2 Chainz, Musical career, 1997–2010: Playaz Circle and Disturbing tha Peace
Epps formed the hip hop duo Playaz Circle (the word "Playaz" being a bacronym for "Preparing Legal Assets for Years from A to Z") in College Park, Georgia in 1997, with his high school friend Earl Conyers (known as Dolla Boy), while Epps adopted "Tity Boi" as his moniker. Following the release of an independent album titled United We Stand, United We Fall (2002), the duo was introduced to fellow Atlanta rapper Ludacris when he moved into their College Park apartment complex while he was acting as a DJ. After taking interest in Playaz Circle, Ludacris began to record several songs with the group, playing some of them on his radio station.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 1997–2010: Playaz Circle and Disturbing tha Peace
Ludacris soon became one of the highest-selling rappers in the Southern United States. After hearing of their situation, Ludacris requested of Epps that the duo join his newly formed record label Disturbing Tha Peace, a subsidiary of Def Jam Recordings. Epps agreed to sign, although Conyers did not officially join the label until his mother regained her health a year after the initial signing.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 1997–2010: Playaz Circle and Disturbing tha Peace
The duo's debut album Supply & Demand, was released on October 30, 2007. The lead single and the duo's debut single, "Duffle Bag Boy", became an urban hit single. The song features Lil Wayne, and was performed by the duo at the BET Hip Hop Awards. The duo released its second studio album Flight 360: The Takeoff, on September 29, 2009. In January 2010, Playaz Circle filmed a music video for the single "Big Dawg" featuring Lil Wayne and Birdman at Studio Space Atlanta. Shortly afterwards, Epps left Disturbing tha Peace, a move he claimed was taken in order to advance his career. Although Ludacris was initially reluctant to allow Epps to leave the label (as he felt Epps could still prove financially successful), he eventually accepted the decision.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2011–12: Name change and Based on a T.R.U. Story
Epp's has sometimes faced criticism of sexism for his original pseudonym "Tity Boi", although he has repeatedly denied such accusations. In early 2011, Epps decided to change his stage name to 2 Chainz, as he perceived it to be more "family friendly." Following the name change, Epps released a mixtape titled T.R.U. REALigion, which became his first mixtape to appear on the music charts, peaking at number 58 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Since the success of the mixtape, Epps has made numerous guest appearances on tracks by prominent recording artists such as []Kanye West]{ ("Mercy") and Nicki Minaj ("Beez in the Trap").


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2011–12: Name change and Based on a T.R.U. Story
On March 24, 2012, Epps announced his debut studio album, whose title he had changed to Based on a T.R.U. Story from its original title of T.R.U. to My REALigion, which was set for an August 14, 2012, release date. The album's lead single, "No Lie," featured Canadian rapper Drake, and was released on May 8, 2012. On May 11, it was under speculation that Epps had signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music label, after West tweeted: "2 Chainz is charging 100k for a verse now cause he's G.O.O.D!!!!!"


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2011–12: Name change and Based on a T.R.U. Story
However, Epps later denied those rumors, saying: "He just said I'm good, like I'm ill. But we was talking and I think I was jeopardizing my brand sometimes by doing the homeboy special. So I think he felt like we should just put that out there that we ain't doing no more of that." On May 30, 2012, Ciara revealed 2 Chainz was featured on "Sweat," the intended first single from her fifth studio album, One Woman Army.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2011–12: Name change and Based on a T.R.U. Story
Based on a T.R.U. Story debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 147,000 copies in its first week. The album was met with mixed reviews, earning a score of 55 on metacritic. As of September 23, 2012, the album sold 288,000 copies in the United States. That September, Epps performed at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, alongside longtime friend Lil Wayne. After the release of his debut, Based on a T.R.U. Story, Epps made momentous strides.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2011–12: Name change and Based on a T.R.U. Story
He facilitated his first solo worldwide tour, selling out most of its dates; he was nominated for over 13 BET Hip Hop Awards, bringing home 4 such trophies; he earned The Source Magazine's "Man of the Year" award; he released a collaborative endeavor with ADIDAS, and later Beats By Dre; and he was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2012–15: B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time and Collegrove
In late 2012, Epps stated once he completed the B.O.A.T.S. concert tour, he would reenter the studio. In November 2012, he revealed he was three songs deep into his second studio album. The album's estimated release date was April 2013. The rapper made a guest appearance on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in an episode that aired May 8, 2013. He also appeared as himself in the second season (episode 16, titled "... And Just Plane Magic") of the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, where he traveled on the same private planes as the two main characters.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2012–15: B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time and Collegrove
On May 23, 2013, he announced that his second studio album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time would be released on September 10, 2013. On June 2, 2013, Epps premiered the first single from the album, titled "Feds Watching," at the Hot 97's Summer Jam. The song featured Pharrell Williams, and it was recorded on 2013 Grammy Awards night. On June 15, Epps announced the title of his second album would be B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time. The album was released on Def Jam Recordings on September 10, 2013.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2012–15: B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time and Collegrove
B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time featured guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Fergie, Drake, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Mase, Chrisette Michele, Iamsu!, T-Pain, Dolla Boy, Rich Homie Quan, and Lloyd among others. The album's production was handled by Diplo, Mike WiLL Made It, Drumma Boy, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Mannie Fresh, Wonder Arillo, Da Honorable C-Note and DJ Toomp among others. It was also supported by the single "Used 2," along with the promotional singles "Where U Been?" and "Netflix." Upon the album's release, it was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. It also faired decently commercially, debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200, and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart selling 63,000 copies in its first week.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2012–15: B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time and Collegrove
On October 23, 2013, Epps revealed that he had begun working on his third studio album immediately following the release of B.O.A.T.S. II. He also stated he had the first single from his third album ready for release and that he still wanted to get Jay-Z featured on the album. In November 2015, 2 Chainz revealed that he was releasing a joint album with Lil Wayne, titled ColleGrove. On May 5, 2014, Epps released a brand new EP titled FreeBase for free digital download. It included seven songs and included features from Lil Boosie, A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross, and more. The EP earned over 200,000 downloads. In January 2014 Epps released a promotional single titled "I'm a Dog."


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
On January 27, 2016, Epps released an EP titled "Felt Like Cappin". It was released via online streaming sites and iTunes. The EP was promoted by the single "Back On That Bullshit" featuring Lil Wayne.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
Epps began 2016 with the March release of a 12-record collaborative album with rapper Lil Wayne titled ColleGrove, which was intended to be the debut album between 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne. However, Wayne's ongoing lawsuit with Cash Money Records prevented Wayne from being a primary artist on the album. Epps appears as the primary artist on the album with eight tracks featuring Lil Wayne. The album features prominent producers such as Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Mike Will Made It, Zaytoven, TM88, Metro Boomin, London on da Track, and more. ColleGrove received decent reviews from critics and fans.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
Epps continued his work in 2016 with the August 5 release of mixtape Daniel Son: Necklace Don, a 9-track mixtape that Epps released independently. The mixtape originally featured Drake and YFN Lucci on it, but Epps chose to move the song "Big Amount ft. Drake" to the 2017 studio album Pretty Girls Like Trap Music because of its mass appeal on the mixtape and star power performance. Daniel Son: Necklace Don received a 3-out-of-5-star review from XXL magazine.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
2016 was wrapped up by Epps's third mixtape, titled Hibachi for Lunch, which was released October 28. The 7-track mixtape originally featured Quavo, Gucci Mane, Ty Dolla Sign, and Future. However, the song "Good Drank ft. Quavo and Gucci Mane" was moved to Pretty Girls Like Trap Music. Notable production was done by Mike Will Made It, K Swisha, and Buddah Bless.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
In 2017, Epps released his fourth studio album titled Pretty Girls Like Trap Music on June 16 on Def Jam Recordings. The album featured Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Swae Lee, Migos, Jhene Aiko, Pharrell Williams, and more. Album production was done by Mike Will Made It, Buddah Bless, Mike Dean, Murda Beatz, and more. The album was supported by three official singles: "Good Drank", "It's a Vibe," and "4 AM." The album was also supported by a nationwide concert tour, as well as several pop-up shops in the US. [


