He also took his men and their families. They settled in the towns around Hebron.

Say this to my servant David: 'This is what Jehovah of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture where you followed sheep so that you could be the leader of my people Israel.

How did the battle go? David asked. The man said: Our army turned and ran. Many were wounded and died. King Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.

The king and his men went to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived in that region. The Jebusites told David: You will never get in here. Even the blind and the lame could turn you away. In other words he could not enter there.

David asked: Where did you come from? The man answered: I escaped from Israel's army.

I will choose one of your sons to be king when you reach the end of your life and are buried in the tomb of your ancestors. I will make him a strong ruler.

In the spring, at the time of the year when kings usually go to war, David sent out Joab with his officers and the Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged the city of Rabbah. David stayed in Jerusalem.

He answered: I was on Mount Gilboa. I saw Saul leaning on his spear. The chariots and cavalry of the enemy closed in on him.

The fourth son was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith. The fifth was Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital.

He looked my way and called me. I said: 'Yes here I am.'

David asked: How do you know that Saul and Jonathan are dead?

They grieved and mourned and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan and for Israel, the people of Jehovah, because so many had been killed in battle.

I went up to him and killed him. I knew that he would die anyway as soon as he fell. Then I took the crown from his head and the bracelet from his arm. Here, I have brought them to you.

Soon King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated Hadadezer's entire army.

The king left on foot. His whole household followed him. The king left ten concubines behind to take care of the palace.

David and all his men tore their clothes in sorrow.

He asked: 'Who are you.' I told him I was an Amalekite.

At once Jehovah God became angry with Uzzah. He killed him because of his irreverence. Uzzah died there beside the Ark of the Covenant.

He told them to teach the sons of Judah the song of the bow. It is written in the book of Jashar:

Then he said: 'Come here and kill me! I am badly wounded and about to die.'

David said to him: Your blood is on your head. Your mouth has testified against you. For you admit that you killed Jehovah's anointed.

Then David chanted with a lament (dirge) (requiem) over Saul and Jonathan his son.

Amnon wouldn't listen to her. He grabbed his sister and raped her.

David asked: Why were you not afraid to take it upon yourself to destroy Jehovah's (YHWH) anointed king?

David called one of the young men and said: Execute him! So he struck him and he died.

David asked the young man who brought him the news: Where are you from? He answered: I am an Amalekite, son of a foreign resident.

A young man saw Jonathan and Ahimaaz and told Absalom. So both of them left quickly. They went to the home of a man in Bahurim who had a cistern in his courtyard. They climbed down into it.

Is this how loyal you are to your friend? Absalom asked Hushai. Why did you not go with him?

Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!

Let no rain or dew fall on the mountains of Gilboa. Let its fields be barren! For the shields of the mighty lie there in disgrace. The shield of Saul is no longer polished with oil.

Jonathan's bow was deadly. The sword of Saul was without mercy. He struck down the mighty and killed the enemy.

Do not tell the news in Gath. Do not announce the victory in the streets of Ashkelon. The daughters of the Philistines will be glad. The daughters of godless men will celebrate.

It was easy to love Saul and Jonathan. Together in life, together in death, they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.

However, David captured the fortress Zion, that is, the City of David.

Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul. He clothed you in scarlet with luxury.

The brave soldiers have fallen. They were killed in battle. Jonathan lies dead in the hills.

Your Majesty, I came here to tell you about my problem. I was afraid of what someone might do to me. I decided to come to you, because I thought you could help.

You have shown total contempt for Jehovah by this affair. Therefore the son that is born to you must die.

I was with you wherever you went. I destroyed all your enemies in front of you. I will make your name famous like the names of the greatest people on earth.

You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land for your master Saul's family and bring in the harvest. This will provide food for them. Mephibosheth will always be a guest at my table. Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Ahimaaz son of Zadok said: Joab let me run and tell King David that Jehovah rescued him from his enemies.

The mighty have fallen, their weapons abandoned and useless.

One of the thirty was Joab's brother Asahel. The thirty leading men were Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,

Rechab and Baanah went to Ishbosheth's house at the noontime. It was a hot day, and he was resting.

All your judgments are in front of me. I have not turned away from your laws.

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron. They anointed David as king of Judah. David heard that the people of Jabesh-gilead (Jabesh in Gilead) buried Saul.

He sent his son Joram to greet King David and congratulate him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer. There had often been war between Hadadezer and Toi. Joram brought articles of gold, silver, and copper with him.

Because of that the place has been called Perez Uzzah (breakthrough of Uzzah) ever since. David was furious because Jehovah punished Uzzah in anger.

I know I was wrong and have sinned. That is why I wanted to be the first one from the northern tribes to meet you.

Joab told his brother: If the Arameans are too much for me to handle, you can come and help me. If the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you.

That day David said: Whoever wants to defeat the Jebusites must reach the lame and the blind that hate me by using the water tunnel. So there is a saying: The blind and the lame will not get into the palace.

I will make a place for my people Israel and plant them there. They will dwell in their own place and not be troubled anymore. The wicked will not oppress them as they used to do

The sixth was Ithream, whose mother was Eglah. All of these sons were born in Hebron.

David invited him for dinner. Uriah ate with David and drank so much that he got drunk. However he still did not go home. He went out and slept on his mat near the palace guards.

I grieve for you, my brother Jonathan. You were dear to me! How wonderful was your love for me. It was better than the love of women.

Nathan went home. Jehovah struck the child that Uriah's wife had given birth to David. The child became sick.

The king and his troops left the city on foot. They stopped at the city limits.

Hushai answered: Jehovah and the people of Israel have chosen you to be king. I cannot leave. I must stay and serve the one they have chosen.

David built an altar for Jehovah there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. So Jehovah heard the prayers for the country. The plague on Israel stopped.

when I let judges rule my people. I have kept your enemies from attacking you. Now I promise that you and your descendants will be kings.

These four were descendants of Haraphah from Gath. David and his men killed them.

Then David was afraid of Jehovah and said: How can I take the Ark of the Covenant with me now?

