1Chroniques (NAB) 8
8 1 Benjamin became the father of Bela, his first-born, Ashbel, the second son, Aharah, the third, 2 Nohah, the fourth, and Rapha, the fifth.3 The sons of Bela were Addar and Gera, the father of Ehud.4 The sons of Ehud were Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.6 These were the sons of Ehud, family heads over those who dwelt in Geba and were deported to Manahath.7 Also Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera. The last, who led them into exile, became the father of Uzza and Ahihud.
8 Shaharaim became a father on the Moabite plateau after he had put away his wives Hushim and Baara.9 By his wife Hodesh he became the father of Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam,10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, family heads.11 By Hushim he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal.12 The sons of Elpaal were Eber, Misham, Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its nearby towns,
13 Beriah, and Shema. They were family heads of those who dwelt in Aijalon, and they put the inhabitants of Gath to flight.14 Their brethren were Elpaal, Shashak, and Jeremoth.15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi,20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan,24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah,25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham.28 These were family heads over their kindred, chiefs who dwelt in Jerusalem.
29 In Gibeon dwelt Jeiel, the founder of Gibeon, whose wife's name was Maacah;30 also his first-born son, Abdon, and Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, and Mikloth.32 Mikloth became the father of Shimeah. These, too, dwelt with their relatives in Jerusalem, opposite their fellow tribesmen.
33 Ner became the father of Kish, and Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.34 The son of Jonathan was Meribbaal, and Meribbaal became the father of Micah.35 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.36 Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.37 Moza became the father of Binea, whose son was Raphah, whose son was Eleasah, whose son was Azel.38 Azel had six sons, whose names were Azrikam, his first-born, Ishmael, Sheariah, Azariah, Obadiah, and Hanan; all these were the sons of Azel.39 The sons of Eshek, his brother, were Ulam, his first-born, Jeush, the second son, and Eliphelet, the third.40 The sons of Ulam were combat archers, and many were their sons and grandsons: one hundred and fifty. All these were the descendants of Benjamin.
9 1 Thus all Israel was inscribed in its family records which are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel.Now Judah had been carried in captivity to Babylon because of its rebellion.2 The first to settle again in their cities and dwell there were certain lay Israelites, the priests, the Levites, and the temple slaves.
3 In Jerusalem lived Judahites and Benjaminites; also Ephraimites and Manassehites.4 Among the Judahites was Uthai, son of Ammihud, son of Omri, son of Imri, son of Bani, one of the descendants of Perez, son of Judah.5 Among the Shelanites were Asaiah, the first-born, and his sons.6 Among the Zerahites were Jeuel and six hundred and ninety of their brethren.7 Among the Benjaminites were Sallu, son of Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Hassenuah;8 Ibneiah, son of Jeroham; Elah, son of Uzzi, son of Michri; Meshullam, son of Shephatiah, son of Reuel, son of Ibnijah.9 Their kindred of various families were nine hundred and fifty-six. All those named were heads of their ancestral houses.
10 Among the priests were Jedaiah; Jehoiarib; Jachin;11 Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;12 Adaiah, son of Jeroham, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah; Maasai, son of Adiel, son of Jahzerah, son of Meshullam, son of Meshillemith, son of Immer.13 Their brethren, heads of their ancestral houses, were one thousand seven hundred and sixty, valiant for the work of the service of the house of God.
