By the ninth day of the fourth month ¹  the famine in the city was so severe the residents ²  had no food.

But the king’s edict stood, despite Joab’s objections. ¹  So Joab left and traveled throughout Israel before returning to Jerusalem. ² 

I will establish his kingdom permanently, if he remains committed to obeying my commands and regulations, as you are doing this day.’ ¹ 

Realize ¹  now that the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do it!”

Solomon son of David solidified his royal authority, ¹  for ²  the Lord his God was with him and magnified him greatly.

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

In each city there were shields and spears; he strongly fortified them. ¹  Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

But as for you, be strong and don’t get discouraged, ¹  for your work will be rewarded.” ² 

When he had secured control of the kingdom, ¹  he executed the servants who had assassinated his father. ² 

King Tiglath-pileser ¹  of Assyria came, but he gave him more trouble than support. ² 

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

He ordered ¹  the people living in Jerusalem ²  to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and Levites so they might be obedient ³  to the law of the Lord.

The men of Tekoa worked on the section adjacent to them, but their town leaders ¹  would not assist ²  with the work of their master. ³ 

Rephaiah son of Hur, head of a half-district of Jerusalem, worked on the section adjacent to them.

Shallum son of Hallohesh, head of a half-district of Jerusalem, worked on the section adjacent to him, assisted by his daughters. ¹ 

After him their relatives ¹  worked – Binnui ²  son of Henadad, head of a half-district of Keilah.

After them the men of Tekoa worked on another section, from opposite the great protruding tower to the wall of Ophel.

So we worked on, ¹  with half ²  holding spears, from dawn till dusk. ³ 

Then ¹  his wife said to him, “Are you still holding firmly to your integrity? ²  Curse ³  God, and die!” ⁴ 

He leans against his house but it does not hold up, ¹  he takes hold ²  of it but it does not stand.