The elders in his palace stood beside him to raise him up from the ground. But he was unwilling and he would not eat with them.

He sent some men there with the message: Jehovah blesses you for showing your loyalty to your king by burying him.

That is not so. A man from the mountains of Ephraim by the name of Sheba son of Bichri has rebelled against King David. Give him to me and I will withdraw from the city. The woman told Joab: Watch, for his head will be thrown to you from the wall.

Joab the son of Zeruiah was the commander in chief of the army. Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud kept the government records.

Ziba answered: I will do everything Your Majesty commands. So Mephibosheth ate at the king's table, just like one of the king's sons.

After that Amnon developed an intense hatred for her. His hatred for her was greater than the lust he felt for her. Get out of here, he told her.

David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and lay on the ground all night.

In fact, I knew that you would listen and save my son and me from those who want to take the land that God gave us.

Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. Everyone who lived at Ziba's home became Mephibosheth's servant.

The man's wife took a covering and spread it over the opening of the cistern. She scattered grain over it so that no one would notice anything.

These nation included: Edom, Moab, Ammon, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the goods taken from Zobah's King Hadadezer, son of Rehob.

She said: No, You do a greater wrong by sending me away than the other thing you did to me! He would not listen to her.

Be brave and fight hard to protect our people and the cities of our God. I pray that Jehovah will do whatever pleases him.

King David dedicated these articles to Jehovah, along with the silver and gold he dedicated from all the nations he conquered.

On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. They thought: While the child was alive, we talked to him, and he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may harm himself.

May Jehovah always show you kindness. I also will be good to you because you did this.

The servant forced her to leave. He locked the door behind her. The king's unmarried daughters used to wear long robes with sleeves.

The following are the names of his sons born in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

David continued to grow more powerful because Jehovah God of Hosts was with him.

The letter said: Put Uriah on the front line where the fighting is the worst. Pull the troops back from him, so that he will be wounded and die.

David made a name for himself by killing eighteen thousand Edomites in the Dead Sea region as he returned to Jerusalem.

You know I am faultless. I have kept myself from doing wrong.

Joab carefully watched the city of Rabbah. He put Uriah in a place where he knew there were some of the enemy's best soldiers.

They came to the middle of the house pretending to get wheat. Once they were inside they stabbed Ishbosheth in the stomach and killed him.

Joab answered: You are not the one to tell the king his son is dead. You can take him a message some other time, but not today.

They cut off his head and took his head with them. They traveled by way of the Arabah all night.

The next morning, David wrote a letter and told Uriah to deliver it to Joab.

King David heard what happened and he was furious!

So he decided not to take it with him to Jerusalem. Instead, he turned off the road and took it to the house of Obed Edom, a native of the city of Gath.

He put troops everywhere in Edom. All the Edomites were David's subjects. Everywhere David went Jehovah gave him victories.

In every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah's wife.

David saw that his servants were whispering to one another. He realized (discerned) that the child was dead. Is the child dead? David asked them. Yes, he is dead. They answered.

The men of the city came out and fought Joab. Some of David's mercenaries fell and died. This included Uriah the Hittite.

Who killed Jerubbesheth's son Abimelech? Did a woman on the wall of Thebez throw a small millstone at him and kill him? Why did you go so close to the wall? If the king asks this, tell him: 'Your man Uriah the Hittite is also dead.'

So David ruled all Israel. He did what was fair and right for all his people.

Absalom's officials came to the house and asked the woman: Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? She answered: They crossed the river. The men looked for them but could not find them. So they returned to Jerusalem.

I will allow no one to take his long lasting kingdom away from him. He will be the one to build a temple for me.

David lived in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built the city of Jerusalem around it from the stronghold (citadel) to the palace.

David made the people of Rabbah tear down the city walls with iron picks and axes. He also put them to work making bricks. He did the same thing with all the other Ammonite cities. David went back to Jerusalem. The people of Israel returned to their homes.

David comforted his wife Bathsheba. He went to bed with her, and she later gave birth to a son. David named him Solomon. Jehovah loved the child.

The watchman called and alerted the king. If he is alone, the king said, He has good news to tell. The runner came closer.

The fighting continued between David's forces and the forces loyal to Saul's family. Abner became more and more powerful among Saul's followers.

Ner's son Abner, commander of Saul's army, took Saul's son Ishbosheth and brought him to Mahanaim.

He and the entire nation of Israel brought the Ark of Jehovah with shouts of joy and the sounding of rams' horns.

When those who carried the Ark of Jehovah walked six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.

The Philistines heard that David was now king of Israel. They mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David found out and went into his fortress.

the king may become angry. He might ask you: 'Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Did you not know they would shoot from the wall?'

We do not understand, his servants said, while the child was alive you would not eat. As soon as he died, you got up and ate!

Joab sent a messenger to report to David all the details of the battle.

And he commanded the messenger: When you finish telling the king about the battle,

Tamar tore the robe she was wearing. She put ashes on her head. Then she covered her face with her hands. She cried loudly as she walked away.

Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was the commander of David's bodyguard. David's sons were priests.

David left Hebron and moved to Jerusalem. He married many women from Jerusalem, and he had a lot of children.

The Ark of Jehovah stayed at the home of Obed Edom from Gath for three months. Jehovah blessed Obed Edom and his whole family.

Saul's son Ishbosheth was forty years old when he became king of Israel. He ruled for two years. However the tribe of Judah followed David.

King Hiram of Tyre sent some officials to David. Carpenters and stone workers came with them. They brought cedar logs so they could build a palace for David.

Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead and she mourned for him.

King David attacked the Philistines again. He defeated them and ended their control over Methegammah.

All his mercenaries passed by him. The Cherethites, all the Pelethites, Ittai, and all six hundred men who had followed him from Gath marched past the king.

I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble to you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man. He will have intercourse with them in broad daylight.

Shammah from Harod, Elika from Harod,

King David was told: Jehovah has blessed Obed Edom's home and everything he owns because of the Ark of God. Then David joyfully went to get the Ark of God from Obed Edom's house and bring it to the City of David.

