II Samuel
1:1 Now
it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter
of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
1:2
It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man
came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head:
and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did reverence.
1:3 And
David said unto him, From whence come you? And he said unto him, Out of the camp
of Israel am I escaped.
1:4
And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray you,
tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of
the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
1:5 And
David said unto the young man that told him, How know you that Saul and Jonathan
his son be dead?
1:6 And
the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold,
Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after
him.
1:7 And
when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here
am I.
1:8 And
he said unto me, Who are you? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
1:9
He said unto me again, Stand, I pray you, upon me, and slay
me: for anguish has come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
1:10 So I
stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after
that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet
that was on his arm, and have brought them here unto my lord.
1:11
Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and
likewise all the men that were with him:
1:12
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul,
and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of
Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
1:13
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence
are you? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
1:14
And David said unto him, How were you not afraid to stretch
forth yours hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?
1:15
And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near,
and fall upon him. And he stroke him that he died.
1:16
And David said unto him, Your blood be upon your head; for
your mouth has testified against you, saying, I have slain the LORD's anointed.
1:17 And
David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
1:18 (Also
he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written
in the book of Jasher.)
1:19
The beauty of Israel is slain upon your high places: how
are the mighty fallen!
1:20
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon;
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised
triumph.
1:21 All
of you mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon
you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast
away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
1:22 From
the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned
not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
1:23
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives,
and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they
were stronger than lions.
1:24
All of you daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed
you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
1:25 How
are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, you were slain in
yours high places.
1:26
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant
have you been unto me: your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
1:27 How
are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
2:1
And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the
LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said
unto him, Go up. And David said, Where shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
2:2 So
David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail
Nabal's wife the Carmelite.
2:3
And his men that were with him did David bring up, every
man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.
2:4
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David
king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead
were they that buried Saul.
2:5
And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead,
and said unto them, Blessed be all of you of the LORD, that all of you have showed
this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
2:6
And now the LORD show kindness and truth unto you: and I
also will requite you this kindness, because all of you have done this thing.
2:7 Therefore
now let your hands be strengthened, and be all of you valiant: for your master
Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.
2:8 But Abner
the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought
him over to Mahanaim;
2:9
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and
over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
2:10 Ishbosheth
Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned
two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
2:11
And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house
of Judah was seven years and six months.
2:12
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth
the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
2:13
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David,
went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on
the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
2:14 And
Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab
said, Let them arise.
2:15
Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin,
which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
2:16 And
they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's
side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim,
which is in Gibeon.
2:17
And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was
beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
2:18
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai,
and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
2:19
And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not
to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
2:20
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Are you Asahel?
And he answered, I am.
2:21
And Abner said to him, Turn you aside to your right hand
or to your left, and lay you hold on one of the young men, and take you his armour.
But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
2:22
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following
me: wherefore should I strike you to the ground? how then should I hold up my
face to Joab your brother?
2:23
Nevertheless he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with
the hinder end of the spear stroke him under the fifth rib, that the spear came
out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came
to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood
still.
2:24 Joab
also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come
to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
2:25 And
the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became
one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.
2:26
Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour
for ever? know you not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long
shall it be then, before you bid the people return from following their brethren?
2:27 And
Joab said, As God lives, unless you had spoken, surely then in the morning the
people had gone up every one from following his brother.
2:28
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still,
and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
2:29
And Abner and his men walked all that night through the
plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to
Mahanaim.
2:30 And
Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together,
there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.
2:31
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of
Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.
2:32
And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his
father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they
came to Hebron at break of day.
3:1
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the
house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed
weaker and weaker.
3:2
And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn
was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
3:3
And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the
Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king
of Geshur;
3:4 And
the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of
Abital;
3:5 And
the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
3:6 And
it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of
David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
3:7
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter
of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore have you gone in unto my father's
concubine?
3:8 Then
was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head,
which against Judah do show kindness this day unto the house of Saul your father,
to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand
of David, that you charge me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
3:9 So do
God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD has sworn to David, even so I
do to him;
3:10 To
translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David
over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
3:11
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared
him.
3:12 And
Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying
also, Make your league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring
about all Israel unto you.
3:13
And he said, Well; I will make a league with you: but one
thing I require of you, that is, You shall not see my face, except you first bring
Michal Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face.
3:14
And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying,
Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of
the Philistines.
3:15 And
Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of
Laish.
3:16 And
her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner
unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
3:17
And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying,
All of you sought for David in times past to be king over you:
3:18
Now then do it: for the LORD has spoken of David, saying,
By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of
the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
3:19
And Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner
went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel,
and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
3:20
So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him.
And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
3:21
And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will
gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with you,
and that you may reign over all that yours heart desires. And David sent Abner
away; and he went in peace.
3:22
And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing
a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David
in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
3:23
When Joab and all the host that was with him were come,
they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent
him away, and he is gone in peace.
3:24
Then Joab came to the king, and said, What have you done?
behold, Abner came unto you; why is it that you have sent him away, and he is
quite gone?
3:25 You
know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going
out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.
3:26
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers
after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it
not.
3:27 And
when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with
him quietly, and stroke him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood
of Asahel his brother.
3:28
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom
are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
3:29 Let
it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not
fail from the house of Joab one that has an issue, or that is a leper, or that
leans on a staff, or that falls on the sword, or that lacks bread.
3:30
So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he
had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
3:31
And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were
with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.
And king David himself followed the bier.
