for twenty-four years.

normalized_text:
baasha s reign over israel in the third year of asa s reign over judah baasha son of ahijah became king over all israel in tirzah he ruled for twenty four years


text:
He did evil in the sight of the LORD; he followed in Jeroboam’s footsteps and encouraged Israel to sin.

normalized_text:
he did evil in the sight of the lord he followed in jeroboam s footsteps and encouraged israel to sin


text:
“I raised you up from the dust and made you ruler over my people Israel. Yet you followed in Jeroboam’s footsteps and encouraged my people Israel to sin; their sins have made me angry.

normalized_text:
i raised you up from the dust and made you ruler over my people israel yet you followed in jeroboam s footsteps and encouraged my people israel to sin their sins have made me angry


text:
So I am ready to burn up Baasha and his family, and make your family like the family of Jeroboam son of Nebat.

normalized_text:
so i am ready to burn up baasha and his family and make your family like the family of jeroboam son of nebat


text:
Dogs will eat the members of Baasha’s family who die in the city, and the birds of the sky will eat the ones who die in the country.”

normalized_text:
dogs will eat the members of baasha s family who die in the city and the birds of the sky will eat the ones who die in the country


text:
The rest of the events of Baasha’s reign, including his accomplishments and successes, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of baasha s reign including his accomplishments and successes are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of israel


text:
And so it was the LORD’S message came through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha and his family. This was because of all the evil he had done in the LORD’S view, by angering him with his deeds and becoming like Jereboam’s dynasty, and because of how he had destroyed Jeroboam’s dynasty.

normalized_text:
and so it was the lord s message came through the prophet jehu son of hanani against baasha and his family this was because of all the evil he had done in the lord s view by angering him with his deeds and becoming like jereboam s dynasty and because of how he had destroyed jeroboam s dynasty


text:
Elah’s Reign over Israel In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Baasha’s son Elah became king over Israel; he ruled in Tirzah for two years.

normalized_text:
elah s reign over israel in the twenty sixth year of asa s reign over judah baasha s son elah became king over israel he ruled in tirzah for two years


text:
His servant Zimri, a commander of half of his chariot force, conspired against him. While Elah was in Tirzah drinking heavily at the house of Arza, who supervised the palace in Tirzah,

normalized_text:
his servant zimri a commander of half of his chariot force conspired against him while elah was in tirzah drinking heavily at the house of arza who supervised the palace in tirzah


text:
Zimri came in and struck him dead.(This happened in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah.) Zimri replaced Elah as king.

normalized_text:
zimri came in and struck him dead this happened in the twenty seventh year of asa s reign over judah zimri replaced elah as king


text:
When he became king and occupied the throne, he killed Baasha’s entire family. He did not spare any male belonging to him; he killed his relatives and his friends.

normalized_text:
when he became king and occupied the throne he killed baasha s entire family he did not spare any male belonging to him he killed his relatives and his friends


text:
Zimri destroyed Baasha’s entire family, in keeping with the LORD’s message which he had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet.

normalized_text:
zimri destroyed baasha s entire family in keeping with the lord s message which he had spoken against baasha through jehu the prophet


text:
This happened because of all the sins which Baasha and his son Elah committed and which they made Israel commit. They angered the LORD God of Israel with their worthless idols.

normalized_text:
this happened because of all the sins which baasha and his son elah committed and which they made israel commit they angered the lord god of israel with their worthless idols


text:
The rest of the events of Elah’s reign, including all his accomplishments, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of elah s reign including all his accomplishments are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of israel


text:
Zimri’s Reign over Israel In the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri became king over Israel; he ruled for seven days in Tirzah. Zimri’s revolt took place while the army was deployed in Gibbethon, which was in Philistine territory.

normalized_text:
zimri s reign over israel in the twenty seventh year of asa s reign over judah zimri became king over israel he ruled for seven days in tirzah zimri s revolt took place while the army was deployed in gibbethon which was in philistine territory


text:
While deployed there, the army received this report:“Zimri has conspired against the king and assassinated him.” So all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that very day in the camp.

normalized_text:
while deployed there the army received this report zimri has conspired against the king and assassinated him so all israel made omri the commander of the army king over israel that very day in the camp


text:
When Zimri saw that the city was captured, he went into the fortified area of the royal palace. He set the palace on fire and died in the flames.

normalized_text:
when zimri saw that the city was captured he went into the fortified area of the royal palace he set the palace on fire and died in the flames


text:
This happened because of the sins he committed. He did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed in Jeroboam’s footsteps and encouraged Israel to continue sinning.

normalized_text:
this happened because of the sins he committed he did evil in the sight of the lord and followed in jeroboam s footsteps and encouraged israel to continue sinning


text:
The rest of the events of Zimri’s reign, including the details of his revolt, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of zimri s reign including the details of his revolt are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of israel


text:
Omri’s Reign over Israel At that time the people of Israel were divided in their loyalties. Half the people supported Tibni son of Ginath and wanted to make him king; the other half supported Omri.

normalized_text:
omri s reign over israel at that time the people of israel were divided in their loyalties half the people supported tibni son of ginath and wanted to make him king the other half supported omri


text:
Omri’s supporters were stronger than those who supported Tibni son of Ginath. Tibni died; Omri became king.

normalized_text:
omri s supporters were stronger than those who supported tibni son of ginath tibni died omri became king


text:
In the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri became king over Israel. He ruled for twelve years, six of them in Tirzah.

normalized_text:
in the thirty first year of asa s reign over judah omri became king over israel he ruled for twelve years six of them in tirzah


text:
He purchased the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver. He launched a construction project there and named the city he built after Shemer, the former owner of the hill of Samaria.

normalized_text:
he purchased the hill of samaria from shemer for two talents of silver he launched a construction project there and named the city he built after shemer the former owner of the hill of samaria


text:
He followed in the footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat and encouraged Israel to sin; they angered the LORD God of Israel with their worthless idols.

normalized_text:
he followed in the footsteps of jeroboam son of nebat and encouraged israel to sin they angered the lord god of israel with their worthless idols


text:
The rest of the events of Omri’s reign, including his accomplishments and successes, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of omri s reign including his accomplishments and successes are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of israel


text:
Ahab Promotes Idolatry In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri’s son Ahab became king over Israel. Ahab son of Omri ruled over Israel for twenty-two years in Samaria.

normalized_text:
ahab promotes idolatry in the thirty eighth year of asa s reign over judah omri s son ahab became king over israel ahab son of omri ruled over israel for twenty two years in samaria


text:
As if following in the sinful footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not bad enough, he married Jezebel the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians. Then he worshiped and bowed to Baal.

normalized_text:
as if following in the sinful footsteps of jeroboam son of nebat were not bad enough he married jezebel the daughter of king ethbaal of the sidonians then he worshiped and bowed to baal


text:
Ahab also made an Asherah pole; he did more to anger the LORD God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

normalized_text:
ahab also made an asherah pole he did more to anger the lord god of israel than all the kings of israel who were before him


text:
During Ahab’s reign, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. Abiram, his firstborn son, died when he laid the foundation; Segub, his youngest son, died when he erected its gates, in keeping with the LORD’s message that he had spoken through Joshua son of Nun.

