1:1 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from attacking the Amalekites, and David had stayed two days in Ziklag;^1:2 It came about on the 3rd day that a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes torn, and dirt upon his head^: and so it was when he came to David, that he fell to the ground and prostrated himself.^1:3 And David asked him, where do you come from? And he replied to him, from the Camp of Israel am I escaped.^1:4 And David said to him, how went the matter? I ask you, tell me. And he answered, 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 Then David said to the young man that told him this, how do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?^1:6 And the young man that told him said, as I happened by chance upon Mount Gilboa, Saul leaned on 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 to me. And I answered, here I am.^1:8 And he said to me, who are you? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.^1:9 He said to me again, stand; I ask you upon me and kill me, because agony has come on me, because my life is still in me.^1:10 So I stood on him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he was fallen on his spear. And I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my master.^1:11 Then David took hold on his clothes and tore them, and likewise all the men that were with him.^1:12 And they mourned and wept, and fasted until sunset, for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of YHWH and for the House of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.^1:13 And David said to the young man that told him this, where are you from? And he answered; I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite.^1:14 And David replied to him, how come you were not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy YHWH's anointed?^1:15 And David called one of the young men and said, go near and strike him. And he killed him so that he died.^1:16 And David said to him, your blood is upon your head because your mouth has testified against you saying, I have killed YHWH's anointed.^1:17 And David lamented with this elegy over Saul and over Jonathan his son^:1:18 (Also he commanded them to teach the children of Judah the use of the bow^: see, it is written in the Scroll of Jasher.)^1:19 The beauty of Israel is slain upon your high place, how are the mighty fallen! ^1:20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; unless the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, unless the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.^1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of Heave- Offerings, because 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 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 middle of the battle! O Jonathan, you were killed in your high place.^1:26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan^: very pleasant have you been to me^: your friendship to me was surpassing 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 inquired [with Urim-Thummim] of YHWH asking, will I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And YHWH replied to him, Go up. And David asked, where would I go up? And he said, to Hebron.^2:2 So David went up there, and his two women also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's [former] woman the Carmelite.^2:3 And his men that were with him did David also bring up, every man with his household^: and they lived 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 those that buried Saul.^2:5 And David sent messengers to the men of Jabeshgilead and said to them, blessed are you of YHWH, that you have shown this kindness to your master, even to Saul, and have buried him.^2:6 And now YHWH show kindness and truth to you, and I also will repay you this kindness, because you have done this thing.^2:7 And now, are your hands strong, and be you for sons of valor, for your master Saul is dead, and also me has the House of Judah anointed as king over them.^2:8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's army, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;^2:9 And made him king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and over all Israel.^2:10 Ishbosheth Saul's son was 40 years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned 2 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 7 years and 6 months.^2:12 And Abner the son of Ner, and the slaves of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.^2:13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the slaves 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 Then Abner said to Joab, let the young men now get up, and mock before us. And Joab said, let them get up.^2:15 Then there got up and went over by number 12 from Benjamin that pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and 12 of the slaves of David.^2:16 And they caught everyone his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together^: therefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim that is in Gibeon.^2:17 And there was a very cruel battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel before the slaves of David.^2:18 And there were 3 sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel^: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.^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 armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.^2:22 And Abner again said to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me^: therefore should I strike you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?^2:23 But he refused to turn aside^: therefore Abner with the rear end of the spear struck him under the 5th rib so that the spear came out behind him. And he fell down there and died in that same place^: and it came to pass that as many as came to that place where Asahel fell down and died there stood still [to look at him].^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 road to 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 a hill.^2:26 And Abner called to Joab and said, for all times will the sword consume? don't you see that the end will only be bitter? how long will it be before you send the people back and make them stop attacking their kinsmen?^2:27 Then Joab replied, as Elohim lives, unless you had spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up everyone 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 anymore.^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 were missing of David's slaves 19 men and Asahel.^2:31 But the slaves of David had killed of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that 360 men died.^2:32 And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father that was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men traveled all night, and they came to Hebron at sunrise.

3:1 Now there was a long civil war between the House of Saul and the House of David^: but David grew stronger and stronger, and the House of Saul became weaker and weaker.^3:2 And to David were sons gendered in Hebron^: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;^3:3 And his 2nd, Chileab, from Abigail the [former] woman of Nabal the Carmelite; and the 3rd, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;^3:4 And the 4th, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the 5th, Shephatiah the son of Abital;^3:5 And the 6th, Ithream, by Eglah David's woman. These were gendered to David in Hebron.^3:6 And it came about, while there was civil 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, and her name is Rizpah daughter of Aiah, and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Why have you gone in unto my father's concubine?^3:8 Then was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth and retorted, am I a dog's head that against Judah do show kindness this day to the House of Saul your father, to his brethren, and to his friends. And I have not delivered you into the hand of David, yet you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman?^3:9 So do Elohim to Abner and more also, except, as YHWH has adjured to David, even so I do to him;^3:10 To pass over 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 Then Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf saying, whose is the land? saying also, make your alliance with me, and see, my hand will be with you, to bring about all Israel to you.^3:13 And he replied, well, I will make an alliance with you^: but one thing I require of you, that is, you will not see my face except you first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when you come to see me.^3:14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son saying, deliver to me my woman Michal that I betrothed to me for 100 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 Abner said to him, go, return, and he returned.^3:17 And Abner had conferred with the Elders of Israel saying, you requested for David in times past to be king over you^:3:18 Now then do it^: for YHWH has spoken of David saying, by the hand of my slave David I will rescue 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 20 men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a banquet.^3:21 And Abner said to David, I will get up and go, and will gather all Israel to my master the king so that they may make an alliance with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires. And David sent Abner away and he went in peace.^3:22 Then the slaves of David and Joab came from pursuing a raiding band, and brought in a great plunder with them^: but Abner was not with David in Hebron, because he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.^3:23 When Joab and all the army 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? look, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him away and he is set free?^3:25 Don't you know that 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 that brought him again from the cistern of Sirah^: but David did not know about it.^3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and killed him there under the 5th rib so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.^3:28 And afterward when David heard of it he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before YHWH for the ages from the blood of Abner the son of Ner^:3:29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on his dad's entire 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 killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.^3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, tear your clothes and gird yourself 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, Abner died 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 you fell. And all the people wept again over him.^3:35 And all the people came to cause David to eat bread while it was still day, and David adjured saying, may Elohim do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else before the sunset.^3:36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them^: as whatever the king did pleased all the people.^3:37 Because all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not the king's intent to kill Abner the son of Ner.^3:38 And the king said to his slaves, don't you know that there is a chief 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 are too cruel for me^: YHWH will reward the doer 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 inhabitants there until this day.) ^4:4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame in his feet. He was 5 years old when the reports came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled^: and it came about, as she hurried 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 there into the center of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they killed him under the 5th rib^: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.^4:7 Because when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedroom and they attacked him and killed him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and got away through the plain all that night.^4:8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth to David to Hebron, and said to the king, see the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul your enemy that desired your life; and YHWH has avenged my master 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 to them, as YHWH lives who has ransomed my life out of all adversity,^4:10 when one told me saying, see, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good news, I took hold of him and killed him in Ziklag who thought that I would have given him a reward for his report^:4:11 How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? will 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 killed 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 all the tribes of Israel came to David to Hebron, and spoke saying, see, we are your bone and your flesh.^5:2 Also in times past, when Saul was king over us, you were he that led out and brought in Israel^: and YHWH said to you, You will feed my people Israel and you will be a ruler over Israel.^5:3 So all the Elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made an alliance with them in Hebron before YHWH^: and they anointed David king over Israel.^5:4 David was 30 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 40 years.^5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah 7 years and 6 months^: and in Jerusalem he reigned 33 years over all Israel and Judah.^5:6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem to the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land that spoke to David saying, except you take away the blind and the lame, you will not come in here^: thinking, David cannot come in here.^5:7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion^: the same is the City of David.^5:8 And David said on that day, whoever gets up to the water conduit and attacks the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, which are hated of David's life, he will be chief and captain. Therefore they said, the blind and the lame will not come into the house.^5:9 So David lived in the fort, and called it the City of David. And David built around it from Millo and inward.^5:10 And David went on and grew great, and YHWH Elohim of Hosts was with him.^5:11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees and carpenters, and masons, and they constructed David a house.^5:12 And David perceived that YHWH had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.^5:13 And David took himself more concubines and women out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron^: and there were still more sons and daughters gendered to David.^5:14 And these are the names of those that were gendered to him in Jerusalem; Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,^5:15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,^5:16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet.^5:17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to find David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.^5:18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the Valley of Rephaim (giants).^5:19 And David inquired [by Urim-Thummim] of YHWH asking, will I go up to the Philistines? will you deliver them into my hand? And YHWH replied to David, Go up, because I will without doubt deliver the Philistines into your hand.^5:20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David attacked them there and said, YHWH has broken out upon my 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 still again, and spread themselves in the Valley of Rephaim (giants).^5:23 And when David inquired [by Urim- Thummim] of YHWH, he said, You will not go up but circle around behind them, and come upon them opposite the balsam trees.^5:24 And let it be, when you hear the sound of a marching in the tops of the balsom trees, then you will move yourself because then will YHWH go out before you, to attack the armies of the Philistines.^5:25 And David did so as YHWH had commanded him, and attacked the Philistines from Geba until you come to Gazer.