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
1] [2] 2 Chainz alluded to the album showing "growth and maturation." He stated the content would maintain its edginess while also elevating trap music to a point where everyone could appreciate it. Pretty Girls Like Trap Music received widespread critical acclaim, with most critics citing the album as his best album yet.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
On November 15, 2017, the first episode of Most Expensivest aired on the TV network Viceland. The show focused on 2 Chainz visiting different locations offering the "most expensivest" goods and services. Each show covers a particular theme, with shows ranging from personal health to extravagant indulgences. The show offered a unique insight into products and services that have been created with the explicit intent on being exclusive and expensive. 2 Chainz offered a unique and often humorous insight into the products, especially the ones that he personally found to be either amazing or ridiculous. The show was renewed for a 20-episode third season, which aired in early 2019.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
The Play Don't Care Who Makes was the fourth EP released by Epps on February 8, 2018, by Def Jam Recordings. The EP was composed of four songs, one of which featurd appearances from YG and Offset on the song "PROUD". Production was done by Minus, June James, Nonstop, Streetrunner, and more.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
On February 19, 2018, Epps announced his new album Rap or Go to the League, which was set to be released during 2018. However, the album was released on March 1, 2019. On March 26, 2020, 2 Chainz confirmed that ColleGrove 2, a sequel of 2016's ColleGrove, would be released later in 2020.


2 Chainz, Musical career, 2016–2020: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Rap or Go to the League So Help Me God, and upcoming projects
In August 2020, following his Verzuz battle with Rick Ross, 2 Chainz announced that his upcoming sixth album would be titled So Help Me, God. The album was initially scheduled for release on September 25, 2020. However, in the week of its planned release, it was delayed because of sample clearances. 2 Chainz said, "It should be another couple weeks". It was then announced for release on November 13, 2020, and was preceded by the release of the single "Quarantine Thick", which featured Mulatto.. On September 24, 2020, 2 Chainz played against Big Boi and his family on the season premiere of the reality game show Celebrity Family Feud.


2 Chainz, Personal life, Family
Epps has two daughters, Heaven, born on July 26, 2008, and Harmony, born on October 20, 2012. On October 14, 2015, 2 Chainz welcomed his third child, a baby boy named Halo. On August 18, 2018, Epps married his longtime girlfriend and mother of his three children: Kesha Ward.


2 Chainz, Legal issues
At the age of 15, Epps was convicted of felony cocaine possession. On February 14, 2013, Epps was arrested in Maryland en route to a concert at UMES for marijuana possession. Epps was then cited and released.


2 Chainz, Legal issues
On June 11, 2013, Epps was arrested while on board a departing flight at LAX airport for possession of a controlled substance after TSA agents found that his checked bag contained marijuana and promethazine. He was booked and charged with felony narcotics possession. Later that day he posted $10,000 bond and was released. He was due back in court on June 21, 2013. Two days previous, he was reportedly robbed at gunpoint outside a medical marijuana dispensary in San Francisco.


2 Chainz, Legal issues
Just before midnight on August 21, 2013, Epps' tour bus was pulled over in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, because the passenger side taillights were out. The arresting officer reported that he smelled marijuana and saw smoke through the open door of the bus after he had stopped and pulled over the bus. The driver of the bus shut the door and told officers he was not authorized to allow them on the bus. The officer said the marijuana smell gave him probable cause to search, but the driver refused to open the door.


2 Chainz, Legal issues
After many attempts to enter, the bus was towed with the men still aboard to the police training center in Oklahoma City. Officers obtained a search warrant and the 10 men, including Epps, got off the bus. Police discovered two semi-automatic pistols and a 12-gauge pump shotgun, along with some prescription painkillers and marijuana residue, on the tour bus according to papers filed Oklahoma County district Court.


2 Chainz, Business ventures
In October 2016, he opened a line of hoodies called CEO Millionaires or Create Every Opportunity Millionaires. He also has his own line of sweaters called "Dabbing Sweaters."


2 Chainz, Business ventures
On May 10, 2019, the Atlanta Hawks announced that 2 Chainz had acquired a minority ownership stake in the team's NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.


2 Chainz, The Real University
On January 6, 2015, 2 Chainz announced that he was starting his own independent record label "The Real University" (also known as "T.R.U. "; or "The Real U"). The announcement also revealed that frequent collaborators Cap.1 & Skooly were signed. Additionally, they signed former Young Money artist Short Dawg, who is now known as Fresh. Along with the announcement of the label's founding, they also revealed they'd be releasing their debut mixtape TRU Jack City on January 27, 2015. On October 4, 2019, 2 Chainz announced that T.R.U has signed a partnership deal with Atlantic Records.


2 Chainz discography
The discography of American rapper 2 Chainz, consists of six studio albums, one collaborative studio album, 10 mixtapes, 4 extended plays, 84 singles (including 61 as a featured artist), 14 promotional singles and 59 music videos.


2 Champions of Shaolin
2 Champions of Shaolin (少林與武當 Shàolín Yǔ Wǔdāng) is a 1980 Shaw Brothers film directed by Chang Cheh. Starring the Venoms, it continues the then-popular theme of feuds between Shaolin and Wu tang. The film was digitally manipulated by Joseph Kahn for the Chemical Brothers' music video "Get Yourself High".


2 Champions of Shaolin, Plot
Two young warriors from the Ming loyalist Shaolin Clan are engaged in a deadly secret mission that could bring down the Qing empire. Tung Chien-chen is the "Shaolin Hercules", who is sent from Shaolin to take revenge on the local Wudang experts. Li Detong and Li Pashan are the Wudang chiefs who attempt to kill Tung using Li Detong's throwing knives technique after meeting him in a restaurant. Tung barely escapes and meets up with Chin Tailei and his sister, who teach him a special kung fu to counter knives.


2 Champions of Shaolin, Plot
He eventually meets up with Hu Wei-chen, who is another Shaolin student. Wei Sing-hung is the son of a Ming general who was adopted by Wudang, but in his heart he supports Shaolin and frequently questions why the Wudang sect supports the Qing but is usually hushed quickly by his masters. His love interest is Wang Li's daughter, Li Erh-wan.


2 Champions of Shaolin, Plot
The Wudang teacher, Feng Daode, sends Detong to kill Tung. However, Tung, Tailei, and Wei-chen end up killing him, forcing Wudang to take revenge. Li Pashan and another Wudang disciple, Lu Yingbu, challenge Tung and Hu to a duel, but Tung bests Pashan and Hu kills Yingbu. Tung plans to marry Chin Tailei's sister, but after getting drunk and the wedding raided by the Wudang, Chin and his sister are killed, Tung is kidnapped, and Wei-chen is too inebriated to help defend.


2 Champions of Shaolin, Plot
Wei Sing secretly meets up with Wei-chen, then frees Tung and allows him to escape, but is found out by Li Erh-wan when he unknowingly leaves his dagger behind, forcing a rift between them. Tung, realizing his wife is dead, loses his will to fight until his brothers bring him back to reality. Tung and the other Shaolin men visit his wife's grave and meet up with a wandering scholar, Kow Xuewen, and his three servants. They immediately befriend Tung and Wei-chen. Kow occasionally brings them food and gifts and discusses martial arts with them. Kow Xuewen is secretly a Qing government official, Kow Chinchong, who uses the monkey sword style while his servants use the monkey poles. They are planning to ambush the Shaolin men.


2 Champions of Shaolin, Plot
Wei Sing finds out about the plan, and sides with Tung and Hu Wei-chen. All the men end up in a battle at a local tea house. Tung and Wei-chen kill Kow Chinchong and his servants (being killed themselves in the process) and Wei Sing kills Li Pashan. Erh-wan arrives just as Wei kills her uncle. She tearfully asks him why he would betray his own adoptive family. In response, a speechless Wei kills himself.


2 Cheap Cars
2 Cheap Cars is a used car dealership group in New Zealand. It was founded in 2011 by Eugene Williams and Yusuke Sena. The company specialise in selling Japanese imported cars in New Zealand.