normalized_text:
during ahab s reign hiel the bethelite rebuilt jericho abiram his firstborn son died when he laid the foundation segub his youngest son died when he erected its gates in keeping with the lord s message that he had spoken through joshua son of nun


text:
Elijah Visits a Widow in Sidonian Territory Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab,“As certainly as the LORD God of Israel lives(whom I serve), there will be no dew or rain in the years ahead unless I give the command.”

normalized_text:
elijah visits a widow in sidonian territory elijah the tishbite from tishbe in gilead said to ahab as certainly as the lord god of israel lives whom i serve there will be no dew or rain in the years ahead unless i give the command


text:
The ravens would bring him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he would drink from the stream.

normalized_text:
the ravens would bring him bread and meat each morning and evening and he would drink from the stream


text:
“Get up, go to Zarephath in Sidonian territory, and live there. I have already told a widow who lives there to provide for you.”

normalized_text:
get up go to zarephath in sidonian territory and live there i have already told a widow who lives there to provide for you


text:
So he got up and went to Zarephath. When he went through the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. He called out to her,“Please give me a little water in a cup, so I can take a drink.”

normalized_text:
so he got up and went to zarephath when he went through the city gate there was a widow gathering wood he called out to her please give me a little water in a cup so i can take a drink


text:
She said,“As certainly as the LORD your God lives, I have no food, except for a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. Right now I am gathering a couple of sticks for a fire. Then I’m going home to make one final meal for my son and myself. After we have eaten that, we will die of starvation.”

normalized_text:
she said as certainly as the lord your god lives i have no food except for a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug right now i am gathering a couple of sticks for a fire then i m going home to make one final meal for my son and myself after we have eaten that we will die of starvation


text:
Elijah said to her,“Don’t be afraid. Go and do as you planned. But first make me a small cake and bring it to me; then make something for yourself and your son.

normalized_text:
elijah said to her don t be afraid go and do as you planned but first make me a small cake and bring it to me then make something for yourself and your son


text:
For this is what the LORD God of Israel has said,‘The jar of flour will not be empty and the jug of oil will not run out until the day the LORD makes it rain on the surface of the ground.’”

normalized_text:
for this is what the lord god of israel has said the jar of flour will not be empty and the jug of oil will not run out until the day the lord makes it rain on the surface of the ground


text:
She went and did as Elijah told her; there was always enough food for Elijah and for her and her family.

normalized_text:
she went and did as elijah told her there was always enough food for elijah and for her and her family


text:
The jar of flour was never empty and the jug of oil never ran out, in keeping with the LORD’s message that he had spoken through Elijah.

normalized_text:
the jar of flour was never empty and the jug of oil never ran out in keeping with the lord s message that he had spoken through elijah


text:
After this the son of the woman who owned the house got sick. His illness was so severe he could no longer breathe.

normalized_text:
after this the son of the woman who owned the house got sick his illness was so severe he could no longer breathe


text:
He said to her,“Hand me your son.” He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him down on his bed.

normalized_text:
he said to her hand me your son he took him from her arms carried him to the upper room where he was staying and laid him down on his bed


text:
Then he called out to the LORD,“O LORD, my God, are you also bringing disaster on this widow I am staying with by killing her son?”

normalized_text:
then he called out to the lord o lord my god are you also bringing disaster on this widow i am staying with by killing her son


text:
He stretched out over the boy three times and called out to the LORD,“O LORD, my God, please let this boy’s breath return to him.”

normalized_text:
he stretched out over the boy three times and called out to the lord o lord my god please let this boy s breath return to him


text:
Elijah took the boy, brought him down from the upper room to the house, and handed him to his mother. Elijah then said,“See, your son is alive!”

normalized_text:
elijah took the boy brought him down from the upper room to the house and handed him to his mother elijah then said see your son is alive


text:
The woman said to Elijah,“Now I know that you are a prophet and that the LORD’s message really does come through you.”

normalized_text:
the woman said to elijah now i know that you are a prophet and that the lord s message really does come through you


text:
Elijah Meets the King’s Servant Some time later, in the third year of the famine, the LORD’S message came to Elijah,“Go, make an appearance before Ahab, so I may send rain on the surface of the ground.”

normalized_text:
elijah meets the king s servant some time later in the third year of the famine the lord s message came to elijah go make an appearance before ahab so i may send rain on the surface of the ground


text:
So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who supervised the palace.(Now Obadiah was a very loyal follower of the LORD.

normalized_text:
so ahab summoned obadiah who supervised the palace now obadiah was a very loyal follower of the lord


text:
When Jezebel was killing the LORD’s prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets and hid them in two caves in two groups of fifty. He also brought them food and water.)

normalized_text:
when jezebel was killing the lord s prophets obadiah took one hundred prophets and hid them in two caves in two groups of fifty he also brought them food and water


text:
Ahab told Obadiah,“Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grazing areas so we can keep the horses and mules alive and not have to kill some of the animals.”

normalized_text:
ahab told obadiah go through the land to all the springs and valleys maybe we can find some grazing areas so we can keep the horses and mules alive and not have to kill some of the animals


text:
They divided up the land between them to search it; Ahab went one way by himself and Obadiah went the other way by himself.

normalized_text:
they divided up the land between them to search it ahab went one way by himself and obadiah went the other way by himself


text:
As Obadiah was traveling along, Elijah met him. When he recognized him, he fell facedown to the ground and said,“Is it really you, my master, Elijah?”

normalized_text:
as obadiah was traveling along elijah met him when he recognized him he fell facedown to the ground and said is it really you my master elijah


text:
Obadiah said,“What sin have I committed that you are ready to hand your servant over to Ahab for execution?

normalized_text:
obadiah said what sin have i committed that you are ready to hand your servant over to ahab for execution


text:
As certainly as the LORD your God lives, my master has sent to every nation and kingdom in an effort to find you. When they say,‘He’s not here,’ he makes them swear an oath that they could not find you.

normalized_text:
as certainly as the lord your god lives my master has sent to every nation and kingdom in an effort to find you when they say he s not here he makes them swear an oath that they could not find you


text:
But when I leave you, the LORD’s Spirit will carry you away so I can’t find you. If I go tell Ahab I’ve seen you, he won’t be able to find you and he will kill me. That would not be fair, because your servant has been a loyal follower of the LORD from my youth.

normalized_text:
but when i leave you the lord s spirit will carry you away so i can t find you if i go tell ahab i ve seen you he won t be able to find you and he will kill me that would not be fair because your servant has been a loyal follower of the lord from my youth


text:
Certainly my master is aware of what I did when Jezebel was killing the LORD’s prophets. I hid one hundred of the LORD’s prophets in two caves in two groups of fifty and I brought them food and water.

normalized_text:
certainly my master is aware of what i did when jezebel was killing the lord s prophets i hid one hundred of the lord s prophets in two caves in two groups of fifty and i brought them food and water


text:
But Elijah said,“As certainly as the LORD of Heaven’s Armies lives(whom I serve), I will make an appearance before him today.”

