14 Then Joab and his troops advanced to fight the Arameans, and the Arameans fled. 15 When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they, too, fled from Joab's brother Abishai and went into the city. So Joab returned to Jerusalems.

16 Realizing that Israel had defeated them, the kings sent messengers to get other Arameans from beyond the Euphrates River. Shophach, the commander of Hadadezer's army, led them.

17 When David was told about this, he assembled Israel's army, crossed the Jordan, and confronted them. David formed a battle line against the Arameans, and they fought him. 18 The Arameans fled from Israel, and David killed 7,000 chariot drivers and 40,000 foot soldiers. David also killed Shophach. 19 When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that Israel had defeated them, they made peace with David and became his subjects. And the Arameans were no longer willing to help the Ammonites.

David Defeats the Philistines-2 Samuel 11:1; 12:26-31; 21:15-22 20 1 In the spring, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led the army to war. They destroyed the Ammonites and came to Rabbah to attack it, while David stayed in Jerusalem. Joab defeated Rabbah and tore it down. 2 He took the gold crown from the head of Rabbah's king and put it on David's head. (The crown was found to weigh 75 pounds, and in it was a precious stone.) David also took a lot of goods from the city. 3 He brought out the troops who were there and put them to work with saws, hoes, and axes.a He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all the troops returned to Jerusalem.

4 After this, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. Then Sibbecai from Hushahb killed Sippai, a descendant of Haraphah, and the Philistines were defeated. 5 When more fighting broke out with the Philistines, Elhanan, son of Jair, killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath from Gath. (The shaft of Lahmi's spear was like a beam used by weavers.) 6 In another battle at Gath, there was a tall man who had 24 fingers and toes: six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. He also was a descendant of Haraphah. 7 When he challenged Israel, Jonathan, son of David's brother Shimea, killed him. 8 These men were the descendants of Haraphah from Gath, and David and his men killed them.

David Counts the People-2 Samuel 24:1-25 21 1 Satan attempted to attack Israel by provoking David to count the Israelites. 2 David said to Joab and the leaders of the people, "Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan. Bring me the results so that I may know how many people there are."

3 Joab responded, "May Yahweh multiply his people a hundred times over. But, Your Majesty, aren't they all your servants? Why are you trying to do this? Why do you wish to make Israel guilty of this sin?"

4 However, the king overruled Joab. So Joab left, went through out Israel, and returned to Jerusalem. 5 Joab reported the census figures to David: In Israel there were 1,100,000 men who could serve in the army, and in Judah there were 470,000 who could serve in the army. 6 Joab didn't include Levi and Benjamin in the number because he was disgusted with the king's order.

7 Elohim considered the census to be sinful, so he struck Israel with a plague.

8 David said to Elohim, "I have committed a terrible sin by doing this thing. Forgive me because I have acted very foolishly."

9 Yahweh spoke to Gad, David's seer.c 10 "Go and tell David, 'This is what Yahweh says: I'm offering you three choices. Choose the one you want me to do to you.'"

11 When Gad came to David, he said, "This is what Yahweh says: 'Take your pick: 12 either three years of famine, or three months during which your enemies will chase you away when their swords catch up to you, or three days of Yahweh's sword-a plague in the land with the Messenger of Yahweh destroying the whole country of Israel.' Decide what answer I should give the one who sent me."

13 "I'm in a desperate situation," David told Gad. "Please let me fall into Yahweh's hands because he is extremely merciful. But don't let me fall into human hands."

14 So Yahweh sent a plague on Israel, and 70,000 Israelites died. 15 Elohim also sent a Messenger to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was destroying it, Yahweh reconsidered and changed his mind about the disaster. "Enough!" he said to the destroying Messenger. "Put down your weapon." The Messenger of Yahweh was standing by the threshing floora of Ornan the Jebusite.

16 When David looked up, he saw the Messenger of Yahweh standing between heaven and earth. The Messenger had a sword in his hand and stretched it over Jerusalem. David and the leaders were dressed in sackcloth. They bowed down with their faces touching the ground. 17 David said to Elohim, "I'm the one who ordered the people to be counted. I am the one who sinned and did wrong. What have these sheep done? Yahweh my Elohim, let your punishment be against me and my father's family, but don't punish your people with a plague."

