# verses

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 at them and deliver them over to their enemies, who will take them as prisoners to their 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 at them and deliver them over to their enemies who will take them as prisoners to their 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 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 toward the land you gave to their ancestors your chosen city and the temple i built for your honor


text:
then listen from your heavenly dwelling place to their prayers for help, vindicate them, and forgive your sinful people.

normalized_text:
then listen from your heavenly dwelling place to their prayers for help vindicate them and forgive your sinful people


text:
Now ascend, O LORD God, to your resting place, you and the ark of your strength! May your priests, O LORD God, experience your deliverance! May your loyal followers rejoice in the prosperity you give!

normalized_text:
now ascend o lord god to your resting place you and the ark of your strength may your priests o lord god experience your deliverance may your loyal followers rejoice in the prosperity you give


text:
O LORD God, do not reject your chosen ones! Remember the faithful promises you made to your servant David!”

normalized_text:
o lord god do not reject your chosen ones remember the faithful promises you made to your servant david


text:
Solomon Dedicates the Temple When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the LORD’s splendor filled the temple.

normalized_text:
solomon dedicates the temple when solomon finished praying fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices and the lord s splendor filled the temple


text:
The priests were unable to enter the LORD’s temple because the LORD’s splendor filled the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
the priests were unable to enter the lord s temple because the lord s splendor filled the lord s temple


text:
When all the Israelites saw the fire come down and the LORD’s splendor over the temple, they got on their knees with their faces downward toward the pavement. They worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying,“Certainly he is good; certainly his loyal love endures!”

normalized_text:
when all the israelites saw the fire come down and the lord s splendor over the temple they got on their knees with their faces downward toward the pavement they worshiped and gave thanks to the lord saying certainly he is good certainly his loyal love endures


text:
King Solomon sacrificed 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. Then the king and all the people dedicated God’s temple.

normalized_text:
king solomon sacrificed 22 000 cattle and 120 000 sheep then the king and all the people dedicated god s temple


text:
The priests stood in their assigned spots, along with the Levites who had the musical instruments used for praising the LORD.(These were the ones King David made for giving thanks to the LORD and which were used by David when he offered praise, saying,“Certainly his loyal love endures.”) Opposite the Levites, the priests were blowing the trumpets, while all Israel stood there.

normalized_text:
the priests stood in their assigned spots along with the levites who had the musical instruments used for praising the lord these were the ones king david made for giving thanks to the lord and which were used by david when he offered praise saying certainly his loyal love endures opposite the levites the priests were blowing the trumpets while all israel stood there


text:
Solomon consecrated the middle of the courtyard that is in front of the LORD’s temple. He offered burnt sacrifices, grain offerings, and the fat from the peace offerings there, because the bronze altar that Solomon had made was too small to hold all these offerings.

normalized_text:
solomon consecrated the middle of the courtyard that is in front of the lord s temple he offered burnt sacrifices grain offerings and the fat from the peace offerings there because the bronze altar that solomon had made was too small to hold all these offerings


text:
At that time Solomon and all Israel with him celebrated a festival for seven days. This great assembly included people 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 for seven days this great assembly included people from lebo hamath in the north to the stream of egypt in the south


text:
On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had dedicated the altar for seven days and celebrated the festival for seven more days.

normalized_text:
on the eighth day they held an assembly for they had dedicated the altar for seven days and celebrated the festival for seven more days


text:
On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, Solomon sent the people home. They left happy and contented because of the good the LORD had done for David, Solomon, and his people Israel.

normalized_text:
on the twenty third day of the seventh month solomon sent the people home they left happy and contented because of the good the lord had done for david solomon and his people israel


text:
The Lord Gives Solomon a Promise and a Warning After Solomon finished building the LORD’s temple and the royal palace, and accomplished all his plans for the LORD’s temple and his royal palace,

normalized_text:
the lord gives solomon a promise and a warning after solomon finished building the lord s temple and the royal palace and accomplished all his plans for the lord s temple and his royal palace


text:
the LORD appeared to Solomon at night and said to him:“I have answered your prayer and chosen this place to be my temple where sacrifices are to be made.

normalized_text:
the lord appeared to solomon at night and said to him i have answered your prayer and chosen this place to be my temple where sacrifices are to be made


text:
When I close up the sky so that it doesn’t rain, or command locusts to devour the land’s vegetation, or send a plague among my people,

normalized_text:
when i close up the sky so that it doesn t rain or command locusts to devour the land s vegetation or send a plague among my people


text:
if my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

normalized_text:
if my people who belong to me humble themselves pray seek to please me and repudiate their sinful practices then i will respond from heaven forgive their sin and heal their land


text:
Now I have chosen and consecrated this temple by making it my permanent home; I will be constantly present there.

normalized_text:
now i have chosen and consecrated this temple by making it my permanent home i will be constantly present there


text:
You must serve me as your father David did. Do everything I commanded and obey my rules and regulations.

normalized_text:
you must serve me as your father david did do everything i commanded and obey my rules and regulations


text:
Then I will establish your dynasty, just as I promised your father David,‘You will not fail to have a successor ruling over Israel.’

normalized_text:
then i will establish your dynasty just as i promised your father david you will not fail to have a successor ruling over israel


text:
“But if you people 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 people 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 you from my land I have given you, I will abandon this temple I have consecrated with my presence, and I will make you an object of mockery and ridicule among all the nations.

normalized_text:
then i will remove you from my land i have given you i will abandon this temple i have consecrated with my presence and i will make you an object of mockery and ridicule among all the nations


text:
As for this temple, which was once majestic, everyone who passes by it will be shocked and say,‘Why did the LORD do this to this land and this temple?’

normalized_text:
as for this temple which was once majestic everyone who passes by it will be shocked and say why did the lord do this to this land and this temple


text:
Others will then answer,‘Because they abandoned the LORD God of their ancestors, who led them out of Egypt. They embraced other gods whom they worshiped and served. That is why he brought all this disaster down on them.’”

normalized_text:
others will then answer because they abandoned the lord god of their ancestors who led them out of egypt they embraced other gods whom they worshiped and served that is why he brought all this disaster down on them


text:
Building Projects and Commercial Efforts After twenty years, during which Solomon built the LORD’s temple and his royal palace,

normalized_text:
building projects and commercial efforts after twenty years during which solomon built the lord s temple and his royal palace


text:
and built up Baalath, all the storage cities that belonged to him, and all the cities where chariots and horses were kept. He built whatever he wanted in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout his entire kingdom.

normalized_text:
and built up baalath all the storage cities that belonged to him and all 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 Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

normalized_text:
now several non israelite peoples were left in the land after the conquest of joshua including the hittites amorites perizzites hivites and jebusites


text:
Their descendants remained in the land(the Israelites were unable to wipe them out). 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 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, 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 officers charioteers and commanders of his chariot forces


text:
These men worked for King Solomon as supervisors; there were a total of 250 of them who were in charge of the people.

normalized_text:
these men worked for king solomon as supervisors there were a total of 250 of them who were in charge of the people


text:
Solomon moved Pharaoh’s daughter up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her, for he said,“My wife must not live in the palace of King David of Israel, for the places where the ark of the LORD has entered are holy.”

normalized_text:
solomon moved pharaoh s daughter up from the city of david to the palace he had built for her for he said my wife must not live in the palace of king david of israel for the places where the ark of the lord has entered are holy


text:
Then Solomon offered burnt sacrifices to the LORD on the altar of the LORD which he had built in front of the temple’s porch.

normalized_text:
then solomon offered burnt sacrifices to the lord on the altar of the lord which he had built in front of the temple s porch


text:
He observed the daily requirements for sacrifices that Moses had specified for Sabbaths, new moon festivals, and the three annual celebrations– the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Shelters.

normalized_text:
he observed the daily requirements for sacrifices that moses had specified for sabbaths new moon festivals and the three annual celebrations the feast of unleavened bread the feast of weeks and the feast of shelters


text:
As his father David had decreed, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests to do their assigned tasks, the Levitical orders to lead worship and help the priests with their daily tasks, and the divisions of the gatekeepers to serve at their assigned gates. This was what David the man of God had ordered.

normalized_text:
as his father david had decreed solomon appointed the divisions of the priests to do their assigned tasks the levitical orders to lead worship and help the priests with their daily tasks and the divisions of the gatekeepers to serve at their assigned gates this was what david the man of god had ordered


text:
They did not neglect any detail of the king’s orders pertaining to the priests, Levites, and treasuries.

normalized_text:
they did not neglect any detail of the king s orders pertaining to the priests levites and treasuries


text:
All the work ordered by Solomon was completed, from the day the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid until it was finished; the LORD’s temple was completed.

normalized_text:
all the work ordered by solomon was completed from the day the foundation of the lord s temple was laid until it was finished the lord s temple was completed


text:
Huram sent him ships and some of his sailors, men who were well acquainted with the sea. They sailed with Solomon’s men to Ophir, and took from there 450 talents of gold, which they brought back to King Solomon.

normalized_text:
huram sent him ships and some of his sailors men who were well acquainted with the sea they sailed with solomon s men to ophir and took from there 450 talents of gold which they brought back to king solomon


text:
Solomon Entertains a Queen When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she came to challenge him with difficult questions. 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:
solomon entertains a queen when the queen of sheba heard about solomon she came to challenge him with difficult questions 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 in their robes, his cupbearers in their robes, and his burnt sacrifices which he presented in the LORD’s temple, she was amazed.

normalized_text:
the food in his banquet hall his servants and attendants in their robes his cupbearers in their robes and his burnt sacrifices which he presented in the lord s temple she was amazed


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 surpasses 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 surpasses what was reported to me


text:
May the LORD your God be praised because he favored you by placing you on his throne as the one ruling on his behalf! Because of your God’s love for Israel and his lasting commitment to them, he made you king over them 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 his throne as the one ruling on his behalf because of your god s love for israel and his lasting commitment to them he made you king over them so you could make just and right decisions


text:
She gave the king 120 talents of gold and 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 and 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:
(Huram’s servants, aided by Solomon’s servants, brought gold from Ophir, as well as fine timber and precious gems.

normalized_text:
huram s servants aided by solomon s servants brought gold from ophir as well as fine timber and precious gems


text:
With the timber the king made steps for the LORD’s temple and royal palace as well as stringed instruments for the musicians. No one had seen anything like them in the land of Judah prior to that.)

normalized_text:
with the timber the king made steps for the lord s temple and royal palace as well as stringed instruments for the musicians no one had seen anything like them in the land of judah prior to that


text:
King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she requested, more than what she had brought him. Then she left and returned to her homeland with her attendants.

normalized_text:
king solomon gave the queen of sheba everything she requested more than what she had brought him then she left and returned to her homeland with her attendants


text:
besides what he collected from the merchants and traders. All the Arabian kings and the governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon.

normalized_text:
besides what he collected from the merchants and traders all the arabian kings and the governors of the land also brought gold and silver to solomon


text:
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; 600 measures of hammered gold were used for each shield.

normalized_text:
king solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold 600 measures of hammered gold were used for each shield


text:
He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; 300 measures of gold were used for each of those shields. The king placed them in the Palace of the Lebanon Forest.

normalized_text:
he also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold 300 measures of gold were used for each of those shields the king placed them in the palace of the lebanon forest


text:
There were six steps leading up to the throne, and a gold footstool was attached to the throne. 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 a gold footstool was attached to the throne the throne had two armrests with a statue of a lion standing on each side


text:
The king had a fleet of large merchant ships manned by Huram’s men that sailed the sea. Once every three years the fleet came into port with cargoes of gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

normalized_text:
the king had a fleet of large merchant ships manned by huram s men that sailed the sea once every three years the fleet came into port with cargoes of gold silver ivory apes and peacocks


text:
Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses. He kept them in assigned cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
solomon had 4 000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12 000 horses he kept them in assigned cities and also with him in jerusalem


text:
He ruled all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines as far as the border of Egypt.

normalized_text:
he ruled all the kingdoms from the euphrates river to the land of the philistines as far as the border of egypt


text:
Solomon’s Reign Ends The rest of the events of Solomon’s reign, from start to finish, are recorded in the Annals of Nathan the Prophet, the Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and the Vision of Iddo the Seer pertaining to Jeroboam son of Nebat.

normalized_text:
solomon s reign ends the rest of the events of solomon s reign from start to finish are recorded in the annals of nathan the prophet the prophecy of ahijah the shilonite and the vision of iddo the seer pertaining to jeroboam son of nebat


text:
The Northern Tribes Rebel Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, for all Israel had gathered in Shechem to make Rehoboam king.

normalized_text:
the northern tribes rebel 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. Jeroboam returned from Egypt.

normalized_text:
when jeroboam son of nebat heard the news he was still in egypt where he had fled from king solomon jeroboam returned from egypt


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:
They said to him,“If you are fair to these people, grant their request, and are cordial to them, they will be your servants from this time forward.”

normalized_text:
they said to him if you are fair to these people grant their request and are cordial to them they will be your servants from this time forward


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:
The king refused to listen to the people, because God 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 god 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 all 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 all israel returned to their homes


text:
King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, the supervisor of the work crews, out after them, but the Israelites stoned him to death. King Rehoboam managed to jump into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
king rehoboam sent hadoram the supervisor of the work crews out after them but the israelites stoned him to death king rehoboam managed to jump into his chariot and escape to jerusalem


text:
When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he summoned 180,000 skilled warriors from Judah and Benjamin to attack Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.

normalized_text:
when rehoboam arrived in jerusalem he summoned 180 000 skilled warriors from judah and benjamin to attack israel and restore the kingdom to rehoboam


text:
‘The LORD says this:“Do not attack and make war with your brothers. Each of you go home, for I have caused this to happen.”’” They obeyed the LORD and called off the attack against Jeroboam.

normalized_text:
the lord says this do not attack and make war with your brothers each of you go home for i have caused this to happen they obeyed the lord and called off the attack against jeroboam


text:
He fortified these cities and placed officers in them, as well as storehouses of food, olive oil, and wine.

normalized_text:
he fortified these cities and placed officers in them as well as storehouses of food olive oil and wine


text:
In each city there were shields and spears; he strongly fortified them. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

normalized_text:
in each city there were shields and spears he strongly fortified them judah and benjamin belonged to him


text:
The Levites even left their pasturelands and their property behind and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons prohibited them from serving as the LORD’s priests.

normalized_text:
the levites even left their pasturelands and their property behind and came to judah and jerusalem for jeroboam and his sons prohibited them from serving as the lord s priests


text:
Jeroboam appointed his own priests to serve at the worship centers and to lead in the worship of the goat idols and calf idols he had made.

normalized_text:
jeroboam appointed his own priests to serve at the worship centers and to lead in the worship of the goat idols and calf idols he had made


text:
Those among all the Israelite tribes who were determined to worship the LORD God of Israel followed them to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
those among all the israelite tribes who were determined to worship the lord god of israel followed them to jerusalem to sacrifice to the lord god of their ancestors


text:
They supported the kingdom of Judah and were loyal to Rehoboam son of Solomon for three years; they followed the edicts of David and Solomon for three years.

normalized_text:
they supported the kingdom of judah and were loyal to rehoboam son of solomon for three years they followed the edicts of david and solomon for three years


text:
Rehoboam married Mahalath the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab.

normalized_text:
rehoboam married mahalath the daughter of david s son jerimoth and of abihail the daughter of jesse s son eliab


normalized_text: he later married maacah the daughter of absalom she bore to him abijah attai ziza and shelomith
text:
He later married Maacah the daughter of Absalom. She bore to him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.


text:
Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than his other wives and concubines. He had eighteen wives and sixty concubines; he fathered twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.

normalized_text:
rehoboam loved maacah daughter of absalom more than his other wives and concubines he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines he fathered twenty eight sons and sixty daughters


text:
Rehoboam appointed Abijah son of Maacah as the leader over his brothers, for he intended to name him his successor.

normalized_text:
rehoboam appointed abijah son of maacah as the leader over his brothers for he intended to name him his successor


text:
He wisely placed some of his many sons throughout the regions of Judah and Benjamin in the various fortified cities. He supplied them with abundant provisions and acquired many wives for them.

normalized_text:
he wisely placed some of his many sons throughout the regions of judah and benjamin in the various fortified cities he supplied them with abundant provisions and acquired many wives for them


normalized_text: after rehoboam s rule was established and solidified he and all israel rejected the law of the lord
text:
After Rehoboam’s rule was established and solidified, he and all Israel rejected the law of the LORD.


text:
Because they were unfaithful to the LORD, in King Rehoboam’s fifth year, King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
because they were unfaithful to the lord in king rehoboam s fifth year king shishak of egypt attacked jerusalem


text:
He had 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and an innumerable number of soldiers who accompanied him from Egypt, including Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites.

normalized_text:
he had 1 200 chariots 60 000 horsemen and an innumerable number of soldiers who accompanied him from egypt including libyans sukkites and cushites


text:
Shemaiah the prophet visited Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who were assembled in Jerusalem because of Shishak. He said to them,“This is what the LORD says:‘You have rejected me, so I have rejected you and will hand you over to Shishak.’”

normalized_text:
shemaiah the prophet visited rehoboam and the leaders of judah who were assembled in jerusalem because of shishak he said to them this is what the lord says you have rejected me so i have rejected you and will hand you over to shishak


text:
When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the LORD’s message came to Shemaiah:“They have humbled themselves, so I will not destroy them. I will deliver them soon. My anger will not be unleashed against Jerusalem through Shishak.

normalized_text:
when the lord saw that they humbled themselves the lord s message came to shemaiah they have humbled themselves so i will not destroy them i will deliver them soon my anger will not be unleashed against jerusalem through shishak


text:
Yet they will become his subjects, so they can experience how serving me differs from serving the surrounding nations.”

normalized_text:
yet they will become his subjects so they can experience how serving me differs from serving the surrounding nations


text:
King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and took away the treasures of the LORD’s temple and of the royal palace; he took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made.

normalized_text:
king shishak of egypt attacked jerusalem and took away the treasures of the lord s temple and of the royal palace he took everything including the gold shields that solomon had made


text:
Whenever the king visited the LORD’s temple, the royal guards carried them and then brought them back to the guardroom.

normalized_text:
whenever the king visited the lord s temple the royal guards carried them and then brought them back to the guardroom


text:
So when Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD relented from his anger and did not annihilate him; Judah experienced some good things.

normalized_text:
so when rehoboam humbled himself the lord relented from his anger and did not annihilate him judah experienced some good things


text:
King Rehoboam solidified his rule in Jerusalem; 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. Rehoboam’s mother was an Ammonite named Naamah.

normalized_text:
king rehoboam solidified his rule in jerusalem 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 rehoboam s mother was an ammonite named naamah


text:
The events of Rehoboam’s reign, from start to finish, are recorded in the Annals of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the Seer that include genealogical records. There were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.

normalized_text:
the events of rehoboam s reign from start to finish are recorded in the annals of shemaiah the prophet and of iddo the seer that include genealogical records there were wars between rehoboam and jeroboam continually


text:
He ruled for three years in Jerusalem. His mother was Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel from Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

normalized_text:
he ruled for three years in jerusalem his mother was michaiah the daughter of uriel from gibeah there was war between abijah and jeroboam


text:
Abijah launched the attack with 400,000 well-trained warriors, while Jeroboam deployed against him 800,000 well-trained warriors.

normalized_text:
abijah launched the attack with 400 000 well trained warriors while jeroboam deployed against him 800 000 well trained warriors


text:
Abijah ascended Mount Zemaraim, in the Ephraimite hill country, and said:“Listen to me, Jeroboam and all Israel!

normalized_text:
abijah ascended mount zemaraim in the ephraimite hill country and said listen to me jeroboam and all israel


text:
Don’t you realize that the LORD God of Israel has given David and his dynasty lasting dominion over Israel by a formal covenant?

normalized_text:
don t you realize that the lord god of israel has given david and his dynasty lasting dominion over israel by a formal covenant


text:
Lawless good-for-nothing men gathered around him and conspired against Rehoboam son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was an inexperienced young man and could not resist them.

normalized_text:
lawless good for nothing men gathered around him and conspired against rehoboam son of solomon when rehoboam was an inexperienced young man and could not resist them


text:
Now you are declaring that you will resist the LORD’s rule through the Davidic dynasty. You have a huge army, and bring with you the gold calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods.

normalized_text:
now you are declaring that you will resist the lord s rule through the davidic dynasty you have a huge army and bring with you the gold calves that jeroboam made for you as gods


text:
But you banished the LORD’s priests, Aaron’s descendants, and the Levites, and appointed your own priests just as the surrounding nations do! Anyone who comes to consecrate himself with a young bull or seven rams becomes a priest of these fake gods!

normalized_text:
but you banished the lord s priests aaron s descendants and the levites and appointed your own priests just as the surrounding nations do anyone who comes to consecrate himself with a young bull or seven rams becomes a priest of these fake gods


text:
But as for us, the LORD is our God and we have not rejected him. Aaron’s descendants serve as the LORD’s priests and the Levites assist them with the work.

normalized_text:
but as for us the lord is our god and we have not rejected him aaron s descendants serve as the lord s priests and the levites assist them with the work


text:
They offer burnt sacrifices to the LORD every morning and every evening, along with fragrant incense. They arrange the Bread of the Presence on a ritually clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. Certainly we are observing the LORD our God’s regulations, but you have rejected him.

normalized_text:
they offer burnt sacrifices to the lord every morning and every evening along with fragrant incense they arrange the bread of the presence on a ritually clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening certainly we are observing the lord our god s regulations but you have rejected him


text:
Now look, God is with us as our leader. His priests are ready to blow the trumpets to signal the attack against you. You Israelites, don’t fight against the LORD God of your ancestors, for you will not win!”

normalized_text:
now look god is with us as our leader his priests are ready to blow the trumpets to signal the attack against you you israelites don t fight against the lord god of your ancestors for you will not win


text:
Now Jeroboam had sent some men to ambush the Judahite army from behind. The main army was in front of the Judahite army; the ambushers were behind it.

normalized_text:
now jeroboam had sent some men to ambush the judahite army from behind the main army was in front of the judahite army the ambushers were behind it


text:
The men of Judah turned around and realized they were being attacked from the front and the rear. So they cried out for help to the LORD. The priests blew their trumpets,

normalized_text:
the men of judah turned around and realized they were being attacked from the front and the rear so they cried out for help to the lord the priests blew their trumpets


text:
and the men of Judah gave the battle cry. As the men of Judah gave the battle cry, God struck down Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

normalized_text:
and the men of judah gave the battle cry as the men of judah gave the battle cry god struck down jeroboam and all israel before abijah and judah


text:
That day the Israelites were defeated; the men of Judah prevailed because they relied on the LORD God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
that day the israelites were defeated the men of judah prevailed because they relied on the lord god of their ancestors


text:
Abijah chased Jeroboam; he seized from him these cities: Bethel and its surrounding towns, Jeshanah and its surrounding towns, and Ephron and its surrounding towns.

normalized_text:
abijah chased jeroboam he seized from him these cities bethel and its surrounding towns jeshanah and its surrounding towns and ephron and its surrounding towns


text:
The rest of the events of Abijah’s reign, including his deeds and sayings, are recorded in the writings of the prophet Iddo.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of abijah s reign including his deeds and sayings are recorded in the writings of the prophet iddo


text:
(13:23) Abijah passed away and was buried in the City of David. His son Asa replaced him as king. During his reign the land had rest for ten years.

normalized_text:
13 23 abijah passed away and was buried in the city of david his son asa replaced him as king during his reign the land had rest for ten years


text:
Asa’s Religious and Military Accomplishments(14:1) Asa did what the LORD his God desired and approved.

normalized_text:
asa s religious and military accomplishments 14 1 asa did what the lord his god desired and approved


text:
He removed the pagan altars and the high places, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles.

normalized_text:
he removed the pagan altars and the high places smashed the sacred pillars and cut down the asherah poles


text:
He removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. The kingdom had rest under his rule.

normalized_text:
he removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of judah the kingdom had rest under his rule


text:
He built fortified cities throughout Judah, for the land was at rest and there was no war during those years; the LORD gave him peace.

normalized_text:
he built fortified cities throughout judah for the land was at rest and there was no war during those years the lord gave him peace


text:
He said to the people of Judah:“Let’s build these cities and fortify them with walls, towers, and barred gates. The land remains ours because we have followed the LORD our God; we have followed him, and he has made us secure on all sides.” So they built the cities and prospered.

normalized_text:
he said to the people of judah let s build these cities and fortify them with walls towers and barred gates the land remains ours because we have followed the lord our god we have followed him and he has made us secure on all sides so they built the cities and prospered


text:
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah, equipped with large shields and spears. He also had 280,000 men from Benjamin who carried small shields and were adept archers; they were all skilled warriors.

normalized_text:
asa had an army of 300 000 men from judah equipped with large shields and spears he also had 280 000 men from benjamin who carried small shields and were adept archers they were all skilled warriors


text:
Zerah the Cushite marched against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots. He arrived at Mareshah,

normalized_text:
zerah the cushite marched against them with an army of 1 000 000 men and 300 chariots he arrived at mareshah


text:
Asa prayed to the LORD his God:“O LORD, there is no one but you who can help the weak when they are vastly outnumbered. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you and have marched on your behalf against this huge army. O LORD, you are our God; don’t let men prevail against you!”

normalized_text:
asa prayed to the lord his god o lord there is no one but you who can help the weak when they are vastly outnumbered help us o lord our god for we rely on you and have marched on your behalf against this huge army o lord you are our god don t let men prevail against you


text:
and Asa and his army chased them as far as Gerar. The Cushites were wiped out; they were shattered before the LORD and his army. The men of Judah carried off a huge amount of plunder.

normalized_text:
and asa and his army chased them as far as gerar the cushites were wiped out they were shattered before the lord and his army the men of judah carried off a huge amount of plunder


text:
They defeated all the cities surrounding Gerar, for the LORD caused them to panic. The men of Judah looted all the cities, for they contained a huge amount of goods.

normalized_text:
they defeated all the cities surrounding gerar for the lord caused them to panic the men of judah looted all the cities for they contained a huge amount of goods


text:
They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen in charge of the livestock. They carried off many sheep and camels and then returned to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
they also attacked the tents of the herdsmen in charge of the livestock they carried off many sheep and camels and then returned to jerusalem


text:
He met Asa and told him,“Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin! The LORD is with you when you are loyal to him. If you seek him, he will respond to you, but if you reject him, he will reject you.

normalized_text:
he met asa and told him listen to me asa and all judah and benjamin the lord is with you when you are loyal to him if you seek him he will respond to you but if you reject him he will reject you


text:
Because of their distress, they turned back to the LORD God of Israel. They sought him and he responded to them.

normalized_text:
because of their distress they turned back to the lord god of israel they sought him and he responded to them


text:
In those days no one could travel safely, for total chaos had overtaken all the people of the surrounding lands.

normalized_text:
in those days no one could travel safely for total chaos had overtaken all the people of the surrounding lands


text:
One nation was crushed by another, and one city by another, for God caused them to be in great turmoil.

normalized_text:
one nation was crushed by another and one city by another for god caused them to be in great turmoil


text:
When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he was encouraged. He removed the detestable idols from the entire land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had seized in the Ephraimite hill country. He repaired the altar of the LORD in front of the porch of the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
when asa heard these words and the prophecy of oded the prophet he was encouraged he removed the detestable idols from the entire land of judah and benjamin and from the cities he had seized in the ephraimite hill country he repaired the altar of the lord in front of the porch of the lord s temple


text:
He assembled all Judah and Benjamin, as well as the settlers from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had come to live with them. Many people from Israel had come there to live when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.

normalized_text:
he assembled all judah and benjamin as well as the settlers from ephraim manasseh and simeon who had come to live with them many people from israel had come there to live when they saw that the lord his god was with him


text:
At that time they sacrificed to the LORD some of the plunder they had brought back, including 700 head of cattle and 7,000 sheep.

normalized_text:
at that time they sacrificed to the lord some of the plunder they had brought back including 700 head of cattle and 7 000 sheep


text:
Anyone who would not seek the LORD God of Israel would be executed, whether they were young or old, male or female.

normalized_text:
anyone who would not seek the lord god of israel would be executed whether they were young or old male or female


text:
They swore their allegiance to the LORD, shouting their approval loudly and sounding trumpets and horns.

normalized_text:
they swore their allegiance to the lord shouting their approval loudly and sounding trumpets and horns


text:
All Judah was happy about the oath, because they made the vow with their whole heart. They willingly sought the LORD and he responded to them. He made them secure on every side.

normalized_text:
all judah was happy about the oath because they made the vow with their whole heart they willingly sought the lord and he responded to them he made them secure on every side


text:
King Asa 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 crushed and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

normalized_text:
king asa 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 crushed and burned it in the kidron valley


text:
The high places were not eliminated from Israel, yet Asa was wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD throughout his lifetime.

normalized_text:
the high places were not eliminated from israel yet asa was wholeheartedly devoted to the lord throughout his lifetime


text:
He brought the holy items that his father and he had made into God’s temple, including the silver, gold, and other articles.

normalized_text:
he brought the holy items that his father and he had made into god s temple including the silver gold and other articles


text:
In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, King Baasha of Israel attacked Judah, and he established Ramah as a military outpost to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the land of King Asa of Judah.

normalized_text:
in the thirty sixth year of asa s reign king baasha of israel attacked judah and he 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 sent it to King Ben Hadad 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 sent it to king ben hadad 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. 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 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 Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

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 maim and all the storage cities of naphtali


text:
King Asa ordered all the men of Judah to carry away the stones and wood that Baasha had used to build Ramah. He used the materials to build up Geba and Mizpah.

normalized_text:
king asa ordered all the men of judah to carry away the stones and wood that baasha had used to build ramah he used the materials to build up geba and mizpah


text:
At that time Hanani the prophet visited King Asa of Judah and said to him:“Because you relied on the king of Syria and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand.

normalized_text:
at that time hanani the prophet visited king asa of judah and said to him because you relied on the king of syria and did not rely on the lord your god the army of the king of syria has escaped from your hand


text:
Did not the Cushites and Libyans have a huge army with chariots and a very large number of horsemen? But when you relied on the LORD, he handed them over to you!

normalized_text:
did not the cushites and libyans have a huge army with chariots and a very large number of horsemen but when you relied on the lord he handed them over to you


text:
Certainly the LORD watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war.”

normalized_text:
certainly the lord watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him you have acted foolishly in this matter from now on you will have war


text:
Asa was so angry at the prophet, he put him in jail. Asa also oppressed some of the people at that time.

normalized_text:
asa was so angry at the prophet he put him in jail asa also oppressed some of the people at that time


text:
Asa’s Reign Ends The events of Asa’s reign, from start to finish, are recorded in the Scroll of the Kings of Judah and Israel.

normalized_text:
asa s reign ends the events of asa s reign from start to finish are recorded in the scroll of the kings of judah and israel


text:
In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a foot disease and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease, he did not seek the LORD, but only the doctors.

normalized_text:
in the thirty ninth year of his reign asa developed a foot disease and his disease became severe yet even in his disease he did not seek the lord but only the doctors


text:
He was buried in the tomb he had carved out in the City of David. They laid him to rest on a platform covered with spices and assorted mixtures of ointments. They made a huge bonfire to honor him.

normalized_text:
he was buried in the tomb he had carved out in the city of david they laid him to rest on a platform covered with spices and assorted mixtures of ointments they made a huge bonfire to honor him


text:
Jehoshaphat Becomes King His son Jehoshaphat replaced him as king and solidified his rule over Israel.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat becomes king his son jehoshaphat replaced him as king and solidified his rule over israel


text:
He placed troops in all of Judah’s fortified cities and posted garrisons throughout the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had seized.

normalized_text:
he placed troops in all of judah s fortified cities and posted garrisons throughout the land of judah and in the cities of ephraim that his father asa had seized


text:
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed in his ancestor David’s footsteps at the beginning of his reign. He did not seek the Baals,

normalized_text:
the lord was with jehoshaphat because he followed in his ancestor david s footsteps at the beginning of his reign he did not seek the baals


text:
The LORD made his kingdom secure; all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he became very wealthy and greatly respected.

normalized_text:
the lord made his kingdom secure all judah brought tribute to jehoshaphat and he became very wealthy and greatly respected


normalized_text: he was committed to following the lord he even removed the high places and asherah poles from judah
text:
He was committed to following the LORD; he even removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.


text:
In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah.

normalized_text:
in the third year of his reign he sent his officials ben hail obadiah zechariah nethanel and micaiah to teach in the cities of judah


text:
They were accompanied by the Levites Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-Adonijah, and by the priests Elishama and Jehoram.

normalized_text:
they were accompanied by the levites shemaiah nethaniah zebadiah asahel shemiramoth jehonathan adonijah tobijah and tob adonijah and by the priests elishama and jehoram


text:
They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the scroll of the law of the LORD. They traveled to all the cities of Judah and taught the people.

normalized_text:
they taught throughout judah taking with them the scroll of the law of the lord they traveled to all the cities of judah and taught the people


text:
Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat tribute, including a load of silver. The Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks.

normalized_text:
some of the philistines brought jehoshaphat tribute including a load of silver the arabs brought him 7 700 rams and 7 700 goats from their flocks


text:
He had many supplies stored in the cities of Judah and an army of skilled warriors stationed in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
he had many supplies stored in the cities of judah and an army of skilled warriors stationed in jerusalem


text:
These were their divisions by families: There were a thousand officers from Judah. Adnah the commander led 300,000 skilled warriors,

normalized_text:
these were their divisions by families there were a thousand officers from judah adnah the commander led 300 000 skilled warriors


text:
These were the ones who served the king, besides those whom the king placed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.

normalized_text:
these were the ones who served the king besides those whom the king placed in the fortified cities throughout judah


text:
Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab Jehoshaphat was very wealthy and greatly respected. He made an alliance by marriage with Ahab,

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat allies with ahab jehoshaphat was very wealthy and greatly respected he made an alliance by marriage with ahab


text:
and after several years went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle to honor Jehoshaphat and those who came with him. He persuaded him to join in an attack against Ramoth Gilead.

normalized_text:
and after several years went down to visit ahab in samaria ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle to honor jehoshaphat and those who came with him he persuaded him to join in an attack against ramoth gilead


text:
King Ahab of Israel said to King Jehoshaphat of Judah,“Will you go with me to attack Ramoth Gilead?” He replied,“I will support you; my army is at your disposal and will support you in battle.”

normalized_text:
king ahab of israel said to king jehoshaphat of judah will you go with me to attack ramoth gilead he replied i will support you my army is at your disposal and will support you in battle


text:
So the king of Israel assembled 400 prophets and asked them,“Should we attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” They said,“Attack! God will hand it over to the king.”

normalized_text:
so the king of israel assembled 400 prophets and asked them should we attack ramoth gilead or not they said attack god 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 always disaster–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 always disaster 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 royal 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 royal 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 says,‘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 says 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:
Micaiah came before the king and the king asked him,“Micaiah, should we attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” He answered him,“Attack! You will succeed; they will be handed over to you.”

normalized_text:
micaiah came before the king and the king asked him micaiah should we attack ramoth gilead or not he answered him attack you will succeed they will be handed over to you


text:
Micaiah replied,“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 replied 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:
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 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 on his right and on his left


text:
The LORD said,‘Who will deceive King Ahab of Israel, so he will attack Ramoth Gilead and die there?’ One said this and another that.

normalized_text:
the lord said who will deceive king ahab of israel so he will attack ramoth gilead and die there one said this and another that


text:
Then a spirit stepped forward and stood before the LORD. He said,‘I will deceive him.’ The LORD asked him,‘How?’

normalized_text:
then a spirit stepped forward and stood before the lord he said i will deceive him the lord asked him how


text:
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:
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:
Say,‘This is what the king says:“Put this man in prison. Give him only a little bread and water until I return safely.”’”

normalized_text:
say this is what the king says put this man in prison give him only a little bread and water until i return safely


text:
Micaiah said,“If you really do return safely, then the LORD has not spoken through me!” Then he added,“Take note, all you people.”

normalized_text:
micaiah said if you really do return safely 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 the battle, but you wear your royal attire.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and they entered the battle.

normalized_text:
the king of israel said to jehoshaphat i will disguise myself and then enter the battle but you wear your royal attire so the king of israel disguised himself and they entered the battle


text:
Now the king of Syria had ordered his 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 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. The LORD helped him; God lured them away from him.