2 Cheap Cars, History
The company was founded in June 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2014, they were ranked as number two on the Deloitte Fast 50 and the Fastest Growing Retail or Consumer Business in the Auckland and upper North Island region, also on the Deloitte Fast 50. This was attributed to their primarily online business model, their New Zealand Automobile Association appraisals for the cars that they sold and reliance upon customer reviews.


2 Cheap Cars, History
Later in 2014, they were founder investors of Kiwi Regional Airlines with a 23% shareholding but in 2015, they sold their shares due to the issuing of new shares diluting their percentage to 10%. In 2015, 2 Cheap Cars started parallel importing of new cars from Honda, Toyota and Mazda. The company received a "cease and desist" notice from the car giant Honda in May 2015, claiming that 2 Cheap Cars's advertisement of the Honda Jazz would mislead consumers, resulting in the low sales of the new car manufacturers including Honda.


2 Cheap Cars, History
In July 2015, there was an alleged racist incident between the employees and boss of the company that led to a strike in the company's Auckland's based outlet. The company claimed that the car groomers were incorrect and were being misled and manipulated. By 2016, the company had sixteen showrooms throughout New Zealand.


2 Cheap Cars, History
The company was criticized in February 2016 when it used Maori cultural symbols in an advertisement to promote its Waitangi Day sale. The company claimed it was not trying to cause controversy and questioned why it was wrong to depict a Pākehā girl "join[ing] in with Māori culture". The video was posted online to YouTube and Facebook, a decision negatively critiqued by the press.


2 Cheap Cars, History
In 2017 2 Cheap Cars established a subsidiary in Japan. That year the company was placed on a 24-month stand-down from recruiting migrant workers for failing to comply with employment standards. By 2019, the company owned a business in Japan to assist with the purchasing of cars for sale. That same year the company hired a new CEO, international clothing brand Huffer founder Dan Buckley. He left the company in February, 2020. In 2019, the company floated on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.


2 Cheap Cars, History
In July 2019, 2 Cheap Cars was fined $438,000 for having customers sign warranty waiver documents if they did not purchase an extended warranty. The document misled customers into thinking that they would not have the protection of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. In March 2020, 2 Cheap Cars were criticised by the public in their use of coronavirus imagery in its advertising. In February of 2021, the parent company of 2 Cheap Cars, NZ Automotive Investments listed on the main board of the New Zealand stock exchange under the ticker code NZA


2 Cheap Cars, 2016 advertising controversy
In 2016, 2 Cheap Cars ran a television advertisement in which a Japanese car salesman responded to every one of the customer's requests with "Ah, so". When asked to stop saying "ah, so" at the end of the advertisement, he said "Ah, sold!" The advertisement was criticized for featuring stereotypes about Japanese people. 2 Cheap Cars responded that their directors were Japanese and did not find it offensive. It received the most complaints in New Zealand in 2016, with the Advertising Standards Authority receiving 27 complaints about it.


2 Cheap Cars, 2016 advertising controversy
In February 2017, 2 Cheap Cars pulled the commercial from television after children started copying the character, with some of them pronouncing the catchphrase as "arsehole". The 2 Cheap Cars marketing manager said that they used controversial advertising to draw attention to their brand but that they would likely not do it again due to their growth.


2 Cheap Cars, Achievements
In November of 2020, 2 Cheap Cars was Awarded the Silver Award in the Readers Digest Quality Service Awards.


2 Chronicles 1
2 Chronicles 1 is the first chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingship of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1 to 9). The focus of this chapter is Solomon's ascension and wealth.


2 Chronicles 1, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 17 verses in Christian Bibles, but into 18 verses in the Hebrew Bible with the following verse numbering comparison:


2 Chronicles 1, Text
This article generally follows the common numbering in Christian English Bible versions, with notes to the numbering in Hebrew Bible versions.


2 Chronicles 1, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century) and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 1, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 1, Solomon's sacrifice and prayer at Gibeon (1:1–13)
The section records how Solomon began his reign to succeed David in the unified monarchy as David had consolidated domestic support for Solomon (1 Chronicles 25–29). In verses 3–5, the Chronicler attempts to unite all legitimate worship sites and objects, that is the tabernacle built by Moses in the desert, which was placed in Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39; 21:29), and the ark of the Covenant, placed in the tent by David in Jerusalem.


2 Chronicles 1, Solomon's sacrifice and prayer at Gibeon (1:1–13)
The Chronicler deliberately presents 'a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted' (1 Kings 3:8) into 'a people as numerous as the dust of the earth' (verse 9), referring to the promise made to Jacob (or "Israel") in Genesis 28:14. The reference to a promise of an eternal dynasty made to David ('let your promise to my father David now be fulfilled'; cf. 1 Chronicles 17:11–12) refers to verse 1 where Solomon is introduced as David's son and rightful successor by divine choice.


2 Chronicles 1, Solomon's wealth (1:14–17)
The record of Solomon's wealth in this section is almost identical to other passages (1 Kings 10:26–29). Here is to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon in Gibeon.


2 Chronicles 10
2 Chronicles 10 is the tenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 10
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the kingdom of Israel's division in the beginning of Rehoboam's reign.


2 Chronicles 10, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 19 verses.


2 Chronicles 10, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 10, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 10, Rebellion against Rehoboam (10:1–15)
The whole passage (until verse 19) parallels 1 Kings 12:1–19 with only a few verbal alterations. After inheriting the throne from his father, Rehoboam went to Shechem to be confirmed as king. The northern tribes of Israel called Jeroboam (who fled to Egypt for fear of Solomon) to lead them in requesting a relaxation of financial burden applied by Solomon. Rehoboam, refusing the old men’s counsel, but following the advice of young men, replied to them roughly, so ten tribes (not including Judah and Benjamin) revolted and established the northern kingdom, killed Hadoram, Rehoboam's officer, and forced Rehoboam to flee to Jerusalem (verse 18).


2 Chronicles 10, Rebellion against Rehoboam (10:1–15), Verse 1
Jacob's well is located about 0.5 miles (0.80 km) south-east of it, and Joseph's tomb is 2 miles (3.2 km) to the east (Joshua 24:32).


2 Chronicles 10, The kingdom divided (10:16–19)
The kingdom's division is presented in the Chronicles as God's will, in accordance with interpretation of 1 Kings, although some facts about Solomon's falling away and Jeroboam's background (explained in the 1 Kings 11) are not reported. The war with Jeroboam was only a side issue in this chapter and is elaborated in chapter 13 (cf. 1 Kings 12).


2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 is the eleventh chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 11
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the fallout from the unified kingdom of Israel's division in the beginning of Rehoboam's reign.


2 Chronicles 11, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 23 verses.


2 Chronicles 11, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 11, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam fortifies Judah (11:1–12)
Verses 1–4 parallel 1 Kings 12:21–24, but verses 5–12 has no parallel elsewhere. Rehoboam refrained from attacking Jeroboam because of a prophetic intervention (verse 4), an obedience for which he is rewarded. Instead, Rehoboam transformed some cities into fortresses (verses 6–10), all but Adoraim are mentioned elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible.


2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam's supporters and family (11:13–23)
Verses 13-17 describe the consequences in Judah of Jeroboam's cult 'reforms', as it is reported in verse 15 that Jeroboam made idols (1 Kings 12:28–29 detail the placement of two golden calves in Bethel and Dan), then recruited new non-Levite priests who pledged allegiance to him, so the Levites (including the priests; verse 14) and the laymen (verse 16) from the northern kingdom came to Jerusalem for the legitimate sacrificial rite, exactly what Jeroboam wished to avoid with his religious policy.


2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam's supporters and family (11:13–23)
The Chronicles indicates that a large family and numerous children are a sign of God's blessing (without detailing Solomon's large family, perhaps because it is combined with the idolatry) so the family of Rehoboam is recorded especially in relation to the two wives, Mahalath and Maachah, who were closely related to David's family. Like David, his grandfather, Rehoboam places his sons in the administration of the kingdom (verses 22–23; cf. 1 Chronicles 18:17).