6:1 Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, 30,000.^6:2 And David got up and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from there the Ark of Elohim, whose name is called by the Name of YHWH of Hosts that sits between the cherubim.^6:3 And they set the Ark of Elohim 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 that was at Gibeah, accompanying the Ark of Elohim^: and Ahio went before the Ark.^6:5 And David and all the House of Israel played before YHWH on all types of instruments made of fir wood, even on lyres, guitars, tambourines, and on castanets, and on cymbals.^6:6 And when they came to Nachon's threshing-floor, Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark of Elohim, and took hold of it, because the oxen shook it.^6:7 And the nostrils of YHWH flared against Uzzah; and Elohim stuck him there for his error, and there he died by the Ark of Elohim.^6:8 And David was angry, because YHWH had made an outburst upon Uzzah^: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.^6:9 And David was afraid of YHWH that day and said, how will the Ark of YHWH come to me?^6:10 So David would not remove the Ark of YHWH to himself into the City of David^: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.^6:11 And the Ark of YHWH remained in the house of Obededom the Gittite 3 months^: and YHWH blessed Obededom, and his entire household.^6:12 And it was told king David saying, YHWH has blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertains to him, because of the Ark of Elohim. So David went and brought up the Ark of Elohim from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.^6:13 And it was so, that when they that carried the Ark of YHWH had gone 6 steps, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.^6:14 And David danced before YHWH 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 YHWH with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.^6:16 And as the Ark of YHWH came into the City of David, Michal (Saul's daughter) looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before YHWH; and she despised him in her heart.^6:17 And they brought in the Ark of YHWH, and set it in its place, in the center of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it^: and David offered Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings before YHWH.^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 YHWH of Hosts.^6:19 And he divided the plunder among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to everyone a cake of bread, and a measured piece of meat, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed everyone 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 today, who exposed himself today in the eyes of the female slaves of his servants, as one of the vain men shamelessly exposes himself! ^6:21 And David replied to Michal, it was before YHWH that chose me before your dad, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of YHWH, over Israel^: therefore I will play before YHWH.^6:22 And I will be still viler than this, and will be base in my own sight^: and of the female slaves that you have spoken of, of them will I be had in honor.^6:23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

7:1 And it came about, when the king sat in his house and YHWH had given him rest all around from all his enemies;^7:2 That the king said to Nathan the prophet, see now, I live in a house of cedar, but the Ark of Elohim remains within curtains.^7:3 And Nathan said to the king, go, do all that is in your heart because YHWH is with you.^7:4 And it came about that night, that the Word of YHWH came to Nathan saying,^7:5 Go and tell my slave David, this is what YHWH declares, will you build a house for me to live in?^7:6 Whereas I have not lived in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have lived in the Tabernacle of the Dwelling Place.^7:7 In all the places where 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 have you not constructed for me a house of cedar?^7:8 Now therefore you will say to my slave David, This is what YHWH of hosts declares, I took you from the flocks of sheep, from following the sheep to be ruler over my people, over Israel^:7:9 And I was with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies out of your sight, and have made you a great name, like to the name of the great men that are in the land.^7:10 Moreover I will appoint a Standing Place for my people Israel, and will plant them so that they may live in a place of their own, and move no more; neither will the children of the violent afflict them anymore, as in the 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 your enemies. Also YHWH tells you that he will make you a house.^7:12 And when your days are fulfilled, and you will sleep with your forefathers, I will set up your seed after you that will proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.^7:13 He will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for the ages.^7:14 I will be his Father, and he will be my son. If he commits perversity, I will correct him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men.^7:15 But my mercy will not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you.^7:16 And your house and your kingdom will be established for the ages before you^: your throne will be established for the ages.^7:17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak to David.^7:18 Then king David went in and sat before YHWH, and he said, who am I, O Adonai YHWH? and what is my house that you have brought me here?^7:19 And still this is little in your eyes, Adonai YHWH, and you do speak also concerning the house of your slave in the far off future; and this is the law of the man, Adonai YHWH.^7:20 And what can David say more to you? For you, Adonai YHWH, know your slave.^7:21 For your Word's sake, and according to your own heart, have you done all these great things, to make your slave know them.^7:22 Therefore you are great, O YHWH Elohim, because there is none like you, neither is there any Elohim 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, who Elohim went to ransom for a people to himself, and to make himself a Name. And to do for you great and fearful things for your land, before your people that you ransomed to yourself from Egypt, from the nations and their elohim?^7:24 Because you have confirmed to yourself your people Israel, to be a people to you for the ages^: and you YHWH, are become their Elohim.^7:25 And now, O YHWH Elohim, the Word that you have spoken concerning your slave and concerning his house, establish it for the ages, and do as you have said.^7:26 And let your Name be magnified for the ages saying, YHWH of Hosts is Elohim over Israel^: and let the house of your slave David be established before you.^7:27 For you, O YHWH of Hosts, Elohim of Israel, have revealed to your slave saying, I will build you a house^: therefore has your slave found in his heart to pray this prayer to you.^7:28 And now, O Adonai YHWH, you are that Elohim, and your Words are true, and you have promised this goodness to your slave.^7:29 Therefore now let it please you to bless the house of your slave, that it may continue for the ages before you, because you O Adonai YHWH have spoken^: and with your blessing let the house of your slave be blessed for the ages.