Meanwhile, Joab fought against the Ammonite city of Rabbah and captured its royal fortress.

The messenger left. When he arrived he reported to David everything Joab told him to say.

David exclaimed: Abishai, what will I do with you and your brother Joab? Is it your job to tell me who has done wrong? I have been made king of all Israel today. No one will be put to death!

Saul had a concubine named Rizpah. She was Aiah's daughter. Ishbosheth asked Abner: Why did you have sex with my father's concubine?

Be strong and courageous. Your master Saul is dead. Therefore the tribe of Judah has anointed me to be their king.

I will make sure that one of your descendants will be king for a very long time. Your throne will be established from generation to generation.'

May God deal with me harshly if I do not help David get all that Jehovah promised him when he said:

Ishbosheth sent some of his men to take Michal away from her new husband, Paltiel son of Laish.

He also distributed to all the people, to the whole crowd of Israelites, men and women, one loaf of bread, one date cake, and one raisin cake. Then all the people went home.

One time Abner and the soldiers of Ishbosheth left Mahanaim and went to Gibeon.

He called his servant and said: Throw this woman out and lock the door!

Ittai answered: Your Majesty, I swear to you in the name of Jehovah that I will always go with you wherever you go, even if it means death.

Abner made him king of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, that is, all Israel.

David finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and the fellowship offerings. Then he blessed the people in the name of Jehovah of Hosts.

Ahithophel answered: Some of your father's wives were left here to take care of the palace. You should have sex with them. Then everyone will find out that you have publicly disgraced your father. This will make you and your followers even more powerful.

Someone from Ethiopia was standing there. Joab told him: Go tell the king what you have seen. The man knelt down in front of Joab and then got up and started running.

Meanwhile, Abner communicated with the leaders of Israel: For some time now you wanted to make David your king.

He sent a message through the prophet Nathan to name the baby Jedidiah (Jehovah's Beloved).

David replied: I fasted and cried while the child lived. I thought Jehovah might be gracious to me and let the child live.

When her mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to his home. She became his wife. Then she gave birth to a son. However, Jehovah considered David's actions evil.

David got up from the floor. He took a bath, combed his hair, and changed his clothes. Then he went and worshiped in the Temple of Jehovah. After that he returned to the palace and ate.

After all it seems right for me to serve you, just as I served your father.

You did this secretly. I will make this happen in broad daylight in front of all Israel.'

Why should I fast now that he is dead? Can I bring him back? Someday I will go to him. However he will not come back to me.

Do it now! This is what Jehovah said about David: 'I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and all their other enemies through my servant David.'

He removed the crown of their god Milcom from off the head of their king. The crown was made of seventy-five pounds of gold. There was a valuable jewel on it. David put the jewel on his own crown. He also carried off everything else of value.

The Ammonites saw the Syrians (Arameans) running away. They fled from Abishai and retreated into the city. Then Joab turned back from fighting the Ammonites and went back to Jerusalem.

But the poor man had only one little female lamb that he bought. He raised her, and she grew up in his home with his children. She would eat his food and drink from his cup. She rested in his arms and was like a daughter to him.

Joab came back with the whole army. He was told: Ner's son Abner came to the king. However David dismissed him and Abner left peacefully.

Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God. David and Absalom followed it.

David said: Now I ask you a question. Do not try to hide the truth! The woman replied: Please go ahead, Your Majesty.

I will never put an end to my agreement with him. I put an end to my agreement with Saul when he was king before you.

They took the head of Ishbosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, Here is the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. Jehovah has given my lord the king vengeance this day on Saul and his descendants.

The people cried loudly as David's followers left. The king crossed Kidron Brook. His men followed him. They went to the wilderness.

Joab and his men advanced to attack the Syrians. The Syrians retreated.

Assemble the rest of the troops. Surround the city and capture it. Otherwise I will capture the city. Then it will be named after me.

Ishbosheth's question made Abner very angry. Am I a dog that belongs to Judea? He asked. Until now I have been faithful to your father Saul's family, to his relatives and friends. I did not hand you over to David. But now you charge me with a crime because of this woman.

Absalom put Amasa in Joab's place as commander of the army. Amasa's father was Ithra from the family of Ishmael, and his mother was Abigal, the daughter of Nahash and the sister of Joab's mother Zeruiah.

David went into the tent he set up for the ark. Then he sat there and prayed: Jehovah All-Powerful, my family and I do not deserve what you have already done for us.

But Abishai shouted: You should be killed for cursing Jehovah's chosen king!

Nathan told David exactly what he heard in the vision.

Each one grabbed his opponent by the head. Then he stuck his sword into his opponent's side, and they fell down together. That place in Gibeon is called the Field of Enemies.

Tamar's brother Absalom said to her: How could Amnon have done such a terrible thing to you! But since he is your brother, do not tell anyone what happened. Just try not to think about it. Tamar soon moved into Absalom's house. She was always sad and lonely.

Later David asked Jehovah: Shall I go to the towns of Judah? Yes, Jehovah answered. Which one? David asked. Hebron, Jehovah told him.

David knew that Jehovah made him king of Israel and that he had made him a powerful ruler for the good of his people.

Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,

She went to the people of the city with her plan. They cut off Sheba's head and threw it over the wall to Joab. He blew the trumpet as a signal for his men to leave the city. They went back home. Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.

So David and his men crossed the Jordan. By daybreak they had all gone across.

In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months.

The king asked Ittai from Gath: Why should you go with us? Go back, and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland.

Mephibosheth was disabled. He lived in Jerusalem. He always ate at the king's table.

David went to Baal Perazim and defeated the Philistines. He said: Jehovah has overwhelmed my enemies in front of me like an overwhelming flood. That is why that place is called Baal Perazim (Master of Breaking Through)

David went to the town of Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan River with the army of Israel.

They pitched a tent for Absalom on the palace roof. There in the sight of everyone Absalom went in and had intercourse with his father's concubines.

Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abiathar the son of Ahimelech, were the priests. Seraiah was the secretary.

At that time Joab the son of Zeruiah was leading David's soldiers. The two groups met at the pool in Gibeon. Abner and his men sat down on one side of the pool and Joab and his men sat on the other side.