2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam's supporters and family (11:13–23), Verse 14
The exodus of the priests and Levites from the northern Israel territory into Judah strengthened the southern kingdom and demonstrated Jeroboam's apostasy (cf. 1 Kings 12:28, 13:33; 14:8–9).


2 Chronicles 12
2 Chronicles 12 is the twelfth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 12
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the kingdom of Israel's division in the beginning of Rehoboam's reign.


2 Chronicles 12, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 16 verses.


2 Chronicles 12, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 12, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 12, Shishak attacked Jerusalem (12:1–12)
After a short recovery (three years faithfully the law of God; 2 Chronicles 11:17), Rehoboam and the people fell to apostasy, so Egypt could defeat them as a form of punishment. Uzziah also behaved similarly in 2 Chronicles 26:16. The siege of Jerusalem in Rehoboam's time is comparable to the one in Hezekiah's time (2 Chronicles 32).


2 Chronicles 12, Shishak attacked Jerusalem (12:1–12), Verse 2
Most scholars support the identification by Champollion with Shoshenq I of the 22nd dynasty (ruled Egypt 945–924 BCE), who left behind "explicit records of a campaign into Canaan (scenes; a long list of Canaanite place-names from the Negev to Galilee; stelae), including a stela [found] at Megiddo", and Bubastite Portal at Karnak, although Jerusalem was not mentioned in any of these campaign records. A common variant of Shoshenq's name omits its 'n' glyphs, resulting in a pronunciation like, "Shoshek". Other identifications of Shishak are:


2 Chronicles 12, Rehoboam's reign and death (12:13–16)
This section records events at a further phase of Rehoboam's rule, which follows a tragic pattern: 'As soon as he has recovered, Rehoboam immediately apostasizes again' (cf. verse 1), so the Chronicles notes that 'he did not set his heart to seek the LORD'. The concluding remarks in verses 15–16 distinguishes between the earlier and later acts of Rehoboam, although the time of separation is not entirely clear.


2 Chronicles 12, Rehoboam's reign and death (12:13–16)
His records were written in the books of Shemaiah and Iddo (unclear if they were two separate sources or  a single text; cf. e.g. 1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 9:29; also 2 Chronicles 11:2 or 1 Kings 12:22 with different spelling regarding Shemaiah, and 1 Kings 13:22 regarding Iddo, probably identical person as here).


2 Chronicles 13
2 Chronicles 13 is the thirteenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Abijah, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 13, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 22 verses in Christian Bibles, but 23 verses in the Hebrew Bible with the following verse numbering comparison:


2 Chronicles 13, Text
This article generally follows the common numbering in Christian English Bible versions, with notes to the numbering in Hebrew Bible versions.


2 Chronicles 13, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 13, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 13, Abijah king of Judah (13:1–2)
The information about Abijah's reign over Judah contains no judgement (unlike the negative judgement in 1 Kings), which is otherwise only given to Jehoahaz (2 Chronicles 36:1–4), and a report of his (one and only) victory over Jeroboam (not recorded in 1 Kings), preceded by a sermon on the mount which portrays the basic relationship between the northern and southern kingdoms.


2 Chronicles 13, War between Abijah and Jeroboam (13:3–22)
This section consists of preparations for war, a lengthy speech, and the description of an actual battle between the army of Abijah (kingdom of Judah) and that of Jeroboam (northern kingdom of Israel). Abijah's army (400,000 'valiant warriors ... picked men') was only half the size of Jeroboam's (800,000 'picked mighty warriors'—a number corresponding to 2 Samuel 24:9 and David's census), suggesting that on human terms, northern Israel should be victorious.


2 Chronicles 13, War between Abijah and Jeroboam (13:3–22)
Still, Abijah made a 'stylistically and rhetorically artistic speech' (verses 5–12), calling on the people of the northern kingdom to return to the legitimate rule of the David's line (YHWH's elect), the legitimate office of priesthood in Jerusalem, and the legitimate (and pure) worship in the temple of Jerusalem, from the idolatrous worship of Jeroboam with his own priests serving that of 'no gods' (לא אלהים, lo elohim; cf. Hosea 8:6).


2 Chronicles 13, War between Abijah and Jeroboam (13:3–22)
The 'enumeration of Judean orthopraxis' by Abijah describes the Temple worship during the period of United Monarchy (1 Chronicles 15-16; 23-29; 2 Chronicles 2-4) with reference to the tabernacle worship at the time of Moses (Exodus 25:30-40; 29:1-9, 38-42; 30:7-10; Leviticus 24:3-9; Numbers 8:2-4; 28:3-8). The battle had the elements of tactics by the Israelites, who prepared an ambush, and the holy warfare by the Judeans, for whom the Lord acted to strike down Jeroboam's troops, enabling the Judeans to kill 500,000 chosen men of Israel (verses 16–17).


2 Chronicles 14
2 Chronicles 14 is the fourteenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Asa, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 14, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 15 verses in Christian Bibles, but 14 verses in the Hebrew Bible with the following verse numbering comparison:


2 Chronicles 14, Text
This article generally follows the common numbering in Christian English Bible versions, with notes to the numbering in Hebrew Bible versions.


2 Chronicles 14, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 14, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 14, Asa king of Judah (14:1–2)
The record of Asa's reign in the Chronicles (2 Chronicles 14–16) is almost three times longer than in 1 Kings (15:9–24), consisting of two distinct phases:


2 Chronicles 14, Asa king of Judah (14:1–2)
Although not free from fault (2 Chronicles 16:7, 10, 12), the evaluation of Asa is positive (verse 2), because overall "he did that which was good and right" (cf. 1 Kings 15:14).


2 Chronicles 14, Asa’s religious accomplishments (14:3–8)
The Chronicles omits the abolition of the hierodules ("male prostitutes") and all edifices recorded in 1 Kings 15:12.


2 Chronicles 14, War between Asa and Zerah the Ethiopian (14:9–15)
This section records a sacral war (cf. 2 Chronicles 13:2–20) , where the outnumbered army of Judah faced a strong enemy, but when they cried to God (in accordance to 2 Chronicles 6:34–35), they achieved a victory and took abundant booty (verses 12–15). The phrase "cities around Gerar" (verse 14) and the words "tents ... sheep... goats ...camels" indicate that the defeated enemy was an "Arab-Edomite tribe".


2 Chronicles 15
2 Chronicles 15 is the fifteenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Asa, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 15, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 19 verses.


2 Chronicles 15, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 15, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 15, The prophecy of Azariah (15:1–7)
The section records Azariah's speech, which can be divided into three parts (after the introduction):


2 Chronicles 15, The prophecy of Azariah (15:1–7)
The speech's introduction addresses a broad audience: king Asa, people of Judah, and of Benjamin (excluding the Israelites from the northern kingdom). Verse 2 speaks of the reciprocity principles in divine-human relations "The Lord is with you, while you are with him", corollary of the 'measure-for-measure' principle spoken by Shemaiah in 2 Chronicles 12:5. The historical parts could refer to the judges period (cf. e.g. Judges 2:11-14; 17:6) or to a midrash-like reworking of Hosea 3:4. Azariah's speech concluded with a 'call for courageous deeds', patterned after Jeremiah 31:16: 'For your work shall be rewarded'.


2 Chronicles 15, Asa’s reforms (15:8–19)
Asa responded immediately to Azariah's sermon by carrying out religious reforms, and then initiated a great assembly (modelled on 2 Kings 23) to establish a covenant renewal (cf. Exodus 19:3–8), accompanied with a joyful and enthusiastic sacrificial ceremony. The general assembly (verse 9) not only included the people of Judah and Benjamin, but also those from the northern kingdom who were regarded as 'strangers' from the Chronicler's perspective, from the tribes Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon (cf. 2 Chronicles 34:6). The "third month" points to the date of "the Sinai theophany" and the "Feast of Weeks" (Shavuot or Pentecost) with sacrifices based on the number "seven" (seven hundred...seven thousand) to link with that particular feast (seven times seven).