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 the lord helped him god lured them away from him


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, for I am 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 for i am wounded


text:
While the battle raged throughout the day, the king of Israel stood propped up in his chariot opposite the Syrians. He died in the evening as the sun was setting.

normalized_text:
while the battle raged throughout the day the king of israel stood propped up in his chariot opposite the syrians he died in the evening as the sun was setting


text:
the prophet Jehu son of Hanani confronted him; he said to King Jehoshaphat,“Is it right to help the wicked and be an ally of those who oppose the LORD? Because you have done this the LORD is angry with you!

normalized_text:
the prophet jehu son of hanani confronted him he said to king jehoshaphat is it right to help the wicked and be an ally of those who oppose the lord because you have done this the lord is angry with you


text:
Nevertheless you have done some good things; you removed the Asherah poles from the land and you were determined to follow God.”

normalized_text:
nevertheless you have done some good things you removed the asherah poles from the land and you were determined to follow god


text:
Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. He went out among the people from Beer Sheba to the hill country of Ephraim and encouraged them to follow the LORD God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat appoints judges jehoshaphat lived in jerusalem he went out among the people from beer sheba to the hill country of ephraim and encouraged them to follow the lord god of their ancestors


text:
He told the judges,“Be careful what you do, for you are not judging for men, but for the LORD, who will be with you when you make judicial decisions.

normalized_text:
he told the judges be careful what you do for you are not judging for men but for the lord who will be with you when you make judicial decisions


text:
Respect the LORD and make careful decisions, for the LORD our God disapproves of injustice, partiality, and bribery.”

normalized_text:
respect the lord and make careful decisions for the lord our god disapproves of injustice partiality and bribery


text:
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites, priests, and Israelite family leaders to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes among the residents of Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
in jerusalem jehoshaphat appointed some levites priests and israelite family leaders to judge on behalf of the lord and to settle disputes among the residents of jerusalem


text:
He commanded them:“Carry out your duties with respect for the LORD, with honesty, and with pure motives.

normalized_text:
he commanded them carry out your duties with respect for the lord with honesty and with pure motives


text:
Whenever your countrymen who live in the cities bring a case before you(whether it involves a violent crime or other matters related to the law, commandments, rules, and regulations), warn them that they must not sin against the LORD. If you fail to do so, God will be angry with you and your colleagues, but if you obey, you will be free of guilt.

normalized_text:
whenever your countrymen who live in the cities bring a case before you whether it involves a violent crime or other matters related to the law commandments rules and regulations warn them that they must not sin against the lord if you fail to do so god will be angry with you and your colleagues but if you obey you will be free of guilt


text:
Take note, Amariah the chief priest will oversee you in every matter pertaining to the LORD and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the family of Judah, in every matter pertaining to the king. The Levites will serve as officials before you. Act courageously! And may the LORD be with those who do well!”

normalized_text:
take note amariah the chief priest will oversee you in every matter pertaining to the lord and zebadiah son of ishmael the leader of the family of judah in every matter pertaining to the king the levites will serve as officials before you act courageously and may the lord be with those who do well


text:
The Lord Gives Jehoshaphat Military Success Later the Moabites and Ammonites, along with some of the Meunites, attacked Jehoshaphat.

normalized_text:
the lord gives jehoshaphat military success later the moabites and ammonites along with some of the meunites attacked jehoshaphat


text:
Messengers arrived and reported to Jehoshaphat,“A huge army is attacking you from the other side of the Dead Sea, from the direction of Edom. Look, they are in Hazezon Tamar(that is, En Gedi).”

normalized_text:
messengers arrived and reported to jehoshaphat a huge army is attacking you from the other side of the dead sea from the direction of edom look they are in hazezon tamar that is en gedi


text:
Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he decided to seek the LORD’s advice. He decreed that all Judah should observe a fast.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat was afraid so he decided to seek the lord s advice he decreed that all judah should observe a fast


text:
The people of Judah assembled to ask for the LORD’s help; they came from all the cities of Judah to ask for the LORD’s help.

normalized_text:
the people of judah assembled to ask for the lord s help they came from all the cities of judah to ask for the lord s help


text:
Jehoshaphat stood before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the LORD’s temple, in front of the new courtyard.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat stood before the assembly of judah and jerusalem at the lord s temple in front of the new courtyard


text:
He prayed:“O LORD God of our ancestors, you are the God who lives in heaven and rules over all the kingdoms of the nations. You possess strength and power; no one can stand against you.

normalized_text:
he prayed o lord god of our ancestors you are the god who lives in heaven and rules over all the kingdoms of the nations you possess strength and power no one can stand against you


text:
Our God, you drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and gave it as a permanent possession to the descendants of your friend Abraham.

normalized_text:
our god you drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people israel and gave it as a permanent possession to the descendants of your friend abraham


text:
‘If disaster comes on us in the form of military attack, judgment, plague, or famine, we will stand in front of this temple before you, for you are present in this temple. We will cry out to you for help in our distress, so that you will hear and deliver us.’

normalized_text:
if disaster comes on us in the form of military attack judgment plague or famine we will stand in front of this temple before you for you are present in this temple we will cry out to you for help in our distress so that you will hear and deliver us


text:
Now the Ammonites, Moabites, and men from Mount Seir are coming! When Israel came from the land of Egypt, you did not allow them to invade these lands. They bypassed them and did not destroy them.

normalized_text:
now the ammonites moabites and men from mount seir are coming when israel came from the land of egypt you did not allow them to invade these lands they bypassed them and did not destroy them


text:
Look how they are repaying us! They come to drive us out of our allotted land which you assigned to us!

normalized_text:
look how they are repaying us they come to drive us out of our allotted land which you assigned to us


text:
Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless against this huge army that attacks us! We don’t know what we should do; we look to you for help.”

normalized_text:
our god will you not judge them for we are powerless against this huge army that attacks us we don t know what we should do we look to you for help


text:
Then in the midst of the assembly, the LORD’s Spirit came upon Jachaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph.

normalized_text:
then in the midst of the assembly the lord s spirit came upon jachaziel son of zechariah son of benaiah son of jeiel son of mattaniah a levite and descendant of asaph


text:
He said:“Pay attention, all you people of Judah, residents of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says to you:‘Don’t be afraid and don’t panic because of this huge army! For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

normalized_text:
he said pay attention all you people of judah residents of jerusalem and king jehoshaphat this is what the lord says to you don t be afraid and don t panic because of this huge army for the battle is not yours but god s


text:
Tomorrow march down against them as they come up the Ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the ravine in front of the wilderness of Jeruel.

normalized_text:
tomorrow march down against them as they come up the ascent of ziz you will find them at the end of the ravine in front of the wilderness of jeruel


text:
You will not fight in this battle. Take your positions, stand, and watch the LORD deliver you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! Tomorrow march out toward them; the LORD is with you!’”

normalized_text:
you will not fight in this battle take your positions stand and watch the lord deliver you o judah and jerusalem don t be afraid and don t panic tomorrow march out toward them the lord is with you


text:
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face toward the ground, and all the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD and worshiped him.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat bowed down with his face toward the ground and all the people of judah and the residents of jerusalem fell down before the lord and worshiped him


text:
Then some Levites, from the Kohathites and Korahites, got up and loudly praised the LORD God of Israel.

normalized_text:
then some levites from the kohathites and korahites got up and loudly praised the lord god of israel


text:
Early the next morning they marched out to the wilderness of Tekoa. When they were ready to march, Jehoshaphat stood up and said:“Listen to me, you people of Judah and residents of Jerusalem! Trust in the LORD your God and you will be safe! Trust in the message of his prophets and you will win.”

normalized_text:
early the next morning they marched out to the wilderness of tekoa when they were ready to march jehoshaphat stood up and said listen to me you people of judah and residents of jerusalem trust in the lord your god and you will be safe trust in the message of his prophets and you will win


text:
He met with the people and appointed musicians to play before the LORD and praise his majestic splendor. As they marched ahead of the warriors they said:“Give thanks to the LORD, for his loyal love endures.”

normalized_text:
he met with the people and appointed musicians to play before the lord and praise his majestic splendor as they marched ahead of the warriors they said give thanks to the lord for his loyal love endures


text:
When they began to shout and praise, the LORD suddenly attacked the Ammonites, Moabites, and men from Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

normalized_text:
when they began to shout and praise the lord suddenly attacked the ammonites moabites and men from mount seir who were invading judah and they were defeated


text:
The Ammonites and Moabites attacked the men from Mount Seir and annihilated them. When they had finished off the men of Seir, they attacked and destroyed one another.

normalized_text:
the ammonites and moabites attacked the men from mount seir and annihilated them when they had finished off the men of seir they attacked and destroyed one another


text:
When the men of Judah arrived at the observation post overlooking the wilderness and looked at the huge army, they saw dead bodies on the ground; there were no survivors!

normalized_text:
when the men of judah arrived at the observation post overlooking the wilderness and looked at the huge army they saw dead bodies on the ground there were no survivors


text:
Jehoshaphat and his men went to gather the plunder; they found a huge amount of supplies, clothing, and valuable items. They carried away everything they could. There was so much plunder, it took them three days to haul it off.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat and his men went to gather the plunder they found a huge amount of supplies clothing and valuable items they carried away everything they could there was so much plunder it took them three days to haul it off


text:
On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, where they praised the LORD. So that place is called the Valley of Berachah to this very day.

normalized_text:
on the fourth day they assembled in the valley of berachah where they praised the lord so that place is called the valley of berachah to this very day


text:
Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem with Jehoshaphat leading them; the LORD had given them reason to rejoice over their enemies.

normalized_text:
then all the men of judah and jerusalem returned joyfully to jerusalem with jehoshaphat leading them the lord had given them reason to rejoice over their enemies


text:
They entered Jerusalem to the sound of stringed instruments and trumpets and proceeded to the temple of the LORD.

normalized_text:
they entered jerusalem to the sound of stringed instruments and trumpets and proceeded to the temple of the lord


text:
All the kingdoms of the surrounding lands were afraid of God when they heard how the LORD had fought against Israel’s enemies.

normalized_text:
all the kingdoms of the surrounding lands were afraid of god when they heard how the lord had fought against israel s enemies


text:
Jehoshaphat’s Reign Ends Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He 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 s reign ends jehoshaphat reigned over judah he 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:
However, the high places were not eliminated; the people were still not devoted to the God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
however the high places were not eliminated the people were still not devoted to the god of their ancestors


text:
The rest of the events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, from start to finish, are recorded in the Annals of Jehu son of Hanani, which are included in the Scroll of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of jehoshaphat s reign from start to finish are recorded in the annals of jehu son of hanani which are included in the scroll of the kings of israel


text:
Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat,“Because you made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will shatter what you have made.” The ships were wrecked and unable to go to sea.

normalized_text:
eliezer son of dodavahu from mareshah prophesied against jehoshaphat because you made an alliance with ahaziah the lord will shatter what you have made the ships were wrecked and unable to go to sea


text:
Jehoshaphat passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. His son Jehoram replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
jehoshaphat passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the city of david his son jehoram replaced him as king


text:
Jehoram’s Reign His brothers, Jehoshaphat’s sons, were Azariah, Jechiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, Michael, and Shephatiah. All of these were sons of King Jehoshaphat of Israel.

normalized_text:
jehoram s reign his brothers jehoshaphat s sons were azariah jechiel zechariah azariahu michael and shephatiah all of these were sons of king jehoshaphat of israel


text:
Their father gave them many presents, including silver, gold, and other precious items, along with fortified cities in Judah. But he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

normalized_text:
their father gave them many presents including silver gold and other precious items along with fortified cities in judah but he gave the kingdom to jehoram because he was the firstborn


text:
Jehoram took control of his father’s kingdom and became powerful. Then he killed all his brothers, as well as some of the officials of Israel.

normalized_text:
jehoram took control of his father s kingdom and became powerful then he killed all his brothers as well as some of the officials of israel


text:
But the LORD was unwilling to destroy David’s dynasty because of the promise he had made to give David a perpetual dynasty.

normalized_text:
but the lord was unwilling to destroy david s dynasty because of the promise he had made to give david a perpetual dynasty


text:
Jehoram crossed over with his officers and all his chariots. The Edomites, who had surrounded him, attacked at night and defeated him and his chariot officers.

normalized_text:
jehoram crossed over with his officers and all his chariots the edomites who had surrounded him attacked at night and defeated him and his chariot officers


text:
So Edom has remained free from Judah’s control to this very day. At that same time Libnah also rebelled and freed themselves from Judah’s control because Jehoram rejected the LORD God of his ancestors.

normalized_text:
so edom has remained free from judah s control to this very day at that same time libnah also rebelled and freed themselves from judah s control because jehoram rejected the lord god of his ancestors


text:
He also built high places on the hills of Judah; he encouraged the residents of Jerusalem to be unfaithful to the LORD and led Judah away from the LORD.

normalized_text:
he also built high places on the hills of judah he encouraged the residents of jerusalem to be unfaithful to the lord and led judah away from the lord


text:
Jehoram received this letter from Elijah the prophet:“This is what the LORD God of your ancestor David says:‘You have not followed in the footsteps of your father Jehoshaphat and of King Asa of Judah,

normalized_text:
jehoram received this letter from elijah the prophet this is what the lord god of your ancestor david says you have not followed in the footsteps of your father jehoshaphat and of king asa of judah


text:
but have instead followed in the footsteps of the kings of Israel. You encouraged the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem to be unfaithful to the LORD, just as the family of Ahab does in Israel. You also killed your brothers, members of your father’s family, who were better than you.

normalized_text:
but have instead followed in the footsteps of the kings of israel you encouraged the people of judah and the residents of jerusalem to be unfaithful to the lord just as the family of ahab does in israel you also killed your brothers members of your father s family who were better than you


normalized_text: and you will get a serious chronic intestinal disease which will cause your intestines to come out
text:
And you will get a serious, chronic intestinal disease which will cause your intestines to come out.”


text:
They attacked Judah and swept through it. They carried off everything they found in the royal palace, including his sons and wives. None of his sons was left, except for his youngest, Ahaziah.

normalized_text:
they attacked judah and swept through it they carried off everything they found in the royal palace including his sons and wives none of his sons was left except for his youngest ahaziah


text:
After about two years his intestines came out because of the disease, so that he died a very painful death. His people did not make a bonfire to honor him, as they had done for his ancestors.

normalized_text:
after about two years his intestines came out because of the disease so that he died a very painful death his people did not make a bonfire to honor him as they had done for his ancestors


text:
Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. No one regretted his death; he was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal tombs.

normalized_text:
jehoram was thirty two years old when he became king and he reigned eight years in jerusalem no one regretted his death he was buried in the city of david but not in the royal tombs


text:
Ahaziah’s Reign The residents of Jerusalem made his youngest son Ahaziah king in his place, for the raiding party that invaded the camp with the Arabs had killed all the older sons. So Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah.

normalized_text:
ahaziah s reign the residents of jerusalem made his youngest son ahaziah king in his place for the raiding party that invaded the camp with the arabs had killed all the older sons so ahaziah son of jehoram became king of judah


text:
Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king and he reigned for one year in Jerusalem. His mother was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri.

normalized_text:
ahaziah was twenty two years old when he became king and he reigned for one year in jerusalem his mother was athaliah the granddaughter of omri


text:
He did evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab’s dynasty because, after his father’s death, they gave him advice that led to his destruction.

normalized_text:
he did evil in the sight of the lord like ahab s dynasty because after his father s death they gave him advice that led to his destruction


text:
He followed their advice and joined Ahab’s son King Joram of Israel in a battle against King Hazael of Syria at Ramoth Gilead in which the Syrians defeated Joram.

normalized_text:
he followed their advice and joined ahab s son king joram of israel in a battle against king hazael of syria at ramoth gilead in which the syrians defeated joram


text:
Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he received from the Syrians in Ramah when he fought against King Hazael of Syria. Ahaziah son of King Jehoram of Judah went down to visit Joram son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he had been wounded.

normalized_text:
joram returned to jezreel to recover from the wounds he received from the syrians in ramah when he fought against king hazael of syria ahaziah son of king jehoram of judah went down to visit joram son of ahab in jezreel because he had been wounded


text:
God brought about Ahaziah’s downfall through his visit to Joram. When Ahaziah arrived, he went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had commissioned to wipe out Ahab’s family.

normalized_text:
god brought about ahaziah s downfall through his visit to joram when ahaziah arrived he went out with joram to meet jehu son of nimshi whom the lord had commissioned to wipe out ahab s family


text:
While Jehu was dishing out punishment to Ahab’s family, he discovered the officials of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s relatives who were serving Ahaziah and killed them.

normalized_text:
while jehu was dishing out punishment to ahab s family he discovered the officials of judah and the sons of ahaziah s relatives who were serving ahaziah and killed them


text:
He looked for Ahaziah, who was captured while hiding in Samaria. They brought him to Jehu and then executed him. They did give him a burial, for they reasoned,“He is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with his whole heart.” There was no one in Ahaziah’s family strong enough to rule in his place.

normalized_text:
he looked for ahaziah who was captured while hiding in samaria they brought him to jehu and then executed him they did give him a burial for they reasoned he is the son of jehoshaphat who sought the lord with his whole heart there was no one in ahaziah s family strong enough to rule in his place


text:
Athaliah is Eliminated When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she was determined to destroy the entire royal line of Judah.

normalized_text:
athaliah is eliminated when athaliah the mother of ahaziah saw that her son was dead she was determined to destroy the entire royal line of judah


text:
So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Ahaziah’s son Joash and stole him away from the rest of the royal descendants who were to be executed. She hid him and his nurse in the room where the bed covers were stored. So Jehoshabeath the daughter of King Jehoram, wife of Jehoiada the priest and sister of Ahaziah, hid him from Athaliah so she could not execute him.

normalized_text:
so jehoshabeath the daughter of king jehoram took ahaziah s son joash and stole him away from the rest of the royal descendants who were to be executed she hid him and his nurse in the room where the bed covers were stored so jehoshabeath the daughter of king jehoram wife of jehoiada the priest and sister of ahaziah hid him from athaliah so she could not execute him


text:
In the seventh year Jehoiada made a bold move. He made a pact with the officers of the units of hundreds: Azariah son of Jehoram, Ishmael son of Jehochanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zikri.

normalized_text:
in the seventh year jehoiada made a bold move he made a pact with the officers of the units of hundreds azariah son of jehoram ishmael son of jehochanan azariah son of obed maaseiah son of adaiah and elishaphat son of zikri


text:
They traveled throughout Judah and assembled the Levites from all the cities of Judah, as well as the Israelite family leaders.They came to Jerusalem,

normalized_text:
they traveled throughout judah and assembled the levites from all the cities of judah as well as the israelite family leaders they came to jerusalem


text:
and the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the temple of God. Jehoiada said to them,“The king’s son will rule, just as the LORD promised David’s descendants.

normalized_text:
and the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the temple of god jehoiada said to them the king s son will rule just as the lord promised david s descendants


text:
This is what you must do. One third of you priests and Levites who are on duty during the Sabbath will guard the doors.

normalized_text:
this is what you must do one third of you priests and levites who are on duty during the sabbath will guard the doors


text:
Another third of you will be stationed at the royal palace and still another third at the Foundation Gate. All the others will stand in the courtyards of the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
another third of you will be stationed at the royal palace and still another third at the foundation gate all the others will stand in the courtyards of the lord s temple


text:
No one must enter the LORD’s temple except the priests and Levites who are on duty. They may enter because they are ceremonially pure. All the others should carry out their assigned service to the LORD.

normalized_text:
no one must enter the lord s temple except the priests and levites who are on duty they may enter because they are ceremonially pure all the others should carry out their assigned service to the lord


text:
The Levites must surround the king. Each of you must hold his weapon in his hand. Whoever tries to enter the temple must be killed. You must accompany the king wherever he goes.”

normalized_text:
the levites must surround the king each of you must hold his weapon in his hand whoever tries to enter the temple must be killed you must accompany the king wherever he goes


text:
The Levites and all the men of Judah did just as Jehoiada the priest ordered. Each of them took his men, those who were on duty during the Sabbath as well as those who were off duty on the Sabbath. Jehoiada the priest did not release his divisions from their duties.

normalized_text:
the levites and all the men of judah did just as jehoiada the priest ordered each of them took his men those who were on duty during the sabbath as well as those who were off duty on the sabbath jehoiada the priest did not release his divisions from their duties


text:
Jehoiada the priest gave to the officers of the units of hundreds King David’s spears and shields that were kept in God’s temple.

normalized_text:
jehoiada the priest gave to the officers of the units of hundreds king david s spears and shields that were kept in god s temple


text:
He placed the men at their posts, each holding his weapon in his hand. They lined up from the south side of the temple to the north side and stood near the altar and the temple, surrounding the king.

normalized_text:
he placed the men at their posts each holding his weapon in his hand they lined up from the south side of the temple to the north side and stood near the altar and the temple surrounding the king


text:
Jehoiada and his sons led out the king’s son and placed on him the crown and the royal insignia. They proclaimed him king and poured olive oil on his head. They declared,“Long live the king!”

normalized_text:
jehoiada and his sons led out the king s son and placed on him the crown and the royal insignia they proclaimed him king and poured olive oil on his head they declared long live the king


text:
When Athaliah heard the royal guard shouting and praising the king, she joined the crowd at the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
when athaliah heard the royal guard shouting and praising the king she joined the crowd at the lord s temple


text:
Then she saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters stood beside the king and all the people of the land were celebrating and blowing trumpets, and the musicians with various instruments were leading the celebration. Athaliah tore her clothes and yelled,“Treason! Treason!”

normalized_text:
then she saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance the officers and trumpeters stood beside the king and all the people of the land were celebrating and blowing trumpets and the musicians with various instruments were leading the celebration athaliah tore her clothes and yelled treason treason


text:
Jehoiada the priest sent out the officers of the units of hundreds, who were in charge of the army, and ordered them,“Bring her outside the temple to the guards. Put the sword to anyone who follows her.” The priest gave this order because he had decided she should not be executed in the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
jehoiada the priest sent out the officers of the units of hundreds who were in charge of the army and ordered them bring her outside the temple to the guards put the sword to anyone who follows her the priest gave this order because he had decided she should not be executed in the lord s temple


text:
They seized her and took her into the precincts of the royal palace through the horses’ entrance. There they executed her.

normalized_text:
they seized her and took her into the precincts of the royal palace through the horses entrance there they executed her


text:
Jehoiada then drew up a covenant stipulating that he, all the people, and the king should be loyal to the LORD.

normalized_text:
jehoiada then drew up a covenant stipulating that he all the people and the king should be loyal to the lord


text:
All the people went and demolished the temple of Baal. They smashed its altars and idols. They killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.

normalized_text:
all the people went and demolished the temple of baal they smashed its altars and idols they killed mattan the priest of baal in front of the altars


text:
Jehoiada then assigned the duties of the LORD’s temple to the priests, the Levites whom David had assigned to the LORD’s temple. They were responsible for offering burnt sacrifices to the LORD with joy and music, according to the law of Moses and the edict of David.

normalized_text:
jehoiada then assigned the duties of the lord s temple to the priests the levites whom david had assigned to the lord s temple they were responsible for offering burnt sacrifices to the lord with joy and music according to the law of moses and the edict of david


text:
He posted guards at the gates of the LORD’s temple, so no one who was ceremonially unclean in any way could enter.

normalized_text:
he posted guards at the gates of the lord s temple so no one who was ceremonially unclean in any way could enter


text:
He summoned the officers of the units of hundreds, the nobles, the rulers of the people, and all the people of the land, and he then led the king down from the LORD’s temple. They entered the royal palace through the Upper Gate and seated the king on the royal throne.

normalized_text:
he summoned the officers of the units of hundreds the nobles the rulers of the people and all the people of the land and he then led the king down from the lord s temple they entered the royal palace through the upper gate and seated the king on the royal throne


text:
Joash’s Reign Joash was seven years old when he began to reign. He reigned for forty years in Jerusalem. His mother was Zibiah, who was from Beer Sheba.

normalized_text:
joash s reign joash was seven years old when he began to reign he reigned for forty years in jerusalem his mother was zibiah who was from beer sheba


text:
He assembled the priests and Levites and ordered them,“Go out to the cities of Judah and collect the annual quota of silver from all Israel for repairs on the temple of your God. Be quick about it!” But the Levites delayed.

normalized_text:
he assembled the priests and levites and ordered them go out to the cities of judah and collect the annual quota of silver from all israel for repairs on the temple of your god be quick about it but the levites delayed


text:
So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief priest, and said to him,“Why have you not made the Levites collect from Judah and Jerusalem the tax authorized by Moses the LORD’s servant and by the assembly of Israel at the tent containing the tablets of the law?”

normalized_text:
so the king summoned jehoiada the chief priest and said to him why have you not made the levites collect from judah and jerusalem the tax authorized by moses the lord s servant and by the assembly of israel at the tent containing the tablets of the law


text:
(Wicked Athaliah and her sons had broken into God’s temple and used all the holy items of the LORD’s temple in their worship of the Baals.)

normalized_text:
wicked athaliah and her sons had broken into god s temple and used all the holy items of the lord s temple in their worship of the baals


text:
An edict was sent throughout Judah and Jerusalem requiring the people to bring to the LORD the tax that Moses, God’s servant, imposed on Israel in the wilderness.

normalized_text:
an edict was sent throughout judah and jerusalem requiring the people to bring to the lord the tax that moses god s servant imposed on israel in the wilderness


text:
All the officials and all the people gladly brought their silver and threw it into the chest until it was full.

normalized_text:
all the officials and all the people gladly brought their silver and threw it into the chest until it was full


text:
Whenever the Levites brought the chest to the royal accountant and they saw there was a lot of silver, the royal scribe and the accountant of the high priest emptied the chest and then took it back to its place. They went through this routine every day and collected a large amount of silver.

normalized_text:
whenever the levites brought the chest to the royal accountant and they saw there was a lot of silver the royal scribe and the accountant of the high priest emptied the chest and then took it back to its place they went through this routine every day and collected a large amount of silver


text:
The king and Jehoiada gave it to the construction foremen assigned to the LORD’s temple. They hired carpenters and craftsmen to repair the LORD’s temple, as well as those skilled in working with iron and bronze to restore the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
the king and jehoiada gave it to the construction foremen assigned to the lord s temple they hired carpenters and craftsmen to repair the lord s temple as well as those skilled in working with iron and bronze to restore the lord s temple


text:
They worked hard and made the repairs. They followed the measurements specified for God’s temple and restored it.

normalized_text:
they worked hard and made the repairs they followed the measurements specified for god s temple and restored it


text:
When they were finished, they brought the rest of the silver to the king and Jehoiada. They used it to make items for the LORD’s temple, including items used in the temple service and for burnt sacrifices, pans, and various other gold and silver items. Throughout Jehoiada’s lifetime, burnt sacrifices were offered regularly in the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
when they were finished they brought the rest of the silver to the king and jehoiada they used it to make items for the lord s temple including items used in the temple service and for burnt sacrifices pans and various other gold and silver items throughout jehoiada s lifetime burnt sacrifices were offered regularly in the lord s temple


text:
He was buried in the City of David with the kings, because he had accomplished good in Israel and for God and his temple.

normalized_text:
he was buried in the city of david with the kings because he had accomplished good in israel and for god and his temple


text:
After Jehoiada died, the officials of Judah visited the king and declared their loyalty to him. The king listened to their advice.

normalized_text:
after jehoiada died the officials of judah visited the king and declared their loyalty to him the king listened to their advice


text:
They abandoned the temple of the LORD God of their ancestors, and worshiped the Asherah poles and idols. Because of this sinful activity, God was angry with Judah and Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
they abandoned the temple of the lord god of their ancestors and worshiped the asherah poles and idols because of this sinful activity god was angry with judah and jerusalem


text:
The LORD sent prophets among them to lead them back to him. They warned the people, but they would not pay attention.

normalized_text:
the lord sent prophets among them to lead them back to him they warned the people but they would not pay attention


text:
God’s Spirit energized Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood up before the people and said to them,“This is what God says:‘Why are you violating the commands of the LORD? You will not be prosperous! Because you have rejected the LORD, he has rejected you!’”

normalized_text:
god s spirit energized zechariah son of jehoiada the priest he stood up before the people and said to them this is what god says why are you violating the commands of the lord you will not be prosperous because you have rejected the lord he has rejected you


text:
They plotted against him and by royal decree stoned him to death in the courtyard of the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
they plotted against him and by royal decree stoned him to death in the courtyard of the lord s temple


text:
King Joash disregarded the loyalty his father Jehoiada had shown him and killed Jehoiada’s son. As Zechariah was dying, he said,“May the LORD take notice and seek vengeance!”

normalized_text:
king joash disregarded the loyalty his father jehoiada had shown him and killed jehoiada s son as zechariah was dying he said may the lord take notice and seek vengeance


text:
At the beginning of the year the Syrian army attacked Joash and invaded Judah and Jerusalem. They wiped out all the leaders of the people and sent all the plunder they gathered to the king of Damascus.

normalized_text:
at the beginning of the year the syrian army attacked joash and invaded judah and jerusalem they wiped out all the leaders of the people and sent all the plunder they gathered to the king of damascus


text:
Even though the invading Syrian army was relatively weak, the LORD handed over to them Judah’s very large army, for the people of Judah had abandoned the LORD God of their ancestors. The Syrians gave Joash what he deserved.

normalized_text:
even though the invading syrian army was relatively weak the lord handed over to them judah s very large army for the people of judah had abandoned the lord god of their ancestors the syrians gave joash what he deserved


text:
When they withdrew, they left Joash badly wounded. His servants plotted against him because of what he had done to the son of Jehoiada the priest. They murdered him on his bed. Thus he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

normalized_text:
when they withdrew they left joash badly wounded his servants plotted against him because of what he had done to the son of jehoiada the priest they murdered him on his bed thus he died and was buried in the city of david but not in the tombs of the kings


text:
The conspirators were Zabad son of Shimeath(an Ammonite woman) and Jehozabad son of Shimrith(a Moabite woman).

normalized_text:
the conspirators were zabad son of shimeath an ammonite woman and jehozabad son of shimrith a moabite woman


text:
The list of Joash’s sons, the many prophetic oracles about him, and the account of his building project on God’s temple are included in the record of the Scroll of the Kings. His son Amaziah replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
the list of joash s sons the many prophetic oracles about him and the account of his building project on god s temple are included in the record of the scroll of the kings his son amaziah replaced him as king


text:
Amaziah’s Reign Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother was Jehoaddan, who was from Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
amaziah s reign amaziah was twenty five years old when he began to reign and he reigned for twenty nine years in jerusalem his mother was jehoaddan who was from jerusalem


text:
When he had secured control of the kingdom, he executed the servants who had assassinated his father the king.