normalized_text:
but elijah said as certainly as the lord of heaven s armies lives whom i serve i will make an appearance before him today


text:
Elijah replied,“I have not brought disaster on Israel. But you and your father’s dynasty have, by abandoning the LORD’s commandments and following the Baals.

normalized_text:
elijah replied i have not brought disaster on israel but you and your father s dynasty have by abandoning the lord s commandments and following the baals


text:
Now send out messengers and assemble all Israel before me at Mount Carmel, as well as the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah whom Jezebel supports.”

normalized_text:
now send out messengers and assemble all israel before me at mount carmel as well as the 450 prophets of baal and 400 prophets of asherah whom jezebel supports


text:
Elijah approached all the people and said,“How long are you going to be paralyzed by indecision? If the LORD is the true God, then follow him, but if Baal is, follow him!” But the people did not say a word.

normalized_text:
elijah approached all the people and said how long are you going to be paralyzed by indecision if the lord is the true god then follow him but if baal is follow him but the people did not say a word


text:
Elijah said to them:“I am the only prophet of the LORD who is left, but there are 450 prophets of Baal.

normalized_text:
elijah said to them i am the only prophet of the lord who is left but there are 450 prophets of baal


text:
Let them bring us two bulls. Let them choose one of the bulls for themselves, cut it up into pieces, and place it on the wood. But they must not set it on fire. I will do the same to the other bull and place it on the wood. But I will not set it on fire.

normalized_text:
let them bring us two bulls let them choose one of the bulls for themselves cut it up into pieces and place it on the wood but they must not set it on fire i will do the same to the other bull and place it on the wood but i will not set it on fire


text:
Then you will invoke the name of your god, and I will invoke the name of the LORD. The god who responds with fire will demonstrate that he is the true God.” All the people responded,“This will be a fair test.”

normalized_text:
then you will invoke the name of your god and i will invoke the name of the lord the god who responds with fire will demonstrate that he is the true god all the people responded this will be a fair test


text:
Elijah told the prophets of Baal,“Choose one of the bulls for yourselves and go first, for you are the majority. Invoke the name of your god, but do not light a fire.”

normalized_text:
elijah told the prophets of baal choose one of the bulls for yourselves and go first for you are the majority invoke the name of your god but do not light a fire


text:
So they took a bull, as he had suggested, and prepared it. They invoked the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying,“Baal, answer us.” But there was no sound and no answer. They jumped around on the altar they had made.

normalized_text:
so they took a bull as he had suggested and prepared it they invoked the name of baal from morning until noon saying baal answer us but there was no sound and no answer they jumped around on the altar they had made


text:
At noon Elijah mocked them,“Yell louder! After all, he is a god; he may be deep in thought, or perhaps he stepped out for a moment or has taken a trip. Perhaps he is sleeping and needs to be awakened.”

normalized_text:
at noon elijah mocked them yell louder after all he is a god he may be deep in thought or perhaps he stepped out for a moment or has taken a trip perhaps he is sleeping and needs to be awakened


text:
So they yelled louder and, in accordance with their prescribed ritual, mutilated themselves with swords and spears until their bodies were covered with blood.

normalized_text:
so they yelled louder and in accordance with their prescribed ritual mutilated themselves with swords and spears until their bodies were covered with blood


text:
Throughout the afternoon they were in an ecstatic frenzy, but there was no sound, no answer, and no response.

normalized_text:
throughout the afternoon they were in an ecstatic frenzy but there was no sound no answer and no response


text:
Elijah then told all the people,“Approach me.” So all the people approached him. He repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down.

normalized_text:
elijah then told all the people approach me so all the people approached him he repaired the altar of the lord that had been torn down


text:
Then Elijah took twelve stones, corresponding to the number of tribes that descended from Jacob, to whom the LORD’s message had come,“Israel will be your name.”

normalized_text:
then elijah took twelve stones corresponding to the number of tribes that descended from jacob to whom the lord s message had come israel will be your name


text:
With the stones he constructed an altar for the LORD. Around the altar he made a trench large enough to contain two seahs of seed.

normalized_text:
with the stones he constructed an altar for the lord around the altar he made a trench large enough to contain two seahs of seed


text:
He arranged the wood, cut up the bull, and placed it on the wood. Then he said,“Fill four water jars and pour the water on the offering and the wood.”

normalized_text:
he arranged the wood cut up the bull and placed it on the wood then he said fill four water jars and pour the water on the offering and the wood


text:
When they had done so, he said,“Do it again.” So they did it again. Then he said,“Do it a third time.” So they did it a third time.

normalized_text:
when they had done so he said do it again so they did it again then he said do it a third time so they did it a third time


text:
When it was time for the evening offering, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and prayed:“O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.

normalized_text:
when it was time for the evening offering elijah the prophet approached the altar and prayed o lord god of abraham isaac and israel prove today that you are god in israel and that i am your servant and have done all these things at your command


text:
Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are the true God and that you are winning back their allegiance.”

normalized_text:
answer me o lord answer me so these people will know that you o lord are the true god and that you are winning back their allegiance


text:
Then fire from the LORD fell from the sky. It consumed the offering, the wood, the stones, and the dirt, and licked up the water in the trench.

normalized_text:
then fire from the lord fell from the sky it consumed the offering the wood the stones and the dirt and licked up the water in the trench


text:
When all the people saw this, they threw themselves down with their faces to the ground and said,“The LORD is the true God! The LORD is the true God!”

normalized_text:
when all the people saw this they threw themselves down with their faces to the ground and said the lord is the true god the lord is the true god


text:
Elijah told them,“Seize the prophets of Baal! Don’t let even one of them escape!” So they seized them, and Elijah led them down to the Kishon Valley and executed them there.

normalized_text:
elijah told them seize the prophets of baal don t let even one of them escape so they seized them and elijah led them down to the kishon valley and executed them there


normalized_text: then elijah told ahab go on up and eat and drink for the sound of a heavy rainstorm can be heard
text:
Then Elijah told Ahab,“Go on up and eat and drink, for the sound of a heavy rainstorm can be heard.”


text:
So Ahab went on up to eat and drink, while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel. He bent down toward the ground and put his face between his knees.

normalized_text:
so ahab went on up to eat and drink while elijah climbed to the top of carmel he bent down toward the ground and put his face between his knees


text:
He told his servant,“Go on up and look in the direction of the sea.” So he went on up, looked, and reported,“There is nothing.” Seven times Elijah sent him to look.

normalized_text:
he told his servant go on up and look in the direction of the sea so he went on up looked and reported there is nothing seven times elijah sent him to look


text:
The seventh time the servant said,“Look, a small cloud, the size of the palm of a man’s hand, is rising up from the sea.” Elijah then said,“Go and tell Ahab,‘Hitch up the chariots and go down, so that the rain won’t overtake you.’”

normalized_text:
the seventh time the servant said look a small cloud the size of the palm of a man s hand is rising up from the sea elijah then said go and tell ahab hitch up the chariots and go down so that the rain won t overtake you


text:
Meanwhile the sky was covered with dark clouds, the wind blew, and there was a heavy rainstorm. Ahab rode toward Jezreel.