8:1 And after this it came to pass that David attacked the Philistines and subdued them^: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.^8:2 And he attacked Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines he measured to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's slaves, and brought tribute.^8:3 David also attacked Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his parts at the Euphrates River.^8:4 And David took from him 1000 chariots, and 700 horsemen, and 20,000 footmen^: and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them 100 chariots.^8:5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed of the Syrians 22,000 men.^8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus^: and the Syrians became slaves to David, and brought tribute. And YHWH preserved David wherever he went.^8:7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the slaves of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.^8:8 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceedingly much bronze.^8:9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had attacked all the army of Hadadezer,^8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to salute him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and beaten him. Because Hadadezer had wars with Toi and Joram brought with him vessels of silver, gold, and bronze^:8:11 Which also king David did dedicate to YHWH, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations that he subdued;^8:12 Of Syria, Moab, Ammon, Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.^8:13 And David acquired himself a name when he returned from attacking of the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, being 18,000 men.^8:14 And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons and all they of Edom became David's slaves. And YHWH preserved David wherever he went.^8:15 And David reigned over all Israel, and David executed judgment and justice to all his people.^8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; 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 secretary;^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 still any that is left from the house of Saul, that I may show kindness, for Jonathan's sake?^9:2 And there was from the house of Saul a slave whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him to David, the king said to him, are you Ziba? And he replied, your slave is he.^9:3 And the king said, is there not still any from the house of Saul that I may show the kindness of Elohim to him? And Ziba said to the king, Jonathan has still a son that is lame on his feet.^9:4 And the king replied to him, where is he? And Ziba said to the king, see, 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 to David, he fell on his face and did homage. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, see your slave!^9:7 And David said to him, do not fear because I will certainly show you kindness for Jonathan your dad's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you will eat food at my table continually.^9:8 And he bowed himself and said, what is your slave that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am? ^9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's slave and said to him, I have given to your master's son all that pertained to Saul and to his entire house.^9:10 You therefore, and your sons and your slaves shall till the land for him, and you will bring in its fruits so that your master's son may have food to eat^: but Mephibosheth your master's son will eat food always at my table. Now Ziba had 15 sons and 20 slaves.^9:11 Then Ziba said to the king, according to all that my master the king has commanded his slave, so will your slave do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he will 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 lived in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.^9:13 So Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem, because he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.

10:1 And it came about after this that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place.^10:2 Then David said, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his dad showed kindness to me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his slaves for his dad. And David's slaves came into the land of the children of Ammon.^10:3 But the chiefs of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their lord; do you think that David honors your dad that he has sent comforters to you? Has not David rather sent his slaves to you, to search the city and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?^10:4 Therefore Hanun took David's slaves, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their clothes in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.^10:5 When they told this to David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed^: and the king said, stay at Jericho until your beards are grown, and then return.^10:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they became odious before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, 20,000 footmen, and of king Maacah 1000 men, and of Ishtob 12,000 men.^10:7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men.^10:8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in formation at the entering in of the gate^: and the Syrians of Zoba, Rehob, 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 formation against the Syrians.^10:10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother so that he might put them in formation against the children of Ammon.^10:11 And he said, if the Syrians are too strong for me, then you will help me^: but if the children of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.^10:12 Be of good courage, and let us fight bravely for our people, and for the cities of our Elohim^: and YHWH do what seems good to him.^10:13 And Joab drew near, and the people that were with him to 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 they fled 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 beaten 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 army of Hadarezer went before them.^10:17 Then when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in formation against David, and fought with him.^10:18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed 700 chariot soldiers of the Syrians, and 40,000 horsemen, and attacked Shobach the captain of their army, who died there.^10:19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were beaten before Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon anymore.

11:1 And it came about, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go out to war, that David sent Joab and his slaves with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David still remained at Jerusalem.^11:2 And it came about at sunset, that David got up 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 asked about the woman. And one replied, is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the woman of Uriah the Hittite?^11:4 And David sent messengers and took her; and she came in unto him, and he slept with her because she was purified from her uncleanness^: and she then returned to her house.^11:5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David and said, I am pregnant with child.^11:6 Then David sent to Joab saying, send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.^11:7 And when Uriah was come to 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 left 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 slaves of his master, and went not down to his own house.^11:10 And they declare to David saying, Uriah has not gone down to his house; and David said to Uriah, have you not come from a journey? why have you not gone down to your own house?^11:11 And Uriah replied to David, the Ark, Israel and Judah, remain in tents; and my master Joab, and the slaves of my master, are encamped in the open fields; so will I then go into my own house, to eat and to drink, and to sleep with my woman? As you live, and as your life exists, I will not do this thing.^11:12 And David said to Uriah, stay here today also, and tomorrow I will let you leave. So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next.^11:13 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk^: and at sunset he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his master, but went not down to his own house.^11:14 And it came about 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 Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and then retire yourself from him so that he may be killed and die.^11:16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew that mighty 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 slaves 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 to the king,^11:20 and if so be that the king's anger arises, and he says to you, why did you approach so close to the city when you fought? Don't you know that they would shoot from the wall?^11:21 Who killed Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall so that he died in Thebez? So why did you go near the wall? Then you will reply, your slave Uriah the Hittite is dead also.^11:22 So the messenger went and came and reported to David all that Joab had sent him for.^11:23 And the messenger said to David, certainly the men prevailed against us, and came out to us into the field, and we were upon them even to the entering of the gate.^11:24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon your slaves; and some of the king's slaves are dead, and your slave Uriah the Hittite is dead also.^11:25 Then David replied to the messenger, this is what you will say to 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 you encourage him.^11:26 And when the woman 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 woman and gendered him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil to YHWH.

12:1 And YHWH sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said to him, there were two men in one city; the one rich and the other poor.^12:2 The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds^:12:3 But the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb that 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 to him as a daughter.^12:4 And there came a traveler to the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come to him. But took instead the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.^12:5 And David's nostrils flared greatly against the man and he said to Nathan, as YHWH lives, the man that has done this thing will certainly die!^12:6 And he will restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.^12:7 And Nathan said to David, You are that man! Thus declares YHWH Elohim 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 women 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 to you such and such things.^12:9 Therefore you have despised the commandment of YHWH, to do evil in his sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his woman to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the children of Ammon.^12:10 Now therefore the sword will never depart from your house; because you have despised me, and have taken the woman of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.^12:11 Thus says YHWH, See, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house, and I will take your women before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he will lie with your women in the sight of this sun.^12:12 Because you did it secretly^: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.^12:13 And David replied to Nathan, I have sinned against YHWH. And Nathan said to David, YHWH also has passed over your sin so that you will not die.^12:14 But because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of YHWH to blaspheme, the child also that is gendered to you will certainly die.^12:15 And Nathan left his house. And YHWH struck the child that Uriah's woman gendered to David, and it was very sick.^12:16 David therefore requested of Elohim for the child; and David fasted and went in, and lay all night upon the ground.^12:17 And the elders of his house got up and went to him, to raise him up from the ground^: but he would not, neither did he eat food with them.^12:18 And it came about on the 7th day that the child died. And the slaves of David feared to tell him that the child was dead. Because they thought, look, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he would not listen to 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 slaves whispered, David perceived that the child was dead^: therefore David said to his slaves, is the child dead? and they replied, he is dead.^12:20 Then David got up from the ground and washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes, and came into the House of YHWH and worshipped^: then he came to his own house and when he asked, they set food before him and he did eat.^12:21 Then said his slaves to 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 is dead, you did get up and eat food.^12:22 And he replied, while the child was still alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, who can tell whether Elohim will be gracious to me so that the child may live?^12:23 But now he is dead, therefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.^12:24 And David comforted Bathsheba his woman, and went in unto her, and slept with her^: and she gendered another son, and he called his name Solomon^: and YHWH loved him.^12:25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah (beloved of YHWH), because of YHWH.^12:26 And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon and captured the royal city.^12:27 And Joab sent messengers to David and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have captured the city of waters.^12:28 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city and capture it^: unless I take the city and it is called after my name.^12:29 So David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah, and fought against it and captured it.^12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight of it was a talent [75 pounds] of gold with the precious stones^: and it was set on David's head. And he brought out the plunder of the city in great abundance.^12:31 And he brought out the people that were there, and put them under saws, and under iron hoes, and under iron axes, and made them pass through the brick- kiln^: and so did he to all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