3:32
And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up
his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
3:33
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as
a fool dies?
3:34 Your
hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters: as a man falls before wicked
men, so fell you. And all the people wept again over him.
3:35
And when all the people came to cause David to eat food
while it was yet day, David swore, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if
I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
3:36
And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them:
as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
3:37
For all the people and all Israel understood that day that
it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
3:38
And the king said unto his servants, Know all of you not
that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
3:39
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these
men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of
evil according to his wickedness.
4:1
And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron,
his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
4:2
And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands:
the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of
Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned
to Benjamin.
4:3 And
the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)
4:4 And Jonathan,
Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the
tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and
fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became
lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
4:5
And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah,
went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on
a bed at noon.
4:6 And
they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched
wheat; and they stroke him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother
escaped.
4:7 For
when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they stroke
him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and got them away through
the plain all night.
4:8
And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron,
and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul yours enemy,
which sought your life; and the LORD has avenged my lord the king this day of
Saul, and of his seed.
4:9
And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons
of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD lives, who has redeemed
my soul out of all adversity,
4:10
When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking
to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who
thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
4:11
How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person
in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of
your hand, and take you away from the earth?
4:12
And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and
cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron.
But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the tomb of Abner in Hebron.
5:1 Then
came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold,
we are your bone and your flesh.
5:2
Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were
he that led out and brought in Israel: and the LORD said to you, You shall feed
my people Israel, and you shall be a captain over Israel.
5:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron;
and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed
David king over Israel.
5:4
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he
reigned forty years.
5:5
In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months:
and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.
5:6 And
the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of
the land: which spoke unto David, saying, Except you take away the blind and the
lame, you shall not come in here: thinking, David cannot come in here.
5:7 Nevertheless
David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
5:8
And David said on that day, Whosoever gets up to the watercourse,
and strikes the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind that are hated of David's
soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame
shall not come into the house.
5:9
So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David.
And David built round about from Millo and inward.
5:10
And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts
was with him.
5:11 And
Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters,
and stone workers: and they built David an house.
5:12
And David perceived that the LORD had established him king
over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
5:13 And
David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from
Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
5:14
And these be the names of those that were born unto him
in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
5:15
Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
5:16 And
Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
5:17
But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David
king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of
it, and went down to the hold.
5:18
The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley
of Rephaim.
5:19 And
David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? will you
deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless
deliver the Philistines into yours hand.
5:20
And David came to Baalperazim, and David stroke them there,
and said, The LORD has broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach
of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.
5:21
And there they left their images, and David and his men
burned them.
5:22 And
the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
5:23 And
when David enquired of the LORD, he said, You shall not go up; but fetch a compass
behind them, and come upon them opposite to the mulberry trees.
5:24
And let it be, when you hear the sound of a going in the
tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall bestir yourself: for then shall
the LORD go out before you, to strike the host of the Philistines.
5:25
And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and stroke
the Philistines from Geba until you come to Gazer.
6:1
Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel,
thirty thousand.
6:2 And
David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah,
to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the
LORD of hosts that dwells between the cherubims.
6:3
And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought
it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons
of Abinadab, drove the new cart.
6:4
And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was
at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.
6:5 And David
and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments
made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets,
and on cymbals.
6:6 And
when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark
of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
6:7
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and
God stroke him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
6:8 And David
was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the
name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.
6:9
And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How
shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
6:10
So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into
the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
6:11 And
the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months:
and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.
6:12
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD has blessed
the house of Obededom, and all that pertains unto him, because of the ark of God.
So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the
city of David with gladness.
6:13
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD
had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
6:14
And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and
David was girded with a linen ephod.
6:15
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark
of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
6:16
And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David,
Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and
dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
6:17
And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his
place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David
offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
6:18
And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings
and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
6:19 And
he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well
to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh,
and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
6:20 Then
David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out
to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered
himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain
fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!
6:21
And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which
chose me before your father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over
the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.
6:22 And
I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of
the maidservants which you have spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
6:23 Therefore
Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
7:1
And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and
the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;
7:2
That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell
in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains.
7:3
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in yours
heart; for the LORD is with you.
7:4
And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD
came unto Nathan, saying,
7:5
Go and tell my servant David, Thus says the LORD, Shall
you build me an house for me to dwell in?
7:6
Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that
I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked
in a tent and in a tabernacle.
7:7
In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children
of Israel spoke I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to
feed my people Israel, saying, Why build all of you not me an house of cedar?
7:8 Now
therefore so shall you say unto my servant David, Thus says the LORD of hosts,
I took you from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people,
over Israel:
7:9 And
I was with you anywhere you went, and have cut off all yours enemies out of your
sight, and have made you a great name, like unto the name of the great men that
are in the earth.
7:10
Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and
will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more;
neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as in time past,
7:11 And
as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have
caused you to rest from all yours enemies. Also the LORD tells you that he will
make you an house.
7:12
And when your days be fulfilled, and you shall sleep with
your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, which shall proceed out of your
bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
7:13
He shall build an house for my name, and I will establish
the throne of his kingdom for ever.
7:14
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit
iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the
children of men:
7:15 But
my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away
before you.
7:16 And
yours house and your kingdom shall be established for ever before you: your throne
shall be established for ever.
7:17
According to all these words, and according to all this
vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
7:18
Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he
said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that you have brought me until
now?
7:19 And
this was yet a small thing in your sight, O Lord GOD; but you have spoken also
of your servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man,
O Lord GOD?