When the Ark of Jehovah came to the City of David, Saul's daughter Michal looked out of a window and saw King David leaping and dancing in Jehovah's presence. She despised him in her heart.

Two years later Absalom had sheep sheared at Baal Hazor, near the town of Ephraim. He invited all the king's sons to be there.

David went to the town of Mahanaim. Shobi son of Nahash came from Rabbah in Ammon, Machir son of Ammiel came from Lo-Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite came from Rogelim.

King Hadadezer sent for the Syrians (Arameans) who were on the east side of the Euphrates River. They came to Helam under the command of Shobach, commander of the army of King Hadadezer of Zobah.

Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said: Give us your advice! What should we do?

Late one afternoon, David got up from his nap and went to the palace roof. He walked around on the roof. He saw a woman taking a bath. She was very beautiful.

What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

Zadok the priest was there. He had Levites there carrying the sacred Ark of God. They set it down and did not pick it up again until all the people left the city. The priest Abiathar was there too.

David assembled the rest of the army and attacked Rabbah. He captured the city.

Now, a visitor came to the rich man. The rich man thought it would be a pity to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler. So he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the traveler.

I would like to run whatever happens, Let me run, replied Ahimaaz. Joab told him: Run! So Ahimaaz ran along the valley road and got ahead of the Sudanese messenger.

He sent messengers to tell David: I fought against Rabbah and captured the fortress guarding its water supply.

David became very angry with the rich man. He said: I swear by the living God Jehovah that the man who did this should die!

One day, David thought: I wonder if any of Saul's family is still alive. If they are I will be kind to them. This is because I made a promise to Jonathan.

The Syrians knew they had been defeated by the Israelites. They called all their troops together.

Mephibosheth grandson of Saul also came to meet David. He missed David so much that he did not take a bath or trim his beard or wash his clothes the whole time David was gone.

David promised Shimei that he would not be killed.

Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.

Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

The Philistines left their idols there. David and his men carried them all away.

Ishbosheth could not respond to a single word for he was afraid of Abner.

Twelve of Ishbosheth's men from the tribe of Benjamin got up to fight twelve of David's men.

I can rest easy now that you have given your decision. You know the difference between right and wrong just like an angel of God. I pray that Jehovah your God will be with you.

The archers on the wall shot down at your mercenaries. Some of Your Majesty's mercenaries died. Your man Uriah the Hittite also is dead.

David asked Jehovah: Shall I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me? Jehovah answered David: Attack! I will certainly deliver the Philistines to you.

Once again David consulted Jehovah. Jehovah answered David: Do not attack them from here. Go around and get ready to attack them from the other side, near the balsam trees.

For a long time when Saul was still our king, you led the people of Israel in battle. Jehovah promised you that you would lead his people and be their ruler.

David responded to Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon from Beeroth:

I Jehovah will transfer the kingship from Saul's family and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.'

Yet this was insignificant in your eyes, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah for you have spoken also of your servant's house in the distant future. And this is the law for man, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

There is no other nation on earth like Israel. This is the nation you rescued from slavery in Egypt to be your own. You became famous by using great and wonderful miracles to force other nations and their gods out of your land, so your people could live here.

There was a long war between the royal families of Saul and David. David's family became stronger and stronger. Saul's family became weaker and weaker.

Later on the king said to Joab: I have decided to do what you want. Go and get the young man Absalom and bring him back here.

Abner yelled to Joab: Let some of our best soldiers get up and fight each other! Joab agreed.

That night Jehovah said to Nathan,

and the Israelites drove the Syrian army back. David and his men killed seven hundred Syrian chariot drivers and forty thousand cavalry. They wounded Shobach, the enemy commander, who died on the battlefield.

The Philistines again attacked and overran the valley of Rephaim.

Abner sent messengers to David to speak on his behalf. Who owns this country? He asked. Make an agreement with me, he said. Then I will support you and bring all Israel to you.

In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven years and six months. In Jerusalem he ruled for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

David did what Jehovah commanded. He drove the Philistines back from Geba all the way to Gezer.

Joab quickly bowed down with his face touching the ground. He blessed the king. He said: Today I know that you have been kind to me because you did what I wanted.

I gave you his kingdom and his wives. Then I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much.

David sent messengers to Ishbosheth to give him this message: Give me back my wife Michal! I bought her for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins.

David heard of it. So he gathered the Israelite troops and crossed the Jordan River. They marched to Helam, where the Syrians took up their position facing him. The fighting began,

Fierce fighting broke out that day. In the end, David's men defeated Abner and the men of Israel.

Later the king of Ammon died. His son Hanun became king in his place.

For the sake of your Word and according to your will you have done this great thing. You have made it known to your servant!

He went to King David and said: Your Majesty, I am having my sheep sheared. Will you and your officials take part in the festivities?

Zeruiah's three sons were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fast on his feet as a wild gazelle.

I will wait at the river crossings in the wilderness until you send news.

So the Philistines camped in Rephaim Valley.

So Asahel started chasing Abner. He ran straight for him.

David was thirty years old when he became king. He ruled for forty years.

For this reason you are great, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah. There is none like you. There is no God besides you according to all that we have heard with our ears.

The Israelites under Absalom's command set up camp in the region of Gilead.

How much more should I reward wicked men who kill an innocent man on his own bed in his home? Jehovah has rescued me from every trouble. I solemnly swear, as Jehovah lives, I will now seek revenge for his murder and rid the land of you.

I once seized a man who told me that Saul had died. He thought he was bringing good news. I killed him in Ziklag to reward him for his news.

Good! David answered. I will make an agreement with you. But there is one condition: You may not come to see me unless you bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come.

The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle.

O Jehovah, you are faithful to those who are faithful to you, and completely good to those who are faultless.

Zadok and Abiathar took the Ark of the Covenant back into Jerusalem and stayed there.

Why have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle! You let the Ammonites kill him. Then you took his wife!

You chose Israel to be your people from generation to generation! You have become their God.