14 Among the Levites were Shemaiah, son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah, one of the descendants of Merari;15 Bakbakkar; Heresh; Galal; Mattaniah, son of Mica, son of Zichri, a descendant of Asaph;16 Obadiah, son of Shemaiah, son of Galal, a descendant of Jeduthun; and Berechiah, son of Asa, son of Elkanah, whose family lived in the villages of the Netophathites.17 The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brethren; Shallum was the chief.18 Previously they had stood guard at the king's gate on the east side; now they became gatekeepers for the encampments of the Levites.19 Shallum, son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, a descendant of Korah, and his brethren of the same ancestral house of the Korahites had as their assigned task the guarding of the threshold of the tent, just as their fathers had guarded the entrance to the encampment of the LORD.20 Phinehas, son of Eleazar, had been their chief in times past-- the LORD be with him!21 Zechariah, son of Meshelemiah, guarded the gate of the meeting tent.22 In all, those who were chosen for gatekeepers at the threshold were two hundred and twelve. They were inscribed in the family records of their villages. David and Samuel the seer had established them in their position of trust.23 Thus they and their sons kept guard over the gates of the house of the LORD, the house which was then a tent.24 The gatekeepers were stationed at the four sides, to the east, the west, the north, and the south.25 Their kinsmen who lived in their own villages took turns in assisting them for seven-day periods,26 while the four chief gatekeepers were on constant duty. These were the Levites who also had charge of the chambers and treasures of the house of God.27 At night they lodged about the house of God, for it was in their charge and they had the duty of opening it each morning.28 Some of them had charge of the liturgical equipment, tallying it as it was brought in and taken out.29 Others were appointed to take care of the utensils and all the sacred vessels, as well as the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the spices.30 It was the sons of priests, however, who mixed the spiced ointments.31 Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the first-born of Shallum the Koreite, was entrusted with preparing the cakes.32 Benaiah the Kohathite, one of their brethren, was in charge of setting out the showbread each sabbath.
33 These were the chanters and the gatekeepers, family heads over the Levites. They stayed in the chambers when free of duty, for day and night they had to be ready for service.34 These were the levitical family heads over their kindred, chiefs who dwelt in Jerusalem.
35 In Gibeon dwelt Jeiel, the founder of Gibeon, whose wife's name was Maacah.36 His first-born son was Abdon; then came Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth.38 Mikloth became the father of Shimeam. These, too, with their brethren, dwelt opposite their brethren in Jerusalem.39 Ner became the father of Kish, and Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.40 The son of Jonathan was Meribbaal, and Meribbaal became the father of Micah.41 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.42 Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.43 Moza became the father of Binea, whose son was Rephaiah, whose son was Eleasah, whose son was Azel.44 Azel had six sons, whose names were Azrikam, his first-born, Ishmael, Sheariah, Azariah, Obadiah, and Hanan; these were the sons of Azel.
10 1 Now the Philistines were at war with Israel; the Israelites fled before the Philistines, and a number of them fell, slain on Mount Gilboa.2 The Philistines pressed hard after Saul and his sons. When the Philistines had killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, sons of Saul,3 the whole fury of the battle descended upon Saul. Then the archers found him, and wounded him with their arrows.4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, that these uncircumcised may not come and maltreat me." But the armor-bearer, in great fear, refused. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it;5 and seeing him dead, the armor-bearer also fell on his sword and died.6 Thus, with Saul and his three sons, his whole house died at one time.7 When all the Israelites who were in the valley saw that Saul and his sons had died in the rout, they left their cities and fled; thereupon the Philistines came and occupied them.
8 On the following day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his sons where they had fallen on Mount Gilboa.9 They stripped him, cut off his head, and took his armor; these they sent throughout the land of the Philistines to convey the good news to their idols and their people.10 His armor they put in the house of their gods, but his skull they impaled on the temple of Dagon.11 When all the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead had heard what the Philistines had done to Saul,12 its warriors rose to a man, recovered the bodies of Saul and his sons, and brought them to Jabesh. They buried their bones under the oak of Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
13 Thus Saul died because of his rebellion against the LORD in disobeying his command, and also because he had sought counsel of a necromancer, 14 and had not rather inquired of the LORD. Therefore the LORD slew him, and transferred his kingdom to David, the son of Jesse.
