\id 2SA  
\h 2 Samuel 
\toc1 2 Samuel 
\toc2 2 Samuel 
\mt1 2 Samuel  
\c 1  
\s1 David Learns of the Deaths of Saul and Jonathan  
\p
\v 1  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w the death|strong="H4191"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w when David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w from defeating|strong="H5221"\w* \w the Amalekites|strong="H6002"\w*, \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w at Ziklag|strong="H6860"\w* \w for two|strong="H8147"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 2  \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the third|strong="H7992"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his clothes|strong="H0899"\w* \w torn|strong="H7167"\w* \w and dirt|strong="H0127"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w*. \w When|strong="H0935"\w* \w he approached|strong="H0935"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w the man|strong="H5307"\w* \w threw|strong="H5307"\w* \w himself|strong="H7812"\w* \w to the ground|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Where|strong="H0335"\w* \w are you coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w from?” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I have escaped|strong="H4422"\w* \w from the camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w inquired, “How|strong="H4100"\w* \w were things|strong="H1697"\w* \w going?|strong="H5046"\w* \w Tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H4994"\w*\w !” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “The people|strong="H5971"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w and many|strong="H7235"\w* \w of them|strong="H5307"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*. \w Even|strong="H1571"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w are dead|strong="H4191"\w*!”  
\v 5  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w who was telling|strong="H5046"\w* \w him this, “How|strong="H0349"\w* \w do you know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w are dead|strong="H4191"\w*?”  
\v 6  \w The young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w who was telling|strong="H5046"\w* \w him this|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I just|strong="H7122"\w* \w happened|strong="H7136"\w* \w to be on Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Gilboa|strong="H1533"\w* \w and came across Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w leaning|strong="H8172"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his spear|strong="H2595"\w* \w for support. The chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of the horsemen|strong="H6571"\w* \w were in hot pursuit|strong="H1692"\w* \w of him|strong="H1692"\w*.  
\v 7  \w When he turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w around|strong="H0310"\w* \w and saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w me, he called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out to me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w I answered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Here I am|strong="H2005"\w*!’  
\v 8  \w He asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w me, ‘Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w*\w ?’ I told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w ‘I’m|strong="H0595"\w* \w an Amalekite|strong="H6003"\w*.’  
\v 9  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me, ‘Stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w me and finish|strong="H4191"\w* \w me off|strong="H4191"\w*\w !|strong="H7661"\w* I’m very dizzy, \w even|strong="H3588"\w* \w though I’m still|strong="H5750"\w* \w alive|strong="H5315"\w*.’  
\v 10  \w So I stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w him and put him to death|strong="H4191"\w*, \w since|strong="H3588"\w* \w I knew|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he couldn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w live|strong="H2421"\w* \w in such a condition.|strong="H5307"\w* \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w I took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the crown|strong="H5145"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w* \w and the|strong="H0685"\w* \w bracelet|strong="H0685"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his arm|strong="H2220"\w*. \w I have brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w here|strong="H2008"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w then grabbed|strong="H2388"\w* \w his own clothes|strong="H0899"\w* \w and tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w them, as did|strong="H1571"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0854"\w*.  
\v 12  \w They lamented|strong="H5594"\w* \w and wept|strong="H1058"\w* \w and fasted|strong="H6684"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*, \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w fallen|strong="H5307"\w* \w by the sword|strong="H2719"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w who told|strong="H5046"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w to him, “Where|strong="H0335"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w from?” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I am|strong="H0595"\w* \w an Amalekite|strong="H6003"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of a resident foreigner|strong="H1616"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “How|strong="H0349"\w* \w is it that you were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w to reach out|strong="H7971"\w* \w your hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w to destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w anointed|strong="H4899"\w*?”  
\v 15  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the soldiers|strong="H5288"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Come|strong="H5066"\w* \w here and strike|strong="H6293"\w* \w him down!” So he struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w him down, and he died|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 16  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Your blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w be on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your own head|strong="H7218"\w*\w ! Your own mouth|strong="H6310"\w* \w has testified|strong="H6030"\w* \w against you, saying|strong="H0559"\w* \w ‘I|strong="H0595"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w anointed|strong="H4899"\w* \w to death|strong="H4191"\w*.’”   
\s1 \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* Tribute \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Saul|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H0559"\w*  
\p
\v 17  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w chanted|strong="H6969"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w lament|strong="H7015"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*.  
\v 18  \w (He gave instructions|strong="H0559"\w* \w that the people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w should be taught|strong="H3925"\w* \w “The Bow|strong="H7198"\w*.” \w Indeed|strong="H2009"\w*, \w it is written down|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the Book|strong="H5612"\w* \w of Yashar|strong="H3477"\w*.)   
\q1
\v 19  \w The beauty|strong="H6643"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w lies slain|strong="H2491"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your high places|strong="H1116"\w*\w !|strong="H0349"\w*  
\q1 \w How|strong="H0349"\w* \w the mighty|strong="H1368"\w* \w have fallen|strong="H5307"\w*!   
\q1
\v 20  \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w report|strong="H5046"\w* \w it in Gath|strong="H1661"\w*,  
\q1 \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w spread the news|strong="H1319"\w* \w in the streets|strong="H2351"\w* \w of Ashkelon|strong="H0831"\w*,  
\q1 \w or|strong="H6435"\w* \w the daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w of the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w will rejoice|strong="H8055"\w*,  
\q1 \w the daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w of the uncircumcised|strong="H6189"\w* \w will celebrate|strong="H5937"\w*!   
\q1
\v 21  \w O mountains|strong="H2022"\w* \w of Gilboa|strong="H1533"\w*,  
\q1 \w may there be no|strong="H0408"\w* \w dew|strong="H2919"\w* \w or|strong="H0408"\w* \w rain|strong="H4306"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you, nor fields|strong="H7704"\w* \w of grain offerings|strong="H8641"\w*\w !|strong="H3588"\w*  
\q1 \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w it was there|strong="H8033"\w* \w that the shield|strong="H4043"\w* \w of warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w was defiled|strong="H1602"\w*;  
\q1 \w the shield|strong="H4043"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w lies neglected|strong="H4899"\w* \w without|strong="H1097"\w* \w oil|strong="H8081"\w*.   
\q1
\v 22  \w From the blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w of the slain|strong="H2491"\w*, \w from the fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w of warriors|strong="H1368"\w*,  
\q1 \w the bow|strong="H7198"\w* \w of Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w was|strong="H7734"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w turned away|strong="H7734"\w*.  
\q1 \w The sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w empty|strong="H7387"\w*.   
\q1
\v 23  \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w were greatly loved|strong="H0157"\w* \w during|strong="H5273"\w* \w their lives|strong="H2416"\w*,  
\q1 \w and not|strong="H3808"\w* \w even in their deaths|strong="H4194"\w* \w were they separated|strong="H6504"\w*.  
\q1 \w They were swifter|strong="H7043"\w* \w than eagles|strong="H5404"\w*, \w stronger|strong="H1396"\w* \w than lions|strong="H0738"\w*.   
\q1
\v 24  \w O daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w weep|strong="H1058"\w* \w over Saul|strong="H7586"\w*,  
\q1 \w who clothed|strong="H3847"\w* \w you in scarlet|strong="H8144"\w* \w as well as|strong="H5973"\w* \w jewelry|strong="H5730"\w*,  
\q1 \w who put gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w jewelry|strong="H5716"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your clothes|strong="H3830"\w*.   
\q1
\v 25  \w How|strong="H0349"\w* \w the warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w have fallen|strong="H5307"\w*  
\q1 \w in the midst|strong="H8432"\w* \w of battle|strong="H4421"\w*\w !|strong="H3083"\w*  
\q1 \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w lies slain|strong="H2491"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your high places|strong="H1116"\w*!   
\q1
\v 26  \w I grieve|strong="H6887"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w you, my brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*\w !|strong="H3966"\w*  
\q1 \w You were very|strong="H3966"\w* \w dear|strong="H5276"\w* \w to me.|strong="H0160"\w*  
\q1 \w Your love|strong="H0160"\w* \w was more special|strong="H6381"\w* \w to me than the love|strong="H0160"\w* \w of women|strong="H0802"\w*.   
\q1
\v 27  \w How|strong="H0349"\w* \w the warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w have fallen|strong="H5307"\w*\w !|strong="H3627"\w*  
\q1 \w The weapons|strong="H3627"\w* \w of war|strong="H4421"\w* \w are destroyed|strong="H0006"\w*!   
\c 2  
\p
\v 1  \w Afterward|strong="H0310"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w inquired|strong="H7592"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , “Should I go up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*?” \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Go up|strong="H5927"\w*.” \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Where|strong="H0575"\w* \w should I go|strong="H5927"\w*\w ?” The \+nd Lord\+nd* replied|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w To Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*.”  
\v 2  \w So|strong="H5927"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w went up, along|strong="H1571"\w* \w with his two|strong="H8147"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w Ahinoam|strong="H0293"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3159"\w* \w and Abigail|strong="H0026"\w*, \w formerly the wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of Nabal|strong="H5037"\w* \w the Carmelite|strong="H3761"\w*.  
\v 3  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w also brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w along the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him, each|strong="H0376"\w* \w with his family|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and there|strong="H8033"\w* \w they anointed|strong="H4886"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w as king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the people|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\p \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was told|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w are the ones who|strong="H0834"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w and told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “May you be blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w by|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w because you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have shown|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w kindness|strong="H2617"\w* \w to your lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w by burying|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w may|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w show you true|strong="H0571"\w* \w kindness|strong="H2617"\w*\w !|strong="H0595"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w will reward|strong="H0595"\w* \w you,|strong="H0834"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w this deed|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w be courageous|strong="H2388"\w* \w and prove to be valiant|strong="H3027"\w* \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w your lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*. \w The people|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w anointed|strong="H4886"\w* \w me as king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.”   
\s1 David’s \w Army|strong="H2428"\w* Clashes \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w*  
\p
\v 8  \w Now Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ner|strong="H5369"\w*, \w the general in command|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w had taken|strong="H3947"\w* \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w and had brought|strong="H5674"\w* \w him to Mahanaim|strong="H4266"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He appointed him king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*, \w the Geshurites|strong="H0805"\w*, \w Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*, \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w was forty|strong="H0705"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he began to rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w He ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w However|strong="H0389"\w*, \w the people|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 11  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the people|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w and a half|strong="H2320"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ner|strong="H5369"\w* \w and the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w from Mahanaim|strong="H4266"\w* \w to Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w and the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w also went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and confronted|strong="H6298"\w* \w them at the pool|strong="H1295"\w* \w of Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*. \w One group|strong="H3162"\w* \w stationed|strong="H3427"\w* \w themselves|strong="H0428"\w* \w on one side|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the pool|strong="H1295"\w*, \w and the other|strong="H2088"\w* \w group on the other side|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the pool|strong="H1295"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w “Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w the soldiers|strong="H5288"\w* \w get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and fight|strong="H7832"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w us.” Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “So|strong="H6965"\w* \w be|strong="H4994"\w* \w it|strong="H6440"\w*!”   
\p
\v 15  \w So they got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w over by number|strong="H4557"\w*\w : twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w belonging to Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and to Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w and twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w from the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 16  \w As they grappled|strong="H2388"\w* \w with one another|strong="H0376"\w*, \w each one|strong="H7453"\w* \w stabbed his opponent|strong="H7453"\w* \w with his sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w and they fell dead|strong="H5307"\w* \w together|strong="H3162"\w*. \w So that|strong="H1931"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w is called|strong="H7121"\w* \w the Field of Flints|strong="H2521"\w*; \w it is in Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w was very|strong="H3966"\w* \w severe|strong="H7186"\w* \w that day|strong="H3117"\w*; \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w and the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were overcome|strong="H5062"\w* \w by David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w*.  
\v 18  \w The three|strong="H7969"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w – Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w*, \w and Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*. \w (Now Asahel|strong="H6214"\w* \w was as quick|strong="H7031"\w* \w on his feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w as one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the gazelles|strong="H6643"\w* \w in the field|strong="H7704"\w*.)  
\v 19  \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w* \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w*, \w without|strong="H3808"\w* \w turning|strong="H1980"\w* \w to the right|strong="H3225"\w* \w or to the left|strong="H8040"\w* \w as he followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w Then Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w and asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Is that you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*\w ?” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, “Yes \w it|strong="H0310"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w*!”  
\v 21  \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Turn aside|strong="H5186"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w your right|strong="H3225"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w to your left|strong="H8040"\w*. \w Capture|strong="H0270"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the soldiers|strong="H5288"\w* \w and take|strong="H3947"\w* \w his equipment|strong="H2488"\w* \w for yourself!” But Asahel|strong="H6214"\w* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w willing|strong="H0014"\w* \w to turn aside|strong="H5493"\w* \w from following|strong="H0310"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 22  \w So|strong="H3254"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*, \w “Turn aside|strong="H5493"\w* \w from following|strong="H0310"\w* \w me! I do not want|strong="H4100"\w* \w to strike|strong="H5221"\w* \w you to the ground|strong="H0776"\w*. \w How|strong="H0349"\w* \w then could I show|strong="H5375"\w* \w my face in the presence|strong="H6440"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w your brother|strong="H0251"\w*?”  