normalized_text:
when he had secured control of the kingdom he executed the servants who had assassinated his father the king


text:
However, he did not execute their sons. He obeyed the LORD’s commandment as recorded in the law scroll of Moses,“Fathers must not be executed for what their sons do, and sons must not be executed for what their fathers do. A man must be executed only for his own sin.”

normalized_text:
however he did not execute their sons he obeyed the lord s commandment as recorded in the law scroll of moses fathers must not be executed for what their sons do and sons must not be executed for what their fathers do a man must be executed only for his own sin


text:
Amaziah assembled the people of Judah and assigned them by families to the commanders of units of a thousand and the commanders of units of a hundred for all Judah and Benjamin. He counted those twenty years old and up and discovered there were 300,000 young men of fighting age equipped with spears and shields.

normalized_text:
amaziah assembled the people of judah and assigned them by families to the commanders of units of a thousand and the commanders of units of a hundred for all judah and benjamin he counted those twenty years old and up and discovered there were 300 000 young men of fighting age equipped with spears and shields


text:
But a prophet visited him and said:“O king, the Israelite troops must not go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel or any of the Ephraimites.

normalized_text:
but a prophet visited him and said o king the israelite troops must not go with you for the lord is not with israel or any of the ephraimites


text:
Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will defeat you before the enemy. God is capable of helping or defeating.”

normalized_text:
even if you go and fight bravely in battle god will defeat you before the enemy god is capable of helping or defeating


text:
Amaziah asked the prophet:“But what should I do about the hundred talents of silver I paid the Israelite troops?” The prophet replied,“The LORD is capable of giving you more than that.”

normalized_text:
amaziah asked the prophet but what should i do about the hundred talents of silver i paid the israelite troops the prophet replied the lord is capable of giving you more than that


text:
So Amaziah dismissed the troops that had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. They were very angry at Judah and returned home incensed.

normalized_text:
so amaziah dismissed the troops that had come to him from ephraim and sent them home they were very angry at judah and returned home incensed


text:
The men of Judah captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them over. All the captives fell to their death.

normalized_text:
the men of judah captured 10 000 men alive they took them to the top of a cliff and threw them over all the captives fell to their death


text:
Now the troops Amaziah had dismissed and had not allowed to fight in the battle raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to Beth Horon. They killed 3,000 people and carried off a large amount of plunder.

normalized_text:
now the troops amaziah had dismissed and had not allowed to fight in the battle raided the cities of judah from samaria to beth horon they killed 3 000 people and carried off a large amount of plunder


text:
When Amaziah returned from defeating the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir and made them his personal gods. He bowed down before them and offered them sacrifices.

normalized_text:
when amaziah returned from defeating the edomites he brought back the gods of the people of seir and made them his personal gods he bowed down before them and offered them sacrifices


text:
The LORD was angry at Amaziah and sent a prophet to him, who said,“Why are you following these gods that could not deliver their own people from your power?”

normalized_text:
the lord was angry at amaziah and sent a prophet to him who said why are you following these gods that could not deliver their own people from your power


text:
While he was speaking, Amaziah said to him,“Did we appoint you to be a royal counselor? Stop prophesying or else you will be killed!” So the prophet stopped, but added,“I know that God has decided to destroy you, because you have done this thing and refused to listen to my advice.”

normalized_text:
while he was speaking amaziah said to him did we appoint you to be a royal counselor stop prophesying or else you will be killed so the prophet stopped but added i know that god has decided to destroy you because you have done this thing and refused to listen to my advice


text:
After King Amaziah of Judah consulted with his advisers, he sent this message to the king of Israel, Joash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu,“Come, face me on the battlefield.”

normalized_text:
after king amaziah of judah consulted with his advisers he sent this message to the king of israel joash son of jehoahaz the son of jehu come face me on the battlefield


text:
King Joash of Israel sent this message back to King Amaziah of Judah,“A thorn bush in Lebanon sent this message to a cedar in Lebanon,‘Give your daughter to my son as a wife.’ Then a wild animal of Lebanon came by and trampled down the thorn bush.

normalized_text:
king joash of israel sent this message back to king amaziah of judah a thorn bush in lebanon sent this message to a cedar in lebanon give your daughter to my son as a wife then a wild animal of lebanon came by and trampled down the thorn bush


text:
You defeated Edom and it has gone to your head. Gloat over your success, but stay in your palace. Why bring calamity on yourself? Why bring down yourself and Judah along with you?”

normalized_text:
you defeated edom and it has gone to your head gloat over your success but stay in your palace why bring calamity on yourself why bring down yourself and judah along with you


text:
But Amaziah did not heed the warning, for God wanted to hand them over to Joash because they followed the gods of Edom.

normalized_text:
but amaziah did not heed the warning for god wanted to hand them over to joash because they followed the gods of edom


text:
So King Joash of Israel attacked. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other on the battlefield in Beth Shemesh of Judah.

normalized_text:
so king joash of israel attacked he and king amaziah of judah faced each other on the battlefield in beth shemesh of judah


text:
King Joash of Israel captured King Amaziah of Judah, son of Joash son of Jehoahaz, in Beth Shemesh and brought him to Jerusalem. He broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate– a distance of about six hundred feet.

normalized_text:
king joash of israel captured king amaziah of judah son of joash son of jehoahaz in beth shemesh and brought him to jerusalem he broke down the wall of jerusalem from the gate of ephraim to the corner gate a distance of about six hundred feet


text:
He took away all the gold and silver, all the items found in God’s temple that were in the care of Obed-Edom, the riches in the royal palace, and some hostages. Then he went back to Samaria.

normalized_text:
he took away all the gold and silver all the items found in god s temple that were in the care of obed edom the riches in the royal palace and some hostages then he went back to samaria


text:
King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of King Joash son of Jehoahaz of Israel.

normalized_text:
king amaziah son of joash of judah lived for fifteen years after the death of king joash son of jehoahaz of israel


text:
The rest of the events of Amaziah’s reign, from start to finish, are recorded in the Scroll of the Kings of Judah and Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of amaziah s reign from start to finish are recorded in the scroll of the kings of judah and israel


text:
From the time Amaziah turned from following the LORD, conspirators plotted against him in Jerusalem, so he fled to Lachish. But they sent assassins after him and they killed him there.

normalized_text:
from the time amaziah turned from following the lord conspirators plotted against him in jerusalem so he fled to lachish but they sent assassins after him and they killed him there


text:
Uzziah’s Reign All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in his father Amaziah’s place.

normalized_text:
uzziah s reign all the people of judah took uzziah who was sixteen years old and made him king in his father amaziah s place


text:
Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah, who was from Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign and he reigned for fifty two years in jerusalem his mother s name was jecholiah who was from jerusalem


text:
He followed God during the lifetime of Zechariah, who taught him how to honor God. As long as he followed the LORD, God caused him to succeed.

normalized_text:
he followed god during the lifetime of zechariah who taught him how to honor god as long as he followed the lord god caused him to succeed


text:
Uzziah attacked the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. He built cities in the region of Ashdod and throughout Philistine territory.

normalized_text:
uzziah attacked the philistines and broke down the walls of gath jabneh and ashdod he built cities in the region of ashdod and throughout philistine territory


text:
God helped him in his campaigns against the Philistines, the Arabs living in Gur Baal, and the Meunites.

normalized_text:
god helped him in his campaigns against the philistines the arabs living in gur baal and the meunites


normalized_text: the ammonites paid tribute to uzziah and his fame reached the border of egypt for he grew in power
text:
The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah and his fame reached the border of Egypt, for he grew in power.


text:
He built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, for he owned many herds in the foothills and on the plain. He had workers in the fields and vineyards in the hills and in Carmel, for he loved agriculture.

normalized_text:
he built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns for he owned many herds in the foothills and on the plain he had workers in the fields and vineyards in the hills and in carmel for he loved agriculture


text:
Uzziah had an army of skilled warriors trained for battle. They were organized by divisions according to the muster rolls made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the authority of Hananiah, a royal official.

normalized_text:
uzziah had an army of skilled warriors trained for battle they were organized by divisions according to the muster rolls made by jeiel the scribe and maaseiah the officer under the authority of hananiah a royal official


text:
They commanded an army of 307,500 skilled and able warriors who were ready to defend the king against his enemies.

normalized_text:
they commanded an army of 307 500 skilled and able warriors who were ready to defend the king against his enemies


text:
In Jerusalem he made war machines carefully designed to shoot arrows and large stones from the towers and corners of the walls. He became very famous, for he received tremendous support and became powerful.

normalized_text:
in jerusalem he made war machines carefully designed to shoot arrows and large stones from the towers and corners of the walls he became very famous for he received tremendous support and became powerful


text:
But once he became powerful, his pride destroyed him. He disobeyed the LORD his God. He entered the LORD’s temple to offer incense on the incense altar.

normalized_text:
but once he became powerful his pride destroyed him he disobeyed the lord his god he entered the lord s temple to offer incense on the incense altar


text:
They confronted King Uzziah and said to him,“It is not proper for you, Uzziah, to offer incense to the LORD. That is the responsibility of the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who are consecrated to offer incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have disobeyed and the LORD God will not honor you!”

normalized_text:
they confronted king uzziah and said to him it is not proper for you uzziah to offer incense to the lord that is the responsibility of the priests the descendants of aaron who are consecrated to offer incense leave the sanctuary for you have disobeyed and the lord god will not honor you


text:
Uzziah, who had an incense censer in his hand, became angry. While he was ranting and raving at the priests, a skin disease appeared on his forehead right there in front of the priests in the LORD’s temple near the incense altar.

normalized_text:
uzziah who had an incense censer in his hand became angry while he was ranting and raving at the priests a skin disease appeared on his forehead right there in front of the priests in the lord s temple near the incense altar


text:
When Azariah the high priest and the other priests looked at him, there was a skin disease on his forehead. They hurried him out of there; even the king himself wanted to leave quickly because the LORD had afflicted him.

normalized_text:
when azariah the high priest and the other priests looked at him there was a skin disease on his forehead they hurried him out of there even the king himself wanted to leave quickly because the lord had afflicted him


text:
King Uzziah suffered from a skin disease until the day he died. He lived in separate quarters, afflicted by a skin disease and banned from the LORD’s temple. His son Jotham was in charge of the palace and ruled over the people of the land.

normalized_text:
king uzziah suffered from a skin disease until the day he died he lived in separate quarters afflicted by a skin disease and banned from the lord s temple his son jotham was in charge of the palace and ruled over the people of the land


text:
The rest of the events of Uzziah’s reign, from start to finish, were recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of uzziah s reign from start to finish were recorded by the prophet isaiah son of amoz


text:
Uzziah passed away and was buried near his ancestors in a cemetery belonging to the kings.(This was because he had a skin disease.) His son Jotham replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
uzziah passed away and was buried near his ancestors in a cemetery belonging to the kings this was because he had a skin disease his son jotham replaced him as king


text:
Jotham’s Reign Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok.

normalized_text:
jotham s reign jotham was twenty five years old when he began to reign and he reigned for sixteen years in jerusalem his mother was jerusha the daughter of zadok


text:
He did what the LORD approved, just as his father Uzziah had done.(He did not, however, have the audacity to enter the temple.) Yet the people were still sinning.

normalized_text:
he did what the lord approved just as his father uzziah had done he did not however have the audacity to enter the temple yet the people were still sinning


text:
He built the Upper Gate to the LORD’s temple and did a lot of work on the wall in the area known as Ophel.

normalized_text:
he built the upper gate to the lord s temple and did a lot of work on the wall in the area known as ophel


text:
He launched a military campaign against the king of the Ammonites and defeated them. That year the Ammonites paid him 100 talents of silver, 10,000 cors of wheat, and 10,000 cors of barley. The Ammonites also paid this same amount of annual tribute the next two years.

normalized_text:
he launched a military campaign against the king of the ammonites and defeated them that year the ammonites paid him 100 talents of silver 10 000 cors of wheat and 10 000 cors of barley the ammonites also paid this same amount of annual tribute the next two years


text:
The rest of the events of Jotham’s reign, including all his military campaigns and his accomplishments, are recorded in the scroll of the kings of Israel and Judah.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of jotham s reign including all his military campaigns and his accomplishments are recorded in the scroll of the kings of israel and judah


text:
Ahaz’s Reign Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. He did not do what pleased the LORD, in contrast to his ancestor David.

normalized_text:
ahaz s reign ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign and he reigned for sixteen years in jerusalem he did not do what pleased the lord in contrast to his ancestor david


text:
He offered sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and passed his sons through the fire, a horrible sin practiced by the nations whom the LORD drove out before the Israelites.

normalized_text:
he offered sacrifices in the valley of ben hinnom and passed his sons through the fire a horrible sin practiced by the nations whom the lord drove out before the israelites


text:
The LORD his God handed him over to the king of Syria. The Syrians defeated him and deported many captives to Damascus. He was also handed over to the king of Israel, who thoroughly defeated him.

normalized_text:
the lord his god handed him over to the king of syria the syrians defeated him and deported many captives to damascus he was also handed over to the king of israel who thoroughly defeated him


text:
In one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed 120,000 warriors in Judah, because they had abandoned the LORD God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
in one day pekah son of remaliah killed 120 000 warriors in judah because they had abandoned the lord god of their ancestors


text:
Zikri, an Ephraimite warrior, killed the king’s son Maaseiah, Azrikam, the supervisor of the palace, and Elkanah, the king’s second-in-command.

normalized_text:
zikri an ephraimite warrior killed the king s son maaseiah azrikam the supervisor of the palace and elkanah the king s second in command


text:
The Israelites seized from their brothers 200,000 wives, sons, and daughters. They also carried off a huge amount of plunder and took it back to Samaria.

normalized_text:
the israelites seized from their brothers 200 000 wives sons and daughters they also carried off a huge amount of plunder and took it back to samaria


text:
Oded, a prophet of the LORD, was there. He went to meet the army as they arrived in Samaria and said to them:“Look, because the LORD God of your ancestors was angry with Judah he handed them over to you. You have killed them so mercilessly that God has taken notice.

normalized_text:
oded a prophet of the lord was there he went to meet the army as they arrived in samaria and said to them look because the lord god of your ancestors was angry with judah he handed them over to you you have killed them so mercilessly that god has taken notice


text:
And now you are planning to enslave the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Yet are you not also guilty before the LORD your God?

normalized_text:
and now you are planning to enslave the people of judah and jerusalem yet are you not also guilty before the lord your god


text:
Now listen to me! Send back those you have seized from your brothers, for the LORD is very angry at you!”

normalized_text:
now listen to me send back those you have seized from your brothers for the lord is very angry at you


text:
So some of the Ephraimite family leaders, Azariah son of Jehochanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jechizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai confronted those returning from the battle.

normalized_text:
so some of the ephraimite family leaders azariah son of jehochanan berechiah son of meshillemoth jechizkiah son of shallum and amasa son of hadlai confronted those returning from the battle


text:
They said to them,“Don’t bring those captives here! Are you planning on making us even more sinful and guilty before the LORD? Our guilt is already great and the LORD is very angry at Israel.”

normalized_text:
they said to them don t bring those captives here are you planning on making us even more sinful and guilty before the lord our guilt is already great and the lord is very angry at israel


text:
Men were assigned to take the prisoners and find clothes among the plunder for those who were naked. So they clothed them, supplied them with sandals, gave them food and drink, and provided them with oil to rub on their skin. They put the ones who couldn’t walk on donkeys. They brought them back to their brothers at Jericho, the city of date palm trees, and then returned to Samaria.

normalized_text:
men were assigned to take the prisoners and find clothes among the plunder for those who were naked so they clothed them supplied them with sandals gave them food and drink and provided them with oil to rub on their skin they put the ones who couldn t walk on donkeys they brought them back to their brothers at jericho the city of date palm trees and then returned to samaria


text:
The Philistines had raided the cities of Judah in the foothills and the Negev. They captured and settled in Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco and its surrounding villages, Timnah and its surrounding villages, and Gimzo and its surrounding villages.

normalized_text:
the philistines had raided the cities of judah in the foothills and the negev they captured and settled in beth shemesh aijalon gederoth soco and its surrounding villages timnah and its surrounding villages and gimzo and its surrounding villages


text:
The LORD humiliated Judah because of King Ahaz of Israel, for he encouraged Judah to sin and was very unfaithful to the LORD.

normalized_text:
the lord humiliated judah because of king ahaz of israel for he encouraged judah to sin and was very unfaithful to the lord


text:
Ahaz gathered riches from the LORD’s temple, the royal palace, and the officials and gave them to the king of Assyria, but that did not help.

normalized_text:
ahaz gathered riches from the lord s temple the royal palace and the officials and gave them to the king of assyria but that did not help


text:
He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus whom he thought had defeated him. He reasoned,“Since the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.” But they caused him and all Israel to stumble.

normalized_text:
he offered sacrifices to the gods of damascus whom he thought had defeated him he reasoned since the gods of the kings of syria helped them i will sacrifice to them so they will help me but they caused him and all israel to stumble


text:
Ahaz gathered the items in God’s temple and removed them. He shut the doors of the LORD’s temple and erected altars on every street corner in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
ahaz gathered the items in god s temple and removed them he shut the doors of the lord s temple and erected altars on every street corner in jerusalem


text:
In every city throughout Judah he set up high places to offer sacrifices to other gods. He angered the LORD God of his ancestors.

normalized_text:
in every city throughout judah he set up high places to offer sacrifices to other gods he angered the lord god of his ancestors


text:
The rest of the events of Ahaz’s reign, including his accomplishments from start to finish, are recorded in the Scroll of the Kings of Judah and Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of ahaz s reign including his accomplishments from start to finish are recorded in the scroll of the kings of judah and israel


text:
Ahaz passed away and was buried in the city of Jerusalem; they did not bring him to the tombs of the kings of Israel. His son Hezekiah replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
ahaz passed away and was buried in the city of jerusalem they did not bring him to the tombs of the kings of israel his son hezekiah replaced him as king


text:
Hezekiah Consecrates the Temple Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

normalized_text:
hezekiah consecrates the temple hezekiah was twenty five years old when he began to reign and he reigned twenty nine years in jerusalem his mother was abijah the daughter of zechariah


text:
In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the LORD’s temple and repaired them.

normalized_text:
in the first month of the first year of his reign he opened the doors of the lord s temple and repaired them


text:
He said to them:“Listen to me, you Levites! Now consecrate yourselves, so you can consecrate the temple of the LORD God of your ancestors! Remove from the sanctuary what is ceremonially unclean!

normalized_text:
he said to them listen to me you levites now consecrate yourselves so you can consecrate the temple of the lord god of your ancestors remove from the sanctuary what is ceremonially unclean


text:
For our fathers were unfaithful; they did what is evil in the sight of the LORD our God and abandoned him! They turned away from the LORD’s dwelling place and rejected him.

normalized_text:
for our fathers were unfaithful they did what is evil in the sight of the lord our god and abandoned him they turned away from the lord s dwelling place and rejected him


text:
They closed the doors of the temple porch and put out the lamps; they did not offer incense or burnt sacrifices in the sanctuary of the God of Israel.

normalized_text:
they closed the doors of the temple porch and put out the lamps they did not offer incense or burnt sacrifices in the sanctuary of the god of israel


text:
The LORD was angry at Judah and Jerusalem and made them an appalling object of horror at which people hiss out their scorn, as you can see with your own eyes.

normalized_text:
the lord was angry at judah and jerusalem and made them an appalling object of horror at which people hiss out their scorn as you can see with your own eyes


normalized_text: look our fathers died violently and our sons daughters and wives were carried off because of this
text:
Look, our fathers died violently and our sons, daughters, and wives were carried off because of this.


text:
Now I intend to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, so that he may relent from his raging anger.

normalized_text:
now i intend to make a covenant with the lord god of israel so that he may relent from his raging anger


text:
My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, to be his ministers, and offer sacrifices.”

normalized_text:
my sons do not be negligent now for the lord has chosen you to stand in his presence to minister to him to be his ministers and offer sacrifices


text:
The following Levites prepared to carry out the king’s orders: From the Kohathites: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah;from the Merarites: Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel;from the Gershonites: Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah;

normalized_text:
the following levites prepared to carry out the king s orders from the kohathites mahath son of amasai and joel son of azariah from the merarites kish son of abdi and azariah son of jehallelel from the gershonites joah son of zimmah and eden son of joah


text:
from the descendants of Elizaphan: Shimri and Jeiel;from the descendants of Asaph: Zechariah and Mattaniah;

normalized_text:
from the descendants of elizaphan shimri and jeiel from the descendants of asaph zechariah and mattaniah


text:
from the descendants of Heman: Jehiel and Shimei;from the descendants of Jeduthun: Shemaiah and Uzziel.

normalized_text:
from the descendants of heman jehiel and shimei from the descendants of jeduthun shemaiah and uzziel


text:
They assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves. Then they went in to purify the LORD’s temple, just as the king had ordered, in accordance with the word of the LORD.

normalized_text:
they assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves then they went in to purify the lord s temple just as the king had ordered in accordance with the word of the lord


text:
The priests then entered the LORD’s temple to purify it; they brought out to the courtyard of the LORD’s temple every ceremonially unclean thing they discovered inside. The Levites took them out to the Kidron Valley.

normalized_text:
the priests then entered the lord s temple to purify it they brought out to the courtyard of the lord s temple every ceremonially unclean thing they discovered inside the levites took them out to the kidron valley


text:
On the first day of the first month they began consecrating; by the eighth day of the month they reached the porch of the LORD’s temple. For eight more days they consecrated the LORD’s temple. On the sixteenth day of the first month they were finished.

normalized_text:
on the first day of the first month they began consecrating by the eighth day of the month they reached the porch of the lord s temple for eight more days they consecrated the lord s temple on the sixteenth day of the first month they were finished


text:
They went to King Hezekiah and said:“We have purified the entire temple of the LORD, including the altar of burnt sacrifice and all its equipment, and the table for the Bread of the Presence and all its equipment.

normalized_text:
they went to king hezekiah and said we have purified the entire temple of the lord including the altar of burnt sacrifice and all its equipment and the table for the bread of the presence and all its equipment


text:
We have prepared and consecrated all the items that King Ahaz removed during his reign when he acted unfaithfully. They are in front of the altar of the LORD.

normalized_text:
we have prepared and consecrated all the items that king ahaz removed during his reign when he acted unfaithfully they are in front of the altar of the lord


text:
They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, the sanctuary, and Judah. The king told the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer burnt sacrifices on the altar of the LORD.

normalized_text:
they brought seven bulls seven rams seven lambs and seven goats as a sin offering for the kingdom the sanctuary and judah the king told the priests the descendants of aaron to offer burnt sacrifices on the altar of the lord


text:
They slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and splashed it on the altar. Then they slaughtered the rams and splashed the blood on the altar; next they slaughtered the lambs and splashed the blood on the altar.

normalized_text:
they slaughtered the bulls and the priests took the blood and splashed it on the altar then they slaughtered the rams and splashed the blood on the altar next they slaughtered the lambs and splashed the blood on the altar


text:
Finally they brought the goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, and they placed their hands on them.

normalized_text:
finally they brought the goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly and they placed their hands on them


text:
Then the priests slaughtered them. They offered their blood as a sin offering on the altar to make atonement for all Israel, because the king had decreed that the burnt sacrifice and sin offering were for all Israel.

normalized_text:
then the priests slaughtered them they offered their blood as a sin offering on the altar to make atonement for all israel because the king had decreed that the burnt sacrifice and sin offering were for all israel


text:
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the LORD’s temple with cymbals and stringed instruments, just as David, Gad the king’s prophet, and Nathan the prophet had ordered.(The LORD had actually given these orders through his prophets.)

normalized_text:
hezekiah stationed the levites in the lord s temple with cymbals and stringed instruments just as david gad the king s prophet and nathan the prophet had ordered the lord had actually given these orders through his prophets


text:
Hezekiah ordered the burnt sacrifice to be offered on the altar. As they began to offer the sacrifice, they also began to sing to the LORD, accompanied by the trumpets and the musical instruments of King David of Israel.

normalized_text:
hezekiah ordered the burnt sacrifice to be offered on the altar as they began to offer the sacrifice they also began to sing to the lord accompanied by the trumpets and the musical instruments of king david of israel


text:
The entire assembly worshiped, as the singers sang and the trumpeters played. They continued until the burnt sacrifice was completed.

normalized_text:
the entire assembly worshiped as the singers sang and the trumpeters played they continued until the burnt sacrifice was completed


text:
King Hezekiah and the officials told the Levites to praise the LORD, using the psalms of David and Asaph the prophet. So they joyfully offered praise and bowed down and worshiped.

normalized_text:
king hezekiah and the officials told the levites to praise the lord using the psalms of david and asaph the prophet so they joyfully offered praise and bowed down and worshiped


text:
Hezekiah said,“Now you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD. Come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the LORD’s temple.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and whoever desired to do so brought burnt sacrifices.

normalized_text:
hezekiah said now you have consecrated yourselves to the lord come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the lord s temple so the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings and whoever desired to do so brought burnt sacrifices


text:
But there were not enough priests to skin all the animals, so their brothers, the Levites, helped them until the work was finished and the priests could consecrate themselves.(The Levites had been more conscientious about consecrating themselves than the priests.)

normalized_text:
but there were not enough priests to skin all the animals so their brothers the levites helped them until the work was finished and the priests could consecrate themselves the levites had been more conscientious about consecrating themselves than the priests


text:
There was a large number of burnt sacrifices, as well as fat from the peace offerings and drink offerings that accompanied the burnt sacrifices. So the service of the LORD’s temple was reinstituted.

normalized_text:
there was a large number of burnt sacrifices as well as fat from the peace offerings and drink offerings that accompanied the burnt sacrifices so the service of the lord s temple was reinstituted


text:
Hezekiah and all the people were happy about what God had done for them, for it had been done quickly.

normalized_text:
hezekiah and all the people were happy about what god had done for them for it had been done quickly


text:
Hezekiah Observes the Passover Hezekiah sent messages throughout Israel and Judah; he even wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, summoning them to come to the LORD’s temple in Jerusalem and observe a Passover celebration for the LORD God of Israel.

normalized_text:
hezekiah observes the passover hezekiah sent messages throughout israel and judah he even wrote letters to ephraim and manasseh summoning them to come to the lord s temple in jerusalem and observe a passover celebration for the lord god of israel


text:
The king, his officials, and the entire assembly in Jerusalem decided to observe the Passover in the second month.

normalized_text:
the king his officials and the entire assembly in jerusalem decided to observe the passover in the second month


text:
They were unable to observe it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not assembled in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
they were unable to observe it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not assembled in jerusalem


text:
So they sent an edict throughout Israel from Beer Sheba to Dan, summoning the people to come and observe a Passover for the LORD God of Israel in Jerusalem, for they had not observed it on a nationwide scale as prescribed in the law.

normalized_text:
so they sent an edict throughout israel from beer sheba to dan summoning the people to come and observe a passover for the lord god of israel in jerusalem for they had not observed it on a nationwide scale as prescribed in the law


text:
Messengers delivered the letters from the king and his officials throughout Israel and Judah. This royal edict read:“O Israelites, return to the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so he may return to you who have been spared from the kings of Assyria.

normalized_text:
messengers delivered the letters from the king and his officials throughout israel and judah this royal edict read o israelites return to the lord god of abraham isaac and israel so he may return to you who have been spared from the kings of assyria


text:
Don’t be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the LORD God of their ancestors, provoking him to destroy them, as you can see.

normalized_text:
don t be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the lord god of their ancestors provoking him to destroy them as you can see


text:
Now, don’t be stubborn like your fathers! Submit to the LORD and come to his sanctuary which he has permanently consecrated. Serve the LORD your God so that he might relent from his raging anger.

normalized_text:
now don t be stubborn like your fathers submit to the lord and come to his sanctuary which he has permanently consecrated serve the lord your god so that he might relent from his raging anger


text:
For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and sons will be shown mercy by their captors and return to this land. The LORD your God is merciful and compassionate; he will not reject you if you return to him.”

normalized_text:
for if you return to the lord your brothers and sons will be shown mercy by their captors and return to this land the lord your god is merciful and compassionate he will not reject you if you return to him


text:
The messengers journeyed from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun, but people mocked and ridiculed them.

normalized_text:
the messengers journeyed from city to city through the land of ephraim and manasseh as far as zebulun but people mocked and ridiculed them


text:
In Judah God moved the people to unite and carry out the edict of the king and the officers in keeping with the LORD’s message.

normalized_text:
in judah god moved the people to unite and carry out the edict of the king and the officers in keeping with the lord s message


text:
They removed the altars in Jerusalem; they also removed all the incense altars and threw them into the Kidron Valley.

normalized_text:
they removed the altars in jerusalem they also removed all the incense altars and threw them into the kidron valley


text:
They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and Levites were ashamed, so they consecrated themselves and brought burnt sacrifices to the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
they slaughtered the passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month the priests and levites were ashamed so they consecrated themselves and brought burnt sacrifices to the lord s temple


text:
They stood at their posts according to the regulations outlined in the law of Moses, the man of God. The priests were splashing the blood as the Levites handed it to them.

normalized_text:
they stood at their posts according to the regulations outlined in the law of moses the man of god the priests were splashing the blood as the levites handed it to them


text:
Because many in the assembly had not consecrated themselves, the Levites slaughtered the Passover lambs of all who were ceremonially unclean and could not consecrate their sacrifice to the LORD.

normalized_text:
because many in the assembly had not consecrated themselves the levites slaughtered the passover lambs of all who were ceremonially unclean and could not consecrate their sacrifice to the lord


text:
The majority of the many people from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun were ceremonially unclean, yet they ate the Passover in violation of what is prescribed in the law. For Hezekiah prayed for them, saying:“May the LORD, who is good, forgive

normalized_text:
the majority of the many people from ephraim manasseh issachar and zebulun were ceremonially unclean yet they ate the passover in violation of what is prescribed in the law for hezekiah prayed for them saying may the lord who is good forgive


text:
everyone who has determined to follow God, the LORD God of his ancestors, even if he is not ceremonially clean according to the standards of the temple.”

normalized_text:
everyone who has determined to follow god the lord god of his ancestors even if he is not ceremonially clean according to the standards of the temple


text:
The Israelites who were in Jerusalem observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy. The Levites and priests were praising the LORD every day with all their might.

normalized_text:
the israelites who were in jerusalem observed the feast of unleavened bread for seven days with great joy the levites and priests were praising the lord every day with all their might


text:
Hezekiah expressed his appreciation to all the Levites, who demonstrated great skill in serving the LORD. They feasted for the seven days of the festival, and were making peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
hezekiah expressed his appreciation to all the levites who demonstrated great skill in serving the lord they feasted for the seven days of the festival and were making peace offerings and giving thanks to the lord god of their ancestors


text:
The entire assembly then decided to celebrate for seven more days; so they joyfully celebrated for seven more days.

normalized_text:
the entire assembly then decided to celebrate for seven more days so they joyfully celebrated for seven more days


text:
King Hezekiah of Judah supplied 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep for the assembly, while the officials supplied them with 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep. Many priests consecrated themselves.

normalized_text:
king hezekiah of judah supplied 1 000 bulls and 7 000 sheep for the assembly while the officials supplied them with 1 000 bulls and 10 000 sheep many priests consecrated themselves


text:
The celebration included the entire assembly of Judah, the priests, the Levites, the entire assembly of those who came from Israel, the resident foreigners who came from the land of Israel and those who were residents of Judah.

normalized_text:
the celebration included the entire assembly of judah the priests the levites the entire assembly of those who came from israel the resident foreigners who came from the land of israel and those who were residents of judah


text:
There was a great celebration in Jerusalem, unlike anything that had occurred in Jerusalem since the time of King Solomon son of David of Israel.

normalized_text:
there was a great celebration in jerusalem unlike anything that had occurred in jerusalem since the time of king solomon son of david of israel


text:
The priests and Levites got up and pronounced blessings on the people. The LORD responded favorably to them as their prayers reached his holy dwelling place in heaven.

normalized_text:
the priests and levites got up and pronounced blessings on the people the lord responded favorably to them as their prayers reached his holy dwelling place in heaven


text:
When all this was over, the Israelites who were in the cities of Judah went out and smashed the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and demolished all the high places and altars throughout Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Then all the Israelites returned to their own homes in their cities.

normalized_text:
when all this was over the israelites who were in the cities of judah went out and smashed the sacred pillars cut down the asherah poles and demolished all the high places and altars throughout judah benjamin ephraim and manasseh then all the israelites returned to their own homes in their cities


text:
The People Contribute to the Temple Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and Levites to do their assigned tasks– to offer burnt sacrifices and present offerings and to serve, give thanks, and offer praise in the gates of the LORD’s sanctuary.

normalized_text:
the people contribute to the temple hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and levites to do their assigned tasks to offer burnt sacrifices and present offerings and to serve give thanks and offer praise in the gates of the lord s sanctuary


text:
The king contributed some of what he owned for burnt sacrifices, including the morning and evening burnt sacrifices and the burnt sacrifices made on Sabbaths, new moon festivals, and at other appointed times prescribed in the law of the LORD.

normalized_text:
the king contributed some of what he owned for burnt sacrifices including the morning and evening burnt sacrifices and the burnt sacrifices made on sabbaths new moon festivals and at other appointed times prescribed in the law of the lord


text:
He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and Levites so they might be obedient to the law of the LORD.

normalized_text:
he ordered the people living in jerusalem to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and levites so they might be obedient to the law of the lord


text:
When the edict was issued, the Israelites freely contributed the initial portion of their grain, wine, olive oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. They brought a tenth of everything, which added up to a huge amount.