18 Yahweh's Messenger told Gad to tell David to go and set up an altar for Yahweh at Ornan the Jebusite's threshing floor. 19 David went as Gad had told him in Yahweh's name.

20 Now, Ornan had turned around and seen the Messenger. Ornan's four sons who were with him hid, but Ornan kept on threshing the wheat.

21 When David arrived, Ornan looked up and saw him. So he left the threshing floor and bowed down with his face touching the ground in front of David. 22 David said to Ornan, "Let me have the land this threshing floor is on. I'll build an altar for Yahweh on it. Sell it to me for the full price. Then the plague on the people will stop."

23 Ornan said to David, "Take it, Your Majesty, and do whatever you think is right. I'll give you oxen for the burnt offering, threshersb for firewood, and wheat for the grain offering. I'll give you everything."

24 "No," King David told Ornan, "I insist on buying it for the full price. I won't take what is yours for Yahweh and offer burnt sacrifices that cost me nothing." 25 So David gave Ornan 15 pounds of gold for that place.

26 David built an altar for Yahweh there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. He called on Yahweh, and Yahweh answered him by sending fire from heaven on the altar for burnt offerings. 27 So Yahweh spoke to the Messenger, and he put his sword back in its scabbard.

28 At that time, when David saw Yahweh had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he offered sacrifices there. 29 Yahweh's tent that Moses made in the desert and the altar for burnt offerings were at the worship site at Gibeon. 30 However, David couldn't go there to consult Elohim because he was frightened by the sword of Yahweh's Messenger.

22 1 Then David said, "This is where Yahweh Elohim's temple will be. Israel's altar for burnt offerings will also be here."

David Helps Solomon Prepare to Build the Temple 2 David ordered the foreigners living in Israel to gather. He appointed some of them to cut stones to build Elohim's temple. 3 David prepared a large quantity of iron for nails and fittings on the doors of the gates. He also prepared so much bronze that it couldn't be weighed. 4 The men of Sidon and Tyre brought David so many cedar logs that the logs couldn't be counted.

5 David thought, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the temple that will be built for Yahweh must be magnificent, large, famous, praised, and honored in all other countries. I'll prepare the building materials for him." So David prepared many materials for Solomon before he died.

6 He summoned his son Solomon and commanded him to build a temple for Yahweh Elohim of Israel. 7 David told his son Solomon, "I had my heart set on building a temple for the name of Yahweh, my Elohim. 8 But Yahweh spoke his word to me by saying, 'You have caused a lot of bloodshed and fought in a lot of wars. You must not build a temple for my name because you have caused so much bloodshed in my presence. 9 You will have a son who will be a peaceful man. I will give him peace from all the enemies around him. His name will be Solomon [Peace], and in his time I will give Israel peace and quiet. 10 He will build a temple for my name. He will be my son, and I will be his Ab . I will establish the throne of his kingdom permanently over Israel.'"

11 David continued, "Now, son, Yahweh will be with you. You will be successful, and you will build the temple of Yahweh your Elohim as he predicted you would. 12 Yahweh will give you insight and understanding as he commands you to take charge of Israel and to follow the Teachings of Yahweh your Elohim. 13 Then you will succeed if you will carefully obey the laws and decrees Yahweh commanded Moses to give to Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or terrified.

14 "Despite my troubles I've made preparations for Yahweh's temple. There are 7,500,000 pounds of gold, 75,000,000 pounds of silver, and so much bronze and iron that it can't be weighed. I've also prepared wood and stones, and you may add to them. 15 You have many kinds of workers: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and men skilled in every kind of work. 16 The gold, silver, bronze, and iron are more than can be counted. So get to work! May Yahweh be with you."

17 David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon. 18 David said, "Isn't Yahweh your Elohim with you? Hasn't he given you peace with all your neighbors? He put the people who live in this country under my power, and the country has been conquered by Yahweh and his people. 19 So dedicate your hearts and lives to serving Yahweh your Elohim. Start building the holy place of Yahweh Elohim so that you can bring the ark of Yahweh's promise and Elohim's holy utensils into the temple that will be built for Yahweh's name."