2 Chronicles 15, Asa’s reforms (15:8–19), Verse 8
the vicinity of the mountains of Ephraim; cf 2 Chronicles 16:6), which Asa built after his war with Baasha or even to his father Abijah's conquest (2 Chronicles 13:19). * "Renewed the altar of the Lord': is a measure marking the resumption of ordered worship life (cf. Ezra 3:2–3).


2 Chronicles 16
2 Chronicles 16 is the sixteenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Asa, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 16, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 14 verses.


2 Chronicles 16, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 16, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 16, War between Asa and Baasha (16:1–6)
The war against Baasha of Israel marks the second phase of Asa's reign when he behaved badly and was accordingly punished. During the first period Asa relied on God in battle and listened to God's prophet (Azariah), but in the second, he didn't rely on God but made alliance with Ben-hadad of Aram in his war and later ignored Hanani's sermon. As a consequence, throughout this last phase of his reign, Asa was always plagued by wars (cf. 1 Kings 15:16).


2 Chronicles 16, War between Asa and Baasha (16:1–6), Verse 1
to September 894 BCE. Thiele assumes that the year here refers not to Asa's personal rule but to the duration of the kingdom of Judah (cf. the "20th year of Artaxerxes", 445 BCE, in Nehemiah 2:1 was calculated from the beginning of Xerxes' reign in 465 BCE).


2 Chronicles 16, War between Asa and Baasha (16:1–6), Verse 1
The Chronicler placed the invasions in a correct chronology after the rest in the first 10 years of Asa's rule (from 910 to 900 BCE), starting with the attack of the Cushites and the Lubim (but no war with Israel as yet) just before the third month of Asa’s 15th year (between September 896 and September 895 BCE), which ended with a victory celebration of Judah. This caused a migration of people from the northern kingdom to the south, that Baasha's invasion attempted to halt.


2 Chronicles 16, War between Asa and Baasha (16:1–6), Verse 1
1 Kings 15:33 notes that Baasha became the king of Israel on the third year of Asa's reign (909/908 BCE) and ruled for 24 years (until 886/885 BCE), thus only until the 26th year of Asa (1 Kings 16:8). Therefore, the 36th year from the Division was also the 16th year of Asa.


2 Chronicles 16, Hanani’s message to Asa (16:7–10)
The short but strong speech of Hanani has the elements of three other prophets: the proclamation of Isaiah proclamation (verse 7;  cf. Isaiah 7:9; 10:20; 31:1), the words of Zechariah (verse 9; cf. Zechariah 4:10), and the suffering of Jeremiah (verse 10; Jer 20:2–3).


2 Chronicles 16, Death of Asa (16:11–14)
The extensive concluding acknowledgement of Asa's reign with the unusual words of appreciation before the description of his burial indicates that his son Jehoshaphat hadalready taken on the business of government since Asa's illness rendered him unable to rule (verse 12). The sickness of Asa was seen as a punishment for his shameful behaviour towards Hanani the seer (1 Kings 15:23), in irony to the king's name which can be interpreted as "YHWH heals". Since the word "Asa" could also be derived from the Aramaic word for 'myrrh', the funeral pyre (cf. Jeremiah 34:5; 2 Chronicles 21:19) with the incense and the delicate spices shows that Asa was buried in 'a way that accorded with his name'.


2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 is the seventeenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 17
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter (and the next ones until chapter 20) is the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 17, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 19 verses.


2 Chronicles 17, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 17, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 17, Analysis
This chapter divides into three parts: two general judgements on Jehoshaphat's rule (17:1–6, 10–19) and one report on teaching the law to the people (17:7–9). The first judgement (verses 1–6) focuses on domestic politics and religion, wheres the second (verses 10–19) concerns with foreign and military policy. Both 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles commend his reign (1 Kings 22:43–44; 2 Chronicles 16:3–4; 20:32–33), but the Chronicles provide more information not recorded in 1 Kings.


2 Chronicles 17, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah (17:1–6)
Jehoshaphat's reign was marked with peace, especially there were no conflicts with the northern kingdom (verse 1), drawing parallel with Solomon. Despite his successes as ruler—honored and wealthy (verse 5)—Jehoshaphat remained humble and God-fearing.


2 Chronicles 17, Jehoshaphat’s educational plan (17:7–9)
The education of all people of Judah on the book of the law of the Lord (Deuteronomy 17:18–20; 2 Kings 22:8–13) was performed by the royal officers, Levites, and priests (in that particular order), reflecting the growing importance of the Torah teaching and the Levites as teachers in postexilic era (Ezra 7:25; Nehemiah 8).


2 Chronicles 17, Jehoshaphat’s military power (17:10–19)
This section contains a second summarizing description of Jehoshaphat's reign from the perspective of foreign and military policy, with all Judah and the lands around Judah were struck by fear of the Lord (verse 10) and paid tributes to the king (verse 11; cf. 2 Chronicles 27:5). The army's composition (verses 14–19) were closely linked with the construction of forts, differentiating between army divisions from Judah and Benjamin (less than Judah and equipped with light armour consisting of bows and shields).


2 Chronicles 18
2 Chronicles 18 is the eighteenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 18
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter (as all chapters from 17 to 20) is the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 18, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 34 verses.


2 Chronicles 18, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 18, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 18, Analysis
This chapter parallels closely with 1 Kings 22:1–40 (especially from verse 4) with a different introduction (the Chronicles did not mention the three-year conflicts between the northern kingdom of Israel and Aram leading to the battle) and conclusion (shorter narrative of Ahab's death than 1 Kings 22), mainly to demonstrate that 'true YHWH-prophecy also existed in the northern kingdom'. The alliance with Ahab was Jehoshaphat's first of the two missteps (both involving the northern kingdom).


2 Chronicles 18, Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab (18:1–11)
Verse 1 refers to 2 Chronicles 17:5 concerning Jehoshaphat's wealth and to 2 Kings 8:18, 27 about the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son, Joram, with Ahab's daughter, Athaliah (2 Chronicles 21:6; 22:2; cf. 2 Kings 8:18), probably driven by mutual political interests, but driving the royalty of Judah away from the Lord (2 Chronicles 21:6; 22:3–5).


2 Chronicles 18, Micaiah's message of defeat (18:12–27)
Micaiah's speech describes a meeting of the Lord with his heavenly council (verses 18–22; cf. Job 1:6; 2:1; Psalm 82:1) where the prophet was a witness to the conversation (cf. Jeremiah 23:18, 22).


2 Chronicles 18, Micaiah's message of defeat (18:12–27), Verse 27
The last words of the prophet Micaiah the son of Imlah (שמעו עמים כלם,   , "hear all you peoples") are exactly the first words of the prophet Micah the Morasthite in the Book of Micah (Micah 1:2).


2 Chronicles 18, Death of Ahab, king of Israel (18:28–34)
This section parallels closely to with some differences in the last parts, such as in verse 34, the sentence [Ahab] "was (or, continued) holding himself up in the chariot, facing Aram, until the evening" is a clearer rendering of 1 Kings 22:35 which reads that [Ahab] "was held up in the chariot, ... and he died in the evening", as well as the omission of the remaining narrative regarding the return of the army and the washing of Ahab’s chariot at the pool of Samaria (1 Kings 22:36-38), which did not concern Jehoshaphat.


2 Chronicles 19
2 Chronicles 19 is the nineteenth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 19
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter (as all chapters from 17 to 20) is the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 19, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 11 verses.


2 Chronicles 19, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 19, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 19, Jehoshaphat reproved by Jehu (19:1–3)
Jehoshaphat's safe home return (in contrast to Ahab's death) literally fulfilled Micaiah's demands (18:16), although 'not complying with the spirit of his plea'. The prophet Jehu, the son of Hanani (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:7–9) rebuked Jehoshaphat for making an alliance with Ahab of Israel (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:1–6), because with the act, Jehoshaphat was not faithful to God in that 'he proposed to help the wicked and was loyal to those who hate the Lord'. 'Love' and 'hate' here are not 'emotional terms', but parts of a 'political vocabulary'; 'to love' means virtually 'to form a coalition'. The attacke by the Transjordanian alliance in chapter 20 could be interpreted as the realization of God's anger at Jehoshaphat.