7:20 And
what can David say more unto you? for you, Lord GOD, know your servant.
7:21 For
your word's sake, and according to yours own heart, have you done all these great
things, to make your servant know them.
7:22
Wherefore you are great, O LORD God: for there is none like
you, neither is there any God beside you, according to all that we have heard
with our ears.
7:23 And
what one nation in the earth is like your people, even like Israel, whom God went
to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great
things and terrible, for your land, before your people, which you redeemed to
you from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?
7:24
For you have confirmed to yourself your people Israel to
be a people unto you for ever: and you, LORD, are become their God.
7:25
And now, O LORD God, the word that you have spoken concerning
your servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as you have
said.
7:26 And
let your name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over
Israel: and let the house of your servant David be established before you.
7:27 For
you, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, have revealed to your servant, saying, I
will build you an house: therefore has your servant found in his heart to pray
this prayer unto you.
7:28
And now, O Lord GOD, you are that God, and your words be
true, and you have promised this goodness unto your servant:
7:29
Therefore now let it please you to bless the house of your
servant, that it may continue for ever before you: for you, O Lord GOD, have spoken
it: and with your blessing let the house of your servant be blessed for ever.
8:1 And
after this it came to pass that David stroke the Philistines, and subdued them:
and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.
8:2
And he stroke Moab, and measured them with a line, casting
them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and
with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants,
and brought gifts.
8:3
David stroke also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah,
as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.
8:4
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred
horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David cut the hamstrings of all the
chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.
8:5
And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer
king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.
8:6 Then
David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David,
and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David anywhere he went.
8:7
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants
of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
8:8
And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer,
king David took exceeding much brass.
8:9
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all
the host of Hadadezer,
8:10
Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him,
and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for
Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and
vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
8:11
Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the
silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;
8:12 Of Syria,
and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek,
and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
8:13
And David got him a name when he returned from smiting of
the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.
8:14
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he
garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved
David anywhere he went.
8:15
And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment
and justice unto all his people.
8:16
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat
the son of Ahilud was recorder;
8:17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar,
were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
8:18
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites
and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
9:1
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house
of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?
9:2
And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name
was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Are
you Ziba? And he said, Your servant is he.
9:3
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of
Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king,
Jonathan has yet a son, which is lame on his feet.
9:4
And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto
the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.
9:5 Then
king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel,
from Lodebar.
9:6 Now
when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David,
he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered,
Behold your servant!
9:7
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show
you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore you all the land
of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.
9:8 And he
bowed himself, and said, What is your servant, that you should look upon such
a dead dog as I am?
9:9
Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto
him, I have given unto your master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all
his house.
9:10 You
therefore, and your sons, and your servants, shall till the land for him, and
you shall bring in the fruits, that your master's son may have food to eat: but
Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had
fifteen sons and twenty servants.
9:11
Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord
the king has commanded his servant, so shall your servant do. As for Mephibosheth,
said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.
9:12
And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha.
And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
9:13 So Mephibosheth
dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame
on both his feet.
10:1
And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children
of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his position.
10:2
Then said David, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son
of Nahash, as his father showed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him
by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the
land of the children of Ammon.
10:3
And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun
their lord, Think you that David does honour your father, that he has sent comforters
unto you? has not David rather sent his servants unto you, to search the city,
and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
10:4
Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the
one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their
buttocks, and sent them away.
10:5
When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because
the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards
be grown, and then return.
10:6
And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before
David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians
of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob
twelve thousand men.
10:7
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host
of the mighty men.
10:8
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in
array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and
Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
10:9
When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him
before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array
against the Syrians:
10:10
And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of
Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
10:11 And
he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then you shall help me: but if the
children of Ammon be too strong for you, then I will come and help you.
10:12 Be
of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of
our God: and the LORD do that which seems him good.
10:13
And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto
the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.
10:14
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were
fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned
from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
10:15
And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel,
they gathered themselves together.
10:16
And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were
beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host
of Hadarezer went before them.
10:17
And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together,
and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array
against David, and fought with him.
10:18
And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men
of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and stroke
Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
10:19
And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw
that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served
them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
11:1
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the
time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with
him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah.
But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
11:2
And it came to pass in an evening-time, that David arose
from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof
he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
11:3 And
David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba,
the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
11:4
And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in
unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and
she returned unto her house.
11:5
And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said,
I am with child.
11:6 And
David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to
David.
11:7 And
when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the
people did, and how the war prospered.
11:8
And David said to Uriah, Go down to your house, and wash
your feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him
a portion of food from the king.
11:9
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all
the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.
11:10
And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down
unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Came you not from your journey? why then
did you not go down unto yours house?
11:11
And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah,
abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in
the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to
lie with my wife? as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.
11:12 And
David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and tomorrow I will let you depart.
So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the next day.
11:13
And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before
him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the
servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.
11:14
And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter
to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
11:15
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set all of you Uriah
in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire all of you from him, that he
may be smitten, and die.
11:16
And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he
assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.
11:17
And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab:
and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite
died also.
11:18 Then
Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;
11:19
And charged the messenger, saying, When you have made an
end of telling the matters of the war unto the king,
11:20
And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto
you, Wherefore approached all of you so nigh unto the city when all of you did
fight? knew all of you not that they would shoot from the wall?
11:21
Who stroke Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a
woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez?
why went all of you nigh the wall? then say you, Your servant Uriah the Hittite
is dead also.