11 1 Then all Israel gathered about David in Hebron, and they said: "Surely, we are of the same bone and flesh as you.2 Even formerly, when Saul was still the king, it was you who led Israel in all its battles. And now the LORD, your God, has said to you, 'You shall shepherd my people Israel and be ruler over them.'"3 Then all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and there David made a covenant with them in the presence of the LORD; and they anointed him king over Israel, in accordance with the word of the LORD as revealed through Samuel.
4 Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, that is, Jebus, where the natives of the land were called Jebusites.5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, "You shall not enter here." David nevertheless captured the fortress of Zion, which is the City of David.6 David said, "Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be made the chief commander." Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was the first to go up; and so he became chief.7 David took up his residence in the fortress, which thenceforth was called the City of David.8 He rebuilt the city on all sides, from the Millo all the way around, while Joab restored the rest of the city.9 David became more and more powerful, for the LORD of hosts was with him.
10 These were David's chief warriors who, together with all Israel, supported him in his reign in order to make him true king, even as the LORD had commanded concerning Israel.
11 Here is the list of David's warriors: Ishbaal, the son of Hachamoni, chief of the Three. He brandished his spear against three hundred, whom he slew in a single encounter.
12 Next to him Eleazar, the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the Three warriors.13 He was with David at Pas-dammim, where the Philistines had massed for battle. The plow-land was fully planted with barley, but its defenders were retreating before the Philistines.14 He made a stand on the sown ground, kept it safe, and cut down the Philistines. Thus the LORD brought about a great victory.
15 Three of the Thirty chiefs went down to the rock, to David, who was in the cave of Adullam while the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim.16 David was then in the stronghold, and a Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.17 David expressed a desire: "Oh, that someone would give me a drink from the cistern that is by the gate at Bethlehem!"18 Thereupon the Three broke through the encampment of the Philistines, drew water from the cistern by the gate at Bethlehem, and carried it back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as a libation to the LORD,19 saying, "God forbid that I should do such a thing! Could I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?" For at the risk of their lives they brought it; and so he refused to drink it. Such deeds as these the Three warriors performed.
20 Abishai, the brother of Joab. He was the chief of the Thirty; he brandished his spear against three hundred, and slew them. Thus he had a reputation like that of the Three. 21 He was twice as famous as any of the Thirty and became their commander, but he did not attain to the Three.
22 Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a valiant man of mighty deeds, from Kabzeel. He killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab, and also, on a snowy day, he went down and killed the lion in the cistern.23 He likewise slew the Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. The Egyptian carried a spear that was like a weaver's heddle-bar, but he came against him with a staff, wrested the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear.24 Such deeds as these of Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, gave him a reputation like that of the Three.25 He was more famous than any of the Thirty, but he did not attain to the Three. David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
26 Also these warriors: Asahel, the brother of Joab; Elhanan, son of Dodo, from Bethlehem;
27 Shammoth, from En-harod; Helez, from Palti;
28 Ira, son of Ikkesh, from Tekoa; Abiezer, from Anathoth;
29 Sibbecai, from Husha; Ilai, from Ahoh;
30 Maharai, from Netophah; Heled, son of Baanah, from Netophah;
31 Ithai, son of Ribai, from Gibeah of Benjamin; Benaiah, from Pirathon;
32 Hurai, from the valley of Gaash; Abiel, from Beth-arabah;
33 Azmaveth, from Bahurim; Eliahba, from Shaalbon;
34 Jashen the Gunite; Jonathan, son of Shagee, from En-harod;
35 Ahiam, son of Sachar, from En-harod; Elipheleth, son of
36 Ahasabi, from Beth-maacah; Ahijah, from Gilo;
37 Hezro, from Carmel; Naarai, the son of Ezbai;
38 Joel, brother of Nathan, from Rehob, the Gadite;
39 Zelek the Ammonite; Naharai, from Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab, son of Zeruiah;
40 Ira, from Jattir; Gareb, from Jattir;
41 Uriah the Hittite; Zabad, son of Ahlai,
42 and, in addition to the Thirty, Adina, son of Shiza, the Reubenite, chief of the tribe of Reuben;
43 Hanan, from Beth-maacah; Joshaphat the Mithnite;
44 Uzzia, from Ashterath; Shama and Jeiel, sons of Hotham, from Aroer;
45 Jediael, son of Shimri, and Joha, his brother, the Tizite;
46 Eliel the Mahavite; Jeribai and Joshaviah, sons of Elnaam; Ithmah, from Moab;
47 Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobian.