The Levites Are Organized to Serve in the Temple 23 1 When David had grown old and had lived out his years, he made his son Solomon king of Israel. 2 He gathered all the officials of Israel and the priests and Levites. 3 Every male Levite who was at least 30 years old was counted. There were 38,000. 4 0f these, 24,000 were appointed to supervise the work on Yahweh's temple, 6,000 were appointed to be officers and judges, 5 4,000 were appointed to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 were appointed to praise Yahweh with the instruments David had made for praising God. 6 David organized the Levites into divisions based on which of Levi's sons (Gershon, Kohath, or Merari) they were descended from.

7 Ladan and Shimei were Gershon's descendants. 8 Ladan had three sons: Jehiel was the first, then Zetham, and Joel. 9 Shimei had three sons: Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran. They were the heads of Ladan's families. 10 Shimei's sons were Jahath, Zina,a Jeush, and Beriah. They were Shimei's four sons. 11 Jahath was the first, and Ziza was the second. Jeush and Beriah didn't have many sons, so they were given an assignment as one family.

12 Kohath had four sons: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 13 Amram's sons were Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his sons were forever designated to dedicate the most holy things to God, to offer sacrifices to Yahweh, to serve him, and always give the blessing in his name. 14 The sons of Moses, the man of Elohim, were counted with the tribe of Levi. 15 Moses' sons were Gershom and Eliezer. 16 Gershom's only son was Shebuel. 17 Eliezer's only son was Rehabiah. Eliezer had no other sons, but Rehabiah had many sons. 18 Izhar's only son was Shelomith. 19 Hebron's first son was Jeriah; his second was Amariah; his third was Jahaziel; his fourth was Jekameam. 20 Uzziel's first son was Micah; his second was Isshiah.

21 Merari's sons were Mahli and Mushi. Mahli's sons were Eleazar and Kish. 22 Eleazar died without having any sons. He only had daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them. 23 Mushi had three sons: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth.

24 These were Levi's descendants, who were grouped according to their families. The heads of their families were registered by name as they were counted. Everyone who served in Yahweh's temple was at least 20 years old. 25 David had said, "Yahweh Elohim of Israel has given his people rest. He will now live in Jerusalem forever. 26 The Levites will no longer have to carry the tent and all the utensils used in worship."

27 David's last instructions were to count the Levites who were at least 20 years old. 28 They were appointed to stand beside Aaron's descendants to serve in Yahweh's temple. They were appointed to be in charge of the courtyards and the temple rooms, to ensure that all the holy things were clean,a and to serve in Elohim's temple. 29 They were also responsible for the rows of bread, the flour for the grain offerings, the unleavened bread wafers, and the bread made in frying pans. In addition, they were responsible for mixing the ingredients and keeping track of all weights and measures. 30 They were appointed to stand to give thanks and praise to Yahweh every morning. They were appointed to do the same thing in the evening. 31 They were appointed to stand in front of Yahweh in the required numbers whenever burnt offerings were made-on weekly worship days, at New Moon Festivals, and on appointed annual festivals. 32 They were appointed to follow the regulations for the tent of meeting and the holy place and to help their relatives, Aaron's descendants, as they served in Yahweh's temple.

The Organization of the Priests 24 1 The divisions of Aaron's descendants were as follows: Aaron's sons were Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 2 Nadab and Abihu died before their father died, and neither had any children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.

3 David, Eleazar's descendant Zadok, and Ithamar's descendant Ahimelech divided Aaron's descendants into groups for service. 4 Since Eleazar's descendants had more men who were family heads than Ithamar's descendants, they were divided so that Eleazar's descendants had 16 family leaders and Ithamar's descendants had 8 family leaders. 5 Both groups were divided impartially by drawing lots so that there were officers for the holy place and officers for Elohim among both Eleazar's and Ithamar's descendants. 6 The scribe Shemaiah was a son of Nethanel and a descendant of Levi. Shemaiah recorded their names in the presence of the king, the princes, the priest Zadok, Ahimelech (son of Abiathar), and the family leaders of the priests and Levites. One family was chosen for Eleazar, another for Ithamar.