\v 23  \w But Asahel|strong="H3985"\w* \w refused|strong="H3985"\w* \w to turn aside|strong="H5493"\w*. \w So Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w him in the abdomen|strong="H2570"\w* \w with the back|strong="H0310"\w* \w end of his|strong="H2595"\w* \w spear|strong="H2595"\w*. \w The spear|strong="H2595"\w* \w came out|strong="H3318"\w* \w his back; Asahel|strong="H0310"\w* \w collapsed|strong="H5307"\w* \w on the spot|strong="H8033"\w* \w and died|strong="H4191"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w right before|strong="H0413"\w* \w Abner.|strong="H3605"\w* \w Everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who now comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w pauses|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* respect.   
\p
\v 24  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w*. \w At sunset|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the hill|strong="H1389"\w* \w of Ammah|strong="H0522"\w* \w near Giah|strong="H1520"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the way|strong="H1870"\w* \w to the wilderness|strong="H4057"\w* \w of Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*.  
\v 25  \w The Benjaminites|strong="H1144"\w* \w formed their ranks|strong="H6908"\w* \w behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w and were|strong="H1961"\w* \w like a single|strong="H0259"\w* \w army|strong="H0092"\w*, \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of a certain|strong="H0259"\w* \w hill|strong="H1389"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w Then Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w called out|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w “Must the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w devour|strong="H0398"\w* \w forever|strong="H5331"\w*\w ? Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you realize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w this will turn|strong="H1961"\w* \w bitter|strong="H4751"\w* \w in the end|strong="H0314"\w*\w ? When|strong="H4970"\w* \w will you tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to turn|strong="H7725"\w* \w aside from pursuing|strong="H0310"\w* \w their brothers|strong="H0251"\w*?”  
\v 27  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “As surely|strong="H2416"\w* \w as God|strong="H0430"\w* \w lives, if|strong="H3588"\w* \w you had not|strong="H3884"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w*, \w it would have been morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w before|strong="H0227"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w would have abandoned pursuit|strong="H0251"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*!”  
\v 28  \w Then Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w the ram’s horn|strong="H7782"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w stopped in their tracks.|strong="H7291"\w* \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5975"\w* \w chasing|strong="H0310"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and ceased|strong="H5750"\w* \w fighting|strong="H3898"\w*.  
\v 29  \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w and his men|strong="H0582"\w* \w went through|strong="H1980"\w* \w the Arabah|strong="H6160"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that night|strong="H3915"\w*. \w They crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan River|strong="H3383"\w* \w and went through|strong="H1980"\w* \w the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w region of Bitron|strong="H1338"\w* \w and came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Mahanaim|strong="H4266"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \w Now Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w from chasing|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w and assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Nineteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w were missing|strong="H6485"\w*, \w in addition to Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*.  
\v 31  \w But David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w had slaughtered|strong="H5221"\w* \w the Benjaminites|strong="H1144"\w* \w and Abner’s|strong="H0074"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w – in all, 360|strong="H8346"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w had died|strong="H4191"\w*!  
\v 32  \w They took|strong="H5375"\w* \w Asahel’s|strong="H6214"\w* \w body and buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him in his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w at Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*. \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and his men|strong="H0376"\w* \w then traveled|strong="H1980"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and reached Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w by dawn|strong="H0215"\w*.   
\c 3  
\p
\v 1  \w However, the war|strong="H4421"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w prolonged|strong="H0752"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was becoming steadily|strong="H1980"\w* \w stronger|strong="H2390"\w*, \w while the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w was becoming increasingly|strong="H1980"\w* \w weaker|strong="H1800"\w*.   
\p
\v 2  \w Now sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w were born|strong="H3205"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. \w His firstborn|strong="H1060"\w* \w was Amnon|strong="H0550"\w*, \w born to Ahinoam|strong="H0293"\w* \w the Jezreelite|strong="H3159"\w*.  
\v 3  \w His second|strong="H4932"\w* \w son|strong="H3609"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* Kileab, \w born to Abigail|strong="H0026"\w* \w the widow|strong="H0802"\w* \w of Nabal|strong="H5037"\w* \w the Carmelite|strong="H3761"\w*. \w His third|strong="H7992"\w* \w son was Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Talmai|strong="H8526"\w* \w of Geshur|strong="H1650"\w*.  
\v 4  \w His fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w son was Adonijah|strong="H0138"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Haggith|strong="H2294"\w*. \w His fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w son was Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Abitail|strong="H0037"\w*.  
\v 5  \w His sixth|strong="H8345"\w* \w son was Ithream|strong="H3507"\w*, \w born to David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w Eglah|strong="H5698"\w*. \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w sons|strong="H3205"\w* \w were|strong="H0428"\w* all \w born|strong="H3205"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*.   
\s1 Abner Defects \w to|strong="H3205"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* Camp  
\p
\v 6  \w As|strong="H1961"\w* \w the war|strong="H4421"\w* \w continued between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w was becoming|strong="H1961"\w* \w more influential|strong="H2388"\w* \w in the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Now Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w had a concubine|strong="H6370"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Rizpah|strong="H7532"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Aiah|strong="H0345"\w*. \w Ish-bosheth|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w did you have sexual relations|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w my father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w concubine|strong="H6370"\w*?”   
\p
\v 8  \w These words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w really|strong="H3966"\w* \w angered|strong="H2734"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w and he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Am I the head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of a dog|strong="H3611"\w* \w that belongs|strong="H0834"\w* \w to Judah|strong="H3063"\w*\w ? This very day|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w am demonstrating|strong="H6213"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w and his friends|strong="H4828"\w*\w ! I have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w betrayed|strong="H4672"\w* \w you into the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w Yet you have accused|strong="H6485"\w* \w me of sinning|strong="H5771"\w* \w with this woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*!  
\v 9  \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will severely|strong="H3254"\w* \w judge Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w I do not do|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w exactly|strong="H3651"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* \w promised|strong="H7650"\w* \w him|strong="H0430"\w*,  
\v 10  \w namely, to transfer|strong="H5674"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w from the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and to establish|strong="H6965"\w* \w the throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w all the way|strong="H5704"\w* \w from Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w to Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w*!”  
\v 11  \w Ish-bosheth|strong="H5750"\w* \w was unable|strong="H3201"\w* \w to answer|strong="H7725"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w with even a single word|strong="H1697"\w* \w because he was afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “To whom|strong="H4310"\w* \w does the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w belong|strong="H8478"\w*\w ? Make an agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me, and I|strong="H2009"\w* \w will do whatever I can|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* cause \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to turn|strong="H5437"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w*.”  
\v 13  \w So David said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Good|strong="H2896"\w*\w ! I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will make|strong="H3772"\w* \w an agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you. I|strong="H0595"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w only|strong="H0389"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H0854"\w* \w you. You will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w my face|strong="H6440"\w* \w unless|strong="H0518"\w* \w you bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Michal|strong="H4324"\w* \w when you come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to visit|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*.”   
\p
\v 14  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w with this demand|strong="H0559"\w*\w :|strong="H5414"\w* “\w Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me my wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w Michal|strong="H4324"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w I acquired|strong="H0781"\w* \w for a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w foreskins|strong="H6190"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w her|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w her|strong="H7971"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w Paltiel|strong="H6409"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Laish|strong="H3919"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Her husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w along behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w her, weeping|strong="H1058"\w* \w all the way|strong="H5704"\w* \w to Bahurim|strong="H0980"\w*. \w Finally Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w*\w !”|strong="H7725"\w* \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w he|strong="H0310"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H7725"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w advised|strong="H5973"\w* \w the elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w “Previously you were wanting|strong="H8032"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to be your king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Act|strong="H6213"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*\w ! For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w ‘By the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w I will save|strong="H3467"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and from|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their enemies|strong="H0341"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 19  \w Then|strong="H1571"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w privately|strong="H0241"\w* \w with the Benjaminites|strong="H1144"\w*. \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w to inform David|strong="H1732"\w* \w privately|strong="H0241"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* agreed \w to|strong="H1696"\w*.  
\v 20  \w When Abner|strong="H0074"\w*, \w accompanied|strong="H0854"\w* \w by twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*, \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*, \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w prepared|strong="H6213"\w* \w a banquet|strong="H4960"\w* \w for Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w and the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “Let me leave|strong="H6965"\w* \w so that I may go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and gather|strong="H6908"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w so that they may make|strong="H3772"\w* \w an agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you. Then you will rule|strong="H4427"\w* \w over all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you desire|strong="H0183"\w*.” \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w away, and he left in peace|strong="H7965"\w*.   
\s1 \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w Is|strong="H0834"\w* Killed  
\p
\v 22  \w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w and Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w were coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w back from a raid|strong="H1416"\w*, \w bringing|strong="H0935"\w* \w a great|strong="H7227"\w* \w deal of plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them. Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w longer with|strong="H5973"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H7971"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w him away and he had left|strong="H1980"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w*.  
\v 23  \w When Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the army|strong="H6635"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him arrived|strong="H0935"\w*, \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w was told|strong="H0559"\w*\w : “Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ner|strong="H5369"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*; \w he sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w him away, and he left|strong="H1980"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w*!”   
\p
\v 24  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w have you done|strong="H6213"\w*\w ? Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w has|strong="H2009"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you! Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w would you send|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w away|strong="H1980"\w*\w ? Now he’s gone|strong="H1980"\w* \w on his way|strong="H1980"\w*!  
\v 25  \w You know|strong="H3045"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ner|strong="H5369"\w*\w ! Surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w he came|strong="H0935"\w* \w here to spy on|strong="H6601"\w* \w you and to determine|strong="H3045"\w* \w when you leave|strong="H4161"\w* \w and when you return|strong="H3996"\w* \w and to discover|strong="H3045"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are doing|strong="H6213"\w*!”   
\p
\v 26  \w Then Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w*. \w They brought him back|strong="H7725"\w* \w from the well|strong="H0953"\w* \w of Sirah|strong="H5626"\w*. \w (But David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w aware|strong="H3045"\w* \w of|strong="H4397"\w* \w it|strong="H7725"\w*.)  
\v 27  \w When Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*, \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w took him aside|strong="H5186"\w* \w at the gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w as if to speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w privately|strong="H7987"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him. Joab then stabbed|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H2570"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* abdomen \w and killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him, avenging the shed blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w of his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w*.   
\p
\v 28  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w later|strong="H0310"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about this|strong="H3651"\w*, \w he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I|strong="H0595"\w* \w and my kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w are forever|strong="H5769"\w* \w innocent|strong="H5355"\w* \w before|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w of the shed blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w of Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ner|strong="H5369"\w*!  
\v 29  \w May his blood whirl|strong="H2342"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w*\w !|strong="H3097"\w* \w May|strong="H0408"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* males \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w never cease to have|strong="H2100"\w* \w someone|strong="H5307"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w a running sore|strong="H2100"\w* \w or a skin disease|strong="H6879"\w* \w or one who works at the spindle|strong="H2388"\w* \w or one who falls|strong="H5307"\w* \w by the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w or one who lacks|strong="H2638"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w*!”   
\p
\v 30  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w their brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Asahel|strong="H6214"\w* \w in Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \w during the battle|strong="H4421"\w*.   
\p
\v 31  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w instructed|strong="H0559"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him, “Tear|strong="H7167"\w* \w your clothes|strong="H0899"\w*\w ! Put on|strong="H2296"\w* \w sackcloth|strong="H8242"\w*\w ! Lament|strong="H5594"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w*\w !” Now King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w the funeral bier|strong="H4296"\w*.  
\v 32  \w So they buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w cried|strong="H1058"\w* \w loudly|strong="H5375"\w* \w over Abner’s|strong="H0074"\w* \w grave|strong="H6913"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w wept|strong="H1058"\w* too.  
\v 33  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w chanted|strong="H6969"\w* \w the following lament for Abner|strong="H0074"\w*\w :|strong="H0074"\w*  
\q1 \w “Should Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w have died|strong="H4191"\w* \w like a fool|strong="H5036"\w*?   
\q1
\v 34  \w Your hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w bound|strong="H0631"\w*,  
\q1 \w and your feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w put into irons|strong="H5178"\w*.  
\q1 \w You fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w the way one falls|strong="H5307"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w criminals|strong="H5766"\w*.”  
\p \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w wept|strong="H1058"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w*.  
\v 35  \w Then all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and encouraged|strong="H1262"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to eat food|strong="H3899"\w* \w while it was still|strong="H5750"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w But David|strong="H1732"\w* \w took an oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will punish|strong="H6213"\w* \w me severely|strong="H3254"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w I taste|strong="H2938"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w anything|strong="H3972"\w* \w whatsoever|strong="H3605"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w sets|strong="H0935"\w*!”   
\p
\v 36  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w noticed|strong="H5234"\w* \w this and it pleased|strong="H3190"\w* \w them.|strong="H3605"\w* \w In|strong="H4428"\w* fact, \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w pleased|strong="H2896"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 37  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w realized|strong="H3045"\w* \w on that day|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the killing of Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ner|strong="H5369"\w* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w done at the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w instigation|strong="H4191"\w*.   
\p
\v 38  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0413"\w* \w to his servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w “Do you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w realize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w a great|strong="H1419"\w* \w leader|strong="H8269"\w* \w has fallen|strong="H5307"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*?  
\v 39  \w Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w I am|strong="H0595"\w* \w weak|strong="H7390"\w*, \w even though I am anointed|strong="H4886"\w* \w as king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*, \w the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*, \w are|strong="H7186"\w* \w too|strong="H4480"\w* \w much for me to bear!|strong="H3068"\w* \w May|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w punish appropriately|strong="H7999"\w* \w the one who has done|strong="H6213"\w* \w this evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w thing|strong="H7451"\w*!”   
