Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Kings Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Jehoiachin are sent into exile. Zedekiah becomes king and the Babylonians destroy the temple. The prophecy of Jeremiah is fulfilled when King Cyrus of Persia calls for the rebuilding of the temple. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary The people keep the passover in Jerusalem. Josiah is killed in a battle with Pharaoh Necho. II. Photo Josiah is injured in battle: “Archers shot King Josiah, and the king said to his servants, ‘Get me away from here, for I am badly wounded.’” (v. 23) III. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Josiah combats idolatry and repairs the temple. Hilkiah discovers a scroll and Josiah seeks an oracle, assembles the people, and forges a new covenant with God. II. Photo Josiah fights idolatry: “He burned the bones of priests on their altars and purged Judah and Jerusalem.” (v. 5) III. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Manasseh worships foreign gods and is sent into exile. He repents and is restored to his throne in Jerusalem. His son Amon becomes king and is killed in his second year. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Sennacherib invades Judah and taunts the citizens of Jerusalem. An angel wipes out Sennacherib’s army because of Hezekiah’s and Isaiah’s prayers. Hezekiah’s successes and shortcomings are listed. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary The people destroy their idols and return home. Hezekiah organizes the Levites, arranges the tithes, and builds storehouses for the surpluses. Some of the Levites are listed with their duties. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Hezekiah organizes a passover festival in the second month. The people rejoice and celebrate for an additional seven days. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Hezekiah orders the priests and Levites to purify the temple. Hezekiah and the people offer sacrifices and everyone rejoices. II. Photo The temple is overcrowded: “The priests were too few to be able to flay all the burnt offerings, so their kinsmen, the Levites, reinforced them till the end of the work” (v. 34a) III. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Ahaz worships foreign gods and misappropriates temple property. He is defeated by the Arameans, Israelites, Edomites, Philistines, and Assyrians. The Israelites listen to Oded and release their Judahite captives. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Jotham is righteous, builds up the land, and conquers his enemy. II. Photo Jotham conquers his enemy: “The Ammonites gave him that year 100 talents of silver and 10,000 kor of wheat and another 10,000 of barley.” (v. 5) III. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Uzziah defeats his enemies, builds cities, and fortifies the country. He grows haughty, offers incense in the temple, and is struck with leprosy. His son Jotham rules until he dies. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Amaziah avenges his father’s death, experiences success in battle, and grows haughty. His army is defeated by the Northern kingdom and he is killed by his subordinates. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Under the influence of Jehoiada, Joash does what is right in the eyes of the Lord. When Jehoiada dies, Joash follows the advice of wicked counselors, is wounded by the Arameans, and is overthrown by his subordinates. II. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Jehoiada organizes the temple workers, Joash is anointed king, Athaliah is put to death, and the people rejoice. II. Photo Athaliah is shocked: “Athaliah rent her garments and cried out, ‘Treason, treason!’” III. Select Verses 3: and the entire assembly made a covenant with the king in the House of God. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary Ahaziah rules Judah for one year until he is killed. Athaliah replaces him and attempts to wipe out the legitimate heirs to her throne. She is unaware that Joash is saved by Jehoshabeath. II. Photo Jehoshabeath saves Joash: “[She] kept him hidden from Athaliah so that he was not put to death.” (v. 11b) III. Read More »

I’ll be taking a break to focus on my classes at NYU, i.e., Ugaritic, Akkadian, Chronicles, and the Academic Study of Religion. I’ll also be writing a few entries for the Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception. I’ll be back soon, so wish me luck! -David . Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary The psalmist laments his fate and accuses God of abandoning him. II. Photo The psalmist is haunted by death: “I am a helpless man abandoned among the dead, like bodies lying in the grave of whom you are mindful no more, and who are cut off from your care.” (vv. 5-6) III. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary The psalmist praises Zion. II. Photo Zion is the city for all people: “Indeed, it shall be said of Zion, ‘Every man was born there!’” (v. 5) III. Select Verses     (the entire psalm) 1b-2: The LORD loves the gates of Zion, His foundation on the holy mountains, more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary The psalmist praises God and asks to be saved from his enemies. II. Photo The psalmist asks for strength: “Grant your strength to your servant and deliver the son of your maidservant!” (v. 16b) III. Select Verses     2-5: Preserve my life, for I am steadfast; O You, my God, deliver Your servant who trusts in You. Read More »

Hebrew-English Text I. Summary The psalmist recalls God’s kindness and asks him to revive the people. II. Photo Truth and justice unite: “Truth springs up from the earth; justice looks down from heaven.” (v. 12) III. Read More »