normalized_text:
meanwhile the sky was covered with dark clouds the wind blew and there was a heavy rainstorm ahab rode toward jezreel


text:
Now the LORD energized Elijah with power; he tucked his robe into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

normalized_text:
now the lord energized elijah with power he tucked his robe into his belt and ran ahead of ahab all the way to jezreel


text:
Elijah Runs for His Life Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, including a detailed account of how he killed all the prophets with the sword.

normalized_text:
elijah runs for his life ahab told jezebel all that elijah had done including a detailed account of how he killed all the prophets with the sword


text:
Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah with this warning,“May the gods judge me severely if by this time tomorrow I do not take your life as you did theirs!”

normalized_text:
jezebel sent a messenger to elijah with this warning may the gods judge me severely if by this time tomorrow i do not take your life as you did theirs


text:
Elijah was afraid, so he got up and fled for his life to Beer Sheba in Judah. He left his servant there,

normalized_text:
elijah was afraid so he got up and fled for his life to beer sheba in judah he left his servant there


text:
while he went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He went and sat down under a shrub and asked the LORD to take his life:“I’ve had enough! Now, O LORD, take my life. After all, I’m no better than my ancestors.”

normalized_text:
while he went a day s journey into the wilderness he went and sat down under a shrub and asked the lord to take his life i ve had enough now o lord take my life after all i m no better than my ancestors


text:
He stretched out and fell asleep under the shrub. All of a sudden an angelic messenger touched him and said,“Get up and eat.”

normalized_text:
he stretched out and fell asleep under the shrub all of a sudden an angelic messenger touched him and said get up and eat


text:
He looked and right there by his head was a cake baking on hot coals and a jug of water. He ate and drank and then slept some more.

normalized_text:
he looked and right there by his head was a cake baking on hot coals and a jug of water he ate and drank and then slept some more


text:
The LORD’s angel came back again, touched him, and said,“Get up and eat, for otherwise you won’t be able to make the journey.”

normalized_text:
the lord s angel came back again touched him and said get up and eat for otherwise you won t be able to make the journey


text:
So he got up and ate and drank. That meal gave him the strength to travel forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

normalized_text:
so he got up and ate and drank that meal gave him the strength to travel forty days and forty nights until he reached horeb the mountain of god


text:
He went into a cave there and spent the night. All of a sudden the LORD’s message came to him,“Why are you here, Elijah?”

normalized_text:
he went into a cave there and spent the night all of a sudden the lord s message came to him why are you here elijah


text:
He answered,“I have been absolutely loyal to the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, even though the Israelites have abandoned the covenant they made with you, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left and now they want to take my life.”

normalized_text:
he answered i have been absolutely loyal to the lord god of heaven s armies even though the israelites have abandoned the covenant they made with you torn down your altars and killed your prophets with the sword i alone am left and now they want to take my life


text:
The LORD said,“Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Look, the LORD is ready to pass by.”A very powerful wind went before the LORD, digging into the mountain and causing landslides, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the windstorm there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.

normalized_text:
the lord said go out and stand on the mountain before the lord look the lord is ready to pass by a very powerful wind went before the lord digging into the mountain and causing landslides but the lord was not in the wind after the windstorm there was an earthquake but the lord was not in the earthquake


text:
After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a soft whisper.

normalized_text:
after the earthquake there was a fire but the lord was not in the fire after the fire there was a soft whisper


text:
When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his robe and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. All of a sudden a voice asked him,“Why are you here, Elijah?”

normalized_text:
when elijah heard it he covered his face with his robe and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave all of a sudden a voice asked him why are you here elijah


text:
He answered,“I have been absolutely loyal to the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, even though the Israelites have abandoned the covenant they made with you torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left and now they want to take my life.”

normalized_text:
he answered i have been absolutely loyal to the lord god of heaven s armies even though the israelites have abandoned the covenant they made with you torn down your altars and killed your prophets with the sword i alone am left and now they want to take my life


text:
The LORD said to him,“Go back the way you came and then head for the wilderness of Damascus. Go and anoint Hazael king over Syria.

normalized_text:
the lord said to him go back the way you came and then head for the wilderness of damascus go and anoint hazael king over syria


text:
You must anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to take your place as prophet.

normalized_text:
you must anoint jehu son of nimshi king over israel and elisha son of shaphat from abel meholah to take your place as prophet


text:
Jehu will kill anyone who escapes Hazael’s sword, and Elisha will kill anyone who escapes Jehu’s sword.

normalized_text:
jehu will kill anyone who escapes hazael s sword and elisha will kill anyone who escapes jehu s sword


text:
I still have left in Israel seven thousand followers who have not bowed their knees to Baal or kissed the images of him.”

normalized_text:
i still have left in israel seven thousand followers who have not bowed their knees to baal or kissed the images of him


text:
Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen; he was near the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his robe over him.

normalized_text:
elijah went from there and found elisha son of shaphat he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen he was near the twelfth pair elijah passed by him and threw his robe over him


text:
He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,“Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, then I will follow you.” Elijah said to him,“Go back! Indeed, what have I done to you?”

normalized_text:
he left the oxen ran after elijah and said please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye then i will follow you elijah said to him go back indeed what have i done to you


text:
Elisha went back and took his pair of oxen and slaughtered them. He cooked the meat over a fire that he made by burning the harness and yoke. He gave the people meat and they ate. Then he got up and followed Elijah and became his assistant.

normalized_text:
elisha went back and took his pair of oxen and slaughtered them he cooked the meat over a fire that he made by burning the harness and yoke he gave the people meat and they ate then he got up and followed elijah and became his assistant


text:
Ben Hadad Invades Israel Now King Ben Hadad of Syria assembled all his army, along with thirty-two other kings with their horses and chariots. He marched against Samaria and besieged and attacked it.

normalized_text:
ben hadad invades israel now king ben hadad of syria assembled all his army along with thirty two other kings with their horses and chariots he marched against samaria and besieged and attacked it


text:
He sent messengers to King Ahab of Israel, who was in the city. He said to him,“This is what Ben Hadad says,

normalized_text:
he sent messengers to king ahab of israel who was in the city he said to him this is what ben hadad says


normalized_text: the king of israel replied it is just as you say my master o king i and all i own belong to you
text:
The king of Israel replied,“It is just as you say, my master, O king. I and all I own belong to you.”


text:
The messengers came again and said,“This is what Ben Hadad says,‘I sent this message to you,“You must give me your silver, gold, wives, and sons.”

normalized_text:
the messengers came again and said this is what ben hadad says i sent this message to you you must give me your silver gold wives and sons


text:
But now at this time tomorrow I will send my servants to you and they will search through your palace and your servants’ houses. They will carry away all your valuables.’”

normalized_text:
but now at this time tomorrow i will send my servants to you and they will search through your palace and your servants houses they will carry away all your valuables


text:
The king of Israel summoned all the leaders of the land and said,“Notice how this man is looking for trouble. Indeed, he demanded my wives, sons, silver, and gold, and I did not resist him.”

normalized_text:
the king of israel summoned all the leaders of the land and said notice how this man is looking for trouble indeed he demanded my wives sons silver and gold and i did not resist him


text:
So he said to the messengers of Ben Hadad,“Say this to my master, the king,‘I will give you everything you demanded at first from your servant, but I am unable to agree to this latest demand.’” So the messengers went back and gave their report.