The watchman said: It appears the first one runs like Ahimaaz, Zadok's son. He's a good man, the king said. He must be coming with good news.

Let him do to me what he wishes if he is not pleased with me.

Twenty men accompanied Abner to see David at Hebron. David had a feast for Abner and his men.

Here is a list of what they brought: sleeping mats, blankets, bowls, pottery jars, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,

The men carrying the Ark set it in its place inside the tent David put up for it. David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings in Jehovah's presence.

Saul's son Ishbosheth heard that Abner had died in Hebron. He lost his courage, and all Israel was alarmed.

As they came to the threshing place of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Ark of the Covenant.

He led them to Baalah in Judah, in order to bring the Ark of the Covenant bearing the name of Jehovah of Hosts, whose throne is above the winged creatures.

Attack when you hear the sound of marching in the treetops. I will be marching ahead of you to defeat the Philistine army.

Jehovah sent Nathan to David. Nathan came to him and said: There were two men in a certain city. One was rich and the other was poor.

Is the young man Absalom all right? The king asked. Ahimaaz answered: I saw a lot of confusion when Joab sent me away. I did not know what it meant.

King David was settled in his palace. Jehovah kept him safe from all his enemies.

Absalom had three sons and one daughter. His daughter Tamar was a beautiful woman.

Absalom hated Amnon so much because he raped his sister Tamar. He would not speak to him anymore.

David and all the Israelites danced and sang with all their might to honor Jehovah. They played harps, lyres, drums, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals.

The king said to the prophet Nathan: I live in a house built of cedar. Yet the Ark of God is kept in a tent!

The king was shaken by the news. He went to the room above the gate and cried. My son Absalom! He said. My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!

David went home so he could ask Jehovah to bless his family. But Saul's daughter Michal went out and started yelling at him: You were really great today! She said. You acted like a dirty old man. You danced around half-naked in front of your servants' slave-girls.

Finally, Absalom told his servants: Joab's barley field is next to mine. Set it on fire! So they set it on fire.

After they left, Ahimaaz and Jonathan came up out of the cistern. Then they reported to King David. They told him what Ahithophel planned against him. They said: Hurry up and cross the river.

In fact you came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I do not even know where I am going? Go back and take your countrymen with you. May Jehovah always show you kindness.

Also honey, yogurt, sheep, and cheese. They brought food for David and the others because they knew that everyone would be hungry, tired, and thirsty from being out in the desert.

So Joab went to King David. He told him what Absalom said. The king sent for Absalom. He went to the king and bowed down to the ground in front of him. The king welcomed him with a kiss.

Abner spoke again to Asahel: If you do not turn back, I will have to kill you! Then I could never face your brother Joab again.

Abner said: Soldiers are all around us. Stop chasing me and fight one of them! Kill him and take his clothes and weapons for yourself. But Asahel refused to stop.

Your way is perfect Jehovah. Your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.

Michal, Saul's daughter, never had any children.

David gave the order for his soldiers to kill Rechab and Baanah and cut off their hands and feet. They killed them and hung their hands and feet near the pool in Hebron. They took Ishbosheth's head and buried it in Abner's tomb there at Hebron.

Is the young man Absalom all right? The king asked. The Sudanese messenger answered: May your enemies and all who turned against you be like that young man!

Absalom gave an order to his servants: Watch now and when Amnon begins to feel good from drinking too much wine, I will tell you, Attack Amnon. Then kill him. Do not be afraid. I give this order. Be strong and courageous.

As soon as the kings who were subject to Hadadezer realized that they had been defeated by the Israelites, they made peace with them and became their subjects. The Syrians were afraid to help the Ammonites any more.

Barzillai, the man from Gilead, came from Rogelim with the king to the Jordan River to send him on his way.

From time to time, he used to cut his hair because it became heavy for him. When he cut the hair on his head and weighed it, it weighed five pounds according to the king's standard.

The king said: Absalom should return to his own house. Do not let him see me. So Absalom returned to his house. He did not see the king.

Sons were born to David while he was in Hebron. His first son was Amnon, born to Ahinoam from Jezreel.

He defeated the Moabites. He made the prisoners lie down on the ground and put two out of every three of them to death. So the Moabites became his subjects and paid taxes to him.

Paltiel followed Michal and the men all the way to Bahurim. He cried all the way. But he went back home after Abner ordered him to leave.

Joab and Abishai ran after Abner. It was sun down when they arrived at the hill of Ammah. This hill is near Giah on the road to the wilderness of Gibeon.

Go tell my servant David that I say to him: 'You are not the one to build a temple for me to live in.

Ahimaaz approached the king, greeted him, and bowed down in front of him. Ahimaaz said: May Jehovah your God be praised. He has handed over the men who rebelled against Your Majesty.

Joab said: As God lives; if you had not spoken the men would have continued following their brothers.

And now, Jehovah God, please do what you have promised.

Absalom stayed in Jerusalem two years without seeing the king.

David went to Hebron. He took his two wives: Ahinoam from Jezreel, and Abigail, Nabal's widow from Carmel with him.

David answered: I danced to honor Jehovah. He chose me to be king instead of your father and his family. He made me the leader of his people Israel. I will continue to dance and honor Jehovah.

David sent a messenger to Joab, saying: Send me Uriah the Hittite. So Joab sent Uriah to David.

However, Asahel would not turn back. So Abner struck him in the stomach with the back end of his spear. The spear went all the way through and came out of his back. Asahel fell down and died. Everyone who saw Asahel lying dead just stopped and stood still.

He also said to Zadok: You are a seer, are you? Take your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan and go back to the city in peace.

For doing such a cruel thing he should pay back four times for the lamb he took, for he had no compassion.

David thought: I will show kindness to Hanun since his father Nahash showed me kindness. David sent his servants to comfort Hanun after his father's death. When David's servants entered Ammonite territory,

They took it from Abinadab's home on the hill and placed it on a new cart. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the cart.

Absalom insisted until David finally let Amnon and all his other sons go with Absalom. Absalom prepared a banquet fit for a king.

David told him: You might slow me down if you come with me.

