English - The Book of 2nd Samuel the Prophet

2Samuel

CHAPTER1

1NowitcametopassafterthedeathofSaul,whenDavid wasreturnedfromtheslaughteroftheAmalekites,and DavidhadabodetwodaysinZiklag;

2Itcameeventopassonthethirdday,that,behold,aman cameoutofthecampfromSaulwithhisclothesrent,and earthuponhishead:andsoitwas,whenhecametoDavid, thathefelltotheearth,anddidobeisance

3AndDavidsaiduntohim,Fromwhencecomestthou?

Andhesaiduntohim,OutofthecampofIsraelamI escaped

4AndDavidsaiduntohim,Howwentthematter?Ipray thee,tellmeAndheanswered,Thatthepeoplearefled fromthebattle,andmanyofthepeoplealsoarefallenand dead;andSaulandJonathanhissonaredeadalso.

5AndDavidsaiduntotheyoungmanthattoldhim,How knowestthouthatSaulandJonathanhissonbedead?

6Andtheyoungmanthattoldhimsaid,AsIhappenedby chanceuponmountGilboa,behold,Saulleaneduponhis spear;and,lo,thechariotsandhorsemenfollowedhard afterhim.

7Andwhenhelookedbehindhim,hesawme,andcalled untomeAndIanswered,HereamI

8Andhesaiduntome,Whoartthou?AndIansweredhim, IamanAmalekite

9Hesaiduntomeagain,Stand,Ipraythee,uponme,and slayme:foranguishiscomeuponme,becausemylifeis yetwholeinme

10SoIstooduponhim,andslewhim,becauseIwassure thathecouldnotliveafterthathewasfallen:andItookthe crownthatwasuponhishead,andthebraceletthatwason hisarm,andhavebroughtthemhitheruntomylord.

11ThenDavidtookholdonhisclothes,andrentthem;and likewiseallthementhatwerewithhim:

12Andtheymourned,andwept,andfasteduntileven,for Saul,andforJonathanhisson,andforthepeopleofthe LORD,andforthehouseofIsrael;becausetheywere fallenbythesword

13AndDavidsaiduntotheyoungmanthattoldhim, Whenceartthou?Andheanswered,Iamthesonofa stranger,anAmalekite.

14AndDavidsaiduntohim,Howwastthounotafraidto stretchforththinehandtodestroytheLORD'Sanointed?

15AndDavidcalledoneoftheyoungmen,andsaid,Go near,andfalluponhimAndhesmotehimthathedied

16AndDavidsaiduntohim,Thybloodbeuponthyhead; forthymouthhathtestifiedagainstthee,saying,Ihave slaintheLORD'Sanointed

17AndDavidlamentedwiththislamentationoverSaul andoverJonathanhisson:

18(AlsohebadethemteachthechildrenofJudahtheuse ofthebow:behold,itiswritteninthebookofJasher)

19ThebeautyofIsraelisslainuponthyhighplaces:how arethemightyfallen!

20TellitnotinGath,publishitnotinthestreetsof Askelon;lestthedaughtersofthePhilistinesrejoice,lest thedaughtersoftheuncircumcisedtriumph

21YemountainsofGilboa,lettherebenodew,neitherlet thereberain,uponyou,norfieldsofofferings:fortherethe

shieldofthemightyisvilelycastaway,theshieldofSaul, asthoughhehadnotbeenanointedwithoil

22Fromthebloodoftheslain,fromthefatofthemighty, thebowofJonathanturnednotback,andtheswordofSaul returnednotempty

23SaulandJonathanwerelovelyandpleasantintheir lives,andintheirdeaththeywerenotdivided:theywere swifterthaneagles,theywerestrongerthanlions

24YedaughtersofIsrael,weepoverSaul,whoclothed youinscarlet,withotherdelights,whoputonornamentsof golduponyourapparel

25Howarethemightyfalleninthemidstofthebattle!O Jonathan,thouwastslaininthinehighplaces

26Iamdistressedforthee,mybrotherJonathan:very pleasanthastthoubeenuntome:thylovetomewas wonderful,passingtheloveofwomen

27Howarethemightyfallen,andtheweaponsofwar perished!

CHAPTER2

1Anditcametopassafterthis,thatDavidenquiredofthe LORD,saying,ShallIgoupintoanyofthecitiesofJudah? AndtheLORDsaiduntohim,Goup.AndDavidsaid, WhithershallIgoup?Andhesaid,UntoHebron

2SoDavidwentupthither,andhistwowivesalso, AhinoamtheJezreelitess,andAbigailNabal'swifethe Carmelite

3AndhismenthatwerewithhimdidDavidbringup, everymanwithhishousehold:andtheydweltinthecities ofHebron

4AndthemenofJudahcame,andtheretheyanointed DavidkingoverthehouseofJudahAndtheytoldDavid, saying,ThatthemenofJabeshgileadweretheythatburied Saul.

5AndDavidsentmessengersuntothemenofJabeshgilead, andsaiduntothem,BlessedbeyeoftheLORD,thatye haveshewedthiskindnessuntoyourlord,evenuntoSaul, andhaveburiedhim

6AndnowtheLORDshewkindnessandtruthuntoyou: andIalsowillrequiteyouthiskindness,becauseyehave donethisthing

7Thereforenowletyourhandsbestrengthened,andbeye valiant:foryourmasterSaulisdead,andalsothehouseof Judahhaveanointedmekingoverthem

8ButAbnerthesonofNer,captainofSaul'shost,took IshbosheththesonofSaul,andbroughthimoverto Mahanaim;

9AndmadehimkingoverGilead,andovertheAshurites, andoverJezreel,andoverEphraim,andoverBenjamin, andoverallIsrael

10IshboshethSaul'ssonwasfortyyearsoldwhenhe begantoreignoverIsrael,andreignedtwoyears.Butthe houseofJudahfollowedDavid

11AndthetimethatDavidwaskinginHebronoverthe houseofJudahwassevenyearsandsixmonths.

12AndAbnerthesonofNer,andtheservantsof IshbosheththesonofSaul,wentoutfromMahanaimto Gibeon.

13AndJoabthesonofZeruiah,andtheservantsofDavid, wentout,andmettogetherbythepoolofGibeon:andthey satdown,theoneontheonesideofthepool,andtheother ontheothersideofthepool

14AndAbnersaidtoJoab,Lettheyoungmennowarise, andplaybeforeusAndJoabsaid,Letthemarise

15Thentherearoseandwentoverbynumbertwelveof Benjamin,whichpertainedtoIshbosheththesonofSaul, andtwelveoftheservantsofDavid.

16Andtheycaughteveryonehisfellowbythehead,and thrusthisswordinhisfellow'sside;sotheyfelldown together:whereforethatplacewascalledHelkathhazzurim, whichisinGibeon.

17Andtherewasaverysorebattlethatday;andAbner wasbeaten,andthemenofIsrael,beforetheservantsof David

18AndtherewerethreesonsofZeruiahthere,Joab,and Abishai,andAsahel:andAsahelwasaslightoffootasa wildroe

19AndAsahelpursuedafterAbner;andingoingheturned nottotherighthandnortotheleftfromfollowingAbner.

20ThenAbnerlookedbehindhim,andsaid,Artthou Asahel?Andheanswered,Iam

21AndAbnersaidtohim,Turntheeasidetothyright handortothyleft,andlaytheeholdononeoftheyoung men,andtaketheehisarmourButAsahelwouldnotturn asidefromfollowingofhim.

22AndAbnersaidagaintoAsahel,Turntheeasidefrom followingme:whereforeshouldIsmitetheetotheground? howthenshouldIholdupmyfacetoJoabthybrother?

23Howbeitherefusedtoturnaside:whereforeAbnerwith thehinderendofthespearsmotehimunderthefifthrib, thatthespearcameoutbehindhim;andhefelldownthere, anddiedinthesameplace:anditcametopass,thatas manyascametotheplacewhereAsahelfelldownand diedstoodstill.

24JoabalsoandAbishaipursuedafterAbner:andthesun wentdownwhentheywerecometothehillofAmmah, thatliethbeforeGiahbythewayofthewildernessof Gibeon

25AndthechildrenofBenjamingatheredthemselves togetherafterAbner,andbecameonetroop,andstoodon thetopofanhill

26ThenAbnercalledtoJoab,andsaid,Shallthesword devourforever?knowestthounotthatitwillbebitterness inthelatterend?howlongshallitbethen,erethoubidthe peoplereturnfromfollowingtheirbrethren?

27AndJoabsaid,AsGodliveth,unlessthouhadstspoken, surelytheninthemorningthepeoplehadgoneupevery onefromfollowinghisbrother

28SoJoabblewatrumpet,andallthepeoplestoodstill, andpursuedafterIsraelnomore,neitherfoughttheyany more.

29AndAbnerandhismenwalkedallthatnightthrough theplain,andpassedoverJordan,andwentthroughall Bithron,andtheycametoMahanaim.

30AndJoabreturnedfromfollowingAbner:andwhenhe hadgatheredallthepeopletogether,therelackedof David'sservantsnineteenmenandAsahel.

31ButtheservantsofDavidhadsmittenofBenjamin,and ofAbner'smen,sothatthreehundredandthreescoremen died.

32AndtheytookupAsahel,andburiedhiminthe sepulchreofhisfather,whichwasinBethlehemAndJoab andhismenwentallnight,andtheycametoHebronat breakofday

CHAPTER3

1NowtherewaslongwarbetweenthehouseofSauland thehouseofDavid:butDavidwaxedstrongerandstronger, andthehouseofSaulwaxedweakerandweaker.

2AnduntoDavidweresonsborninHebron:andhis firstbornwasAmnon,ofAhinoamtheJezreelitess;

3Andhissecond,Chileab,ofAbigailthewifeofNabalthe Carmelite;andthethird,AbsalomthesonofMaacahthe daughterofTalmaikingofGeshur;

4Andthefourth,AdonijahthesonofHaggith;andthe fifth,ShephatiahthesonofAbital;

5Andthesixth,Ithream,byEglahDavid'swifeThese wereborntoDavidinHebron.

6Anditcametopass,whiletherewaswarbetweenthe houseofSaulandthehouseofDavid,thatAbnermade himselfstrongforthehouseofSaul.

7AndSaulhadaconcubine,whosenamewasRizpah,the daughterofAiah:andIshboshethsaidtoAbner,Wherefore hastthougoneinuntomyfather'sconcubine?

8ThenwasAbnerverywrothforthewordsofIshbosheth, andsaid,AmIadog'shead,whichagainstJudahdoshew kindnessthisdayuntothehouseofSaulthyfather,tohis brethren,andtohisfriends,andhavenotdeliveredthee intothehandofDavid,thatthouchargestmetodaywitha faultconcerningthiswoman?

9SodoGodtoAbner,andmorealso,except,astheLORD hathsworntoDavid,evensoIdotohim;

10TotranslatethekingdomfromthehouseofSaul,andto setupthethroneofDavidoverIsraelandoverJudah,from DaneventoBeersheba

11AndhecouldnotanswerAbnerawordagain,because hefearedhim

12AndAbnersentmessengerstoDavidonhisbehalf, saying,Whoseistheland?sayingalso,Makethyleague withme,and,behold,myhandshallbewiththee,tobring aboutallIsraeluntothee

13Andhesaid,Well;Iwillmakealeaguewiththee:but onethingIrequireofthee,thatis,Thoushaltnotseemy face,exceptthoufirstbringMichalSaul'sdaughter,when thoucomesttoseemyface.

14AndDavidsentmessengerstoIshboshethSaul'sson, saying,DelivermemywifeMichal,whichIespousedto meforanhundredforeskinsofthePhilistines.

15AndIshboshethsent,andtookherfromherhusband, evenfromPhaltielthesonofLaish

16Andherhusbandwentwithheralongweepingbehind hertoBahurimThensaidAbneruntohim,Go,returnAnd hereturned.

17AndAbnerhadcommunicationwiththeeldersofIsrael, saying,YesoughtforDavidintimespasttobekingover you:

18Nowthendoit:fortheLORDhathspokenofDavid, saying,BythehandofmyservantDavidIwillsavemy peopleIsraeloutofthehandofthePhilistines,andoutof thehandofalltheirenemies

19AndAbneralsospakeintheearsofBenjamin:and AbnerwentalsotospeakintheearsofDavidinHebronall thatseemedgoodtoIsrael,andthatseemedgoodtothe wholehouseofBenjamin

20SoAbnercametoDavidtoHebron,andtwentymen withhimAndDavidmadeAbnerandthementhatwere withhimafeast

21AndAbnersaiduntoDavid,Iwillariseandgo,andwill gatherallIsraeluntomylordtheking,thattheymaymake aleaguewiththee,andthatthoumayestreignoverallthat thineheartdesirethAndDavidsentAbneraway;andhe wentinpeace.

22And,behold,theservantsofDavidandJoabcamefrom pursuingatroop,andbroughtinagreatspoilwiththem: butAbnerwasnotwithDavidinHebron;forhehadsent himaway,andhewasgoneinpeace.

23WhenJoabandallthehostthatwaswithhimwere come,theytoldJoab,saying,AbnerthesonofNercameto theking,andhehathsenthimaway,andheisgonein peace

24ThenJoabcametotheking,andsaid,Whathastthou done?behold,Abnercameuntothee;whyisitthatthou hastsenthimaway,andheisquitegone?

25ThouknowestAbnerthesonofNer,thathecameto deceivethee,andtoknowthygoingoutandthycomingin, andtoknowallthatthoudoest

26AndwhenJoabwascomeoutfromDavid,hesent messengersafterAbner,whichbroughthimagainfromthe wellofSirah:butDavidknewitnot

27AndwhenAbnerwasreturnedtoHebron,Joabtook himasideinthegatetospeakwithhimquietly,andsmote himthereunderthefifthrib,thathedied,forthebloodof Asahelhisbrother.

28AndafterwardwhenDavidheardit,hesaid,Iandmy kingdomareguiltlessbeforetheLORDforeverfromthe bloodofAbnerthesonofNer:

29LetitrestontheheadofJoab,andonallhisfather's house;andlettherenotfailfromthehouseofJoabonethat hathanissue,orthatisaleper,orthatleanethonastaff,or thatfallethonthesword,orthatlackethbread

30SoJoabandAbishaihisbrotherslewAbner,becausehe hadslaintheirbrotherAsahelatGibeoninthebattle.