12 1 The following men came to David in Ziklag while he was still under banishment from Saul, son of Kish; they, too, were among the warriors who helped him in his battles.2 They were archers who could use either the right or the left hand, both in slinging stones and in shooting arrows with the bow. They were some of Saul's kinsmen, from Benjamin.3 Ahiezer was their chief, along with Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu, from Anathoth;4 Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a warrior on the level of the Thirty, and in addition to their number;5 Jeremiah; Jahaziel; Johanan; Jozabad from Gederah;6 Eluzai; Jerimoth; Bealiah; Shemariah; Shephatiah the Haruphite;7 Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Ishbaal, who were Korahites;8 Joelah, finally, and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham, from Gedor.9 Some of the Gadites also went over to David when he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were valiant warriors, experienced soldiers equipped with shield and spear, who bore themselves like lions, and were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains.10 Ezer was their chief, Obadiah was second, Eliab third,11 Mishmannah fourth, Jeremiah fifth,12 Attai sixth, Eliel seventh,13 Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth,14 Jeremiah tenth, and Machbannai eleventh.15 These Gadites were army commanders, the lesser placed over hundreds and the greater over thousands.
16 It was they who crossed over the Jordan when it was overflowing both its banks in the first month, and dispersed all who were in the valleys to the east and to the west.17 Some Benjaminites and Judahites also came to David at the stronghold.18 David went out to meet them and addressed them in these words: "If you come peacefully, to help me, I am of a mind to have you join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies though my hands have done no wrong, may the God of our fathers see and punish you."19 Then spirit enveloped Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, who spoke: "We are yours, O David, we are with you, O son of Jesse. Peace, peace to you, and peace to him who helps you; your God it is who helps you." So David received them and placed them among the leaders of his troops.20 Men from Manasseh also deserted to David when he came with the Philistines to battle against Saul. However, he did not help the Philistines, for their lords took counsel and sent him home, saying, "At the cost of our heads he will desert to his master Saul."21 As he was returning to Ziklag, therefore, these deserted to him from Manasseh: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands of Manasseh.22 They helped David by taking charge of his troops, for they were all warriors and became commanders of his army.
23 And from day to day men kept coming to David's help until there was a vast encampment, like an encampment of angels.
24 This is the muster of the detachments of armed troops that came to David at Hebron to transfer to him Saul's kingdom, as the LORD had ordained.
25 Judahites bearing shields and spears: six thousand eight hundred armed troops.
26 Of the Simeonites, warriors fit for battle: seven thousand one hundred.27 Of the Levites: four thousand six hundred,28 along with Jehoiada, leader of the line of Aaron, with another three thousand seven hundred,
29 and Zadok, a young warrior, with twenty-two princes of his father's house.
30 Of the Benjaminites, the brethren of Saul: three thousand-- until this time, most of them had held their allegiance to the house of Saul.
31 Of the Ephraimites: twenty thousand eight hundred warriors, men renowned in their ancestral houses.
32 Of the half-tribe of Manasseh: eighteen thousand, designated by name to come and make David king.
33 Of the Issacharites, their chiefs who were endowed with an understanding of the times and who knew what Israel had to do: two hundred chiefs, together with all their brethren under their command.
34 From Zebulun, men fit for military service, set in battle array with every kind of weapon for war: fifty thousand men rallying with a single purpose.
35 From Naphtali: one thousand captains, and with them, armed with shield and lance, thirty-seven thousand men.
36 Of the Danites, set in battle array: twenty-eight thousand six hundred.
37 From Asher, fit for military service and set in battle array: forty thousand.
38 From the other side of the Jordan, of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, men equipped with every kind of weapon of war: one hundred and twenty thousand.39 All these soldiers, drawn up in battle order, came to Hebron with the resolute intention of making David king over all Israel. The rest of Israel was likewise of one mind to make David king.40 They remained with David for three days, feasting and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them.41 Moreover, their neighbors from as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on asses, camels, mules, and oxen-- provisions in great quantity of meal, pressed figs, raisins, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep. For there was rejoicing in Israel.
13 1 After David had taken counsel with his commanders of thousands and of hundreds, that is to say, with every one of his leaders,2 he said to the whole assembly of Israel: "If it seems good to you, and is so decreed by the LORD our God, let us summon the rest of our brethren from all the districts of Israel, and also the priests and the Levites from their cities with pasture lands, that they may join us;3 and let us bring the ark of our God here among us, for in the days of Saul we did not visit it."4 And the whole assembly agreed to do this, for the idea was pleasing to all the people.
5 Then David assembled all Israel, from Shihor of Egypt to Labo of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6 David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, of Judah, to bring back the ark of God, which was known by the name "LORD enthroned upon the cherubim."7 They transported the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab; Uzzah and Ahio were guiding the cart,8 while David and all Israel danced before God with great enthusiasm, amid songs and music on lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.
9 As they reached the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah stretched out his hand to steady the ark, for the oxen were upsetting it. 10 Then the LORD became angry with Uzzah and struck him; he died there in God's presence, because he had laid his hand on the ark.11 David was disturbed because the LORD'S anger had broken out against Uzzah. Therefore that place has been called Perez-uzza even to this day. 12 David was now afraid of God, and he said, "How can I bring the ark of God with me?"13 Therefore he did not take the ark back with him to the City of David, but he took it instead to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.14 The ark of God remained in the house of Obed-edom with his family for three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom's household and all that he possessed.
14 1 Hiram, king of Tyre, sent envoys to David along with masons and carpenters, and cedar wood to build him a house.2 David now understood that the LORD had truly confirmed him as king over Israel, for his kingdom was greatly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.3 David took other wives in Jerusalem and became the father of more sons and daughters.4 These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,7 Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.
8 When the Philistines had heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, they went up in unison to seek him out. But when David heard of this, he marched out against them.9 Meanwhile the Philistines had come and raided the valley of Rephaim.10 David inquired of God, "Shall I advance against the Philistines, and will you deliver them into my power?" The LORD answered him, "Advance, for I will deliver them into your power."11 They advanced, therefore, to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. Then David said, "God has used me to break through my enemies just as water breaks through a dam." Therefore that place was called Baal-perazim.12 The Philistines had left their gods there, and David ordered them to be burnt.
13 Once again the Philistines raided the valley,14 and again David inquired of God. But God answered him: "Do not try to pursue them, but go around them and come upon them from the direction of the mastic trees.15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mastic trees, then go forth to battle, for God has already gone before you to strike the army of the Philistines."16 David did as God commanded him, and they routed the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.17 Thus David's fame was spread abroad through every land, and the LORD made all the nations fear him.
15 1 David built houses for himself in the City of David and prepared a place for the ark of God, pitching a tent for it there.
2 At that time he said, "No one may carry the ark of God except the Levites, for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him forever."3 Then David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the LORD to the place which he had prepared for it.4 David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites:5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel, their chief, and one hundred and twenty of his brethren;6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah, their chief, and two hundred and twenty of his brethren;7 of the sons of Gershon, Joel, their chief, and one hundred and thirty of his brethren;8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah, their chief, and two hundred of his brethren;9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel, their chief, and eighty of his brethren;10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab, their chief, and one hundred and twelve of his brethren.
11 David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab,12 and said to them: "You, the heads of the levitical families, must sanctify yourselves along with your brethren and bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place which I have prepared for it.13 Because you were not with us the first time, the wrath of the LORD our God burst upon us, for we did not seek him aright."