All the elders of Israel came to King David at Hebron. He made a sacred alliance with them. They anointed him, and he became king of Israel.

So Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king. Joab refused to come. Absalom sent for him a second time. He still refused to come.

Absalom said: Will you at least let my brother Amnon come? Why should he? The king asked.

The second was Chileab, whose mother was Abigail, Nabal's widow from Carmel. The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur.

Absalom answered: You did not pay any attention when I sent for you. I want you to ask my father why he told me to come back from Geshur. I was better off there. I want to see my father now! If I am guilty, let him kill me.

He sent a messenger to find out who she was. He learned that she was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.

God arms me with strength. Your perfect way sets me free.

The king answered: No, my son. It would be too much trouble for you if we all went. Absalom insisted, but the king would not give in. So he asked Absalom to leave.

David defeated the king of the Syrian state of Zobah, Hadadezer son of Rehob. Hadadezer was on his way to restore his control over the territory by the upper Euphrates River.

Abner told David: I must go now so that I can gather all Israel for you, Your Majesty. They will make an agreement with you. You will rule over all that your heart desires. Then David dismissed Abner, who left peacefully.

David captured seventeen hundred of his cavalry and twenty thousand of his foot soldiers. He kept enough horses for a hundred chariots and crippled (hamstrung) all the rest.

Saul's son Jonathan had a son who was crippled. When the boy was five years old, the news about the death of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled to Gittaim. She was in a hurry when she left. He fell from her arms and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.

Then the Sudanese messenger came. Good news for Your Majesty! He said. Today Jehovah freed you from all who turned against you.

The men of Benjamin rallied behind Abner. They became united as one and stood on the top of a hill.

So David sent messengers to get her. She came to him and they had sexual intercourse. She had just cleansed herself after her monthly period. Then she went home.

Absalom has fled. The servant keeping the watch looked outside. He saw many people coming down the road beside the mountain west of him.

Ahimaaz spoke to Joab again: No matter what happens, I still want to run. The Ethiopian has already left. Joab said: Why should you run? You will not get a reward for the news you have!

Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there with you. You can tell them everything you hear in the palace.

Please bless my descendants and let them be your chosen kings for a very long time. You have already promised, and I am sure that you will bless my family from generation to generation.

In all my traveling with the people of Israel I never asked any of the leaders that I appointed why they had not built me a temple made of cedar.'

Then Abner called to Joab: Must the sword devour forever? Do you not understand it will be bitter to the end? How long before you command the people to return from chasing their brothers?

Uriah answered: The Ark of the Covenant and the armies of Israel and Judah are camping out somewhere in the fields with our commander Joab and his officers and troops. Do you think I would go home to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? I swear by your life that I would not!

Lord Jehovah, you are God. You have promised me some very good things, and you can be trusted to do what you promise.

You reward me because I do what is right. You know I am innocent.

Ahio walked in front.

She added: Your Majesty, May I say something? Yes, he answered.

He put his brother Abishai in command of the rest of the army and had them fight the Ammonites.

Saul's son had two men who were captains of raiding parties. One was named Baanah, and the other was named Rechab. They were the sons of Rimmon from Beeroth from the tribe of Benjamin. Beeroth was considered a part of Benjamin.

Abner looked behind and asked: Are you Asahel? He answered: I am.

Elihba from Shaalbon, Bene Jashen,

Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,

The messenger said to David: Their men overpowered us when they came to attack us in the field. Then we forced them back to the entrance of the city gate.

Just then David's men and Joab came home from a raid with a lot of plunder. Abner had been dismissed, so he was no longer with David in Hebron.

Abner also spoke to the people of Benjamin. Then Abner went directly to David in Hebron. He told him everything Israel and the entire tribe of Benjamin had approved.

David told Joab and everyone with him: Show your sorrow by tearing your clothes and wearing sackcloth! Walk in front of Abner's body and cry! David walked behind the coffin on which Abner's body was being carried.

David refused to eat anything the day of the funeral even though people tried to persuade him to eat. David vowed: May God strike me dead if I taste any food or anything else before the sun goes down.

Abner arrived in Hebron. Joab took him aside at the gate, as though he wanted to speak privately with him. There he stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner was murdered because he had killed Joab's brother Asahel.

The Ammonites realized they had made themselves repulsive to David. They hired the Arameans from Beth Rehob and Zobah, with twenty thousand foot soldiers. From the army of the king of Maacah they hired one thousand men, and twelve thousand men of Tob.

From the time I rescued the people of Israel from Egypt until now, I have never lived in a temple. I have traveled around living in a tent.

Joab went to Absalom's house and demanded: Why have your servants set my field on fire?

Now therefore, may it please you to bless the house of your servant that it may continue a long time before you. You O Lord Jehovah have spoken. May the house of your servant be blessed from generation to generation.

That night Abner and his men marched through the plains. They crossed the Jordan River and passed through the entire Bithron until they came to Mahanaim.

The woman became pregnant. So she sent someone to tell David that she was pregnant.

So Joab blew a ram's horn and all the troops stopped. They did not chase or fight Israel anymore.

Surely you know that he came to deceive you. He came to find out everything you do and everywhere you go.

Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed. He saddled his donkey and went back to his hometown. He arranged his affairs in order and he hanged himself. He was buried in the family grave.

Nathan answered: Do what you have in mind. Jehovah is with you.

Someone told David that Uriah did not go home. So the next morning David asked him: Why did you not go home? Have you been away for a long time?

You will be famous for a very long time! Everyone will say: Jehovah of Hosts rules Israel. David's descendants are his chosen kings.

David replied: This is what you are to say to Joab: 'Do not let this thing trouble you. After all a sword can kill one person as easily as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and destroy it. Say this to encourage him.'

The king asked him: Is there anyone left of Saul's family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness? I promised God I would. Ziba answered: There is still one of Jonathan's sons. He is crippled.

Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul arrived. He bowed down before David in respect. David said: Mephibosheth. He answered: I am here to serve.

The Syrians of Damascus sent an army to help King Hadadezer. David attacked it and killed twenty-two thousand men.