\c 4  
\p
\v 1  \w When Ish-bosheth|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w had died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*, \w he was very disheartened|strong="H7503"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w was afraid|strong="H0926"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Now Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w had two|strong="H8147"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who were in charge of raiding units|strong="H1416"\w*; \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w was named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Baanah|strong="H1196"\w* \w and the other|strong="H8145"\w* \w Recab|strong="H7394"\w*. \w They were sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Rimmon|strong="H7417"\w* \w the Beerothite|strong="H0886"\w*, \w who was a Benjaminite|strong="H1144"\w*. \w (Beeroth|strong="H0881"\w* \w is regarded as|strong="H2803"\w* \w belonging to Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*,  
\v 3  \w for the Beerothites|strong="H0886"\w* \w fled|strong="H1272"\w* \w to Gittaim|strong="H1664"\w* \w and have remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w as resident foreigners|strong="H1481"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the present time|strong="H2088"\w*.)   
\p
\v 4  \w Now Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w had a son|strong="H1121"\w* \w who was crippled|strong="H5223"\w* \w in both feet|strong="H7272"\w*. \w He|strong="H1121"\w* \w was five|strong="H2568"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when|strong="H1961"\w* \w the news|strong="H8052"\w* \w about Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w from Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w*. \w His nurse|strong="H0539"\w* \w picked|strong="H5375"\w* \w him up|strong="H5375"\w* \w and fled|strong="H5127"\w*, \w but in her haste|strong="H2648"\w* \w to get away|strong="H5127"\w*, \w he fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w and was injured|strong="H6452"\w*. \w Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w was his name|strong="H8034"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w Now the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Rimmon|strong="H7417"\w* \w the Beerothite|strong="H0886"\w* \w – Recab|strong="H7394"\w* \w and Baanah|strong="H1196"\w* \w – went|strong="H0935"\w* \w at the hottest|strong="H2527"\w* \w part of the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the home|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w*, \w as he was|strong="H1931"\w* \w enjoying his midday|strong="H6672"\w* \w rest|strong="H7901"\w*.  
\v 6  \w They|strong="H2007"\w* \w entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w under the pretense|strong="H8432"\w* \w of getting|strong="H3947"\w* \w wheat|strong="H2406"\w* \w and mortally wounded|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the stomach|strong="H2570"\w*. \w Then Recab|strong="H7394"\w* \w and his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Baanah|strong="H1196"\w* \w escaped|strong="H4422"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w They had entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w while Ish-bosheth|strong="H7901"\w* \w was resting on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his bed|strong="H4296"\w* \w in his bedroom|strong="H4904"\w*. \w They mortally|strong="H4191"\w* \w wounded him|strong="H5221"\w* \w and then|strong="H4191"\w* \w cut off|strong="H5493"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w*. \w Taking|strong="H3947"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w*, \w they traveled|strong="H1980"\w* \w on the way|strong="H1870"\w* \w of the Arabah|strong="H6160"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that night|strong="H3915"\w*.  
\v 8  \w They brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*\w ! The head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w your enemy|strong="H0341"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w sought|strong="H1245"\w* \w your life|strong="H5315"\w*! \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has granted|strong="H5414"\w* \w vengeance|strong="H5360"\w* \w to my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w against|strong="H7586"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and his descendants|strong="H2233"\w*!”   
\p
\v 9  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w replied|strong="H6030"\w* \w to Recab|strong="H7394"\w* \w and his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Baanah|strong="H1196"\w*, \w the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Rimmon|strong="H7417"\w* \w the Beerothite|strong="H0886"\w*, \w “As surely|strong="H2416"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives, who|strong="H0834"\w* \w has delivered|strong="H6299"\w* \w my life|strong="H5315"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w adversity|strong="H6869"\w*,  
\v 10  \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w someone told|strong="H5046"\w* \w me that Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w was dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w – even though he thought he was|strong="H1961"\w* \w bringing good news|strong="H1319"\w* – \w I seized|strong="H0270"\w* \w him and killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w him in Ziklag|strong="H6860"\w*. \w That was the good news|strong="H1309"\w* \w I gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*!  
\v 11  \w Surely when|strong="H3588"\w* \w wicked|strong="H7563"\w* \w men have killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w an innocent|strong="H6662"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w as he slept|strong="H4904"\w* \w in his own house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w should I not|strong="H3808"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w require his blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w from your hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w and remove|strong="H1197"\w* \w you from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the earth|strong="H0776"\w*?”   
\p
\v 12  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w issued orders|strong="H6680"\w* \w to the|strong="H0853"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5288"\w* \w and they put them|strong="H2026"\w* \w to death|strong="H2026"\w*. \w Then they cut|strong="H7112"\w* \w off their hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w and feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w and hung|strong="H8518"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w near the pool|strong="H1295"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. \w But they took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of Ish-bosheth|strong="H0378"\w* \w and buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w it in the tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w of Abner|strong="H0074"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*.   
\c 5  
\p
\v 1  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w at Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2005"\w*, \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w are your very flesh|strong="H1320"\w* \w and blood|strong="H6106"\w*!  
\v 2  \w In the past|strong="H8032"\w*, \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w was our king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w were the real|strong="H1571"\w* \w leader in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w ‘You will shepherd|strong="H7462"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w rule|strong="H5057"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 3  \w When all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w at Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* \w an agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with them|strong="H2275"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . They designated|strong="H4886"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w as king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 4  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was thirty|strong="H7970"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old when he began to reign and he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for forty|strong="H0705"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 5  \w In Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w and six|strong="H8337"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*, \w and in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w he reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w for thirty-three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.   
\s1 David Occupies \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*  
\p
\v 6  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his men|strong="H0376"\w* \w advanced|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w against the Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w* \w who lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w The Jebusites|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “You cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w invade|strong="H0935"\w* \w this place|strong="H2008"\w*\w ! Even|strong="H3588"\w* \w the blind and|strong="H5787"\w* \w the lame|strong="H6452"\w* \w will turn|strong="H5493"\w* \w you back|strong="H5493"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘David|strong="H1732"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w invade|strong="H0935"\w* \w this place|strong="H2008"\w*!’”   
\p
\v 7  \w But David|strong="H1732"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the fortress|strong="H4686"\w* \w of Zion|strong="H6726"\w* \w (that is|strong="H1931"\w*, \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*).  
\v 8  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w on that|strong="H1931"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w “Whoever|strong="H3605"\w* \w attacks|strong="H5221"\w* \w the Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w* \w must approach|strong="H5060"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ‘lame|strong="H6455"\w*’ \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ‘blind|strong="H5787"\w*’ \w who|strong="H8130"\w* \w are David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w enemies|strong="H6794"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w going|strong="H0935"\w* \w through|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* water tunnel.” \w For|strong="H5921"\w* \w this reason|strong="H3651"\w* \w it is said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “The blind|strong="H5787"\w* \w and the lame|strong="H6455"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w enter|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*.”   
\p
\v 9  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the fortress|strong="H4686"\w* \w and called|strong="H7121"\w* \w it the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w all around|strong="H5439"\w* \w it, from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the terrace|strong="H4407"\w* \w inwards|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 10  \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w power grew steadily|strong="H1419"\w*, \w for|strong="H6635"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w who commands armies|strong="H6635"\w* \w was with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hiram|strong="H2438"\w* \w of Tyre|strong="H6865"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w along with cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w logs|strong="H6086"\w*, \w carpenters|strong="H6086"\w*, \w and stonemasons|strong="H7023"\w*. \w They built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w for David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 12  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w realized|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w established|strong="H3559"\w* \w him as king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he had elevated|strong="H5375"\w* \w his kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w for the sake of|strong="H5668"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 13  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w more|strong="H5750"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w* \w and wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w from Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w he arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w from Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. \w Even more|strong="H5750"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w were born|strong="H3205"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 14  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are the names|strong="H8034"\w* \w of children born|strong="H3209"\w* \w to him in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*\w : Shammua|strong="H8051"\w*, \w Shobab|strong="H7727"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w*, \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*,  
\v 15  \w Ibhar|strong="H2984"\w*, \w Elishua|strong="H0474"\w*, \w Nepheg|strong="H5298"\w*, \w Japhia|strong="H3309"\w*,  
\v 16  \w Elishama|strong="H0476"\w*, \w Eliada|strong="H0450"\w*, \w and Eliphelet|strong="H0467"\w*.   
\s1 Conflict with \w the|strong="H0476"\w* Philistines  
\p
\v 17  \w When the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had been designated|strong="H4886"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w they all|strong="H3605"\w* \w went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to search|strong="H1245"\w* \w for David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about it, he went down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the fortress|strong="H4686"\w*.  
\v 18  \w Now the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w had arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w and spread|strong="H5203"\w* \w out in the valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of Rephaim|strong="H7497"\w*.  
\v 19  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , “Should I march up|strong="H5927"\w* \w against the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*\w ? Will you|strong="H5414"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w them over to me|strong="H0413"\w*?” \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “March up|strong="H5927"\w*, \w for I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w indeed|strong="H3588"\w* \w hand|strong="H5414"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.”   
\p
\v 20  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w marched|strong="H0935"\w* \w against Baal Perazim|strong="H1188"\w* \w and defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w them there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w Then he|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has burst out|strong="H6555"\w* \w against my enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w like water|strong="H4325"\w* \w bursts out|strong="H6556"\w*.” \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w he called|strong="H7121"\w* \w the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of that place|strong="H4725"\w* \w Baal Perazim|strong="H1188"\w*.  
\v 21  \w The Philistines|strong="H5800"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w their idols|strong="H6091"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*, \w and David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and his men|strong="H0582"\w* \w picked|strong="H5375"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w up|strong="H5375"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w The Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w* \w came up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and spread|strong="H5203"\w* \w out in the valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of Rephaim|strong="H7497"\w*.  
\v 23  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w what he should do.|strong="H0559"\w* \w This|strong="H3068"\w* time \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w march straight up|strong="H5927"\w*. \w Instead, circle|strong="H5437"\w* \w around behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w them and come|strong="H0935"\w* \w against them opposite|strong="H4136"\w* \w the trees|strong="H1057"\w*.  
\v 24  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w you hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w of marching|strong="H6807"\w* \w in the tops|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the trees|strong="H1057"\w*, \w act decisively|strong="H2782"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* moment \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is going before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you to strike|strong="H5221"\w* \w down the army|strong="H4264"\w* \w of the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*.”  
\v 25  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H3651"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w him, and he struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w down the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w from Gibeon|strong="H1387"\w* \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w the way to Gezer|strong="H1507"\w*.   
\c 6  
\p
\v 1  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w* \w assembled|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the best|strong="H0970"\w* \w men|strong="H0970"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w thirty|strong="H7970"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* number.  
\v 2  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him traveled|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H1184"\w* Baalah \w in|strong="H3427"\w* Judah \w to bring up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from there|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w is called|strong="H7121"\w* \w by the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w of hosts|strong="H6635"\w*, \w who sits enthroned|strong="H3427"\w* \w between the cherubim|strong="H3742"\w* \w that are on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 3  \w They loaded|strong="H7392"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w on a new|strong="H2319"\w* \w cart|strong="H5699"\w* \w and carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w it from the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Abinadab|strong="H0041"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w was on the hill|strong="H1389"\w*. \w Uzzah|strong="H5798"\w* \w and Ahio|strong="H0283"\w*, \w the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Abinadab|strong="H0041"\w*, \w were guiding|strong="H5090"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w new|strong="H2319"\w* \w cart|strong="H5699"\w*.  
\v 4  \w They brought|strong="H5375"\w* \w it with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w up|strong="H5375"\w* \w from the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Abinadab|strong="H0041"\w* \w on the hill|strong="H1389"\w*. \w Ahio|strong="H0283"\w* \w was walking|strong="H1980"\w* \w in front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the ark|strong="H0727"\w*,  
\v 5  \w while David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were energetically celebrating|strong="H7832"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , singing|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w playing|strong="H7832"\w* various \w stringed instruments|strong="H5035"\w*, \w tambourines|strong="H8596"\w*, \w rattles|strong="H4517"\w*, \w and cymbals|strong="H6767"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w When|strong="H5704"\w* \w they arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w at the threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w of Nacon|strong="H5225"\w*, \w Uzzah|strong="H5798"\w* \w reached out|strong="H7971"\w* \w and grabbed hold|strong="H0270"\w* \w of|strong="H0727"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the oxen|strong="H1241"\w* \w stumbled|strong="H8058"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was so furious|strong="H0639"\w* \w with Uzzah|strong="H5798"\w*, \w he|strong="H5221"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w him on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the spot|strong="H8033"\w* \w for his negligence|strong="H7944"\w*. \w He died|strong="H4191"\w* \w right there|strong="H8033"\w* \w beside|strong="H5973"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w attacked|strong="H6556"\w* \w Uzzah|strong="H5798"\w*; \w so he called|strong="H7121"\w* \w that place|strong="H4725"\w* \w Perez Uzzah|strong="H6560"\w*, \w which remains|strong="H5704"\w* \w its name to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 9  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w that day|strong="H3117"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “How|strong="H0349"\w* \w will the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w ever come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to me|strong="H0413"\w*?”  