normalized_text:
when the edict was issued the israelites freely contributed the initial portion of their grain wine olive oil honey and all the produce of their fields they brought a tenth of everything which added up to a huge amount


text:
The Israelites and people of Judah who lived in the cities of Judah also contributed a tenth of their cattle and sheep, as well as a tenth of the holy items consecrated to the LORD their God. They brought them and placed them in many heaps.

normalized_text:
the israelites and people of judah who lived in the cities of judah also contributed a tenth of their cattle and sheep as well as a tenth of the holy items consecrated to the lord their god they brought them and placed them in many heaps


normalized_text: in the third month they began piling their contributions in heaps and finished in the seventh month
text:
In the third month they began piling their contributions in heaps and finished in the seventh month.


text:
When Hezekiah and the officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the LORD and pronounced blessings on his people Israel.

normalized_text:
when hezekiah and the officials came and saw the heaps they praised the lord and pronounced blessings on his people israel


text:
Azariah, the head priest from the family of Zadok, said to him,“Since the contributions began arriving in the LORD’s temple, we have had plenty to eat and have a large quantity left over. For the LORD has blessed his people, and this large amount remains.”

normalized_text:
azariah the head priest from the family of zadok said to him since the contributions began arriving in the lord s temple we have had plenty to eat and have a large quantity left over for the lord has blessed his people and this large amount remains


text:
they brought in the contributions, tithes, and consecrated items that had been offered. Konaniah, a Levite, was in charge of all this, assisted by his brother Shimei.

normalized_text:
they brought in the contributions tithes and consecrated items that had been offered konaniah a levite was in charge of all this assisted by his brother shimei


text:
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismakiah, Mahath, and Benaiah worked under the supervision of Konaniah and his brother Shimei, as directed by King Hezekiah and Azariah, the supervisor of God’s temple.

normalized_text:
jehiel azaziah nahath asahel jerimoth jozabad eliel ismakiah mahath and benaiah worked under the supervision of konaniah and his brother shimei as directed by king hezekiah and azariah the supervisor of god s temple


text:
Kore son of Imnah, a Levite and the guard on the east side, was in charge of the voluntary offerings made to God and disbursed the contributions made to the LORD and the consecrated items.

normalized_text:
kore son of imnah a levite and the guard on the east side was in charge of the voluntary offerings made to god and disbursed the contributions made to the lord and the consecrated items


text:
In the cities of the priests, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully assisted him in making disbursements to their fellow priests according to their divisions, regardless of age.

normalized_text:
in the cities of the priests eden miniamin jeshua shemaiah amariah and shecaniah faithfully assisted him in making disbursements to their fellow priests according to their divisions regardless of age


text:
They made disbursements to all the males three years old and up who were listed in the genealogical records– to all who would enter the LORD’s temple to serve on a daily basis and fulfill their duties as assigned to their divisions.

normalized_text:
they made disbursements to all the males three years old and up who were listed in the genealogical records to all who would enter the lord s temple to serve on a daily basis and fulfill their duties as assigned to their divisions


text:
They made disbursements to the priests listed in the genealogical records by their families, and to the Levites twenty years old and up, according to their duties as assigned to their divisions,

normalized_text:
they made disbursements to the priests listed in the genealogical records by their families and to the levites twenty years old and up according to their duties as assigned to their divisions


text:
and to all the infants, wives, sons, and daughters of the entire assembly listed in the genealogical records, for they faithfully consecrated themselves.

normalized_text:
and to all the infants wives sons and daughters of the entire assembly listed in the genealogical records for they faithfully consecrated themselves


text:
As for the descendants of Aaron, the priests who lived in the outskirts of all their cities, men were assigned to disburse portions to every male among the priests and to every Levite listed in the genealogical records.

normalized_text:
as for the descendants of aaron the priests who lived in the outskirts of all their cities men were assigned to disburse portions to every male among the priests and to every levite listed in the genealogical records


text:
This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what the LORD his God considered good and right and faithful.

normalized_text:
this is what hezekiah did throughout judah he did what the lord his god considered good and right and faithful


text:
He wholeheartedly and successfully reinstituted service in God’s temple and obedience to the law, in order to follow his God.

normalized_text:
he wholeheartedly and successfully reinstituted service in god s temple and obedience to the law in order to follow his god


text:
Sennacherib Invades Judah After these faithful deeds were accomplished, King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. He besieged the fortified cities, intending to seize them.

normalized_text:
sennacherib invades judah after these faithful deeds were accomplished king sennacherib of assyria invaded judah he besieged the fortified cities intending to seize them


text:
he consulted with his advisers and military officers about stopping up the springs outside the city, and they supported him.

normalized_text:
he consulted with his advisers and military officers about stopping up the springs outside the city and they supported him


text:
A large number of people gathered together and stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the district. They reasoned,“Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?”

normalized_text:
a large number of people gathered together and stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the district they reasoned why should the kings of assyria come and find plenty of water


text:
Hezekiah energetically rebuilt every broken wall. He erected towers and an outer wall, and fortified the terrace of the City of David. He made many weapons and shields.

normalized_text:
hezekiah energetically rebuilt every broken wall he erected towers and an outer wall and fortified the terrace of the city of david he made many weapons and shields


text:
He appointed military officers over the army and assembled them in the square at the city gate. He encouraged them, saying,

normalized_text:
he appointed military officers over the army and assembled them in the square at the city gate he encouraged them saying


text:
“Be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic because of the king of Assyria and this huge army that is with him! We have with us one who is stronger than those who are with him.

normalized_text:
be strong and brave don t be afraid and don t panic because of the king of assyria and this huge army that is with him we have with us one who is stronger than those who are with him


text:
He has with him mere human strength, but the LORD our God is with us to help us and fight our battles!” The army was encouraged by the words of King Hezekiah of Judah.

normalized_text:
he has with him mere human strength but the lord our god is with us to help us and fight our battles the army was encouraged by the words of king hezekiah of judah


text:
Afterward King Sennacherib of Assyria, while attacking Lachish with all his military might, sent his messengers to Jerusalem. The message was for King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem. It read:

normalized_text:
afterward king sennacherib of assyria while attacking lachish with all his military might sent his messengers to jerusalem the message was for king hezekiah of judah and all the people of judah who were in jerusalem it read


text:
“This is what King Sennacherib of Assyria says:‘Why are you so confident that you remain in Jerusalem while it is under siege?

normalized_text:
this is what king sennacherib of assyria says why are you so confident that you remain in jerusalem while it is under siege


text:
Hezekiah says,“The LORD our God will rescue us from the power of the king of Assyria.” But he is misleading you and you will die of hunger and thirst!

normalized_text:
hezekiah says the lord our god will rescue us from the power of the king of assyria but he is misleading you and you will die of hunger and thirst


text:
Hezekiah is the one who eliminated the LORD’s high places and altars and then told Judah and Jerusalem,“At one altar you must worship and offer sacrifices.”

normalized_text:
hezekiah is the one who eliminated the lord s high places and altars and then told judah and jerusalem at one altar you must worship and offer sacrifices


text:
Are you not aware of what I and my predecessors have done to all the nations of the surrounding lands? Have the gods of the surrounding lands actually been able to rescue their lands from my power?

normalized_text:
are you not aware of what i and my predecessors have done to all the nations of the surrounding lands have the gods of the surrounding lands actually been able to rescue their lands from my power


text:
Who among all the gods of these nations whom my predecessors annihilated was able to rescue his people from my power, that your God would be able to rescue you from my power?

normalized_text:
who among all the gods of these nations whom my predecessors annihilated was able to rescue his people from my power that your god would be able to rescue you from my power


text:
Now don’t let Hezekiah deceive you or mislead you like this. Don’t believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to rescue his people from my power or the power of my predecessors. So how can your gods rescue you from my power?’”

normalized_text:
now don t let hezekiah deceive you or mislead you like this don t believe him for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to rescue his people from my power or the power of my predecessors so how can your gods rescue you from my power


text:
He wrote letters mocking the LORD God of Israel and insulting him with these words:“The gods of the surrounding nations could not rescue their people from my power. Neither can Hezekiah’s god rescue his people from my power.”

normalized_text:
he wrote letters mocking the lord god of israel and insulting him with these words the gods of the surrounding nations could not rescue their people from my power neither can hezekiah s god rescue his people from my power


text:
They called out loudly in the Judahite dialect to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, trying to scare and terrify them so they could seize the city.

normalized_text:
they called out loudly in the judahite dialect to the people of jerusalem who were on the wall trying to scare and terrify them so they could seize the city


text:
They talked about the God of Jerusalem as if he were one of the man-made gods of the nations of the earth.

normalized_text:
they talked about the god of jerusalem as if he were one of the man made gods of the nations of the earth


text:
The LORD sent a messenger and he wiped out all the soldiers, princes, and officers in the army of the king of Assyria. So Sennacherib returned home humiliated. When he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword.

normalized_text:
the lord sent a messenger and he wiped out all the soldiers princes and officers in the army of the king of assyria so sennacherib returned home humiliated when he entered the temple of his god some of his own sons struck him down with the sword


text:
The LORD delivered Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem from the power of King Sennacherib of Assyria and from all the other nations. He made them secure on every side.

normalized_text:
the lord delivered hezekiah and the residents of jerusalem from the power of king sennacherib of assyria and from all the other nations he made them secure on every side


text:
Many were bringing presents to the LORD in Jerusalem and precious gifts to King Hezekiah of Judah. From that time on he was respected by all the nations.

normalized_text:
many were bringing presents to the lord in jerusalem and precious gifts to king hezekiah of judah from that time on he was respected by all the nations


text:
Hezekiah’s Shortcomings and Accomplishments In those days Hezekiah was stricken with a terminal illness. He prayed to the LORD, who answered him and gave him a sign confirming that he would be healed.

normalized_text:
hezekiah s shortcomings and accomplishments in those days hezekiah was stricken with a terminal illness he prayed to the lord who answered him and gave him a sign confirming that he would be healed


text:
But Hezekiah was ungrateful; he had a proud attitude, provoking God to be angry at him, as well as Judah and Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
but hezekiah was ungrateful he had a proud attitude provoking god to be angry at him as well as judah and jerusalem


text:
But then Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem humbled themselves and abandoned their pride, and the LORD was not angry with them for the rest of Hezekiah’s reign.

normalized_text:
but then hezekiah and the residents of jerusalem humbled themselves and abandoned their pride and the lord was not angry with them for the rest of hezekiah s reign


text:
Hezekiah was very wealthy and greatly respected. He made storehouses for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all his other valuable possessions.

normalized_text:
hezekiah was very wealthy and greatly respected he made storehouses for his silver gold precious stones spices shields and all his other valuable possessions


text:
He made storerooms for the harvest of grain, wine, and olive oil, and stalls for all his various kinds of livestock and his flocks.

normalized_text:
he made storerooms for the harvest of grain wine and olive oil and stalls for all his various kinds of livestock and his flocks


text:
He built royal cities and owned a large number of sheep and cattle, for God gave him a huge amount of possessions.

normalized_text:
he built royal cities and owned a large number of sheep and cattle for god gave him a huge amount of possessions


text:
Hezekiah dammed up the source of the waters of the Upper Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the City of David. Hezekiah succeeded in all that he did.

normalized_text:
hezekiah dammed up the source of the waters of the upper gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of david hezekiah succeeded in all that he did


text:
So when the envoys arrived from the Babylonian officials to visit him and inquire about the sign that occurred in the land, God left him alone to test him, in order to know his true motives.

normalized_text:
so when the envoys arrived from the babylonian officials to visit him and inquire about the sign that occurred in the land god left him alone to test him in order to know his true motives


text:
The rest of the events of Hezekiah’s reign, including his faithful deeds, are recorded in the vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz, included in the Scroll of the Kings of Judah and Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of hezekiah s reign including his faithful deeds are recorded in the vision of the prophet isaiah son of amoz included in the scroll of the kings of judah and israel


text:
Hezekiah passed away and was buried on the ascent of the tombs of the descendants of David. All the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem buried him with great honor. His son Manasseh replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
hezekiah passed away and was buried on the ascent of the tombs of the descendants of david all the people of judah and the residents of jerusalem buried him with great honor his son manasseh replaced him as king


text:
Manasseh’s Reign Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
manasseh s reign manasseh was twelve years old when he became king and he reigned for fifty five years in jerusalem


text:
He did evil in the sight of the LORD and committed the same horrible sins practiced by the nations whom the LORD drove out ahead of the Israelites.

normalized_text:
he did evil in the sight of the lord and committed the same horrible sins practiced by the nations whom the lord drove out ahead of the israelites


text:
He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he set up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. He bowed down to all the stars in the sky and worshiped them.

normalized_text:
he rebuilt the high places that his father hezekiah had destroyed he set up altars for the baals and made asherah poles he bowed down to all the stars in the sky and worshiped them


text:
He built altars in the LORD’s temple, about which the LORD had said,“Jerusalem will be my permanent home.”

normalized_text:
he built altars in the lord s temple about which the lord had said jerusalem will be my permanent home


text:
He passed his sons through the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and practiced divination, omen reading, and sorcery. He set up a ritual pit to conjure up underworld spirits and appointed magicians to supervise it. He did a great amount of evil in the sight of the LORD and angered him.

normalized_text:
he passed his sons through the fire in the valley of ben hinnom and practiced divination omen reading and sorcery he set up a ritual pit to conjure up underworld spirits and appointed magicians to supervise it he did a great amount of evil in the sight of the lord and angered him


text:
He put an idolatrous image he had made in God’s temple, about which God had said to David and to his son Solomon,“This temple in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will be my permanent home.

normalized_text:
he put an idolatrous image he had made in god s temple about which god had said to david and to his son solomon this temple in jerusalem which i have chosen out of all the tribes of israel will be my permanent home


text:
I will not make Israel again leave the land I gave to their ancestors, provided that they carefully obey all I commanded them, the whole law, the rules and regulations given through Moses.”

normalized_text:
i will not make israel again leave the land i gave to their ancestors provided that they carefully obey all i commanded them the whole law the rules and regulations given through moses


text:
But Manasseh misled the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem so that they sinned more than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed ahead of the Israelites.

normalized_text:
but manasseh misled the people of judah and the residents of jerusalem so that they sinned more than the nations whom the lord had destroyed ahead of the israelites


text:
So the LORD brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria. They seized Manasseh, put hooks in his nose, bound him with bronze chains, and carried him away to Babylon.

normalized_text:
so the lord brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of assyria they seized manasseh put hooks in his nose bound him with bronze chains and carried him away to babylon


text:
In his pain Manasseh asked the LORD his God for mercy and truly humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.

normalized_text:
in his pain manasseh asked the lord his god for mercy and truly humbled himself before the god of his ancestors


text:
When he prayed to the LORD, the LORD responded to him and answered favorably his cry for mercy. The LORD brought him back to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh realized that the LORD is the true God.

normalized_text:
when he prayed to the lord the lord responded to him and answered favorably his cry for mercy the lord brought him back to jerusalem to his kingdom then manasseh realized that the lord is the true god


text:
After this Manasseh built up the outer wall of the City of David on the west side of the Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate and all around the terrace; he made it much higher. He placed army officers in all the fortified cities in Judah.

normalized_text:
after this manasseh built up the outer wall of the city of david on the west side of the gihon in the valley to the entrance of the fish gate and all around the terrace he made it much higher he placed army officers in all the fortified cities in judah


text:
He removed the foreign gods and images from the LORD’s temple and all the altars he had built on the hill of the LORD’s temple and in Jerusalem; he threw them outside the city.

normalized_text:
he removed the foreign gods and images from the lord s temple and all the altars he had built on the hill of the lord s temple and in jerusalem he threw them outside the city


text:
He erected the altar of the LORD and offered on it peace offerings and thank offerings. He told the people of Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.

normalized_text:
he erected the altar of the lord and offered on it peace offerings and thank offerings he told the people of judah to serve the lord god of israel


normalized_text: however the people continued to offer sacrifices at the high places but only to the lord their god
text:
However, the people continued to offer sacrifices at the high places, but only to the LORD their God.


text:
The rest of the events of Manasseh’s reign, including his prayer to his God and the words the prophets spoke to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Israel.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of manasseh s reign including his prayer to his god and the words the prophets spoke to him in the name of the lord god of israel are recorded in the annals of the kings of israel


text:
The Annals of the Prophets include his prayer, give an account of how the LORD responded to it, record all his sins and unfaithful acts, and identify the sites where he built high places and erected Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself.

normalized_text:
the annals of the prophets include his prayer give an account of how the lord responded to it record all his sins and unfaithful acts and identify the sites where he built high places and erected asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself


text:
Amon’s Reign Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned for two years in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
amon s reign amon was twenty two years old when he became king and he reigned for two years in jerusalem


text:
He did evil in the sight of the LORD, just like his father Manasseh had done. Amon offered sacrifices to all the idols his father Manasseh had made, and worshiped them.

normalized_text:
he did evil in the sight of the lord just like his father manasseh had done amon offered sacrifices to all the idols his father manasseh had made and worshiped them


text:
He did not humble himself before the LORD as his father Manasseh had done. Amon was guilty of great sin.

normalized_text:
he did not humble himself before the lord as his father manasseh had done amon was guilty of great sin


text:
The people of the land executed all who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place.

normalized_text:
the people of the land executed all who had conspired against king amon and they made his son josiah king in his place


text:
Josiah Institutes Religious Reforms Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
josiah institutes religious reforms josiah was eight years old when he became king and he reigned for thirty one years in jerusalem


text:
In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his ancestor David. In his twelfth year he began ridding Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, Asherah poles, idols, and images.

normalized_text:
in the eighth year of his reign while he was still young he began to seek the god of his ancestor david in his twelfth year he began ridding judah and jerusalem of the high places asherah poles idols and images


text:
He ordered the altars of the Baals to be torn down, and broke the incense altars that were above them. He smashed the Asherah poles, idols and images, crushed them up and sprinkled the dust over the tombs of those who had sacrificed to them.

normalized_text:
he ordered the altars of the baals to be torn down and broke the incense altars that were above them he smashed the asherah poles idols and images crushed them up and sprinkled the dust over the tombs of those who had sacrificed to them


text:
he tore down the altars and Asherah poles, demolished the idols, and smashed all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
he tore down the altars and asherah poles demolished the idols and smashed all the incense altars throughout the land of israel then he returned to jerusalem


text:
In the eighteenth year of his reign, he continued his policy of purifying the land and the temple. He sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the city official, and Joah son of Joahaz the secretary to repair the temple of the LORD his God.

normalized_text:
in the eighteenth year of his reign he continued his policy of purifying the land and the temple he sent shaphan son of azaliah maaseiah the city official and joah son of joahaz the secretary to repair the temple of the lord his god


text:
They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the silver that had been brought to God’s temple. The Levites who guarded the door had collected it from the people of Manasseh and Ephraim and from all who were left in Israel, as well as from all the people of Judah and Benjamin and the residents of Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
they went to hilkiah the high priest and gave him the silver that had been brought to god s temple the levites who guarded the door had collected it from the people of manasseh and ephraim and from all who were left in israel as well as from all the people of judah and benjamin and the residents of jerusalem


text:
They handed it over to the construction foremen assigned to the LORD’s temple. They in turn paid the temple workers to restore and repair it.

normalized_text:
they handed it over to the construction foremen assigned to the lord s temple they in turn paid the temple workers to restore and repair it


text:
They gave money to the craftsmen and builders to buy chiseled stone and wood for the braces and rafters of the buildings that the kings of Judah had allowed to fall into disrepair.

normalized_text:
they gave money to the craftsmen and builders to buy chiseled stone and wood for the braces and rafters of the buildings that the kings of judah had allowed to fall into disrepair


text:
The men worked faithfully. Their supervisors were Jahath and Obadiah(Levites descended from Merari), as well as Zechariah and Meshullam(descendants of Kohath). The Levites, all of whom were skilled musicians,

normalized_text:
the men worked faithfully their supervisors were jahath and obadiah levites descended from merari as well as zechariah and meshullam descendants of kohath the levites all of whom were skilled musicians


text:
supervised the laborers and all the foremen on their various jobs. Some of the Levites were scribes, officials, and guards.

normalized_text:
supervised the laborers and all the foremen on their various jobs some of the levites were scribes officials and guards


text:
When they took out the silver that had been brought to the LORD’s temple, Hilkiah the priest found the law scroll the LORD had given to Moses.

normalized_text:
when they took out the silver that had been brought to the lord s temple hilkiah the priest found the law scroll the lord had given to moses


text:
Hilkiah informed Shaphan the scribe,“I found the law scroll in the LORD’s temple.” Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan.

normalized_text:
hilkiah informed shaphan the scribe i found the law scroll in the lord s temple hilkiah gave the scroll to shaphan


text:
Shaphan brought the scroll to the king and reported,“Your servants are doing everything assigned to them.

normalized_text:
shaphan brought the scroll to the king and reported your servants are doing everything assigned to them


text:
They melted down the silver in the LORD’s temple and handed it over to the supervisors and the construction foremen.”

normalized_text:
they melted down the silver in the lord s temple and handed it over to the supervisors and the construction foremen


text:
The king ordered Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant,

normalized_text:
the king ordered hilkiah ahikam son of shaphan abdon son of micah shaphan the scribe and asaiah the king s servant


text:
“Go, ask the LORD on behalf of me and those who remain in Israel and Judah about the words of this scroll that has been discovered. For the LORD’s great fury has been ignited against us, because our ancestors did not obey the word of the LORD by living according to all that is written in this scroll!”

normalized_text:
go ask the lord on behalf of me and those who remain in israel and judah about the words of this scroll that has been discovered for the lord s great fury has been ignited against us because our ancestors did not obey the word of the lord by living according to all that is written in this scroll


text:
So Hilkiah and the others sent by the king went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, the supervisor of the wardrobe.(She lived in Jerusalem in the Mishneh district.) They stated their business,

normalized_text:
so hilkiah and the others sent by the king went to huldah the prophetess the wife of shallum son of tokhath the son of hasrah the supervisor of the wardrobe she lived in jerusalem in the mishneh district they stated their business


text:
and she said to them:“This is what the LORD God of Israel says:‘Say this to the man who sent you to me:

normalized_text:
and she said to them this is what the lord god of israel says say this to the man who sent you to me


text:
“This is what the LORD says:‘I am about to bring disaster on this place and its residents, all the curses that are recorded in the scroll which they read before the king of Judah.

normalized_text:
this is what the lord says i am about to bring disaster on this place and its residents all the curses that are recorded in the scroll which they read before the king of judah


text:
Say this to the king of Judah, who sent you to seek an oracle from the LORD:“This is what the LORD God of Israel says concerning the words you have heard:

normalized_text:
say this to the king of judah who sent you to seek an oracle from the lord this is what the lord god of israel says concerning the words you have heard


text:
‘You displayed a sensitive spirit and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words concerning this place and its residents. You humbled yourself before me, tore your clothes and wept before me, and I have heard you,’ says the LORD.

normalized_text:
you displayed a sensitive spirit and humbled yourself before god when you heard his words concerning this place and its residents you humbled yourself before me tore your clothes and wept before me and i have heard you says the lord


text:
‘Therefore I will allow you to die and be buried in peace. You will not have to witness all the disaster I will bring on this place and its residents.’”’” Then they reported back to the king.

normalized_text:
therefore i will allow you to die and be buried in peace you will not have to witness all the disaster i will bring on this place and its residents then they reported back to the king


text:
The king went up to the LORD’s temple, accompanied by all the people of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, the priests, and the Levites. All the people were there, from the oldest to the youngest. He read aloud all the words of the scroll of the covenant that had been discovered in the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
the king went up to the lord s temple accompanied by all the people of judah the residents of jerusalem the priests and the levites all the people were there from the oldest to the youngest he read aloud all the words of the scroll of the covenant that had been discovered in the lord s temple


text:
The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant before the LORD, agreeing to follow the LORD and to obey his commandments, laws, and rules with all his heart and being, by carrying out the terms of this covenant recorded on this scroll.

normalized_text:
the king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant before the lord agreeing to follow the lord and to obey his commandments laws and rules with all his heart and being by carrying out the terms of this covenant recorded on this scroll


text:
He made all who were in Jerusalem and Benjamin agree to it. The residents of Jerusalem acted in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
he made all who were in jerusalem and benjamin agree to it the residents of jerusalem acted in accordance with the covenant of god the god of their ancestors


text:
Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the areas belonging to the Israelites and encouraged all who were in Israel to worship the LORD their God. Throughout the rest of his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD God of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the areas belonging to the israelites and encouraged all who were in israel to worship the lord their god throughout the rest of his reign they did not turn aside from following the lord god of their ancestors


text:
Josiah Observes the Passover Josiah observed a Passover festival for the LORD in Jerusalem. They slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month.

normalized_text:
josiah observes the passover josiah observed a passover festival for the lord in jerusalem they slaughtered the passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month


text:
He appointed the priests to fulfill their duties and encouraged them to carry out their service in the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
he appointed the priests to fulfill their duties and encouraged them to carry out their service in the lord s temple


text:
He told the Levites, who instructed all Israel about things consecrated to the LORD,“Place the holy ark in the temple which King Solomon son of David of Israel built. Don’t carry it on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and his people Israel!

normalized_text:
he told the levites who instructed all israel about things consecrated to the lord place the holy ark in the temple which king solomon son of david of israel built don t carry it on your shoulders now serve the lord your god and his people israel


text:
Prepare yourselves by your families according to your divisions, as instructed in writing by King David of Israel and his son Solomon.

normalized_text:
prepare yourselves by your families according to your divisions as instructed in writing by king david of israel and his son solomon


text:
Stand in the sanctuary and, together with the Levites, represent the family divisions of your countrymen.

normalized_text:
stand in the sanctuary and together with the levites represent the family divisions of your countrymen


text:
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your countrymen to celebrate according to the LORD’s message which came through Moses.”

normalized_text:
slaughter the passover lambs consecrate yourselves and make preparations for your countrymen to celebrate according to the lord s message which came through moses


text:
From his own royal flocks and herds, Josiah supplied the people with 30,000 lambs and goats for the Passover sacrifice, as well as 3,000 cattle.

normalized_text:
from his own royal flocks and herds josiah supplied the people with 30 000 lambs and goats for the passover sacrifice as well as 3 000 cattle


text:
His officials also willingly contributed to the people, priests, and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the leaders of God’s temple, gave the priests 2,600 Passover sacrifices and 300 cattle.

normalized_text:
his officials also willingly contributed to the people priests and levites hilkiah zechariah and jehiel the leaders of god s temple gave the priests 2 600 passover sacrifices and 300 cattle


text:
Konaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, along with Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, the officials of the Levites, supplied the Levites with 5,000 Passover sacrifices and 500 cattle.

normalized_text:
konaniah and his brothers shemaiah and nethanel along with hashabiah jeiel and jozabad the officials of the levites supplied the levites with 5 000 passover sacrifices and 500 cattle


text:
Preparations were made, and the priests stood at their posts and the Levites in their divisions as prescribed by the king.

normalized_text:
preparations were made and the priests stood at their posts and the levites in their divisions as prescribed by the king


text:
They slaughtered the Passover lambs and the priests splashed the blood, while the Levites skinned the animals.

normalized_text:
they slaughtered the passover lambs and the priests splashed the blood while the levites skinned the animals


text:
They reserved the burnt offerings and the cattle for the family divisions of the people to present to the LORD, as prescribed in the scroll of Moses.

normalized_text:
they reserved the burnt offerings and the cattle for the family divisions of the people to present to the lord as prescribed in the scroll of moses


text:
They cooked the Passover sacrifices over the open fire as prescribed and cooked the consecrated offerings in pots, kettles, and pans. They quickly served them to all the people.

normalized_text:
they cooked the passover sacrifices over the open fire as prescribed and cooked the consecrated offerings in pots kettles and pans they quickly served them to all the people


text:
Afterward they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering burnt sacrifices and fat portions until evening. The Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

normalized_text:
afterward they made preparations for themselves and for the priests because the priests the descendants of aaron were offering burnt sacrifices and fat portions until evening the levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests the descendants of aaron


text:
The musicians, the descendants of Asaph, manned their posts, as prescribed by David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s prophet. The guards at the various gates did not need to leave their posts, for their fellow Levites made preparations for them.

normalized_text:
the musicians the descendants of asaph manned their posts as prescribed by david asaph heman and jeduthun the king s prophet the guards at the various gates did not need to leave their posts for their fellow levites made preparations for them


text:
So all the preparations for the LORD’s service were made that day, as the Passover was observed and the burnt sacrifices were offered on the altar of the LORD, as prescribed by King Josiah.

normalized_text:
so all the preparations for the lord s service were made that day as the passover was observed and the burnt sacrifices were offered on the altar of the lord as prescribed by king josiah


text:
So the Israelites who were present observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days.

normalized_text:
so the israelites who were present observed the passover at that time as well as the feast of unleavened bread for seven days


text:
A Passover like this had not been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had observed a Passover like the one celebrated by Josiah, the priests, the Levites, all the people of Judah and Israel who were there, and the residents of Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
a passover like this had not been observed in israel since the days of samuel the prophet none of the kings of israel had observed a passover like the one celebrated by josiah the priests the levites all the people of judah and israel who were there and the residents of jerusalem


text:
Josiah’s Reign Ends After Josiah had done all this for the temple, King Necho of Egypt marched up to do battle at Carchemish on the Euphrates River. Josiah marched out to oppose him.

normalized_text:
josiah s reign ends after josiah had done all this for the temple king necho of egypt marched up to do battle at carchemish on the euphrates river josiah marched out to oppose him


text:
Necho sent messengers to him, saying,“Why are you opposing me, O king of Judah? I am not attacking you today, but the kingdom with which I am at war. God told me to hurry. Stop opposing God, who is with me, or else he will destroy you.”

normalized_text:
necho sent messengers to him saying why are you opposing me o king of judah i am not attacking you today but the kingdom with which i am at war god told me to hurry stop opposing god who is with me or else he will destroy you


text:
But Josiah did not turn back from him; he disguised himself for battle. He did not take seriously the words of Necho which he had received from God; he went to fight him in the Plain of Megiddo.

normalized_text:
but josiah did not turn back from him he disguised himself for battle he did not take seriously the words of necho which he had received from god he went to fight him in the plain of megiddo


text:
Archers shot King Josiah; the king ordered his servants,“Take me out of this chariot, for I am seriously wounded.”

normalized_text:
archers shot king josiah the king ordered his servants take me out of this chariot for i am seriously wounded


text:
So his servants took him out of the chariot, put him in another chariot that he owned, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his ancestors; all the people of Judah and Jerusalem mourned Josiah.

normalized_text:
so his servants took him out of the chariot put him in another chariot that he owned and brought him to jerusalem where he died he was buried in the tombs of his ancestors all the people of judah and jerusalem mourned josiah


text:
Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah which all the male and female singers use to mourn Josiah to this very day. It has become customary in Israel to sing these; they are recorded in the Book of Laments.

normalized_text:
jeremiah composed laments for josiah which all the male and female singers use to mourn josiah to this very day it has become customary in israel to sing these they are recorded in the book of laments


text:
The rest of the events of Josiah’s reign, including the faithful acts he did in obedience to what is written in the law of the LORD

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of josiah s reign including the faithful acts he did in obedience to what is written in the law of the lord


text:
and his accomplishments, from start to finish, are recorded in the Scroll of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

normalized_text:
and his accomplishments from start to finish are recorded in the scroll of the kings of israel and judah


text:
Jehoahaz’s Reign The people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in his father’s place in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
jehoahaz s reign the people of the land took jehoahaz son of josiah and made him king in his father s place in jerusalem


text:
The king of Egypt prevented him from ruling in Jerusalem and imposed on the land a special tax of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

normalized_text:
the king of egypt prevented him from ruling in jerusalem and imposed on the land a special tax of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold


text:
The king of Egypt made Jehoahaz’s brother Eliakim king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. Necho seized his brother Jehoahaz and took him to Egypt.

normalized_text:
the king of egypt made jehoahaz s brother eliakim king over judah and jerusalem and changed his name to jehoiakim necho seized his brother jehoahaz and took him to egypt


text:
Jehoiakim’s Reign Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem. He did evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

normalized_text:
jehoiakim s reign jehoiakim was twenty five years old when he became king and he reigned for eleven years in jerusalem he did evil in the sight of the lord his god


text:
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked him, bound him with bronze chains, and carried him away to Babylon.

normalized_text:
king nebuchadnezzar of babylon attacked him bound him with bronze chains and carried him away to babylon


text:
Nebuchadnezzar took some of the items in the LORD’s temple to Babylon and put them in his palace there.

normalized_text:
nebuchadnezzar took some of the items in the lord s temple to babylon and put them in his palace there


text:
The rest of the events of Jehoiakim’s reign, including the horrible sins he committed and his shortcomings, are recorded in the Scroll of the Kings of Israel and Judah. His son Jehoiachin replaced him as king.

normalized_text:
the rest of the events of jehoiakim s reign including the horrible sins he committed and his shortcomings are recorded in the scroll of the kings of israel and judah his son jehoiachin replaced him as king


text:
Jehoiachin’s Reign Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem. He did evil in the sight of the LORD.