2 Chronicles 19, Jehoshaphat's reforms (19:4–11)
Jehoshaphat continued to develop the policies he established at the start of his reign (2 Chronicles 17), extending to the territory of northern kingdom he controlled (verse 4; cf. 2 Chronicles 17:1–2). The judicial reform may reflect the element "shaphat" ("to judge") in Jehoshaphat's name (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:12).


2 Chronicles 19, Jehoshaphat's reforms (19:4–11), Verse 11
The distinction between "matters of the Lord" and "matters of the king" is found only in the books of Chronicles (1 Chronicles 26:30, 32; 2 Chronicles 19:11) and book of Ezra (Ezra 7:26).


2 Chronicles 2
2 Chronicles 2 is the second chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingship of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1 to 9). The focus of this chapter is Solomon's ascension and wealth.


2 Chronicles 2, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 18 verses in Christian Bibles, but into 17 verses in the Hebrew Bible with the following verse numbering comparison:


2 Chronicles 2, Text
This article generally follows the common numbering in Christian English Bible versions, with notes to the numbering in Hebrew Bible versions.


2 Chronicles 2, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century) and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 2, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 2, Solomon gathers building materials for the Temple (2:1–10)
The section records Solomon's request to Huram (or Hiram in 1 Kings) the king of Tyre, who was a friend of David (verses 2–9), in which the skilfully structured message actually contains temple worship theology, establishing the temple as the second tabernacle (verse 3) with rituals as stated in the Torah (verses 4–5; cf. Exodus 30:1-8; Leviticus 24:5-9; Numbers 28-29 etc.) as the ground for the dedicatory prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:18.


2 Chronicles 2, Solomon gathers building materials for the Temple (2:1–10)
The man sent by Huram should be skilled in carpentry, as well as other crafts and works with various materials (verse 6; for examples, the curtain in 2 Chronicles 3:14), basically an equivalent of Bezalel and his assistant Oholiab, who constructed the tabernacle at Mount Sinai (Exodus 31:18). Solomon worked together with the Phoenicians in parallel with what David did (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Chronicles 22:4).


2 Chronicles 2, Huram's reply to Solomon (1:11–18)
The salutation 'my lord' in verse 14 indicates Solomon's supremacy over Huram. Joppa (verse 15) was an important Israelite seaport (cf. Jonah 1:3; Ezra 3:7 about trading relations with the Phoenicians (Sidon and Tyre), mentioning Lebanese wood being transported across the sea to Joppa). According to 1 Kings 9:22 (cf. 2 Chronicles 5:29), Israelites were not employed as forced laborers, but the foreigners were (the same as in the time of David (1 Chronicles 22:2)


2 Chronicles 20
2 Chronicles 20 is the twentieth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 20
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter (as all chapters from 17 to 20) is the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 20, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 37 verses.


2 Chronicles 20, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 20, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon (20:1–30)
This section contains the battle report of Jehoshaphat against the southeastern Transjordanian coalition of powers, but it was exclusively a sacral war (verse 15: "the battle is not yours, but God's") as the enemies destroyed themselves and the people of Judah only came to sing and pick up the spoils of war.


2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon (20:1–30)
Informed about the invasion of a huge enemy, Jehoshaphat resorted to prayer (verses 6–12), which was also called a 'national lament' (echoing Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:28, 34), addressing YHWH as 'O LORD, God of our ancestors' and 'the ruler of all peoples who gave the Israelites their land'. YHWH ordered Israel not to attack these Transjordanian neighbors (Deuteronomy 2), but as they attacked, Jehoshaphat appealed to YHWH for their expulsion from his land. Jahaziel, a Levitical singer, served as the designated priest to proclaim God's assurance of victory (cf.


2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon (20:1–30)
Deuteronomy 20:2-4; 1 Chronicles 25:1-8), as a result of faith in God, quoting both Moses (Exodus 14:13-14) and David (1 Samuel 7:47). As previous sacral wars, 'the fear of God descends upon all the kingdoms of the countries (cf. Exodus 15:14-16; Deuteronomy 2:25; 11:25; Joshua 2:9, 11, 24; 10:1-2; 1 Samuel 4:7-8; 14:15; 1 Chronicles 14:7; 2 Chronicles 14:13). Jehoshaphat, all Judeans and the citizens of Jerusalem reacted joyfully by worshipping YHWH (verses 18–19) followed by the Levites, who sang praises to God, even before the salvation happened.


2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon (20:1–30)
The entire action of God (verse 20) took place early in the morning (that is, the time at which God usually acted), leaving no survivor among the enemy armies and the largest spoils in the entire Hebrew Bible (taking three days to collect). The war ended where it began, in the temple of Jerusalem (verses 26–28) and with music (verses 29–30, cf. 17:10;  typical for the Chronicles). As fear of YHWH struck not only Judah's neighboring kingdoms, but also all the kingdoms in the region, Judah was in peace as a reward for the nation's exemplary conduct.


2 Chronicles 20, The end of Jehoshaphat's reign (20:31–37)
Jehoshaphat second misstep happened at the end of his reign that he again worked together with another king of northern kingdom (Ahaziah the son of Ahab). Despite a warning given through a prophet, Jehoshaphat went on with his alliance and therefore was condemned to failure, although this (as well as the previous misstep) did not affect the positive judgement for his reign.


2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21 is the twenty-first chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Jehoram, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 21, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 20 verses.


2 Chronicles 21, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 21, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 21, Jehoram, king of Judah (21:1–7)
This section contains the record of Jehoram's reign, but uniquely also has the records of the king's brothers (verses 2–4), which only occurs with David's family in Kings or Chronicles. As soon as Jehoram had established his power, he brutally murdered all his brothers, who were in charge of fortified cities, and several notables, most likely driven by his lust for control or fear of losing it. However, the divine wrath was restrained for the kingdom, because of the promise to David (1 Chronicles 17:1–15; cf. 2 Kings 8:17–19).


2 Chronicles 21, Edom and Libnah Rebel (21:8–11)
The text provides unclear description whether Jehoram managed to defeat the Edomites, only to state that Edom and Libnah successfully revolted against the kingdom of Judah (verse 10), which should give ample warning to Jehoram to repent from his sins, but instead he continued to establish idol worship in Judah.


2 Chronicles 21, Elijah’s Letter to Jehoram (21:12–15)
In Jehoram's regnal record, there was not a single prophet appearing in flesh andblood, and the prophetic warning only came in a letter sent by Elijah, who was active in  the northern kingdom. Elijah's threats of divine punishment for Jehoram (verses 14–15) were all fulfilled and fell on Jehoram's people, family, property and own body (verses 16–19).


2 Chronicles 21, Death of Jehoram (21:16–20)
The punishment for Jehoram came from the south-western neighbors of the kingdom ("the Arabs who are near the Ethiopians"; cf. 2 Chronicles 14:9), and left with only the youngest son of Jehoram, the Davidic line was on the brink of total eradication. The Chronicler extensively describes Jehoram's final punishment in the form of a painful, incurable, yet indefinable sickness (probably a stomach ulcer leading to a chronic rectal prolapse).


2 Chronicles 21, Death of Jehoram (21:16–20), Verse 20
The repetition of Jehoram's age and length of reign (cf. verse 5) incidates a transcription from another source.


2 Chronicles 22
2 Chronicles 22 is the twenty-second chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 22
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reigns of Ahaziah and Athaliah, rulers of Judah.


2 Chronicles 22, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 12 verses.


2 Chronicles 22, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 22, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 22, Ahaziah, king of Judah (22:1–9)
The section contains the record of Ahaziah's reign, with some events in the northern kingdom mentioned as necessary. Verses 1–6 correspond with 2 Kings 8:24b–29, whereas verses 7–9 are concise parallels to 2 Kings 9:1–28 and 10:12–14. Uniquely in verse 1, Ahaziah was said to be made king by the "people of Jerusalem", while elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible involving the "people of the land". It refers back to 2 Chronicles 21:17 for the explanation why the youngest of all Jehoram's sons should become king.