11:22 So
the messenger went, and came and showed David all that Joab had sent him for.
11:23 And
the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out
unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.
11:24 And
the shooters shot from off the wall upon your servants; and some of the king's
servants be dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
11:25
Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shall you say unto
Joab, Let not this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another:
make your battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage
you him.
11:26 And
when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for
her husband.
11:27 And
when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became
his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the
LORD.
12:1 And
the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There
were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
12:2
The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
12:3 But
the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished
up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his
own food, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as
a daughter.
12:4 And
there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock
and of his own herd, to dress for the travelling man that was come unto him; but
took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
12:5 And
David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the
LORD lives, the man that has done this thing shall surely die:
12:6
And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this
thing, and because he had no pity.
12:7
And Nathan said to David, You are the man. Thus says the
LORD God of Israel, I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of
the hand of Saul;
12:8
And I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives
into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had
been too little, I would moreover have given unto you such and such things.
12:9 Wherefore
have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? you have
killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife,
and have slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
12:10
Now therefore the sword shall never depart from yours house;
because you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to
be your wife.
12:11 Thus
says the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of yours own house,
and I will take your wives before yours eyes, and give them unto your neighbour,
and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.
12:12
For you did it secretly: but I will do this thing before
all Israel, and before the sun.
12:13
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.
And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not
die.
12:14 Nevertheless,
because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD
to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto you shall surely die.
12:15
And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck
the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
12:16
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted,
and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
12:17
And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise
him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
12:18 And
it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David
feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child
was yet alive, we spoke unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how
will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
12:19
But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived
that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child
dead? And they said, He is dead.
12:20
Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed
himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped:
then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him,
and he did eat.
12:21 Then
said his servants unto him, What thing is this that you have done? you did fast
and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, you did
rise and eat bread.
12:22
And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and
wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child
may live?
12:23 But
now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go
to him, but he shall not return to me.
12:24
And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto
her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and
the LORD loved him.
12:25
And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called
his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.
12:26
And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon,
and took the royal city.
12:27
And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought
against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters.
12:28
Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and
camp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after
my name.
12:29 And
David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against
it, and took it.
12:30
And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight
whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's
head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
12:31
And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put
them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them
pass through the brick-kiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children
of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.
13:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of
David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved
her.
13:2 And
Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin;
and Amnon thought it hard for him to do anything to her.
13:3
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son
of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle man.
13:4
And he said unto him, Why are you, being the king's son,
lean from day to day? will you not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar,
my brother Absalom's sister.
13:5
And Jonadab said unto him, Lay you down on your bed, and
make yourself sick: and when your father comes to see you, say unto him, I pray
you, let my sister Tamar come, and give me food, and dress the food in my sight,
that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
13:6
So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king
was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray you, let Tamar my sister
come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
13:7 Then
David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to your brother Amnon's house, and dress
him food.
13:8 So
Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour,
and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
13:9
And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but
he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out
every man from him.
13:10
And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the food into the chamber,
that I may eat of yours hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and
brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
13:11
And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold
of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
13:12
And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me;
for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not you this folly.
13:13
And I, where shall I cause my shame to go? and as for you,
you shall be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray you, speak unto
the king; for he will not withhold me from you.
13:14
Nevertheless he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being
stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
13:15
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith
he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said
unto her, Arise, be gone.
13:16
And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending
me away is greater than the other that you did unto me. But he would not hearken
unto her.
13:17 Then
he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out
from me, and bolt the door after her.
13:18
And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with
such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant
brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
13:19
And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of
divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
13:20 And
Absalom her brother said unto her, Has Amnon your brother been with you? but hold
now your peace, my sister: he is your brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar
remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
13:21
But when king David heard of all these things, he was very
angry.
13:22 And
Absalom spoke unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon,
because he had forced his sister Tamar.
13:23
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had
sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the
king's sons.
13:24 And
Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, your servant has sheepshearers;
let the king, I plead to you, and his servants go with your servant.
13:25
And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all
now go, lest we be chargeable unto you. And he pressed him: nevertheless he would
not go, but blessed him.
13:26
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray you, let my brother Amnon
go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with you?
13:27
But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's
sons go with him.
13:28
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark all
of you now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Strike
Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be
valiant.
13:29 And
the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the
king's sons arose, and every man got him up upon his mule, and fled.
13:30
And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings
came to David, saying, Absalom has slain all the king's sons, and there is not
one of them left.
13:31
Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the
earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
13:32
And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered
and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's
sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this has been
determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
13:33
Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to
his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
13:34 But
Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked,
and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
13:35 And
Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as your servant said,
so it is.
13:36 And
it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the
king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all
his servants wept very sore.
13:37
But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud,
king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
13:38
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three
years.
13:39 And
the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning
Amnon, seeing he was dead.
14:1
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart
was toward Absalom.
14:2
And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman,
and said unto her, I pray you, feign yourself to be a mourner, and put on now
mourning apparel, and anoint not yourself with oil, but be as a woman that had
a long time mourned for the dead:
14:3
And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him.
So Joab put the words in her mouth.
14:4
And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king, she fell
on her face to the ground, and did reverence, and said, Help, O king.
14:5 And
the king said unto her, What disturbs you? And she answered, I am indeed a widow
woman, and mine husband is dead.
14:6
And your handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together
in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one stroke the other, and
slew him.
14:7 And,
behold, the whole family has risen against yours handmaid, and they said, Deliver
him that stroke his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother
whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal
which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon
the earth.