normalized_text:
jehoiachin s reign jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king and he reigned three months and ten days in jerusalem he did evil in the sight of the lord


text:
At the beginning of the year King Nebuchadnezzar ordered him to be brought to Babylon, along with the valuable items in the LORD’s temple. In his place he made his relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
at the beginning of the year king nebuchadnezzar ordered him to be brought to babylon along with the valuable items in the lord s temple in his place he made his relative zedekiah king over judah and jerusalem


text:
Zedekiah’s Reign Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he ruled for eleven years in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
zedekiah s reign zedekiah was twenty one years old when he became king and he ruled for eleven years in jerusalem


text:
He did evil in the sight of the LORD his God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, the LORD’s spokesman.

normalized_text:
he did evil in the sight of the lord his god he did not humble himself before jeremiah the prophet the lord s spokesman


text:
He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him vow allegiance in the name of God. He was stubborn and obstinate, and refused to return to the LORD God of Israel.

normalized_text:
he also rebelled against king nebuchadnezzar who had made him vow allegiance in the name of god he was stubborn and obstinate and refused to return to the lord god of israel


text:
All the leaders of the priests and people became more unfaithful and committed the same horrible sins practiced by the nations. They defiled the LORD’s temple which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
all the leaders of the priests and people became more unfaithful and committed the same horrible sins practiced by the nations they defiled the lord s temple which he had consecrated in jerusalem


text:
The Babylonians Destroy Jerusalem The LORD God of their ancestors continually warned them through his messengers, for he felt compassion for his people and his dwelling place.

normalized_text:
the babylonians destroy jerusalem the lord god of their ancestors continually warned them through his messengers for he felt compassion for his people and his dwelling place


text:
But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his warnings, and ridiculed his prophets. Finally the LORD got very angry at his people and there was no one who could prevent his judgment.

normalized_text:
but they mocked god s messengers despised his warnings and ridiculed his prophets finally the lord got very angry at his people and there was no one who could prevent his judgment


text:
He brought against them the king of the Babylonians, who slaughtered their young men in their temple. He did not spare young men or women, or even the old and aging. God handed everyone over to him.

normalized_text:
he brought against them the king of the babylonians who slaughtered their young men in their temple he did not spare young men or women or even the old and aging god handed everyone over to him


text:
He carried away to Babylon all the items in God’s temple, whether large or small, as well as what was in the treasuries of the LORD’s temple and in the treasuries of the king and his officials.

normalized_text:
he carried away to babylon all the items in god s temple whether large or small as well as what was in the treasuries of the lord s temple and in the treasuries of the king and his officials


text:
They burned down the God’s temple and tore down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned all its fortified buildings and destroyed all its valuable items.

normalized_text:
they burned down the god s temple and tore down the wall of jerusalem they burned all its fortified buildings and destroyed all its valuable items


text:
He deported to Babylon all who escaped the sword. They served him and his sons until the Persian kingdom rose to power.

normalized_text:
he deported to babylon all who escaped the sword they served him and his sons until the persian kingdom rose to power


text:
This took place to fulfill the LORD’s message spoken through Jeremiah and lasted until the land experienced its sabbatical years. All the time of its desolation the land rested in order to fulfill the seventy years.

normalized_text:
this took place to fulfill the lord s message spoken through jeremiah and lasted until the land experienced its sabbatical years all the time of its desolation the land rested in order to fulfill the seventy years


text:
Cyrus Allows the Exiles to Go Home In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in fulfillment of the LORD’s message spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD motivated King Cyrus of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his kingdom and also to put it in writing. It read:

normalized_text:
cyrus allows the exiles to go home in the first year of king cyrus of persia in fulfillment of the lord s message spoken through jeremiah the lord motivated king cyrus of persia to issue a proclamation throughout his kingdom and also to put it in writing it read


text:
“This is what King Cyrus of Persia says:‘The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Anyone of his people among you may go up there and may the LORD his God be with him!”

normalized_text:
this is what king cyrus of persia says the lord god of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth he has appointed me to build a temple for him in jerusalem which is in judah anyone of his people among you may go up there and may the lord his god be with him


text:
¶ The Decree of Cyrus In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in fulfillment of the LORD’s message spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD motivated King Cyrus of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his kingdom and also to put it in writing. It read:

normalized_text:
the decree of cyrus in the first year of king cyrus of persia in fulfillment of the lord s message spoken through jeremiah the lord motivated king cyrus of persia to issue a proclamation throughout his kingdom and also to put it in writing it read


text:
“This is what King Cyrus of Persia says:“‘The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

normalized_text:
this is what king cyrus of persia says the lord god of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth he has appointed me to build a temple for him in jerusalem which is in judah


text:
Anyone of his people among you(may his God be with him!) may go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and may build the temple of the LORD God of Israel– he is the God who is in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
anyone of his people among you may his god be with him may go up to jerusalem which is in judah and may build the temple of the lord god of israel he is the god who is in jerusalem


text:
Anyone who survives in any of those places where he is a resident foreigner must be helped by his neighbors with silver, gold, equipment, and animals, along with voluntary offerings for the temple of God which is in Jerusalem.’”

normalized_text:
anyone who survives in any of those places where he is a resident foreigner must be helped by his neighbors with silver gold equipment and animals along with voluntary offerings for the temple of god which is in jerusalem


text:
The Exiles Prepare to Return to Jerusalem Then the leaders of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and the Levites– all those whose mind God had stirred– got ready to go up in order to build the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
the exiles prepare to return to jerusalem then the leaders of judah and benjamin along with the priests and the levites all those whose mind god had stirred got ready to go up in order to build the temple of the lord in jerusalem


text:
All their neighbors assisted them with silver utensils, gold, equipment, animals, and expensive gifts, not to mention all the voluntary offerings.

normalized_text:
all their neighbors assisted them with silver utensils gold equipment animals and expensive gifts not to mention all the voluntary offerings


text:
Then King Cyrus brought out the vessels of the LORD’s temple which Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem and had displayed in the temple of his gods.

normalized_text:
then king cyrus brought out the vessels of the lord s temple which nebuchadnezzar had brought from jerusalem and had displayed in the temple of his gods


text:
King Cyrus of Persia entrusted them to Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the leader of the Judahite exiles.

normalized_text:
king cyrus of persia entrusted them to mithredath the treasurer who counted them out to sheshbazzar the leader of the judahite exiles


normalized_text: the inventory of these items was as follows 30 gold basins 1 000 silver basins 29 silver utensils
text:
The inventory of these items was as follows: 30 gold basins, 1,000 silver basins, 29 silver utensils,


text:
All these gold and silver vessels totaled 5,400. Sheshbazzar brought them all along when the captives were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
all these gold and silver vessels totaled 5 400 sheshbazzar brought them all along when the captives were brought up from babylon to jerusalem


text:
The Names of the Returning Exiles These are the people of the province who were going up, from the captives of the exile whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had forced into exile in Babylon. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own city.

normalized_text:
the names of the returning exiles these are the people of the province who were going up from the captives of the exile whom king nebuchadnezzar of babylon had forced into exile in babylon they returned to jerusalem and judah each to his own city


text:
They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of Israelites was as follows:

normalized_text:
they came with zerubbabel jeshua nehemiah seraiah reelaiah mordecai bilshan mispar bigvai rehum and baanah the number of israelites was as follows


text:
The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai: 139.

normalized_text:
the gatekeepers the descendants of shallum the descendants of ater the descendants of talmon the descendants of akkub the descendants of hatita and the descendants of shobai 139


normalized_text: the temple servants the descendants of ziha the descendants of hasupha the descendants of tabbaoth
text:
The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth,


text:
The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Hassophereth, the descendants of Peruda,

normalized_text:
the descendants of the servants of solomon the descendants of sotai the descendants of hassophereth the descendants of peruda


text:
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami.

normalized_text:
the descendants of shephatiah the descendants of hattil the descendants of pokereth hazzebaim and the descendants of ami


text:
These are the ones that came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer(although they were unable to certify their family connection or their ancestry, as to whether they really were from Israel):

normalized_text:
these are the ones that came up from tel melah tel harsha kerub addon and immer although they were unable to certify their family connection or their ancestry as to whether they really were from israel


text:
And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai(who had taken a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name).

normalized_text:
and from among the priests the descendants of hobaiah the descendants of hakkoz and the descendants of barzillai who had taken a wife from the daughters of barzillai the gileadite and was called by that name


text:
They searched for their records in the genealogical materials, but did not find them. They were therefore excluded from the priesthood.

normalized_text:
they searched for their records in the genealogical materials but did not find them they were therefore excluded from the priesthood


text:
The governor instructed them not to eat any of the sacred food until there was a priest who could consult the Urim and Thummim.

normalized_text:
the governor instructed them not to eat any of the sacred food until there was a priest who could consult the urim and thummim


text:
not counting their male and female servants, who numbered 7,337. They also had 200 male and female singers

normalized_text:
not counting their male and female servants who numbered 7 337 they also had 200 male and female singers


text:
When they came to the LORD’s temple in Jerusalem, some of the family leaders offered voluntary offerings for the temple of God in order to rebuild it on its site.

normalized_text:
when they came to the lord s temple in jerusalem some of the family leaders offered voluntary offerings for the temple of god in order to rebuild it on its site


text:
As they were able, they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly robes.

normalized_text:
as they were able they gave to the treasury for this work 61 000 drachmas of gold 5 000 minas of silver and 100 priestly robes


text:
The priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all the rest of Israel lived in their towns.

normalized_text:
the priests the levites some of the people the singers the gatekeepers and the temple servants lived in their towns and all the rest of israel lived in their towns


text:
The Altar is Rebuilt When the seventh month arrived and the Israelites were living in their towns, the people assembled in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
the altar is rebuilt when the seventh month arrived and the israelites were living in their towns the people assembled in jerusalem


text:
Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his priestly colleagues and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his colleagues started to build the altar of the God of Israel so they could offer burnt offerings on it as required by the law of Moses the man of God.

normalized_text:
then jeshua the son of jozadak and his priestly colleagues and zerubbabel son of shealtiel and his colleagues started to build the altar of the god of israel so they could offer burnt offerings on it as required by the law of moses the man of god


text:
They established the altar on its foundations, even though they were in terror of the local peoples, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and the evening offerings.

normalized_text:
they established the altar on its foundations even though they were in terror of the local peoples and they offered burnt offerings on it to the lord both the morning and the evening offerings


text:
They observed the Feast of Shelters as required and offered the proper number of daily burnt offerings according to the requirement for each day.

normalized_text:
they observed the feast of shelters as required and offered the proper number of daily burnt offerings according to the requirement for each day


text:
Afterward they offered the continual burnt offerings and those for the new moons and those for all the holy assemblies of the LORD and all those that were being voluntarily offered to the LORD.

normalized_text:
afterward they offered the continual burnt offerings and those for the new moons and those for all the holy assemblies of the lord and all those that were being voluntarily offered to the lord


text:
From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD. However, the LORD’s temple was not at that time established.

normalized_text:
from the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the lord however the lord s temple was not at that time established


text:
Preparations for Rebuilding the Temple So they provided money for the masons and carpenters, and food, beverages, and olive oil for the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar timber from Lebanon to the seaport at Joppa, in accord with the edict of King Cyrus of Persia.

normalized_text:
preparations for rebuilding the temple so they provided money for the masons and carpenters and food beverages and olive oil for the people of sidon and tyre so that they would bring cedar timber from lebanon to the seaport at joppa in accord with the edict of king cyrus of persia


text:
In the second year after they had come to the temple of God in Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak initiated the work, along with the rest of their associates, the priests and the Levites, and all those who were coming to Jerusalem from the exile. They appointed the Levites who were at least twenty years old to take charge of the work on the LORD’s temple.

normalized_text:
in the second year after they had come to the temple of god in jerusalem in the second month zerubbabel the son of shealtiel and jeshua the son of jozadak initiated the work along with the rest of their associates the priests and the levites and all those who were coming to jerusalem from the exile they appointed the levites who were at least twenty years old to take charge of the work on the lord s temple


text:
So Jeshua appointed both his sons and his relatives, Kadmiel and his sons(the sons of Yehudah), to take charge of the workers in the temple of God, along with the sons of Henadad, their sons, and their relatives the Levites.

normalized_text:
so jeshua appointed both his sons and his relatives kadmiel and his sons the sons of yehudah to take charge of the workers in the temple of god along with the sons of henadad their sons and their relatives the levites


text:
When the builders established the LORD’s temple, the priests, ceremonially attired and with their clarions, and the Levites(the sons of Asaph) with their cymbals, stood to praise the LORD according to the instructions left by King David of Israel.

normalized_text:
when the builders established the lord s temple the priests ceremonially attired and with their clarions and the levites the sons of asaph with their cymbals stood to praise the lord according to the instructions left by king david of israel


text:
With antiphonal response they sang, praising and glorifying the LORD:“For he is good; his loyal love toward Israel is forever.” All the people gave a loud shout as they praised the LORD when the temple of the LORD was established.

normalized_text:
with antiphonal response they sang praising and glorifying the lord for he is good his loyal love toward israel is forever all the people gave a loud shout as they praised the lord when the temple of the lord was established


text:
Many of the priests, the Levites, and the leaders– older people who had seen with their own eyes the former temple while it was still established– were weeping loudly, and many others raised their voice in a joyous shout.

normalized_text:
many of the priests the levites and the leaders older people who had seen with their own eyes the former temple while it was still established were weeping loudly and many others raised their voice in a joyous shout


text:
People were unable to tell the difference between the sound of joyous shouting and the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people were shouting so loudly that the sound was heard a long way off.

normalized_text:
people were unable to tell the difference between the sound of joyous shouting and the sound of the people s weeping for the people were shouting so loudly that the sound was heard a long way off


text:
Opposition to the Building Efforts When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin learned that the former exiles were building a temple for the LORD God of Israel,

normalized_text:
opposition to the building efforts when the enemies of judah and benjamin learned that the former exiles were building a temple for the lord god of israel


text:
they came to Zerubbabel and the leaders and said to them,“Let us help you build, for like you we seek your God and we have been sacrificing to him from the time of King Esarhaddon of Assyria, who brought us here.”

normalized_text:
they came to zerubbabel and the leaders and said to them let us help you build for like you we seek your god and we have been sacrificing to him from the time of king esarhaddon of assyria who brought us here


text:
But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the leaders of Israel said to them,“You have no right to help us build the temple of our God. We will build it by ourselves for the LORD God of Israel, just as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.”

normalized_text:
but zerubbabel jeshua and the rest of the leaders of israel said to them you have no right to help us build the temple of our god we will build it by ourselves for the lord god of israel just as king cyrus the king of persia has commanded us


text:
They were hiring advisers to oppose them, so as to frustrate their plans, throughout the time of King Cyrus of Persia until the reign of King Darius of Persia.

normalized_text:
they were hiring advisers to oppose them so as to frustrate their plans throughout the time of king cyrus of persia until the reign of king darius of persia


text:
Official Complaints Are Lodged Against the Jews At the beginning of the reign of Ahasuerus they filed an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
official complaints are lodged against the jews at the beginning of the reign of ahasuerus they filed an accusation against the inhabitants of judah and jerusalem


text:
And during the reign of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their colleagues wrote to King Artaxerxes of Persia. This letter was first written in Aramaic but then translated.[Aramaic:]

normalized_text:
and during the reign of artaxerxes bishlam mithredath tabeel and the rest of their colleagues wrote to king artaxerxes of persia this letter was first written in aramaic but then translated aramaic


text:
Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter concerning Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows:

normalized_text:
rehum the commander and shimshai the scribe wrote a letter concerning jerusalem to king artaxerxes as follows


text:
From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues– the judges, the rulers, the officials, the secretaries, the Erechites, the Babylonians, the people of Susa(that is, the Elamites),

normalized_text:
from rehum the commander shimshai the scribe and the rest of their colleagues the judges the rulers the officials the secretaries the erechites the babylonians the people of susa that is the elamites


text:
and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and other places in Trans-Euphrates.

normalized_text:
and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of samaria and other places in trans euphrates


text:
(This is a copy of the letter they sent to him:)“To King Artaxerxes, from your servants in Trans-Euphrates:

normalized_text:
this is a copy of the letter they sent to him to king artaxerxes from your servants in trans euphrates


text:
Now let the king be aware that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and odious city. They are completing its walls and repairing its foundations.

normalized_text:
now let the king be aware that the jews who came up to us from you have gone to jerusalem they are rebuilding that rebellious and odious city they are completing its walls and repairing its foundations


text:
Let the king also be aware that if this city is built and its walls are completed, no more tax, custom, or toll will be paid, and the royal treasury will suffer loss.

normalized_text:
let the king also be aware that if this city is built and its walls are completed no more tax custom or toll will be paid and the royal treasury will suffer loss


text:
In light of the fact that we are loyal to the king, and since it does not seem appropriate to us that the king should sustain damage, we are sending the king this information

normalized_text:
in light of the fact that we are loyal to the king and since it does not seem appropriate to us that the king should sustain damage we are sending the king this information


text:
so that he may initiate a search of the records of his predecessors and discover in those records that this city is rebellious and injurious to both kings and provinces, producing internal revolts from long ago. It is for this very reason that this city was destroyed.

normalized_text:
so that he may initiate a search of the records of his predecessors and discover in those records that this city is rebellious and injurious to both kings and provinces producing internal revolts from long ago it is for this very reason that this city was destroyed


text:
We therefore are informing the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, you will not retain control of this portion of Trans-Euphrates.”

normalized_text:
we therefore are informing the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed you will not retain control of this portion of trans euphrates


text:
The king sent the following response:“To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and other parts of Trans-Euphrates: Greetings!

normalized_text:
the king sent the following response to rehum the commander shimshai the scribe and the rest of their colleagues who live in samaria and other parts of trans euphrates greetings


text:
So I gave orders, and it was determined that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in rebellion and revolt.

normalized_text:
so i gave orders and it was determined that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings it has continually engaged in rebellion and revolt


text:
Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates and who were the beneficiaries of tribute, custom, and toll.

normalized_text:
powerful kings have been over jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire trans euphrates and who were the beneficiaries of tribute custom and toll


text:
Now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as I so instruct.

normalized_text:
now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as i so instruct


text:
Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage?”

normalized_text:
exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage


text:
Then, as soon as the copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read in the presence of Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they proceeded promptly to the Jews in Jerusalem and stopped them with threat of armed force.

normalized_text:
then as soon as the copy of the letter from king artaxerxes was read in the presence of rehum shimshai the scribe and their colleagues they proceeded promptly to the jews in jerusalem and stopped them with threat of armed force


text:
So the work on the temple of God in Jerusalem came to a halt. It remained halted until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.

normalized_text:
so the work on the temple of god in jerusalem came to a halt it remained halted until the second year of the reign of king darius of persia


text:
Tattenai Appeals to Darius Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied concerning the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.

normalized_text:
tattenai appeals to darius then the prophets haggai and zechariah son of iddo prophesied concerning the jews who were in judah and jerusalem in the name of the god of israel who was over them


text:
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak began to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem. The prophets of God were with them, supporting them.

normalized_text:
then zerubbabel the son of shealtiel and jeshua the son of jozadak began to rebuild the temple of god in jerusalem the prophets of god were with them supporting them


text:
At that time Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and their colleagues came to them and asked,“Who gave you authority to rebuild this temple and to complete this structure?”

normalized_text:
at that time tattenai governor of trans euphrates shethar bozenai and their colleagues came to them and asked who gave you authority to rebuild this temple and to complete this structure


text:
But God was watching over the elders of Judah, and they were not stopped until a report could be dispatched to Darius and a letter could be sent back concerning this.

normalized_text:
but god was watching over the elders of judah and they were not stopped until a report could be dispatched to darius and a letter could be sent back concerning this


text:
This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and his colleagues who were the officials of Trans-Euphrates sent to King Darius.

normalized_text:
this is a copy of the letter that tattenai governor of trans euphrates shethar bozenai and his colleagues who were the officials of trans euphrates sent to king darius


text:
Let it be known to the king that we have gone to the province of Judah, to the temple of the great God. It is being built with large stones, and timbers are being placed in the walls. This work is being done with all diligence and is prospering in their hands.

normalized_text:
let it be known to the king that we have gone to the province of judah to the temple of the great god it is being built with large stones and timbers are being placed in the walls this work is being done with all diligence and is prospering in their hands


text:
We inquired of those elders, asking them,‘Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and to complete this structure?’

normalized_text:
we inquired of those elders asking them who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and to complete this structure


text:
We also inquired of their names in order to inform you, so that we might write the names of the men who were their leaders.

normalized_text:
we also inquired of their names in order to inform you so that we might write the names of the men who were their leaders


text:
They responded to us in the following way:‘We are servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple which was previously built many years ago. A great king of Israel built it and completed it.

normalized_text:
they responded to us in the following way we are servants of the god of heaven and earth we are rebuilding the temple which was previously built many years ago a great king of israel built it and completed it


text:
But after our ancestors angered the God of heaven, he delivered them into the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and exiled the people to Babylon.

normalized_text:
but after our ancestors angered the god of heaven he delivered them into the hands of king nebuchadnezzar of babylon the chaldean who destroyed this temple and exiled the people to babylon


text:
But in the first year of King Cyrus of Babylon, King Cyrus enacted a decree to rebuild this temple of God.

normalized_text:
but in the first year of king cyrus of babylon king cyrus enacted a decree to rebuild this temple of god


text:
Even the gold and silver vessels of the temple of God that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem and had brought to the palace of Babylon– even those things King Cyrus brought from the palace of Babylon and presented to a man by the name of Sheshbazzar whom he had appointed as governor.

normalized_text:
even the gold and silver vessels of the temple of god that nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in jerusalem and had brought to the palace of babylon even those things king cyrus brought from the palace of babylon and presented to a man by the name of sheshbazzar whom he had appointed as governor


text:
He said to him,“Take these vessels and go deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt in its proper location.”

normalized_text:
he said to him take these vessels and go deposit them in the temple in jerusalem and let the house of god be rebuilt in its proper location


text:
Then this Sheshbazzar went and laid the foundations of the temple of God in Jerusalem. From that time to the present moment it has been in the process of being rebuilt, although it is not yet finished.’

normalized_text:
then this sheshbazzar went and laid the foundations of the temple of god in jerusalem from that time to the present moment it has been in the process of being rebuilt although it is not yet finished


text:
“Now if the king is so inclined, let a search be conducted in the royal archives there in Babylon in order to determine whether King Cyrus did in fact issue orders for this temple of God to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us a decision concerning this matter.”

normalized_text:
now if the king is so inclined let a search be conducted in the royal archives there in babylon in order to determine whether king cyrus did in fact issue orders for this temple of god to be rebuilt in jerusalem then let the king send us a decision concerning this matter


text:
Darius Issues a Decree So Darius the king issued orders, and they searched in the archives of the treasury which were deposited there in Babylon.

normalized_text:
darius issues a decree so darius the king issued orders and they searched in the archives of the treasury which were deposited there in babylon


text:
A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana which is in the province of Media, and it was inscribed as follows:“Memorandum:

normalized_text:
a scroll was found in the citadel of ecbatana which is in the province of media and it was inscribed as follows memorandum


text:
In the first year of his reign, King Cyrus gave orders concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem:‘Let the temple be rebuilt as a place where sacrifices are offered. Let its foundations be set in place. Its height is to be ninety feet and its width ninety feet,

normalized_text:
in the first year of his reign king cyrus gave orders concerning the temple of god in jerusalem let the temple be rebuilt as a place where sacrifices are offered let its foundations be set in place its height is to be ninety feet and its width ninety feet


text:
with three layers of large stones and one layer of timber. The expense is to be subsidized by the royal treasury.

normalized_text:
with three layers of large stones and one layer of timber the expense is to be subsidized by the royal treasury


text:
Furthermore let the gold and silver vessels of the temple of God, which Nebuchadnezzar brought from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, be returned and brought to their proper place in the temple in Jerusalem. Let them be deposited in the temple of God.’

normalized_text:
furthermore let the gold and silver vessels of the temple of god which nebuchadnezzar brought from the temple in jerusalem and carried to babylon be returned and brought to their proper place in the temple in jerusalem let them be deposited in the temple of god


text:
“Now Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues, the officials of Trans-Euphrates– all of you stay far away from there!

normalized_text:
now tattenai governor of trans euphrates shethar bozenai and their colleagues the officials of trans euphrates all of you stay far away from there


text:
Leave the work on this temple of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this temple of God in its proper place.

normalized_text:
leave the work on this temple of god alone let the governor of the jews and the elders of the jews rebuild this temple of god in its proper place


text:
“I also hereby issue orders as to what you are to do with those elders of the Jews in order to rebuild this temple of God. From the royal treasury, from the taxes of Trans-Euphrates the complete costs are to be given to these men, so that there may be no interruption of the work.

normalized_text:
i also hereby issue orders as to what you are to do with those elders of the jews in order to rebuild this temple of god from the royal treasury from the taxes of trans euphrates the complete costs are to be given to these men so that there may be no interruption of the work


text:
Whatever is needed– whether oxen or rams or lambs for burnt offerings for the God of heaven or wheat or salt or wine or oil, as required by the priests who are in Jerusalem– must be given to them daily without any neglect,

normalized_text:
whatever is needed whether oxen or rams or lambs for burnt offerings for the god of heaven or wheat or salt or wine or oil as required by the priests who are in jerusalem must be given to them daily without any neglect


text:
so that they may be offering incense to the God of heaven and may be praying for the good fortune of the king and his family.

normalized_text:
so that they may be offering incense to the god of heaven and may be praying for the good fortune of the king and his family


text:
“I hereby give orders that if anyone changes this directive a beam is to be pulled out from his house and he is to be raised up and impaled on it, and his house is to be reduced to a rubbish heap for this indiscretion.

normalized_text:
i hereby give orders that if anyone changes this directive a beam is to be pulled out from his house and he is to be raised up and impaled on it and his house is to be reduced to a rubbish heap for this indiscretion


text:
May God who makes his name to reside there overthrow any king or nation who reaches out to cause such change so as to destroy this temple of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have given orders. Let them be carried out with precision!”

normalized_text:
may god who makes his name to reside there overthrow any king or nation who reaches out to cause such change so as to destroy this temple of god in jerusalem i darius have given orders let them be carried out with precision


text:
The Temple Is Finally Dedicated Then Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and their colleagues acted accordingly– with precision, just as Darius the king had given instructions.

normalized_text:
the temple is finally dedicated then tattenai governor of trans euphrates shethar bozenai and their colleagues acted accordingly with precision just as darius the king had given instructions


text:
The elders of the Jews continued building and prospering, while at the same time Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo continued prophesying. They built and brought it to completion by the command of the God of Israel and by the command of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

normalized_text:
the elders of the jews continued building and prospering while at the same time haggai the prophet and zechariah the son of iddo continued prophesying they built and brought it to completion by the command of the god of israel and by the command of cyrus and darius and artaxerxes king of persia


text:
They finished this temple on the third day of the month Adar, which is the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.

normalized_text:
they finished this temple on the third day of the month adar which is the sixth year of the reign of king darius


text:
The people of Israel– the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles– observed the dedication of this temple of God with joy.

normalized_text:
the people of israel the priests the levites and the rest of the exiles observed the dedication of this temple of god with joy


text:
For the dedication of this temple of God they offered one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and twelve male goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

normalized_text:
for the dedication of this temple of god they offered one hundred bulls two hundred rams four hundred lambs and twelve male goats for the sin of all israel according to the number of the tribes of israel


text:
They appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their divisions over the worship of God at Jerusalem, in accord with the book of Moses.

normalized_text:
they appointed the priests by their divisions and the levites by their divisions over the worship of god at jerusalem in accord with the book of moses


text:
The priests and the Levites had purified themselves, every last one, and they all were ceremonially pure. They sacrificed the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their colleagues the priests, and for themselves.

normalized_text:
the priests and the levites had purified themselves every last one and they all were ceremonially pure they sacrificed the passover lamb for all the exiles for their colleagues the priests and for themselves


text:
The Israelites who were returning from the exile ate it, along with all those who had joined them in separating themselves from the uncleanness of the nations of the land to seek the LORD God of Israel.

normalized_text:
the israelites who were returning from the exile ate it along with all those who had joined them in separating themselves from the uncleanness of the nations of the land to seek the lord god of israel


text:
They observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with joy, for the LORD had given them joy and had changed the opinion of the king of Assyria toward them, so that he assisted them in the work on the temple of God, the God of Israel.

normalized_text:
they observed the feast of unleavened bread for seven days with joy for the lord had given them joy and had changed the opinion of the king of assyria toward them so that he assisted them in the work on the temple of god the god of israel


text:
The Arrival of Ezra Now after these things had happened, during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra came up from Babylon. Ezra was the son of Seraiah, who was the son of Azariah, who was the son of Hilkiah,

normalized_text:
the arrival of ezra now after these things had happened during the reign of king artaxerxes of persia ezra came up from babylon ezra was the son of seraiah who was the son of azariah who was the son of hilkiah


text:
who was the son of Abishua, who was the son of Phinehas, who was the son of Eleazar, who was the son of Aaron the chief priest.

normalized_text:
who was the son of abishua who was the son of phinehas who was the son of eleazar who was the son of aaron the chief priest


text:
This Ezra is the one who came up from Babylon. He was a scribe who was skilled in the law of Moses which the LORD God of Israel had given. The king supplied him with everything he requested, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.

normalized_text:
this ezra is the one who came up from babylon he was a scribe who was skilled in the law of moses which the lord god of israel had given the king supplied him with everything he requested for the hand of the lord his god was on him


text:
In the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, Ezra brought up to Jerusalem some of the Israelites and some of the priests, the Levites, the attendants, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants.

normalized_text:
in the seventh year of king artaxerxes ezra brought up to jerusalem some of the israelites and some of the priests the levites the attendants the gatekeepers and the temple servants


text:
On the first day of the first month he had determined to make the ascent from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he arrived at Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him.

normalized_text:
on the first day of the first month he had determined to make the ascent from babylon and on the first day of the fifth month he arrived at jerusalem for the good hand of his god was on him


text:
Now Ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the LORD, to its observance, and to teaching its statutes and judgments in Israel.

normalized_text:
now ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the lord to its observance and to teaching its statutes and judgments in israel


text:
Artaxerxes Gives Official Endorsement to Ezra’s Mission What follows is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priestly scribe. Ezra was a scribe in matters pertaining to the commandments of the LORD and his statutes over Israel:

normalized_text:
artaxerxes gives official endorsement to ezra s mission what follows is a copy of the letter that king artaxerxes gave to ezra the priestly scribe ezra was a scribe in matters pertaining to the commandments of the lord and his statutes over israel


text:
I have now issued a decree that anyone in my kingdom from the people of Israel– even the priests and Levites– who wishes to do so may go up with you to Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
i have now issued a decree that anyone in my kingdom from the people of israel even the priests and levites who wishes to do so may go up with you to jerusalem


text:
You are authorized by the king and his seven advisers to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your possession,

normalized_text:
you are authorized by the king and his seven advisers to inquire concerning judah and jerusalem according to the law of your god which is in your possession


text:
and to bring silver and gold which the king and his advisers have freely contributed to the God of Israel, who resides in Jerusalem,

normalized_text:
and to bring silver and gold which the king and his advisers have freely contributed to the god of israel who resides in jerusalem


text:
along with all the silver and gold that you may collect throughout all the province of Babylon and the contributions of the people and the priests for the temple of their God which is in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
along with all the silver and gold that you may collect throughout all the province of babylon and the contributions of the people and the priests for the temple of their god which is in jerusalem


text:
With this money you should be sure to purchase bulls, rams, and lambs, along with the appropriate meal offerings and libations. You should bring them to the altar of the temple of your God which is in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
with this money you should be sure to purchase bulls rams and lambs along with the appropriate meal offerings and libations you should bring them to the altar of the temple of your god which is in jerusalem


text:
You may do whatever seems appropriate to you and your colleagues with the rest of the silver and the gold, in keeping with the will of your God.

normalized_text:
you may do whatever seems appropriate to you and your colleagues with the rest of the silver and the gold in keeping with the will of your god


text:
Deliver to the God of Jerusalem the vessels that are given to you for the service of the temple of your God.

normalized_text:
deliver to the god of jerusalem the vessels that are given to you for the service of the temple of your god


text:
The rest of the needs for the temple of your God that you may have to supply, you may do so from the royal treasury.

normalized_text:
the rest of the needs for the temple of your god that you may have to supply you may do so from the royal treasury


text:
“I, King Artaxerxes, hereby issue orders to all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates, that you precisely execute all that Ezra the priestly scribe of the law of the God of heaven may request of you–

normalized_text:
i king artaxerxes hereby issue orders to all the treasurers of trans euphrates that you precisely execute all that ezra the priestly scribe of the law of the god of heaven may request of you


text:
up to 100 talents of silver, 100 cors of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of olive oil, and unlimited salt.

normalized_text:
up to 100 talents of silver 100 cors of wheat 100 baths of wine 100 baths of olive oil and unlimited salt


text:
Everything that the God of heaven has required should be precisely done for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath against the empire of the king and his sons?

normalized_text:
everything that the god of heaven has required should be precisely done for the temple of the god of heaven why should there be wrath against the empire of the king and his sons


text:
Furthermore, be aware of the fact that you have no authority to impose tax, tribute, or toll on any of the priests, the Levites, the musicians, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or the attendants at the temple of this God.

normalized_text:
furthermore be aware of the fact that you have no authority to impose tax tribute or toll on any of the priests the levites the musicians the doorkeepers the temple servants or the attendants at the temple of this god


text:
“Now you, Ezra, in keeping with the wisdom of your God which you possess, appoint judges and court officials who can arbitrate cases on behalf of all the people who are in Trans-Euphrates who know the laws of your God. Those who do not know this law should be taught.