\v 10  \w So|strong="H5493"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was no|strong="H3808"\w* \w longer|strong="H5493"\w* \w willing|strong="H0014"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w bring the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w to be with him|strong="H5921"\w* \w in the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w left|strong="H5186"\w* \w it in the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Obed-Edom|strong="H5654"\w* \w the Gittite|strong="H1663"\w*.  
\v 11  \w The ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w remained|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Obed-Edom|strong="H5654"\w* \w the Gittite|strong="H1663"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w Obed-Edom|strong="H5654"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his family|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 12  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was told|strong="H5046"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Obed-Edom|strong="H5654"\w* \w and everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w he owns because of the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*.” \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and joyfully|strong="H8057"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w from the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Obed-Edom|strong="H5654"\w* \w to the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Those|strong="H6805"\w* \w who carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w took six|strong="H8337"\w* \w steps|strong="H6806"\w* \w and then David|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H2076"\w* \w an ox|strong="H7794"\w* \w and a fatling calf|strong="H4806"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Now David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w wearing|strong="H2296"\w* \w a linen|strong="H0906"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w*, \w was dancing|strong="H3769"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w strength|strong="H5797"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 15  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were bringing up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , shouting|strong="H8643"\w* \w and blowing trumpets|strong="H7782"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w As the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Michal|strong="H4324"\w* \w looked|strong="H8259"\w* \w out the window|strong="H2474"\w*. \w When she saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w leaping|strong="H6339"\w* \w and dancing|strong="H3769"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , she despised|strong="H0959"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and put|strong="H3322"\w* \w it in its place|strong="H4725"\w* \w in the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had pitched|strong="H5186"\w* \w for it. Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 18  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w the burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w*, \w he pronounced a blessing|strong="H1288"\w* \w over the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w in the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w of hosts|strong="H6635"\w*.  
\v 19  \w He then handed out|strong="H2505"\w* \w to each|strong="H0259"\w* \w member|strong="H1995"\w* \w of the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w assembly|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w both men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and women|strong="H0802"\w*, \w a portion|strong="H0829"\w* \w of bread|strong="H3899"\w*, \w a date cake|strong="H2471"\w*, \w and a|strong="H0259"\w* \w raisin cake|strong="H0809"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H0376"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 20  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w went home|strong="H7725"\w* \w to pronounce a blessing|strong="H1288"\w* \w on his own house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w Michal|strong="H4324"\w*, \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*, \w came out to meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w him|strong="H1732"\w*. \w She said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “How|strong="H4100"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* \w distinguished|strong="H3513"\w* \w himself this day|strong="H3117"\w*\w ! He has exposed|strong="H1540"\w* \w himself today|strong="H3117"\w* \w before|strong="H5869"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*’ \w slave girls|strong="H0519"\w* \w the way a vulgar|strong="H7386"\w* fool \w might|strong="H1323"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w*!”   
\p
\v 21  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Michal|strong="H4324"\w*, \w “It was before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ! I was celebrating|strong="H7832"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w chose|strong="H0977"\w* \w me over|strong="H5921"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and his entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w and appointed|strong="H6680"\w* \w me as leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 22  \w I am|strong="H1961"\w* \w willing to shame|strong="H8217"\w* \w and humiliate|strong="H7043"\w* \w myself even more|strong="H5750"\w* \w than this|strong="H2063"\w*\w !|strong="H5973"\w* \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the slave girls|strong="H0519"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w you mentioned|strong="H0559"\w* \w let me|strong="H5973"\w* \w be distinguished|strong="H3513"\w*!”  
\v 23  \w Now Michal|strong="H4324"\w*, \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*, \w had no|strong="H3808"\w* \w children|strong="H3206"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of her death|strong="H4194"\w*.   
\c 7  
\p
\v 1  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w into his palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w gave him relief|strong="H5117"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w on all sides|strong="H5439"\w*.  
\v 2  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H7200"\w*\w ! I am|strong="H0595"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in a palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w made from cedar|strong="H0730"\w*, \w while the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w sits|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of a tent|strong="H3407"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “You should go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and do|strong="H6213"\w* \w whatever|strong="H0834"\w* \w you have in mind|strong="H3824"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w That night|strong="H3915"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w*,  
\v 5 “\w Go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*\w : ‘This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : Do you really intend to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a house|strong="H1004"\w* \w for me to live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w*?  
\v 6  \w I have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in a house|strong="H1004"\w* \w from the time|strong="H3117"\w* \w I brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w up from Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w to the present|strong="H5704"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w Instead, I was|strong="H1961"\w* \w traveling|strong="H1980"\w* \w with them and living in|strong="H4908"\w* \w a tent|strong="H0168"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Wherever|strong="H0834"\w* \w I moved among|strong="H1980"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w I did not say|strong="H1696"\w* \w to any|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the leaders|strong="H7626"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w I appointed|strong="H6680"\w* \w to care for|strong="H7462"\w* \w my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w have you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w me a house|strong="H1004"\w* \w made from cedar|strong="H0730"\w*?”’   
\p
\v 8 “\w So now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* \w to my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*\w : ‘This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w of hosts|strong="H6635"\w* \w says: I|strong="H0589"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w you from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the pasture|strong="H5116"\w* \w and from your|strong="H6629"\w* \w work as a shepherd|strong="H6629"\w* \w to make you leader|strong="H5057"\w* \w of my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 9  \w I was|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you wherever|strong="H0834"\w* \w you went|strong="H1980"\w*, \w and I defeated|strong="H3772"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you. Now I will make|strong="H6213"\w* \w you as famous|strong="H8034"\w* \w as the great men|strong="H1419"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 10  \w I will establish|strong="H5193"\w* \w a place|strong="H4725"\w* \w for my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and settle|strong="H7931"\w* \w them there; they will live there and not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be disturbed|strong="H7264"\w* \w any more|strong="H5750"\w*. \w Violent men|strong="H5766"\w* \w will|strong="H5750"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w oppress|strong="H6031"\w* \w them again|strong="H3254"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w they did in the beginning|strong="H7223"\w*  
\v 11  \w and during|strong="H4480"\w* \w the time|strong="H3117"\w* \w when I appointed|strong="H6680"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w* \w to lead my people|strong="H5971"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Instead, I will give you relief|strong="H5117"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your enemies|strong="H0341"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w declares|strong="H5046"\w* \w to you that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he himself|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* build \w a|strong="H3588"\w* dynastic \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 12  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the time|strong="H3117"\w* \w comes|strong="H4390"\w* \w for you to die|strong="H0001"\w*, \w I will raise up|strong="H6965"\w* \w your descendant|strong="H2233"\w*, \w one of your own sons|strong="H4578"\w*, \w to succeed you,|strong="H3559"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w establish|strong="H6965"\w* \w his kingdom|strong="H4467"\w*.  
\v 13  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w will build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a house|strong="H1004"\w* \w for my name|strong="H8034"\w*, \w and I will make|strong="H0853"\w* \w his dynasty|strong="H4467"\w* \w permanent|strong="H5769"\w*.  
\v 14  \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will become|strong="H1961"\w* \w his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and he|strong="H1931"\w* \w will become|strong="H1961"\w* \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w he sins|strong="H5753"\w*, \w I will correct|strong="H3198"\w* \w him with the rod|strong="H7626"\w* \w of men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and with wounds inflicted|strong="H5061"\w* \w by human|strong="H0120"\w* \w beings|strong="H0376"\w*.  
\v 15  \w But my loyal love|strong="H2617"\w* \w will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him as|strong="H0834"\w* \w I removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w it from Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w I removed|strong="H5493"\w* \w from before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Your house|strong="H1004"\w* \w and your kingdom|strong="H4467"\w* \w will stand|strong="H0539"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H5769"\w* \w permanently|strong="H5769"\w*; \w your dynasty|strong="H3678"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w permanent|strong="H5769"\w*.’”  
\v 17  \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w told|strong="H1696"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w that were revealed|strong="H2384"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\s1 \w David|strong="H1732"\w* Offers \w a|strong="H1696"\w* Prayer \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H0413"\w*  
\p
\v 18  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w in, sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w am|strong="H0595"\w* \w I, O \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H0136"\w* \w God|strong="H3069"\w*, \w and what|strong="H4310"\w* \w is my family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you should have brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w me to this point|strong="H1988"\w*?  
\v 19  \w And you didn’t stop|strong="H6994"\w* \w there|strong="H2063"\w*, \w O|strong="H3069"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0136"\w*\w ! You have also|strong="H1571"\w* \w spoken|strong="H1696"\w* \w about the future|strong="H7350"\w* \w of your servant’s|strong="H5650"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Is this|strong="H2063"\w* \w your usual way|strong="H8452"\w* \w of dealing with men|strong="H0120"\w*, \w O \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H0136"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*?  
\v 20  \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w more|strong="H5750"\w* \w can David|strong="H1732"\w* \w say|strong="H1696"\w* \w to you? You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have given your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w special recognition|strong="H3045"\w*, \w O \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w God|strong="H0136"\w*!  
\v 21  \w For the sake of|strong="H5668"\w* \w your promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w and according to your purpose|strong="H3820"\w* \w you have done|strong="H6213"\w* \w this great thing|strong="H1420"\w* \w in order to reveal|strong="H3045"\w* \w it to your servant|strong="H5650"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Therefore|strong="H3651"\w* \w you are great|strong="H1431"\w*, \w O \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w God|strong="H0136"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w there is none|strong="H0369"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w you! There is no|strong="H0369"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w besides|strong="H2108"\w* \w you! What we have heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w is true|strong="H0241"\w*!  
\v 23  \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w is like your people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w a unique|strong="H0259"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w on|strong="H0259"\w* \w the earth|strong="H0776"\w*\w ? Their God|strong="H0430"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to claim|strong="H6299"\w* \w a nation|strong="H5971"\w* \w for himself and to make|strong="H7760"\w* \w a name|strong="H8034"\w* \w for himself! You did|strong="H6213"\w* \w great|strong="H1420"\w* \w and awesome|strong="H3372"\w* \w acts for your land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w your people|strong="H5971"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w you delivered|strong="H6299"\w* \w for yourself from the Egyptian|strong="H4714"\w* \w empire|strong="H1471"\w* \w and its gods|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 24  \w You made|strong="H3559"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w your very|strong="H5704"\w* \w own|strong="H5769"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w for all time.|strong="H0859"\w* \w You|strong="H0859"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , became|strong="H1961"\w* \w their God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 25  \w So now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w make this promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w you have|strong="H0834"\w* \w made about|strong="H1696"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and his family|strong="H1004"\w* \w a permanent|strong="H5769"\w* \w reality|strong="H6965"\w*. \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you promised|strong="H1696"\w*,  
\v 26  \w so you may gain|strong="H1431"\w* \w lasting|strong="H5769"\w* \w fame|strong="H8034"\w*, \w as people say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w of hosts|strong="H6635"\w* \w is God|strong="H0430"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*\w !’ The dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w of your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w established|strong="H3559"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*,  
\v 27  \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w of hosts|strong="H6635"\w*, \w the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w have told|strong="H5650"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w ‘I will build|strong="H1129"\w* \w you a dynastic|strong="H4672"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*.’ \w That is why|strong="H3651"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w has|strong="H3820"\w* \w had the|strong="H0853"\w* \w courage|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O sovereign|strong="H0136"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3069"\+w*\nd*\w , you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are the true God|strong="H0430"\w*\w !|strong="H1697"\w* \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w your|strong="H1961"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w prove to be|strong="H1961"\w* \w true|strong="H0571"\w*\w !|strong="H1696"\w* \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w made this|strong="H2063"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w promise|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w*!  
\v 29  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w be willing|strong="H2974"\w* \w to bless|strong="H1288"\w* \w your servant’s|strong="H5650"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w so that it may|strong="H1961"\w* \w stand permanently|strong="H5769"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w O sovereign|strong="H0136"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3069"\+w*\nd*\w , have spoken|strong="H1696"\w*. \w By your blessing|strong="H1293"\w* \w may your servant’s|strong="H5650"\w* \w dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w be blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w on into the future|strong="H5769"\w*!”   
\c 8  
\p
\v 1  \w Later|strong="H0310"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and subdued|strong="H3665"\w* \w them. David|strong="H1732"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Metheg|strong="H4965"\w* \w Ammah|strong="H6430"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*. \w He|strong="H4058"\w* \w made them lie|strong="H7901"\w* \w on the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w and then|strong="H4058"\w* \w used a rope|strong="H4058"\w* \w to measure|strong="H4058"\w* \w them off. He put two-thirds of them to death|strong="H4191"\w* \w and spared|strong="H2421"\w* \w the other third.|strong="H4124"\w* \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* \w became David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w subjects|strong="H5650"\w* \w and brought|strong="H5375"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w*.  
\v 3  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Rehob|strong="H7340"\w* \w of Zobah|strong="H6678"\w* \w when he came|strong="H1980"\w* \w to reestablish|strong="H7725"\w* \w his authority|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w the Euphrates|strong="H5104"\w* \w River|strong="H5104"\w*.  
\v 4  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w seized|strong="H3920"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him 1,700|strong="H3967"\w* \w charioteers|strong="H6571"\w* \w and 20,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w infantrymen|strong="H7273"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w cut the hamstrings|strong="H6131"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w but|strong="H3498"\w* \w a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w of the chariot horses|strong="H7393"\w*.  