normalized_text:
so he said to the messengers of ben hadad say this to my master the king i will give you everything you demanded at first from your servant but i am unable to agree to this latest demand so the messengers went back and gave their report


text:
Ben Hadad sent another message to him,“May the gods judge me severely if there is enough dirt left in Samaria for all my soldiers to scoop up in their hands.”

normalized_text:
ben hadad sent another message to him may the gods judge me severely if there is enough dirt left in samaria for all my soldiers to scoop up in their hands


text:
The king of Israel replied,“Tell him the one who puts on his battle gear should not boast like one who is taking it off.”

normalized_text:
the king of israel replied tell him the one who puts on his battle gear should not boast like one who is taking it off


text:
When Ben Hadad received this reply, he and the other kings were drinking in their quarters. He ordered his servants,“Get ready to attack!” So they got ready to attack the city.

normalized_text:
when ben hadad received this reply he and the other kings were drinking in their quarters he ordered his servants get ready to attack so they got ready to attack the city


text:
The Lord Delivers Israel Now a prophet visited King Ahab of Israel and said,“This is what the LORD has said,‘Do you see this huge army? Look, I am going to hand it over to you this very day. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”

normalized_text:
the lord delivers israel now a prophet visited king ahab of israel and said this is what the lord has said do you see this huge army look i am going to hand it over to you this very day then you will know that i am the lord


text:
Ahab asked,“By whom will this be accomplished?” He answered,“This is what the LORD has said,‘By the servants of the district governors.’” Ahab asked,“Who will launch the attack?” He answered,“You will.”

normalized_text:
ahab asked by whom will this be accomplished he answered this is what the lord has said by the servants of the district governors ahab asked who will launch the attack he answered you will


text:
So Ahab assembled the 232 servants of the district governors. After that he assembled all the Israelite army, numbering 7,000.

normalized_text:
so ahab assembled the 232 servants of the district governors after that he assembled all the israelite army numbering 7 000


text:
They marched out at noon, while Ben Hadad and the thirty-two kings allied with him were drinking heavily in their quarters.

normalized_text:
they marched out at noon while ben hadad and the thirty two kings allied with him were drinking heavily in their quarters


text:
The servants of the district governors led the march. When Ben Hadad sent messengers, they reported back to him,“Men are marching out of Samaria.”

normalized_text:
the servants of the district governors led the march when ben hadad sent messengers they reported back to him men are marching out of samaria


text:
They marched out of the city with the servants of the district governors in the lead and the army behind them.

normalized_text:
they marched out of the city with the servants of the district governors in the lead and the army behind them


text:
Each one struck down an enemy soldier; the Syrians fled and Israel chased them. King Ben Hadad of Syria escaped on horseback with some horsemen.

normalized_text:
each one struck down an enemy soldier the syrians fled and israel chased them king ben hadad of syria escaped on horseback with some horsemen


text:
Then the king of Israel marched out and struck down the horses and chariots; he thoroughly defeated Syria.

normalized_text:
then the king of israel marched out and struck down the horses and chariots he thoroughly defeated syria


text:
The Lord Gives Israel Another Victory The prophet visited the king of Israel and instructed him,“Go, fortify your defenses. Determine what you must do, for in the spring the king of Syria will attack you.”

normalized_text:
the lord gives israel another victory the prophet visited the king of israel and instructed him go fortify your defenses determine what you must do for in the spring the king of syria will attack you


text:
Now the advisers of the king of Syria said to him:“Their God is a god of the mountains. That’s why they overpowered us. But if we fight them in the plains, we will certainly overpower them.

normalized_text:
now the advisers of the king of syria said to him their god is a god of the mountains that s why they overpowered us but if we fight them in the plains we will certainly overpower them


text:
Muster an army like the one you lost, with the same number of horses and chariots. Then we will fight them in the plains; we will certainly overpower them.” He approved their plan and did as they advised.

normalized_text:
muster an army like the one you lost with the same number of horses and chariots then we will fight them in the plains we will certainly overpower them he approved their plan and did as they advised


text:
When the Israelites had mustered and had received their supplies, they marched out to face them in battle. When the Israelites deployed opposite them, they were like two small flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the land.

normalized_text:
when the israelites had mustered and had received their supplies they marched out to face them in battle when the israelites deployed opposite them they were like two small flocks of goats but the syrians filled the land


text:
The prophet visited the king of Israel and said,“This is what the LORD has said:‘Because the Syrians said,“The LORD is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys,” I will deliver this entire huge army into to your control. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

normalized_text:
the prophet visited the king of israel and said this is what the lord has said because the syrians said the lord is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys i will deliver this entire huge army into to your control then you will know that i am the lord


text:
The armies were deployed opposite each other for seven days. On the seventh day the battle began, and the Israelites killed 100,000 Syrian foot soldiers in one day.

normalized_text:
the armies were deployed opposite each other for seven days on the seventh day the battle began and the israelites killed 100 000 syrian foot soldiers in one day


text:
The remaining 27,000 ran to Aphek and went into the city, but the wall fell on them. Now Ben Hadad ran into the city and hid in an inner room.

normalized_text:
the remaining 27 000 ran to aphek and went into the city but the wall fell on them now ben hadad ran into the city and hid in an inner room


text:
His advisers said to him,“Look, we have heard that the kings of the Israelite dynasty are kind. Allow us to put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and surrender to the king of Israel. Maybe he will spare our lives.”

normalized_text:
his advisers said to him look we have heard that the kings of the israelite dynasty are kind allow us to put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and surrender to the king of israel maybe he will spare our lives


text:
So they put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel. They said,“Your servant Ben Hadad says,‘Please let me live!’” Ahab replied,“Is he still alive? He is my brother.”

normalized_text:
so they put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads and went to the king of israel they said your servant ben hadad says please let me live ahab replied is he still alive he is my brother


text:
The men took this as a good omen and quickly accepted his offer, saying,“Ben Hadad is your brother.” Ahab then said,“Go, get him.” So Ben Hadad came out to him, and Ahab pulled him up into his chariot.

normalized_text:
the men took this as a good omen and quickly accepted his offer saying ben hadad is your brother ahab then said go get him so ben hadad came out to him and ahab pulled him up into his chariot


text:
Ben Hadad said,“I will return the cities my father took from your father. You may set up markets in Damascus, just as my father did in Samaria.” Ahab then said,“I want to make a treaty with you before I dismiss you.” So he made a treaty with him and then dismissed him.

normalized_text:
ben hadad said i will return the cities my father took from your father you may set up markets in damascus just as my father did in samaria ahab then said i want to make a treaty with you before i dismiss you so he made a treaty with him and then dismissed him


text:
A Prophet Denounces Ahab’s Actions One of the members of the prophetic guild, told his companion a message from the LORD,“Please wound me!” But the man refused to wound him.

normalized_text:
a prophet denounces ahab s actions one of the members of the prophetic guild told his companion a message from the lord please wound me but the man refused to wound him


text:
So the prophet said to him,“Because you have disobeyed the LORD, as soon as you leave me a lion will kill you.” When he left him, a lion attacked and killed him.