14:8 And
the king said unto the woman, Go to yours house, and I will give charge concerning
you.
14:9 And
the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me,
and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.
14:10
And the king said, Whoever says ought unto you, bring him
to me, and he shall not touch you any more.
14:11
Then said she, I pray you, let the king remember the LORD
your God, that you would not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more,
lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD lives, there shall not one
hair of your son fall to the earth.
14:12
Then the woman said, Let yours handmaid, I pray you, speak
one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.
14:13
And the woman said, Wherefore then have you thought such
a thing against the people of God? for the king does speak this thing as one which
is faulty, in that the king does not fetch home again his banished.
14:14
For we must essentially die, and are as water spilt on the
ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither does God respect any person:
yet does he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.
14:15 Now
therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because
the people have made me afraid: and your handmaid said, I will now speak unto
the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.
14:16 For
the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would
destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.
14:17
Then yours handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall
now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern
good and bad: therefore the LORD your God will be with you.
14:18
Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not
from me, I pray you, the thing that I shall ask you. And the woman said, Let my
lord the king now speak.
14:19
And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with you in all
this? And the woman answered and said, As your soul lives, my lord the king, none
can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king has
spoken: for your servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth
of yours handmaid:
14:20
To fetch about this form of speech has your servant Joab
done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God,
to know all things that are in the earth.
14:21
And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this
thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
14:22
And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself,
and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day your servant knows that I have found
grace in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request
of his servant.
14:23 So
Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
14:24
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let
him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's
face.
14:25 But
in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty:
from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in
him.
14:26 And
when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because
the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his
head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.
14:27
And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter,
whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
14:28
So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not
the king's face.
14:29
Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the
king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he
would not come.
14:30 Therefore
he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there;
go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
14:31
Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and
said unto him, Wherefore have your servants set my field on fire?
14:32
And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto you, saying,
Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur?
it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the
king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.
14:33
So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had
called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the
ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.
15:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him
chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
15:2
And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the
gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king
for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city are you? And
he said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
15:3
And Absalom said unto him, See, your matters are good and
right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear you.
15:4
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the
land, that every man which has any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would
do him justice!
15:5 And
it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him reverence, he put forth
his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
15:6
And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to
the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
15:7 And
it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray you,
let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.
15:8 For
your servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD
shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.
15:9 And
the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
15:10 But
Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as all
of you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all of you shall say, Absalom reigns
in Hebron.
15:11 And
with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they
went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
15:12
And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor,
from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy
was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
15:13
And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts
of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
15:14
And David said unto all his servants that were with him
at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom:
make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and
strike the city with the edge of the sword.
15:15
And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, your
servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
15:16
And the king went forth, and all his household after him.
And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
15:17 And
the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that
was far off.
15:18 And
all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites,
and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on
before the king.
15:19
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore go you
also with us? return to your place, and abide with the king: for you are a stranger,
and also an exile.
15:20
Whereas you came but yesterday, should I this day make you
go up and down with us? seeing I go where I may, return you, and take back your
brethren: mercy and truth be with you.
15:21
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD lives,
and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king shall be,
whether in death or life, even there also will your servant be.
15:22
And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the
Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.
15:23 And
all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king
also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward
the way of the wilderness.
15:24
And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing
the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar
went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
15:25
And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God
into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me
again, and show me both it, and his habitation:
15:26
But if he thus say, I have no delight in you; behold, here
am I, let him do to me as seems good unto him.
15:27
The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Are not you a
seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your
son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
15:28
See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until
there come word from you to certify me.
15:29
Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again
to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
15:30
And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept
as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people
that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they
went up.
15:31 And
one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And
David said, O LORD, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
15:32 And
it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped
God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth
upon his head:
15:33 Unto
whom David said, If you pass on with me, then you shall be a burden unto me:
15:34 But
if you return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be your servant, O king;
as I have been your father's servant until now, so will I now also be your servant:
then may you for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
15:35
And have you not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the priests?
therefore it shall be, that whatsoever you shall hear out of the king's house,
you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
15:36
Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz
Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them all of you shall send unto
me every thing that all of you can hear.
15:37
So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom
came into Jerusalem.
16:1
And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold,
Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and
upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and
an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
16:2
And the king said unto Ziba, What mean you by these? And
Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and
summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in
the wilderness may drink.
16:3
And the king said, And where is your master's son? And Ziba
said unto the king, Behold, he abides at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall
the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.
16:4
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, yours are all that pertained
unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly plead to you that I may find grace
in your sight, my lord, O king.
16:5
And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came
out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of
Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
16:6
And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of
king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and
on his left.
16:7 And
thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, you bloody man, and you man
of Belial:
16:8 The
LORD has returned upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose position
you have reigned; and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom
your son: and, behold, you are taken in your mischief, because you are a bloody
man.
16:9 Then
said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse
my lord the king? let me go over, I pray you, and take off his head.
16:10
And the king said, What have I to do with you, all of you
sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD has said unto him, Curse David.
Who shall then say, Wherefore have you done so?
16:11
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold,
my son, which came out of my bowels, seeks my life: how much more now may this
Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him.
16:12 It
may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite
me good for his cursing this day.
16:13
And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along
on the hill's side opposite to him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at
him, and cast dust.
16:14
And the king, and all the people that were with him, came
weary, and refreshed themselves there.
16:15
And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came
to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
16:16
And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend,
was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save
the king.