\v 5  \w The Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w of Damascus|strong="H1834"\w* \w came to help|strong="H5826"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w* \w of Zobah|strong="H6678"\w*, \w but David|strong="H1732"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w 22,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w of the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w*.  
\v 6  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w placed|strong="H7760"\w* \w garrisons|strong="H5333"\w* \w in the territory of the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w of Damascus|strong="H1834"\w*; \w the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w became David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w subjects|strong="H5650"\w* \w and brought|strong="H5375"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4503"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w protected|strong="H3467"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w wherever|strong="H0834"\w* \w he campaigned|strong="H1980"\w*.  
\v 7  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the golden|strong="H2091"\w* \w shields|strong="H7982"\w* \w that belonged|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Hadadezer’s|strong="H1909"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w them to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 8  \w From Tebah|strong="H0984"\w* \w and Berothai|strong="H1268"\w*, \w Hadadezer’s|strong="H1909"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w a great deal|strong="H7235"\w* \w of bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Toi|strong="H8583"\w* \w of Hamath|strong="H2574"\w* \w heard that|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H2426"\w* \w of Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w*,  
\v 10  \w he|strong="H8583"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joram|strong="H3141"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w to extend|strong="H7592"\w* \w his best wishes|strong="H7965"\w* \w and to pronounce a blessing|strong="H1288"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him for his victory|strong="H3898"\w* \w over Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Toi|strong="H8583"\w* \w had been|strong="H1961"\w* \w at war|strong="H4421"\w* \w with Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w*. \w He brought|strong="H3027"\w* \w with him various items|strong="H3627"\w* \w made of silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and bronze|strong="H5178"\w*.  
\v 11  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w dedicated these things|strong="H6942"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ,|strong="H5973"\w* \w along|strong="H0853"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the dedicated|strong="H6942"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w taken from|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w subdued|strong="H3533"\w*,  
\v 12  \w including|strong="H0758"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w*, \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*, \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w and Amelek|strong="H6002"\w*. \w This also included some of the plunder|strong="H7998"\w* \w taken from|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Rehob|strong="H7340"\w* \w of Zobah|strong="H6678"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w became famous|strong="H8034"\w* \w when he returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w from defeating|strong="H5221"\w* \w the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w in the Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w of Salt|strong="H4417"\w*, \w he defeated|strong="H0505"\w* 18,000 \w in|strong="H8034"\w* \w all|strong="H0505"\w*.  
\v 14  \w He placed|strong="H7760"\w* \w garrisons|strong="H5333"\w* \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Edomites|strong="H0123"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w subjects|strong="H5650"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w protected|strong="H3467"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w wherever|strong="H0834"\w* \w he campaigned|strong="H1980"\w*.  
\v 15  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w reigned|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w guaranteed|strong="H6213"\w* \w justice|strong="H6666"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\s1 \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* Cabinet  
\p
\v 16  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w was general|strong="H6635"\w* \w in command of|strong="H3092"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*; \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahilud|strong="H0286"\w* \w was secretary|strong="H2142"\w*;  
\v 17  \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahitub|strong="H0285"\w* \w and Ahimelech|strong="H0288"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w were priests|strong="H3548"\w*; \w Seraiah|strong="H8304"\w* \w was scribe|strong="H5608"\w*;  
\v 18  \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoida|strong="H3077"\w* \w supervised|strong="H3774"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* Kerithites \w and Pelethites|strong="H6432"\w*; \w and David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w were priests|strong="H3548"\w*.   
\c 9  
\p
\v 1  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Is anyone|strong="H3426"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w from the family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w so that I may extend|strong="H6213"\w* \w kindness|strong="H2617"\w* \w to him for the sake of|strong="H5668"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*?”   
\p
\v 2  \w Now there was a servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w from Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w*, \w so he was summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w*\w ?” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “At your service|strong="H5650"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Is there not|strong="H0657"\w* \w someone|strong="H0376"\w* \w left from Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w that I may|strong="H5973"\w* \w extend|strong="H6213"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w kindness|strong="H2617"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*\w ?” Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “One of Jonathan’s|strong="H3083"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w is left; both of his feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w are crippled|strong="H5223"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Where|strong="H0375"\w* \w is he|strong="H1931"\w*\w ?” Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “He is|strong="H1931"\w* \w at the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Makir|strong="H4353"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ammiel|strong="H5988"\w* \w in Lo Debar|strong="H3810"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had him brought|strong="H3947"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Makir|strong="H4353"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ammiel|strong="H5988"\w* \w in|strong="H3810"\w* Lo Debar.  
\v 6  \w When Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w he bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w low with his face|strong="H6440"\w* \w toward the ground|strong="H5307"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w*\w ?” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Yes|strong="H2009"\w*, \w at your service|strong="H5650"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be afraid|strong="H3372"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w I will certainly|strong="H6213"\w* \w extend|strong="H6213"\w* \w kindness|strong="H2617"\w* \w to|strong="H5973"\w* \w you for the sake of|strong="H5668"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will be a regular|strong="H8548"\w* \w guest|strong="H0398"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w my table|strong="H7979"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w Then Mephibosheth|strong="H7812"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Of what importance|strong="H4100"\w* \w am I, your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you show regard|strong="H6437"\w* \w for a dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w dog|strong="H3611"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*?”   
\p
\v 9  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w*, \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w attendant|strong="H5288"\w*, \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that belonged|strong="H0834"\w* \w to Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and to his entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w I hereby give|strong="H5414"\w* \w to your master’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 10  \w You will cultivate|strong="H5647"\w* \w the land|strong="H0127"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* – \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w its|strong="H0853"\w* \w produce|strong="H1961"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w master’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w*. \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w*, \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w master’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w*, \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w regular|strong="H8548"\w* \w guest|strong="H0398"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w*.” (\w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w fifteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*.)   
\p
\v 11  \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Your servant will do everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w has instructed|strong="H6680"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w to do|strong="H6213"\w*.” \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w was a regular guest|strong="H0398"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w David’s table|strong="H7979"\w*, \w just as though he were one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*.   
\p
\v 12  \w Now Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w had a young|strong="H6996"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w whose name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was Mica|strong="H4316"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the members|strong="H4186"\w* \w of Ziba’s|strong="H6717"\w* \w household|strong="H1004"\w* \w were Mephibosheth’s|strong="H4648"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w was living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was a regular|strong="H8548"\w* \w guest|strong="H0398"\w* \w at the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w*. \w But both|strong="H8147"\w* \w his feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w were crippled|strong="H6455"\w*.   
\c 10  
\p
\v 1  \w Later|strong="H0310"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hanun|strong="H2586"\w* \w succeeded him|strong="H8478"\w*.  
\v 2  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I will express|strong="H6213"\w* \w my loyalty|strong="H5973"\w* \w to Hanun|strong="H2586"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nahash|strong="H5176"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w was loyal|strong="H2617"\w* \w to me|strong="H5978"\w*.” \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w with|strong="H5978"\w* \w a message expressing|strong="H3027"\w* \w sympathy|strong="H5162"\w* \w over his father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w death.|strong="H1732"\w* \w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*,  
\v 3  \w the Ammonite|strong="H5983"\w* \w officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w Hanun|strong="H2586"\w*, \w “Do you really think|strong="H5869"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w is trying to honor|strong="H3513"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w by sending|strong="H7971"\w* \w these messengers to express|strong="H5162"\w* \w his sympathy|strong="H5162"\w*\w ?|strong="H3808"\w* \w No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w has sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you to|strong="H0413"\w* \w get information|strong="H2713"\w* \w about the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and spy|strong="H7270"\w* \w on it so they can|strong="H2713"\w* \w overthrow|strong="H2015"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*!”   
\p
\v 4  \w So Hanun|strong="H2586"\w* \w seized|strong="H3947"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and shaved off|strong="H1548"\w* \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of each one’s beard|strong="H2206"\w*. \w He cut the|strong="H3772"\w* \w lower part|strong="H2677"\w* \w of their robes|strong="H4063"\w* \w off so that|strong="H5704"\w* \w their buttocks|strong="H8357"\w* \w were exposed,|strong="H7971"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w then|strong="H3947"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w them away|strong="H7971"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Messengers|strong="H5046"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w what had happened,|strong="H7971"\w* \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w he summoned|strong="H7125"\w* \w them, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the men|strong="H0582"\w* \w were thoroughly|strong="H3966"\w* \w humiliated|strong="H3637"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jericho|strong="H3405"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w your beards|strong="H2206"\w* \w have grown|strong="H6779"\w* \w again; then you may come back|strong="H7725"\w*.”   
\p
\v 6  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w realized that|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was disgusted|strong="H0887"\w* \w with them,|strong="H5983"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w and hired|strong="H7936"\w* \w 20,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w foot soldiers|strong="H7273"\w* \w from Aram|strong="H0758"\w* \w Beth Rehob|strong="H1050"\w* \w and Aram|strong="H0758"\w* \w Zobah|strong="H6678"\w*, \w in addition to 1,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w and 12,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Ish-tob|strong="H2897"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the news, he sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w to meet|strong="H1368"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 8  \w The Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w marched out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and were deployed|strong="H6186"\w* \w for battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w at the entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w of the city gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w while the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Aram|strong="H0758"\w* \w Zobah|strong="H6678"\w*, \w Rehob|strong="H7340"\w*, \w Ish-tob|strong="H2897"\w*, \w and Maacah|strong="H4601"\w* \w were by themselves|strong="H0905"\w* \w in the field|strong="H7704"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w When Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w would be|strong="H1961"\w* \w fought on two fronts|strong="H0268"\w*, \w he chose|strong="H0977"\w* \w some of Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w best men|strong="H0970"\w* \w and deployed|strong="H6186"\w* \w them against|strong="H7125"\w* \w the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w*.  
\v 10  \w He put|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H3027"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w in charge of the rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w and they were deployed|strong="H6186"\w* \w against|strong="H7125"\w* \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Joab|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “If|strong="H0518"\w* \w the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w start to overpower|strong="H4480"\w* \w me,|strong="H3467"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w rescue|strong="H3467"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w start|strong="H2388"\w* \w to overpower|strong="H4480"\w* \w you,|strong="H1980"\w* \w I|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w to your rescue|strong="H3467"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Be strong|strong="H2388"\w*\w ! Let’s|strong="H2388"\w* \w fight bravely|strong="H1157"\w* \w for the sake of our people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w*! \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what he decides|strong="H5869"\w* \w is best|strong="H2896"\w*!”   
\p
\v 13  \w So|strong="H5066"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and his men|strong="H5971"\w* \w marched|strong="H5973"\w* \w out to do battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w with the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w*, \w and they fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 14  \w When the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w flee|strong="H5127"\w*, \w they fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w his brother Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w and went into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w withdrew|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w fighting the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and returned|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w the Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w realized that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they had been defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w by|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w they consolidated|strong="H0622"\w* \w their forces|strong="H3162"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Then Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w for Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w from|strong="H5676"\w* \w beyond|strong="H5676"\w* \w the Euphrates River|strong="H5104"\w*, \w and they came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Helam|strong="H2431"\w*. \w Shobach|strong="H7731"\w*, \w the general in command|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Hadadezer’s|strong="H1909"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w led|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.   
\p
\v 17  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was informed|strong="H5046"\w*, \w he gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan River|strong="H3383"\w*, \w and came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Helam|strong="H2431"\w*. \w The Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w deployed|strong="H6186"\w* \w their forces against|strong="H7125"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 18  \w The Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w 700|strong="H3967"\w* \w Aramean|strong="H0758"\w* \w charioteers|strong="H7393"\w* \w and 40,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w foot soldiers|strong="H6571"\w*. \w He also struck down|strong="H5221"\w* \w Shobach|strong="H7731"\w*, \w the general|strong="H8269"\w* \w in command of the army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w who died|strong="H4191"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 19  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w who were subject|strong="H5650"\w* \w to Hadadezer|strong="H1909"\w* \w saw they were defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w by Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w they made peace|strong="H7999"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and became subjects|strong="H3372"\w* \w of Israel.|strong="H0758"\w* \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Arameans|strong="H0758"\w* \w were no longer|strong="H5750"\w* \w willing to help|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*.   
\c 11  
\p
\v 1  \w In the spring|strong="H8666"\w* \w of the year|strong="H8141"\w*, \w at the time|strong="H6256"\w* \w when kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w normally conduct|strong="H3318"\w* \w wars,|strong="H1732"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent out|strong="H7971"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w his officers|strong="H5650"\w* \w and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w army.|strong="H7843"\w* \w They|strong="H5921"\w* defeated \w the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and besieged|strong="H6696"\w* \w Rabbah|strong="H7237"\w*. \w But David|strong="H1732"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w behind in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w One|strong="H1961"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up from his bed|strong="H4904"\w* \w and walked|strong="H1980"\w* \w around on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the roof|strong="H1406"\w* \w of his palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w From the roof|strong="H1406"\w* \w he saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w a woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w bathing. Now this woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w was very|strong="H3966"\w* \w attractive|strong="H4758"\w*.  
\v 3  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w someone to inquire about|strong="H1875"\w* \w the woman|strong="H0802"\w*. \w The messenger|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Isn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w*, \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Eliam|strong="H0463"\w*, \w the wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w*?”   