normalized_text:
so the prophet said to him because you have disobeyed the lord as soon as you leave me a lion will kill you when he left him a lion attacked and killed him


text:
The prophet then went and stood by the road, waiting for the king. He also disguised himself by putting a bandage down over his eyes.

normalized_text:
the prophet then went and stood by the road waiting for the king he also disguised himself by putting a bandage down over his eyes


text:
When the king passed by, he called out to the king,“Your servant went out into the heat of the battle, and then a man turned aside and brought me a prisoner. He told me,‘Guard this prisoner. If he ends up missing for any reason, you will pay with your life or with a talent of silver.’

normalized_text:
when the king passed by he called out to the king your servant went out into the heat of the battle and then a man turned aside and brought me a prisoner he told me guard this prisoner if he ends up missing for any reason you will pay with your life or with a talent of silver


text:
Well, it just so happened that while your servant was doing this and that, he disappeared.” The king of Israel said to him,“Your punishment is already determined by your own testimony.”

normalized_text:
well it just so happened that while your servant was doing this and that he disappeared the king of israel said to him your punishment is already determined by your own testimony


text:
The prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes and the king of Israel recognized he was one of the prophets.

normalized_text:
the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes and the king of israel recognized he was one of the prophets


text:
The prophet then said to him,“This is what the LORD has said,‘Because you released a man I had determined should die, you will pay with your life and your people will suffer instead of his people.’”

normalized_text:
the prophet then said to him this is what the lord has said because you released a man i had determined should die you will pay with your life and your people will suffer instead of his people


text:
Ahab Murders Naboth After this the following episode took place. Naboth the Jezreelite owned a vineyard in Jezreel adjacent to the palace of King Ahab of Samaria.

normalized_text:
ahab murders naboth after this the following episode took place naboth the jezreelite owned a vineyard in jezreel adjacent to the palace of king ahab of samaria


text:
Ahab said to Naboth,“Give me your vineyard so I can make a vegetable garden out of it, for it is adjacent to my palace. I will give you an even better vineyard in its place, or if you prefer, I will pay you silver for it.”

normalized_text:
ahab said to naboth give me your vineyard so i can make a vegetable garden out of it for it is adjacent to my palace i will give you an even better vineyard in its place or if you prefer i will pay you silver for it


text:
So Ahab went into his palace, bitter and angry that Naboth the Jezreelite had said,“I will not sell to you my ancestral inheritance.” He lay down on his bed, pouted, and would not eat.

normalized_text:
so ahab went into his palace bitter and angry that naboth the jezreelite had said i will not sell to you my ancestral inheritance he lay down on his bed pouted and would not eat


normalized_text: then his wife jezebel came in and said to him why do you have a bitter attitude and refuse to eat
text:
Then his wife Jezebel came in and said to him,“Why do you have a bitter attitude and refuse to eat?”


text:
He answered her,“While I was talking to Naboth the Jezreelite, I said to him,‘Sell me your vineyard for silver, or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said,‘I will not sell you my vineyard.’”

normalized_text:
he answered her while i was talking to naboth the jezreelite i said to him sell me your vineyard for silver or if you prefer i will give you another vineyard in its place but he said i will not sell you my vineyard


text:
His wife Jezebel said to him,“You are the king of Israel! Get up, eat some food, and have a good time. I will get the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you.”

normalized_text:
his wife jezebel said to him you are the king of israel get up eat some food and have a good time i will get the vineyard of naboth the jezreelite for you


text:
She wrote out orders, signed Ahab’s name to them, and sealed them with his seal. She then sent the orders to the leaders and to the nobles who lived in Naboth’s city.

normalized_text:
she wrote out orders signed ahab s name to them and sealed them with his seal she then sent the orders to the leaders and to the nobles who lived in naboth s city


text:
Also seat two villains opposite him and have them testify,‘You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”

normalized_text:
also seat two villains opposite him and have them testify you cursed god and the king then take him out and stone him to death


text:
The men of the city, the leaders and the nobles who lived there, followed the written orders Jezebel had sent them.

normalized_text:
the men of the city the leaders and the nobles who lived there followed the written orders jezebel had sent them


text:
The two villains arrived and sat opposite him. Then the villains testified against Naboth right before the people, saying,“Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they dragged him outside the city and stoned him to death.

normalized_text:
the two villains arrived and sat opposite him then the villains testified against naboth right before the people saying naboth cursed god and the king so they dragged him outside the city and stoned him to death


text:
When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab,“Get up, take possession of the vineyard Naboth the Jezreelite refused to sell you for silver, for Naboth is no longer alive; he’s dead.”

normalized_text:
when jezebel heard that naboth had been stoned to death she said to ahab get up take possession of the vineyard naboth the jezreelite refused to sell you for silver for naboth is no longer alive he s dead


text:
When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

normalized_text:
when ahab heard that naboth was dead he got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of naboth the jezreelite


text:
“Get up, go down and meet King Ahab of Israel who lives in Samaria. He is at the vineyard of Naboth; he has gone down there to take possession of it.

normalized_text:
get up go down and meet king ahab of israel who lives in samaria he is at the vineyard of naboth he has gone down there to take possession of it


text:
Say to him,‘This is what the LORD has said:“Haven’t you committed murder and taken possession of the property of the deceased?”’ Then say to him,‘This is what the LORD has said:“In the spot where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood they will also lick up your blood– yes, yours!”’”

normalized_text:
say to him this is what the lord has said haven t you committed murder and taken possession of the property of the deceased then say to him this is what the lord has said in the spot where dogs licked up naboth s blood they will also lick up your blood yes yours


text:
When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him,“So, you have found me, my enemy!” Elijah replied,“I have found you, because you are committed to doing evil in the sight of the LORD.

normalized_text:
when elijah arrived ahab said to him so you have found me my enemy elijah replied i have found you because you are committed to doing evil in the sight of the lord


text:
The LORD says,‘Look, I am ready to bring disaster on you. I will destroy you and cut off every last male belonging to Ahab in Israel, including even the weak and incapacitated.

normalized_text:
the lord says look i am ready to bring disaster on you i will destroy you and cut off every last male belonging to ahab in israel including even the weak and incapacitated


text:
I will make your dynasty like those of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah because you angered me and made Israel sin.’

normalized_text:
i will make your dynasty like those of jeroboam son of nebat and baasha son of ahijah because you angered me and made israel sin


text:
As for Ahab’s family, dogs will eat the ones who die in the city, and the birds of the sky will eat the ones who die in the country.”

normalized_text:
as for ahab s family dogs will eat the ones who die in the city and the birds of the sky will eat the ones who die in the country


text:
(There had never been anyone like Ahab, who was firmly committed to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, urged on by his wife Jezebel.

normalized_text:
there had never been anyone like ahab who was firmly committed to doing evil in the sight of the lord urged on by his wife jezebel


text:
He was so wicked he worshiped the disgusting idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out from before the Israelites.)

normalized_text:
he was so wicked he worshiped the disgusting idols just like the amorites whom the lord had driven out from before the israelites


text:
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He slept in sackcloth and walked around dejected.