normalized_text:
now you ezra in keeping with the wisdom of your god which you possess appoint judges and court officials who can arbitrate cases on behalf of all the people who are in trans euphrates who know the laws of your god those who do not know this law should be taught


text:
Everyone who does not observe both the law of your God and the law of the king will be completely liable to the appropriate penalty, whether it is death or banishment or confiscation of property or detainment in prison.”

normalized_text:
everyone who does not observe both the law of your god and the law of the king will be completely liable to the appropriate penalty whether it is death or banishment or confiscation of property or detainment in prison


text:
Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who so moved in the heart of the king to so honor the temple of the LORD which is in Jerusalem!

normalized_text:
blessed be the lord god of our fathers who so moved in the heart of the king to so honor the temple of the lord which is in jerusalem


text:
He has also conferred his favor on me before the king, his advisers, and all the influential leaders of the king. I gained strength as the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.

normalized_text:
he has also conferred his favor on me before the king his advisers and all the influential leaders of the king i gained strength as the hand of the lord my god was on me and i gathered leaders from israel to go up with me


text:
The Leaders Who Returned with Ezra These are the leaders and those enrolled with them by genealogy who were coming up with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:

normalized_text:
the leaders who returned with ezra these are the leaders and those enrolled with them by genealogy who were coming up with me from babylon during the reign of king artaxerxes


text:
from the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom; from the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel; from the descendants of David, Hattush

normalized_text:
from the descendants of phinehas gershom from the descendants of ithamar daniel from the descendants of david hattush


text:
the son of Shecaniah; from the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were enrolled by genealogy 150 men;

normalized_text:
the son of shecaniah from the descendants of parosh zechariah and with him were enrolled by genealogy 150 men


text:
from the descendants of Adonikam there were the latter ones. Their names were Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men;

normalized_text:
from the descendants of adonikam there were the latter ones their names were eliphelet jeuel and shemaiah and with them 60 men


text:
The Exiles Travel to Jerusalem I had them assemble at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there for three days. I observed that the people and the priests were present, but I found no Levites there.

normalized_text:
the exiles travel to jerusalem i had them assemble at the canal that flows toward ahava and we camped there for three days i observed that the people and the priests were present but i found no levites there


text:
So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were teachers.

normalized_text:
so i sent for eliezer ariel shemaiah elnathan jarib elnathan nathan zechariah and meshullam who were leaders and joiarib and elnathan who were teachers


text:
I sent them to Iddo, who was the leader in the place called Casiphia. I told them what to say to Iddo and his relatives, who were the temple servants in Casiphia, so they would bring us attendants for the temple of our God.

normalized_text:
i sent them to iddo who was the leader in the place called casiphia i told them what to say to iddo and his relatives who were the temple servants in casiphia so they would bring us attendants for the temple of our god


text:
Due to the fact that the good hand of our God was on us, they brought us a skilled man, from the descendants of Mahli the son of Levi son of Israel. This man was Sherebiah, who was accompanied by his sons and brothers, 18 men,

normalized_text:
due to the fact that the good hand of our god was on us they brought us a skilled man from the descendants of mahli the son of levi son of israel this man was sherebiah who was accompanied by his sons and brothers 18 men


text:
and Hashabiah, along with Jeshaiah from the descendants of Merari, with his brothers and their sons, 20 men,

normalized_text:
and hashabiah along with jeshaiah from the descendants of merari with his brothers and their sons 20 men


text:
and some of the temple servants that David and his officials had established for the work of the Levites– 220 of them. They were all designated by name.

normalized_text:
and some of the temple servants that david and his officials had established for the work of the levites 220 of them they were all designated by name


text:
I called for a fast there by the Ahava Canal, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and seek from him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our property.

normalized_text:
i called for a fast there by the ahava canal so that we might humble ourselves before our god and seek from him a safe journey for us our children and all our property


text:
I was embarrassed to request soldiers and horsemen from the king to protect us from the enemy along the way, because we had said to the king,“The good hand of our God is on everyone who is seeking him, but his great anger is against everyone who forsakes him.”

normalized_text:
i was embarrassed to request soldiers and horsemen from the king to protect us from the enemy along the way because we had said to the king the good hand of our god is on everyone who is seeking him but his great anger is against everyone who forsakes him


text:
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

normalized_text:
then i set apart twelve of the leading priests together with sherebiah hashabiah and ten of their brothers


text:
and I weighed out to them the silver, the gold, and the vessels intended for the temple of our God– items that the king, his advisers, his officials, and all Israel who were present had contributed.

normalized_text:
and i weighed out to them the silver the gold and the vessels intended for the temple of our god items that the king his advisers his officials and all israel who were present had contributed


normalized_text: 20 gold bowls worth 1 000 darics and two exquisite vessels of gleaming bronze as valuable as gold
text:
20 gold bowls worth 1,000 darics, and two exquisite vessels of gleaming bronze, as valuable as gold.


text:
Then I said to them,“You are holy to the LORD, just as these vessels are holy. The silver and the gold are a voluntary offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.

normalized_text:
then i said to them you are holy to the lord just as these vessels are holy the silver and the gold are a voluntary offering to the lord the god of your fathers


text:
Be careful with them and protect them, until you weigh them out before the leading priests and the Levites and the family leaders of Israel in Jerusalem, in the storerooms of the temple of the LORD.

normalized_text:
be careful with them and protect them until you weigh them out before the leading priests and the levites and the family leaders of israel in jerusalem in the storerooms of the temple of the lord


text:
Then the priests and the Levites took charge of the silver, the gold, and the vessels that had been weighed out, to transport them to Jerusalem to the temple of our God.

normalized_text:
then the priests and the levites took charge of the silver the gold and the vessels that had been weighed out to transport them to jerusalem to the temple of our god


text:
On the twelfth day of the first month we began traveling from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from our enemy and from bandits along the way.

normalized_text:
on the twelfth day of the first month we began traveling from the ahava canal to go to jerusalem the hand of our god was on us and he delivered us from our enemy and from bandits along the way


text:
On the fourth day we weighed out the silver, the gold, and the vessels in the house of our God into the care of Meremoth son of Uriah, the priest, and Eleazar son of Phinehas, who were accompanied by Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui, who were Levites.

normalized_text:
on the fourth day we weighed out the silver the gold and the vessels in the house of our god into the care of meremoth son of uriah the priest and eleazar son of phinehas who were accompanied by jozabad son of jeshua and noadiah son of binnui who were levites


normalized_text: everything was verified by number and by weight and the total weight was written down at that time
text:
Everything was verified by number and by weight, and the total weight was written down at that time.


text:
The exiles who were returning from the captivity offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel– twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven male lambs, along with twelve male goats as a sin offering. All this was a burnt offering to the LORD.

normalized_text:
the exiles who were returning from the captivity offered burnt offerings to the god of israel twelve bulls for all israel ninety six rams seventy seven male lambs along with twelve male goats as a sin offering all this was a burnt offering to the lord


text:
Then they presented the decrees of the king to the king’s satraps and to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, who gave help to the people and to the temple of God.

normalized_text:
then they presented the decrees of the king to the king s satraps and to the governors of trans euphrates who gave help to the people and to the temple of god


text:
A Prayer of Ezra Now when these things had been completed, the leaders approached me and said,“The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites have not separated themselves from the local residents who practice detestable things similar to those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

normalized_text:
a prayer of ezra now when these things had been completed the leaders approached me and said the people of israel the priests and the levites have not separated themselves from the local residents who practice detestable things similar to those of the canaanites the hittites the perizzites the jebusites the ammonites the moabites the egyptians and the amorites


text:
Indeed, they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has become intermingled with the local residents. Worse still, the leaders and the officials have been at the forefront of all of this unfaithfulness!”

normalized_text:
indeed they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons so that the holy race has become intermingled with the local residents worse still the leaders and the officials have been at the forefront of all of this unfaithfulness


text:
When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and my robe and ripped out some of the hair from my head and beard. Then I sat down, quite devastated.

normalized_text:
when i heard this report i tore my tunic and my robe and ripped out some of the hair from my head and beard then i sat down quite devastated


text:
Everyone who held the words of the God of Israel in awe gathered around me because of the unfaithful acts of the people of the exile. Devastated, I continued to sit there until the evening offering.

normalized_text:
everyone who held the words of the god of israel in awe gathered around me because of the unfaithful acts of the people of the exile devastated i continued to sit there until the evening offering


text:
At the time of the evening offering I got up from my self-abasement, with my tunic and robe torn, and then dropped to my knees and spread my hands to the LORD my God.

normalized_text:
at the time of the evening offering i got up from my self abasement with my tunic and robe torn and then dropped to my knees and spread my hands to the lord my god


text:
I prayed,“O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God! For our iniquities have climbed higher than our heads, and our guilt extends to the heavens.

normalized_text:
i prayed o my god i am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you my god for our iniquities have climbed higher than our heads and our guilt extends to the heavens


text:
From the days of our fathers until this very day our guilt has been great. Because of our iniquities we, along with our kings and priests, have been delivered over by the local kings to sword, captivity, plunder, and embarrassment– right up to the present time.

normalized_text:
from the days of our fathers until this very day our guilt has been great because of our iniquities we along with our kings and priests have been delivered over by the local kings to sword captivity plunder and embarrassment right up to the present time


text:
“But now briefly we have received mercy from the LORD our God, in that he has left us a remnant and has given us a secure position in his holy place. Thus our God has enlightened our eyes and has given us a little relief in our time of servitude.

normalized_text:
but now briefly we have received mercy from the lord our god in that he has left us a remnant and has given us a secure position in his holy place thus our god has enlightened our eyes and has given us a little relief in our time of servitude


text:
Although we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our servitude. He has extended kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, in that he has revived us to restore the temple of our God and to raise up its ruins and to give us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
although we are slaves our god has not abandoned us in our servitude he has extended kindness to us in the sight of the kings of persia in that he has revived us to restore the temple of our god and to raise up its ruins and to give us a protective wall in judah and jerusalem


text:
which you commanded us through your servants the prophets with these words:‘The land that you are entering to possess is a land defiled by the impurities of the local residents! With their abominations they have filled it from one end to the other with their filthiness.

normalized_text:
which you commanded us through your servants the prophets with these words the land that you are entering to possess is a land defiled by the impurities of the local residents with their abominations they have filled it from one end to the other with their filthiness


text:
Therefore do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons, and do not take their daughters in marriage for your sons. Do not ever seek their peace or welfare, so that you may be strong and may eat the good of the land and may leave it as an inheritance for your children forever.’

normalized_text:
therefore do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons and do not take their daughters in marriage for your sons do not ever seek their peace or welfare so that you may be strong and may eat the good of the land and may leave it as an inheritance for your children forever


text:
“Everything that has happened to us has come about because of our wicked actions and our great guilt. Even so, our God, you have exercised restraint toward our iniquities and have given us a remnant such as this.

normalized_text:
everything that has happened to us has come about because of our wicked actions and our great guilt even so our god you have exercised restraint toward our iniquities and have given us a remnant such as this


text:
Shall we once again break your commandments and intermarry with these abominable peoples? Would you not be so angered by us that you would wipe us out, with no survivor or remnant?

normalized_text:
shall we once again break your commandments and intermarry with these abominable peoples would you not be so angered by us that you would wipe us out with no survivor or remnant


text:
O LORD God of Israel, you are righteous, for we are left as a remnant this day. Indeed, we stand before you in our guilt. However, because of this guilt no one can really stand before you.”

normalized_text:
o lord god of israel you are righteous for we are left as a remnant this day indeed we stand before you in our guilt however because of this guilt no one can really stand before you


text:
The People Confess Their Sins While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself to the ground before the temple of God, a very large crowd of Israelites– men, women, and children alike– gathered around him. The people wept loudly.

normalized_text:
the people confess their sins while ezra was praying and confessing weeping and throwing himself to the ground before the temple of god a very large crowd of israelites men women and children alike gathered around him the people wept loudly


text:
Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, from the descendants of Elam, addressed Ezra:“We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the local peoples. Nonetheless, there is still hope for Israel in this regard.

normalized_text:
then shecaniah son of jehiel from the descendants of elam addressed ezra we have been unfaithful to our god by marrying foreign women from the local peoples nonetheless there is still hope for israel in this regard


text:
Therefore let us enact a covenant with our God to send away all these women and their offspring, in keeping with your counsel, my lord, and that of those who respect the commandments of our God. And let it be done according to the law.

normalized_text:
therefore let us enact a covenant with our god to send away all these women and their offspring in keeping with your counsel my lord and that of those who respect the commandments of our god and let it be done according to the law


text:
So Ezra got up and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath to carry out this plan. And they all took a solemn oath.

normalized_text:
so ezra got up and made the leading priests and levites and all israel take an oath to carry out this plan and they all took a solemn oath


text:
Then Ezra got up from in front of the temple of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he stayed there, he did not eat food or drink water, for he was in mourning over the infidelity of the exiles.

normalized_text:
then ezra got up from in front of the temple of god and went to the room of jehohanan son of eliashib while he stayed there he did not eat food or drink water for he was in mourning over the infidelity of the exiles


text:
A proclamation was circulated throughout Judah and Jerusalem that all the exiles were to be assembled in Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
a proclamation was circulated throughout judah and jerusalem that all the exiles were to be assembled in jerusalem


text:
Everyone who did not come within three days would thereby forfeit all his property, in keeping with the counsel of the officials and the elders. Furthermore, he himself would be excluded from the assembly of the exiles.

normalized_text:
everyone who did not come within three days would thereby forfeit all his property in keeping with the counsel of the officials and the elders furthermore he himself would be excluded from the assembly of the exiles


text:
All the men of Judah and Benjamin were gathered in Jerusalem within the three days.(It was in the ninth month, on the twentieth day of that month.) All the people sat in the square at the temple of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the rains.

normalized_text:
all the men of judah and benjamin were gathered in jerusalem within the three days it was in the ninth month on the twentieth day of that month all the people sat in the square at the temple of god trembling because of this matter and because of the rains


text:
Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them,“You have behaved in an unfaithful manner by taking foreign wives! This has contributed to the guilt of Israel.

normalized_text:
then ezra the priest stood up and said to them you have behaved in an unfaithful manner by taking foreign wives this has contributed to the guilt of israel


text:
Now give praise to the LORD God of your fathers, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the local residents and from these foreign wives.”

normalized_text:
now give praise to the lord god of your fathers and do his will separate yourselves from the local residents and from these foreign wives


text:
However, the people are numerous and it is the rainy season. We are unable to stand here outside. Furthermore, this business cannot be resolved in a day or two, for we have sinned greatly in this matter.

normalized_text:
however the people are numerous and it is the rainy season we are unable to stand here outside furthermore this business cannot be resolved in a day or two for we have sinned greatly in this matter


text:
Let our leaders take steps on behalf of all the assembly. Let all those in our towns who have married foreign women come at an appointed time, and with them the elders of each town and its judges, until the hot anger of our God is turned away from us in this matter.”

normalized_text:
let our leaders take steps on behalf of all the assembly let all those in our towns who have married foreign women come at an appointed time and with them the elders of each town and its judges until the hot anger of our god is turned away from us in this matter


text:
Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah were against this, assisted by Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite.

normalized_text:
only jonathan son of asahel and jahzeiah son of tikvah were against this assisted by meshullam and shabbethai the levite


text:
So the exiles proceeded accordingly. Ezra the priest separated out by name men who were leaders in their family groups. They sat down to consider this matter on the first day of the tenth month,

normalized_text:
so the exiles proceeded accordingly ezra the priest separated out by name men who were leaders in their family groups they sat down to consider this matter on the first day of the tenth month


text:
and on the first day of the first month they finished considering all the men who had married foreign wives.

normalized_text:
and on the first day of the first month they finished considering all the men who had married foreign wives


text:
Those Who Had Taken Foreign Wives It was determined that from the descendants of the priests, the following had taken foreign wives: from the descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah.

normalized_text:
those who had taken foreign wives it was determined that from the descendants of the priests the following had taken foreign wives from the descendants of jeshua son of jozadak and his brothers maaseiah eliezer jarib and gedaliah


text:
(They gave their word to send away their wives; their guilt offering was a ram from the flock for their guilt.)

normalized_text:
they gave their word to send away their wives their guilt offering was a ram from the flock for their guilt


text:
From the Israelites: from the descendants of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malkijah, and Benaiah.

normalized_text:
from the israelites from the descendants of parosh ramiah izziah malkijah mijamin eleazar malkijah and benaiah


text:
From the descendants of Pahath-Moab: Adna, Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh.

normalized_text:
from the descendants of pahath moab adna kelal benaiah maaseiah mattaniah bezalel binnui and manasseh


normalized_text: from the descendants of hashum mattenai mattattah zabad eliphelet jeremai manasseh and shimei
text:
From the descendants of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.


text:
¶ A Prayer of Nehemiah These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:It so happened that in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa the citadel.

normalized_text:
a prayer of nehemiah these are the words of nehemiah son of hacaliah it so happened that in the month of kislev in the twentieth year i was in susa the citadel


text:
Hanani, who was one of my relatives, along with some of the men from Judah, came to me, and I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and had survived the exile, and about Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
hanani who was one of my relatives along with some of the men from judah came to me and i asked them about the jews who had escaped and had survived the exile and about jerusalem


text:
They said to me,“The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned down!”

normalized_text:
they said to me the remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable adversity and reproach the wall of jerusalem lies breached and its gates have been burned down


text:
When I heard these things I sat down abruptly, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

normalized_text:
when i heard these things i sat down abruptly crying and mourning for several days i continued fasting and praying before the god of heaven


text:
Then I said,“Please, O LORD God of heaven, great and awesome God, who keeps his loving covenant with those who love him and obey his commandments,

normalized_text:
then i said please o lord god of heaven great and awesome god who keeps his loving covenant with those who love him and obey his commandments


text:
may your ear be attentive and your eyes be open to hear the prayer of your servant that I am praying to you today throughout both day and night on behalf of your servants the Israelites. I am confessing the sins of the Israelites that we have committed against you– both I myself and my family have sinned.

normalized_text:
may your ear be attentive and your eyes be open to hear the prayer of your servant that i am praying to you today throughout both day and night on behalf of your servants the israelites i am confessing the sins of the israelites that we have committed against you both i myself and my family have sinned


text:
We have behaved corruptly against you, not obeying the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments that you commanded your servant Moses.

normalized_text:
we have behaved corruptly against you not obeying the commandments the statutes and the judgments that you commanded your servant moses


text:
Please recall the word you commanded your servant Moses:‘If you act unfaithfully, I will scatter you among the nations.

normalized_text:
please recall the word you commanded your servant moses if you act unfaithfully i will scatter you among the nations


text:
But if you repent and obey my commandments and do them, then even if your dispersed people are in the most remote location, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for my name to reside.’

normalized_text:
but if you repent and obey my commandments and do them then even if your dispersed people are in the most remote location i will gather them from there and bring them to the place i have chosen for my name to reside


text:
They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your mighty strength and by your powerful hand.

normalized_text:
they are your servants and your people whom you have redeemed by your mighty strength and by your powerful hand


text:
Please, Lord, listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion to me in the presence of this man.” Now I was cupbearer for the king.

normalized_text:
please lord listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name grant your servant success today and show compassion to me in the presence of this man now i was cupbearer for the king


text:
Nehemiah Is Permitted to Go to Jerusalem Then in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought to me, I took the wine and gave it to the king. Previously I had not been depressed in the king’s presence.

normalized_text:
nehemiah is permitted to go to jerusalem then in the month of nisan in the twentieth year of king artaxerxes when wine was brought to me i took the wine and gave it to the king previously i had not been depressed in the king s presence


text:
So the king said to me,“Why do you appear to be depressed when you aren’t sick? What can this be other than sadness of heart?” This made me very fearful.

normalized_text:
so the king said to me why do you appear to be depressed when you aren t sick what can this be other than sadness of heart this made me very fearful


text:
I replied to the king,“O king, live forever! Why would I not appear dejected when the city with the graves of my ancestors lies desolate and its gates destroyed by fire?”

normalized_text:
i replied to the king o king live forever why would i not appear dejected when the city with the graves of my ancestors lies desolate and its gates destroyed by fire


text:
and said to the king,“If the king is so inclined and if your servant has found favor in your sight, dispatch me to Judah, to the city with the graves of my ancestors, so that I can rebuild it.”

normalized_text:
and said to the king if the king is so inclined and if your servant has found favor in your sight dispatch me to judah to the city with the graves of my ancestors so that i can rebuild it


text:
Then the king, with his consort sitting beside him, replied,“How long would your trip take, and when would you return?” Since the king was pleased to send me, I gave him a time.

normalized_text:
then the king with his consort sitting beside him replied how long would your trip take and when would you return since the king was pleased to send me i gave him a time


text:
I said to the king,“If the king is so inclined, let him give me letters for the governors of Trans-Euphrates that will enable me to travel safely until I reach Judah,

normalized_text:
i said to the king if the king is so inclined let him give me letters for the governors of trans euphrates that will enable me to travel safely until i reach judah


text:
and a letter for Asaph the keeper of the king’s nature preserve, so that he will give me timber for beams for the gates of the fortress adjacent to the temple and for the city wall and for the house to which I go.” So the king granted me these requests, for the good hand of my God was on me.

normalized_text:
and a letter for asaph the keeper of the king s nature preserve so that he will give me timber for beams for the gates of the fortress adjacent to the temple and for the city wall and for the house to which i go so the king granted me these requests for the good hand of my god was on me


text:
Then I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, and I presented to them the letters from the king. The king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

normalized_text:
then i went to the governors of trans euphrates and i presented to them the letters from the king the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen


text:
When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard all this, they were very displeased that someone had come to seek benefit for the Israelites.

normalized_text:
when sanballat the horonite and tobiah the ammonite official heard all this they were very displeased that someone had come to seek benefit for the israelites


text:
I got up during the night, along with a few men who were with me. But I did not tell anyone what my God was putting on my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no animals with me, except for the one I was riding.

normalized_text:
i got up during the night along with a few men who were with me but i did not tell anyone what my god was putting on my heart to do for jerusalem there were no animals with me except for the one i was riding


text:
I proceeded through the Valley Gate by night, in the direction of the Well of the Dragons and the Dung Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem that had been breached and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.

normalized_text:
i proceeded through the valley gate by night in the direction of the well of the dragons and the dung gate inspecting the walls of jerusalem that had been breached and its gates that had been destroyed by fire


text:
I passed on to the Gate of the Well and the King’s Pool, where there was not enough room for my animal to pass with me.

normalized_text:
i passed on to the gate of the well and the king s pool where there was not enough room for my animal to pass with me


text:
I continued up the valley during the night, inspecting the wall. Then I turned back and came to the Valley Gate, and so returned.

normalized_text:
i continued up the valley during the night inspecting the wall then i turned back and came to the valley gate and so returned


text:
The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had been doing, for up to this point I had not told any of the Jews or the priests or the nobles or the officials or the rest of the workers.

normalized_text:
the officials did not know where i had gone or what i had been doing for up to this point i had not told any of the jews or the priests or the nobles or the officials or the rest of the workers


text:
Then I said to them,“You see the problem that we have: Jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned. Come on! Let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that this reproach will not continue.”

normalized_text:
then i said to them you see the problem that we have jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned come on let s rebuild the wall of jerusalem so that this reproach will not continue


text:
Then I related to them how the good hand of my God was on me and what the king had said to me. Then they replied,“Let’s begin rebuilding right away!” So they readied themselves for this good project.

normalized_text:
then i related to them how the good hand of my god was on me and what the king had said to me then they replied let s begin rebuilding right away so they readied themselves for this good project


text:
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard all this, they derided us and expressed contempt toward us. They said,“What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

normalized_text:
but when sanballat the horonite tobiah the ammonite official and geshem the arab heard all this they derided us and expressed contempt toward us they said what is this you are doing are you rebelling against the king


text:
I responded to them by saying,“The God of heaven will prosper us. We his servants will start the rebuilding. But you have no just or ancient right in Jerusalem.”

normalized_text:
i responded to them by saying the god of heaven will prosper us we his servants will start the rebuilding but you have no just or ancient right in jerusalem


text:
The Names of the Builders Then Eliashib the high priest and his priestly colleagues arose and built the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and erected its doors, working as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel.

normalized_text:
the names of the builders then eliashib the high priest and his priestly colleagues arose and built the sheep gate they dedicated it and erected its doors working as far as the tower of the hundred and the tower of hananel


text:
The sons of Hassenaah rebuilt the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars.

normalized_text:
the sons of hassenaah rebuilt the fish gate they laid its beams and positioned its doors its bolts and its bars


text:
Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakoz, worked on the section adjacent to them. Meshullam son of Berechiah the son of Meshezabel worked on the section next to them. And Zadok son of Baana worked on the section adjacent to them.

normalized_text:
meremoth son of uriah the son of hakoz worked on the section adjacent to them meshullam son of berechiah the son of meshezabel worked on the section next to them and zadok son of baana worked on the section adjacent to them


text:
The men of Tekoa worked on the section adjacent to them, but their town leaders would not assist with the work of their master.

normalized_text:
the men of tekoa worked on the section adjacent to them but their town leaders would not assist with the work of their master


text:
Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah worked on the Jeshanah Gate. They laid its beams and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars.

normalized_text:
joiada son of paseah and meshullam son of besodeiah worked on the jeshanah gate they laid its beams and positioned its doors its bolts and its bars


text:
Adjacent to them worked Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, who were men of Gibeon and Mizpah. These towns were under the jurisdiction of the governor of Trans-Euphrates.

normalized_text:
adjacent to them worked melatiah the gibeonite and jadon the meronothite who were men of gibeon and mizpah these towns were under the jurisdiction of the governor of trans euphrates


text:
Uzziel son of Harhaiah, a member of the goldsmiths’ guild, worked on the section adjacent to him. Hananiah, a member of the perfumers’ guild, worked on the section adjacent to him. They plastered the city wall of Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

normalized_text:
uzziel son of harhaiah a member of the goldsmiths guild worked on the section adjacent to him hananiah a member of the perfumers guild worked on the section adjacent to him they plastered the city wall of jerusalem as far as the broad wall


text:
Jedaiah son of Harumaph worked on the section adjacent to them opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah worked on the section adjacent to him.

normalized_text:
jedaiah son of harumaph worked on the section adjacent to them opposite his house and hattush son of hashabneiah worked on the section adjacent to him


text:
Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab worked on another section and the Tower of the Fire Pots.

normalized_text:
malkijah son of harim and hasshub son of pahath moab worked on another section and the tower of the fire pots


text:
Shallum son of Hallohesh, head of a half-district of Jerusalem, worked on the section adjacent to him, assisted by his daughters.

normalized_text:
shallum son of hallohesh head of a half district of jerusalem worked on the section adjacent to him assisted by his daughters


text:
Hanun and the residents of Zanoah worked on the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars, in addition to working on fifteen hundred feet of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.

normalized_text:
hanun and the residents of zanoah worked on the valley gate they rebuilt it and positioned its doors its bolts and its bars in addition to working on fifteen hundred feet of the wall as far as the dung gate


text:
Malkijah son of Recab, head of the district of Beth Hakkerem, worked on the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars.

normalized_text:
malkijah son of recab head of the district of beth hakkerem worked on the dung gate he rebuilt it and positioned its doors its bolts and its bars


text:
Shallun son of Col-Hozeh, head of the district of Mizpah, worked on the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it, put on its roof, and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars. In addition, he rebuilt the wall of the Pool of Siloam, by the royal garden, as far as the steps that go down from the City of David.

normalized_text:
shallun son of col hozeh head of the district of mizpah worked on the fountain gate he rebuilt it put on its roof and positioned its doors its bolts and its bars in addition he rebuilt the wall of the pool of siloam by the royal garden as far as the steps that go down from the city of david


text:
Nehemiah son of Azbuk, head of a half-district of Beth Zur, worked after him as far as the tombs of David and the artificial pool and the House of the Warriors.

normalized_text:
nehemiah son of azbuk head of a half district of beth zur worked after him as far as the tombs of david and the artificial pool and the house of the warriors


text:
After him the Levites worked– Rehum son of Bani and after him Hashabiah, head of half the district of Keilah, for his district.

normalized_text:
after him the levites worked rehum son of bani and after him hashabiah head of half the district of keilah for his district


text:
Adjacent to him Ezer son of Jeshua, head of Mizpah, worked on another section, opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress.

normalized_text:
adjacent to him ezer son of jeshua head of mizpah worked on another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress


text:
After him Baruch son of Zabbai worked on another section, from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

normalized_text:
after him baruch son of zabbai worked on another section from the buttress to the door of the house of eliashib the high priest


text:
After him Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, worked on another section from the door of Eliashib’s house to the end of it.

normalized_text:
after him meremoth son of uriah the son of hakkoz worked on another section from the door of eliashib s house to the end of it


text:
After them Benjamin and Hasshub worked opposite their house. After them Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, worked near his house.

normalized_text:
after them benjamin and hasshub worked opposite their house after them azariah son of maaseiah the son of ananiah worked near his house


text:
After him Binnui son of Henadad worked on another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress and the corner.

normalized_text:
after him binnui son of henadad worked on another section from the house of azariah to the buttress and the corner


text:
After him Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the buttress and the tower that protrudes from the upper palace of the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah son of Parosh

normalized_text:
after him palal son of uzai worked opposite the buttress and the tower that protrudes from the upper palace of the court of the guard after him pedaiah son of parosh


text:
and the temple servants who were living on Ophel worked up to the area opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the protruding tower.

normalized_text:
and the temple servants who were living on ophel worked up to the area opposite the water gate toward the east and the protruding tower


text:
After them the men of Tekoa worked on another section, from opposite the great protruding tower to the wall of Ophel.

normalized_text:
after them the men of tekoa worked on another section from opposite the great protruding tower to the wall of ophel


text:
After them Zadok son of Immer worked opposite his house, and after him Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, guard at the East Gate, worked.

normalized_text:
after them zadok son of immer worked opposite his house and after him shemaiah son of shecaniah guard at the east gate worked


text:
After him Hananiah son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, worked on another section. After them Meshullam son of Berechiah worked opposite his quarters.

normalized_text:
after him hananiah son of shelemiah and hanun the sixth son of zalaph worked on another section after them meshullam son of berechiah worked opposite his quarters


text:
After him Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, worked as far as the house of the temple servants and the traders, opposite the Inspection Gate, and up to the room above the corner.

normalized_text:
after him malkijah one of the goldsmiths worked as far as the house of the temple servants and the traders opposite the inspection gate and up to the room above the corner


text:
Opposition to the Work Continues(3:33) Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he became angry and was quite upset. He derided the Jews,

normalized_text:
opposition to the work continues 3 33 now when sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he became angry and was quite upset he derided the jews


text:
and in the presence of his colleagues and the army of Samaria he said,“What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they be left to themselves? Will they again offer sacrifice? Will they finish this in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones to life again from piles of dust?”

normalized_text:
and in the presence of his colleagues and the army of samaria he said what are these feeble jews doing will they be left to themselves will they again offer sacrifice will they finish this in a day can they bring these burnt stones to life again from piles of dust


text:
Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was close by, said,“If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”

normalized_text:
then tobiah the ammonite who was close by said if even a fox were to climb up on what they are building it would break down their wall of stones


text:
Hear, O our God, for we are despised! Return their reproach on their own head! Reduce them to plunder in a land of exile!

normalized_text:
hear o our god for we are despised return their reproach on their own head reduce them to plunder in a land of exile


text:
Do not cover their iniquity, and do not wipe out their sin from your sight. For they have bitterly offended the builders!

normalized_text:
do not cover their iniquity and do not wipe out their sin from your sight for they have bitterly offended the builders


text:
So we rebuilt the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height. The people were enthusiastic in their work.

normalized_text:
so we rebuilt the wall and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height the people were enthusiastic in their work


text:
(4:1) When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard that the restoration of the walls of Jerusalem had moved ahead and that the breaches had begun to be closed, they were very angry.

normalized_text:
4 1 when sanballat tobiah the arabs the ammonites and the people of ashdod heard that the restoration of the walls of jerusalem had moved ahead and that the breaches had begun to be closed they were very angry


text:
All of them conspired together to move with armed forces against Jerusalem and to create a disturbance in it.

normalized_text:
all of them conspired together to move with armed forces against jerusalem and to create a disturbance in it


text:
Then those in Judah said,“The strength of the laborers has failed! The debris is so great that we are unable to rebuild the wall.”

normalized_text:
then those in judah said the strength of the laborers has failed the debris is so great that we are unable to rebuild the wall


text:
Our adversaries also boasted,“Before they are aware or anticipate anything, we will come in among them and kill them, and we will bring this work to a halt!”

normalized_text:
our adversaries also boasted before they are aware or anticipate anything we will come in among them and kill them and we will bring this work to a halt


text:
So it happened that the Jews who were living near them came and warned us repeatedly about all the schemes they were plotting against us.

normalized_text:
so it happened that the jews who were living near them came and warned us repeatedly about all the schemes they were plotting against us


text:
So I stationed people at the lower places behind the wall in the exposed places. I stationed the people by families, with their swords, spears, and bows.

normalized_text:
so i stationed people at the lower places behind the wall in the exposed places i stationed the people by families with their swords spears and bows


text:
When I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people,“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your families!”

normalized_text:
when i had made an inspection i stood up and said to the nobles the officials and the rest of the people don t be afraid of them remember the great and awesome lord and fight on behalf of your brothers your sons your daughters your wives and your families


text:
It so happened that when our adversaries heard that we were aware of these matters, God frustrated their intentions. Then all of us returned to the wall, each to his own work.