16:17 And
Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? why went you not
with your friend?
16:18
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and
this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will
I abide.
16:19 And
again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as
I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence.
16:20 Then
said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.
16:21
And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto your father's
concubines, which he has left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that
you are abhorred of your father: then shall the hands of all that are with you
be strong.
16:22 So
they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto
his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.
16:23
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those
days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel
of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
17:1
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose
out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
17:2 And
I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid:
and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will strike the king only:
17:3 And
I will bring back all the people unto you: the man whom you seek is as if all
returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
17:4
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders
of Israel.
17:5 Then
said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what
he says.
17:6 And
when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke unto him, saying, Ahithophel has
spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak you.
17:7 And
Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good at
this time.
17:8 For,
said Hushai, you know your father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they
be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and your
father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
17:9
Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place:
and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever
hears it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
17:10 And
he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly
melt: for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and they which be
with him are valiant men.
17:11
Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered
unto you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude;
and that you go to battle in yours own person.
17:12
So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be
found, and we will light upon him as the dew falls on the ground: and of him and
of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.
17:13 Moreover,
if he be got into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and
we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
17:14 And
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better
than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good
counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.
17:15 Then
said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel
counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
17:16 Now
therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains
of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and
all the people that are with him.
17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might
not be seen to come into the city: and a maid servant went and told them; and
they went and told king David.
17:18
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they
went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had
a well in his court; where they went down.
17:19
And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's
mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
17:20
And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house,
they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be
gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them,
they returned to Jerusalem.
17:21
And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they
came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise,
and pass quickly over the water: for thus has Ahithophel counselled against you.
17:22 Then
David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan:
by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.
17:23 And
when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and
arose, and got him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order,
and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the tomb of his father.
17:24 Then
David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of
Israel with him.
17:25
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab:
which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to
Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.
17:26
So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
17:27 And
it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash
of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and
Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
17:28
Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat,
and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentils, and parched vegetables,
17:29 And
honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of cattle, for David, and for the people
that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and
thirsty, in the wilderness.
18:1
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set
captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds over them.
18:2
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the
hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's
brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said
unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
18:3
But the people answered, You shall not go forth: for if
we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they
care for us: but now you are worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better
that you help us out of the city.
18:4
And the king said unto them, What seems you best I will
do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds
and by thousands.
18:5
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying,
Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people
heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
18:6
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and
the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
18:7
Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants
of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
18:8 For
the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood
devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
18:9
And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode
upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his
head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth;
and the mule that was under him went away.
18:10
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold,
I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
18:11
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, you
saw him, and why did you not strike him there to the ground? and I would have
given you ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
18:12
And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand
shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the
king's son: for in our hearing the king charged you and Abishai and Ittai, saying,
Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
18:13
Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own
life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and you yourself would have set
yourself against me.
18:14
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with you. And he took
three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he
was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
18:15
And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about
and stroke Absalom, and slew him.
18:16
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from
pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.
18:17
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in
the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every
one to his tent.
18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for
himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep
my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is
called unto this day, Absalom's place.
18:19
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and
bear the king tidings, how that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.
18:20 And
Joab said unto him, You shall not bear tidings this day, but you shall bear tidings
another day: but this day you shall bear no tidings, because the king's son is
dead.
18:21 Then
said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what you have seen. And Cushi bowed himself
unto Joab, and ran.
18:22
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But
howsoever, let me, I pray you, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore
will you run, my son, seeing that you have no tidings ready?
18:23
But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him,
Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran Cushi.
18:24
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went
up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked,
and behold a man running alone.
18:25
And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king
said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came swiftly, and
drew near.
18:26 And
the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the gate keeper,
and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also brings
tidings.
18:27 And
the watchman said, It seems to me that the running of the foremost is like the
running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and
comes with good tidings.
18:28
And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well.
And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed
be the LORD your God, which has delivered up the men that lifted up their hand
against my lord the king.
18:29
And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz
answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me your servant, I saw a great
tumult, but I knew not what it was.
18:30
And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here.
And he turned aside, and stood still.
18:31
And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord
the king: for the LORD has avenged you this day of all them that rose up against
you.
18:32 And
the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The
enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against you to do you hurt, be
as that young man is.
18:33
And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber
over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son,
my son Absalom! would God I had died for you, O Absalom, my son, my son!
19:1 And
it was told Joab, Behold, the king weeps and mourns for Absalom.
19:2
And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all
the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his
son.
19:3 And
the people got them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed
steal away when they flee in battle.
19:4
But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a
loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
19:5
And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, You
have shamed this day the faces of all your servants, which this day have saved
your life, and the lives of your sons and of your daughters, and the lives of
your wives, and the lives of your concubines;
19:6
In that you love yours enemies, and hate your friends. For
you have declared this day, that you regard neither princes nor servants: for
this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day,
then it had pleased you well.
19:7
Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto
your servants: for I swear by the LORD, if you go not forth, there will not tarry
one with you this night: and that will be worse unto you than all the evil that
befell you from your youth until now.
19:8
Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told
unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king does sit in the gate. And all the
people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.
19:9 And
all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The
king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand
of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.
19:10
And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle.
Now therefore why speak all of you not a word of bringing the king back?
19:11 And
king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders
of Judah, saying, Why are all of you the last to bring the king back to his house?
seeing the speech of all Israel has come to the king, even to his house.
19:12 All
of you are my brethren, all of you are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are
all of you the last to bring back the king?
19:13
And say all of you to Amasa, Are you not of my bone, and
of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you be not captain of the host
before me continually in the room of Joab.
19:14
And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as
the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return you, and
all your servants.
19:15
So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came
to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.
19:16
And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim,
hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.
19:17
And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and
Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants
with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.
19:18
And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's
household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down
before the king, as he was come over Jordan;
19:19
And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity
unto me, neither do you remember that which your servant did perversely the day
that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his
heart.
19:20 For
your servant does know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first
this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.
19:21 But
Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death
for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?
19:22
And David said, What have I to do with you, all of you sons
of Zeruiah, that all of you should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there
any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day
king over Israel?
19:23
Therefore the king said unto Shimei, You shall not die.
And the king swore unto him.
19:24
And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king,
and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes,
from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.
19:25
And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet
the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore went not you with me, Mephibosheth?
19:26 And
he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for your servant said, I
will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because your
servant is lame.
19:27
And he has slandered your servant unto my lord the king;
but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in yours
eyes.
19:28 For
all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet did you
set your servant among them that did eat at yours own table. What right therefore
have I yet to cry any more unto the king?
19:29
And the king said unto him, Why speak you any more of your
matters? I have said, You and Ziba divide the land.
19:30
And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all,
forasmuch as my lord the king has come again in peace unto his own house.
19:31 And
Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the
king, to conduct him over Jordan.
19:32
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years
old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for
he was a very great man.
19:33
And the king said unto Barzillai, Come you over with me,
and I will feed you with me in Jerusalem.
19:34
And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live,
that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
19:35
I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between
good and evil? can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any
more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should your servant
be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
19:36
Your servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king:
and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
19:37
Let your servant, I pray you, turn back again, that I may
die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother.
But behold your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do
to him what shall seem good unto you.
19:38
And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and
I will do to him that which shall seem good unto you: and whatsoever you shall
require of me, that will I do for you.
19:39
And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was
come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his
own place.
19:40 Then
the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of
Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.
19:41
And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and
said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen you away, and
have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?
19:42 And
all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin
to us: wherefore then be all of you angry for this matter? have we eaten at all
of the king's cost? or has he given us any gift?
19:43
And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said,
We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than all of
you: why then did all of you despise us, that our advice should not be first had
in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than
the words of the men of Israel.
20:1
And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name
was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We
have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every
man to his tents, O Israel.
20:2
So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed
Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan
even to Jerusalem.
20:3
And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took
the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them
in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the
day of their death, living in widowhood.
20:4
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah
within three days, and be you here present.
20:5
So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried
longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
20:6
And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri
do us more harm than did Absalom: take you your lord's servants, and pursue after
him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
20:7
And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites,
and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to
pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
20:8
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa
went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and
upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and
as he went forth it fell out.
20:9
And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And
Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand:
so he stroke him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground,
and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued
after Sheba the son of Bichri.
20:11
And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favours
Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.
20:12
And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway.
And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of
the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every
one that came by him stood still.
20:13
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went
on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
20:14
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel,
and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and
went also after him.
20:15
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and
they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the
people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
20:16
Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say,
I pray you, unto Joab, Come near here, that I may speak with you.
20:17
And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Are
you Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of
yours handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
20:18
Then she spoke, saying, They were known to speak in old
time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
20:19 I
am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: you seek to destroy
a city and a mother in Israel: why will you swallow up the inheritance of the
LORD?
20:20 And
Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up
or destroy.
20:21 The
matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name,
has lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only,
and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head
shall be thrown to you over the wall.
20:22
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And
they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And
he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And
Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
20:23
Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the
son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
20:24
And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son
of Ahilud was recorder:
20:25
And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
20:26 And
Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.
21:1
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years,
year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is
for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
21:2
And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them;
(now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of
the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought
to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)
21:3
Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do
for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that all of you may bless the
inheritance of the LORD?
21:4
And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver
nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shall you kill any man in Israel.
And he said, What all of you shall say, that will I do for you.
21:5
And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and
that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the
coasts of Israel,
21:6
Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will
hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the
king said, I will give them.
21:7
But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the
son of Saul, because of the LORD's oath that was between them, between David and
Jonathan the son of Saul.
21:8
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of
Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal
the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the
Meholathite:
21:9 And
he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the
hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death
in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.
21:10 And
Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock,
from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and
suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of
the field by night.
21:11
And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah,
the concubine of Saul, had done.
21:12
And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones
of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the
street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines
had slain Saul in Gilboa:
21:13
And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the
bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.
21:14 And
the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin
in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king
commanded. And after that God was implored for the land.
21:15
Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel;
and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines:
and David waxed faint.
21:16
And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the
weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being
girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
21:17
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and stroke the
Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore unto him, saying, You
shall go no more out with us to battle, that you quench not the light of Israel.
21:18 And
it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines
at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the
giant.
21:19 And
there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of
Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff
of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
21:20
And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great
stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four
and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.
21:21
And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimeah the
brother of David slew him.
21:22
These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the
hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
22:1
And David spoke unto the LORD the words of this song in
the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and
out of the hand of Saul:
22:2
And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my
deliverer;
22:3 The
God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; you save me from violence.
22:4
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so
shall I be saved from mine enemies.
22:5
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly
men made me afraid;
22:6
The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death
prevented me;
22:7 In
my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice
out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
22:8
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven
moved and shook, because he was angry.
22:9
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out
of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
22:10
He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was
under his feet.