normalized_text:
when ahab heard these words he tore his clothes put on sackcloth and fasted he slept in sackcloth and walked around dejected


text:
“Have you noticed how Ahab shows remorse before me? Because he shows remorse before me, I will not bring disaster on his dynasty during his lifetime, but during the reign of his son.”

normalized_text:
have you noticed how ahab shows remorse before me because he shows remorse before me i will not bring disaster on his dynasty during his lifetime but during the reign of his son


text:
The king of Israel said to his servants,“Surely you recognize that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us, though we are hesitant to reclaim it from the king of Syria.”

normalized_text:
the king of israel said to his servants surely you recognize that ramoth gilead belongs to us though we are hesitant to reclaim it from the king of syria


text:
Then he said to Jehoshaphat,“Will you go with me to attack Ramoth Gilead?” Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel,“I will support you; my army and horses are at your disposal.”

normalized_text:
then he said to jehoshaphat will you go with me to attack ramoth gilead jehoshaphat replied to the king of israel i will support you my army and horses are at your disposal


text:
So the king of Israel assembled about four hundred prophets and asked them,“Should I attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” They said,“Attack! The Sovereign One will hand it over to the king.”

normalized_text:
so the king of israel assembled about four hundred prophets and asked them should i attack ramoth gilead or not they said attack the sovereign one will hand it over to the king


text:
The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat,“There is still one man through whom we can seek the LORD’s will. But I despise him because he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but disaster. His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” Jehoshaphat said,“The king should not say such things.”

normalized_text:
the king of israel answered jehoshaphat there is still one man through whom we can seek the lord s will but i despise him because he does not prophesy prosperity for me but disaster his name is micaiah son of imlah jehoshaphat said the king should not say such things


text:
Now the king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah were sitting on their respective thrones, dressed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria. All the prophets were prophesying before them.

normalized_text:
now the king of israel and king jehoshaphat of judah were sitting on their respective thrones dressed in their robes at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of samaria all the prophets were prophesying before them


text:
Zedekiah son of Kenaanah made iron horns and said,“This is what the LORD has said,‘With these you will gore Syria until they are destroyed.’”

normalized_text:
zedekiah son of kenaanah made iron horns and said this is what the lord has said with these you will gore syria until they are destroyed


text:
All the prophets were prophesying the same, saying,“Attack Ramoth Gilead! You will succeed; the LORD will hand it over to the king.”

normalized_text:
all the prophets were prophesying the same saying attack ramoth gilead you will succeed the lord will hand it over to the king


text:
Now the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him,“Look, the prophets are in complete agreement that the king will succeed. Your words must agree with theirs; you must predict success.”

normalized_text:
now the messenger who went to summon micaiah said to him look the prophets are in complete agreement that the king will succeed your words must agree with theirs you must predict success


text:
When he came before the king, the king asked him,“Micaiah, should we attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” He answered him,“Attack! You will succeed; the LORD will hand it over to the king.”

normalized_text:
when he came before the king the king asked him micaiah should we attack ramoth gilead or not he answered him attack you will succeed the lord will hand it over to the king


text:
The king said to him,“How many times must I make you solemnly promise in the name of the LORD to tell me only the truth?”

normalized_text:
the king said to him how many times must i make you solemnly promise in the name of the lord to tell me only the truth


text:
Micaiah said,“I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd. Then the LORD said,‘They have no master. They should go home in peace.’”

normalized_text:
micaiah said i saw all israel scattered on the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd then the lord said they have no master they should go home in peace


text:
The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat,“Didn’t I tell you he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but disaster?”

normalized_text:
the king of israel said to jehoshaphat didn t i tell you he does not prophesy prosperity for me but disaster


text:
Micaiah said,“That being the case, listen to the LORD’s message. I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, with all the heavenly assembly standing beside him on his right and on his left.

normalized_text:
micaiah said that being the case listen to the lord s message i saw the lord sitting on his throne with all the heavenly assembly standing beside him on his right and on his left


text:
The LORD said,‘Who will deceive Ahab, so he will attack Ramoth Gilead and die there?’ One said this and another that.

normalized_text:
the lord said who will deceive ahab so he will attack ramoth gilead and die there one said this and another that


text:
The LORD asked him,‘How?’ He replied,‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ The LORD said,‘Deceive and overpower him. Go out and do as you have proposed.’

normalized_text:
the lord asked him how he replied i will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets the lord said deceive and overpower him go out and do as you have proposed


text:
So now, look, the LORD has placed a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, but the LORD has decreed disaster for you.”

normalized_text:
so now look the lord has placed a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours but the lord has decreed disaster for you


text:
Zedekiah son of Kenaanah approached, hit Micaiah on the jaw, and said,“Which way did the LORD’s spirit go when he went from me to speak to you?”

normalized_text:
zedekiah son of kenaanah approached hit micaiah on the jaw and said which way did the lord s spirit go when he went from me to speak to you


text:
Then the king of Israel said,“Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the city official and Joash the king’s son.

normalized_text:
then the king of israel said take micaiah and return him to amon the city official and joash the king s son


text:
Say,‘This is what the king says,“Put this man in prison. Give him only a little bread and water until I safely return.”’”

normalized_text:
say this is what the king says put this man in prison give him only a little bread and water until i safely return


text:
Micaiah said,“If you really do safely return, then the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added,“Take note, all you people.”

normalized_text:
micaiah said if you really do safely return then the lord has not spoken through me then he added take note all you people


text:
The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat,“I will disguise myself and then enter into the battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and then entered into the battle.

normalized_text:
the king of israel said to jehoshaphat i will disguise myself and then enter into the battle but you wear your royal robes so the king of israel disguised himself and then entered into the battle


text:
Now the king of Syria had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders,“Do not fight common soldiers or high-ranking officers; fight only the king of Israel.”

normalized_text:
now the king of syria had ordered his thirty two chariot commanders do not fight common soldiers or high ranking officers fight only the king of israel


text:
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said,“He must be the king of Israel.” So they turned and attacked him, but Jehoshaphat cried out.

normalized_text:
when the chariot commanders saw jehoshaphat they said he must be the king of israel so they turned and attacked him but jehoshaphat cried out


text:
Now an archer shot an arrow at random, and it struck the king of Israel between the plates of his armor. The king ordered his charioteer,“Turn around and take me from the battle line, because I’m wounded.”

normalized_text:
now an archer shot an arrow at random and it struck the king of israel between the plates of his armor the king ordered his charioteer turn around and take me from the battle line because i m wounded


text:
While the battle raged throughout the day, the king stood propped up in his chariot opposite the Syrians. He died in the evening; the blood from the wound ran down into the bottom of the chariot.

normalized_text:
while the battle raged throughout the day the king stood propped up in his chariot opposite the syrians he died in the evening the blood from the wound ran down into the bottom of the chariot


text:
As the sun was setting, a cry went through the camp,“Each one should return to his city and to his homeland.”

normalized_text:
as the sun was setting a cry went through the camp each one should return to his city and to his homeland


text:
They washed off the chariot at the pool of Samaria. Then the dogs licked his blood, while the the prostitutes bathed, in keeping with the LORD’S message that he had spoken.