\p
\v 4  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w some messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to get|strong="H3947"\w* \w her.|strong="H0935"\w* \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and he had sexual|strong="H7901"\w* \w relations with|strong="H5973"\w* \w her.|strong="H1931"\w* (\w Now|strong="H0935"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* time \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w was in the process of purifying|strong="H6942"\w* \w herself from her menstrual uncleanness|strong="H2932"\w*.\w )|strong="H7725"\w* \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her home|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 5  \w The woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w conceived|strong="H2029"\w* \w and then sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w word|strong="H5046"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I’m|strong="H0595"\w* \w pregnant|strong="H2030"\w*.”   
\p
\v 6  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a message|strong="H0413"\w* \w to Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w that said|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Send|strong="H7971"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w*.” \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 7  \w When Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, David|strong="H1732"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w about how Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w were doing|strong="H7965"\w* \w and how the campaign|strong="H4421"\w* \w was going|strong="H7965"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Uriah|strong="H0223"\w*, \w “Go down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to your home|strong="H1004"\w* \w and relax|strong="H7272"\w*.” \w When Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w sent|strong="H3318"\w* \w a gift|strong="H4864"\w* \w to him|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 9  \w But Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w stayed|strong="H7901"\w* \w at the door|strong="H6607"\w* \w of the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of his lord|strong="H0113"\w*. \w He did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his house|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w So they informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w has not|strong="H3808"\w* \w gone down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his house|strong="H1004"\w*.” \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w*, \w “Haven’t you|strong="H0859"\w* \w just arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w from a journey|strong="H1870"\w*\w ? Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w haven’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you gone down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your house|strong="H1004"\w*?”  
\v 11  \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “The ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w reside|strong="H3427"\w* \w in temporary shelters|strong="H5521"\w*, \w and my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and my lord’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w are camping|strong="H2583"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the open field|strong="H7704"\w*. \w Should I|strong="H0589"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my house|strong="H1004"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w and have marital relations|strong="H7901"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w my wife|strong="H0802"\w*\w ? As surely|strong="H2416"\w* \w as you are alive|strong="H5315"\w*, \w I will not|strong="H0518"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w*!”  
\v 12  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w*, \w “Stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w here|strong="H2088"\w* \w another|strong="H1571"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w I will send|strong="H7971"\w* \w you back.” So Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w both that day|strong="H3117"\w* \w and the following|strong="H4283"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w him. He ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drank|strong="H8354"\w* \w with him, and got him drunk|strong="H7937"\w*. \w But in the evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w he went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to sleep|strong="H7901"\w* \w on his bed|strong="H4904"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of his lord|strong="H0113"\w*; \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his own house|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w In the morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w a letter|strong="H5612"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w it with Uriah|strong="H0223"\w*.  
\v 15  \w In the letter|strong="H5612"\w* \w he wrote|strong="H3789"\w*\w : “Station|strong="H3051"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w in the thick|strong="H4136"\w* \w of the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w and then withdraw|strong="H2389"\w* \w from him|strong="H0310"\w* \w so he will be|strong="H4191"\w* \w cut down and killed|strong="H5221"\w*.”   
\p
\v 16  \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w as Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w kept watch|strong="H8104"\w* \w on the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w he stationed|strong="H5414"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w at the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he knew|strong="H3045"\w* \w the best enemy|strong="H3588"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w*.  
\v 17  \w When|strong="H3318"\w* \w the men|strong="H0582"\w* \w of the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w came out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w in battle. Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w Then Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a full battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w report|strong="H5046"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 19  \w He instructed|strong="H6680"\w* \w the messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w as follows: “When you finish|strong="H3615"\w* \w giving|strong="H1696"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w report|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*,  
\v 20  \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w becomes|strong="H5927"\w* \w angry|strong="H2534"\w* \w and asks|strong="H0559"\w* \w you, ‘Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w did you go so close|strong="H5066"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w to fight|strong="H3898"\w*\w ? Didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you realize|strong="H3045"\w* \w they would shoot|strong="H3384"\w* \w from the wall|strong="H2346"\w*?  
\v 21  \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w struck down|strong="H5221"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jerub-Besheth|strong="H3380"\w*\w ? Didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w a woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w throw|strong="H7993"\w* \w an upper|strong="H6400"\w* \w millstone|strong="H7393"\w* \w down on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him from the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w so that he died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in Thebez|strong="H8405"\w*\w ? Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did you go so close|strong="H5066"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the wall|strong="H2346"\w*\w ?’ just say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, ‘Your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w* \w is also|strong="H1571"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 22  \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w the messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w departed|strong="H1980"\w*. \w When he arrived|strong="H0935"\w*, \w he informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the news that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w with|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*.  
\v 23  \w The messenger|strong="H4397"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “The men|strong="H0376"\w* \w overpowered|strong="H1396"\w* \w us and attacked|strong="H3318"\w* \w us|strong="H7704"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w field|strong="H7704"\w*. \w But we forced them to retreat all the way|strong="H5704"\w* \w to the door|strong="H6607"\w* \w of the city gate|strong="H8179"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Then|strong="H3372"\w* \w the archers|strong="H3372"\w* \w shot|strong="H3372"\w* \w at your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w from the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w and some of the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. \w Your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w* \w is also|strong="H1571"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*.”  
\v 25  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the messenger|strong="H4397"\w*, \w “Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w ‘Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let this|strong="H2088"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w* \w upset|strong="H5869"\w* \w you.|strong="H2719"\w* \w There|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w no|strong="H0408"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* anticipate whom \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w will cut down|strong="H0398"\w*. \w Press|strong="H2388"\w* \w the battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w against the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and conquer|strong="H2040"\w* \w it.’ Encourage|strong="H2388"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w*.”   
\p
\v 26  \w When Uriah’s|strong="H0223"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w her husband|strong="H1167"\w* \w Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w was dead|strong="H4191"\w*, \w she mourned|strong="H5594"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 27  \w When the time of mourning|strong="H0060"\w* \w passed|strong="H5674"\w*, \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H7971"\w* \w her brought|strong="H0622"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w She became|strong="H1961"\w* \w his wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w and she bore|strong="H3205"\w* \w him a son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w But what|strong="H1697"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w upset|strong="H5869"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.   
\c 12  
\p
\v 1  \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w When he came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David,|strong="H0559"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w There were two|strong="H8147"\w* \w men|strong="H0582"\w* \w in a certain city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w rich|strong="H6223"\w* \w and the other|strong="H0259"\w* \w poor|strong="H7326"\w*.  
\v 2  \w The rich|strong="H6223"\w* \w man had a great|strong="H3966"\w* \w many|strong="H7235"\w* \w flocks|strong="H6629"\w* \w and herds|strong="H1241"\w*.  
\v 3  \w But the poor man|strong="H7326"\w* \w had nothing|strong="H3605"\w* \w except for|strong="H0518"\w* \w a little|strong="H6996"\w* \w lamb|strong="H3535"\w* \w he had acquired|strong="H7069"\w*. \w He raised|strong="H2421"\w* \w it, and it grew up|strong="H1431"\w* \w alongside|strong="H3162"\w* \w him and his children|strong="H1121"\w*. \w It used to|strong="H0398"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w his food|strong="H6595"\w*, \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w from his cup|strong="H3563"\w*, \w and sleep|strong="H7901"\w* \w in his arms|strong="H2436"\w*. \w It was|strong="H1961"\w* \w just like a daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w*.   
\p
\v 4 “\w When|strong="H0935"\w* \w a traveler|strong="H1982"\w* \w arrived at the rich|strong="H6223"\w* \w man’s|strong="H0376"\w* \w home,|strong="H2550"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* not want \w to use|strong="H3947"\w* \w one of his own sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w or cattle|strong="H1241"\w* \w to feed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the traveler|strong="H0732"\w* \w who had come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to visit him.|strong="H3947"\w* \w Instead|strong="H3947"\w*, \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the poor|strong="H7326"\w* \w man’s|strong="H0376"\w* \w lamb|strong="H3535"\w* \w and cooked|strong="H6213"\w* \w it for the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who had come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w visit|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.”   
\p
\v 5  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w became very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H0639"\w* \w at this man|strong="H0376"\w*. \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w*, \w “As surely|strong="H2416"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives, the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w deserves|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w die|strong="H4194"\w*!  
\v 6  \w Because|strong="H6118"\w* \w he committed|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w cold-hearted|strong="H2550"\w* \w crime|strong="H1697"\w*, \w he must pay|strong="H7999"\w* \w for the lamb|strong="H3535"\w* \w four times over|strong="H0706"\w*!”   
\p
\v 7  \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are that man|strong="H0376"\w*\w ! This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w says: ‘I|strong="H0595"\w* \w chose|strong="H4886"\w* \w you to be king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and I|strong="H0595"\w* \w rescued|strong="H5337"\w* \w you from the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*.  
\v 8  \w I gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w you your master’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and put your master’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w into your arms|strong="H2436"\w*. \w I also gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w you the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w And if|strong="H0518"\w* \w all that somehow|strong="H2007"\w* \w seems insignificant|strong="H4592"\w*, \w I would have given you so much more|strong="H3254"\w* \w as|strong="H1004"\w* well!  
\v 9  \w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w have you shown contempt|strong="H0959"\w* \w for the|strong="H0853"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w by doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w in my|strong="H5869"\w* \w sight|strong="H5869"\w*\w ? You have struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w down Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w and you have taken|strong="H3947"\w* \w his wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w as your own!|strong="H2026"\w* \w You|strong="H6213"\w* \w have|strong="H5869"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w him with the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w of the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*.  
\v 10  \w So now|strong="H6258"\w* \w the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w will never|strong="H5769"\w* \w depart|strong="H6118"\w* \w from|strong="H5704"\w* \w your house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w you have despised|strong="H0959"\w* \w me by taking|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w your|strong="H3947"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w*!’  
\v 11  \w This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : ‘I am about to bring|strong="H6965"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H1004"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w inside|strong="H1004"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w own|strong="H5869"\w* \w household|strong="H1004"\w*\w !|strong="H5869"\w* \w Right|strong="H5869"\w* \w before|strong="H5869"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w I will take|strong="H3947"\w* \w your wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w and hand|strong="H5414"\w* \w them over|strong="H5414"\w* \w to your companion|strong="H7453"\w*. \w He will have sexual relations|strong="H7901"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w your wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w in broad daylight|strong="H2063"\w*!  
\v 12  \w Although|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have acted|strong="H6213"\w* \w in secret|strong="H5643"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w* \w before|strong="H5048"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w broad|strong="H5048"\w* \w daylight|strong="H8121"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 13  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w exclaimed to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w*, \w “I have sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w !” Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “Yes|strong="H1571"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has forgiven|strong="H5674"\w* \w your sin|strong="H2403"\w*. \w You are not|strong="H3808"\w* \w going to die|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Nonetheless|strong="H0657"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you have treated|strong="H5006"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w with such contempt|strong="H2088"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w matter|strong="H1697"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w who has been born|strong="H3209"\w* \w to you will certainly|strong="H4191"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*.”   
\p
\v 15  \w Then Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w struck|strong="H5062"\w* \w the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Uriah’s|strong="H0223"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w had borne|strong="H3205"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w and the child became very ill|strong="H0605"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w prayed|strong="H1245"\w* \w to|strong="H0430"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w for|strong="H1157"\w* \w the child|strong="H5288"\w* \w and fasted|strong="H6684"\w*. \w He|strong="H1732"\w* \w would even|strong="H0935"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w and spend|strong="H3885"\w* \w the night lying|strong="H7901"\w* \w on the ground|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of his house|strong="H1004"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w him and tried to lift|strong="H6965"\w* \w him from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the ground|strong="H0776"\w*, \w but he was unwilling|strong="H0014"\w*, \w and refused to eat food|strong="H3899"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. \w But the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w were afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w to inform|strong="H5046"\w* \w him that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “While|strong="H2009"\w* \w the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w was still alive|strong="H2416"\w* \w he would|strong="H1696"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to us|strong="H6963"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w we spoke to him. How|strong="H0349"\w* \w can we tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w that the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*\w ? He will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w himself harm|strong="H7451"\w*!”   
\p
\v 19  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w were whispering|strong="H3907"\w* \w to one another, he|strong="H1732"\w* \w realized|strong="H0995"\w* \w that the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w was dead|strong="H4191"\w*. \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w “Is the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*\w ?” They replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Yes, he’s dead|strong="H4191"\w*.”  
\v 20  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up from the ground|strong="H0776"\w*, \w bathed|strong="H7364"\w*, \w put on oil|strong="H5480"\w*, \w and changed|strong="H2498"\w* \w his clothes|strong="H8071"\w*. \w He went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*. \w Then, when he entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w his palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w he requested|strong="H7592"\w* \w that food|strong="H3899"\w* \w be brought to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w and he ate|strong="H0398"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w His servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w is this|strong="H2088"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you have done|strong="H6213"\w*\w ? While|strong="H5668"\w* \w the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w was still alive|strong="H2416"\w*, \w you fasted|strong="H6684"\w* \w and wept|strong="H1058"\w*. \w Once the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w was dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w you got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w*!”  
\v 22  \w He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “While|strong="H5750"\w* \w the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w was still alive|strong="H2416"\w*, \w I fasted|strong="H6684"\w* \w and wept|strong="H1058"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3045"\w* \w thought|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Perhaps|strong="H4310"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will show|strong="H3045"\w* \w pity|strong="H2603"\w* \w and the child|strong="H3206"\w* \w will live|strong="H2416"\w*.  