I will disgrace myself even more. You may think I am nothing, but those women think highly of me!

Then he set up military camps in their territory. They became his subjects and paid taxes to him. Jehovah made David victorious everywhere.

You help me run through armies and leap over city walls.

Absalom ran away to Geshur. He stayed there for three years with King Talmai the son of Ammihud.

King David also took a large quantity of copper from Betah and Berothai, Hadadezer's cities.

O Jehovah you protect me and save me. Your help has made me grow great (multiply).

The king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said: I am giving Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, everything that belonged to Saul and his family.

There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba. He was told to go to David. Are you Ziba? The king asked. I am at your service. He answered.

While they were on their way, David heard this rumor: Absalom has killed all the king's sons, and not a single one is left.

Go home, David said to Uriah, and wash your feet. Uriah left the royal palace, and the king sent a present to him.

David replied: Do not be afraid. I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul. You will always be welcome at my table.

David captured the gold shields carried by Hadadezer's officials and took them to Jerusalem.

Where is he? The king asked. Ziba answered: At the home of Machir son of Ammiel in Lodebar.

And Ira, a descendant of Jair, was a priest to David.

The people of Beeroth fled to Gittaim. They still live there today.

the Ammonite princes asked their master Hanun: Do you think David is honoring your father because he sent men to comfort you? Perhaps David sent his men to explore the city, spy on it, and destroy it.

When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the troops were and how the war was going.

Joab was in command of the army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of David's bodyguards.

Eliphelet son of Ahasbai and grandson of a man from Maacah, Eliam son of Ahithophel from Gilo,

Mephibosheth bowed again and said: I am no better than a dead dog! Why should you be so good to me?

Hanun seized David's men and shaved off half of each man's beard. He cut off their clothes from the waist down, and sent them away.

David was told what happened. He sent someone to meet them because they were deeply humiliated. The king said to them: Stay at Jericho until your beards have grown back. Then return to Jerusalem.

Your servant Joab has done this to view this matter from a different angle. You are as wise as an angel of God (messenger of God), who knows everything on earth.

The king said to him: Come with me to Jerusalem. I will take care of you.

King David sent for him.

Joab left David. Then he sent messengers to get Abner, and they brought him back from Sirah Well. David knew nothing about it.

Barzillai was a very old man. He was eighty years old. He was very rich. He supplied the king with food while he was staying at Mahanaim.

Joab went to the king and asked: What have you done? Abner came to see you. Why did you send him away?

Let the punishment for it fall on Joab and all his family! In every generation may there be some man in his family who has gonorrhea or a dreaded skin disease or is fit only to do a woman's work or is killed in battle or does not have enough to eat!

They cried for help, but there was no help. They called to you Jehovah and you did not answer.

David answered: That is fine. March on! So Ittai went on with all his men and their dependents.

You make me sure-footed as a deer. You keep me safe on the mountains.

After David heard about this, he sent Joab and all the elite troops.

Joab saw he was under attack in front and behind. He took the select troops of Israel and organized them for combat against the Arameans.

Joab and his brother Abishai took revenge and murdered Abner for killing their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.

I am already eighty years old. Nothing gives me pleasure any more. I cannot taste what I eat and drink. I cannot hear the voices of singers. I would only be a burden to my lord the king.

When David heard the news, he said: Jehovah knows that my subjects and I are completely innocent of the murder of Abner.

Let him take it all, Mephibosheth told the king. It is enough for me that you have come home safely.

But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace among his superior's mercenaries. He did not go home.

The Ammonites formed a battle line at the entrance of the city gate. The Arameans from Zobah and Rehob and the men from Tob and Maacah remained by themselves in the open country.

Jehovah lives! Blessed is my rock! May God, the rock of my salvation, be glorified.

He told you lies about me. My lord the king is like an angel of God. Do what you think is right.

Zelek from Ammon, Naharai from Beeroth, armorbearer for Zeruiah's son Joab,

David's soldiers went across the river. He stayed behind to tell Barzillai good-by and to wish him well. Barzillai returned home.

You train me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow.

There was a famine for three successive years during David's reign. David asked Jehovah for advice about it. Jehovah answered: It is because of Saul and his family. They are guilty of murder because they killed the people of Gibeon.

You could have killed anyone in my entire family. Instead you seated me with those who eat at your table. I no longer have the right to complain to my lord the king.

Jehovah became angry at Israel again. He provoked David to turn against Israel. He said: Go count the people of Israel and Judah.

By you they turn their backs and run. Those who hate me are silenced.

I will cross the river with you. But I will only go a little way on the other side. You do not have to be so kind to me.

Abiezer from Anathoth, Mebunnai son of Hushai,

David started down the other side of the Mount of Olives. He met Ziba, the chief servant of Mephibosheth. Ziba had two donkeys that were carrying two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred figs, and some wine.

You clear the way for me. I will not stumble.

I will be his father. He will be my son. When he does wrong I will correct him just as parents correct children.

You rescue the humble. You find ways to humiliate the proud.

Did Joab put you up to this? The king asked. The woman answered: I solemnly swear on your life, Your Majesty, you are absolutely right! Yes, your servant Joab ordered me to do this. He told me to say exactly what I said.

Three days later a soldier came from Saul's army. His clothes were torn and dirt was on his head. He knelt down in front of David.

The Spirit of Jehovah spoke through me. His word was on my tongue.

David said: Stay here in Jerusalem and I will send you back tomorrow. Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next day.

Saul was dead. David defeated the Amalekites and returned to Ziklag.

Absalom provided a chariot and horses for himself. He had an escort of fifty men to run ahead of him.

David was sitting between the two gates. The watchman walked along the roof of the gate by the wall. He looked at the man running alone.

Later Ahithophel said to Absalom: Let me choose twelve thousand men. Tonight I will set out after David.

David sang this song to Jehovah when Jehovah rescued him from all his enemies, especially from Saul.

Joab son of Zeruiah knew the king was still thinking about Absalom.