2 Chronicles 22, Ahaziah, king of Judah (22:1–9)
The alliance with the northern kingdom and the emulation of its worship practices in Ahaziah's time threatened the elimination of Davidic dynasty as well as the traditional Temple worship practice in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 23:18; 24:7). Verse 9 provides another point of view concerning Ahaziah's death in comparison to 1 Kings 9 which recorded that Ahaziah was wounded while fleeing near Ibleam, but reached Megiddo, where he died, whereas the Chronicler only records that Ahaziah died in Samaria, the 'evil capital'.


2 Chronicles 22, Ahaziah, king of Judah (22:1–9)
The Chronicler does not explicitly confirm that Ahaziah was buried is Samaria, only that he received a burial for the sake of his God-fearing ancestor, Jehoshaphat, so it is not a contradiction to the statement in 1 Kings 9 that Ahaziah's dead body was brought to Jerusalem to be buried there. The anointing of Jehu and the assassination of Joram, king of Israel were described in 2 Kings 9:1–26.


2 Chronicles 22, Athaliah, queen of Judah (22:10–12)
Entering this section, Ahaziah and the Judean princes ("sons of Ahaziah's brothers"; verse 8) have been murdered, so the kingdom of Judah was in a similar situation to that at the end of Saul's reign (cf. 1 Chronicles 10), giving a significant meaning to the promise for David (cf. 2 Chronicles 23:3).


2 Chronicles 22, Athaliah, queen of Judah (22:10–12), Verse 11
The unique information in the Chronicles that Jehoram's daughter Jehoshabeath (spelled as "Jehosheba" in 2 Kings 11) was the wife of Jehioada, the high priest could be historically reliable, despite the lack of support elsewhere in the Hebrew BIble, and it can explain why she could stay in the temple grounds.


2 Chronicles 23
2 Chronicles 23 is the twenty-third chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.


2 Chronicles 23
This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reigns of Athaliah and Joash, rulers of Judah.


2 Chronicles 23, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 21 verses.


2 Chronicles 23, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 23, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 23, Joash anointed king of Judah (23:1–11)
The section describes the anointing of Joash as the king of Judah (verses 1–3 parallel to 2 Kings 11:4) involving not only the 'captains of the royal guard', but also the Levites, 'the heads of the families of Israel' and the 'entire community', Except for "Elishaphat, all other names can be found in the lists of priests and Levites in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. The temple personnel organization and working schedule (1 Chronicles 23–26) were indicated in verse 8 ('for the priest Jehoiada did not dismiss the divisions').


2 Chronicles 23, Death of Athaliah (23:12–15)
The section about the slaughter of Athaliah (verses 12–15) parallels closely to 2 Kings 11:13–16. Athaliah heard the 'noise of the people' which is an 'unusual commotion', accompanied by the 'blast of the trumpets and the vehement acclamations of the people' across the Tyropœon and this attracted her attention, or 'excited her fears'. She was caught by the guards and taken "by the way by the which horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain" (2 Kings 11:16).


2 Chronicles 23, Death of Athaliah (23:12–15)
Josephus explains that "the way" refers to the road to bring the horses into the king's (horses') house (not into [the king's house] of residence) or "hippodrome" (the gate of the king's mules) that was built on the southeast of the temple, near the horse gate in the valley of Kidron Athaliah's reign was the 'gravest threat' to the continuation of Davidic dynasty.


2 Chronicles 23, Jehoiada restored the worship of the LORD (23:16–21)
The high priest Jehoiada organized the offices (priests and Levites) and their duties (sacrifices and music) to undo the damage inflicted by Athaliah and prior rulers (cf. 2 Kings 11:17–20) and bring back to the law of Moses and David's orders (as Moses made no law concerning music for worship). Jerusalem became 'quiet' is a 'sign of divine blessing (1 Chronicles 4:40; 22:9; 2 Chronicles 14:1, 6; 20:30).


2 Chronicles 24
2 Chronicles 24 is the twenty-fourth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Joash, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 24, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 27 verses.


2 Chronicles 24, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 24, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 24, Joash repairs the Temple (24:1–16)
The Chronicles divide the reign of Joash into two periods: before and after the death of Jehoiada (verse 2: 'all the days of the priest Jehoiada'; cf. 2 Kings 12:2 : 'all his days, because the priest Jehoiada instructed him'). During his good period, Joash displayed strong leadership in rebuilding the neglected Temple in Jerusalem. This efforts occurred as long as Jehoiada is alive, the only priest recorded to live longer than Aaron (verses 15–16; cf. Numbers 33:39) and to be buried 'among the kings', a clear expression of Jehoiada's status as a "regal priest".


2 Chronicles 24, The wickedness of Joash (24:17–22)
The Chronicles use the phrases 'abandoned the house of the LORD', 'sacred poles', and 'idols'. to describe Joah's wickedness, followed by the important theological statement in the books: 'the Lord gives sinners the opportunity to return to his way by sending prophets to them' (verse 19), punctuated by the word of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada,  'because you have forsaken the LORD, he has also forsaken you' (verse 20). Joash reacted shockingly by ordering Zechariah to be stoned to death in the forecourt of the temple, showing no gratitude to Jehoiada. Zechariah's dying words resembles the lines of Exodus 5:21.


2 Chronicles 24, Death of Joash (24:23–27)
This section parallels to 2 Kings 12:17–18 but with more emphasize to theological aspect: the Arameans were greatly outnumbered by the Judeans (who abandoned God), yet they prevailed over Judah, which is in contrast to the theme of a small Judean force defeating powerful armies with the help of God in the past. Joash was buried in the city of David (on account of his earlier good behavior), but not amongst the kings (because of his sins; verses 25–26).


2 Chronicles 25
2 Chronicles 25 is the twenty-fifth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Amaziah, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 25, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 28 verses.


2 Chronicles 25, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 25, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 25, Amaziah, king of Judah (25:1–16)
Verses 1–4 and verse 11 in this section parallel to 2 Kings 14, along by two parts unique to the Chronicler: verses 5–10 and verses 12–16, both involving a prophetic figure. Amaziah's reign could be divided into a period of obedience to YHWH and success (verses 1–13) , then a period of idolatry and defeat (verses 14–28).


2 Chronicles 25, Jehoash of Israel defeats Amaziah (25:17–28)
This section records the consequences of Amaziah worshipping Edomite deities (verses 15, 20: 'it was God's doing'; cf. 2 Chronicles 10:15; 22:7) in form of his defeat to Jehoash of the northern kingdom.


2 Chronicles 26
2 Chronicles 26 is the twenty-sixth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 26, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 23 verses.


2 Chronicles 26, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 26, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 26, Uzziah, king of Judah (26:1–15)
Like some kings of Judah before him, Uzziah's reign could be divided into two periods: one positive (Uzziah's successes as a result of seeking God) and one negative (Uzziah's illness caused by his disobedience as described in verses 16–21. The Chronicles portray Uzziah as a major reformer whose fame reached Egypt and detail his wars, construction projects, agriculture and military organization, whereas 2 Kings 14:21–2; 15:1–7 which only report the fortification and conquest of Elath as well as Uzziah's illness.


2 Chronicles 26, Uzziah, king of Judah (26:1–15), Verse 10
Archaeological evidence supports the record of Uzziah's building projects in the south, although it could also point to the time of Jehoshaphat or other kings.


2 Chronicles 26, Uzziah’s disease (26:16–23)
In the latter period of his reign, Uzziah grew proud and attempted to burn incense, which could only be performed by the priests. When the priests warned him, Uzziah became angry to them, but the king was immediately smitten with leprosy, so he had to live in a separate house from then on and his son, Jotham, ruled as regent.


2 Chronicles 27
2 Chronicles 27 is the twenty-seventh chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Jotham, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 27, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 9 verses.


2 Chronicles 27, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Codex Leningradensis (1008)., and Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 27, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 27, Jotham, king of Judah (27:1–9)
Jotham receives positive judgment for his reign (cf. 2 Kings 15), repeating the praise for Uzziah (2 Chronicles 25:2) with the addition of  'only he did not invade the temple of the LORD' (verse 2), and therefore was rewarded threefold (verses. 3–6 ):


2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 is the twenty-eighth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 28, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 27 verses.