7 The first lot drawn was for Jehoiarib, the second for Jedaiah, 8 the third for Harim, the fourth for Seorim, 9 the fifth for Malchiah, the sixth for Mijamin, 10 the seventh for Hakkoz, the eighth for Abijah, 11 the ninth for Jeshua, the tenth for Shecaniah, 12 the eleventh for Eliashib, the twelfth for Jakim, 13 the thirteenth for Huppah, the fourteenth for Jeshebeab, 14 the fifteenth for Bilgah, the sixteenth for Immer, 15 the seventeenth for Hezir, the eighteenth for Happizzez, 16 the nineteenth for Pethahiah, the twentieth for Jehezkel, 17 the twentyfirst for Jachin, the twenty-second for Gamul, 18 the twenty-third for Delaiah, the twenty-fourth for Maaziah. 19 These were their priestly groups when they went to serve at Yahweh's temple. Their ancestor Aaron made these rules for them, as Yahweh Elohim of Israel had commanded him.

The Organization of the Levites 20 The following men were leaders for Levi's descendants from Kohath: Jehdeiah (for Amram's descendants through Shubael), 21 Isshiah (for Amram's descendants through Rehabiah), 22 Jahath (for Izhar's descendants through Shelomoth), 23 Jeriah (for Hebron's descendantsa), Amariah (the second of Hebron's descendants), Jahaziel (the third of Hebron's descendants), Jekameam (the fourth of Hebron's descendants), 24 Shamir (for Uzziel's descendants through Micah), 25 and Zechariah (for Uzziel's descendants through Micah's brother Isshiah).

26 The following men were leaders from Levi's descendants from Merari: Mahli, Mushi, and Merari's son Jaaziah, 27 Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri (for Merari's descendants through his son Jaaziah), 28 Eleazar (who had no sons, for Mahli's descendants), 29 Jerahmeel (for Mahli's descendants through Kish), 30 Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth (for Mushi's descendants).

These were Levi's descendants according to their families. 31 They drew lots as their relatives, Aaron's descendants, had done. They drew them in front of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the leaders of the families of the priests and Levites. The families of the oldest brother were treated the same way as those of the youngest.

David Appoints Musicians for the Temple 25 1 David and the army commanders appointed the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to serve as prophets with lyres, harps, and cymbals. This is the list of the men who performed this service: 2 From the sons of Asaph were Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah. (They were directed by Asaph, who served as a prophet under the king's direction.) 3 From the sons of Jeduthun were Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, Mattithiah. (The six brothers were directed by their father, the prophet Jeduthun. They thanked and praised Yahweh as they played lyres.) 4 From the sons of Heman were Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. 5 (All of them were the sons of the king's seerb Heman. They were given to him to make him prominent, as Elohim had promised. So Elohim gave Heman 14 sons and 3 daughters.) 6 All these Levites sang at Yahweh's temple under the direction of their fathers Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. They played cymbals, lyres, and harps for worship in Elohim's temple under the direction of the king. 7 They, along with their relatives, were trained, skilled musicians for Yahweh . There were 288 of them.

8 They drew lots for their assignment of duties, the youngest as well as the oldest, the skilled musicians along with the students.

9 The first lot drawn chose Joseph, the son of Asaph.

The second chose Gedaliah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

10 The third chose Zaccur, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

11 The fourth chose Izri, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

12 The fifth chose Nethaniah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

13 The sixth chose Bukkiah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

14 The seventh chose Jesarelah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

15 The eighth chose Jeshaiah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

16 The ninth chose Mattaniah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

17 The tenth chose Shimei, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

18 The eleventh chose Azarel, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

19 The twelfth chose Hashabiah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

20 The thirteenth chose Shubael, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

21 The fourteenth chose Mattithiah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

22 The fifteenth chose Jeremoth, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

23 The sixteenth chose Hananiah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

24 The seventeenth chose Joshbekashah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

25 The eighteenth chose Hanani, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

26 The nineteenth chose Mallothi, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

27 The twentieth chose Eliathah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

28 The twentyfirst chose Hothir, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

29 The twenty-second chose Giddalti, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

30 The twenty-third chose Mahazioth, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

31 The twenty-fourth chose Romamti Ezer, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

David Appoints Gatekeepers for the Temple 26 1 The following were the divisions of the gatekeepers: For Korah's descendants there was Meshelemiah, the son of Kore, from the descendants of Asaph. 2 Meshelemiah's sons were Zechariah (the firstborn), Jediael (the second), Zebadiah (the third), Jathniel (the fourth), 3 Elam (the fifth), Jehohanan (the sixth), Eliehoenai (the seventh).