13:1 And it came about after this, that Absalom the son of David had a beautiful 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 because 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 to him, why are you, being the king's son, weakly from day to day? will you not tell me? And Amnon replied to him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.^13:5 Then Jonadab replied to him, lay down on your bed and make yourself as sick. And when your dad comes to see you, say to him, I ask you, let my sister Tamar come and give me food, and dress the meat in my sight so that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.^13:6 So Amnon lay down, and made himself as sick^: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said to the king, I ask you, let Tamar my sister come and make me a couple of cakes in my sight so 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 some meat.^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 all the men go out from me. And they went out every man from him.^13:10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, bring the food into the room so that I may eat from your hand. And Tamar took the cakes that she had made, and brought them into the room to Amnon her brother.^13:11 And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, come sleep with me my sister.^13:12 And she answered him, no my brother, do not force me because no such thing ought to be done in Israel^: do not these profane actions.^13:13 And I, where will I cause my shame to go? and as for you, you will be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I beg you, speak to the king for he will not withhold me from you.^13:14 But he would not listen to her voice^: but, being stronger than she, he raped her and lay with her.^13:15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, get up and be gone.^13:16 And she replied to him, there is no reason, for this bad in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me. But he would not listen to her.^13:17 Then he called his slave that attended to him and said, now put this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.^13:18 And she had on a long sleeved garment^: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins clothed. Then his slave brought her out, and bolted the door after her.^13:19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her long sleeved garment of what was on her and laid her hand on her head, and went away crying.^13:20 And Absalom her brother said to 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 deflowered in her brother Absalom's house.^13:21 But when king David heard of all these things, he was exceedingly angry.^13:22 And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad because Absalom hated Amnon for raping his sister Tamar.^13:23 And it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheep- shearers in Baalhazor that is near Ephraim^: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.^13:24 And Absalom came to the king and said, see now, your slave has sheep- shearers; let the king, I ask you, and his slaves go with your servant.^13:25 And the king replied to Absalom, no, my son, let us not all now go unless we are chargeable to you. And he made his request again, but he would not go, but he bestowed to him his blessing.^13:26 Then Absalom said, if not, I ask you, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, why should he go with you?^13:27 But Absalom pressed him so that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.^13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his slaves saying, observe you now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, strike Amnon; then kill him, fear not^: have I not commanded you? be courageous, and be strong.^13:29 And the slaves of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons got up, and every man mounted his mule and fled.^13:30 And it came about, while they were in the journey, that reports came to David saying, Absalom has killed all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.^13:31 Then the king got up and tore his clothes, and lay on the ground; and all his slaves stood by with their clothes torn.^13:32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, let not my master suppose that they have killed all the young men the king's sons. Because Amnon only is dead, for by the mouth of Absalom this had been determined from the day that he raped his sister Tamar.^13:33 Now therefore let not my master the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead because Amnon only is dead.^13:34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, there came many people by the road of the hillside behind him.^13:35 And Jonadab said to the king, look, the king's sons come as your slave said, so it is.^13:36 And it came about, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that lo, the king's sons came and lifted up their voices and wept^: and the king also and all his slaves wept very greatly.^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 for 3 years.^13:39 And the heart of king David longed to go out to Absalom, because he was consoled concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

14:1 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived how the king's heart was toward Absalom.^14:2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and got from there a wise woman and said to her, I ask you, pretend yourself to be a mourner and put on now some mourning apparel. And do not anoint yourself with oil, but be as a woman that has for a long time mourned the dead^:14:3 And come to the king and speak this way to him. So Joab put the words to say 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 homage and said, help O king.^14:5 And the king replied to her, what bothers you? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman and my husband is dead.^14:6 And your female slave had two sons, and they both struggled together in the field, and there was none to separate them, but the one struck the other and killed him.^14:7 And see, the whole family has risen against your female slave, and they said, deliver him that killed his brother so that we may kill him, for the life of his brother who he killed; and we will destroy the heir also and so they will quench my coal that is left, and will not leave to my husband neither name nor remnant upon the land.^14:8 And the king said to the woman, go to your house and I will give orders concerning you.^14:9 And the woman of Tekoah replied to the king, my master O king, the depravity is on me and on my dad's house^: and the king and his throne are innocent.^14:10 And the king replied, whoever says something to you, bring him to me and he will not touch you anymore.^14:11 Then she replied, I ask you, let the king remember YHWH Elohim, that you would not permit the avenger of blood to destroy anymore, unless they destroy my son. And he replied, as YHWH lives, there will not one hair of your son fall to the ground.^14:12 Then the woman said, let your female slave, I ask you, speak one word to my master the king. And he replied, speak on.^14:13 And the woman said, therefore then have you thought such a thing against the people of Elohim? For the king does speak this thing as one that is faulty, in that the king does not return home again his own banished one.^14:14 Because we must needs die, and are as water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again; neither does Elohim respect any person^: still he does devise means that his banished are not expelled from him.^14:15 And now that I have come to speak to the king my master this word, it is because the people made me afraid. And your female slave says, let me speak, I ask you to the king; it may be the king will perform the request of his female slave.^14:16 Because the king will hear, to rescue his female slave out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of Elohim.^14:17 Then your female slave said, the word of my master the king will now be a resting-place, for as an Angel of Elohim, so is my master the king to discern good and bad^: therefore YHWH Elohim will be with you.^14:18 Then the king answered and said to the woman, conceal not from me; I ask you, the thing that I will ask you. And the woman replied, let my master 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 you exist, my master the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my master the king has spoken. Because your slave Joab, he charged me, and he put all these words in the mouth of your female slave.^14:20 In order to bring around the appearance of this thing has your slave Joab done this thing, and my master is wise, according to the wisdom of an Angel of Elohim, to know all that is in the land.^14:21 And the king said to Joab, see now, I have done this thing so go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom.^14:22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself, and thanked the king^: and Joab replied, today your slave knows that I have found favor in your sight, my master O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his slave.^14:23 So Joab got up and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.^14:24 But 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 did not see the king's face.^14:25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for being handsome^: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no defect in him.^14:26 And when he cut his hair, (because it was at every year's end that he cut it^: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he cut it^:) he weighed the hair of his head at 200 shekels [5 pounds] after the king's weight.^14:27 And to Absalom there were gendered 3 sons and one daughter, whose name was Tamar^: she was a woman of beautiful appearance.^14:28 So Absalom resided two full years in Jerusalem and did not see the king's face.^14:29 Then Absalom sends for Joab, to send him to the king, and he was not willing to come to him; and he sent again a second time for him and he was not willing to come.^14:30 Therefore he said to his slaves, See, Joab's field is near mine and he has barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's slaves set the field on fire.^14:31 Then Joab got up and came to Absalom to his house, and said to him, why have your slaves set my field on fire?^14:32 And Absalom answered Joab, see, I sent for you saying, come here so that I may send you to the king to say, why 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 is any depravity 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 hugged Absalom.