normalized_text:
they washed off the chariot at the pool of samaria then the dogs licked his blood while the the prostitutes bathed in keeping with the lord s message that he had spoken


text:
The rest of the events of Ahab’s reign, including a record of his accomplishments and how he built a luxurious palace and various cities, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of ahab s reign including a record of his accomplishments and how he built a luxurious palace and various cities are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of israel


text:
Jehoshaphat’s Reign over Judah In the fourth year of Ahab’s reign over Israel, Asa’s son Jehoshaphat became king over Judah.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat s reign over judah in the fourth year of ahab s reign over israel asa s son jehoshaphat became king over judah


text:
Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king and he reigned for twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat was thirty five years old when he became king and he reigned for twenty five years in jerusalem his mother was azubah the daughter of shilhi


text:
He followed in his father Asa’s footsteps and was careful to do what the LORD approved.(22:44) However, the high places were not eliminated; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense on the high places.

normalized_text:
he followed in his father asa s footsteps and was careful to do what the lord approved 22 44 however the high places were not eliminated the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense on the high places


text:
The rest of the events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, including his successes and military exploits, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Judah.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of jehoshaphat s reign including his successes and military exploits are recorded in the scroll called the annals of the kings of judah


text:
He removed from the land any male cultic prostitutes who had managed to survive the reign of his father Asa.

normalized_text:
he removed from the land any male cultic prostitutes who had managed to survive the reign of his father asa


text:
Jehoshaphat built a fleet of large merchant ships to travel to Ophir for gold, but they never made the voyage because they were shipwrecked in Ezion Geber.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat built a fleet of large merchant ships to travel to ophir for gold but they never made the voyage because they were shipwrecked in ezion geber


text:
Then Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat,“Let my sailors join yours in the fleet,” but Jehoshaphat refused.

normalized_text:
then ahaziah son of ahab said to jehoshaphat let my sailors join yours in the fleet but jehoshaphat refused


text:
Jehoshaphat passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the city of his ancestor David. His son Jehoram replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the city of his ancestor david his son jehoram replaced him as king


text:
Ahaziah’s Reign over Israel In the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah, Ahab’s son Ahaziah became king over Israel in Samaria. He ruled for two years over Israel.

normalized_text:
ahaziah s reign over israel in the seventeenth year of jehoshaphat s reign over judah ahab s son ahaziah became king over israel in samaria he ruled for two years over israel


text:
He did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed in the footsteps of his father and mother; like Jeroboam son of Nebat, he encouraged Israel to sin.

normalized_text:
he did evil in the sight of the lord and followed in the footsteps of his father and mother like jeroboam son of nebat he encouraged israel to sin


text:
Ahaziah fell through a window lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria and was injured. He sent messengers with these orders,“Go, ask Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, if I will survive this injury.”

normalized_text:
ahaziah fell through a window lattice in his upper chamber in samaria and was injured he sent messengers with these orders go ask baal zebub the god of ekron if i will survive this injury


text:
But the LORD’s angel told Elijah the Tishbite,“Get up, go to meet the messengers from the king of Samaria. Say this to them:‘You must think there is no God in Israel! That explains why you are on your way to seek an oracle from Baal Zebub the god of Ekron.

normalized_text:
but the lord s angel told elijah the tishbite get up go to meet the messengers from the king of samaria say this to them you must think there is no god in israel that explains why you are on your way to seek an oracle from baal zebub the god of ekron


text:
Therefore this is what the LORD has said,“You will not leave the bed you lie on, for you will certainly die!”’” So Elijah went on his way.

normalized_text:
therefore this is what the lord has said you will not leave the bed you lie on for you will certainly die so elijah went on his way


text:
They replied,“A man came up to meet us. He told us,“Go back to the king who sent you and tell him,‘This is what the LORD has said:“You must think there is no God in Israel! That explains why you are sending for an oracle from Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron. Therefore you will not leave the bed you lie on, for you will certainly die.”’”

normalized_text:
they replied a man came up to meet us he told us go back to the king who sent you and tell him this is what the lord has said you must think there is no god in israel that explains why you are sending for an oracle from baal zebub the god of ekron therefore you will not leave the bed you lie on for you will certainly die


text:
The king asked them,“Describe the appearance of this man who came up to meet you and told you these things.”

normalized_text:
the king asked them describe the appearance of this man who came up to meet you and told you these things


text:
They replied,“He was a hairy man and had a leather belt tied around his waist.” The king said,“He is Elijah the Tishbite.”

normalized_text:
they replied he was a hairy man and had a leather belt tied around his waist the king said he is elijah the tishbite


text:
The king sent a captain and his fifty soldiers to retrieve Elijah. The captain went up to him, while he was sitting on the top of a hill. He told him,“Prophet, the king says,‘Come down!’”

normalized_text:
the king sent a captain and his fifty soldiers to retrieve elijah the captain went up to him while he was sitting on the top of a hill he told him prophet the king says come down


text:
Elijah replied to the captain,“If I am indeed a prophet, may fire come down from the sky and consume you and your fifty soldiers!” Fire then came down from the sky and consumed him and his fifty soldiers.

normalized_text:
elijah replied to the captain if i am indeed a prophet may fire come down from the sky and consume you and your fifty soldiers fire then came down from the sky and consumed him and his fifty soldiers


text:
The king sent another captain and his fifty soldiers to retrieve Elijah. He went up and told him,“Prophet, this is what the king says,‘Come down at once!’”

normalized_text:
the king sent another captain and his fifty soldiers to retrieve elijah he went up and told him prophet this is what the king says come down at once


text:
Elijah replied to them,“If I am indeed a prophet, may fire come down from the sky and consume you and your fifty soldiers!” Fire from God came down from the sky and consumed him and his fifty soldiers.

normalized_text:
elijah replied to them if i am indeed a prophet may fire come down from the sky and consume you and your fifty soldiers fire from god came down from the sky and consumed him and his fifty soldiers


text:
The king sent a third captain and his fifty soldiers. This third captain went up and fell on his knees before Elijah. He begged for mercy,“Prophet, please have respect for my life and for the lives of these fifty servants of yours.

normalized_text:
the king sent a third captain and his fifty soldiers this third captain went up and fell on his knees before elijah he begged for mercy prophet please have respect for my life and for the lives of these fifty servants of yours


text:
Indeed, fire came down from the sky and consumed the two captains who came before me, along with their men. So now, please have respect for my life.”

normalized_text:
indeed fire came down from the sky and consumed the two captains who came before me along with their men so now please have respect for my life


text:
The LORD’s angel said to Elijah,“Go down with him. Don’t be afraid of him.” So he got up and went down with him to the king.

normalized_text:
the lord s angel said to elijah go down with him don t be afraid of him so he got up and went down with him to the king


text:
Elijah said to the king,“This is what the LORD has said,‘You sent messengers to seek an oracle from Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron. Is it because there is no God in Israel from whom you can seek a message? Therefore you will not leave the bed you lie on, for you will certainly die.’”

normalized_text:
elijah said to the king this is what the lord has said you sent messengers to seek an oracle from baal zebub the god of ekron is it because there is no god in israel from whom you can seek a message therefore you will not leave the bed you lie on for you will certainly die


