(SEE 7:63)

The Jewish governor told them that they could not eat the food offered to God until there was a priest who could use the Urim and Thummim.

The priests and the Levites performed ritual purification for themselves, the people, the gates, and the city wall.

Then Josiah ordered the High Priest Hilkiah, his assistant priests, and the guards on duty at the entrance to the Temple to bring out of the Temple all the objects used in the worship of Baal, of the goddess Asherah, and of the stars. The king burned all these objects outside the city near Kidron Valley and then had the ashes taken to Bethel.

He said to the Levites, "You are the leaders of the Levite clans. Purify yourselves and your fellow Levites, so that you can bring the Covenant Box of the LORD God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it.

Then the priests and the Levites purified themselves in order to move the Covenant Box of the LORD God of Israel.

He assembled a group of priests and Levites in the east courtyard of the Temple

and spoke to them there. He said, "You Levites are to consecrate yourselves and purify the Temple of the LORD, the God of your ancestors. Remove from the Temple everything that defiles it.

Then the priests killed the goats and poured their blood on the altar as a sacrifice to take away the sin of all the people, for the king had commanded that burnt offerings and sin offerings be made for all Israel.

Hezekiah gave the order for the burnt offering to be presented; and as the offering began, the people sang praise to the LORD, and the musicians began to play the trumpets and all the other instruments.

The king and the leaders of the nation told the Levites to sing to the LORD the songs of praise that were written by David and by Asaph the prophet. So everyone sang with great joy as they knelt and worshiped God.

Kings will be like fathers to you; queens will be like mothers. They will bow low before you and honor you; they will humbly show their respect for you. Then you will know that I am the LORD; no one who waits for my help will be disappointed."

Joshua was the father of Joiakim; Joiakim was the father of Eliashib; Eliashib was the father of Joiada;

" 'Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy, as I, the LORD your God, have commanded you.

Remember, my God, all these things that I have done for your Temple and its worship.

I arranged for the wood used for burning the offerings to be brought at the proper times, and for the people to bring their offerings of the first grain and the first fruits that ripened. Remember all this, O God, and give me credit for it.

I pray you, O God, remember to my credit everything that I have done for this people.

LORD, do not forget David and all the hardships he endured.

"I will not go home or go to bed;

until I provide a place for the LORD, a home for the Mighty God of Jacob."

"Remember, LORD, that I have served you faithfully and loyally, and that I have always tried to do what you wanted me to." And he began to cry bitterly.

We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been ruled by God-given frankness and sincerity, by the power of God's grace and not by human wisdom.

I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith.

And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day---and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

Remember, O LORD, your kindness and constant love which you have shown from long ago.

Forgive the sins and errors of my youth. In your constant love and goodness, remember me, LORD!

Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins!

If you kept a record of our sins, who could escape being condemned?

But you forgive us, so that we should stand in awe of you.

Israel, trust in the LORD, because his love is constant and he is always willing to save.

LORD, hear my prayer! In your righteousness listen to my plea; answer me in your faithfulness!

Don't put me, your servant, on trial; no one is innocent in your sight.

But because of your great love I can come into your house; I can worship in your holy Temple and bow down to you in reverence.

Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive.