Bible passages

2 Kings 13:1–13; 2 Kings 14:15–16

Jehoahaz and Jehoash of Israel

This passage gives a brief record of two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash. It shows how each reign is measured, what is said about their actions before Yahweh, and how each king was followed by his son.

2 Kings 14:23–29; 2 Kings 15:8–31; 2 Kings 17:1–4

Jeroboam II and Israel's Last Kings

These short reign notices trace Israel’s final northern kings from Jeroboam II to Hoshea. The pattern is striking: repeated evil, rapid turnovers, and increasing control by Assyria.

2 Kings 15:32–38; 2 Chronicles 27:1–9

Jotham's Reign

Jotham’s reign is recorded briefly and carefully. These verses give his age, family and character, then mention unfinished problems in Judah, works he built, one conflict, and the close of his reign.

2 Kings 20:20–21; 2 Chronicles 32:24–33

Hezekiah's Final Years and Death

These verses sum up Hezekiah’s final years by showing both strength and weakness. They mention his water works, his illness, his pride and humility, his wealth, and the honour given to him at death.

2 Kings 21:19–26; 2 Chronicles 33:21–25

Amon's Short Reign

This short record of Amon’s reign is brief but clear. It tells us how long he ruled, how the passage evaluates his actions, how his life ended, and who became king after him.

2 Kings 23:31–24:20; 2 Chronicles 36:1–14

Judah's Last Kings before Exile

These reign records list Judah’s final kings before the next stage of exile. The passage shows short reigns, foreign rulers controlling the throne, and repeated verdicts that these kings did evil in Yahweh’s sight.

1 Chronicles 1:1–34

Chronicles' Family Line from Adam to Abraham

This genealogy opens 1 Chronicles by tracing names from Adam to Abraham, then naming Abraham’s family branches.

1 Chronicles 1:35–54

Esau, Seir and the Rulers of Edom in Chronicles

This genealogy reads like a reference guide. It keeps several Edomite lists in order so readers can trace family branches, kings, and chiefs directly from the text without turning the passage into a story.

1 Chronicles 2:1–3:24

Israel's Family and the Royal Line

This genealogy begins with Israel’s twelve sons, then gives special attention to Judah and finally to David’s family line.

1 Chronicles 4:1–8; 1 Chronicles 4:11–5:26

Judah, Simeon and the Eastern Tribes

This genealogy records families from Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

1 Chronicles 7:1–40

The Other Tribal Families in Chronicles

1 Chronicles 7 is a genealogy, but it also keeps brief family memories. Alongside names, it records leaders, counted fighting men, sorrow in one family, named women, and places where tribes lived.

1 Chronicles 23:1–27:34

The Levites, Priests, Musicians and Officials

This passage is a long record of how David organised workers for Yahweh’s house and officials for Israel.

Judith 16:21–25

Judith's Later Life

These verses close the book by recording Judith’s later years. The passage stays brief and factual, noting where she lived, how she was regarded, what happened at her death, and the peace remembered in her days.

Catholic additional books

Esther (Greek) 10:14

The Greek Esther Transmission Note

This note is not part of Esther’s story events. It is a brief editorial colophon attached to the Greek form of Esther, recording who brought a letter of Purim and who was said to have interpreted it.

Greek source variant

1 Maccabees 16:23–24

The Closing Source Notice of 1 Maccabees

These closing verses end 1 Maccabees by pointing readers to a written record about John. They name several parts of his public life and say where fuller information was written.

Catholic additional books

2 Maccabees 2:19–32

The Purpose and Method of 2 Maccabees

This preface explains both the subject of 2 Maccabees and the way the book has been made. It tells readers they are about to read a shorter version of a larger history.

Catholic additional books

2 Maccabees 15:37–39

The Closing Words of 2 Maccabees

These final verses close 2 Maccabees by stepping out of the story and speaking about the writing itself.

Catholic additional books

Sirach – translator’s prologue (unnumbered)

The translator explains his purpose and the limits of translation

This editorial preface explains why the translator values this book, why he translated it, and why he asks readers for patience.

Catholic additional books

Matthew 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38

The Genealogies of Jesus

These two genealogies identify Jesus within a family line. Matthew and Luke both connect him to key people, but they present distinct lists and patterns, so it is best to read each genealogy on its own terms.

Acts 20:1–6; Acts 20:13–16

Paul Travels through Macedonia toward Miletus

This travel record shows Paul moving carefully and purposefully through several places. It highlights encouragement, changed plans, travelling companions, and a strong desire to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.