14 Accordingly, the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.15 The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles, as Moses had ordained according to the word of the LORD.16 David commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brethren as chanters, to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals, to make a loud sound of rejoicing.17 Therefore the Levites appointed Heman, son of Joel, and, among his brethren, Asaph, son of Berechiah; and among the sons of Merari, their brethren, Ethan, son of Kushaiah;18 and, together with these, their brethren of the second rank: the gatekeepers Zechariah, Uzziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel.19 The chanters, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, sounded brass cymbals.20 Zechariah, Uzziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah played on harps set to "Alamoth." 21 But Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel led the chant on lyres set to "the eighth."22 Chenaniah was the chief of the Levites in the chanting; he directed the chanting, for he was skillful.23 Berechiah and Elkanah were gatekeepers before the ark.24 The priests, Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, sounded the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jeiel were also gatekeepers before the ark.
25 Thus David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with joy from the house of Obed-edom.26 While the Levites, with God's help, were bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed.27 David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who carried the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah, the leader of the chant; David was also wearing a linen ephod.28 Thus all Israel brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD with joyful shouting, to the sound of horns, trumpets, and cymbals, and the music of harps and lyres.29 But as the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal, daughter of Saul, looked down from her window, and when she saw King David leaping and dancing, she despised him in her heart.
16 1 They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it. Then they offered up holocausts and peace offerings to God.2 When David had finished offering up the holocausts and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD,3 and distributed to every Israelite, to every man and every woman, a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a raisin cake.
4 He now appointed certain Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, thank, and praise the LORD, the God of Israel.5 Asaph was their chief, and second to him were Zechariah, Uzziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. These were to play on harps and lyres, while Asaph was to sound the cymbals,6 and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel were to be the regular trumpeters before the ark of the covenant of God.
7 Then, on that same day, David appointed Asaph and his brethren to sing for the first time these praises of the LORD:
8 Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds.
9 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
10 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
11 Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.
12 Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered,
13 You descendants of Israel, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
14 He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
15 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations--
16 Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac;
17 Which he established for Jacob by statute, for Israel as an everlasting covenant,
18 Saying, "To you will I give the land of Canaan as your allotted inheritance."
19 When they were few in number, a handful, and strangers there,
20 Wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people,
21 He let no one oppress them, and for their sake he rebuked kings:
22 "Touch not my anointed, and to my prophets do no harm."
23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth, announce his salvation, day after day
24 Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
25 For great is the LORD and highly to be praised; and awesome is he, beyond all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and joy are in his holy place.
28 Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise;
29 Give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bring gifts, and enter his presence; worship the LORD in holy attire.
30 Tremble before him, all the earth; he has made the world firm, not to be moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let them say among the nations: The LORD is king.
32 Let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains rejoice and all that is in them!
33 Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD, for he comes: he comes to rule the earth.
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his kindness endures forever;
35 And say, "Save us, O God, our savior, gather us and deliver us from the nations, That we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in praising you."
36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, through all eternity! Let all the people say, Amen! Alleluia.
37 Then David left Asaph and his brethren there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister before the ark regularly according to the daily ritual;38 he also left there Obed-edom and sixty-eight of his brethren, including Obed-edom, son of Jeduthun, and Hosah, to be gatekeepers.39 But the priest Zadok and his priestly brethren he left before the Dwelling of the LORD on the high place at Gibeon,40 to offer holocausts to the LORD on the altar of holocausts regularly, morning and evening, and to do all that is written in the law of the LORD which he has decreed for Israel.41 With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the others who were chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, "because his kindness endures forever,"42 with trumpets and cymbals for accompaniment, and instruments for the sacred chant. The sons of Jeduthun kept the gate.43 Then all the people departed, each to his own home, and David returned to bless his household.
1Chroniques (NAB) 8