22:11 And
he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.
22:12 And
he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the
skies.
22:13 Through
the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
22:14
The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered
his voice.
22:15 And
he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and humiliated them.
22:16 And
the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered,
at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
22:17 He
sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;
22:18
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that
hated me: for they were too strong for me.
22:19
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD
was my stay.
22:20 He
brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted
in me.
22:21 The
LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of
my hands has he recompensed me.
22:22
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly
departed from my God.
22:23
For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes,
I did not depart from them.
22:24
I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from
mine iniquity.
22:25 Therefore
the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness
in his eye sight.
22:26
With the merciful you will show yourself merciful, and with
the upright man you will show yourself upright.
22:27
With the pure you will show yourself pure; and with the
perverse you will show yourself unpleasing.
22:28
And the afflicted people you will save: but yours eyes are
upon the haughty, that you may bring them down.
22:29
For you are my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my
darkness.
22:30 For
by you I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.
22:31 As
for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to
all them that trust in him.
22:32
For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our
God?
22:33 God
is my strength and power: and he makes my way perfect.
22:34
He makes my feet like hinds' feet: and sets me upon my high
places.
22:35 He
teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
22:36 You
have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your gentleness has made
me great.
22:37 You
have enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.
22:38
I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned
not again until I had consumed them.
22:39
And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could
not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.
22:40
For you have girded me with strength to battle: them that
rose up against me have you subdued under me.
22:41
You have also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I
might destroy them that hate me.
22:42
They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD,
but he answered them not.
22:43
Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth,
I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.
22:44 You
also have delivered me from the strivings of my people, you have kept me to be
head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.
22:45
Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they
hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
22:46
Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out
of their close places.
22:47
The LORD lives; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the
God of the rock of my salvation.
22:48
It is God that avenges me, and that brings down the people
under me.
22:49 And
that brings me forth from mine enemies: you also have lifted me up on high above
them that rose up against me: you have delivered me from the violent man.
22:50 Therefore
I will give thanks unto you, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises
unto your name.
22:51 He
is the tower of salvation for his king: and shows mercy to his anointed, unto
David, and to his seed for evermore.
23:1
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse
said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob,
and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
23:2
The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in
my tongue.
23:3 The
God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must
be just, ruling in the fear of God.
23:4
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun
rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the
earth by clear shining after rain.
23:5
Although my house be not so with God; yet he has made with
me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my
salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
23:6
But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust
away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
23:7
But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron
and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same
place.
23:8 These
be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the
seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his
spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at the same.
23:9
And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one
of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were
there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
23:10 He
arose, and stroke the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave
unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people
returned after him only to spoil.
23:11
And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite.
And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of
ground full of lentils: and the people fled from the Philistines.
23:12
But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it,
and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
23:13
And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David
in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines
pitched in the valley of Rephaim.
23:14
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines
was then in Bethlehem.
23:15
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink
of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
23:16
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines,
and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it,
and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it
out unto the LORD.
23:17
And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do
this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore
he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
23:18
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was
chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew
them, and had the name among three.
23:19
Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their
captain: nevertheless he attained not unto the first three.
23:20
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man,
of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went
down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:
23:21
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian
had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the
spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
23:22
These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the
name among three mighty men.
23:23
He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained
not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.
23:24
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan
the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
23:25
Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,
23:26
Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
23:27 Abiezer
the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
23:28
Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,
23:29
Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of
Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
23:30
Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,
23:31 Abialbon
the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
23:32
Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
23:33 Shammah
the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,
23:34
Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite,
Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
23:35
Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
23:36
Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
23:37 Zelek
the Ammonite, Nahari the Beerothite, armour bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
23:38 Ira
an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,
23:39
Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.
24:1
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel,
and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
24:2
For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which
was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba,
and number all of you the people, that I may know the number of the people.
24:3 And
Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD your God add unto the people, no matter
how many they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see
it: but why does my lord the king delight in this thing?
24:4
Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab,
and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went
out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
24:5
And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the
right side of the city that lies in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward
Jazer:
24:6 Then
they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan,
and about to Zidon,
24:7
And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities
of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah,
even to Beersheba.
24:8
So when they had gone through all the land, they came to
Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.
24:9
And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto
the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew
the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
24:10
And David's heart stroke him after that he had numbered
the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have
done: and now, I plead to you, O LORD, take away the iniquity of your servant;
for I have done very foolishly.
24:11
For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD
came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,
24:12
Go and say unto David, Thus says the LORD, I offer you three
things; choose you one of them, that I may do it unto you.
24:13
So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall
seven years of famine come unto you in your land? or will you flee three months
before yours enemies, while they pursue you? or that there be three days' pestilence
in your land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent
me.
24:14 And
David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of
the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.
24:15 So
the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed:
and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.
24:16 And
when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented
him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough:
stay now yours hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah
the Jebusite.
24:17 And
David spoke unto the LORD when he saw the angel that stroke the people, and said,
Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done?
let yours hand, I pray you, be against me, and against my father's house.
24:18 And
Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD
in the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
24:19
And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the
LORD commanded.
24:20 And
Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah
went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.
24:21 And
Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said,
To buy the threshing floor of you, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague
may be stayed from the people.
24:22
And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and
offer up what seems good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and
threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.
24:23
All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king.
And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD your God accept you.
24:24
And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy
it of you at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God
of that which does cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the
oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
24:25
And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered
burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was implored for the land, and
the plague was stayed from Israel.