\v 23  \w But now|strong="H6258"\w* \w he is dead|strong="H4191"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should I|strong="H0589"\w* \w fast|strong="H6684"\w*\w ? Am I|strong="H0589"\w* \w able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to bring him back|strong="H7725"\w*\w ? I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w but he cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to me|strong="H0413"\w*!’”   
\p
\v 24  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w comforted|strong="H5162"\w* \w his wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w Bathsheba|strong="H1339"\w*. \w He went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to her|strong="H0413"\w* \w and had marital|strong="H7901"\w* \w relations with|strong="H5973"\w* \w her.|strong="H3205"\w* \w She|strong="H7121"\w* \w gave|strong="H3205"\w* \w birth|strong="H3205"\w* \w to a son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and David|strong="H8034"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w him Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*. \w Now|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w loved|strong="H0157"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w child|strong="H1121"\w*  
\v 25  \w and sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w word through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w that he should be named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jedidiah|strong="H3041"\w* \w for|strong="H5668"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w sake|strong="H5668"\w*.   
\s1 David’s Forces Defeat \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Ammonites  
\p
\v 26  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against Rabbah|strong="H7237"\w* \w of the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the royal|strong="H4410"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w then sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I have fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against Rabbah|strong="H7237"\w* \w and have|strong="H1571"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the water|strong="H4325"\w* \w supply of the city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 28  \w So now|strong="H6258"\w* \w assemble|strong="H0622"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w rest|strong="H3499"\w* \w of the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w and besiege|strong="H2583"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and capture|strong="H3920"\w* \w it. Otherwise|strong="H6435"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will capture|strong="H3920"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and it will be named|strong="H8034"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w*.”   
\p
\v 29  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Rabbah|strong="H7237"\w* \w and fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against it and captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w it|strong="H3920"\w*.  
\v 30  \w He took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w crown|strong="H5850"\w* \w of their king|strong="H4428"\w* \w from his head|strong="H7218"\w* \w – it was gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w weighed|strong="H4948"\w* \w about seventy-five pounds|strong="H3603"\w*, \w and held a precious|strong="H3368"\w* \w stone|strong="H0068"\w* \w – and it was placed on|strong="H5921"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w*. \w He also took from the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w a great|strong="H3966"\w* \w deal|strong="H7235"\w* \w of plunder|strong="H7998"\w*.  
\v 31  \w He removed|strong="H3318"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were in it and made|strong="H7760"\w* \w them do hard labor|strong="H2757"\w* \w with saws|strong="H4050"\w*, \w iron picks|strong="H1270"\w*, \w and iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w axes|strong="H4037"\w*, \w putting|strong="H5674"\w* \w them to work at the brick kiln|strong="H4404"\w*. \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w was his policy|strong="H6213"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Ammonite|strong="H5983"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*. \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\c 13  
\p
\v 1  \w Now David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w had a beautiful|strong="H3303"\w* \w sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w*. \w In the course of time David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w fell madly in love|strong="H0157"\w* \w with|strong="H1732"\w* \w her|strong="H1961"\w*.  
\v 2  \w But Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w became frustrated|strong="H3334"\w* \w because he was so lovesick|strong="H2470"\w* \w over his sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w she was a virgin|strong="H1330"\w*, \w and to Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w it seemed|strong="H5869"\w* \w out of the question|strong="H6381"\w* \w to do|strong="H6213"\w* \w anything|strong="H3972"\w* \w to|strong="H5869"\w* \w her|strong="H3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Now Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w had a friend|strong="H7453"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jonadab|strong="H3122"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Shimeah|strong="H8093"\w*. \w Jonadab|strong="H3122"\w* \w was a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w crafty|strong="H2450"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*.  
\v 4  \w He asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w Amnon,|strong="H4069"\w* “\w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w so|strong="H3602"\w* \w depressed|strong="H1800"\w* \w every morning|strong="H1242"\w*\w ? Can’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me?” So Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “I’m|strong="H0589"\w* \w in love|strong="H0157"\w* \w with Tamar|strong="H8559"\w* \w the sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w of my brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.”  
\v 5  \w Jonadab|strong="H3082"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Lie|strong="H7901"\w* \w down on|strong="H5921"\w* \w your bed|strong="H4904"\w* \w and pretend to be sick|strong="H2470"\w*. \w When your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w in to see|strong="H7200"\w* \w you, say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, ‘Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w let my sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w* \w come in so she can fix|strong="H1262"\w* \w some food|strong="H3899"\w* \w for me. Let her prepare|strong="H6213"\w* \w the food|strong="H1279"\w* \w in my sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w so|strong="H4616"\w* \w I can watch|strong="H7200"\w*. \w Then I will eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w from her hand|strong="H3027"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 6  \w So Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w lay|strong="H7901"\w* \w down and pretended to be sick|strong="H2470"\w*. \w When the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w in to see|strong="H7200"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w let my|strong="H3823"\w* \w sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w* \w come|strong="H1262"\w* \w in so|strong="H1262"\w* \w she can make a couple|strong="H8147"\w* \w of cakes|strong="H3834"\w* \w in my sight. Then I|strong="H1262"\w* \w will eat from her|strong="H1262"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w* \w to the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w your brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w and prepare|strong="H6213"\w* \w some food|strong="H1279"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w So Tamar|strong="H8559"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w her brother|strong="H0251"\w*, \w who was|strong="H1931"\w* \w lying|strong="H7901"\w* \w down. She took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the dough|strong="H1217"\w*, \w kneaded|strong="H3888"\w* \w it, made some cakes|strong="H3834"\w* \w while|strong="H1931"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* watched, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w baked|strong="H1310"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*.  
\v 9  \w But when she took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the pan|strong="H4958"\w* \w and set it|strong="H3332"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him, he refused|strong="H3985"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w*. \w Instead Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Get everyone out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of here!”|strong="H3605"\w* \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w Then Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Tamar|strong="H8559"\w*, \w “Bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w the cakes|strong="H1279"\w* \w into the bedroom|strong="H2315"\w*; \w then I will eat|strong="H1262"\w* \w from your hand|strong="H3027"\w*.” \w So Tamar|strong="H8559"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the cakes|strong="H3834"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w she had prepared|strong="H6213"\w* \w and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w them to her brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w in the bedroom|strong="H2315"\w*.  
\v 11  \w As she brought|strong="H5066"\w* \w them to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him to eat|strong="H0398"\w*, \w he grabbed|strong="H2388"\w* \w her and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to her, “Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H7901"\w*\w ! Get in bed|strong="H7901"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me,|strong="H0269"\w* \w my|strong="H0935"\w* \w sister|strong="H0269"\w*!”   
\p
\v 12  \w But she said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “No|strong="H0408"\w*, \w my brother|strong="H0251"\w*\w ! Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w humiliate|strong="H6031"\w* \w me! This|strong="H3651"\w* \w just isn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*\w ! Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this foolish thing|strong="H5039"\w*!  
\v 13  \w How|strong="H0575"\w* \w could I|strong="H0589"\w* \w ever be rid|strong="H1980"\w* \w of my humiliation|strong="H2781"\w*\w ? And you|strong="H0859"\w* \w would be considered one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the fools|strong="H5036"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*\w ! Just|strong="H6258"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w withhold|strong="H4513"\w* \w me from|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w But he refused|strong="H0014"\w* \w to listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to her|strong="H6963"\w*. \w He overpowered|strong="H2388"\w* \w her and humiliated|strong="H6031"\w* \w her by raping|strong="H7901"\w* \w her|strong="H8085"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Then Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w greatly despised|strong="H8130"\w* \w her|strong="H3966"\w*. \w His disdain|strong="H8135"\w* \w toward her surpassed the love|strong="H0160"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w previously felt toward|strong="H0157"\w* \w her.|strong="H0550"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to her, “Get up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and leave|strong="H1980"\w*!”   
\p
\v 16  \w But she said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “No|strong="H0408"\w* \w I won’t, for sending|strong="H7971"\w* \w me away|strong="H7971"\w* \w now would be worse|strong="H1419"\w* \w than what you did|strong="H6213"\w* \w to me earlier|strong="H0312"\w*\w !”|strong="H0014"\w* \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w refused|strong="H0014"\w* \w to listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w her|strong="H7971"\w*.  
\v 17  \w He called|strong="H7121"\w* \w his personal|strong="H8334"\w* \w attendant|strong="H5288"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Take|strong="H7971"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w woman out|strong="H2351"\w* \w of my sight|strong="H5274"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* lock \w the door|strong="H1817"\w* \w behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w her|strong="H7971"\w*!”  
\v 18  \w (Now she was wearing a long|strong="H6446"\w* \w robe|strong="H3801"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H3651"\w* \w is what the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w virgin|strong="H1330"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w used to wear|strong="H3847"\w*.\w ) So Amnon’s|strong="H8334"\w* \w attendant|strong="H8334"\w* \w removed|strong="H3318"\w* \w her and bolted|strong="H5274"\w* \w the door|strong="H1817"\w* \w behind|strong="H0310"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w* \w put ashes|strong="H0665"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w her head|strong="H7218"\w* \w and tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w the long|strong="H6446"\w* \w robe|strong="H3801"\w* \w she was wearing. She put|strong="H7760"\w* \w her hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w her head|strong="H7218"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w on her way|strong="H1980"\w*, \w wailing|strong="H2199"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w Her brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her, “Was|strong="H1961"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w your brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you? Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w be quiet|strong="H2790"\w*, \w my sister|strong="H0269"\w*. \w He is|strong="H1931"\w* \w your brother|strong="H0251"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w take it|strong="H2088"\w* \w so seriously|strong="H1697"\w*\w !”|strong="H8559"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w*, \w devastated|strong="H8076"\w*, \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of her brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w Now King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w and was very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w*.  
\v 22  \w But Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w* \w nothing to Amnon|strong="H0550"\w*, \w either|strong="H5973"\w* \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w or good|strong="H2896"\w*, \w yet Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w hated|strong="H8130"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w humiliated|strong="H6031"\w* \w his sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w*.   
\s1 \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w Has|strong="H0834"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* Put \w to|strong="H5704"\w* Death  
\p
\v 23  \w Two years|strong="H8141"\w* \w later|strong="H1961"\w* \w Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* \w sheepshearers|strong="H1494"\w* \w were in Baal Hazor|strong="H1178"\w*, \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w invited|strong="H7121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Then Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My shearers|strong="H1494"\w* \w have begun their work.|strong="H4994"\w* \w Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*.”   
\p
\v 25  \w But the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w “No|strong="H0408"\w*, \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w We shouldn’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w*. \w We shouldn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w burden|strong="H3513"\w* \w you in|strong="H5921"\w* \w that way.” Though Absalom|strong="H6555"\w* \w pressed|strong="H6555"\w* \w him, the king|strong="H3808"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w willing|strong="H0014"\w* \w to go|strong="H1980"\w*. \w Instead, David|strong="H1288"\w* \w blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w Then Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “If you will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w then let|strong="H4994"\w* \w my brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w go with|strong="H0854"\w* \w us.” The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should he go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w*?”  
\v 27  \w But when Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w pressed|strong="H6555"\w* \w him, he sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w along with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*.   
\p
\v 28  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w instructed|strong="H0559"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5288"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H7200"\w*\w ! When Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w is drunk|strong="H3196"\w* \w and I say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you, ‘Strike|strong="H5221"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w down,’ kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w him then and there. Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w fear|strong="H3372"\w*\w ! Is it not|strong="H3808"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w who have given you these instructions|strong="H6680"\w*\w ? Be strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and courageous|strong="H2428"\w*!”  
\v 29  \w So Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* \w servants|strong="H5288"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w to Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w exactly what|strong="H0834"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w had instructed|strong="H6680"\w*. \w Then all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w got up|strong="H6965"\w*; \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one rode|strong="H7392"\w* \w away on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his mule|strong="H6505"\w* \w and fled|strong="H5127"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w were still on|strong="H0413"\w* \w their way|strong="H1870"\w*, \w the following report|strong="H8052"\w* \w reached|strong="H0935"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*\w : “Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w has killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*; \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of them|strong="H1992"\w* \w is left|strong="H3498"\w*!”  
\v 31  \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w stood up and tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w his garments|strong="H0899"\w* \w and lay|strong="H7901"\w* \w down on the ground|strong="H0776"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w were standing|strong="H5324"\w* \w there with torn|strong="H7167"\w* \w garments|strong="H0899"\w* \w as|strong="H0776"\w* well.   
\p
\v 32  \w Jonadab|strong="H3122"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Shimeah|strong="H8093"\w*, \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w should not|strong="H0408"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘They have killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the young men|strong="H5288"\w* \w who are the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*.’ \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w only|strong="H0905"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*. \w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w is what Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w has talked|strong="H6310"\w* \w about|strong="H3117"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w that Amnon|strong="H6031"\w* \w humiliated|strong="H6031"\w* \w his sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w Tamar|strong="H8559"\w*.  
\v 33  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w let|strong="H7760"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w be concerned|strong="H3820"\w* \w about the report|strong="H1697"\w* \w that has|strong="H3588"\w* \w come saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w are dead|strong="H4191"\w*.’ \w It is|strong="H0518"\w* \w only|strong="H0905"\w* \w Amnon|strong="H0550"\w* \w who is dead|strong="H4191"\w*.”   
\p
\v 34  \w In the meantime Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w fled|strong="H1272"\w*. \w When the servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w who was the watchman|strong="H6822"\w* \w looked up|strong="H5869"\w*, \w he saw|strong="H2009"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w coming|strong="H1980"\w* \w from the west|strong="H1870"\w* \w on|strong="H1980"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* \w road|strong="H1870"\w* \w beside|strong="H6654"\w* \w the hill|strong="H2022"\w*.  
