Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The workers labored faithfully. Over them to direct them were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites descended from Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descended from Kohath. The Levites—all who were skilled in playing musical instruments— New Living Translation The workers served faithfully under the leadership of Jahath and Obadiah, Levites of the Merarite clan, and Zechariah and Meshullam, Levites of the Kohathite clan. Other Levites, all of whom were skilled musicians, English Standard Version And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to have oversight. The Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music, Berean Standard Bible And the men did the work faithfully. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, Berean Literal Bible And the men did the work in faithfulness. And their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites to supervise; and of the Levites, everyone skilled with instruments of song, King James Bible And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick. New King James Version And the men did the work faithfully. Their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to supervise. Others of the Levites, all of whom were skillful with instruments of music, New American Standard Bible The men did the work faithfully with foremen over them to supervise: Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari, Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, and the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments. NASB 1995 The men did the work faithfully with foremen over them to supervise: Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari, Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, and the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments. NASB 1977 And the men did the work faithfully with foremen over them to supervise: Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari, Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, and the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments. Legacy Standard Bible And the men did the work faithfully with foremen over them to direct: Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari, Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, and the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments. Amplified Bible The men did the work faithfully with foremen over them to supervise and inspect [their work]: Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, and the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments. Berean Annotated Bible And the men did the work faithfully. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath (He will snatch up) and Obadiah (servant of YHWH), descendants of Merari (bitter), and Zechariah (YHWH remembers) and Meshullam (friend), descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, Christian Standard Bible The men were doing the work with integrity. Their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites from the Merarites, and Zechariah and Meshullam from the Kohathites as supervisors. The Levites were all skilled with musical instruments. Holman Christian Standard Bible The men were doing the work with integrity. Their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites from the Merarites, and Zechariah and Meshullam from the Kohathites as supervisors. The Levites were all skilled with musical instruments. American Standard Version And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and others of the Levites, all that were skilful with instruments of music. Contemporary English Version The workers were honest, and their supervisors were Jahath and Obadiah from the Levite clan of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam from the Levite clan of Kohath. Other Levites, who were all skilled musicians, English Revised Version And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward: and other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of music. GOD'S WORD® Translation The men did their work faithfully under the supervision of Jahath and Obadiah (Levites descended from Merari), and Zechariah and Meshullam (descendants of Kohath). The Levites, who were skilled musicians, Good News Translation The men who did the work were thoroughly honest. They were supervised by four Levites: Jahath and Obadiah of the clan of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam of the clan of Kohath. (The Levites were all skillful musicians.) International Standard Version The workmen did their duties faithfully with these foremen supervising them: Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Levi who were Merari's sons, Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath, and various descendants of Levi, who were skilled musicians. NET Bible The men worked faithfully. Their supervisors were Jahath and Obadiah (Levites descended from Merari), as well as Zechariah and Meshullam (descendants of Kohath). The Levites, all of whom were skilled musicians, New Heart English Bible The men did the work faithfully: and their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and others of the Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music. Webster's Bible Translation And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to superintend it; and others of the Levites, all that had skill in instruments of music. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the men did the work faithfully. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, World English Bible The men did the work faithfully. Their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to give direction; and others of the Levites, who were all skillful with musical instruments. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the men are working faithfully in the business, and over them are appointed Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathite, to overlook; and of the Levites, everyone understanding about instruments of song, Berean Literal Bible And the men did the work in faithfulness. And their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites to supervise; and of the Levites, everyone skilled with instruments of song, Young's Literal Translation And the men are working faithfully in the business, and over them are appointed Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathite, to overlook; and of the Levites, every one understanding about instruments of song, Smith's Literal Translation And the men doing in the work in faithfulness: and over them being appointed Jahath and Obadiah the Levites from the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam from the sons of the Kohathites to superintend; and the Levites all understanding in instruments of song. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they did all faithfully. Now the overseers of the workmen were Jahath and Abdias of the sons of Merari, Zacharias and Mosollam of the sons of Caath, who hastened the work: all Levites skilful to play on instruments. Catholic Public Domain Version And they did everything faithfully. Now the overseers of the workers were Jahath and Obadiah, from the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, from the sons of Kohath, who were supervising the work. All were Levites who knew how to play musical instruments. New American Bible The men worked faithfully at their task; their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites of the line of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the Kohathites, who directed them. All those Levites who were skillful with musical instruments New Revised Standard Version The people did the work faithfully. Over them were appointed the Levites Jahath and Obadiah, of the sons of Merari, along with Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to have oversight. Other Levites, all skillful with instruments of music, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the men did the work of the sanctuary faithfully; and the overseers over them were Nahat and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Shallum, of the sons of the Kohathites, and the singers and the Levites who played with the instruments of music, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the men were doing the works of the Holy Place in faithfulness, and Nakhat and Oubdaya sons of Merari and Zekaryah and Shalum sons of Qahath had authority over them, and the Singers and the Levites those who were singing with instruments of music OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the men did the work faithfully; and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to preside over it; and other of the Levites, all that had skill with instruments of music. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the men were faithfully engaged in the works: and over them were superintendents, Jeth and Abdias, Levites of the sons of Merari, and Zacharias and Mosollam, of the sons of Caath, appointed to oversee; and every Levite, and every one that understood how to play on musical instruments. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Josiah Repairs the Temple…11They also gave money to the carpenters and builders to buy dressed stone, as well as timbers for couplings and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had allowed to deteriorate. 12And the men did the work faithfully. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, 13were over the laborers and supervised all who did the work, task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers.… Cross References And the men did the work faithfully. 2 Kings 12:15 No accounting was required from the men who received the money to pay the workmen, because they acted with integrity. 2 Kings 22:7 But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity.” 2 Chronicles 31:12 And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, Numbers 3:36-37 The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, / as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes. Numbers 4:31-33 This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, / and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry. / This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.” 1 Chronicles 23:4 “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Numbers 3:27-31 From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. / The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. / The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, … Numbers 4:4-15 This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. / Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. / They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. … 1 Chronicles 23:12-13 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. / The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, 1 Chronicles 15:16 David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. 1 Chronicles 25:1 Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: 2 Chronicles 5:12 all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 2 Kings 22:6-7 to the carpenters, builders, and masons—to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the temple. / But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity.” Ezra 3:7 They gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia. Nehemiah 4:6 So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. 1 Kings 5:6 Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.” Treasury of Scripture And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of music. faithfully 2 Chronicles 31:12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next. 2 Kings 12:15 Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully. 2 Kings 22:7 Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully. all 1 Chronicles 6:31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy… 1 Chronicles 16:4,5,41 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: … Jump to Previous Faithfully Foremen Forward Instruments Jahath Kohathites Levites Merari Meshullam Music Musical Obadiah Others Overseers Preside Skill Skillful Superintend Supervise Work ZechariahJump to Next Faithfully Foremen Forward Instruments Jahath Kohathites Levites Merari Meshullam Music Musical Obadiah Others Overseers Preside Skill Skillful Superintend Supervise Work Zechariah2 Chronicles 34 1. Josiah's good reign3. He destroys idolatry 8. He takes order for the repair of the temple 14. Hilkiah, having found a book of the law, 21. Josiah sends to Huldah to enquire of the Lord 23. Huldah prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem, but respite thereof in Josiah's time 29. Josiah, causing it to be read in a solemn assembly, renews the covenant with God And the men did the work faithfully. This phrase highlights the integrity and dedication of the workers involved in the temple restoration under King Josiah. Faithfulness in work is a recurring biblical theme, emphasizing the importance of diligence and honesty (Proverbs 28:20). The restoration of the temple was a significant task, symbolizing a return to proper worship and covenant faithfulness. This mirrors the call for believers to be faithful stewards of God's work (1 Corinthians 4:2). The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, Persons / Places / Events 1. Jahath and ObadiahLevites from the line of Merari, responsible for overseeing the work on the temple. Their role highlights the importance of faithful leadership in spiritual and physical tasks. 2. Zechariah and Meshullam Levites from the line of Kohath, also appointed as overseers. Their inclusion emphasizes the collaborative effort required in the service of God. 3. Levites Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties. In this context, they are noted for their skills in music, which underscores the integration of worship and work. 4. Faithful Work The verse emphasizes the faithfulness of the workers, a key theme in the restoration of the temple under King Josiah's reforms. 5. Temple Restoration This event is part of King Josiah's broader religious reforms, aiming to restore proper worship and adherence to God's laws. Teaching Points Faithfulness in ServiceGod values faithfulness in all tasks, whether spiritual or practical. Our work should be done with integrity and dedication, reflecting our commitment to God. The Role of Leadership Effective leadership involves appointing capable and trustworthy individuals. Just as Jahath, Obadiah, Zechariah, and Meshullam were appointed, we should seek to empower others in their God-given roles. Integration of Worship and Work The Levites' dual role as workers and musicians illustrates the seamless integration of worship into daily tasks. Our work can be an act of worship when done for God's glory. Collaboration in God's Work The restoration of the temple required collaboration among various groups. In the body of Christ, we are called to work together, utilizing our diverse gifts for the common good. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 34:12?2. How does 2 Chronicles 34:12 demonstrate the importance of skilled labor in ministry? 3. What role did the Levites play in overseeing the work in 2 Chronicles 34:12? 4. How can we ensure our church projects are "carried out faithfully" today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Chronicles 34:12 and Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts? 6. How can we apply the diligence shown in 2 Chronicles 34:12 to our lives? 7. How does 2 Chronicles 34:12 reflect the importance of skilled labor in biblical times? 8. What does 2 Chronicles 34:12 reveal about the organization of temple repairs? 9. How does 2 Chronicles 34:12 demonstrate the value of music in worship? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 34? 11. (2 Chronicles 10) Why do some details in this chapter differ from or omit parts of the parallel account in 1 Kings 12? 12. Why does the account of Joash's temple restoration in 2 Chronicles 24 seem to conflict with the version in 2 Kings 12 regarding the funds and methods used? 13. 2 Chronicles 12:5-7 - How do we reconcile God's initial intention to punish Judah entirely with His later decision to spare them? 14. 2 Chronicles 12:2 - Is there archaeological or historical evidence outside the Bible confirming Shishak's exact invasion details? What Does 2 Chronicles 34:12 Mean Faithful workmen“And the men did the work faithfully.” (2 Chron 34:12) • These unnamed workers rebuilt the temple under King Josiah with integrity, mirroring earlier examples such as those entrusted with temple repairs in Joash’s day who “required no accounting…because they acted with integrity” (2 Kings 12:15). • Scripture consistently commends faithfulness in earthly tasks—see 1 Corinthians 4:2 and Colossians 3:23-24—because diligent labor done for God’s glory becomes worship. • Their faithfulness advanced Josiah’s larger revival (2 Chron 34:8), showing how ordinary obedience fuels extraordinary renewal. Diligent overseers “The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath.” (v. 12) • Two branches of Levi unite: Merari’s line (charged with heavy structural items in the wilderness, Numbers 4:29-33) and Kohath’s line (guardians of holy objects, Numbers 4:1-15). Cooperation under the Word brought strength. • God still appoints trustworthy stewards—compare Titus 1:7—for safeguarding both resources and doctrine. • By naming these men, the Spirit highlights that leadership accountability matters; their reputation parallels faithful gatekeepers in Nehemiah 13:13. Musical craftsmen “Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments,” (v. 12) • These artisans blended construction and worship, reflecting David’s earlier assignment of temple musicians (1 Chron 25:1). • Skill with instruments was consecrated to God, confirming that artistry, when surrendered to Him (Psalm 33:3; 150:3-5), has a legitimate place in ministry. • Their presence hints that the renewed temple would soon resound with praise (2 Chron 35:15), proving that restored structures serve spiritual celebration, not mere aesthetics. summary 2 Chronicles 34:12 captures a snapshot of Josiah’s reform: faithful laborers, accountable leaders, and gifted musicians all serving side-by-side. God honors integrity, collaborative oversight, and consecrated creativity, weaving them into a larger tapestry of revival that still instructs and inspires believers today. (12) And the men did the work faithfully.--Literally, And the men were working (or dealing) in good faith in the work. In 2Kings 22:7 Josiah bids the High Priest not to require any account of the money delivered to the master-workmen, "because they work in good faith."And the overseers of them were.--And over them were set. The names of the overseers, and the details added in next verse, are peculiar to and characteristic of the chronicler. To set it forward.--To lead, conduct, preside; usually a musical term. (Comp. 1Chronicles 23:4.) And other . . . music.--Literally, and the Levites, to wit, every one skilled in the instruments of song. (Comp. 1Chronicles 15:16; 1Chronicles 25:7.) . . . Verse 12. - Faithfully, Refer back to note, 2 Chronicles 31:12. To set... forward; Hebrew, לְנַצֶּהַ; the idea, of course, not so much that of expediting, as of guiding and instructing. The mention of those Levites whoso business was music is rather a surprise, and is not found in the parallel.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And the menוְהָאֲנָשִׁים֩ (wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 582: Man, mankind did עֹשִׂ֨ים (‘ō·śîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make the work בַּמְּלָאכָ֗ה (bam·mə·lā·ḵāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property faithfully. בֶּאֱמוּנָ֜ה (be·’ĕ·mū·nāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 530: Firmness, steadfastness, fidelity The Levites הַלְוִיִּם֙ (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi overseeing them מֻ֠פְקָדִים (mup̄·qā·ḏîm) Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit were Jahath יַ֣חַת (ya·ḥaṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3189: Jahath -- 'He will snatch up', the name of several Israelites and Obadiah, וְעֹבַדְיָ֤הוּ (wə·‘ō·ḇaḏ·yā·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5662: Obadiah -- 'servant of Yah', the name of a number of Israelites descendants בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Merari, מְרָרִ֔י (mə·rā·rî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4847: Merari -- a son of Levi and Zechariah וּזְכַרְיָ֧ה (ū·zə·ḵar·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2148: Zachariah -- the name of a number of Israelites and Meshullam וּמְשֻׁלָּ֛ם (ū·mə·šul·lām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4918: Meshullam -- the name of a number of Israelites descendants בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Kohath. הַקְּהָתִ֖ים (haq·qə·hā·ṯîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6956: Kohathites -- descendant of Kohath [Other] Levites, וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם (wə·hal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every skilled מֵבִ֖ין (mê·ḇîn) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand with musical שִֽׁיר׃ (šîr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7892: A song, singing instruments, בִּכְלֵי־ (biḵ·lê-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus Links 2 Chronicles 34:12 NIV2 Chronicles 34:12 NLT 2 Chronicles 34:12 ESV 2 Chronicles 34:12 NASB 2 Chronicles 34:12 KJV 2 Chronicles 34:12 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 34:12 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 34:12 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 34:12 French Bible 2 Chronicles 34:12 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 34:12 The men did the work faithfully: (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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