15:1 And it came about after this, that Absalom prepared himself chariots and horses, and 50 men to run before him.^15:2 And Absalom got up early and stood beside the roadway of the gate^: and it was so, that when anyone that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him and said, of what city are you from? And he replied, your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.^15:3 And Absalom said to him, see, your matters are good and right; but there is no man from the king to give you a hearing.^15:4 Absalom continued to say, oh that I were made a judge in the land so that everyone that has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice.^15:5 And it was so, that when anyone came near to him to bow down, he put out his hand, and took him and hugged him.^15:6 And on this way did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment^: so Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel.^15:7 And it came about after 40 years that Absalom said to the king, I ask you, let me go and pay my votive offering that I have vowed to YHWH in Hebron.^15:8 Because your slave vowed a votive offering while I stayed at Geshur in Syria saying, if YHWH will bring me back again to Jerusalem, then I will serve YHWH.^15:9 And the king said to him, go in peace. So he got up and went to Hebron.^15:10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel saying, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you will declare, Absalom reigns in Hebron.^15:11 And with Absalom have gone 200 men out of Jerusalem, invited ones, and they went in their innocence, knowing nothing of his designs.^15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong because 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 to all his slaves that were with him at Jerusalem, arise, and let us flee or none of us will escape from Absalom. Quickly hurry to leave, unless he overtakes us suddenly, and brings bad upon us, and attacks the city with the edge of the sword.^15:15 And the king's slaves replied to the king, look; you slaves are ready to do whatever my master the king will appoint.^15:16 And the king went out and his entire household after him. But the king left 10 women that were concubines, for housekeeping the home.^15:17 And the king went out, and all the people after him and stayed in a place that was far off.^15:18 And all his slaves passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, 600 men that came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.^15:19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, why do you go with us? return to your place and stay with the king, because you are a foreigner and also an exile.^15:20 It was only the other day you were with us, so why have I moved you to go with us, and I am going on to where I am going! turn back now and take back your kinsmen with you; kindness and truth be with you.^15:21 And Ittai answered the king and said, as YHWH lives, and as my master the king lives, certainly in what place my master the king will be, whether in death or life, even there also will your slave be.^15:22 So David replied 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 Wadi Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the uninhabited land.^15:24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the Ark of the Covenant of Elohim^: and they set down the Ark of Elohim; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had finished passing out of the city.^15:25 And the king said to Zadok, carry back the Ark of Elohim into the city^: if I will find favor in the eyes of YHWH, he will bring me back again and show me both it, and his abode of shepherds.^15:26 But if he now says, I have no delight in you; look, here I am, let him do to me as seems good to him.^15:27 The king said also to Zadok the priest, are you not 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 stay in the plain of the uninhabited land, until there comes word from you to report to me.^15:29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the Ark of Elohim back again to Jerusalem and they remained there.^15:30 And David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered and he went barefoot^: and all the people that were with him covered everyone their head, and they went up weeping as they ascended.^15:31 And one told David saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David replied, O YHWH, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.^15:32 And it came about that when David had come to the top of the Mount of Olives, where he worshipped Elohim, lo, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn, and dirt upon his head^:15:33 To whom David said, if you pass on with me then you will be a burden to me^:15:34 But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, I will be your slave, O king; as I have been your dad's slave before, so I will now also be your slave^: then you may for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.^15:35 And have you not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it will be, that whatever you will hear out of the king's house, you will tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.^15:36 Look, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them you will send to me everything that 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, lo, Ziba the slave of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, and upon them 200 loaves of bread and 100 bunches of raisins, and 100 of summer fruits and a bottle of wine.^16:2 And the king said to Ziba, what do you intend by these? And Ziba replied, the donkeys are for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine for such as are faint in the wilderness, that they may drink.^16:3 And the king replied, and where is your master's son? And Ziba said to the king, see, he remains at Jerusalem because he said, today will the House of Israel restore to me the kingdom of my dad.^16:4 Then said the king to Ziba, look, yours are all that pertained to Mephibosheth. And Ziba replied, I humbly ask you that I may find favor in your sight, my master O king.^16:5 And when king David came to Bahurim, lo, there came out a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera^: he came out, and cursed as he came.^16:6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the slaves of king David^: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.^16:7 And Shimei said this when he cursed, come out, come out, you bloody man, and you man of Belial.^16:8 YHWH has returned upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and YHWH has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son^: and look, you are taken in your mischief, because you are a bloody man.^16:9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, why should this dead dog curse my master the king? let me go over, I ask you, and take off his head.^16:10 And the king replied, what have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because YHWH has said to him, curse David. Who will then say, why have you done so?^16:11 And David replied to Abishai, and to all his slaves, see, my son that came out of my bowels, seeks my life^: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone and let him curse because YHWH has commanded him.^16:12 It may be that YHWH will look on my affliction, and that YHWH will repay me good for his cursing this day.^16:13 And as David and his men went by the road, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.^16:14 And the king arrived, and all the people who are with him, wearied, and they are refreshed 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 about, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend was come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, Elohim save the king, Elohim save the king.^16:17 But Absalom replied to Hushai, is this your kindness to your friend? why did you not go with your friend?^16:18 And Hushai replied to Absalom, no; but whom YHWH and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be and with him will I remain.^16:19 And again, who should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in your dad's presence, so I will be in your presence.^16:20 Then Absalom replied to Ahithophel, give counsel among you what we will do.^16:21 And Ahithophel said to Absalom, go in unto your dad's concubines that he has left for housekeeping the home; and all Israel will hear that you are abhorred of your dad^: then will 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 dad's concubines in the sight of all Israel.^16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel that he counseled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle [Urim-Thummim] of Elohim^: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, let me now choose out 12,000 men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night.^17:2 And I will come on him while he is weary and weak handed, and will rout the army^: and all the people that are with him will flee, and I will strike the king only.^17:3 And I will bring back all the people to you^: it is the life of only one man you are pursuing after, so all the people will be at peace.^17:4 And the words pleased Absalom well and all the Elders of Israel.^17:5 Then Absalom said, call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he has to say.^17:6 Then when Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him saying, Ahithophel has spoken this way, will we follow his words? if not then speak yourself.^17:7 And Hushai replied to Absalom, the counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time.^17:8 Because, said Hushai, you know your dad and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are bitter in their minds as a bear robbed of her cubs in the field^: and your dad is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.^17:9 Look, he is now hidden in some cave, or in some other place^: and it will come about, when some of them are overthrown in the first engagement that whoever hears it will say, there is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.^17:10 And he also that is mighty, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will dissolve because all Israel knows that your dad is a mighty man, and they that are with him are strong men.^17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that you go to battle yourself.^17:12 So will we come upon him in some place where he will 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 will not be left so much as one.^17:13 Moreover, if he is taken into a city then will all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there is 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. Because YHWH had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that YHWH might bring bad upon Absalom.^17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, this and that did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the Elders of Israel; and this and that have I counseled.^17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David saying, do not remain this night in the fords of the wilderness, but quickly pass over; unless the king is swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.^17:17 And Jonathan and Ahimaaz are standing at En-Rogel, and a slave girl has gone and declared to them, and they go and have declared it to king David, because they are not able to be seen to go into the city.^17:18 Nevertheless a boy saw them and told Absalom, but both of them went away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim that had a well in his court, where they descended to.^17:19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread grain on it, and the thing was not known.^17:20 And when Absalom's slaves came to the woman to the house, they said, where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman replied to them, they are gone over the water brook. And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.^17:21 And it came about, after they were departed that they came up out of the well, then went and told king David and said to him, get up and pass quickly over the river, for this is what Ahithophel counseled against you.^17:22 Then David got up and all the people that were with him, and they passed over the Jordan River and by the morning light there was missing not one of them that had not gone over the Jordan River.^17:23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, got up, and made his way back home to his house, to his city and put his household in order, and then hanged himself and died and was buried in the tomb of his father.^17:24 Then David came to Mahanaim and Absalom passed over the Jordan River, he and all the men of Israel with him.^17:25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the army instead of Joab^: that 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 camped in the land of Gilead.^17:27 And it came about, 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, bowls, and earthen vessels, and wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentiles, parched grains,^17:29 honey, butter, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and for the people that were with him, to eat^: for they said, the people are hungry, weary and thirsty, in the uninhabited land.