normalized_text:
it so happened that when our adversaries heard that we were aware of these matters god frustrated their intentions then all of us returned to the wall each to his own work


text:
From that day forward, half of my men were doing the work and half of them were taking up spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Now the officers were behind all the people of Judah

normalized_text:
from that day forward half of my men were doing the work and half of them were taking up spears shields bows and body armor now the officers were behind all the people of judah


text:
who were rebuilding the wall. Those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon.

normalized_text:
who were rebuilding the wall those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon


text:
The builders to a man had their swords strapped to their sides while they were building. But the trumpeter remained with me.

normalized_text:
the builders to a man had their swords strapped to their sides while they were building but the trumpeter remained with me


text:
I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people,“The work is demanding and extensive, and we are spread out on the wall, far removed from one another.

normalized_text:
i said to the nobles the officials and the rest of the people the work is demanding and extensive and we are spread out on the wall far removed from one another


text:
At that time I instructed the people,“Let every man and his coworker spend the night in Jerusalem and let them be guards for us by night and workers by day.”

normalized_text:
at that time i instructed the people let every man and his coworker spend the night in jerusalem and let them be guards for us by night and workers by day


text:
We did not change clothes– not I, nor my relatives, nor my workers, nor the watchmen who were with me. Each had his weapon, even when getting a drink of water.

normalized_text:
we did not change clothes not i nor my relatives nor my workers nor the watchmen who were with me each had his weapon even when getting a drink of water


text:
Nehemiah Intervenes on behalf of the Oppressed Then there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their fellow Jews.

normalized_text:
nehemiah intervenes on behalf of the oppressed then there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their fellow jews


text:
There were those who said,“With our sons and daughters, we are many. We must obtain grain in order to eat and stay alive.”

normalized_text:
there were those who said with our sons and daughters we are many we must obtain grain in order to eat and stay alive


text:
There were others who said,“We are putting up our fields, our vineyards, and our houses as collateral in order to obtain grain during the famine.”

normalized_text:
there were others who said we are putting up our fields our vineyards and our houses as collateral in order to obtain grain during the famine


text:
Then there were those who said,“We have borrowed money to pay our taxes to the king on our fields and our vineyards.

normalized_text:
then there were those who said we have borrowed money to pay our taxes to the king on our fields and our vineyards


text:
And now, though we share the same flesh and blood as our fellow countrymen, and our children are just like their children, still we have found it necessary to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have been subjected to slavery, while we are powerless to help, since our fields and vineyards now belong to other people.”

normalized_text:
and now though we share the same flesh and blood as our fellow countrymen and our children are just like their children still we have found it necessary to subject our sons and daughters to slavery some of our daughters have been subjected to slavery while we are powerless to help since our fields and vineyards now belong to other people


text:
I considered these things carefully and then registered a complaint with the wealthy and the officials. I said to them,“Each one of you is seizing the collateral from your own countrymen!” Because of them I called for a great public assembly.

normalized_text:
i considered these things carefully and then registered a complaint with the wealthy and the officials i said to them each one of you is seizing the collateral from your own countrymen because of them i called for a great public assembly


text:
I said to them,“To the extent possible we have bought back our fellow Jews who had been sold to the Gentiles. But now you yourselves want to sell your own countrymen, so that we can then buy them back!” They were utterly silent, and could find nothing to say.

normalized_text:
i said to them to the extent possible we have bought back our fellow jews who had been sold to the gentiles but now you yourselves want to sell your own countrymen so that we can then buy them back they were utterly silent and could find nothing to say


text:
Then I said,“The thing that you are doing is wrong! Should you not conduct yourselves in the fear of our God in order to avoid the reproach of the Gentiles who are our enemies?

normalized_text:
then i said the thing that you are doing is wrong should you not conduct yourselves in the fear of our god in order to avoid the reproach of the gentiles who are our enemies


text:
Even I and my relatives and my associates are lending them money and grain. But let us abandon this practice of seizing collateral!

normalized_text:
even i and my relatives and my associates are lending them money and grain but let us abandon this practice of seizing collateral


text:
This very day return to them their fields, their vineyards, their olive trees, and their houses, along with the interest that you are exacting from them on the money, the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil.”

normalized_text:
this very day return to them their fields their vineyards their olive trees and their houses along with the interest that you are exacting from them on the money the grain the new wine and the olive oil


text:
They replied,“We will return these things, and we will no longer demand anything from them. We will do just as you say.” Then I called the priests and made the wealthy and the officials swear to do what had been promised.

normalized_text:
they replied we will return these things and we will no longer demand anything from them we will do just as you say then i called the priests and made the wealthy and the officials swear to do what had been promised


text:
I also shook out my garment, and I said,“In this way may God shake out from his house and his property every person who does not carry out this matter. In this way may he be shaken out and emptied!” All the assembly replied,“So be it!” and they praised the LORD. Then the people did as they had promised.

normalized_text:
i also shook out my garment and i said in this way may god shake out from his house and his property every person who does not carry out this matter in this way may he be shaken out and emptied all the assembly replied so be it and they praised the lord then the people did as they had promised


text:
From the day that I was appointed governor in the land of Judah, that is, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes– twelve years in all– neither I nor my relatives ate the food allotted to the governor.

normalized_text:
from the day that i was appointed governor in the land of judah that is from the twentieth year until the thirty second year of king artaxerxes twelve years in all neither i nor my relatives ate the food allotted to the governor


text:
But the former governors who preceded me had burdened the people and had taken food and wine from them, in addition to forty shekels of silver. Their associates were also domineering over the people. But I did not behave in this way, due to my fear of God.

normalized_text:
but the former governors who preceded me had burdened the people and had taken food and wine from them in addition to forty shekels of silver their associates were also domineering over the people but i did not behave in this way due to my fear of god


text:
I gave myself to the work on this wall, without even purchasing a field. All my associates were gathered there for the work.

normalized_text:
i gave myself to the work on this wall without even purchasing a field all my associates were gathered there for the work


text:
There were 150 Jews and officials who dined with me routinely, in addition to those who came to us from the nations all around us.

normalized_text:
there were 150 jews and officials who dined with me routinely in addition to those who came to us from the nations all around us


text:
Every day one ox, six select sheep, and some birds were prepared for me, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Despite all this I did not require the food allotted to the governor, for the work was demanding on this people.

normalized_text:
every day one ox six select sheep and some birds were prepared for me and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance despite all this i did not require the food allotted to the governor for the work was demanding on this people


text:
Opposition to the Rebuilding Efforts Continues When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and no breach remained in it(even though up to that time I had not positioned doors in the gates),

normalized_text:
opposition to the rebuilding efforts continues when sanballat tobiah geshem the arab and the rest of our enemies heard that i had rebuilt the wall and no breach remained in it even though up to that time i had not positioned doors in the gates


text:
Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me saying,“Come on! Let’s set up a time to meet together at Kephirim in the plain of Ono.” Now they intended to do me harm.

normalized_text:
sanballat and geshem sent word to me saying come on let s set up a time to meet together at kephirim in the plain of ono now they intended to do me harm


text:
So I sent messengers to them saying,“I am engaged in an important work, and I am unable to come down. Why should the work come to a halt when I leave it to come down to you?”

normalized_text:
so i sent messengers to them saying i am engaged in an important work and i am unable to come down why should the work come to a halt when i leave it to come down to you


text:
The fifth time that Sanballat sent his assistant to me in this way, he had an open letter in his hand.

normalized_text:
the fifth time that sanballat sent his assistant to me in this way he had an open letter in his hand


text:
Written in it were the following words:“Among the nations it is rumored(and Geshem has substantiated this) that you and the Jews have intentions of revolting, and for this reason you are building the wall. Furthermore, according to these rumors you are going to become their king.

normalized_text:
written in it were the following words among the nations it is rumored and geshem has substantiated this that you and the jews have intentions of revolting and for this reason you are building the wall furthermore according to these rumors you are going to become their king


text:
You have also established prophets to announce in Jerusalem on your behalf,‘We have a king in Judah!’ Now the king is going to hear about these rumors. So come on! Let’s talk about this.”

normalized_text:
you have also established prophets to announce in jerusalem on your behalf we have a king in judah now the king is going to hear about these rumors so come on let s talk about this


text:
I sent word back to him,“We are not engaged in these activities you are describing. All of this is a figment of your imagination.”

normalized_text:
i sent word back to him we are not engaged in these activities you are describing all of this is a figment of your imagination


text:
All of them were wanting to scare us, supposing,“Their hands will grow slack from the work, and it won’t get done.” So now, strengthen my hands!

normalized_text:
all of them were wanting to scare us supposing their hands will grow slack from the work and it won t get done so now strengthen my hands


text:
Then I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel. He was confined to his home. He said,“Let’s set up a time to meet in the house of God, within the temple. Let’s close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. It will surely be at night that they will come to kill you.”

normalized_text:
then i went to the house of shemaiah son of delaiah the son of mehetabel he was confined to his home he said let s set up a time to meet in the house of god within the temple let s close the doors of the temple for they are coming to kill you it will surely be at night that they will come to kill you


text:
But I replied,“Should a man like me run away? Would someone like me flee to the temple in order to save his life? I will not go!”

normalized_text:
but i replied should a man like me run away would someone like me flee to the temple in order to save his life i will not go


text:
I recognized the fact that God had not sent him, for he had spoken the prophecy against me as a hired agent of Tobiah and Sanballat.

normalized_text:
i recognized the fact that god had not sent him for he had spoken the prophecy against me as a hired agent of tobiah and sanballat


text:
He had been hired to scare me so that I would do this and thereby sin. They would thus bring reproach on me and I would be discredited.

normalized_text:
he had been hired to scare me so that i would do this and thereby sin they would thus bring reproach on me and i would be discredited


text:
Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat in light of these actions of theirs– also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who were trying to scare me!

normalized_text:
remember o my god tobiah and sanballat in light of these actions of theirs also noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who were trying to scare me


text:
The Rebuilding of the Wall Is Finally Completed So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in just fifty-two days.

normalized_text:
the rebuilding of the wall is finally completed so the wall was completed on the twenty fifth day of elul in just fifty two days


text:
When all our enemies heard and all the nations who were around us saw this, they were greatly disheartened. They knew that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

normalized_text:
when all our enemies heard and all the nations who were around us saw this they were greatly disheartened they knew that this work had been accomplished with the help of our god


text:
In those days the aristocrats of Judah repeatedly sent letters to Tobiah, and responses from Tobiah were repeatedly coming to them.

normalized_text:
in those days the aristocrats of judah repeatedly sent letters to tobiah and responses from tobiah were repeatedly coming to them


text:
For many in Judah had sworn allegiance to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah. His son Jonathan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.

normalized_text:
for many in judah had sworn allegiance to him because he was the son in law of shecaniah son of arah his son jonathan had married the daughter of meshullam son of berechiah


text:
They were telling me about his good deeds and then taking back to him the things I said. Tobiah, on the other hand, sent letters in order to scare me.

normalized_text:
they were telling me about his good deeds and then taking back to him the things i said tobiah on the other hand sent letters in order to scare me


text:
When the wall had been rebuilt and I had positioned the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed,

normalized_text:
when the wall had been rebuilt and i had positioned the doors and the gatekeepers the singers and the levites had been appointed


text:
I then put in charge over Jerusalem my brother Hanani and Hananiah the chief of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many do.

normalized_text:
i then put in charge over jerusalem my brother hanani and hananiah the chief of the citadel for he was a faithful man and feared god more than many do


text:
I said to them,“The gates of Jerusalem must not be opened in the early morning, until those who are standing guard close the doors and lock them. Position residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their guard stations and some near their homes.”

normalized_text:
i said to them the gates of jerusalem must not be opened in the early morning until those who are standing guard close the doors and lock them position residents of jerusalem as guards some at their guard stations and some near their homes


text:
Now the city was spread out and large, and there were not a lot of people in it. At that time houses had not been rebuilt.

normalized_text:
now the city was spread out and large and there were not a lot of people in it at that time houses had not been rebuilt


text:
My God placed it on my heart to gather the leaders, the officials, and the ordinary people so they could be enrolled on the basis of genealogy. I found the genealogical records of those who had formerly returned. Here is what I found written in that record:

normalized_text:
my god placed it on my heart to gather the leaders the officials and the ordinary people so they could be enrolled on the basis of genealogy i found the genealogical records of those who had formerly returned here is what i found written in that record


text:
These are the people of the province who returned from the captivity of the exiles, whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had forced into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, each to his own city.

normalized_text:
these are the people of the province who returned from the captivity of the exiles whom king nebuchadnezzar of babylon had forced into exile they returned to jerusalem and to judah each to his own city


text:
They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah.The number of Israelite men was as follows:

normalized_text:
they came with zerubbabel jeshua nehemiah azariah raamiah nahamani mordecai bilshan mispereth bigvai nehum and baanah the number of israelite men was as follows


text:
The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138.

normalized_text:
the gatekeepers the descendants of shallum the descendants of ater the descendants of talmon the descendants of akkub the descendants of hatita and the descendants of shobai 138


text:
The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida,

normalized_text:
the descendants of the servants of solomon the descendants of sotai the descendants of sophereth the descendants of perida


text:
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon.

normalized_text:
the descendants of shephatiah the descendants of hattil the descendants of pokereth hazzebaim and the descendants of amon


text:
These are the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer(although they were unable to certify their family connection or their ancestry, as to whether they were really from Israel):

normalized_text:
these are the ones who came up from tel melah tel harsha kerub addon and immer although they were unable to certify their family connection or their ancestry as to whether they were really from israel


text:
And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai(who had married a woman from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name).

normalized_text:
and from among the priests the descendants of hobaiah the descendants of hakkoz and the descendants of barzillai who had married a woman from the daughters of barzillai the gileadite and was called by that name


text:
They searched for their records in the genealogical materials, but none were found. They were therefore excluded from the priesthood.

normalized_text:
they searched for their records in the genealogical materials but none were found they were therefore excluded from the priesthood


text:
Some of the family leaders contributed to the work. The governor contributed to the treasury 1,000 gold drachmas, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments.

normalized_text:
some of the family leaders contributed to the work the governor contributed to the treasury 1 000 gold drachmas 50 bowls and 530 priestly garments


normalized_text: some of the family leaders gave to the project treasury 20 000 gold drachmas and 2 200 silver minas
text:
Some of the family leaders gave to the project treasury 20,000 gold drachmas and 2,200 silver minas.


text:
What the rest of the people gave amounted to 20,000 gold drachmas, 2,000 silver minas, and 67 priestly garments.

normalized_text:
what the rest of the people gave amounted to 20 000 gold drachmas 2 000 silver minas and 67 priestly garments


text:
The priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all the rest of Israel lived in their cities.

normalized_text:
the priests the levites the gatekeepers the singers some of the people the temple servants and all the rest of israel lived in their cities


text:
The People Respond to the Reading of the Law When the seventh month arrived and the Israelites were settled in their cities, all the people gathered together in the plaza which was in front of the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the LORD had commanded Israel.

normalized_text:
the people respond to the reading of the law when the seventh month arrived and the israelites were settled in their cities all the people gathered together in the plaza which was in front of the water gate they asked ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of moses which the lord had commanded israel


text:
So Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly which included men and women and all those able to understand what they heard.(This happened on the first day of the seventh month.)

normalized_text:
so ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly which included men and women and all those able to understand what they heard this happened on the first day of the seventh month


text:
So he read it before the plaza in front of the Water Gate from dawn till noon before the men and women and those children who could understand. All the people were eager to hear the book of the law.

normalized_text:
so he read it before the plaza in front of the water gate from dawn till noon before the men and women and those children who could understand all the people were eager to hear the book of the law


text:
Ezra the scribe stood on a towering wooden platform constructed for this purpose. Standing near him on his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Masseiah. On his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

normalized_text:
ezra the scribe stood on a towering wooden platform constructed for this purpose standing near him on his right were mattithiah shema anaiah uriah hilkiah and masseiah on his left were pedaiah mishael malkijah hashum hashbaddanah zechariah and meshullam


text:
Ezra opened the book in plain view of all the people, for he was elevated above all the people. When he opened the book, all the people stood up.

normalized_text:
ezra opened the book in plain view of all the people for he was elevated above all the people when he opened the book all the people stood up


text:
Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people replied“Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

normalized_text:
ezra blessed the lord the great god and all the people replied amen amen as they lifted their hands then they bowed down and worshiped the lord with their faces to the ground


text:
Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah– all of whom were Levites– were teaching the people the law, as the people remained standing.

normalized_text:
jeshua bani sherebiah jamin akkub shabbethai hodiah maaseiah kelita azariah jozabad hanan and pelaiah all of whom were levites were teaching the people the law as the people remained standing


text:
They read from the book of God’s law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read.

normalized_text:
they read from the book of god s law explaining it and imparting insight thus the people gained understanding from what was read


text:
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priestly scribe, and the Levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them,“This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of the law.

normalized_text:
then nehemiah the governor ezra the priestly scribe and the levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them this day is holy to the lord your god do not mourn or weep for all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of the law


text:
He said to them,“Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

normalized_text:
he said to them go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared for this day is holy to our lord do not grieve for the joy of the lord is your strength


text:
So all the people departed to eat and drink and to share their food with others and to enjoy tremendous joy, for they had gained insight in the matters that had been made known to them.

normalized_text:
so all the people departed to eat and drink and to share their food with others and to enjoy tremendous joy for they had gained insight in the matters that had been made known to them


text:
On the second day of the month the family leaders met with Ezra the scribe, together with all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to consider the words of the law.

normalized_text:
on the second day of the month the family leaders met with ezra the scribe together with all the people the priests and the levites to consider the words of the law


text:
They discovered written in the law that the LORD had commanded through Moses that the Israelites should live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month,

normalized_text:
they discovered written in the law that the lord had commanded through moses that the israelites should live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month


text:
and that they should make a proclamation and disseminate this message in all their cities and in Jerusalem:“Go to the hill country and bring back olive branches and branches of wild olive trees, myrtle trees, date palms, and other leafy trees to construct temporary shelters, as it is written.”

normalized_text:
and that they should make a proclamation and disseminate this message in all their cities and in jerusalem go to the hill country and bring back olive branches and branches of wild olive trees myrtle trees date palms and other leafy trees to construct temporary shelters as it is written


text:
So the people went out and brought these things back and constructed temporary shelters for themselves, each on his roof and in his courtyard and in the courtyards of the temple of God and in the plaza of the Water Gate and the plaza of the Ephraim Gate.

normalized_text:
so the people went out and brought these things back and constructed temporary shelters for themselves each on his roof and in his courtyard and in the courtyards of the temple of god and in the plaza of the water gate and the plaza of the ephraim gate


text:
So all the assembly which had returned from the exile constructed temporary shelters and lived in them. The Israelites had not done so from the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day. Everyone experienced very great joy.

normalized_text:
so all the assembly which had returned from the exile constructed temporary shelters and lived in them the israelites had not done so from the days of joshua son of nun until that day everyone experienced very great joy


text:
Ezra read in the book of the law of God day by day, from the first day to the last. They observed the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day they held an assembly as was required.

normalized_text:
ezra read in the book of the law of god day by day from the first day to the last they observed the festival for seven days and on the eighth day they held an assembly as was required


text:
The People Acknowledge Their Sin before God On the twenty-fourth day of this same month the Israelites assembled; they were fasting and wearing sackcloth, their heads covered with dust.

normalized_text:
the people acknowledge their sin before god on the twenty fourth day of this same month the israelites assembled they were fasting and wearing sackcloth their heads covered with dust


text:
Those truly of Israelite descent separated from all the foreigners, standing and confessing their sins and the iniquities of their ancestors.

normalized_text:
those truly of israelite descent separated from all the foreigners standing and confessing their sins and the iniquities of their ancestors


text:
For one-fourth of the day they stood in their place and read from the book of the law of the LORD their God, and for another fourth they were confessing their sins and worshiping the LORD their God.

normalized_text:
for one fourth of the day they stood in their place and read from the book of the law of the lord their god and for another fourth they were confessing their sins and worshiping the lord their god


text:
Then the Levites– Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani– stood on the steps and called out loudly to the LORD their God.

normalized_text:
then the levites jeshua binnui kadmiel shebaniah bunni sherebiah bani and kenani stood on the steps and called out loudly to the lord their god


text:
The Levites– Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah– said,“Stand up and bless the LORD your God!”“May you be blessed, O LORD our God, from age to age. May your glorious name be blessed; may it be lifted up above all blessing and praise.

normalized_text:
the levites jeshua kadmiel bani hashabneiah sherebiah hodiah shebaniah and pethahiah said stand up and bless the lord your god may you be blessed o lord our god from age to age may your glorious name be blessed may it be lifted up above all blessing and praise


text:
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, along with all their multitude of stars, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You impart life to them all, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

normalized_text:
you alone are the lord you made the heavens even the highest heavens along with all their multitude of stars the earth and all that is on it the seas and all that is in them you impart life to them all and the multitudes of heaven worship you


text:
“You are the LORD God who chose Abram and brought him forth from Ur of the Chaldeans. You changed his name to Abraham.

normalized_text:
you are the lord god who chose abram and brought him forth from ur of the chaldeans you changed his name to abraham


text:
When you perceived that his heart was faithful toward you, you established a covenant with him to give his descendants the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites. You have fulfilled your promise, for you are righteous.

normalized_text:
when you perceived that his heart was faithful toward you you established a covenant with him to give his descendants the land of the canaanites the hittites the amorites the perizzites the jebusites and the girgashites you have fulfilled your promise for you are righteous


text:
You performed awesome signs against Pharaoh, against his servants, and against all the people of his land, for you knew that the Egyptians had acted presumptuously against them. You made for yourself a name that is celebrated to this day.

normalized_text:
you performed awesome signs against pharaoh against his servants and against all the people of his land for you knew that the egyptians had acted presumptuously against them you made for yourself a name that is celebrated to this day


text:
You split the sea before them, and they crossed through the sea on dry ground! But you threw their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into surging waters.

normalized_text:
you split the sea before them and they crossed through the sea on dry ground but you threw their pursuers into the depths like a stone into surging waters


text:
You guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and with a pillar of fire by night to illumine for them the path they were to travel.

normalized_text:
you guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and with a pillar of fire by night to illumine for them the path they were to travel


text:
“You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You provided them with just judgments, true laws, and good statutes and commandments.

normalized_text:
you came down on mount sinai and spoke with them from heaven you provided them with just judgments true laws and good statutes and commandments


text:
You made known to them your holy Sabbath; you issued commandments, statutes, and law to them through Moses your servant.

normalized_text:
you made known to them your holy sabbath you issued commandments statutes and law to them through moses your servant


text:
You provided bread from heaven for them in their time of hunger, and you brought forth water from the rock for them in their time of thirst. You told them to enter in order to possess the land that you had sworn to give them.

normalized_text:
you provided bread from heaven for them in their time of hunger and you brought forth water from the rock for them in their time of thirst you told them to enter in order to possess the land that you had sworn to give them


text:
They refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them. Instead, they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love. You did not abandon them,

normalized_text:
they refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them instead they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in egypt but you are a god of forgiveness merciful and compassionate slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love you did not abandon them


text:
even when they made a cast image of a calf for themselves and said,‘This is your God who brought you up from Egypt,’ or when they committed atrocious blasphemies.

normalized_text:
even when they made a cast image of a calf for themselves and said this is your god who brought you up from egypt or when they committed atrocious blasphemies


text:
“Due to your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud did not stop guiding them in the path by day, nor did the pillar of fire stop illuminating for them by night the path on which they should travel.

normalized_text:
due to your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness the pillar of cloud did not stop guiding them in the path by day nor did the pillar of fire stop illuminating for them by night the path on which they should travel


text:
You imparted your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths; you provided water for their thirst.

normalized_text:
you imparted your good spirit to instruct them you did not withhold your manna from their mouths you provided water for their thirst


text:
For forty years you sustained them. Even in the wilderness they never lacked anything. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.

normalized_text:
for forty years you sustained them even in the wilderness they never lacked anything their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell


text:
“You gave them kingdoms and peoples, and you allocated them to every corner of the land. They inherited the land of King Sihon of Heshbon and the land of King Og of Bashan.

normalized_text:
you gave them kingdoms and peoples and you allocated them to every corner of the land they inherited the land of king sihon of heshbon and the land of king og of bashan


text:
You multiplied their descendants like the stars of the sky. You brought them to the land you had told their ancestors to enter in order to possess.

normalized_text:
you multiplied their descendants like the stars of the sky you brought them to the land you had told their ancestors to enter in order to possess


text:
Their descendants entered and possessed the land. You subdued before them the Canaanites who were the inhabitants of the land. You delivered them into their hand, together with their kings and the peoples of the land, to deal with as they pleased.

normalized_text:
their descendants entered and possessed the land you subdued before them the canaanites who were the inhabitants of the land you delivered them into their hand together with their kings and the peoples of the land to deal with as they pleased


text:
They captured fortified cities and fertile land. They took possession of houses full of all sorts of good things– wells previously dug, vineyards, olive trees, and fruit trees in abundance. They ate until they were full and grew fat. They enjoyed to the full your great goodness.

normalized_text:
they captured fortified cities and fertile land they took possession of houses full of all sorts of good things wells previously dug vineyards olive trees and fruit trees in abundance they ate until they were full and grew fat they enjoyed to the full your great goodness


text:
“Nonetheless they grew disobedient and rebelled against you; they disregarded your law. They killed your prophets who had solemnly admonished them in order to cause them to return to you. They committed atrocious blasphemies.

normalized_text:
nonetheless they grew disobedient and rebelled against you they disregarded your law they killed your prophets who had solemnly admonished them in order to cause them to return to you they committed atrocious blasphemies


text:
Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who oppressed them. But in the time of their distress they called to you, and you heard from heaven. In your abundant compassion you provided them with deliverers to rescue them from their adversaries.

normalized_text:
therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries who oppressed them but in the time of their distress they called to you and you heard from heaven in your abundant compassion you provided them with deliverers to rescue them from their adversaries


text:
“Then, when they were at rest again, they went back to doing evil before you. Then you abandoned them to their enemies, and they gained dominion over them. When they again cried out to you, in your compassion you heard from heaven and rescued them time and again.

normalized_text:
then when they were at rest again they went back to doing evil before you then you abandoned them to their enemies and they gained dominion over them when they again cried out to you in your compassion you heard from heaven and rescued them time and again


text:
And you solemnly admonished them in order to return them to your law, but they behaved presumptuously and did not obey your commandments. They sinned against your ordinances– those by which an individual, if he obeys them, will live. They boldly turned from you; they rebelled and did not obey.

normalized_text:
and you solemnly admonished them in order to return them to your law but they behaved presumptuously and did not obey your commandments they sinned against your ordinances those by which an individual if he obeys them will live they boldly turned from you they rebelled and did not obey


text:
You prolonged your kindness with them for many years, and you solemnly admonished them by your Spirit through your prophets. Still they paid no attention, so you delivered them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.

normalized_text:
you prolonged your kindness with them for many years and you solemnly admonished them by your spirit through your prophets still they paid no attention so you delivered them into the hands of the neighboring peoples


text:
However, due to your abundant mercy you did not do away with them altogether; you did not abandon them. For you are a merciful and compassionate God.

normalized_text:
however due to your abundant mercy you did not do away with them altogether you did not abandon them for you are a merciful and compassionate god


text:
“So now, our God– the great, powerful, and awesome God, who keeps covenant fidelity– do not regard as inconsequential all the hardship that has befallen us– our kings, our leaders, our priests, our prophets, our ancestors, and all your people– from the days of the kings of Assyria until this very day!

normalized_text:
so now our god the great powerful and awesome god who keeps covenant fidelity do not regard as inconsequential all the hardship that has befallen us our kings our leaders our priests our prophets our ancestors and all your people from the days of the kings of assyria until this very day


text:
You are righteous with regard to all that has happened to us, for you have acted faithfully. It is we who have been in the wrong!

normalized_text:
you are righteous with regard to all that has happened to us for you have acted faithfully it is we who have been in the wrong


text:
Our kings, our leaders, our priests, and our ancestors have not kept your law. They have not paid attention to your commandments or your testimonies by which you have solemnly admonished them.

normalized_text:
our kings our leaders our priests and our ancestors have not kept your law they have not paid attention to your commandments or your testimonies by which you have solemnly admonished them


text:
Even when they were in their kingdom and benefiting from your incredible goodness that you had lavished on them in the spacious and fertile land you had set before them, they did not serve you, nor did they turn from their evil practices.

normalized_text:
even when they were in their kingdom and benefiting from your incredible goodness that you had lavished on them in the spacious and fertile land you had set before them they did not serve you nor did they turn from their evil practices


text:
“So today we are slaves! In the very land you gave to our ancestors to eat its fruit and to enjoy its good things– we are slaves!

normalized_text:
so today we are slaves in the very land you gave to our ancestors to eat its fruit and to enjoy its good things we are slaves


text:
Its abundant produce goes to the kings you have placed over us due to our sins. They rule over our bodies and our livestock as they see fit, and we are in great distress!

normalized_text:
its abundant produce goes to the kings you have placed over us due to our sins they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they see fit and we are in great distress


text:
The People Pledge to be Faithful(10:1)“Because of all of this we are entering into a binding covenant in written form; our leaders, our Levites, and our priests have affixed their names on the sealed document.”

normalized_text:
the people pledge to be faithful 10 1 because of all of this we are entering into a binding covenant in written form our leaders our levites and our priests have affixed their names on the sealed document


text:
On the sealed documents were the following names: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, along with Zedekiah,

normalized_text:
on the sealed documents were the following names nehemiah the governor son of hacaliah along with zedekiah


text:
“Now the rest of the people– the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple attendants, and all those who have separated themselves from the neighboring peoples because of the law of God, along with their wives, their sons, and their daughters, all of whom are able to understand–

normalized_text:
now the rest of the people the priests the levites the gatekeepers the singers the temple attendants and all those who have separated themselves from the neighboring peoples because of the law of god along with their wives their sons and their daughters all of whom are able to understand


text:
hereby participate with their colleagues the town leaders and enter into a curse and an oath to adhere to the law of God which was given through Moses the servant of God, and to obey carefully all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, along with his ordinances and his statutes.

normalized_text:
hereby participate with their colleagues the town leaders and enter into a curse and an oath to adhere to the law of god which was given through moses the servant of god and to obey carefully all the commandments of the lord our lord along with his ordinances and his statutes


text:
“We will not give our daughters in marriage to the neighboring peoples, and we will not take their daughters in marriage for our sons.

normalized_text:
we will not give our daughters in marriage to the neighboring peoples and we will not take their daughters in marriage for our sons


text:
We will not buy on the Sabbath or on a holy day from the neighboring peoples who bring their wares and all kinds of grain to sell on the Sabbath day. We will let the fields lie fallow every seventh year, and we will cancel every loan.

normalized_text:
we will not buy on the sabbath or on a holy day from the neighboring peoples who bring their wares and all kinds of grain to sell on the sabbath day we will let the fields lie fallow every seventh year and we will cancel every loan


text:
We accept responsibility for fulfilling the commands to give one third of a shekel each year for the work of the temple of our God,

normalized_text:
we accept responsibility for fulfilling the commands to give one third of a shekel each year for the work of the temple of our god


text:
for the loaves of presentation and for the regular grain offerings and regular burnt offerings, for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, for the appointed meetings, for the holy offerings, for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the temple of our God.

normalized_text:
for the loaves of presentation and for the regular grain offerings and regular burnt offerings for the sabbaths for the new moons for the appointed meetings for the holy offerings for the sin offerings to make atonement for israel and for all the work of the temple of our god


text:
“We– the priests, the Levites, and the people– have cast lots concerning the wood offerings, to bring them to the temple of our God according to our families at the designated times year by year to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as is written in the law.

normalized_text:
we the priests the levites and the people have cast lots concerning the wood offerings to bring them to the temple of our god according to our families at the designated times year by year to burn on the altar of the lord our god as is written in the law


text:
We also accept responsibility for bringing the first fruits of our land and the first fruits of every fruit tree year by year to the temple of the LORD.

normalized_text:
we also accept responsibility for bringing the first fruits of our land and the first fruits of every fruit tree year by year to the temple of the lord


text:
We also accept responsibility, as is written in the law, for bringing the firstborn of our sons and our cattle and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks to the temple of our God, to the priests who are ministering in the temple of our God.

normalized_text:
we also accept responsibility as is written in the law for bringing the firstborn of our sons and our cattle and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks to the temple of our god to the priests who are ministering in the temple of our god


text:
We will also bring the first of our coarse meal, of our contributions, of the fruit of every tree, of new wine, and of olive oil to the priests at the storerooms of the temple of our God, along with a tenth of the produce of our land to the Levites, for the Levites are the ones who collect the tithes in all the cities where we work.

normalized_text:
we will also bring the first of our coarse meal of our contributions of the fruit of every tree of new wine and of olive oil to the priests at the storerooms of the temple of our god along with a tenth of the produce of our land to the levites for the levites are the ones who collect the tithes in all the cities where we work


text:
A priest of Aaron’s line will be with the Levites when the Levites collect the tithes, and the Levites will bring up a tenth of the tithes to the temple of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury.

normalized_text:
a priest of aaron s line will be with the levites when the levites collect the tithes and the levites will bring up a tenth of the tithes to the temple of our god to the storerooms of the treasury


text:
The Israelites and the Levites will bring the contribution of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil to the storerooms where the utensils of the sanctuary are kept, and where the priests who minister stay, along with the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the temple of our God.”

