Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half of the Bethzur District, built the next section, as far as David's tomb, the pool, and the barracks.

The LORD has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my hope in him.

When that day comes, people will turn for help to their Creator, the holy God of Israel.

Those who go to Egypt for help are doomed! They are relying on Egypt's vast military strength---horses, chariots, and soldiers. But they do not rely on the LORD, the holy God of Israel, or ask him for help.

"Have you never heard that I planned all this long ago? And now I have carried it out. I gave you the power to turn fortified cities into piles of rubble.

But now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place where I will be worshiped, and you, David, to rule my people.' "

At that time the prophet Hanani went to King Asa and said, "Because you relied on the king of Syria instead of relying on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Israel has escaped from you.

The LORD keeps close watch over the whole world, to give strength to those whose hearts are loyal to him. You have acted foolishly, and so from now on you will always be at war."

The LORD, who made the earth, who formed it and set it in place, spoke to me. He whose name is the LORD said,

"Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about.

But I will watch for the LORD; I will wait confidently for God, who will save me. My God will hear me.