18:1 Then David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.^18:2 And David sent out 1/3rd part of the people under the hand of Joab and 1/3rd part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and 1/3rd part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, I will certainly go out with you myself also.^18:3 But the people answered, you will not go out, because if we flee away they will not care about us, neither if half of us die will they care about us^: but now you are worth 10,000 of us. Therefore it is better now that you help us out of the city.^18:4 And the king replied to them, what seems best to you 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, 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 forest of Ephraim;^18:7 where the people of Israel were killed before the slaves of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of 20,000 men.^18:8 Because the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country^: and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.^18:9 And Absalom encountered the slaves of David and Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak tree and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the sky and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.^18:10 And a certain man saw it and told Joab saying, look, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.^18:11 And Joab said to the man that told him, and lo, you saw him and why did you not strike him there to the ground? and I would have given you 10 shekels [4 ounces] of silver and a belt.^18:12 And the man replied to Joab, though I should receive 1000 shekels [25 pounds] of silver in my hand, still I would not put out my hand against the king's son. Because in our hearing the king charged you, Abishai and Ittai saying, beware that none strike the young man Absalom.^18:13 Otherwise I should have brought wrong against my own life because there is no matter hidden from the king, and you yourself would have set yourself against me.^18:14 Then Joab replied, I would not be wasting time here with you. So he took 3 darts in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was still alive in the middle of the oak tree.^18:15 And 10 young men that carried Joab's armor encircled around and struck Absalom and killed him.^18:16 Then 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 cave in the forest, and laid a very great heap of stones on him^: and all Israel fled everyone to his tent.^18:18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar that is in the king's valley. Because he said, I have no son to keep my name in memory, and he called the pillar after his own name and it is called to this day, Absalom's monument.^18:19 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, let me now run and bear the king the news, how that YHWH has avenged him of his enemies.^18:20 But Joab replied to him, you will not carry the news this day, but you will carry the news another day^: but this day you will carry no news, because the king's son is dead.^18:21 Then Joab said to Cushi, go tell the king what you have seen. And Cushi bowed himself to Joab and ran.^18:22 And Ahimaaz son of Zadok adds again, and says to Joab, and whatever it is, let me run I beg you, I too after the Cushite. And Joab replied, why do you desire to run my son, because for you there is no news found?^18:23 But for good news he said, let me run. And he replied to him, run, then Ahimaaz ran by the road of the plain, and overran Cushi.^18:24 And David sat between the two gates^: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes looking observed a man running alone.^18:25 And the watchman cried and told the king. And the king said, if he is alone there is good news in his mouth. And the man drew closer and closer.^18:26 And the watchman saw another man running^: and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, look, another man running alone. And the king replied, he also brings news.^18:27 And the watchman said, I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king replied, he is a good man and comes with good news.^18:28 And Ahimaaz called and said to the king, all is well. And he fell down to the ground upon his face before the king and said, blessed is YHWH Elohim that has delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my master the king.^18:29 And the king replied, is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, when Joab sent the king's slaves and me your servant, I saw a great roar, but I knew not what it was about.^18:30 And the king replied to him, turn aside and stand here. And he turned aside and stood still.^18:31 And look, Cushi came and Cushi said, good news my master the king, because YHWH has avenged you this day of all those that rose up against you.^18:32 And the king replied to Cushi, is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, the enemies of my master the king and all that rise against you to do you hurt, are as that young man is.^18:33 And the king was greatly trembling, and went up to the room over the gate and wept^: and as he went he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would Elohim I had died for you, O Absalom, my son, my son!