4 Also for Korah's descendants there were Obed Edom's sons Shemaiah (the firstborn), Jehozabad (the second), Joah (the third), Sachar (the fourth), Nethanel (the fifth), 5 Ammiel (the sixth), Issachar (the seventh), Peullethai (the eighth). Elohim had blessed Obed Edom. 6 His son Shemaiah had sons who ruled their families because they were soldiers. 7 Shemaiah's sons were Othni, and Othni's skilled brothers Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, as well as Elihu and Semachiah. 8 All of these people were Obed Edom's descendants. They, their sons, and their relatives were skilled and had the ability to perform the service. Obed Edom's family included 62 men.

9 Meshelemiah's sons and relatives were 18 skilled men.

10 From the descendants of Merari there were Hosah's sons. Shimri was the head, although he was not the firstborn. His father appointed him head. 11 Hosah's other sons were Hilkiah (the second), Tebaliah (the third), and Zechariah (the fourth). There were 13 sons and relatives of Hosah.

12 These divisions of gatekeepers through their head men were assigned duties with their relatives to serve in Yahweh's temple. 13 They drew lots by families, youngest and oldest alike, for every gate. 14 Shelemiah was chosen for the east side. His son Zechariah, a counselor who displayed insight, was chosen for the north side. 15 Obed Edom was chosen for the south side, and his sons were chosen for the storerooms. 16 Shuppim and Hosah were chosen for the west side with Shallecheth Gate at the gateway that goes to the palace.

One squad of guards served its watch after another. 17 On the east side there were six Levites. On the north there were four every day. On the south there were four every day. At the storerooms there were four, two at each entrance. 18 At the courtyarda on the west there were four Levites at the gateway to the palace and two at the courtyard itself. 19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers among Korah's and Merari's descendants.

David Appoints Treasurers for the Temple 20 Ahijah, a Levite, was in charge of the treasuries in Elohim's temple and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to God. 21 There were also the descendants of Ladan, who was descended from Gershon. Those who served for Ladan, the descendant of Gershon, were the heads of Ladan's families: Jehiel 22 and Jehiel's sons Zetham and Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries in Yahweh's temple. 23 For the descendants of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, 24 there was Shebuel, a descendant of Moses' son Gershom. He was the highest-ranking official in charge of the treasuries. 25 From his relatives on Eliezer's side of the family was Shelomith. (Eliezer's son was Rehabiah; his grandson was Jeshaiah; his greatgrandson was Joram. Joram's son was Zichri; his grandson was Shelomith.) 26 He and his relatives were in charge of all the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to God that King David, the heads of families, the commanders of regiments and battalions, and the commanders of the army had donated. 27 (They had donated some of the loot taken in battle to support Yahweh's temple.) 28 Everything that Samuel the seer,b Saul (son of Kish), Abner (son of Ner), and Joab (son of Zeruiah) had donated-everything that had been donated-was under the supervision of Shelomith and his relatives.

David Appoints Levites to Oversee Israel's Worship 29 From Izhar's descendants Chenaniah and his sons were assigned duties. They served as officials and judges outside the temple in Israel. 30 From Hebron's descendants Hashabiah and his 1,700 skilled, male relatives were appointed to serve Israel west of the Jordan River. They did everything Yahweh wanted them to do, and they served the king. 31 Jeriah was the head of Hebron's descendants. In the fortieth year of David's reign, the ancestry of Hebron's descendants was researched family by family. Warriors from these families were found at Jazer in Gilead. 32 Jeriah's relatives were 2,700 skilled men, who were heads of families. King David appointed them to be overseers in every matter involving Elohim or the king for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh.

David's Government Officials 27 1 This is a list of Israelite family heads, regiment and battalion commanders, and officers who were serving the king in all the army's units. Throughout each year they came for a month at a time and then left. Each unit consisted of 24,000 men.

2 Jashobeam, son of Zabdiel, was in charge of the first unit, the one during the first month. In his unit there were 24,000. 3 He was a descendant of Perez, and he was head of all of the army's officers for the first month.

4 Dodai, Ahoh's descendant, was in charge of the unit during the second month. It was his unit. (Mikloth was one of its leaders.) In Dodai's unit there were 24,000.

5 The third commander of the army during the third month was Benaiah, son of the priest Jehoiada. He was the head, and in his unit there were 24,000. 6 This Benaiah was one of the thirty fighting men and commander of the thirty as well as his own unit. His son was Ammizabad.

7 Asahel, Joab's brother, was in charge of the fourth unit during the fourth month, and after him was his son Zebadiah. In his unit there were 24,000.

8 Shamhuth, Izrah's descendant, was commander of the fifth unit during the fifth month. In his unit there were 24,000.

9 Ira, the son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, was in charge of the sixth unit during the sixth month. In his unit there were 24,000.

10 Helez, a Pelonite from the descendants of Ephraim, was in charge of the seventh unit during the seventh month. In his unit there were 24,000.

11 Sibbecai, a descendant of Zerah from Hushah, was in charge of the eighth unit during the eighth month. In his unit there were 24,000.

12 Abiezer, a member of the tribe of Benjamin from Anathoth, was in charge of the ninth unit during the ninth month. In his unit there were 24,000.

13 Mahrai, a descendant of Zerah from Netophah, was in charge of the tenth unit during the tenth month. In his unit there were 24,000.

14 Benaiah, a member of the tribe of Ephraim from Pirathon, was in charge of the eleventh unit during the eleventh month. In his unit there were 24,000.

15 During the twelfth month, the twelfth unit was commanded by Heldai from Netophah. He was Othniel's descendant. In his unit there were 24,000.

16 The following officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel: for the tribe of Reuben Eliezer, son of Zichri for the tribe of Simeon Shephatiah, son of Maacah 17 for the tribe of Levi Hashabiah, son of Kemuel for the family of Aaron Zadok 18 for the tribe of Judah Elihu, one of David's brothers for the tribe of Issachar Omri, son of Michael 19 for the tribe of Zebulun Ishmaiah, son of Obadiah for the tribe of Naphtali Jerimoth, son of Azriel 20 for the tribe of Ephraim Hoshea, son of Azaziah for half of the tribe of Manasseh Joel, son of Pedaiah 21 for the half of Manasseh in Gilead Iddo, son of Zechariah for the tribe of Benjamin Jaasiel, son of Abner 22 for the tribe of Dan Azarel, son of Jeroham These were the commanders of Israel's tribes.

23 David didn't count those under 20 years old, because Yahweh had promised that the people of Israel would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. 24 Joab, son of Zeruiah, started to count them but didn't finish. God was angry with Israel because of this, and the report from it was never included in the official records of King David.

25 These were all the commanders in charge of King David's property:a for the royal treasuries Azmaveth, son of Adiel for the goods in the fields, cities, villages, and watchtowers Jonathan, son of Uzziah 26 for the farm workers in the fields Ezri, son of Chelub 27 for the vineyards Shimei from Ramah for storing wine that came from the vineyards Zabdi from Shepham 28 for the olive and fig trees in the foothills Baal Hanan from Gedor for storing olive oil Joash 29 for the herds grazing in Sharon Shitrai from Sharon for the herds in the valleys Shaphat, son of Adlai 30 for the camels Obil, a descendant of Ishmael for the donkeys Jehdeiah from Meronoth 31 for the flocks Jaziz from Hagar 32 David's uncle Jonathan, an educated man who possessed insight, was David's adviser. Jonathan and Jehiel, son of Hachmoni, were in charge of the king's sons. 33 Ahithophel was the king's adviser. Hushai, a descendant of Archi, was the king's friend. 34 Jehoiada (son of Benaiah) and Abiathar succeeded Ahithophel. Joab was the commander of the royal army.

David's Public Assembly at Jerusalem 28 1 David held a meeting in Jerusalem for all the leaders of Israel-the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the army units that served the king, the commanders of regiments and battalions, the officials in charge of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, the palace officials, the soldiers, and the fighting men.

