Nathan and David

1 After him, Nathan rose to prophesy in the days of David. 2 Just as fat is separated from the peace offering, David was separated from the children of Israel.⁠a 3 He played with lions as with young goats, and with bears as with lambs of the flock. 4 In his youth didn’t he kill a giant, and take away disgrace from the people when he lifted up his hand with a sling stone, and beat down the boasting Goliath? 5 For he called on the Most High Lord, and he gave him strength in his right hand to kill a powerful warrior, to exalt the horn of his people. 6 So they glorified him for his tens of thousands, and praised him for the blessings of the Lord, because a glorious diadem was given to him. 7 For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and defeated the Philistines his adversaries. He broke their horn in pieces to this day.

8 In everything he did he gave thanks to the Holy One Most High with words of glory. He sang praise with his whole heart, and loved him who made him. 9 He set singers before the altar, to make sweet melody by their music. 10 He gave beauty to the feasts, and set the seasons in full order while they praised his holy name, and the sanctuary resounded from early morning. 11 The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn forever. He gave him a covenant of kings, and a glorious throne in Israel.

Solomon’s Wisdom and Failure

12 After him a wise son rose, who because of him lived in security. 13 Solomon reigned in days of peace. God gave him rest all around, so that he might set up a house for his name, and prepare a sanctuary forever. 14 How wise you were made in your youth, and filled like a river with understanding! 15 Your influence covered the earth, and you filled it with parables and riddles. 16 Your name reached to the distant islands, and you were loved for your peace. 17 For your songs, proverbs, parables, and interpretations, the countries were amazed at you.

18 By the name of the Lord God, who is called the God of Israel, you gathered gold like tin, and multiplied silver like lead. 19 You bowed your body to women, and your body was brought under control. 20 You blemished your honor, and defiled your offspring, to bring anger on your children. I was distressed for your foolishness, 21 because the sovereignty was divided, and a disobedient kingdom ruled out of Ephraim. 22 But the Lord will never abandon his mercy. He won’t destroy any of his works, nor erase the descendants of his chosen ones. He won’t take away the offspring of him who loved him. He gave a remnant to Jacob, and to David a root from his own family.⁠b

Rehoboam and Jeroboam

23 So Solomon rested with his fathers. Of his offspring, he left behind him Rehoboam, the foolishness of the people, and one who lacked understanding, who made the people revolt by his advice. Also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, and gave Ephraim a path of sin.⁠c 24 Their sins were multiplied greatly, until they were removed from their land. 25 For they sought out every kind of wickedness, until vengeance came on them.