19:1 And it was told Joab, see, the king cries and morns for Absalom.^19:2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, because the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.^19:3 And the people stole away that day into the city, as people steal away when ashamed of escaping 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 slaves that this day have saved your life, and the lives of your sons and of your daughters, and the lives of your women and the lives of your concubines;^19:6 In that you loved your enemies and hated your friends. Because you have declared this day, that you regard neither chiefs nor slaves^: because this day I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all of us had died this day, then it would have pleased you well.^19:7 Now therefore get up, go out and speak favorably to your slaves^: because I adjure by YHWH, if you do not go out, there will not remain one with you this night^: and that will be worse for you than all the bad that befell you from your youth until now.^19:8 Then the king got up and sat in the gate. And they told to all the people saying, see, the king does sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king^: because Israel had fled everyone to his tent.^19:9 And all the people were vindicated throughout all the tribes of Israel saying, the king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he rescued us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is escaped out of the land because of Absalom.^19:10 And Absalom, who we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak you not a word of bringing the king back?^19:11 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests saying, speak to the Elders of Judah saying, why are you last to bring back the king to his house? (and the word of all Israel has come to the king, to his house;)^19:12 you are my kinsmen, you are my bones and my flesh, why then are you the last to bring back the king?^19:13 And say you to Amasa, are you not of my bone and of my flesh? Elohim do so to me, and more also, if you are not captain of the army 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 to the king, return you, and all your slaves.^19:15 So the king returned and came to the Jordan River. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king and to carry the king over the Jordan River.^19:16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, that was of Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.^19:17 And there were 1000 men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the slave of the house of Saul, and his 15 sons and his 20 slaves with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.^19:18 And there went over a ferryboat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought well. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over the Jordan River;^19:19 And said to the king, let not my master impute depravity to me, neither do you remember what your slave did perversely the day that my master the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.^19:20 Because your slave does know that I have sinned^: therefore see, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my master the king.^19:21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, will not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed YHWH's anointed?^19:22 But David replied, what have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be adversaries to me? will there be anyone put to death this day in Israel? because don't I know that I am king over Israel this day?^19:23 Therefore the king said to Shimei, you will not die. And the king adjured this to 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 left until the day he came back in peace.^19:25 And it came about, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king that the king said to him, why did you not come with me Mephibosheth?^19:26 And he answered, my master O king, my slave deceived me, because your slave said, I will saddle me a donkey so that I may ride on it and go to the king; because your slave is lame.^19:27 And he has slandered your slave to my master the king; but my master the king is as an Angel of Elohim^: do therefore what is good in your eyes.^19:28 Because my dad's entire house was but dead men before my master the king^: still you did set your slave among them that did eat at your own table. What right therefore have I still to cry anymore to the king? ^19:29 And the king replied to him, why speak you anymore of your matters? I have said, you and Ziba divide the land.^19:30 And Mephibosheth replied to the king, yes, the whole let him take, after that my master the king has come in peace to his house.^19:31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to send him over the Jordan River.^19:32 Now Barzillai was a very old man, even 80 years of age and he had provided the king with sustenance while he lay up at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.^19:33 And the king said to Barzillai, come over with me and I will sustain you with me in Jerusalem.^19:34 But Barzillai replied to the king, how long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?^19:35 I am this day 80 years old, and can I discern between good and bad? can your slave taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and singing women? why then should your slave be still a burden to my master the king?^19:36 Your slave will go a little way over Jordan with the king^: and why should the king repay me with such a reward?^19:37 Let your slave, I ask you, turn back again so that I may die in my own city, and be buried by the grave of my dad and my mother. But see your slave Chimham; let him go over with my master the king; and do to him what will seem good to you.^19:38 And the king answered, Chimham will go over with me, and I will do to him what will seem good to you, and whatever you will require of me, that I will do for you.^19:39 And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king came over, the king hugged Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place.^19:40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him^: and all the people of Judah brought over the king, and also half the people of Israel.^19:41 And look, all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away, and have brought the king and his household, and all David's men with him, over the Jordan River? ^19:42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, because the king is near of kin to us^: why then are you angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's provisions? or has he given us any gift?^19:43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah and said, we have 10 parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than you^: why then did you despise us, that our advice should not be primary 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^: everyone 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 allied themselves to their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.^20:3 Then David came to his house at Jerusalem and the king took the 10 women concubines, who he had left for housekeeping the home, and put them in a ward and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood.^20:4 Then the king said to Amasa, assemble me the men of Judah within 3 days, and you be here present.^20:5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah, but he delayed longer than the set time that he had appointed him.^20:6 And David said to Abishai, now will Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom so take you your master's slaves, and pursue after him unless he secures himself fenced cities and escapes 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 that is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded to him, and upon it a belt with a sword fastened on his hips in its sheath, and as he went it fell out.^20:9 And Joab said to Amasa, are you in health, my brother? And Joab grasped Amasa by the beard with the right hand to hug him.^20:10 But Amasa took no notice to the sword that was in Joab's hand^: so he struck him with it in the 5th rib, and spilled 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 favors Joab and he that is for David, let him follow Joab.^20:12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the middle of the roadway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the road into the field, and cast a cloth over him, when he saw that everyone that came by him stood still.^20:13 When he was removed out of the roadway, all the people proceeded on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.^20:14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites^: and they were gathered together, and proceeded also after him.^20:15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood by the rampart^: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.^20:16 Then a wise woman cried out from the city, hear, hear; say, I ask you Joab, come here closer so that I may speak with you.^20:17 And when he was come close to her, the woman said, are you Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she replied to him, hear the words of your maid-servant, and he answered, I will hear.^20:18 And she spoke saying, they spoke often in former times saying, let them diligently ask at Abel, and so they finished.^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 YHWH?^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 to Joab, look, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.^20:22 Then the woman went to 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 to the king.^20:23 Now Joab was over all the army of Israel^: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites.^20:24 And Adoram was over the forced labor^: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder^:20:25 And Sheva was secretary^: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests^:20:26 And Ira the Jairite was also David's priest.

21:1 Then there was a famine in the days of David for 3 years, year after year; and David inquired [by Urim- Thummim] of YHWH. And YHWH answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he killed the Gibeonites.^21:2 And the king called the Gibeonites and said to them, (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites. And the children of Israel had adjured to them^: and Saul desired to kill them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)^21:3 Therefore David said to the Gibeonites, what will I do for you? and how shall I make reconciliation, that you may bless the inheritance of YHWH?^21:4 And the Gibeonites replied to him, we will have no silver nor gold from Saul, nor from his house; neither for us will you kill any man in Israel. And he said, what you will say, that I will 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 territory of Israel,^21:6 let 7 men of his sons be delivered to us and we will hang them up to YHWH in Gibeah of Saul, whom YHWH did choose. And the king replied, I will give them to you.^21:7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of YHWH's oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.^21:8 But the king took the 2 sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, who she gendered to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the 5 sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, who 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 YHWH^: and they fell all 7 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 the sky. And permitted neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the animals 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 that had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had killed Saul in Gilboa.^21:13 And he brought up from there 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 they buried in the territory of Benjamin in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father^: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that Elohim was supplicated for the land.^21:15 Then the Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down and his slaves with him, and fought against the Philistines and David grew weary.^21:16 And Ishbibenob that was of the sons of the Rephaim (giants), the weight of whose spear weighed 300 shekels [7 1/2 pounds] of brass in weight, he being belted with a new sword, intended to have killed David.^21:17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him and struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David adjured to him saying, you will go no more out with us to battle so that you quench not the Light of Israel.^21:18 And it came about after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob^: then Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Saph that was of the sons of the Rephaim (giants).^21:19 And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.^21:20 And there was still again a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand 6 fingers, and on every foot 6 toes, 24 in number; and he also was gendered of the Rephaim (giants).^21:21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David killed him.^21:22 These 4 were gendered of the Rephaim (giants) in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his slaves.