normalized_text:
the israelites and the levites will bring the contribution of the grain the new wine and the olive oil to the storerooms where the utensils of the sanctuary are kept and where the priests who minister stay along with the gatekeepers and the singers we will not neglect the temple of our god


text:
The Population of Jerusalem So the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, while the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to settle in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine remained in other cities.

normalized_text:
the population of jerusalem so the leaders of the people settled in jerusalem while the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to settle in jerusalem the holy city while the other nine remained in other cities


text:
These are the provincial leaders who settled in Jerusalem.(While other Israelites, the priests, the Levites, the temple attendants, and the sons of the servants of Solomon settled in the cities of Judah, each on his own property in their cities,

normalized_text:
these are the provincial leaders who settled in jerusalem while other israelites the priests the levites the temple attendants and the sons of the servants of solomon settled in the cities of judah each on his own property in their cities


text:
some of the descendants of Judah and some of the descendants of Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) Of the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, from the descendants of Perez;

normalized_text:
some of the descendants of judah and some of the descendants of benjamin settled in jerusalem of the descendants of judah athaiah son of uzziah the son of zechariah the son of amariah the son of shephatiah the son of mahalalel from the descendants of perez


text:
and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, from the descendants of Shelah.

normalized_text:
and maaseiah son of baruch the son of col hozeh the son of hazaiah the son of adaiah the son of joiarib the son of zechariah from the descendants of shelah


text:
These are the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah,

normalized_text:
these are the descendants of benjamin sallu son of meshullam the son of joed the son of pedaiah the son of kolaiah the son of maaseiah the son of ithiel the son of jeshaiah


text:
Joel son of Zicri was the officer in charge of them, and Judah son of Hassenuah was second-in-command over the city.

normalized_text:
joel son of zicri was the officer in charge of them and judah son of hassenuah was second in command over the city


text:
Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, supervisor in the temple of God,

normalized_text:
seraiah son of hilkiah the son of meshullam the son of zadok the son of meraioth the son of ahitub supervisor in the temple of god


text:
and their colleagues who were carrying out work for the temple– 822; and Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah,

normalized_text:
and their colleagues who were carrying out work for the temple 822 and adaiah son of jeroham the son of pelaliah the son of amzi the son of zechariah the son of pashhur the son of malkijah


text:
and his colleagues who were heads of families– 242; and Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

normalized_text:
and his colleagues who were heads of families 242 and amashsai son of azarel the son of ahzai the son of meshillemoth the son of immer


text:
and his colleagues who were exceptional men– 128. The officer over them was Zabdiel the son of Haggedolim.

normalized_text:
and his colleagues who were exceptional men 128 the officer over them was zabdiel the son of haggedolim


normalized_text: from the levites shemaiah son of hasshub the son of azrikam the son of hashabiah the son of bunni
text:
From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;


text:
Shabbethai and Jozabad, leaders of the Levites, were in charge of the external work for the temple of God;

normalized_text:
shabbethai and jozabad leaders of the levites were in charge of the external work for the temple of god


text:
Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the praise leader who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his colleagues; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

normalized_text:
mattaniah son of mica the son of zabdi the son of asaph the praise leader who led in thanksgiving and prayer bakbukiah second among his colleagues and abda son of shammua the son of galal the son of jeduthun


text:
And the rest of the Israelites, with the priests and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, each on his own property.

normalized_text:
and the rest of the israelites with the priests and the levites were in all the cities of judah each on his own property


text:
The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants who were the singers responsible for the service of the temple of God.

normalized_text:
the overseer of the levites in jerusalem was uzzi son of bani the son of hashabiah the son of mattaniah the son of mica he was one of asaph s descendants who were the singers responsible for the service of the temple of god


text:
Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, one of the descendants of Zerah son of Judah, was an adviser to the king in every matter pertaining to the people.

normalized_text:
pethahiah son of meshezabel one of the descendants of zerah son of judah was an adviser to the king in every matter pertaining to the people


text:
As for the settlements with their fields, some of the people of Judah settled in Kiriath Arba and its neighboring villages, in Dibon and its villages, in Jekabzeel and its settlements,

normalized_text:
as for the settlements with their fields some of the people of judah settled in kiriath arba and its neighboring villages in dibon and its villages in jekabzeel and its settlements


text:
Zanoah, Adullam and their settlements, in Lachish and its fields, and in Azekah and its villages. So they were encamped from Beer Sheba to the Valley of Hinnom.

normalized_text:
zanoah adullam and their settlements in lachish and its fields and in azekah and its villages so they were encamped from beer sheba to the valley of hinnom


text:
The Priests and the Levites Who Returned to Jerusalem These are the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

normalized_text:
the priests and the levites who returned to jerusalem these are the priests and levites who returned with zerubbabel son of shealtiel and jeshua seraiah jeremiah ezra


text:
Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their colleagues in the days of Jeshua.

normalized_text:
sallu amok hilkiah and jedaiah these were the leaders of the priests and their colleagues in the days of jeshua


text:
And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who together with his colleagues was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.

normalized_text:
and the levites jeshua binnui kadmiel sherebiah judah and mattaniah who together with his colleagues was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving


text:
Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada,

normalized_text:
jeshua was the father of joiakim joiakim was the father of eliashib eliashib was the father of joiada


text:
In the days of Joiakim, these were the priests who were leaders of the families: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

normalized_text:
in the days of joiakim these were the priests who were leaders of the families of seraiah meraiah of jeremiah hananiah


text:
As for the Levites, in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua the heads of families were recorded, as were the priests during the reign of Darius the Persian.

normalized_text:
as for the levites in the days of eliashib joiada johanan and jaddua the heads of families were recorded as were the priests during the reign of darius the persian


text:
The descendants of Levi were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles as heads of families up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib.

normalized_text:
the descendants of levi were recorded in the book of the chronicles as heads of families up to the days of johanan son of eliashib


text:
And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their colleagues, who stood opposite them to offer praise and thanks, one contingent corresponding to the other, as specified by David the man of God.

normalized_text:
and the leaders of the levites were hashabiah sherebiah jeshua son of kadmiel and their colleagues who stood opposite them to offer praise and thanks one contingent corresponding to the other as specified by david the man of god


text:
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who were guarding the storerooms at the gates.

normalized_text:
mattaniah bakbukiah obadiah meshullam talmon and akkub were gatekeepers who were guarding the storerooms at the gates


text:
These all served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priestly scribe.

normalized_text:
these all served in the days of joiakim son of jeshua the son of jozadak and in the days of nehemiah the governor and of ezra the priestly scribe


text:
The Wall of Jerusalem is Dedicated At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all the places they lived to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication joyfully with songs of thanksgiving and songs accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

normalized_text:
the wall of jerusalem is dedicated at the dedication of the wall of jerusalem they sought out the levites from all the places they lived to bring them to jerusalem to celebrate the dedication joyfully with songs of thanksgiving and songs accompanied by cymbals harps and lyres


text:
The singers were also assembled from the district around Jerusalem and from the settlements of the Netophathites

normalized_text:
the singers were also assembled from the district around jerusalem and from the settlements of the netophathites


text:
and from Beth Gilgal and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built settlements for themselves around Jerusalem.

normalized_text:
and from beth gilgal and from the fields of geba and azmaveth for the singers had built settlements for themselves around jerusalem


text:
When the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.

normalized_text:
when the priests and levites had purified themselves they purified the people the gates and the wall


text:
I brought the leaders of Judah up on top of the wall, and I appointed two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on the top of the wall southward toward the Dung Gate.

normalized_text:
i brought the leaders of judah up on top of the wall and i appointed two large choirs to give thanks one was to proceed on the top of the wall southward toward the dung gate


text:
some of the priests with trumpets, Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph,

normalized_text:
some of the priests with trumpets zechariah son of jonathan the son of shemaiah the son of mattaniah the son of micaiah the son of zaccur the son of asaph


text:
and his colleagues– Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani– with musical instruments of David the man of God.(Ezra the scribe led them.)

normalized_text:
and his colleagues shemaiah azarel milalai gilalai maai nethanel judah and hanani with musical instruments of david the man of god ezra the scribe led them


text:
They went over the Fountain Gate and continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall. They passed the house of David and continued on to the Water Gate toward the east.

normalized_text:
they went over the fountain gate and continued directly up the steps of the city of david on the ascent to the wall they passed the house of david and continued on to the water gate toward the east


text:
The second choir was proceeding in the opposite direction. I followed them, along with half the people, on top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,

normalized_text:
the second choir was proceeding in the opposite direction i followed them along with half the people on top of the wall past the tower of the ovens to the broad wall


text:
over the Ephraim Gate, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate. They stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

normalized_text:
over the ephraim gate the jeshanah gate the fish gate the tower of hananel and the tower of the hundred to the sheep gate they stopped at the gate of the guard


text:
Then the two choirs that gave thanks took their stations in the temple of God. I did also, along with half the officials with me,

normalized_text:
then the two choirs that gave thanks took their stations in the temple of god i did also along with half the officials with me


text:
and the priests– Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with their trumpets–

normalized_text:
and the priests eliakim maaseiah miniamin micaiah elioenai zechariah and hananiah with their trumpets


text:
and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam, and Ezer. The choirs sang loudly under the direction of Jezrahiah.

normalized_text:
and also maaseiah shemaiah eleazar uzzi jehohanan malkijah elam and ezer the choirs sang loudly under the direction of jezrahiah


text:
And on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard from far away.

normalized_text:
and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced for god had given them great joy the women and children also rejoiced the rejoicing in jerusalem could be heard from far away


text:
On that day men were appointed over the storerooms for the contributions, first fruits, and tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions prescribed by the law for the priests and the Levites, for the people of Judah took delight in the priests and Levites who were ministering.

normalized_text:
on that day men were appointed over the storerooms for the contributions first fruits and tithes to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions prescribed by the law for the priests and the levites for the people of judah took delight in the priests and levites who were ministering


text:
They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commandment of David and his son Solomon.

normalized_text:
they performed the service of their god and the service of purification along with the singers and gatekeepers according to the commandment of david and his son solomon


text:
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanks to God.

normalized_text:
for long ago in the days of david and asaph there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanks to god


text:
So in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah, all Israel was contributing the portions for the singers and gatekeepers, according to the daily need. They also set aside the portion for the Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.

normalized_text:
so in the days of zerubbabel and in the days of nehemiah all israel was contributing the portions for the singers and gatekeepers according to the daily need they also set aside the portion for the levites and the levites set aside the portion for the descendants of aaron


text:
Further Reforms by Nehemiah On that day the book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people. They found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite may ever enter the assembly of God,

normalized_text:
further reforms by nehemiah on that day the book of moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people they found written in it that no ammonite or moabite may ever enter the assembly of god


text:
for they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but instead had hired Balaam to curse them.(Our God, however, turned the curse into blessing.)

normalized_text:
for they had not met the israelites with food and water but instead had hired balaam to curse them our god however turned the curse into blessing


text:
But prior to this time, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been appointed over the storerooms of the temple of our God.

normalized_text:
but prior to this time eliashib the priest a relative of tobiah had been appointed over the storerooms of the temple of our god


text:
He made for himself a large storeroom where previously they had been keeping the grain offering, the incense, and the vessels, along with the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil as commanded for the Levites, the singers, the gate keepers, and the offering for the priests.

normalized_text:
he made for himself a large storeroom where previously they had been keeping the grain offering the incense and the vessels along with the tithes of the grain the new wine and the olive oil as commanded for the levites the singers the gate keepers and the offering for the priests


text:
During all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes of Babylon, I had gone back to the king. After some time I had requested leave of the king,

normalized_text:
during all this time i was not in jerusalem for in the thirty second year of king artaxerxes of babylon i had gone back to the king after some time i had requested leave of the king


text:
and I returned to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah by supplying him with a storeroom in the courts of the temple of God.

normalized_text:
and i returned to jerusalem then i discovered the evil that eliashib had done for tobiah by supplying him with a storeroom in the courts of the temple of god


text:
Then I gave instructions that the storerooms should be purified, and I brought back the equipment of the temple of God, along with the grain offering and the incense.

normalized_text:
then i gave instructions that the storerooms should be purified and i brought back the equipment of the temple of god along with the grain offering and the incense


text:
I also discovered that the portions for the Levites had not been provided, and that as a result the Levites and the singers who performed this work had all gone off to their fields.

normalized_text:
i also discovered that the portions for the levites had not been provided and that as a result the levites and the singers who performed this work had all gone off to their fields


text:
So I registered a complaint with the leaders, asking,“Why is the temple of God neglected?” Then I gathered them and reassigned them to their positions.

normalized_text:
so i registered a complaint with the leaders asking why is the temple of god neglected then i gathered them and reassigned them to their positions


normalized_text: then all of judah brought the tithe of the grain the new wine and the olive oil to the storerooms
text:
Then all of Judah brought the tithe of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil to the storerooms.


text:
I gave instructions that Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and a certain Levite named Pedaiah be put in charge of the storerooms, and that Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, be their assistant, for they were regarded as trustworthy. It was then their responsibility to oversee the distribution to their colleagues.

normalized_text:
i gave instructions that shelemiah the priest zadok the scribe and a certain levite named pedaiah be put in charge of the storerooms and that hanan son of zaccur the son of mattaniah be their assistant for they were regarded as trustworthy it was then their responsibility to oversee the distribution to their colleagues


text:
Please remember me for this, O my God, and do not wipe out the kindness that I have done for the temple of my God and for its services!

normalized_text:
please remember me for this o my god and do not wipe out the kindness that i have done for the temple of my god and for its services


text:
In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath, bringing in heaps of grain and loading them onto donkeys, along with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, and bringing them to Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them on the day that they sold these provisions.

normalized_text:
in those days i saw people in judah treading winepresses on the sabbath bringing in heaps of grain and loading them onto donkeys along with wine grapes figs and all kinds of loads and bringing them to jerusalem on the sabbath day so i warned them on the day that they sold these provisions


text:
The people from Tyre who lived there were bringing fish and all kinds of merchandise and were selling it on the Sabbath to the people of Judah– and in Jerusalem, of all places!

normalized_text:
the people from tyre who lived there were bringing fish and all kinds of merchandise and were selling it on the sabbath to the people of judah and in jerusalem of all places


text:
So I registered a complaint with the nobles of Judah, saying to them,“What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?

normalized_text:
so i registered a complaint with the nobles of judah saying to them what is this evil thing that you are doing profaning the sabbath day


text:
Isn’t this the way your ancestors acted, causing our God to bring on them and on this city all this misfortune? And now you are causing even more wrath on Israel, profaning the Sabbath like this!”

normalized_text:
isn t this the way your ancestors acted causing our god to bring on them and on this city all this misfortune and now you are causing even more wrath on israel profaning the sabbath like this


text:
When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be closed. I further directed that they were not to be opened until after the Sabbath. I positioned some of my young men at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day.

normalized_text:
when the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of jerusalem before the sabbath i ordered the doors to be closed i further directed that they were not to be opened until after the sabbath i positioned some of my young men at the gates so that no load could enter on the sabbath day


normalized_text: the traders and sellers of all kinds of merchandise spent the night outside jerusalem once or twice
text:
The traders and sellers of all kinds of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem once or twice.


text:
But I warned them and said,“Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you repeat this, I will forcibly remove you!” From that time on they did not show up on the Sabbath.

normalized_text:
but i warned them and said why do you spend the night by the wall if you repeat this i will forcibly remove you from that time on they did not show up on the sabbath


text:
Then I directed the Levites to purify themselves and come and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.For this please remember me, O my God, and have pity on me in keeping with your great love.

normalized_text:
then i directed the levites to purify themselves and come and guard the gates in order to keep the sabbath day holy for this please remember me o my god and have pity on me in keeping with your great love


text:
Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod(or the language of one of the other peoples mentioned) and were unable to speak the language of Judah.

normalized_text:
half of their children spoke the language of ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples mentioned and were unable to speak the language of judah


text:
So I entered a complaint with them. I called down a curse on them, and I struck some of the men and pulled out their hair. I had them swear by God saying,“You will not marry off your daughters to their sons, and you will not take any of their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves!

normalized_text:
so i entered a complaint with them i called down a curse on them and i struck some of the men and pulled out their hair i had them swear by god saying you will not marry off your daughters to their sons and you will not take any of their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves


text:
Was it not because of things like these that King Solomon of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. But the foreign wives made even him sin!

normalized_text:
was it not because of things like these that king solomon of israel sinned among the many nations there was no king like him he was loved by his god and god made him king over all israel but the foreign wives made even him sin


text:
Should we then in your case hear that you do all this great evil, thereby being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign wives?”

normalized_text:
should we then in your case hear that you do all this great evil thereby being unfaithful to our god by marrying foreign wives


text:
Now one of the sons of Joiada son of Eliashib the high priest was a son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. So I banished him from my sight.

normalized_text:
now one of the sons of joiada son of eliashib the high priest was a son in law of sanballat the horonite so i banished him from my sight


text:
Please remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, the covenant of the priesthood, and the Levites.

normalized_text:
please remember them o my god because they have defiled the priesthood the covenant of the priesthood and the levites


text:
So I purified them of everything foreign, and I assigned specific duties to the priests and the Levites.

normalized_text:
so i purified them of everything foreign and i assigned specific duties to the priests and the levites


text:
I also provided for the wood offering at the appointed times and also for the first fruits. Please remember me for good, O my God.

normalized_text:
i also provided for the wood offering at the appointed times and also for the first fruits please remember me for good o my god


text:
¶ The King Throws a Lavish Party The following events happened in the days of Ahasuerus.(I am referring to that Ahasuerus who used to rule over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces extending all the way from India to Ethiopia.)

normalized_text:
the king throws a lavish party the following events happened in the days of ahasuerus i am referring to that ahasuerus who used to rule over a hundred and twenty seven provinces extending all the way from india to ethiopia


text:
in the third year of his reign he provided a banquet for all his officials and his servants. The army of Persia and Media was present, as well as the nobles and the officials of the provinces.

normalized_text:
in the third year of his reign he provided a banquet for all his officials and his servants the army of persia and media was present as well as the nobles and the officials of the provinces


text:
He displayed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor of his majestic greatness for a lengthy period of time– a hundred and eighty days, to be exact!

normalized_text:
he displayed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor of his majestic greatness for a lengthy period of time a hundred and eighty days to be exact


text:
When those days were completed, the king then provided a seven-day banquet for all the people who were present in Susa the citadel, for those of highest standing to the most lowly. It was held in the court located in the garden of the royal palace.

normalized_text:
when those days were completed the king then provided a seven day banquet for all the people who were present in susa the citadel for those of highest standing to the most lowly it was held in the court located in the garden of the royal palace


text:
The furnishings included white linen and blue curtains hung by cords of the finest linen and purple wool on silver rings, alabaster columns, gold and silver couches displayed on a floor made of valuable stones of alabaster, mother-of-pearl, and mineral stone.

normalized_text:
the furnishings included white linen and blue curtains hung by cords of the finest linen and purple wool on silver rings alabaster columns gold and silver couches displayed on a floor made of valuable stones of alabaster mother of pearl and mineral stone


text:
Drinks were served in golden containers, all of which differed from one another. Royal wine was available in abundance at the king’s expense.

normalized_text:
drinks were served in golden containers all of which differed from one another royal wine was available in abundance at the king s expense


text:
There were no restrictions on the drinking, for the king had instructed all of his supervisors that they should do as everyone so desired.

normalized_text:
there were no restrictions on the drinking for the king had instructed all of his supervisors that they should do as everyone so desired


text:
Queen Vashti is Removed from Her Royal Position On the seventh day, as King Ahasuerus was feeling the effects of the wine, he ordered Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who attended him,

normalized_text:
queen vashti is removed from her royal position on the seventh day as king ahasuerus was feeling the effects of the wine he ordered mehuman biztha harbona bigtha abagtha zethar and carcas the seven eunuchs who attended him


text:
to bring Queen Vashti into the king’s presence wearing her royal high turban. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.

normalized_text:
to bring queen vashti into the king s presence wearing her royal high turban he wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty for she was very attractive


text:
But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s bidding conveyed through the eunuchs. Then the king became extremely angry, and his rage consumed him.

normalized_text:
but queen vashti refused to come at the king s bidding conveyed through the eunuchs then the king became extremely angry and his rage consumed him


text:
The king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times– for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities.

normalized_text:
the king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities


text:
Those who were closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. These men were the seven officials of Persia and Media who saw the king on a regular basis and had the most prominent offices in the kingdom.

normalized_text:
those who were closest to him were carshena shethar admatha tarshish meres marsena and memucan these men were the seven officials of persia and media who saw the king on a regular basis and had the most prominent offices in the kingdom


text:
The king asked,“By law, what should be done to Queen Vashti in light of the fact that she has not obeyed the instructions of King Ahasuerus conveyed through the eunuchs?”

normalized_text:
the king asked by law what should be done to queen vashti in light of the fact that she has not obeyed the instructions of king ahasuerus conveyed through the eunuchs


text:
Memucan then replied to the king and the officials,“The wrong of Queen Vashti is not against the king alone, but against all the officials and all the people who are throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.

normalized_text:
memucan then replied to the king and the officials the wrong of queen vashti is not against the king alone but against all the officials and all the people who are throughout all the provinces of king ahasuerus


text:
For the matter concerning the queen will spread to all the women, leading them to treat their husbands with contempt, saying,‘When King Ahasuerus gave orders to bring Queen Vashti into his presence, she would not come.’

normalized_text:
for the matter concerning the queen will spread to all the women leading them to treat their husbands with contempt saying when king ahasuerus gave orders to bring queen vashti into his presence she would not come


text:
And this very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media who have heard the matter concerning the queen will respond in the same way to all the royal officials, and there will be more than enough contempt and anger!

normalized_text:
and this very day the noble ladies of persia and media who have heard the matter concerning the queen will respond in the same way to all the royal officials and there will be more than enough contempt and anger


text:
If the king is so inclined, let a royal edict go forth from him, and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media that cannot be repealed, that Vashti may not come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king convey her royalty to another who is more deserving than she.

normalized_text:
if the king is so inclined let a royal edict go forth from him and let it be written in the laws of persia and media that cannot be repealed that vashti may not come into the presence of king ahasuerus and let the king convey her royalty to another who is more deserving than she


text:
And let the king’s decision which he will enact be disseminated throughout all his kingdom, vast though it is. Then all the women will give honor to their husbands, from the most prominent to the lowly.”

normalized_text:
and let the king s decision which he will enact be disseminated throughout all his kingdom vast though it is then all the women will give honor to their husbands from the most prominent to the lowly


text:
The matter seemed appropriate to the king and the officials. So the king acted on the advice of Memucan.

normalized_text:
the matter seemed appropriate to the king and the officials so the king acted on the advice of memucan


text:
He sent letters throughout all the royal provinces, to each province according to its own script and to each people according to its own language, that every man should be ruling his family and should be speaking the language of his own people.

normalized_text:
he sent letters throughout all the royal provinces to each province according to its own script and to each people according to its own language that every man should be ruling his family and should be speaking the language of his own people


text:
Esther Becomes Queen in Vashti’s Place When these things had been accomplished and the rage of King Ahasuerus had diminished, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided against her.

normalized_text:
esther becomes queen in vashti s place when these things had been accomplished and the rage of king ahasuerus had diminished he remembered vashti and what she had done and what had been decided against her


text:
The king’s servants who attended him said,“Let a search be conducted on the king’s behalf for attractive young women.

normalized_text:
the king s servants who attended him said let a search be conducted on the king s behalf for attractive young women


text:
And let the king appoint officers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the attractive young women to Susa the citadel, to the harem under the authority of Hegai, the king’s eunuch who oversees the women, and let him provide whatever cosmetics they desire.

normalized_text:
and let the king appoint officers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the attractive young women to susa the citadel to the harem under the authority of hegai the king s eunuch who oversees the women and let him provide whatever cosmetics they desire


text:
Let the young woman whom the king finds most attractive become queen in place of Vashti.” This seemed like a good idea to the king, so he acted accordingly.

normalized_text:
let the young woman whom the king finds most attractive become queen in place of vashti this seemed like a good idea to the king so he acted accordingly


text:
Now there happened to be a Jewish man in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai. He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite,

normalized_text:
now there happened to be a jewish man in susa the citadel whose name was mordecai he was the son of jair the son of shimei the son of kish a benjaminite


text:
who had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried into exile with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken into exile.

normalized_text:
who had been taken into exile from jerusalem with the captives who had been carried into exile with jeconiah king of judah whom nebuchadnezzar king of babylon had taken into exile


text:
Now he was acting as the guardian of Hadassah(that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, for neither her father nor her mother was alive. This young woman was very attractive and had a beautiful figure. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had raised her as if she were his own daughter.

normalized_text:
now he was acting as the guardian of hadassah that is esther the daughter of his uncle for neither her father nor her mother was alive this young woman was very attractive and had a beautiful figure when her father and mother died mordecai had raised her as if she were his own daughter


text:
It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women.

normalized_text:
it so happened that when the king s edict and his law became known many young women were taken to susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of hegai esther also was taken to the royal palace to be under the authority of hegai who was overseeing the women


text:
This young woman pleased him, and she found favor with him. He quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her rations; he also provided her with the seven specially chosen young women who were from the palace. He then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem.

normalized_text:
this young woman pleased him and she found favor with him he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her rations he also provided her with the seven specially chosen young women who were from the palace he then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem


normalized_text: now esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage for mordecai had instructed her not to do so
text:
Now Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage, for Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.


text:
And day after day Mordecai used to walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem in order to learn how Esther was doing and what might happen to her.

normalized_text:
and day after day mordecai used to walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem in order to learn how esther was doing and what might happen to her


text:
At the end of the twelve months that were required for the women, when the turn of each young woman arrived to go to King Ahasuerus– for in this way they had to fulfill their time of cosmetic treatment: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfume and various ointments used by women–

normalized_text:
at the end of the twelve months that were required for the women when the turn of each young woman arrived to go to king ahasuerus for in this way they had to fulfill their time of cosmetic treatment six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfume and various ointments used by women


text:
the woman would go to the king in the following way: Whatever she asked for would be provided for her to take with her from the harem to the royal palace.

normalized_text:
the woman would go to the king in the following way whatever she asked for would be provided for her to take with her from the harem to the royal palace


text:
In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to a separate part of the harem, to the authority of Shaashgaz the king’s eunuch who was overseeing the concubines. She would not go back to the king unless the king was pleased with her and she was requested by name.

normalized_text:
in the evening she went and in the morning she returned to a separate part of the harem to the authority of shaashgaz the king s eunuch who was overseeing the concubines she would not go back to the king unless the king was pleased with her and she was requested by name


text:
When it became the turn of Esther daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai(who had raised her as if she were his own daughter) to go to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who was overseer of the women, had recommended. Yet Esther met with the approval of all who saw her.

normalized_text:
when it became the turn of esther daughter of abihail the uncle of mordecai who had raised her as if she were his own daughter to go to the king she did not request anything except what hegai the king s eunuch who was overseer of the women had recommended yet esther met with the approval of all who saw her


text:
Then Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal residence in the tenth month(that is, the month of Tebeth) in the seventh year of his reign.

normalized_text:
then esther was taken to king ahasuerus at his royal residence in the tenth month that is the month of tebeth in the seventh year of his reign


text:
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women. So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of Vashti.

normalized_text:
and the king loved esther more than all the other women and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women so he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of vashti


text:
Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants– it was actually Esther’s banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense.

normalized_text:
then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants it was actually esther s banquet he also set aside a holiday for the provinces and he provided for offerings at the king s expense


text:
Mordecai Learns of a Plot against the King Now when the young women were being gathered again, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

normalized_text:
mordecai learns of a plot against the king now when the young women were being gathered again mordecai was sitting at the king s gate


text:
Esther was still not divulging her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her. Esther continued to do whatever Mordecai said, just as she had done when he was raising her.

normalized_text:
esther was still not divulging her lineage or her people just as mordecai had instructed her esther continued to do whatever mordecai said just as she had done when he was raising her


text:
In those days while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who protected the entrance, became angry and plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

normalized_text:
in those days while mordecai was sitting at the king s gate bigthan and teresh two of the king s eunuchs who protected the entrance became angry and plotted to assassinate king ahasuerus


text:
When Mordecai learned of the conspiracy, he informed Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s name.

normalized_text:
when mordecai learned of the conspiracy he informed queen esther and esther told the king in mordecai s name


text:
The king then had the matter investigated and, finding it to be so, had the two conspirators hanged on a gallows. It was then recorded in the daily chronicles in the king’s presence.

normalized_text:
the king then had the matter investigated and finding it to be so had the two conspirators hanged on a gallows it was then recorded in the daily chronicles in the king s presence


text:
Haman Conspires to Destroy the Jews Some time later King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, exalting him and setting his position above that of all the officials who were with him.

normalized_text:
haman conspires to destroy the jews some time later king ahasuerus promoted haman the son of hammedatha the agagite exalting him and setting his position above that of all the officials who were with him


text:
As a result, all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate were bowing and paying homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded. However, Mordecai did not bow, nor did he pay him homage.

normalized_text:
as a result all the king s servants who were at the king s gate were bowing and paying homage to haman for the king had so commanded however mordecai did not bow nor did he pay him homage


text:
Then the servants of the king who were at the king’s gate asked Mordecai,“Why are you violating the king’s commandment?”

normalized_text:
then the servants of the king who were at the king s gate asked mordecai why are you violating the king s commandment


text:
And after they had spoken to him day after day without his paying any attention to them, they informed Haman to see whether this attitude on Mordecai’s part would be permitted. Furthermore, he had disclosed to them that he was a Jew.

normalized_text:
and after they had spoken to him day after day without his paying any attention to them they informed haman to see whether this attitude on mordecai s part would be permitted furthermore he had disclosed to them that he was a jew


text:
But the thought of striking out against Mordecai alone was repugnant to him, for he had been informed of the identity of Mordecai’s people. So Haman sought to destroy all the Jews(that is, the people of Mordecai) who were in all the kingdom of Ahasuerus.

normalized_text:
but the thought of striking out against mordecai alone was repugnant to him for he had been informed of the identity of mordecai s people so haman sought to destroy all the jews that is the people of mordecai who were in all the kingdom of ahasuerus


text:
In the first month(that is, the month of Nisan), in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus’ reign, pur(that is, the lot) was cast before Haman in order to determine a day and a month. It turned out to be the twelfth month(that is, the month of Adar).

normalized_text:
in the first month that is the month of nisan in the twelfth year of king ahasuerus reign pur that is the lot was cast before haman in order to determine a day and a month it turned out to be the twelfth month that is the month of adar


text:
Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus,“There is a particular people that is dispersed and spread among the inhabitants throughout all the provinces of your kingdom whose laws differ from those of all other peoples. Furthermore, they do not observe the king’s laws. It is not appropriate for the king to provide a haven for them.

normalized_text:
then haman said to king ahasuerus there is a particular people that is dispersed and spread among the inhabitants throughout all the provinces of your kingdom whose laws differ from those of all other peoples furthermore they do not observe the king s laws it is not appropriate for the king to provide a haven for them


text:
If the king is so inclined, let an edict be issued to destroy them. I will pay 10,000 talents of silver to be conveyed to the king’s treasuries for the officials who carry out this business.”

normalized_text:
if the king is so inclined let an edict be issued to destroy them i will pay 10 000 talents of silver to be conveyed to the king s treasuries for the officials who carry out this business


text:
So the king removed his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, who was hostile toward the Jews.

normalized_text:
so the king removed his signet ring from his hand and gave it to haman the son of hammedatha the agagite who was hostile toward the jews


text:
So the royal scribes were summoned in the first month, on the thirteenth day of the month. Everything Haman commanded was written to the king’s satraps and governors who were in every province and to the officials of every people, province by province according to its script and people by people according to its language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written and sealed with the king’s signet ring.

normalized_text:
so the royal scribes were summoned in the first month on the thirteenth day of the month everything haman commanded was written to the king s satraps and governors who were in every province and to the officials of every people province by province according to its script and people by people according to its language in the name of king ahasuerus it was written and sealed with the king s signet ring


text:
Letters were sent by the runners to all the king’s provinces stating that they should destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews, from youth to elderly, both women and children, on a particular day, namely the thirteenth day of the twelfth month(that is, the month of Adar), and to loot and plunder their possessions.

normalized_text:
letters were sent by the runners to all the king s provinces stating that they should destroy kill and annihilate all the jews from youth to elderly both women and children on a particular day namely the thirteenth day of the twelfth month that is the month of adar and to loot and plunder their possessions


text:
A copy of this edict was to be presented as law throughout every province; it was to be made known to all the inhabitants, so that they would be prepared for this day.

normalized_text:
a copy of this edict was to be presented as law throughout every province it was to be made known to all the inhabitants so that they would be prepared for this day


text:
The messengers scurried forth with the king’s order. The edict was issued in Susa the citadel. While the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was in an uproar!

normalized_text:
the messengers scurried forth with the king s order the edict was issued in susa the citadel while the king and haman sat down to drink the city of susa was in an uproar


text:
Esther Decides to Risk Everything in order to Help Her People Now when Mordecai became aware of all that had been done, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went out into the city, crying out in a loud and bitter voice.

normalized_text:
esther decides to risk everything in order to help her people now when mordecai became aware of all that had been done he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes he went out into the city crying out in a loud and bitter voice


text:
But he went no further than the king’s gate, for no one was permitted to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth.

normalized_text:
but he went no further than the king s gate for no one was permitted to enter the king s gate clothed in sackcloth