31AndDavidsaidtoJoab,andtoallthepeoplethatwere withhim,Rendyourclothes,andgirdyouwithsackcloth, andmournbeforeAbner.AndkingDavidhimselffollowed thebier

32AndtheyburiedAbnerinHebron:andthekingliftedup hisvoice,andweptatthegraveofAbner;andallthe peoplewept

33AndthekinglamentedoverAbner,andsaid,Died Abnerasafooldieth?

34Thyhandswerenotbound,northyfeetputintofetters: asamanfallethbeforewickedmen,sofellestthouAndall thepeopleweptagainoverhim

35AndwhenallthepeoplecametocauseDavidtoeat meatwhileitwasyetday,Davidsware,saying,SodoGod tome,andmorealso,ifItastebread,oroughtelse,tillthe sunbedown

36Andallthepeopletooknoticeofit,anditpleasedthem: aswhatsoeverthekingdidpleasedallthepeople

37ForallthepeopleandallIsraelunderstoodthatdaythat itwasnotofthekingtoslayAbnerthesonofNer.

38Andthekingsaiduntohisservants,Knowyenotthat thereisaprinceandagreatmanfallenthisdayinIsrael?

39AndIamthisdayweak,thoughanointedking;and thesementhesonsofZeruiahbetoohardforme:the LORDshallrewardthedoerofevilaccordingtohis wickedness.

CHAPTER4

1AndwhenSaul'ssonheardthatAbnerwasdeadin Hebron,hishandswerefeeble,andalltheIsraeliteswere troubled.

2AndSaul'ssonhadtwomenthatwerecaptainsofbands: thenameoftheonewasBaanah,andthenameoftheother Rechab,thesonsofRimmonaBeerothite,ofthechildren ofBenjamin:(forBeerothalsowasreckonedtoBenjamin: 3AndtheBeerothitesfledtoGittaim,andweresojourners thereuntilthisday.)

4AndJonathan,Saul'sson,hadasonthatwaslameofhis feetHewasfiveyearsoldwhenthetidingscameofSaul andJonathanoutofJezreel,andhisnursetookhimup,and fled:anditcametopass,asshemadehastetoflee,thathe fell,andbecamelameAndhisnamewasMephibosheth 5AndthesonsofRimmontheBeerothite,Rechaband Baanah,went,andcameabouttheheatofthedaytothe houseofIshbosheth,wholayonabedatnoon

6Andtheycamethitherintothemidstofthehouse,as thoughtheywouldhavefetchedwheat;andtheysmotehim underthefifthrib:andRechabandBaanahhisbrother escaped.

7Forwhentheycameintothehouse,helayonhisbedin hisbedchamber,andtheysmotehim,andslewhim,and beheadedhim,andtookhishead,andgatthemaway throughtheplainallnight

8AndtheybroughttheheadofIshboshethuntoDavidto Hebron,andsaidtotheking,Beholdtheheadof IshbosheththesonofSaulthineenemy,whichsoughtthy life;andtheLORDhathavengedmylordthekingthisday ofSaul,andofhisseed.

9AndDavidansweredRechabandBaanahhisbrother,the sonsofRimmontheBeerothite,andsaiduntothem,Asthe LORDliveth,whohathredeemedmysouloutofall adversity,

10Whenonetoldme,saying,Behold,Saulisdead, thinkingtohavebroughtgoodtidings,Itookholdofhim, andslewhiminZiklag,whothoughtthatIwouldhave givenhimarewardforhistidings:

11Howmuchmore,whenwickedmenhaveslaina righteouspersoninhisownhouseuponhisbed?shallInot thereforenowrequirehisbloodofyourhand,andtakeyou awayfromtheearth?

12AndDavidcommandedhisyoungmen,andtheyslew them,andcutofftheirhandsandtheirfeet,andhanged themupoverthepoolinHebronButtheytooktheheadof Ishbosheth,andburieditinthesepulchreofAbnerin Hebron.

CHAPTER5

1ThencameallthetribesofIsraeltoDaviduntoHebron, andspake,saying,Behold,wearethyboneandthyflesh

2Alsointimepast,whenSaulwaskingoverus,thouwast hethatleddestoutandbroughtestinIsrael:andtheLORD saidtothee,ThoushaltfeedmypeopleIsrael,andthou shaltbeacaptainoverIsrael.

3SoalltheeldersofIsraelcametothekingtoHebron;and kingDavidmadealeaguewiththeminHebronbeforethe LORD:andtheyanointedDavidkingoverIsrael.

4Davidwasthirtyyearsoldwhenhebegantoreign,and hereignedfortyyears

5InHebronhereignedoverJudahsevenyearsandsix months:andinJerusalemhereignedthirtyandthreeyears overallIsraelandJudah

6AndthekingandhismenwenttoJerusalemuntothe Jebusites,theinhabitantsoftheland:whichspakeunto David,saying,Exceptthoutakeawaytheblindandthe lame,thoushaltnotcomeinhither:thinking,Davidcannot comeinhither.

7NeverthelessDavidtookthestrongholdofZion:the sameisthecityofDavid

8AndDavidsaidonthatday,Whosoevergettethuptothe gutter,andsmiteththeJebusites,andthelameandtheblind, thatarehatedofDavid'ssoul,heshallbechiefandcaptain Whereforetheysaid,Theblindandthelameshallnotcome intothehouse

9SoDaviddweltinthefort,andcalleditthecityofDavid AndDavidbuiltroundaboutfromMilloandinward.

10AndDavidwenton,andgrewgreat,andtheLORD Godofhostswaswithhim

11AndHiramkingofTyresentmessengerstoDavid,and cedartrees,andcarpenters,andmasons:andtheybuilt Davidanhouse

12AndDavidperceivedthattheLORDhadestablished himkingoverIsrael,andthathehadexaltedhiskingdom forhispeopleIsrael'ssake

13AndDavidtookhimmoreconcubinesandwivesoutof Jerusalem,afterhewascomefromHebron:andtherewere yetsonsanddaughtersborntoDavid

14Andthesebethenamesofthosethatwerebornunto himinJerusalem;Shammua,andShobab,andNathan,and Solomon, 15Ibharalso,andElishua,andNepheg,andJaphia, 16AndElishama,andEliada,andEliphalet

17ButwhenthePhilistinesheardthattheyhadanointed DavidkingoverIsrael,allthePhilistinescameuptoseek David;andDavidheardofit,andwentdowntothehold

18ThePhilistinesalsocameandspreadthemselvesinthe valleyofRephaim.

19AndDavidenquiredoftheLORD,saying,ShallIgoup tothePhilistines?wiltthoudeliverthemintominehand? AndtheLORDsaiduntoDavid,Goup:forIwilldoubtless deliverthePhilistinesintothinehand

20AndDavidcametoBaalperazim,andDavidsmotethem there,andsaid,TheLORDhathbrokenforthuponmine enemiesbeforeme,asthebreachofwatersThereforehe calledthenameofthatplaceBaalperazim

21Andtheretheylefttheirimages,andDavidandhismen burnedthem

22AndthePhilistinescameupyetagain,andspread themselvesinthevalleyofRephaim

23AndwhenDavidenquiredoftheLORD,hesaid,Thou shaltnotgoup;butfetchacompassbehindthem,and comeuponthemoveragainstthemulberrytrees

24Andletitbe,whenthouhearestthesoundofagoingin thetopsofthemulberrytrees,thatthenthoushaltbestir thyself:forthenshalltheLORDgooutbeforethee,to smitethehostofthePhilistines

25AndDaviddidso,astheLORDhadcommandedhim; andsmotethePhilistinesfromGebauntilthoucometo Gazer

CHAPTER6

1Again,Davidgatheredtogetherallthechosenmenof Israel,thirtythousand

2AndDavidarose,andwentwithallthepeoplethatwere withhimfromBaaleofJudah,tobringupfromthencethe arkofGod,whosenameiscalledbythenameofthe LORDofhoststhatdwellethbetweenthecherubims.

3AndtheysetthearkofGoduponanewcart,andbrought itoutofthehouseofAbinadabthatwasinGibeah:and UzzahandAhio,thesonsofAbinadab,dravethenewcart.

4AndtheybroughtitoutofthehouseofAbinadabwhich wasatGibeah,accompanyingthearkofGod:andAhio wentbeforetheark.

5AndDavidandallthehouseofIsraelplayedbeforethe LORDonallmannerofinstrumentsmadeoffirwood, evenonharps,andonpsalteries,andontimbrels,andon cornets,andoncymbals

6AndwhentheycametoNachon'sthreshingfloor,Uzzah putforthhishandtothearkofGod,andtookholdofit;for theoxenshookit

7AndtheangeroftheLORDwaskindledagainstUzzah; andGodsmotehimthereforhiserror;andtherehediedby thearkofGod

8AndDavidwasdispleased,becausetheLORDhadmade abreachuponUzzah:andhecalledthenameoftheplace Perezuzzahtothisday

9AndDavidwasafraidoftheLORDthatday,andsaid, HowshallthearkoftheLORDcometome?

10SoDavidwouldnotremovethearkoftheLORDunto himintothecityofDavid:butDavidcarrieditasideinto thehouseofObededomtheGittite.

11AndthearkoftheLORDcontinuedinthehouseof ObededomtheGittitethreemonths:andtheLORDblessed Obededom,andallhishousehold.

12AnditwastoldkingDavid,saying,TheLORDhath blessedthehouseofObededom,andallthatpertaineth untohim,becauseofthearkofGod.SoDavidwentand broughtupthearkofGodfromthehouseofObededom intothecityofDavidwithgladness.

13Anditwasso,thatwhentheythatbarethearkofthe LORDhadgonesixpaces,hesacrificedoxenandfatlings 14AndDaviddancedbeforetheLORDwithallhismight; andDavidwasgirdedwithalinenephod.

15SoDavidandallthehouseofIsraelbroughtuptheark oftheLORDwithshouting,andwiththesoundofthe trumpet

16AndasthearkoftheLORDcameintothecityofDavid, MichalSaul'sdaughterlookedthroughawindow,andsaw kingDavidleapinganddancingbeforetheLORD;andshe despisedhiminherheart

17AndtheybroughtinthearkoftheLORD,andsetitin hisplace,inthemidstofthetabernaclethatDavidhad pitchedforit:andDavidofferedburntofferingsandpeace offeringsbeforetheLORD.

18AndassoonasDavidhadmadeanendofofferingburnt offeringsandpeaceofferings,heblessedthepeopleinthe nameoftheLORDofhosts.

19Andhedealtamongallthepeople,evenamongthe wholemultitudeofIsrael,aswelltothewomenasmen,to everyoneacakeofbread,andagoodpieceofflesh,anda flagonofwineSoallthepeopledepartedeveryonetohis house

20ThenDavidreturnedtoblesshishouseholdAnd MichalthedaughterofSaulcameouttomeetDavid,and said,HowgloriouswasthekingofIsraeltoday,who uncoveredhimselftodayintheeyesofthehandmaidsof hisservants,asoneofthevainfellowsshamelessly uncoverethhimself!

21AndDavidsaiduntoMichal,ItwasbeforetheLORD, whichchosemebeforethyfather,andbeforeallhishouse, toappointmeruleroverthepeopleoftheLORD,over Israel:thereforewillIplaybeforetheLORD

22AndIwillyetbemorevilethanthus,andwillbebase inmineownsight:andofthemaidservantswhichthouhast spokenof,ofthemshallIbehadinhonour

23ThereforeMichalthedaughterofSaulhadnochildunto thedayofherdeath

CHAPTER7

1Anditcametopass,whenthekingsatinhishouse,and theLORDhadgivenhimrestroundaboutfromallhis enemies;

2ThatthekingsaiduntoNathantheprophet,Seenow,I dwellinanhouseofcedar,butthearkofGoddwelleth withincurtains

3AndNathansaidtotheking,Go,doallthatisinthine heart;fortheLORDiswiththee.

4Anditcametopassthatnight,thatthewordofthe LORDcameuntoNathan,saying, 5GoandtellmyservantDavid,ThussaiththeLORD, Shaltthoubuildmeanhouseformetodwellin?

6WhereasIhavenotdweltinanyhousesincethetimethat IbroughtupthechildrenofIsraeloutofEgypt,eventothis day,buthavewalkedinatentandinatabernacle

7InalltheplaceswhereinIhavewalkedwithallthe childrenofIsraelspakeIawordwithanyofthetribesof Israel,whomIcommandedtofeedmypeopleIsrael, saying,Whybuildyenotmeanhouseofcedar?

8NowthereforesoshaltthousayuntomyservantDavid, ThussaiththeLORDofhosts,Itooktheefromthe sheepcote,fromfollowingthesheep,toberulerovermy people,overIsrael:

9AndIwaswiththeewhithersoeverthouwentest,and havecutoffallthineenemiesoutofthysight,andhave madetheeagreatname,likeuntothenameofthegreat menthatareintheearth

10MoreoverIwillappointaplaceformypeopleIsrael, andwillplantthem,thattheymaydwellinaplaceoftheir own,andmovenomore;neithershallthechildrenof wickednessafflictthemanymore,asbeforetime, 11AndassincethetimethatIcommandedjudgestobe overmypeopleIsrael,andhavecausedtheetorestfromall thineenemies.AlsotheLORDtelleththeethathewill maketheeanhouse

12Andwhenthydaysbefulfilled,andthoushaltsleep withthyfathers,Iwillsetupthyseedafterthee,which shallproceedoutofthybowels,andIwillestablishhis kingdom

13Heshallbuildanhouseformyname,andIwillstablish thethroneofhiskingdomforever

14Iwillbehisfather,andheshallbemysonIfhecommit iniquity,Iwillchastenhimwiththerodofmen,andwith thestripesofthechildrenofmen:

15Butmymercyshallnotdepartawayfromhim,asItook itfromSaul,whomIputawaybeforethee

16Andthinehouseandthykingdomshallbeestablished foreverbeforethee:thythroneshallbeestablishedforever

17Accordingtoallthesewords,andaccordingtoallthis vision,sodidNathanspeakuntoDavid

18ThenwentkingDavidin,andsatbeforetheLORD,and hesaid,WhoamI,OLordGOD?andwhatismyhouse, thatthouhastbroughtmehitherto?

19Andthiswasyetasmallthinginthysight,OLord GOD;butthouhastspokenalsoofthyservant'shousefora greatwhiletocomeAndisthisthemannerofman,O LordGOD?

20AndwhatcanDavidsaymoreuntothee?forthou,Lord GOD,knowestthyservant

21Forthyword'ssake,andaccordingtothineownheart, hastthoudoneallthesegreatthings,tomakethyservant knowthem

22Whereforethouartgreat,OLORDGod:forthereis nonelikethee,neitheristhereanyGodbesidethee, accordingtoallthatwehaveheardwithourears 23Andwhatonenationintheearthislikethypeople,even likeIsrael,whomGodwenttoredeemforapeopleto himself,andtomakehimaname,andtodoforyougreat thingsandterrible,forthyland,beforethypeople,which thouredeemedsttotheefromEgypt,fromthenationsand theirgods?

24ForthouhastconfirmedtothyselfthypeopleIsraelto beapeopleuntotheeforever:andthou,LORD,art becometheirGod

25Andnow,OLORDGod,thewordthatthouhastspoken concerningthyservant,andconcerninghishouse,establish itforever,anddoasthouhastsaid

26Andletthynamebemagnifiedforever,saying,The LORDofhostsistheGodoverIsrael:andletthehouseof thyservantDavidbeestablishedbeforethee 27Forthou,OLORDofhosts,GodofIsrael,hastrevealed tothyservant,saying,Iwillbuildtheeanhouse:therefore haththyservantfoundinhishearttopraythisprayerunto thee.

28Andnow,OLordGOD,thouartthatGod,andthy wordsbetrue,andthouhastpromisedthisgoodnessunto thyservant:

29Thereforenowletitpleasetheetoblessthehouseofthy servant,thatitmaycontinueforeverbeforethee:forthou, OLordGOD,hastspokenit:andwiththyblessingletthe houseofthyservantbeblessedforever

CHAPTER8

1Andafterthisitcametopass,thatDavidsmotethe Philistines,andsubduedthem:andDavidtook MethegammahoutofthehandofthePhilistines

2AndhesmoteMoab,andmeasuredthemwithaline, castingthemdowntotheground;evenwithtwolines measuredhetoputtodeath,andwithonefulllinetokeep aliveAndsotheMoabitesbecameDavid'sservants,and broughtgifts.

3DavidsmotealsoHadadezer,thesonofRehob,kingof Zobah,ashewenttorecoverhisborderattheriver Euphrates.

4AndDavidtookfromhimathousandchariots,andseven hundredhorsemen,andtwentythousandfootmen:and

Davidhoughedallthechariothorses,butreservedofthem foranhundredchariots

5AndwhentheSyriansofDamascuscametosuccour HadadezerkingofZobah,DavidslewoftheSyrianstwo andtwentythousandmen.

6ThenDavidputgarrisonsinSyriaofDamascus:andthe SyriansbecameservantstoDavid,andbroughtgiftsAnd theLORDpreservedDavidwhithersoeverhewent.

7AndDavidtooktheshieldsofgoldthatwereonthe servantsofHadadezer,andbroughtthemtoJerusalem

8AndfromBetah,andfromBerothai,citiesofHadadezer, kingDavidtookexceedingmuchbrass

9WhenToikingofHamathheardthatDavidhadsmitten allthehostofHadadezer,

10ThenToisentJoramhissonuntokingDavid,tosalute him,andtoblesshim,becausehehadfoughtagainst Hadadezer,andsmittenhim:forHadadezerhadwarswith ToiAndJorambroughtwithhimvesselsofsilver,and vesselsofgold,andvesselsofbrass:

11WhichalsokingDaviddiddedicateuntotheLORD, withthesilverandgoldthathehaddedicatedofallnations whichhesubdued;

12OfSyria,andofMoab,andofthechildrenofAmmon, andofthePhilistines,andofAmalek,andofthespoilof Hadadezer,sonofRehob,kingofZobah

13AndDavidgathimanamewhenhereturnedfrom smitingoftheSyriansinthevalleyofsalt,beingeighteen thousandmen

14AndheputgarrisonsinEdom;throughoutallEdomput hegarrisons,andalltheyofEdombecameDavid'sservants AndtheLORDpreservedDavidwhithersoeverhewent

15AndDavidreignedoverallIsrael;andDavidexecuted judgmentandjusticeuntoallhispeople

16AndJoabthesonofZeruiahwasoverthehost;and JehoshaphatthesonofAhiludwasrecorder;

17AndZadokthesonofAhitub,andAhimelechthesonof Abiathar,werethepriests;andSeraiahwasthescribe; 18AndBenaiahthesonofJehoiadawasoverboththe CherethitesandthePelethites;andDavid'ssonswerechief rulers.

CHAPTER9

1AndDavidsaid,Isthereyetanythatisleftofthehouse ofSaul,thatImayshewhimkindnessforJonathan'ssake?

2AndtherewasofthehouseofSaulaservantwhosename wasZibaAndwhentheyhadcalledhimuntoDavid,the kingsaiduntohim,ArtthouZiba?Andhesaid,Thy servantishe.

3Andthekingsaid,Istherenotyetanyofthehouseof Saul,thatImayshewthekindnessofGoduntohim?And Zibasaiduntotheking,Jonathanhathyetason,whichis lameonhisfeet

4Andthekingsaiduntohim,Whereishe?AndZibasaid untotheking,Behold,heisinthehouseofMachir,theson ofAmmiel,inLodebar

5ThenkingDavidsent,andfetchedhimoutofthehouse ofMachir,thesonofAmmiel,fromLodebar.

6NowwhenMephibosheth,thesonofJonathan,thesonof Saul,wascomeuntoDavid,hefellonhisface,anddid reverence.AndDavidsaid,Mephibosheth.Andhe answered,Beholdthyservant!

7AndDavidsaiduntohim,Fearnot:forIwillsurelyshew theekindnessforJonathanthyfather'ssake,andwill restoretheeallthelandofSaulthyfather;andthoushalt eatbreadatmytablecontinually

8Andhebowedhimself,andsaid,Whatisthyservant,that thoushouldestlookuponsuchadeaddogasIam?

9ThenthekingcalledtoZiba,Saul'sservant,andsaidunto him,Ihavegivenuntothymaster'ssonallthatpertainedto Saulandtoallhishouse.

10Thoutherefore,andthysons,andthyservants,shalltill thelandforhim,andthoushaltbringinthefruits,thatthy master'ssonmayhavefoodtoeat:butMephibosheththy master'ssonshalleatbreadalwayatmytableNowZiba hadfifteensonsandtwentyservants.

11ThensaidZibauntotheking,Accordingtoallthatmy lordthekinghathcommandedhisservant,soshallthy servantdo.AsforMephibosheth,saidtheking,heshalleat atmytable,asoneoftheking'ssons

12AndMephiboshethhadayoungson,whosenamewas Micha.AndallthatdweltinthehouseofZibawere servantsuntoMephibosheth

13SoMephiboshethdweltinJerusalem:forhedideat continuallyattheking'stable;andwaslameonbothhis feet

CHAPTER10

1Anditcametopassafterthis,thatthekingofthe childrenofAmmondied,andHanunhissonreignedinhis stead

2ThensaidDavid,IwillshewkindnessuntoHanunthe sonofNahash,ashisfathershewedkindnessuntome.And Davidsenttocomforthimbythehandofhisservantsfor hisfatherAndDavid'sservantscameintothelandofthe childrenofAmmon.

3AndtheprincesofthechildrenofAmmonsaidunto Hanuntheirlord,ThinkestthouthatDaviddothhonourthy father,thathehathsentcomfortersuntothee?hathnot Davidrathersenthisservantsuntothee,tosearchthecity, andtospyitout,andtooverthrowit?

4WhereforeHanuntookDavid'sservants,andshavedoff theonehalfoftheirbeards,andcutofftheirgarmentsin themiddle,eventotheirbuttocks,andsentthemaway.

5WhentheytoldituntoDavid,hesenttomeetthem, becausethemenweregreatlyashamed:andthekingsaid, TarryatJerichountilyourbeardsbegrown,andthen return

6AndwhenthechildrenofAmmonsawthattheystank beforeDavid,thechildrenofAmmonsentandhiredthe SyriansofBethrehob,andtheSyriansofZoba,twenty thousandfootmen,andofkingMaacahathousandmen, andofIshtobtwelvethousandmen.

7AndwhenDavidheardofit,hesentJoab,andallthe hostofthemightymen

8AndthechildrenofAmmoncameout,andputthebattle inarrayattheenteringinofthegate:andtheSyriansof Zoba,andofRehob,andIshtob,andMaacah,wereby themselvesinthefield.

9WhenJoabsawthatthefrontofthebattlewasagainst himbeforeandbehind,hechoseofallthechoicemenof Israel,andputtheminarrayagainsttheSyrians:

10Andtherestofthepeoplehedeliveredintothehandof Abishaihisbrother,thathemightputtheminarrayagainst thechildrenofAmmon

11Andhesaid,IftheSyriansbetoostrongforme,then thoushalthelpme:butifthechildrenofAmmonbetoo strongforthee,thenIwillcomeandhelpthee

12Beofgoodcourage,andletusplaythemenforour people,andforthecitiesofourGod:andtheLORDdo thatwhichseemethhimgood.

13AndJoabdrewnigh,andthepeoplethatwerewithhim, untothebattleagainsttheSyrians:andtheyfledbeforehim.

14AndwhenthechildrenofAmmonsawthattheSyrians werefled,thenfledtheyalsobeforeAbishai,andentered intothecity.SoJoabreturnedfromthechildrenofAmmon, andcametoJerusalem

15AndwhentheSyrianssawthattheyweresmittenbefore Israel,theygatheredthemselvestogether.

16AndHadarezersent,andbroughtouttheSyriansthat werebeyondtheriver:andtheycametoHelam;and ShobachthecaptainofthehostofHadarezerwentbefore them

17AndwhenitwastoldDavid,hegatheredallIsrael together,andpassedoverJordan,andcametoHelam.And theSyrianssetthemselvesinarrayagainstDavid,and foughtwithhim

18AndtheSyriansfledbeforeIsrael;andDavidslewthe menofsevenhundredchariotsoftheSyrians,andforty thousandhorsemen,andsmoteShobachthecaptainoftheir host,whodiedthere.

19AndwhenallthekingsthatwereservantstoHadarezer sawthattheyweresmittenbeforeIsrael,theymadepeace withIsrael,andservedthem.SotheSyriansfearedtohelp thechildrenofAmmonanymore

CHAPTER11

1Anditcametopass,aftertheyearwasexpired,atthe timewhenkingsgoforthtobattle,thatDavidsentJoab, andhisservantswithhim,andallIsrael;andthey destroyedthechildrenofAmmon,andbesiegedRabbah. ButDavidtarriedstillatJerusalem.

2Anditcametopassinaneveningtide,thatDavidarose fromoffhisbed,andwalkedupontheroofoftheking's house:andfromtheroofhesawawomanwashingherself; andthewomanwasverybeautifultolookupon

3AndDavidsentandenquiredafterthewomanAndone said,IsnotthisBathsheba,thedaughterofEliam,thewife ofUriahtheHittite?

4AndDavidsentmessengers,andtookher;andshecame inuntohim,andhelaywithher;forshewaspurifiedfrom heruncleanness:andshereturneduntoherhouse

5Andthewomanconceived,andsentandtoldDavid,and said,Iamwithchild

6AndDavidsenttoJoab,saying,SendmeUriahthe Hittite.AndJoabsentUriahtoDavid.

7AndwhenUriahwascomeuntohim,Daviddemandedof himhowJoabdid,andhowthepeopledid,andhowthe warprospered.

8AndDavidsaidtoUriah,Godowntothyhouse,and washthyfeetAndUriahdepartedoutoftheking'shouse, andtherefollowedhimamessofmeatfromtheking.

9ButUriahsleptatthedooroftheking'shousewithallthe servantsofhislord,andwentnotdowntohishouse

10AndwhentheyhadtoldDavid,saying,Uriahwentnot downuntohishouse,DavidsaiduntoUriah,Camestthou notfromthyjourney?whythendidstthounotgodown untothinehouse?

11AndUriahsaiduntoDavid,Theark,andIsrael,and Judah,abideintents;andmylordJoab,andtheservantsof mylord,areencampedintheopenfields;shallIthengo intominehouse,toeatandtodrink,andtoliewithmy wife?asthoulivest,andasthysoulliveth,Iwillnotdothis thing

12AndDavidsaidtoUriah,Tarryheretodayalso,andto morrowIwilllettheedepartSoUriahabodeinJerusalem thatday,andthemorrow

13AndwhenDavidhadcalledhim,hedideatanddrink beforehim;andhemadehimdrunk:andatevenhewent outtolieonhisbedwiththeservantsofhislord,butwent notdowntohishouse.

14Anditcametopassinthemorning,thatDavidwrotea lettertoJoab,andsentitbythehandofUriah

15Andhewroteintheletter,saying,SetyeUriahinthe forefrontofthehottestbattle,andretireyefromhim,that hemaybesmitten,anddie

16Anditcametopass,whenJoabobservedthecity,that heassignedUriahuntoaplacewhereheknewthatvaliant menwere

17Andthemenofthecitywentout,andfoughtwithJoab: andtherefellsomeofthepeopleoftheservantsofDavid; andUriahtheHittitediedalso

18ThenJoabsentandtoldDavidallthethingsconcerning thewar;

19Andchargedthemessenger,saying,Whenthouhast madeanendoftellingthemattersofthewaruntotheking, 20Andifsobethattheking'swratharise,andhesayunto thee,Whereforeapproachedyesonighuntothecitywhen yedidfight?knewyenotthattheywouldshootfromthe wall?

21WhosmoteAbimelechthesonofJerubbesheth?didnot awomancastapieceofamillstoneuponhimfromthe wall,thathediedinThebez?whywentyenighthewall? thensaythou,ThyservantUriahtheHittiteisdeadalso. 22Sothemessengerwent,andcameandshewedDavidall thatJoabhadsenthimfor

23AndthemessengersaiduntoDavid,Surelythemen prevailedagainstus,andcameoutuntousintothefield, andwewereuponthemevenuntotheenteringofthegate 24Andtheshootersshotfromoffthewalluponthy servants;andsomeoftheking'sservantsbedead,andthy servantUriahtheHittiteisdeadalso

25ThenDavidsaiduntothemessenger,Thusshaltthou sayuntoJoab,Letnotthisthingdispleasethee,forthe sworddevourethoneaswellasanother:makethybattle morestrongagainstthecity,andoverthrowit:and encouragethouhim

26AndwhenthewifeofUriahheardthatUriahher husbandwasdead,shemournedforherhusband.

27Andwhenthemourningwaspast,Davidsentand fetchedhertohishouse,andshebecamehiswife,andbare himason.ButthethingthatDavidhaddonedispleasedthe LORD

1AndtheLORDsentNathanuntoDavidAndhecame untohim,andsaiduntohim,Thereweretwomeninone city;theonerich,andtheotherpoor.

2Therichmanhadexceedingmanyflocksandherds:

3Butthepoormanhadnothing,saveonelittleewelamb, whichhehadboughtandnourishedup:anditgrewup togetherwithhim,andwithhischildren;itdideatofhis ownmeat,anddrankofhisowncup,andlayinhisbosom, andwasuntohimasadaughter.

4Andtherecameatravelleruntotherichman,andhe sparedtotakeofhisownflockandofhisownherd,to dressforthewayfaringmanthatwascomeuntohim;but tookthepoorman'slamb,anddresseditforthemanthat wascometohim

5AndDavid'sangerwasgreatlykindledagainsttheman; andhesaidtoNathan,AstheLORDliveth,themanthat hathdonethisthingshallsurelydie:

6Andheshallrestorethelambfourfold,becausehedid thisthing,andbecausehehadnopity

7AndNathansaidtoDavid,ThouartthemanThussaith theLORDGodofIsrael,IanointedtheekingoverIsrael, andIdeliveredtheeoutofthehandofSaul;

8AndIgavetheethymaster'shouse,andthymaster's wivesintothybosom,andgavetheethehouseofIsraeland ofJudah;andifthathadbeentoolittle,Iwouldmoreover havegivenuntotheesuchandsuchthings

9Whereforehastthoudespisedthecommandmentofthe LORD,todoevilinhissight?thouhastkilledUriahthe Hittitewiththesword,andhasttakenhiswifetobethy wife,andhastslainhimwiththeswordofthechildrenof Ammon

10Nowthereforetheswordshallneverdepartfromthine house;becausethouhastdespisedme,andhasttakenthe wifeofUriahtheHittitetobethywife

11ThussaiththeLORD,Behold,Iwillraiseupevil againsttheeoutofthineownhouse,andIwilltakethy wivesbeforethineeyes,andgivethemuntothyneighbour, andheshallliewiththywivesinthesightofthissun.

12Forthoudidstitsecretly:butIwilldothisthingbefore allIsrael,andbeforethesun

13AndDavidsaiduntoNathan,Ihavesinnedagainstthe LORD.AndNathansaiduntoDavid,TheLORDalsohath putawaythysin;thoushaltnotdie

14Howbeit,becausebythisdeedthouhastgivengreat occasiontotheenemiesoftheLORDtoblaspheme,the childalsothatisbornuntotheeshallsurelydie

15AndNathandeparteduntohishouse.AndtheLORD struckthechildthatUriah'swifebareuntoDavid,andit wasverysick

16DavidthereforebesoughtGodforthechild;andDavid fasted,andwentin,andlayallnightupontheearth

17Andtheeldersofhishousearose,andwenttohim,to raisehimupfromtheearth:buthewouldnot,neitherdid heeatbreadwiththem

18Anditcametopassontheseventhday,thatthechild died.AndtheservantsofDavidfearedtotellhimthatthe childwasdead:fortheysaid,Behold,whilethechildwas yetalive,wespakeuntohim,andhewouldnothearken untoourvoice:howwillhethenvexhimself,ifwetellhim thatthechildisdead?

19ButwhenDavidsawthathisservantswhispered,David perceivedthatthechildwasdead:thereforeDavidsaid untohisservants,Isthechilddead?Andtheysaid,Heis dead

20ThenDavidarosefromtheearth,andwashed,and anointedhimself,andchangedhisapparel,andcameinto thehouseoftheLORD,andworshipped:thenhecameto hisownhouse;andwhenherequired,theysetbreadbefore him,andhedideat.

21Thensaidhisservantsuntohim,Whatthingisthisthat thouhastdone?thoudidstfastandweepforthechild, whileitwasalive;butwhenthechildwasdead,thoudidst riseandeatbread

22Andhesaid,Whilethechildwasyetalive,Ifastedand wept:forIsaid,WhocantellwhetherGODwillbe gracioustome,thatthechildmaylive?

23Butnowheisdead,whereforeshouldIfast?canIbring himbackagain?Ishallgotohim,butheshallnotreturnto me

24AndDavidcomfortedBathshebahiswife,andwentin untoher,andlaywithher:andshebareason,andhe calledhisnameSolomon:andtheLORDlovedhim

25AndhesentbythehandofNathantheprophet;andhe calledhisnameJedidiah,becauseoftheLORD

26AndJoabfoughtagainstRabbahofthechildrenof Ammon,andtooktheroyalcity.

27AndJoabsentmessengerstoDavid,andsaid,Ihave foughtagainstRabbah,andhavetakenthecityofwaters 28Nowthereforegathertherestofthepeopletogether, andencampagainstthecity,andtakeit:lestItakethecity, anditbecalledaftermyname

29AndDavidgatheredallthepeopletogether,andwentto Rabbah,andfoughtagainstit,andtookit

30Andhetooktheirking'scrownfromoffhishead,the weightwhereofwasatalentofgoldwiththeprecious stones:anditwassetonDavid'sheadAndhebrought forththespoilofthecityingreatabundance

31Andhebroughtforththepeoplethatweretherein,and putthemundersaws,andunderharrowsofiron,andunder axesofiron,andmadethempassthroughthebrickkiln: andthusdidheuntoallthecitiesofthechildrenofAmmon. SoDavidandallthepeoplereturneduntoJerusalem

CHAPTER13

1Anditcametopassafterthis,thatAbsalomthesonof Davidhadafairsister,whosenamewasTamar;and AmnonthesonofDavidlovedher

2AndAmnonwassovexed,thathefellsickforhissister Tamar;forshewasavirgin;andAmnonthoughtithardfor himtodoanythingtoher

3ButAmnonhadafriend,whosenamewasJonadab,the sonofShimeahDavid'sbrother:andJonadabwasavery subtilman

4Andhesaiduntohim,Whyartthou,beingtheking'sson, leanfromdaytoday?wiltthounottellme?AndAmnon saiduntohim,IloveTamar,mybrotherAbsalom'ssister 5AndJonadabsaiduntohim,Laytheedownonthybed, andmakethyselfsick:andwhenthyfathercomethtosee thee,sayuntohim,Ipraythee,letmysisterTamarcome, andgivememeat,anddressthemeatinmysight,thatI mayseeit,andeatitatherhand

6SoAmnonlaydown,andmadehimselfsick:andwhen thekingwascometoseehim,Amnonsaiduntotheking,I praythee,letTamarmysistercome,andmakemeacouple ofcakesinmysight,thatImayeatatherhand

7ThenDavidsenthometoTamar,saying,Gonowtothy brotherAmnon'shouse,anddresshimmeat

8SoTamarwenttoherbrotherAmnon'shouse;andhe waslaiddown.Andshetookflour,andkneadedit,and madecakesinhissight,anddidbakethecakes.

9Andshetookapan,andpouredthemoutbeforehim;but herefusedtoeat.AndAmnonsaid,Haveoutallmenfrom meAndtheywentouteverymanfromhim

10AndAmnonsaiduntoTamar,Bringthemeatintothe chamber,thatImayeatofthinehand.AndTamartookthe cakeswhichshehadmade,andbroughtthemintothe chambertoAmnonherbrother

11Andwhenshehadbroughtthemuntohimtoeat,he tookholdofher,andsaiduntoher,Comeliewithme,my sister

12Andsheansweredhim,Nay,mybrother,donotforce me;fornosuchthingoughttobedoneinIsrael:donot thouthisfolly

13AndI,whithershallIcausemyshametogo?andasfor thee,thoushaltbeasoneofthefoolsinIsraelNow therefore,Ipraythee,speakuntotheking;forhewillnot withholdmefromthee.

14Howbeithewouldnothearkenuntohervoice:but, beingstrongerthanshe,forcedher,andlaywithher 15ThenAmnonhatedherexceedingly;sothatthehatred wherewithhehatedherwasgreaterthanthelove wherewithhehadlovedherAndAmnonsaiduntoher, Arise,begone.

16Andshesaiduntohim,Thereisnocause:thisevilin sendingmeawayisgreaterthantheotherthatthoudidst untome.Buthewouldnothearkenuntoher.

17Thenhecalledhisservantthatministereduntohim,and said,Putnowthiswomanoutfromme,andboltthedoor afterher.

18Andshehadagarmentofdiverscoloursuponher:for withsuchrobesweretheking'sdaughtersthatwerevirgins apparelled.Thenhisservantbroughtherout,andboltedthe doorafterher

19AndTamarputashesonherhead,andrenthergarment ofdiverscoloursthatwasonher,andlaidherhandonher head,andwentoncrying

20AndAbsalomherbrothersaiduntoher,HathAmnon thybrotherbeenwiththee?butholdnowthypeace,my sister:heisthybrother;regardnotthisthingSoTamar remaineddesolateinherbrotherAbsalom'shouse.

21ButwhenkingDavidheardofallthesethings,hewas verywroth

22AndAbsalomspakeuntohisbrotherAmnonneither goodnorbad:forAbsalomhatedAmnon,becausehehad forcedhissisterTamar

23Anditcametopassaftertwofullyears,thatAbsalom hadsheepshearersinBaalhazor,whichisbesideEphraim: andAbsalominvitedalltheking'ssons

24AndAbsalomcametotheking,andsaid,Beholdnow, thyservanthathsheepshearers;lettheking,Ibeseechthee, andhisservantsgowiththyservant

25AndthekingsaidtoAbsalom,Nay,myson,letusnot allnowgo,lestwebechargeableuntotheeAndhepressed him:howbeithewouldnotgo,butblessedhim

26ThensaidAbsalom,Ifnot,Ipraythee,letmybrother AmnongowithusAndthekingsaiduntohim,Why shouldhegowiththee?

27ButAbsalompressedhim,thatheletAmnonandallthe king'ssonsgowithhim.

28NowAbsalomhadcommandedhisservants,saying, MarkyenowwhenAmnon'sheartismerrywithwine,and whenIsayuntoyou,SmiteAmnon;thenkillhim,fearnot: havenotIcommandedyou?becourageous,andbevaliant.

29AndtheservantsofAbsalomdiduntoAmnonas Absalomhadcommanded.Thenalltheking'ssonsarose, andeverymangathimupuponhismule,andfled

30Anditcametopass,whiletheywereintheway,that tidingscametoDavid,saying,Absalomhathslainallthe king'ssons,andthereisnotoneofthemleft

31Thenthekingarose,andtarehisgarments,andlayon theearth;andallhisservantsstoodbywiththeirclothes rent

32AndJonadab,thesonofShimeahDavid'sbrother, answeredandsaid,Letnotmylordsupposethattheyhave slainalltheyoungmentheking'ssons;forAmnononlyis dead:forbytheappointmentofAbsalomthishathbeen determinedfromthedaythatheforcedhissisterTamar.

33Nowthereforeletnotmylordthekingtakethethingto hisheart,tothinkthatalltheking'ssonsaredead:for Amnononlyisdead.

34ButAbsalomfledAndtheyoungmanthatkeptthe watchlifteduphiseyes,andlooked,and,behold,there camemuchpeoplebythewayofthehillsidebehindhim.

35AndJonadabsaiduntotheking,Behold,theking'ssons come:asthyservantsaid,soitis

36Anditcametopass,assoonashehadmadeanendof speaking,that,behold,theking'ssonscame,andliftedup theirvoiceandwept:andthekingalsoandallhisservants weptverysore.

37ButAbsalomfled,andwenttoTalmai,thesonof Ammihud,kingofGeshurAndDavidmournedforhisson everyday.

38SoAbsalomfled,andwenttoGeshur,andwasthere threeyears.

39AndthesoulofkingDavidlongedtogoforthunto Absalom:forhewascomfortedconcerningAmnon,seeing hewasdead.

CHAPTER14

1NowJoabthesonofZeruiahperceivedthattheking's heartwastowardAbsalom

2AndJoabsenttoTekoah,andfetchedthenceawise woman,andsaiduntoher,Ipraythee,feignthyselftobea mourner,andputonnowmourningapparel,andanointnot thyselfwithoil,butbeasawomanthathadalongtime mournedforthedead:

3Andcometotheking,andspeakonthismannerunto him.SoJoabputthewordsinhermouth.

4AndwhenthewomanofTekoahspaketotheking,she fellonherfacetotheground,anddidobeisance,andsaid, Help,Oking.

5Andthekingsaiduntoher,Whataileththee?Andshe answered,Iamindeedawidowwoman,andminehusband isdead.

6Andthyhandmaidhadtwosons,andtheytwostrove togetherinthefield,andtherewasnonetopartthem,but theonesmotetheother,andslewhim

7And,behold,thewholefamilyisrisenagainstthine handmaid,andtheysaid,Deliverhimthatsmotehis brother,thatwemaykillhim,forthelifeofhisbrother whomheslew;andwewilldestroytheheiralso:andso theyshallquenchmycoalwhichisleft,andshallnotleave tomyhusbandneithernamenorremainderupontheearth.

8Andthekingsaiduntothewoman,Gotothinehouse, andIwillgivechargeconcerningthee.

9AndthewomanofTekoahsaiduntotheking,Mylord,O king,theiniquitybeonme,andonmyfather'shouse:and thekingandhisthronebeguiltless.

10Andthekingsaid,Whosoeversaithoughtuntothee, bringhimtome,andheshallnottouchtheeanymore

11Thensaidshe,Ipraythee,letthekingrememberthe LORDthyGod,thatthouwouldestnotsuffertherevengers ofbloodtodestroyanymore,lesttheydestroymyson Andhesaid,AstheLORDliveth,thereshallnotonehair ofthysonfalltotheearth

12Thenthewomansaid,Letthinehandmaid,Ipraythee, speakoneworduntomylordtheking.Andhesaid,Sayon.

13Andthewomansaid,Whereforethenhastthouthought suchathingagainstthepeopleofGod?forthekingdoth speakthisthingasonewhichisfaulty,inthatthekingdoth notfetchhomeagainhisbanished

14Forwemustneedsdie,andareaswaterspiltonthe ground,whichcannotbegatheredupagain;neitherdoth Godrespectanyperson:yetdothhedevisemeans,thathis banishedbenotexpelledfromhim

15NowthereforethatIamcometospeakofthisthing untomylordtheking,itisbecausethepeoplehavemade meafraid:andthyhandmaidsaid,Iwillnowspeakunto theking;itmaybethatthekingwillperformtherequestof hishandmaid

16Forthekingwillhear,todeliverhishandmaidoutof thehandofthemanthatwoulddestroymeandmyson togetheroutoftheinheritanceofGod

17Thenthinehandmaidsaid,Thewordofmylordthe kingshallnowbecomfortable:forasanangelofGod,so ismylordthekingtodiscerngoodandbad:thereforethe LORDthyGodwillbewiththee.

18Thenthekingansweredandsaiduntothewoman,Hide notfromme,Ipraythee,thethingthatIshallaskthee Andthewomansaid,Letmylordthekingnowspeak 19Andthekingsaid,IsnotthehandofJoabwiththeein allthis?Andthewomanansweredandsaid,Asthysoul liveth,mylordtheking,nonecanturntotherighthandor totheleftfromoughtthatmylordthekinghathspoken: forthyservantJoab,hebademe,andheputallthesewords inthemouthofthinehandmaid:

20TofetchaboutthisformofspeechhaththyservantJoab donethisthing:andmylordiswise,accordingtothe wisdomofanangelofGod,toknowallthingsthatarein theearth

21AndthekingsaiduntoJoab,Beholdnow,Ihavedone thisthing:gotherefore,bringtheyoungmanAbsalom again

22AndJoabfelltothegroundonhisface,andbowed himself,andthankedtheking:andJoabsaid,Todaythy servantknoweththatIhavefoundgraceinthysight,my

lord,Oking,inthatthekinghathfulfilledtherequestof hisservant

23SoJoabaroseandwenttoGeshur,andbrought AbsalomtoJerusalem

24Andthekingsaid,Lethimturntohisownhouse,and lethimnotseemyfaceSoAbsalomreturnedtohisown house,andsawnottheking'sface

25ButinallIsraeltherewasnonetobesomuchpraisedas Absalomforhisbeauty:fromthesoleofhisfootevento thecrownofhisheadtherewasnoblemishinhim

26Andwhenhepolledhishead,(foritwasateveryyear's endthathepolledit:becausethehairwasheavyonhim, thereforehepolledit:)heweighedthehairofhisheadat twohundredshekelsaftertheking'sweight.

27AnduntoAbsalomtherewerebornthreesons,andone daughter,whosenamewasTamar:shewasawomanofa faircountenance.

28SoAbsalomdwelttwofullyearsinJerusalem,andsaw nottheking'sface

29ThereforeAbsalomsentforJoab,tohavesenthimto theking;buthewouldnotcometohim:andwhenhesent againthesecondtime,hewouldnotcome

30Thereforehesaiduntohisservants,See,Joab'sfieldis nearmine,andhehathbarleythere;goandsetitonfire AndAbsalom'sservantssetthefieldonfire

31ThenJoabarose,andcametoAbsalomuntohishouse, andsaiduntohim,Whereforehavethyservantssetmy fieldonfire?

32AndAbsalomansweredJoab,Behold,Isentuntothee, saying,Comehither,thatImaysendtheetotheking,to say,WhereforeamIcomefromGeshur?ithadbeengood formetohavebeentherestill:nowthereforeletmeseethe king'sface;andiftherebeanyiniquityinme,lethimkill me

33SoJoabcametotheking,andtoldhim:andwhenhe hadcalledforAbsalom,hecametotheking,andbowed himselfonhisfacetothegroundbeforetheking:andthe kingkissedAbsalom.

CHAPTER15

1Anditcametopassafterthis,thatAbsalompreparedhim chariotsandhorses,andfiftymentorunbeforehim.

2AndAbsalomroseupearly,andstoodbesidethewayof thegate:anditwasso,thatwhenanymanthathada controversycametothekingforjudgment,thenAbsalom calleduntohim,andsaid,Ofwhatcityartthou?Andhe said,ThyservantisofoneofthetribesofIsrael

3AndAbsalomsaiduntohim,See,thymattersaregood andright;butthereisnomandeputedofthekingtohear thee

4Absalomsaidmoreover,OhthatIweremadejudgein theland,thateverymanwhichhathanysuitorcausemight comeuntome,andIwoulddohimjustice!

5Anditwasso,thatwhenanymancamenightohimtodo himobeisance,heputforthhishand,andtookhim,and kissedhim

6AndonthismannerdidAbsalomtoallIsraelthatcame tothekingforjudgment:soAbsalomstoletheheartsofthe menofIsrael

7Anditcametopassafterfortyyears,thatAbsalomsaid untotheking,Ipraythee,letmegoandpaymyvow, whichIhavevoweduntotheLORD,inHebron

8ForthyservantvowedavowwhileIabodeatGeshurin Syria,saying,IftheLORDshallbringmeagainindeedto Jerusalem,thenIwillservetheLORD

9Andthekingsaiduntohim,GoinpeaceSohearose, andwenttoHebron.

10ButAbsalomsentspiesthroughoutallthetribesof Israel,saying,Assoonasyehearthesoundofthetrumpet, thenyeshallsay,AbsalomreignethinHebron.

11AndwithAbsalomwenttwohundredmenoutof Jerusalem,thatwerecalled;andtheywentintheir simplicity,andtheyknewnotanything.

12AndAbsalomsentforAhithopheltheGilonite,David's counsellor,fromhiscity,evenfromGiloh,whilehe offeredsacrifices.Andtheconspiracywasstrong;forthe peopleincreasedcontinuallywithAbsalom

13AndtherecameamessengertoDavid,saying,The heartsofthemenofIsraelareafterAbsalom.

14AndDavidsaiduntoallhisservantsthatwerewithhim atJerusalem,Arise,andletusflee;forweshallnotelse escapefromAbsalom:makespeedtodepart,lesthe overtakeussuddenly,andbringeviluponus,andsmitethe citywiththeedgeofthesword

15Andtheking'sservantssaiduntotheking,Behold,thy servantsarereadytodowhatsoevermylordthekingshall appoint

16Andthekingwentforth,andallhishouseholdafterhim. Andthekinglefttenwomen,whichwereconcubines,to keepthehouse

17Andthekingwentforth,andallthepeopleafterhim, andtarriedinaplacethatwasfaroff

18Andallhisservantspassedonbesidehim;andallthe Cherethites,andallthePelethites,andalltheGittites,six hundredmenwhichcameafterhimfromGath,passedon beforetheking

19ThensaidthekingtoIttaitheGittite,Whereforegoest thoualsowithus?returntothyplace,andabidewiththe king:forthouartastranger,andalsoanexile

20Whereasthoucamestbutyesterday,shouldIthisday maketheegoupanddownwithus?seeingIgowhitherI may,returnthou,andtakebackthybrethren:mercyand truthbewiththee.

21AndIttaiansweredtheking,andsaid,AstheLORD liveth,andasmylordthekingliveth,surelyinwhatplace mylordthekingshallbe,whetherindeathorlife,even therealsowillthyservantbe

22AndDavidsaidtoIttai,GoandpassoverAndIttaithe Gittitepassedover,andallhismen,andallthelittleones thatwerewithhim

23Andallthecountryweptwithaloudvoice,andallthe peoplepassedover:thekingalsohimselfpassedoverthe brookKidron,andallthepeoplepassedover,towardthe wayofthewilderness.

24AndloZadokalso,andalltheLeviteswerewithhim, bearingthearkofthecovenantofGod:andtheysetdown thearkofGod;andAbiatharwentup,untilallthepeople haddonepassingoutofthecity

25AndthekingsaiduntoZadok,Carrybackthearkof Godintothecity:ifIshallfindfavourintheeyesofthe LORD,hewillbringmeagain,andshewmebothit,and hishabitation:

26Butifhethussay,Ihavenodelightinthee;behold, hereamI,lethimdotomeasseemethgooduntohim

27ThekingsaidalsountoZadokthepriest,Artnotthoua seer?returnintothecityinpeace,andyourtwosonswith you,Ahimaazthyson,andJonathanthesonofAbiathar

28See,Iwilltarryintheplainofthewilderness,untilthere comewordfromyoutocertifyme.

29ZadokthereforeandAbiatharcarriedthearkofGod againtoJerusalem:andtheytarriedthere

30AndDavidwentupbytheascentofmountOlivet,and weptashewentup,andhadhisheadcovered,andhewent barefoot:andallthepeoplethatwaswithhimcovered everymanhishead,andtheywentup,weepingasthey wentup

31AndonetoldDavid,saying,Ahithophelisamongthe conspiratorswithAbsalom.AndDavidsaid,OLORD,I praythee,turnthecounselofAhithophelintofoolishness

32Anditcametopass,thatwhenDavidwascometothe topofthemount,whereheworshippedGod,behold, HushaitheArchitecametomeethimwithhiscoatrent, andearthuponhishead:

33UntowhomDavidsaid,Ifthoupassestonwithme,then thoushaltbeaburdenuntome:

34Butifthoureturntothecity,andsayuntoAbsalom,I willbethyservant,Oking;asIhavebeenthyfather's servanthitherto,sowillInowalsobethyservant:then mayestthouformedefeatthecounselofAhithophel

35AndhastthounottherewiththeeZadokandAbiathar thepriests?thereforeitshallbe,thatwhatthingsoever thoushalthearoutoftheking'shouse,thoushalttellitto ZadokandAbiatharthepriests.

36Behold,theyhavetherewiththemtheirtwosons, AhimaazZadok'sson,andJonathanAbiathar'sson;andby themyeshallsenduntomeeverythingthatyecanhear.

37SoHushaiDavid'sfriendcameintothecity,and AbsalomcameintoJerusalem

CHAPTER16

1AndwhenDavidwasalittlepastthetopofthehill, behold,ZibatheservantofMephiboshethmethim,witha coupleofassessaddled,anduponthemtwohundredloaves ofbread,andanhundredbunchesofraisins,andan hundredofsummerfruits,andabottleofwine

2AndthekingsaiduntoZiba,Whatmeanestthoubythese? AndZibasaid,Theassesbefortheking'shouseholdtoride on;andthebreadandsummerfruitfortheyoungmento eat;andthewine,thatsuchasbefaintinthewilderness maydrink

3Andthekingsaid,Andwhereisthymaster'sson?And Zibasaiduntotheking,Behold,heabidethatJerusalem: forhesaid,TodayshallthehouseofIsraelrestoremethe kingdomofmyfather

4ThensaidthekingtoZiba,Behold,thineareallthat pertaineduntoMephiboshethAndZibasaid,Ihumbly beseechtheethatImayfindgraceinthysight,mylord,O king.

5AndwhenkingDavidcametoBahurim,behold,thence cameoutamanofthefamilyofthehouseofSaul,whose namewasShimei,thesonofGera:hecameforth,and cursedstillashecame

6AndhecaststonesatDavid,andatalltheservantsof kingDavid:andallthepeopleandallthemightymenwere onhisrighthandandonhisleft

7AndthussaidShimeiwhenhecursed,Comeout,come out,thoubloodyman,andthoumanofBelial:

8TheLORDhathreturnedupontheeallthebloodofthe houseofSaul,inwhosesteadthouhastreigned;andthe LORDhathdeliveredthekingdomintothehandof Absalomthyson:and,behold,thouarttakeninthy mischief,becausethouartabloodyman

9ThensaidAbishaithesonofZeruiahuntotheking,Why shouldthisdeaddogcursemylordtheking?letmego over,Ipraythee,andtakeoffhishead

10Andthekingsaid,WhathaveItodowithyou,yesons ofZeruiah?solethimcurse,becausetheLORDhathsaid untohim,CurseDavidWhoshallthensay,Whereforehast thoudoneso?

11AndDavidsaidtoAbishai,andtoallhisservants, Behold,myson,whichcameforthofmybowels,seeketh mylife:howmuchmorenowmaythisBenjamitedoit?let himalone,andlethimcurse;fortheLORDhathbidden him

12ItmaybethattheLORDwilllookonmineaffliction, andthattheLORDwillrequitemegoodforhiscursing thisday

13AndasDavidandhismenwentbytheway,Shimei wentalongonthehill'ssideoveragainsthim,andcursed ashewent,andthrewstonesathim,andcastdust

14Andtheking,andallthepeoplethatwerewithhim, cameweary,andrefreshedthemselvesthere

15AndAbsalom,andallthepeoplethemenofIsrael, cametoJerusalem,andAhithophelwithhim.

16Anditcametopass,whenHushaitheArchite,David's friend,wascomeuntoAbsalom,thatHushaisaidunto Absalom,Godsavetheking,Godsavetheking.

17AndAbsalomsaidtoHushai,Isthisthykindnesstothy friend?whywentestthounotwiththyfriend?

18AndHushaisaiduntoAbsalom,Nay;butwhomthe LORD,andthispeople,andallthemenofIsrael,choose, hiswillIbe,andwithhimwillIabide

19Andagain,whomshouldIserve?shouldInotservein thepresenceofhisson?asIhaveservedinthyfather's presence,sowillIbeinthypresence.

20ThensaidAbsalomtoAhithophel,Givecounselamong youwhatweshalldo

21AndAhithophelsaiduntoAbsalom,Goinuntothy father'sconcubines,whichhehathlefttokeepthehouse; andallIsraelshallhearthatthouartabhorredofthyfather: thenshallthehandsofallthatarewiththeebestrong 22SotheyspreadAbsalomatentuponthetopofthehouse; andAbsalomwentinuntohisfather'sconcubinesinthe sightofallIsrael.

23AndthecounselofAhithophel,whichhecounselledin thosedays,wasasifamanhadenquiredattheoracleof God:sowasallthecounselofAhithophelbothwithDavid andwithAbsalom

CHAPTER17

1MoreoverAhithophelsaiduntoAbsalom,Letmenow chooseouttwelvethousandmen,andIwillariseand pursueafterDavidthisnight:

2AndIwillcomeuponhimwhileheiswearyandweak handed,andwillmakehimafraid:andallthepeoplethat arewithhimshallflee;andIwillsmitethekingonly:

3AndIwillbringbackallthepeopleuntothee:theman whomthouseekestisasifallreturned:soallthepeople shallbeinpeace

4AndthesayingpleasedAbsalomwell,andalltheelders ofIsrael.

5ThensaidAbsalom,CallnowHushaitheArchitealso, andletushearlikewisewhathesaith

6AndwhenHushaiwascometoAbsalom,Absalomspake untohim,saying,Ahithophelhathspokenafterthismanner: shallwedoafterhissaying?ifnot;speakthou

7AndHushaisaiduntoAbsalom,Thecounselthat Ahithophelhathgivenisnotgoodatthistime

8For,saidHushai,thouknowestthyfatherandhismen, thattheybemightymen,andtheybechafedintheirminds, asabearrobbedofherwhelpsinthefield:andthyfatheris amanofwar,andwillnotlodgewiththepeople

9Behold,heishidnowinsomepit,orinsomeotherplace: anditwillcometopass,whensomeofthembeoverthrown atthefirst,thatwhosoeverhearethitwillsay,Thereisa slaughteramongthepeoplethatfollowAbsalom.

10Andhealsothatisvaliant,whoseheartisastheheartof alion,shallutterlymelt:forallIsraelknoweththatthy fatherisamightyman,andtheywhichbewithhimare valiantmen

11ThereforeIcounselthatallIsraelbegenerallygathered untothee,fromDaneventoBeersheba,asthesandthatis bytheseaformultitude;andthatthougotobattleinthine ownperson

12Soshallwecomeuponhiminsomeplacewherehe shallbefound,andwewilllightuponhimasthedew fallethontheground:andofhimandofallthementhat arewithhimthereshallnotbeleftsomuchasone.

13Moreover,ifhebegottenintoacity,thenshallallIsrael bringropestothatcity,andwewilldrawitintotheriver, untiltherebenotonesmallstonefoundthere.

14AndAbsalomandallthemenofIsraelsaid,The counselofHushaitheArchiteisbetterthanthecounselof Ahithophel.FortheLORDhadappointedtodefeatthe goodcounselofAhithophel,totheintentthattheLORD mightbringeviluponAbsalom.

15ThensaidHushaiuntoZadokandtoAbiatharthepriests, ThusandthusdidAhithophelcounselAbsalomandthe eldersofIsrael;andthusandthushaveIcounselled.

16Nowthereforesendquickly,andtellDavid,saying, Lodgenotthisnightintheplainsofthewilderness,but speedilypassover;lestthekingbeswallowedup,andall thepeoplethatarewithhim

17NowJonathanandAhimaazstayedbyEnrogel;forthey mightnotbeseentocomeintothecity:andawenchwent andtoldthem;andtheywentandtoldkingDavid 18Neverthelessaladsawthem,andtoldAbsalom:but theywentbothofthemawayquickly,andcametoaman's houseinBahurim,whichhadawellinhiscourt;whither theywentdown

19Andthewomantookandspreadacoveringoverthe well'smouth,andspreadgroundcornthereon;andthe thingwasnotknown

20AndwhenAbsalom'sservantscametothewomantothe house,theysaid,WhereisAhimaazandJonathan?Andthe womansaiduntothem,Theybegoneoverthebrookof water.Andwhentheyhadsoughtandcouldnotfindthem, theyreturnedtoJerusalem

21Anditcametopass,aftertheyweredeparted,thatthey cameupoutofthewell,andwentandtoldkingDavid,and saiduntoDavid,Arise,andpassquicklyoverthewater:for thushathAhithophelcounselledagainstyou

22ThenDavidarose,andallthepeoplethatwerewithhim, andtheypassedoverJordan:bythemorninglightthere lackednotoneofthemthatwasnotgoneoverJordan

23AndwhenAhithophelsawthathiscounselwasnot followed,hesaddledhisass,andarose,andgathimhome tohishouse,tohiscity,andputhishouseholdinorder,and hangedhimself,anddied,andwasburiedinthesepulchre ofhisfather

24ThenDavidcametoMahanaimAndAbsalompassed overJordan,heandallthemenofIsraelwithhim.

25AndAbsalommadeAmasacaptainofthehostinstead ofJoab:whichAmasawasaman'sson,whosenamewas IthraanIsraelite,thatwentintoAbigailthedaughterof Nahash,sistertoZeruiahJoab'smother 26SoIsraelandAbsalompitchedinthelandofGilead 27Anditcametopass,whenDavidwascometo Mahanaim,thatShobithesonofNahashofRabbahofthe childrenofAmmon,andMachirthesonofAmmielof Lodebar,andBarzillaitheGileaditeofRogelim, 28Broughtbeds,andbasons,andearthenvessels,and wheat,andbarley,andflour,andparchedcorn,andbeans, andlentiles,andparchedpulse, 29Andhoney,andbutter,andsheep,andcheeseofkine, forDavid,andforthepeoplethatwerewithhim,toeat:for theysaid,Thepeopleishungry,andweary,andthirsty,in thewilderness

CHAPTER18

1AndDavidnumberedthepeoplethatwerewithhim,and setcaptainsofthousandsandcaptainsofhundredsover them

2AndDavidsentforthathirdpartofthepeopleunderthe handofJoab,andathirdpartunderthehandofAbishaithe sonofZeruiah,Joab'sbrother,andathirdpartunderthe handofIttaitheGittite.Andthekingsaiduntothepeople, Iwillsurelygoforthwithyoumyselfalso.

3Butthepeopleanswered,Thoushaltnotgoforth:forif wefleeaway,theywillnotcareforus;neitherifhalfofus die,willtheycareforus:butnowthouartworthten thousandofus:thereforenowitisbetterthatthousuccour usoutofthecity

4Andthekingsaiduntothem,WhatseemethyoubestI willdoAndthekingstoodbythegateside,andallthe peoplecameoutbyhundredsandbythousands.

5AndthekingcommandedJoabandAbishaiandIttai, saying,Dealgentlyformysakewiththeyoungman,even withAbsalom.Andallthepeopleheardwhentheking gaveallthecaptainschargeconcerningAbsalom

6SothepeoplewentoutintothefieldagainstIsrael:and thebattlewasinthewoodofEphraim;

7WherethepeopleofIsraelwereslainbeforetheservants ofDavid,andtherewasthereagreatslaughterthatdayof twentythousandmen.

8Forthebattlewastherescatteredoverthefaceofallthe country:andthewooddevouredmorepeoplethatdaythan thesworddevoured.

9AndAbsalommettheservantsofDavidAndAbsalom rodeuponamule,andthemulewentunderthethick

boughsofagreatoak,andhisheadcaughtholdoftheoak, andhewastakenupbetweentheheavenandtheearth;and themulethatwasunderhimwentaway

10Andacertainmansawit,andtoldJoab,andsaid, Behold,IsawAbsalomhangedinanoak.

11AndJoabsaiduntothemanthattoldhim,And,behold, thousawesthim,andwhydidstthounotsmitehimthereto theground?andIwouldhavegiventheetenshekelsof silver,andagirdle.

12AndthemansaiduntoJoab,ThoughIshouldreceivea thousandshekelsofsilverinminehand,yetwouldInot putforthminehandagainsttheking'sson:forinour hearingthekingchargedtheeandAbishaiandIttai,saying, BewarethatnonetouchtheyoungmanAbsalom.

13OtherwiseIshouldhavewroughtfalsehoodagainst mineownlife:forthereisnomatterhidfromtheking,and thouthyselfwouldesthavesetthyselfagainstme.

14ThensaidJoab,ImaynottarrythuswiththeeAndhe tookthreedartsinhishand,andthrustthemthroughthe heartofAbsalom,whilehewasyetaliveinthemidstofthe oak

15AndtenyoungmenthatbareJoab'sarmourcompassed aboutandsmoteAbsalom,andslewhim.

16AndJoabblewthetrumpet,andthepeoplereturned frompursuingafterIsrael:forJoabheldbackthepeople 17AndtheytookAbsalom,andcasthimintoagreatpitin thewood,andlaidaverygreatheapofstonesuponhim: andallIsraelfledeveryonetohistent

18NowAbsalominhislifetimehadtakenandrearedup forhimselfapillar,whichisintheking'sdale:forhesaid, Ihavenosontokeepmynameinremembrance:andhe calledthepillarafterhisownname:anditiscalledunto thisday,Absalom'splace

19ThensaidAhimaazthesonofZadok,Letmenowrun, andbearthekingtidings,howthattheLORDhathavenged himofhisenemies

20AndJoabsaiduntohim,Thoushaltnotbeartidingsthis day,butthoushaltbeartidingsanotherday:butthisday thoushaltbearnotidings,becausetheking'ssonisdead 21ThensaidJoabtoCushi,Gotellthekingwhatthouhast seen.AndCushibowedhimselfuntoJoab,andran.

22ThensaidAhimaazthesonofZadokyetagaintoJoab, Buthowsoever,letme,Ipraythee,alsorunafterCushi. AndJoabsaid,Whereforewiltthourun,myson,seeing thatthouhastnotidingsready?

23Buthowsoever,saidhe,letmerunAndhesaidunto him,RunThenAhimaazranbythewayoftheplain,and overranCushi

24AndDavidsatbetweenthetwogates:andthe watchmanwentuptotheroofoverthegateuntothewall, andlifteduphiseyes,andlooked,andbeholdaman runningalone.

25Andthewatchmancried,andtoldthekingAndthe kingsaid,Ifhebealone,thereistidingsinhismouthAnd hecameapace,anddrewnear.

26Andthewatchmansawanothermanrunning:andthe watchmancalleduntotheporter,andsaid,Beholdanother manrunningalone.Andthekingsaid,Healsobringeth tidings

27Andthewatchmansaid,Methinkeththerunningofthe foremostisliketherunningofAhimaazthesonofZadok. Andthekingsaid,Heisagoodman,andcomethwith goodtidings

28AndAhimaazcalled,andsaiduntotheking,Alliswell Andhefelldowntotheearthuponhisfacebeforetheking, andsaid,BlessedbetheLORDthyGod,whichhath deliveredupthementhatlifteduptheirhandagainstmy lordtheking.

29Andthekingsaid,IstheyoungmanAbsalomsafe?And Ahimaazanswered,WhenJoabsenttheking'sservant,and methyservant,Isawagreattumult,butIknewnotwhatit was.

30Andthekingsaiduntohim,Turnaside,andstandhere Andheturnedaside,andstoodstill.

31And,behold,Cushicame;andCushisaid,Tidings,my lordtheking:fortheLORDhathavengedtheethisdayof allthemthatroseupagainstthee.

32AndthekingsaiduntoCushi,Istheyoungman Absalomsafe?AndCushianswered,Theenemiesofmy lordtheking,andallthatriseagainsttheetodotheehurt, beasthatyoungmanis

33Andthekingwasmuchmoved,andwentuptothe chamberoverthegate,andwept:andashewent,thushe said,OmysonAbsalom,myson,mysonAbsalom!would GodIhaddiedforthee,OAbsalom,myson,myson!

CHAPTER19

1AnditwastoldJoab,Behold,thekingweepethand mournethforAbsalom

2Andthevictorythatdaywasturnedintomourningunto allthepeople:forthepeopleheardsaythatdayhowthe kingwasgrievedforhisson

3Andthepeoplegatthembystealththatdayintothecity, aspeoplebeingashamedstealawaywhentheyfleein battle

4Butthekingcoveredhisface,andthekingcriedwitha loudvoice,OmysonAbsalom,OAbsalom,myson,my son!

5AndJoabcameintothehousetotheking,andsaid,Thou hastshamedthisdaythefacesofallthyservants,which thisdayhavesavedthylife,andthelivesofthysonsandof thydaughters,andthelivesofthywives,andthelivesof thyconcubines;

6Inthatthoulovestthineenemies,andhatestthyfriends Forthouhastdeclaredthisday,thatthouregardestneither princesnorservants:forthisdayIperceive,thatif Absalomhadlived,andallwehaddiedthisday,thenit hadpleasedtheewell

7Nowthereforearise,goforth,andspeakcomfortably untothyservants:forIswearbytheLORD,ifthougonot forth,therewillnottarryonewiththeethisnight:andthat willbeworseuntotheethanalltheevilthatbefellthee fromthyyouthuntilnow

8Thenthekingarose,andsatinthegate.Andtheytold untoallthepeople,saying,Behold,thekingdothsitinthe gateAndallthepeoplecamebeforetheking:forIsrael hadfledeverymantohistent.

9Andallthepeoplewereatstrifethroughoutallthetribes ofIsrael,saying,Thekingsavedusoutofthehandofour enemies,andhedeliveredusoutofthehandofthe Philistines;andnowheisfledoutofthelandforAbsalom

10AndAbsalom,whomweanointedoverus,isdeadin battle.Nowthereforewhyspeakyenotawordofbringing thekingback?

11AndkingDavidsenttoZadokandtoAbiatharthe priests,saying,SpeakuntotheeldersofJudah,saying, Whyareyethelasttobringthekingbacktohishouse? seeingthespeechofallIsraeliscometotheking,evento hishouse.

12Yearemybrethren,yearemybonesandmyflesh: whereforethenareyethelasttobringbacktheking?

13AndsayyetoAmasa,Artthounotofmybone,andof myflesh?Goddosotome,andmorealso,ifthoubenot captainofthehostbeforemecontinuallyintheroomof Joab.

14AndhebowedtheheartofallthemenofJudah,evenas theheartofoneman;sothattheysentthisworduntothe king,Returnthou,andallthyservants.

15Sothekingreturned,andcametoJordanAndJudah cametoGilgal,togotomeettheking,toconducttheking overJordan.

16AndShimeithesonofGera,aBenjamite,whichwasof Bahurim,hastedandcamedownwiththemenofJudahto meetkingDavid.

17AndtherewereathousandmenofBenjaminwithhim, andZibatheservantofthehouseofSaul,andhisfifteen sonsandhistwentyservantswithhim;andtheywentover Jordanbeforetheking

18Andtherewentoveraferryboattocarryovertheking's household,andtodowhathethoughtgood.AndShimei thesonofGerafelldownbeforetheking,ashewascome overJordan;

19Andsaiduntotheking,Letnotmylordimputeiniquity untome,neitherdothourememberthatwhichthyservant didperverselythedaythatmylordthekingwentoutof Jerusalem,thatthekingshouldtakeittohisheart.

20ForthyservantdothknowthatIhavesinned:therefore, behold,Iamcomethefirstthisdayofallthehouseof Josephtogodowntomeetmylordtheking.

21ButAbishaithesonofZeruiahansweredandsaid,Shall notShimeibeputtodeathforthis,becausehecursedthe LORD'Sanointed?

22AndDavidsaid,WhathaveItodowithyou,yesonsof Zeruiah,thatyeshouldthisdaybeadversariesuntome? shallthereanymanbeputtodeaththisdayinIsrael?for donotIknowthatIamthisdaykingoverIsrael?

23ThereforethekingsaiduntoShimei,Thoushaltnotdie. Andthekingswareuntohim.

24AndMephibosheththesonofSaulcamedowntomeet theking,andhadneitherdressedhisfeet,nortrimmedhis beard,norwashedhisclothes,fromthedaytheking departeduntilthedayhecameagaininpeace

25Anditcametopass,whenhewascometoJerusalemto meettheking,thatthekingsaiduntohim,Wherefore wentestnotthouwithme,Mephibosheth?

26Andheanswered,Mylord,Oking,myservant deceivedme:forthyservantsaid,Iwillsaddlemeanass, thatImayridethereon,andgototheking;becausethy servantislame.

27Andhehathslanderedthyservantuntomylordtheking; butmylordthekingisasanangelofGod:dotherefore whatisgoodinthineeyes.

28Forallofmyfather'shousewerebutdeadmenbefore mylordtheking:yetdidstthousetthyservantamongthem thatdideatatthineowntable.WhatrightthereforehaveI yettocryanymoreuntotheking?

29Andthekingsaiduntohim,Whyspeakestthouany moreofthymatters?Ihavesaid,ThouandZibadividethe land

30AndMephiboshethsaiduntotheking,Yea,lethimtake all,forasmuchasmylordthekingiscomeagaininpeace untohisownhouse

31AndBarzillaitheGileaditecamedownfromRogelim, andwentoverJordanwiththeking,toconducthimover Jordan.

32NowBarzillaiwasaveryagedman,evenfourscore yearsold:andhehadprovidedthekingofsustenance whilehelayatMahanaim;forhewasaverygreatman

33AndthekingsaiduntoBarzillai,Comethouoverwith me,andIwillfeedtheewithmeinJerusalem.

34AndBarzillaisaiduntotheking,HowlonghaveIto live,thatIshouldgoupwiththekinguntoJerusalem?

35Iamthisdayfourscoreyearsold:andcanIdiscern betweengoodandevil?canthyservanttastewhatIeator whatIdrink?canIhearanymorethevoiceofsingingmen andsingingwomen?whereforethenshouldthyservantbe yetaburdenuntomylordtheking?

36ThyservantwillgoalittlewayoverJordanwiththe king:andwhyshouldthekingrecompenseitmewithsuch areward?

37Letthyservant,Ipraythee,turnbackagain,thatImay dieinmineowncity,andbeburiedbythegraveofmy fatherandofmymotherButbeholdthyservantChimham; lethimgooverwithmylordtheking;anddotohimwhat shallseemgooduntothee.

38Andthekinganswered,Chimhamshallgooverwithme, andIwilldotohimthatwhichshallseemgooduntothee: andwhatsoeverthoushaltrequireofme,thatwillIdofor thee

39AndallthepeoplewentoverJordanAndwhentheking wascomeover,thekingkissedBarzillai,andblessedhim; andhereturneduntohisownplace

40ThenthekingwentontoGilgal,andChimhamwenton withhim:andallthepeopleofJudahconductedtheking, andalsohalfthepeopleofIsrael

41And,behold,allthemenofIsraelcametotheking,and saiduntotheking,Whyhaveourbrethrenthemenof Judahstolentheeaway,andhavebroughttheking,andhis household,andallDavid'smenwithhim,overJordan?

42AndallthemenofJudahansweredthemenofIsrael, Becausethekingisnearofkintous:whereforethenbeye angryforthismatter?haveweeatenatalloftheking'scost? orhathhegivenusanygift?

43AndthemenofIsraelansweredthemenofJudah,and said,Wehavetenpartsintheking,andwehavealsomore rightinDavidthanye:whythendidyedespiseus,thatour adviceshouldnotbefirsthadinbringingbackourking? AndthewordsofthemenofJudahwerefiercerthanthe wordsofthemenofIsrael

CHAPTER20

1AndtherehappenedtobethereamanofBelial,whose namewasSheba,thesonofBichri,aBenjamite:andhe blewatrumpet,andsaid,WehavenopartinDavid,neither haveweinheritanceinthesonofJesse:everymantohis tents,OIsrael.

2SoeverymanofIsraelwentupfromafterDavid,and followedShebathesonofBichri:butthemenofJudah claveuntotheirking,fromJordaneventoJerusalem 3AndDavidcametohishouseatJerusalem;andtheking tookthetenwomenhisconcubines,whomhehadleftto keepthehouse,andputtheminward,andfedthem,but wentnotinuntothemSotheywereshutupuntotheday oftheirdeath,livinginwidowhood.

4ThensaidthekingtoAmasa,Assemblemethemenof Judahwithinthreedays,andbethouherepresent 5SoAmasawenttoassemblethemenofJudah:buthe tarriedlongerthanthesettimewhichhehadappointedhim 6AndDavidsaidtoAbishai,NowshallShebathesonof BichridousmoreharmthandidAbsalom:takethouthy lord'sservants,andpursueafterhim,lesthegethimfenced cities,andescapeus

7AndtherewentoutafterhimJoab'smen,andthe Cherethites,andthePelethites,andallthemightymen:and theywentoutofJerusalem,topursueafterShebatheson ofBichri.

8WhentheywereatthegreatstonewhichisinGibeon, AmasawentbeforethemAndJoab'sgarmentthathehad putonwasgirdeduntohim,anduponitagirdlewitha swordfasteneduponhisloinsinthesheaththereof;andas hewentforthitfellout

9AndJoabsaidtoAmasa,Artthouinhealth,mybrother? AndJoabtookAmasabythebeardwiththerighthandto kisshim

10ButAmasatooknoheedtotheswordthatwasinJoab's hand:sohesmotehimtherewithinthefifthrib,andshed outhisbowelstotheground,andstruckhimnotagain;and hedied.SoJoabandAbishaihisbrotherpursuedafter ShebathesonofBichri

11AndoneofJoab'smenstoodbyhim,andsaid,Hethat favourethJoab,andhethatisforDavid,lethimgoafter Joab

12AndAmasawallowedinbloodinthemidstofthe highway.Andwhenthemansawthatallthepeoplestood still,heremovedAmasaoutofthehighwayintothefield, andcastaclothuponhim,whenhesawthateveryonethat camebyhimstoodstill.

13Whenhewasremovedoutofthehighway,allthe peoplewentonafterJoab,topursueafterShebathesonof Bichri.

14AndhewentthroughallthetribesofIsraeluntoAbel, andtoBethmaachah,andalltheBerites:andtheywere gatheredtogether,andwentalsoafterhim

15AndtheycameandbesiegedhiminAbelof Bethmaachah,andtheycastupabankagainstthecity,and itstoodinthetrench:andallthepeoplethatwerewithJoab batteredthewall,tothrowitdown

16Thencriedawisewomanoutofthecity,Hear,hear;say, Iprayyou,untoJoab,Comenearhither,thatImayspeak withthee

17Andwhenhewascomenearuntoher,thewomansaid, ArtthouJoab?Andheanswered,IamheThenshesaid untohim,HearthewordsofthinehandmaidAndhe answered,Idohear.

18Thenshespake,saying,Theywerewonttospeakinold time,saying,TheyshallsurelyaskcounselatAbel:andso theyendedthematter.

19IamoneofthemthatarepeaceableandfaithfulinIsrael: thouseekesttodestroyacityandamotherinIsrael:why wiltthouswallowuptheinheritanceoftheLORD?

20AndJoabansweredandsaid,Farbeit,farbeitfromme, thatIshouldswallowupordestroy.

21Thematterisnotso:butamanofmountEphraim, ShebathesonofBichribyname,hathlifteduphishand againsttheking,evenagainstDavid:deliverhimonly,and Iwilldepartfromthecity.AndthewomansaiduntoJoab, Behold,hisheadshallbethrowntotheeoverthewall

22Thenthewomanwentuntoallthepeopleinherwisdom. AndtheycutofftheheadofShebathesonofBichri,and castitouttoJoabAndheblewatrumpet,andtheyretired fromthecity,everymantohistent.AndJoabreturnedto Jerusalemuntotheking

23NowJoabwasoverallthehostofIsrael:andBenaiah thesonofJehoiadawasovertheCherethitesandoverthe Pelethites:

24AndAdoramwasoverthetribute:andJehoshaphatthe sonofAhiludwasrecorder:

25AndShevawasscribe:andZadokandAbiatharwere thepriests:

26AndIraalsotheJairitewasachiefruleraboutDavid.

CHAPTER21

1ThentherewasafamineinthedaysofDavidthreeyears, yearafteryear;andDavidenquiredoftheLORDAndthe LORDanswered,ItisforSaul,andforhisbloodyhouse, becauseheslewtheGibeonites

2AndthekingcalledtheGibeonites,andsaiduntothem; (nowtheGibeoniteswerenotofthechildrenofIsrael,but oftheremnantoftheAmorites;andthechildrenofIsrael hadswornuntothem:andSaulsoughttoslaytheminhis zealtothechildrenofIsraelandJudah.)

3WhereforeDavidsaiduntotheGibeonites,WhatshallI doforyou?andwherewithshallImaketheatonement,that yemayblesstheinheritanceoftheLORD?

4AndtheGibeonitessaiduntohim,Wewillhavenosilver norgoldofSaul,norofhishouse;neitherforusshaltthou killanymaninIsrael.Andhesaid,Whatyeshallsay,that willIdoforyou

5Andtheyansweredtheking,Themanthatconsumedus, andthatdevisedagainstusthatweshouldbedestroyed fromremaininginanyofthecoastsofIsrael,

6Letsevenmenofhissonsbedelivereduntous,andwe willhangthemupuntotheLORDinGibeahofSaul, whomtheLORDdidchooseAndthekingsaid,Iwillgive them.

7ButthekingsparedMephibosheth,thesonofJonathan thesonofSaul,becauseoftheLORD'Soaththatwas betweenthem,betweenDavidandJonathanthesonofSaul.

8ButthekingtookthetwosonsofRizpahthedaughterof Aiah,whomshebareuntoSaul,ArmoniandMephibosheth; andthefivesonsofMichalthedaughterofSaul,whomshe broughtupforAdrielthesonofBarzillaitheMeholathite:

9AndhedeliveredthemintothehandsoftheGibeonites, andtheyhangedtheminthehillbeforetheLORD:and theyfellallseventogether,andwereputtodeathinthe daysofharvest,inthefirstdays,inthebeginningofbarley harvest.

10AndRizpahthedaughterofAiahtooksackcloth,and spreaditforherupontherock,fromthebeginningof

harvestuntilwaterdroppeduponthemoutofheaven,and sufferedneitherthebirdsoftheairtorestonthembyday, northebeastsofthefieldbynight

11AnditwastoldDavidwhatRizpahthedaughterofAiah, theconcubineofSaul,haddone.

12AndDavidwentandtookthebonesofSaulandthe bonesofJonathanhissonfromthemenofJabeshgilead, whichhadstolenthemfromthestreetofBethshan,where thePhilistineshadhangedthem,whenthePhilistineshad slainSaulinGilboa:

13AndhebroughtupfromthencethebonesofSauland thebonesofJonathanhisson;andtheygatheredthebones ofthemthatwerehanged

14AndthebonesofSaulandJonathanhissonburiedthey inthecountryofBenjamininZelah,inthesepulchreof Kishhisfather:andtheyperformedallthattheking commanded.AndafterthatGodwasintreatedfortheland. 15MoreoverthePhilistineshadyetwaragainwithIsrael; andDavidwentdown,andhisservantswithhim,and foughtagainstthePhilistines:andDavidwaxedfaint.

16AndIshbibenob,whichwasofthesonsofthegiant,the weightofwhosespearweighedthreehundredshekelsof brassinweight,hebeinggirdedwithanewsword,thought tohaveslainDavid

17ButAbishaithesonofZeruiahsuccouredhim,and smotethePhilistine,andkilledhim.Thenthemenof Davidswareuntohim,saying,Thoushaltgonomoreout withustobattle,thatthouquenchnotthelightofIsrael 18Anditcametopassafterthis,thattherewasagaina battlewiththePhilistinesatGob:thenSibbechaithe HushathiteslewSaph,whichwasofthesonsofthegiant

19AndtherewasagainabattleinGobwiththePhilistines, whereElhananthesonofJaareoregim,aBethlehemite, slewthebrotherofGoliaththeGittite,thestaffofwhose spearwaslikeaweaver'sbeam.

20AndtherewasyetabattleinGath,wherewasamanof greatstature,thathadoneveryhandsixfingers,andon everyfootsixtoes,fourandtwentyinnumber;andhealso wasborntothegiant

21AndwhenhedefiedIsrael,JonathanthesonofShimea thebrotherofDavidslewhim.

22ThesefourwereborntothegiantinGath,andfellby thehandofDavid,andbythehandofhisservants.

CHAPTER22

1AndDavidspakeuntotheLORDthewordsofthissong inthedaythattheLORDhaddeliveredhimoutofthehand ofallhisenemies,andoutofthehandofSaul:

2Andhesaid,TheLORDismyrock,andmyfortress,and mydeliverer;

3TheGodofmyrock;inhimwillItrust:heismyshield, andthehornofmysalvation,myhightower,andmy refuge,mysaviour;thousavestmefromviolence

4IwillcallontheLORD,whoisworthytobepraised:so shallIbesavedfrommineenemies

5Whenthewavesofdeathcompassedme,thefloodsof ungodlymenmademeafraid;

6Thesorrowsofhellcompassedmeabout;thesnaresof deathpreventedme;

7InmydistressIcalledupontheLORD,andcriedtomy God:andhedidhearmyvoiceoutofhistemple,andmy crydidenterintohisears

8Thentheearthshookandtrembled;thefoundationsof heavenmovedandshook,becausehewaswroth

9Therewentupasmokeoutofhisnostrils,andfireoutof hismouthdevoured:coalswerekindledbyit

10Hebowedtheheavensalso,andcamedown;and darknesswasunderhisfeet

11Andherodeuponacherub,anddidfly:andhewas seenuponthewingsofthewind.

12Andhemadedarknesspavilionsroundabouthim,dark waters,andthickcloudsoftheskies

13Throughthebrightnessbeforehimwerecoalsoffire kindled

14TheLORDthunderedfromheaven,andthemostHigh utteredhisvoice.

15Andhesentoutarrows,andscatteredthem;lightning, anddiscomfitedthem

16Andthechannelsoftheseaappeared,thefoundationsof theworldwerediscovered,attherebukingoftheLORD,at theblastofthebreathofhisnostrils

17Hesentfromabove,hetookme;hedrewmeoutof manywaters;

18Hedeliveredmefrommystrongenemy,andfromthem thathatedme:fortheyweretoostrongforme.

19Theypreventedmeinthedayofmycalamity:butthe LORDwasmystay

20Hebroughtmeforthalsointoalargeplace:hedelivered me,becausehedelightedinme

21TheLORDrewardedmeaccordingtomyrighteousness: accordingtothecleannessofmyhandshathhe recompensedme

22ForIhavekeptthewaysoftheLORD,andhavenot wickedlydepartedfrommyGod.

23Forallhisjudgmentswerebeforeme:andasforhis statutes,Ididnotdepartfromthem

24Iwasalsouprightbeforehim,andhavekeptmyself frommineiniquity

25ThereforetheLORDhathrecompensedmeaccordingto myrighteousness;accordingtomycleannessinhiseye sight

26Withthemercifulthouwiltshewthyselfmerciful,and withtheuprightmanthouwiltshewthyselfupright.

27Withthepurethouwiltshewthyselfpure;andwiththe frowardthouwiltshewthyselfunsavoury.

28Andtheafflictedpeoplethouwiltsave:butthineeyes areuponthehaughty,thatthoumayestbringthemdown

29Forthouartmylamp,OLORD:andtheLORDwill lightenmydarkness

30ForbytheeIhaverunthroughatroop:bymyGodhave Ileapedoverawall.

31AsforGod,hiswayisperfect;thewordoftheLORDis tried:heisabucklertoallthemthattrustinhim

32ForwhoisGod,savetheLORD?andwhoisarock, saveourGod?

33Godismystrengthandpower:andhemakethmyway perfect.

34Hemakethmyfeetlikehinds'feet:andsettethmeupon myhighplaces

35Heteachethmyhandstowar;sothatabowofsteelis brokenbyminearms

36Thouhastalsogivenmetheshieldofthysalvation:and thygentlenesshathmademegreat.

37Thouhastenlargedmystepsunderme;sothatmyfeet didnotslip

38Ihavepursuedmineenemies,anddestroyedthem;and turnednotagainuntilIhadconsumedthem

39AndIhaveconsumedthem,andwoundedthem,that theycouldnotarise:yea,theyarefallenundermyfeet

40Forthouhastgirdedmewithstrengthtobattle:them thatroseupagainstmehastthousubduedunderme

41Thouhastalsogivenmethenecksofmineenemies,that Imightdestroythemthathateme.

42Theylooked,buttherewasnonetosave;evenuntothe LORD,butheansweredthemnot

43ThendidIbeatthemassmallasthedustoftheearth,I didstampthemasthemireofthestreet,anddidspread themabroad

44Thoualsohastdeliveredmefromthestrivingsofmy people,thouhastkeptmetobeheadoftheheathen:a peoplewhichIknewnotshallserveme

45Strangersshallsubmitthemselvesuntome:assoonas theyhear,theyshallbeobedientuntome

46Strangersshallfadeaway,andtheyshallbeafraidout oftheircloseplaces.

47TheLORDliveth;andblessedbemyrock;andexalted betheGodoftherockofmysalvation

48ItisGodthatavengethme,andthatbringethdownthe peopleunderme,

49Andthatbringethmeforthfrommineenemies:thou alsohastliftedmeuponhighabovethemthatroseup againstme:thouhastdeliveredmefromtheviolentman 50ThereforeIwillgivethanksuntothee,OLORD,among theheathen,andIwillsingpraisesuntothyname.

51Heisthetowerofsalvationforhisking:andsheweth mercytohisanointed,untoDavid,andtohisseedfor evermore.

CHAPTER23

1NowthesebethelastwordsofDavidDavidthesonof Jessesaid,andthemanwhowasraiseduponhigh,the anointedoftheGodofJacob,andthesweetpsalmistof Israel,said,

2TheSpiritoftheLORDspakebyme,andhiswordwas inmytongue.

3TheGodofIsraelsaid,theRockofIsraelspaketome, Hethatrulethovermenmustbejust,rulinginthefearof God.

4Andheshallbeasthelightofthemorning,whenthesun riseth,evenamorningwithoutclouds;asthetendergrass springingoutoftheearthbyclearshiningafterrain

5AlthoughmyhousebenotsowithGod;yethehathmade withmeaneverlastingcovenant,orderedinallthings,and sure:forthisisallmysalvation,andallmydesire, althoughhemakeitnottogrow

6ButthesonsofBelialshallbeallofthemasthornsthrust away,becausetheycannotbetakenwithhands:

7Butthemanthatshalltouchthemmustbefencedwith ironandthestaffofaspear;andtheyshallbeutterly burnedwithfireinthesameplace

8ThesebethenamesofthemightymenwhomDavidhad: TheTachmonitethatsatintheseat,chiefamongthe captains;thesamewasAdinotheEznite:heliftuphis spearagainsteighthundred,whomheslewatonetime 9AndafterhimwasEleazarthesonofDodotheAhohite, oneofthethreemightymenwithDavid,whentheydefied

thePhilistinesthatweretheregatheredtogethertobattle, andthemenofIsraelweregoneaway:

10Hearose,andsmotethePhilistinesuntilhishandwas weary,andhishandclaveuntothesword:andtheLORD wroughtagreatvictorythatday;andthepeoplereturned afterhimonlytospoil

11AndafterhimwasShammahthesonofAgeethe Hararite.AndthePhilistinesweregatheredtogetherintoa troop,wherewasapieceofgroundfulloflentiles:andthe peoplefledfromthePhilistines

12Buthestoodinthemidstoftheground,anddefendedit, andslewthePhilistines:andtheLORDwroughtagreat victory

13Andthreeofthethirtychiefwentdown,andcameto DavidintheharvesttimeuntothecaveofAdullam:and thetroopofthePhilistinespitchedinthevalleyofRephaim

14AndDavidwastheninanhold,andthegarrisonofthe PhilistineswastheninBethlehem

15AndDavidlonged,andsaid,Ohthatonewouldgiveme drinkofthewaterofthewellofBethlehem,whichisby thegate!

16Andthethreemightymenbrakethroughthehostofthe Philistines,anddrewwateroutofthewellofBethlehem, thatwasbythegate,andtookit,andbroughtittoDavid: neverthelesshewouldnotdrinkthereof,butpoureditout untotheLORD.

17Andhesaid,Beitfarfromme,OLORD,thatIshould dothis:isnotthisthebloodofthementhatwentin jeopardyoftheirlives?thereforehewouldnotdrinkit. Thesethingsdidthesethreemightymen 18AndAbishai,thebrotherofJoab,thesonofZeruiah, waschiefamongthree.Andhelifteduphisspearagainst threehundred,andslewthem,andhadthenameamong three

19Washenotmosthonourableofthree?thereforehewas theircaptain:howbeitheattainednotuntothefirstthree

20AndBenaiahthesonofJehoiada,thesonofavaliant man,ofKabzeel,whohaddonemanyacts,heslewtwo lionlikemenofMoab:hewentdownalsoandslewalion inthemidstofapitintimeofsnow:

21AndheslewanEgyptian,agoodlyman:andthe Egyptianhadaspearinhishand;buthewentdowntohim withastaff,andpluckedthespearoutoftheEgyptian's hand,andslewhimwithhisownspear.

22ThesethingsdidBenaiahthesonofJehoiada,andhad thenameamongthreemightymen

23Hewasmorehonourablethanthethirty,butheattained nottothefirstthreeAndDavidsethimoverhisguard 24AsahelthebrotherofJoabwasoneofthethirty; ElhananthesonofDodoofBethlehem, 25ShammahtheHarodite,ElikatheHarodite, 26HelezthePaltite,IrathesonofIkkeshtheTekoite, 27AbiezertheAnethothite,MebunnaitheHushathite, 28ZalmontheAhohite,MaharaitheNetophathite, 29HelebthesonofBaanah,aNetophathite,Ittaithesonof RibaioutofGibeahofthechildrenofBenjamin, 30BenaiahthePirathonite,HiddaiofthebrooksofGaash, 31AbialbontheArbathite,AzmaveththeBarhumite, 32EliahbatheShaalbonite,ofthesonsofJashen,Jonathan, 33ShammahtheHararite,AhiamthesonofShararthe Hararite, 34ElipheletthesonofAhasbai,thesonoftheMaachathite, EliamthesonofAhithopheltheGilonite,

35HezraitheCarmelite,PaaraitheArbite, 36IgalthesonofNathanofZobah,BanitheGadite, 37ZelektheAmmonite,NaharaitheBeerothite, armourbearertoJoabthesonofZeruiah, 38IraanIthrite,GarebanIthrite, 39UriahtheHittite:thirtyandseveninall

CHAPTER24

1AndagaintheangeroftheLORDwaskindledagainst Israel,andhemovedDavidagainstthemtosay,Go, numberIsraelandJudah

2ForthekingsaidtoJoabthecaptainofthehost,which waswithhim,GonowthroughallthetribesofIsrael,from DaneventoBeersheba,andnumberyethepeople,thatI mayknowthenumberofthepeople

3AndJoabsaiduntotheking,NowtheLORDthyGod adduntothepeople,howmanysoevertheybe,an hundredfold,andthattheeyesofmylordthekingmaysee it:butwhydothmylordthekingdelightinthisthing?

4Notwithstandingtheking'swordprevailedagainstJoab, andagainstthecaptainsofthehostAndJoabandthe captainsofthehostwentoutfromthepresenceoftheking, tonumberthepeopleofIsrael

5AndtheypassedoverJordan,andpitchedinAroer,on therightsideofthecitythatliethinthemidstoftheriver ofGad,andtowardJazer:

6ThentheycametoGilead,andtothelandof Tahtimhodshi;andtheycametoDanjaan,andaboutto Zidon,

7AndcametothestrongholdofTyre,andtoallthecities oftheHivites,andoftheCanaanites:andtheywentoutto thesouthofJudah,eventoBeersheba

8Sowhentheyhadgonethroughalltheland,theycameto Jerusalemattheendofninemonthsandtwentydays.

9AndJoabgaveupthesumofthenumberofthepeople untotheking:andtherewereinIsraeleighthundred thousandvaliantmenthatdrewthesword;andthemenof Judahwerefivehundredthousandmen

10AndDavid'sheartsmotehimafterthathehadnumbered thepeople.AndDavidsaiduntotheLORD,Ihavesinned greatlyinthatIhavedone:andnow,Ibeseechthee,O LORD,takeawaytheiniquityofthyservant;forIhave doneveryfoolishly.

11ForwhenDavidwasupinthemorning,thewordofthe LORDcameuntotheprophetGad,David'sseer,saying, 12GoandsayuntoDavid,ThussaiththeLORD,Ioffer theethreethings;choosetheeoneofthem,thatImaydoit untothee.

13SoGadcametoDavid,andtoldhim,andsaiduntohim, Shallsevenyearsoffaminecomeuntotheeinthyland?or wiltthoufleethreemonthsbeforethineenemies,while theypursuethee?orthattherebethreedays'pestilencein thyland?nowadvise,andseewhatanswerIshallreturnto himthatsentme.

14AndDavidsaiduntoGad,Iaminagreatstrait:letus fallnowintothehandoftheLORD;forhismerciesare great:andletmenotfallintothehandofman.

15SotheLORDsentapestilenceuponIsraelfromthe morningeventothetimeappointed:andtherediedofthe peoplefromDaneventoBeershebaseventythousandmen. 16Andwhentheangelstretchedouthishandupon Jerusalemtodestroyit,theLORDrepentedhimoftheevil,

andsaidtotheangelthatdestroyedthepeople,Itisenough: staynowthinehandAndtheangeloftheLORDwasby thethreshingplaceofAraunahtheJebusite

17AndDavidspakeuntotheLORDwhenhesawthe angelthatsmotethepeople,andsaid,Lo,Ihavesinned, andIhavedonewickedly:butthesesheep,whathavethey done?letthinehand,Ipraythee,beagainstme,andagainst myfather'shouse.

18AndGadcamethatdaytoDavid,andsaiduntohim,Go up,rearanaltaruntotheLORDinthethreshingfloorof AraunahtheJebusite.

19AndDavid,accordingtothesayingofGad,wentupas theLORDcommanded

20AndAraunahlooked,andsawthekingandhisservants comingontowardhim:andAraunahwentout,andbowed himselfbeforethekingonhisfaceupontheground

21AndAraunahsaid,Whereforeismylordthekingcome tohisservant?AndDavidsaid,Tobuythethreshingfloor ofthee,tobuildanaltaruntotheLORD,thattheplague maybestayedfromthepeople.

22AndAraunahsaiduntoDavid,Letmylordthekingtake andofferupwhatseemethgooduntohim:behold,herebe oxenforburntsacrifice,andthreshinginstrumentsand otherinstrumentsoftheoxenforwood

23AllthesethingsdidAraunah,asaking,giveuntothe king.AndAraunahsaiduntotheking,TheLORDthyGod acceptthee

24AndthekingsaiduntoAraunah,Nay;butIwillsurely buyitoftheeataprice:neitherwillIofferburntofferings untotheLORDmyGodofthatwhichdothcostme nothingSoDavidboughtthethreshingfloorandtheoxen forfiftyshekelsofsilver.

25AndDavidbuiltthereanaltaruntotheLORD,and offeredburntofferingsandpeaceofferingsSotheLORD wasintreatedfortheland,andtheplaguewasstayedfrom Israel