But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s elite warriors ¹  did not ally themselves ²  with Adonijah.

All the people followed him up, playing flutes and celebrating so loudly they made the ground shake. ¹ 

He built an extension all around the walls of the temple’s main hall and holy place and constructed side rooms in it. ¹ 

Then Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my sailors join yours in the fleet,” ¹  but Jehoshaphat refused.

So the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom ¹  set out together. They wandered around on the road for seven days and finally ran out of water for the men and animals they had with them.

Joash passed away ¹  and Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne. ²  Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

Jotham passed away ¹  and was buried with his ancestors in the city of his ancestor David. His son Ahaz replaced him as king.

Manasseh passed away ¹  and was buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzzah, and his son Amon replaced him as king.

All Israel joined David at Hebron and said, “Look, we are your very flesh and blood! ¹ 

When David ¹  went to Ziklag, the men of Manasseh who joined him were Adnach, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, leaders of a thousand soldiers each in the tribe of Manasseh.

Each day men came to help David until his army became very large. ¹ 

So David assembled all Israel from the Shihor River ¹  in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, ²  to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim.

Joining them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord. (For his loyal love endures!) ¹ 

for gold and silver items, and for all the work of the craftsmen. Who else wants to contribute to the Lord today?”

He followed their advice and joined Ahab’s son King Joram ¹  of Israel in a battle against King Hazael of Syria ²  at Ramoth Gilead in which the Syrians defeated Joram.

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. ¹ 

The king replied, “Find Haman quickly so that we can do as Esther requests.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

But Haman restrained himself and went on to his home. He then sent for his friends to join him, ¹  along with his wife Zeresh.

That night – let darkness seize ¹  it; let it not be included ²  among the days of the year; let it not enter among the number of the months! ³ 

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: ¹  “I am young, ²  but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, ³  and afraid to explain ⁴  to you what I know.