Zalmon descendant of Ahohi, Maharai from Netophah,

These are the last words of David: Here is the declaration by David, son of Jesse. The declaration by the man whom God raised up, whom the God of Jacob anointed, the singer of Israel's psalms:

All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said to him: We are your own flesh and blood.

David called the troops that were with him. He appointed commanders in charge of regiments and battalions.

Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was in charge of the records.

I have kept the ways of Jehovah. I have not wickedly turned away from my God.

Jehovah our God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness into light.

Heleb son of Baanah from Netophah, Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,

They brought Joab word. They said: The king weeps and mourns for Absalom.

David had a beautiful daughter named Tamar. She was Absalom's sister. She was also the half sister of Amnon. Amnon fell in love with her.

A worthless character named Sheba son of Bikri lived at Gilgal. He was of the tribe of Benjamin. He blew the trumpet and called out: Down with David! We will not follow him! Men of Israel, let us go home!

Once again David called together the best soldiers in Israel, a total of thirty thousand men.

He said: Jehovah is my rock and my fortress. He is my Savior,

These are the names of David's warriors: Ishbosheth son of Hachmon was the leader of the Three Warriors. In one battle, he killed eight hundred men with his spear.

David said to Nathan: I have sinned against Jehovah. Nathan replied: Jehovah has taken away your sin. You will not die.

You are that man! Nathan said to David. And this is what the Lord Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul.

David went up the slope of the Mount of Olives. He was barefoot and crying. He covered his head to show his sorrow. Everyone with him was crying. They covered their heads too.

There was another battle with the Philistines at Gob. Elhanan son of Jair from Bethlehem killed Goliath from Gath. Goliath's spear had a shaft as thick as the bar on a weaver's loom.

You are pure to those who are pure, but hostile to those who are wicked.

Jonathan son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite,

No! The king said to Araunah. I must buy it from you at a fair price. I will not offer Jehovah my God burnt sacrifices that cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the cattle for one and one quarter pounds of silver.

Someone told David: Ahithophel is helping Absalom conspire against you! David said: Please Jehovah keep Ahithophel's plans from working!

When the angel stretched out his arm to destroy Jerusalem, Jehovah changed his mind about the disaster. Enough! He said to the angel who was destroying the people. Put down your weapon. The angel of Jehovah was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

My God, My rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge. He is my Savior who saved me from violence.

We each must die and disappear like water poured out on the ground. But God does not take our lives. Instead, he figures out ways of bringing us back when we run away.

Tamar was a virgin. Amnon could not think of a way to be alone with her. He was so upset about it that he made himself sick.

Who is God but Jehovah? Who is a rock other than our God?

Gad told David the three choices as follows: Seven years of famine could come to you and your land. You could flee from your enemies as they pursue you for three months. Or there could be a three-day plague in your land? Think it over, and decide what answer I should give the one who sent me.

David reached the top of the Mount of Olives. He met Hushai the Archite at a place of worship. Hushai's robe was torn, and dust was on his head.

Joab sent someone to Tekoa to get a wise woman from there. He told her: Please act like a mourner. Dress in mourning clothes. Do not use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time.

No one in all Israel was praised for his good looks as much as Absalom was. He had no blemish from head to toe.

Wearing a linen ephod, David danced in Jehovah's presence with all his might.

King David arrived at Bahurim. A man who was a distant cousin of Saul came out cursing. His name was Shimei, son of Gera.

David assigned a third of the troops under Joab's command. He put another third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah. Then he placed the last third under Ittai from Gath. I am going into battle with you, the king said to the troops.

He would rise early in the morning and stand by the road at the city gate. When someone came there with a dispute that he wanted the king to settle, Absalom would call him over and ask him where he was from. After the man told him what tribe he was from,

Joab told David: In Israel there is eight hundred thousand who can serve in the army. In Judah there are five hundred thousand.

King David said to Joab the commander of the army: Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and count the people. That way I will know how many there are.

After David had everyone counted, he felt guilty and told Jehovah: What I did was stupid and terribly wrong. Jehovah, please forgive me.

Sheva was the court secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.

The God of Israel has spoken. The protector of Israel said to me: 'The king who rules with justice, who rules in obedience to God.

Abi Albon from Beth Arabah, Azmaveth from Bahurim,

Gad came to David and said: Go, set up an altar for Jehovah at Araunah the Jebusite's threshing floor.

Absalom happened to come face to face with some of David's men. He was riding on a mule. The mule went under the tangled branches of a large tree. Absalom's head became caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair when the mule under him ran away.

That is how God will bless my descendants. He made an eternal covenant with me. It is an agreement that will not be broken, a promise that will not be changed. That is all I desire. That will be my victory, and God will surely bring it about.

I am in a desperate situation, David told Gad. Please let us fall into Jehovah's hands because he is very merciful. But do not let me fall into human hands.

The king ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake. All the troops heard him give the commanders this order regarding Absalom.

The Gibeonites were not a part of Israel but were left over from the Amorites. The Israelites swore to spare them. Saul, in his eagerness, tried to destroy them for Israel and Judah. The king called the Gibeonites.

What is all this? David asked. Ziba said: The donkeys are for your family to ride. The bread and fruit are for the people to eat. The wine is for them to drink in the desert when they are tired out.

So Jehovah sent a plague among the Israelites from that morning until the time he had chosen. Of the people from Dan to Beersheba, seventy thousand died.

Saul and Rizpah the daughter of Aiah had two sons named Armoni and Mephibosheth. Saul's daughter Merab had five sons whose father was Adriel the son of Barzillai from Meholah. David took Rizpah's two sons and Merab's five sons.

Amnon had a friend named Jonadab. He was the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab usually knew how to get what he wanted.

King David longed for Absalom once people had consoled him over Amnon's death.

After four years Absalom said to King David: My lord let me go to Hebron and keep a promise I made to Jehovah.

The king said to Zadok: Take the Ark of the Covenant back to the city. If Jehovah is pleased with me he will let me come back to see it and the place where it stays.

Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David and his men went to fight the Philistines. David became exhausted.

You rode on the angels as you flew. You soared on the wings of the wind.