Chapters of the Bible

David delivers a powerful psalm of praise to God, celebrating Him as his rock, fortress, and deliverer, recounting all the times God rescued him from his enemies and Saul.

David's final words confirm the everlasting nature of God's covenant with his house. The chapter then lists the names and heroic deeds of David's thirty mighty men.

David conducts a census of the fighting men of Israel, a sin born of pride. God gives David a choice of three punishments, and David chooses a plague that kills 70,000 men.

Elderly King David is failing. His son Adonijah declares himself king. Bathsheba and Nathan convince David to publicly proclaim and anoint Solomon as the legitimate successor and king.

David delivers his final charge to Solomon, urging him to remain faithful to God's law. Solomon consolidates his power by executing his rivals, Adonijah and Joab, securing his throne.

Solomon makes an alliance with Egypt and marries Pharaoh's daughter. God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers him anything. Solomon asks for an understanding heart to govern (wisdom).

Solomon's fame for wisdom spreads across the world. He writes 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. The chapter details the complex political and administrative structure of his peaceful, expansive kingdom.

Solomon begins preparations to build the magnificent Temple, making a treaty with King Hiram of Tyre for the necessary timber, gold, and skilled Phoenician craftsmen.

Solomon begins construction of the Temple, a monumental seven-year project. The chapter meticulously details the dimensions, materials, and intricate design of the entire structure.

Solomon completes the Temple and then builds his own magnificent palace, which takes thirteen years to finish. He also commissions a vast bronze altar and two massive bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz.

Solomon dedicates the Temple. The priests bring the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies, and the glory of the Lord (Shekinah) fills the Temple as a cloud.

God appears to Solomon again, promising lasting blessing if he remains obedient but warning that if he or Israel turns to idolatry, God will destroy the Temple and scatter the people.