2 Chronicles 28, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Codex Leningradensis (1008). A fragment containing a part of this chapter was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, that is, 4Q118 (4QChr; 50–25 BCE) with extant verse 27.


2 Chronicles 28, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 28, Ahaz, king of Judah (28:1–4)
Ahaz's reign was dominated by the Syro-Ephraimite war, against the kingdoms of Israeland Aram, due to Ahaz's wicked way and refusal to convert. His reign marks the unmitigated decline of the kingdom of Judah.


2 Chronicles 28, Judah were defeated by enemies (28:5–21)
A possible opportunity of Israel reunification by northern kingdom's subjugation of Judah was prevented by God's word through the prophet Oded (verses 9–11) and some chiefs of the Ephraimites (verses 9–11), so the army of Israel treated the captives from Judah humanely (a mirror image of 2 Chronicles 13, in which Judah and Israel have exchanged their roles). Some details of the good treatments by the people of "Samaria" in verses 9–15 are apparently underlined in the well-known story of "the Good Samaritans" in the Gospel of Luke ().


2 Chronicles 28, Judah were defeated by enemies (28:5–21)
While Ahaz sought and waited for Tiglath-pileser's support (not recorded in the Chronicles, the books of Kings note that later Tiglath-pileser accepted the offer, defeated Damascus, deported its citizens, and killed king Rezin), the Edomites (verse 17) and the Philistines (verse 18) had successfully defeated Judah. Verses 20–21 emphasize that Tiglath-pileser did not really come to help, because he extorted heavy tribute from Judah.


2 Chronicles 28, Apostasy and death of Ahaz (28:22–27)
Verses 22–25 record the cultic sins of Ahaz as he worshipped for the gods ofDamascus, the land that defeated him, and abandoned the worship of YHWH.


2 Chronicles 28, Apostasy and death of Ahaz (28:22–27), Verse 15
This verse displays the strongest parallels with Luke 10 (Luke 10:30, 33–34).


2 Chronicles 29
2 Chronicles 29 is the twenty-ninth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 29, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 36 verses.


2 Chronicles 29, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Codex Leningradensis (1008). Fragments containing parts of this chapter were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, that is, 4Q118 (4QChr; 50–25 BCE) with extant verses 1–3.


2 Chronicles 29, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah, king of Judah (29:1–19)
Among the kings of Judah (after David and Solomon), the Chronicles record more extensively about Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29–32), focusing his reform and restoration of the Temple and worship. Verses 1–19 parallel to 2 Kings 18:1–12 with the addition of material of temple cleansing. In the first month of his (sole) reign, Hezekiah opened and repaired the doors of the temple (verse 3), which was shut  by this father (2 Chronicles 28:24), but because the main building was still unclean, Hezekiah held the meeting with the priests and Levites at the square on the east of the temple (verse 4).


2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah, king of Judah (29:1–19)
Hezekiah's speech  (verses 5, 11) encouraged the Levites (and priests) to resume their traditional tasks, recalling the sins of the ancestors and their effects (verses 6–10). Verses 12–19 report the cleansing of the temple, involving two sons each of seven Levite families (the number "seven" is a keyword in this chapter, cf. e.g. verses 17, 21), the last three of them (Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun) are the families of singers ascribed to the Levites (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:5–8 about the first three names).


2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah, king of Judah (29:1–19)
w. 15-17, having After sanctified themselves, the priests removed unholy things from the temple then the Levites carried them from the forecourt into the Kidron valley (verses 15–17). The sanctification of the temple was completed on the sixteenth day of the first month, forcing a delay in the Passover feast (which should fall on the fifteenth day of the first month). The report to Hezekiah explicitly mentioned Ahaz who removed the temple utensils from Solomon's temple, which in post-exilic times were continued to be used in the second temple, after being returned by the Persians to those who resettled Jerusalem.


2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah restores Temple worship (29:20–36)
The feast after the consecration of the temple here was without parallel in the Hebrew Bible, a mixture of rituals in the book of Leviticus and Numbers for sanctifying altars (Numbers 7:88), consisting of three parts: preparations, sacrifices made by the princes and the sacrifices made by the people, which were given voluntarily and joyfully. It also reflects the consecration of the second temple (Ezra 6:17; 8:35; cf. Ezekiel 43–45). The people's voluntary offerings here are not mentioned elsewhere in the Chronicles.


2 Chronicles 3
2 Chronicles 3 is the third chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BC. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingship of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1 to 9). The focus of this chapter is the construction of the temple in Jerusalem.


2 Chronicles 3, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 17 verses.


2 Chronicles 3, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text, which includes the Aleppo Codex (10th century) and Codex Leningradensis (1008.


2 Chronicles 3, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BC. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 3, Temple construction begins (3:1–4)
This section records the start of temple construction, a parallel of 1 Kings 6. The structure of the temple was based on the desert tabernacle and linked to Abraham. Whereas the books of Kings contains the calculation of dates and months from the year of Solomon's accession and from the Exodus, the Chronicles focused more on the exact location (Mount Moriah; only appeared one time in Genesis 22:2) and authentication (YHWH appeared to David there, and sent fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering).


2 Chronicles 3, The temple's interior (3:5–17)
Verses  6–7 indicates a mosaic made with precious stones on the floor (cf 1 Chronicles 29:2). The repeated phrase 'he made' emphasizes the similarity to the report in Exodus, portraying the parallels between the temple and the tabernacle. The golden nails in verse 9 parallel with the (differently named) golden nails in Exodus 26:32, 37, although fifty shekels of gold is probably a symbolic number (cf. 2 Samuel 24:24). The Chronicles focuses on the construction material and position of the cherubims (verses 10–13), while omitting the height (mentioned in 1 Kings 6:23). The curtain described in verse 14 (not mentioned in 1 Kings 6, possibly missing from 6:21b) is also mentioned in the writing of Josephus (Jewish War 5.5.5), recalling to the one of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:31).


2 Chronicles 30
2 Chronicles 30 is the thirtieth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia  (2 Chronicles 10 to 36). The focus of this chapter is the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah.


2 Chronicles 30, Text
This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language and is divided into 27 verses.


2 Chronicles 30, Text, Textual witnesses
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Codex Leningradensis (1008).


2 Chronicles 30, Text, Textual witnesses
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}B; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; G{\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}A; 5th century).


2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah proclaims a Passover (30:1–12)
This section of the chapter records the preparations for the Passover feast. Hezekiah took all the significant measures to establish the Passover feast in the first year of his reign, because at that time the northern kingdom had already fallen, so Hezekiah had to quickly make a final attempt to restore the unity of the YHWH worship in all area of the former united kingdom of Israel.


2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah proclaims a Passover (30:1–12)
In line with the Chronicler's 'democratic convictions', the king, the princes and the people made a collective decision to celebrate Passover (verses 1–7), and to have a good preparation for such a feast (verse 3), they made a decision to delay it until the second month, which had happened before (Numbers 9:6–13). Following this decision Hezekiah sent messengers to all parts the country and particularly to the northern kingdom, reciting a message (using a play on words): "return to YHWH, he will return to you".


2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah proclaims a Passover (30:1–12)
The demise of the northern kingdom (unreported in the Chronicles) may have caused various reactions to the invitation: most (remaining) inhabitants of the northern kingdom reacted with 'derision and scorn', although some accepted by 'humbling themselves', whereas in the sovereign southern kingdom the Judeans reacted with 'one heart' (verse 12), which is attributed by the Chronicler to stem from God's actions (cf. 1 Chronicles 29).


2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah celebrates the Passover (30:13–27)
This section reports the celebration of Passover and contains the first description of a complete pilgrimage in the Hebrew Bible. Once the temple was cleansed (chapter 29), Jerusalem was also liberated from all foreign influence, so only legitimate worship for YHWH took place. The national celebration of the Passover recalls the 'heady days of the United Monarchy'.