22:1 And David spoke to YHWH the words of this song in the day that YHWH had rescued him out of the hand from all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul.^22:2 And he said, YHWH is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;^22:3 The Elohim of my rock; in him will I trust^: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my place of escape, my savior; you saved me from violence.^22:4 I will call on YHWH, who is worthy to be praised^: so will I be delivered from my enemies.^22:5 When the waves of death surrounded me, the Wadi of Belial (worthless) terrified me;^22:6 The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me;^22:7 In my distress I called upon YHWH, and cried to my Elohim^: and he did hear my voice out of his Sanctuary, and my cry did enter into his ears.^22:8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of the universe 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 parted the skies also and descended; and the cloud-mass was under his feet.^22:11 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly^: and he was perceived upon the corner garments of the prophetic spirit [symbolic of the Urim-Thummim].^22:12 And he set the Secret Place around him, the circling violent cloud-mass of the clouds.^22:13 Through the brightness before him were burning coals of supernatural fire kindled.^22:14 YHWH thundered from the skies, and the Most High uttered his Voice.^22:15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.^22:16 And the ravine of the Red Sea appeared, the foundations of the world were uncovered, at the rebuking of YHWH, 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 rescued me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me, because they were too strong for me.^22:19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity^: but YHWH was my support.^22:20 He brought me out also into a large place^: he rescued me, because He delighted in me.^22:21 YHWH repaid me according to my righteousness^: according to the cleanness of my hands has he restored me.^22:22 Because I have observed the ways of YHWH, and have not acted wickedly toward my Elohim.^22:23 Because 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 guarded myself from my depravity.^22:25 Therefore YHWH has repaid me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his sight.^22:26 With the saints 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 crooked you will show yourself twisted.^22:28 And the afflicted people you will save^: but your eyes are upon the haughty, that you may bring them down.^22:29 Because you are my lamp, O YHWH^: and YHWH will lighten my darkness.^22:30 For by you I have run through a troop^: by my Elohim have I leaped over a wall.^22:31 As for Elohim, his way is wholesome; the Word of YHWH is refined^: he is a shield to all them that seek refuge.^22:32 Because who is Elohim, except YHWH? and who is a rock [Urim-Thummim], except our Elohim? ^22:33 Elohim is my strength and power^: and he makes my way wholesome.^22:34 He makes my feet like deer's feet^: and sets me upon my high place.^22:35 He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by my 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 my enemies and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.^22:39 And I have consumed them and wounded them so that they could not arise^: yes, they are fallen under my feet.^22:40 Because you have girded me with strength to battle^: those that rose up against me have you subdued under me.^22:41 You have also given me the necks of my enemies so that I might destroy them that hate me.^22:42 They looked, but there were none to rescue; even to YHWH, but he answered them not.^22:43 Then I did 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 disputes of my people, you have retained me to be head of the heathen^: a people that I knew not will serve me.^22:45 Foreigners will submit themselves to me^: as soon as they hear, they will be obedient to me.^22:46 Foreigners will fade away, and gird themselves by their close places.^22:47 YHWH lives; and blessed is my rock [Urim-Thummim]; and exalted is Elohim of the rock of my salvation.^22:48 It is Elohim that avenges me, and that brings down the people under me.^22:49 And that brings me out from my enemies^: you also have lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me^: you have rescued me from the violent man.^22:50 Therefore I will give thanks to you, O YHWH, among the heathen, and I will sing praises to your Name.^22:51 He is the tower of salvation for his king^: and shows mercy to his anointed, to David and to his descendants for the ages.

23:1 Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the Elohim of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel revealed,^23:2 The Spirit of YHWH spoke by me (through Urim-Thummim), and his Word was in my tongue.^23:3 The Elohim of Israel avowed, the Rock (Urim-Thummim) of Israel spoke to me, He that reigns over mankind must be righteous, ruling in the fear of Elohim.^23:4 And he will 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 is not so with Elohim [pertaining to the priesthood]; still He has made with me an Age-Lasting Covenant [like the Covenant of Levi], ordered in all things, and certain^: because this is all my salvation, and all my desire, will he not make it grow.^23:6 But the sons of Belial will be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands^:23:7 But the man that will touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they will be utterly burned with fire in the same place.^23:8 These are 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 lifted up his spear against 800, whom he killed at one time.^23:9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the 3 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 attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword^: and YHWH accomplished a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.^23:11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where there was a piece of ground full of lentiles^: and the people fled from the Philistines.^23:12 But he stood in the middle of the ground, and defended it, and killed the Philistines^: and YHWH accomplished a great victory.^23:13 And 3 of the 30 chiefs went down and came to David in the harvest time to the Cave of Adullam^: and the troop of the Philistines camped in the Valley of Rephaim (giants).^23:14 And David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.^23:15 And David longed and said; oh that one would give me drink from the waters of the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!^23:16 And the 3 mighty men broke through the army 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 it, but poured it out unto YHWH.^23:17 And he said, far be it from me O YHWH, 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 3 mighty men.^23:18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among the three. And he lifted up his spear against 300, and killed them, and had a name among the three.^23:19 Was he not most honorable of the three? therefore he was their captain^: but he attained not to the first three.^23:20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a mighty man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he killed two lion-like men of Moab^: he went down also and killed a lion in the middle of a cave in a time of snow^:23:21 And he killed an Egyptian, a spectacular 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 killed him with his own spear.^23:22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the 3 mighty men.^23:23 He was more honorable than the 30, 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 30; 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 from 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, Naharai the Beerothite, armor-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,^23:38 Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,^23:39 Uriah the Hittite^: 37 in all.

24:1 And again the nostrils of YHWH flared against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, go number Israel and Judah.^24:2 Because the king said to Joab the captain of the army that was with him, go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number you the people so that I may know the number of the people.^24:3 And Joab replied to the king, now YHWH Elohim add to the people, how many whatever they be, a hundred- fold, and that the eyes of my master the king may see it^: but why does my master the king delight in this thing?^24:4 But the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the army. So Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.^24:5 And they passed over the Jordan River and camped in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lies among the Wadi of Gad, and toward Jazer^:24:6 Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and around to Zidon,^24:7 And came to the stronghold 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 9 months and 20 days.^24:9 And Joab revealed the sum of the number of the people to the king^: and there were in Israel 800,000 mighty men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were 500,000 men.^24:10 And David's heart chastised him after he had numbered the people. And David said to YHWH, I have sinned greatly in what I have done^: and now, I beseech you O YHWH, take away the depravity of your slave because I have done very foolishly.^24:11 Because when David was up in the morning, the Word of YHWH came to the prophet Gad, David's seer saying,^24:12 Go and say to David, this is what YHWH says, I offer you 3 things so choose yourself one of them, that I may do it to you.^24:13 So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, Will 7 years of famine come to you in your land? or will you flee 3 months before your enemies, while they pursue you? or that there are 3 days' pestilence in your land? Now advise, and see what answer I will return to him that sent me.^24:14 Then David replied to Gad, I am in a great turmoil^: let us fall now into the hand of YHWH, because his mercies are great^: and let me not fall into the hand of man.^24:15 So YHWH sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed^: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba 70,000 people.^24:16 And when the Angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, YHWH regretted himself of the bad, and said to the Angel that destroyed the people, It is enough^: refrain now your hand. And the Angel of YHWH was by the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite.^24:17 And David spoke to YHWH when he saw the Angel that attacked the people, and said, lo, I have sinned and I have done wickedly^: but these sheep, what have they done? let your hand, I pray you, be against me and against my dad's house.^24:18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, go up, rear an Altar to YHWH in the threshing- floor of Araunah the Jebusite.^24:19 And David, according to the words of Gad, went up as YHWH commanded.^24:20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his slaves 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, why is my master the king come to his slave? And David replied, to buy the threshing- floor from you, to build an Altar to YHWH, that the plague might be refrained from the people.^24:22 Then Araunah replied to David, let my master the king take and offer up what seems good to him^: see, here are oxen for whole Burnt- Offerings, and threshing instruments and yokes of the oxen for wood.^24:23 All these things did Araunah (as a king), give to the king. And Araunah said to the king, YHWH Elohim accept you.^24:24 And the king replied to Araunah, no, but I will certainly buy it from you at a price^: neither will I offer whole Burnt-Offerings to YHWH Elohim of what costs me nothing. So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for 50 shekels [1 1/4th pounds] of silver.^24:25 And David built there an Altar to YHWH, and offered whole Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings. So YHWH was supplicated for the land and the plague was refrained from Israel.

Copyright 2001 Dallas E. James