2 David stood in front of them and said, "Listen to me, my relatives and subjects. I had my heart set on building the temple where the ark of Yahweh's promise could be placed. This temple would be a stool for our Elohim's feet, and I have made preparations to build it. 3 But Elohim told me, 'You must not build the temple for my name. You have fought wars and caused bloodshed.' 4 Yet, from my entire family Yahweh Elohim of Israel chose me to be king of Israel permanently. He had chosen the tribe of Judah to lead Israel. From the families of Judah he chose my father's family. From among my father's sons he was pleased to make me king of all Israel. 5 And of all my sons (Yahweh has given me many sons) he chose my son Solomon to sit on the throne of Yahweh's kingdom to rule Israel.

6 "He told me, 'Your son Solomon will build my temple and my courtyards because I have chosen him to be my son. I will be his Ab . 7 I will establish his kingdom forever if he will remain determined to obey my commands and laws, as he is doing today.' 8 Now, leaders, I order you in the sight of Israel (Yahweh's congregation) and as our Elohim listens to dedicate your lives to doing everything Yahweh your Elohim has commanded. Then you will be able to possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants.

9 "And you, my son Solomon, learn to know your father's Elohim. Serve Yahweh wholeheartedly and willingly because he searches every heart and understands every thought we have. If you dedicate your life to serving him, he will accept you. But if you abandon him, he will reject you from then on. 10 So be careful, because Yahweh has chosen you to build the temple as his holy place. Be strong, and do it."

11 Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the entrance hall and the temple, its storerooms, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the throne of mercy. 12 He gave him plans for the courtyards of Yahweh's temple and for all the rooms around it. (These rooms served as treasuries for Elohim's temple and the gifts dedicated to God.) 13 He determined the divisions of priests and Levites. He planned all the work done for worship in Yahweh's temple. He designed all the utensils for worship in Yahweh's temple. 14 David specified the weight of gold to be used for each of the utensils for worship, 15 the weight of the gold lamp stands and their gold lamps (that is, the weight of gold for each lamp stand and its lamps), the weight of silver for each silver lamp stand and its lamps (according to the use of each lamp stand for worship), 16 the weight of gold for each table with the rows of bread, and the silver for the silver tables, 17 the pure gold for the forks, bowls, and pitchers, the weight of each gold bowl, the weight of each silver bowl, 18 and the refined gold for the altar of incense. He also gave Solomon the plans for the chariot, that is, the gold angelsa with their wings spread to cover the ark of Yahweh's promise. 19 David said, "All this was written for me by Yahweh's hand. He made all the details of the plan clear to me."

20 David also told his son Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or terrified. Yahweh Elohim , my Elohim, will be with you. He will not abandon you before all the work on Yahweh's temple is finished. 21 Here are also the divisions of the priests and Levites for every type of worship in Elohim's temple. You have with you every skilled worker to do all the work. In addition, all the leaders and people are at your command."

29 1 Then King David said to the whole assembly, "My son Solomon, the one whom Elohim has chosen, is young and inexperienced. Yet, the work is important because this palace is not for a person but for Yahweh Elohim. 2 With all my might I gathered the materials for the temple of my Elohim: gold for gold objects, silver for silver objects, bronze for bronze objects, iron for iron objects, wood for wooden objects, onyx stones and settings, black stones, stones of different colors, gems, and marble. 3 Moreover, I delight in the temple of my Elohim. I have a personal treasury of gold and silver that I'm giving to my Elohim's temple in addition to everything else I gathered for the holy temple. 4 There are 225,000 pounds of gold from Ophir and 525,000 pounds of refined silver. They are to be used to cover the walls of the buildings, 5 to make gold objects, silver objects, and everything else the craftsmen will make. Who else is willing to make an offering and dedicate himself to Yahweh today?"

6 Then the leaders of the families, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of regiments and battalions, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave generously. 7 They gave 375,186 pounds of gold, 750,000 pounds of silver, 135,000 pounds of bronze, and 7,500,000 pounds of iron for the work on Elohim's temple. 8 Whoever happened to have precious stones gave them to Jehiel, Gershon's descendant, for the treasury of Yahweh's temple. 9 The people were overjoyed that the leaders gave so generously and wholeheartedly to Yahweh.

King David was also overjoyed, and 10 he praised Yahweh while the whole assembly watched. David said, "May you be praised, Yahweh Elohim of Israel, our father forever and ever.a 11 Greatness, power, splendor, glory, and majesty are yours, Yahweh, because everything in heaven and on earth is yours.