\v 35  \w Jonadab|strong="H3122"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*\w ! The king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w have come|strong="H0935"\w*\w ! It’s just|strong="H3651"\w* \w as I|strong="H5650"\w* \w said|strong="H3651"\w*!”   
\p
\v 36  \w Just as he finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w speaking|strong="H1696"\w*, \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w*, \w wailing|strong="H6963"\w* \w and weeping|strong="H1058"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w wept|strong="H1065"\w* \w loudly|strong="H3966"\w* \w as well|strong="H1571"\w*.  
\v 37  \w But Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w fled|strong="H1272"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Talmai|strong="H8526"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ammihud|strong="H5991"\w* \w of Geshur|strong="H1650"\w*. \w And David|strong="H0056"\w* \w grieved|strong="H0056"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\p
\v 38  \w After Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w fled|strong="H1272"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Geshur|strong="H1650"\w*, \w he remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*.  
\v 39  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w longed|strong="H3615"\w* \w to go|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w had since been consoled|strong="H5162"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the death|strong="H4191"\w* \w of Amnon|strong="H0550"\w*.   
\c 14  
\p
\v 1  \w Now Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w realized|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w longed|strong="H3820"\w* \w to see|strong="H5921"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.  
\v 2  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w to Tekoa|strong="H8620"\w* \w and brought from|strong="H3947"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w a wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*. \w He told|strong="H0559"\w* \w her, “Pretend to be in mourning|strong="H0056"\w* \w and put on|strong="H3847"\w* \w garments|strong="H0899"\w* \w for mourning|strong="H0060"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w anoint|strong="H5480"\w* \w yourself with oil|strong="H8081"\w*. \w Instead, act like|strong="H1961"\w* \w a woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w who has been mourning|strong="H0056"\w* \w for the dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w some|strong="H7227"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Go|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w* \w in the following|strong="H2088"\w* \w fashion.” Then|strong="H7760"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w what to say|strong="H6310"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w So the Tekoan|strong="H8621"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w She bowed down|strong="H7812"\w* \w with her face|strong="H7812"\w* \w to the ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w in deference|strong="H7812"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Please help|strong="H3467"\w* \w me,|strong="H4428"\w* O \w king|strong="H4428"\w*!”  
\v 5  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to her, “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do you want?”|strong="H0559"\w* \w She|strong="H0061"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I am|strong="H0589"\w* \w a widow|strong="H0490"\w*; \w my husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Your servant|strong="H8198"\w* \w has two|strong="H8147"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w When the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w of them got into a fight|strong="H5327"\w* \w in the field|strong="H7704"\w*, \w there was no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one present who could intervene|strong="H5337"\w*. \w One|strong="H0259"\w* \w of them struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w the other|strong="H0259"\w* \w and killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Now|strong="H2009"\w* \w the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H4940"\w* \w has risen up|strong="H6965"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w your servant|strong="H8198"\w*, \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Turn over|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w one who struck down|strong="H5221"\w* \w his brother|strong="H0251"\w*, \w so that we can execute|strong="H4191"\w* \w him and avenge the death|strong="H0251"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w he killed|strong="H2026"\w*. \w In so doing we will also|strong="H1571"\w* \w destroy|strong="H8045"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w heir|strong="H3423"\w*.’ \w They want to extinguish|strong="H3518"\w* \w my remaining|strong="H7604"\w* \w coal|strong="H1513"\w*, \w leaving|strong="H7760"\w* \w no one|strong="H1115"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the face|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0127"\w* \w to carry|strong="H7760"\w* \w on the name|strong="H8034"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w told|strong="H0413"\w* \w the woman|strong="H0802"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to your home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will give instructions|strong="H6680"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* situation.”  
\v 9  \w The Tekoan|strong="H8621"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “My lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w let any blame|strong="H5771"\w* \w fall on me and on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of my father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w But let the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his throne|strong="H3678"\w* \w be innocent|strong="H5355"\w*!”   
\p
\v 10  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me whoever speaks|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you, and he won’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w bother|strong="H5060"\w* \w you again|strong="H3254"\w*!”  
\v 11  \w She replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “In that case|strong="H2142"\w*, \w let|strong="H4994"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w invoke|strong="H2142"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w name of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w so that the avenger|strong="H1350"\w* \w of blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w may not kill|strong="H7843"\w*\w ! Then|strong="H5307"\w* \w they will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H8045"\w* \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*\w !” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “As surely|strong="H2416"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives, not|strong="H0518"\w* \w a single|strong="H5307"\w* \w hair|strong="H8185"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w your son’s|strong="H1121"\w* \w head|strong="H5307"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w fall|strong="H5307"\w* \w to the ground|strong="H0776"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w Then the woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*, \w “Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w permit your servant|strong="H8198"\w* \w to speak to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w about another matter|strong="H1697"\w*.” \w He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Tell|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*.”  
\v 13  \w The woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w have you devised|strong="H2803"\w* \w something like this|strong="H2063"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*\w ? When the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w speaks|strong="H1696"\w* \w in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w fashion|strong="H1697"\w*, \w he makes himself guilty|strong="H0818"\w*, \w for the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w has not|strong="H1115"\w* \w brought back|strong="H7725"\w* \w the one he has banished|strong="H5080"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Certainly|strong="H3588"\w* \w we must die|strong="H4191"\w*, \w and are like water|strong="H4325"\w* \w spilled|strong="H5064"\w* \w on the ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w be gathered up|strong="H0622"\w* \w again. But God|strong="H0430"\w* \w does not|strong="H3808"\w* \w take away|strong="H5375"\w* \w life|strong="H5315"\w*; \w instead|strong="H1115"\w* \w he devises|strong="H2803"\w* \w ways|strong="H4284"\w* \w for the banished|strong="H5080"\w* \w to be restored|strong="H5080"\w*.  
\v 15  \w I have now|strong="H6258"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w with my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w about this|strong="H2088"\w* \w matter|strong="H1697"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w have made me fearful|strong="H3372"\w*. \w But your servant|strong="H8198"\w* \w said, ‘I will speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*\w ! Perhaps|strong="H0194"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w his female servant|strong="H0519"\w* \w asks|strong="H0559"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Yes|strong="H3588"\w*\w !|strong="H4428"\w* \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w may|strong="H8085"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w and deliver|strong="H5337"\w* \w his female servant|strong="H0519"\w* \w from the hand|strong="H3709"\w* \w of the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who seeks|strong="H8045"\w* \w to remove|strong="H3162"\w* \w both|strong="H3162"\w* \w me and my son|strong="H1121"\w* \w from the inheritance|strong="H5159"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has|strong="H0430"\w* \w given|strong="H8085"\w* \w us|strong="H3588"\w*!’  
\v 17  \w So your servant|strong="H8198"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘May|strong="H4994"\w* \w the word|strong="H1697"\w* \w of my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w be my security|strong="H4496"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w is like|strong="H3651"\w* \w the angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w when it comes to deciding|strong="H3651"\w* \w between right|strong="H2896"\w* \w and wrong|strong="H7451"\w*! \w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!’”   
\p
\v 18  \w Then|strong="H6030"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the woman|strong="H0802"\w*, \w “Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w hide|strong="H3582"\w* \w any|strong="H4480"\w* \w information|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w me when|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w question|strong="H7592"\w* \w you.” The woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w*!”  
\v 19  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Did Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w put you up to|strong="H0854"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of this|strong="H2063"\w*\w ?”|strong="H0802"\w* \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w answered|strong="H6030"\w*, \w “As surely|strong="H2416"\w* \w as you live|strong="H5315"\w*, \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w there is no|strong="H0518"\w* \w deviation to the right|strong="H3231"\w* \w or to the left|strong="H8041"\w* \w from all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w has said|strong="H1696"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w me instructions|strong="H6680"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w has put|strong="H7760"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w in your servant’s|strong="H8198"\w* \w mouth|strong="H6310"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w so as to|strong="H5668"\w* \w change|strong="H5437"\w* \w this situation|strong="H6440"\w*. \w But my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w has wisdom|strong="H2451"\w* \w like that of the angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w and knows|strong="H3045"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is happening in the land|strong="H0776"\w*.”   
\p
\v 21  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w “All right! I|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w*\w ! Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and bring back|strong="H7725"\w* \w the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*!  
\v 22  \w Then|strong="H5307"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w bowed|strong="H5307"\w* \w down with his face|strong="H6440"\w* \w toward the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w and thanked|strong="H7812"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w knows|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I have found|strong="H4672"\w* \w favor|strong="H2580"\w* \w in your sight|strong="H5869"\w*, \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w has granted the request|strong="H1697"\w* \w of your|strong="H5650"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*!”   
\p
\v 23  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Geshur|strong="H1650"\w* \w and brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w back to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 24  \w But the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Let him go over|strong="H5437"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his own house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He may not|strong="H3808"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w my face|strong="H6440"\w*.” \w So Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w went over|strong="H5437"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his own house|strong="H1004"\w*; \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w Now in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w everyone acknowledged|strong="H3966"\w* \w that there was|strong="H1961"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w as handsome|strong="H3303"\w* \w as Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*. \w From the sole|strong="H3709"\w* \w of his feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the top of|strong="H6936"\w* \w his head|strong="H6936"\w* \w he was|strong="H1961"\w* \w perfect|strong="H3971"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* appearance.  
\v 26  \w When he would shave|strong="H1548"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w* \w – at the end|strong="H7093"\w* \w of every year|strong="H3117"\w* \w he used to shave|strong="H1548"\w* \w his head, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it grew too long|strong="H3513"\w* \w and he would shave|strong="H1548"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* – \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w weigh|strong="H8254"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hair|strong="H8181"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* three pounds \w according|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w weight|strong="H0068"\w*.  
\v 27  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w had|strong="H3205"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and one|strong="H0259"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*, \w whose name|strong="H8034"\w* \w was Tamar|strong="H8559"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a very attractive|strong="H4758"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*.   
\p
\v 28  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w for two years|strong="H8141"\w* \w without|strong="H3808"\w* \w seeing|strong="H7200"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 29  \w Then Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a message to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w asking him to|strong="H0413"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w him to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w but Joab was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w willing|strong="H0014"\w* \w to come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him. So he sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a second|strong="H8145"\w* \w message to him, but he still|strong="H5750"\w* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w willing|strong="H0014"\w* \w to come|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 30  \w So he said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H7200"\w*, \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w has a portion|strong="H2513"\w* \w of field adjacent|strong="H3027"\w* \w to mine and he has some|strong="H8033"\w* \w barley|strong="H8184"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and set|strong="H3341"\w* \w it on fire|strong="H0784"\w*.” \w So Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w set|strong="H3341"\w* \w Joab’s|strong="H2513"\w* \w portion|strong="H2513"\w* \w of the field on fire|strong="H0784"\w*.   
\p
\v 31  \w Then Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w set|strong="H3341"\w* \w my portion|strong="H2513"\w* \w of field on fire|strong="H0784"\w*?”  
\v 32  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a message to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w here|strong="H2008"\w* \w so that I can send|strong="H7971"\w* \w you to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w with this message:|strong="H4100"\w* “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w from Geshur|strong="H1650"\w*\w ? It would be better|strong="H2896"\w* \w for me if I|strong="H0589"\w* \w were still|strong="H5750"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.”’ \w Let me now|strong="H6258"\w* \w see|strong="H7200"\w* \w the face|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am|strong="H3426"\w* \w at fault|strong="H5771"\w*, \w let him put me to death|strong="H4191"\w*!”   
\p
\v 33  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w him. The king|strong="H7121"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w and he came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w bowed down|strong="H7812"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w with his face|strong="H0639"\w* \w toward the ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w and the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w kissed|strong="H5401"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\c 15  
\p
\v 1  \w Some time|strong="H1961"\w* \w later|strong="H0310"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w managed to acquire|strong="H4818"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w and horses|strong="H5483"\w*, \w as well as fifty|strong="H2572"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w to serve as his royal guard|strong="H7323"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Now Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w used to get up early|strong="H7925"\w* \w and stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w beside|strong="H3027"\w* \w the road|strong="H1870"\w* \w that led to the city gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w Whenever|strong="H1961"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H0376"\w* \w by who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w a complaint|strong="H7379"\w* \w to bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w for arbitration|strong="H0335"\w*, \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w would call|strong="H7121"\w* \w out to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “What|strong="H0335"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w from|strong="H0335"\w*\w ?” The person would answer|strong="H0335"\w*, \w “I, your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w am from one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w would then say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Look|strong="H7200"\w*, \w your claims are legitimate|strong="H1697"\w* \w and appropriate|strong="H2896"\w*. \w But there is no|strong="H0369"\w* \w representative|strong="H5228"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w who will listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w would then say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “If only|strong="H4310"\w* \w they would make|strong="H7760"\w* \w me|strong="H8199"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w*\w ! Then everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w a judicial|strong="H4941"\w* \w complaint|strong="H7379"\w* \w could come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement|strong="H6663"\w*.”   
\p
\v 5  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w someone|strong="H0376"\w* \w approached|strong="H7126"\w* \w to bow|strong="H7812"\w* \w before him, Absalom|strong="H7971"\w* \w would|strong="H0376"\w* \w extend|strong="H1961"\w* \w his hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w and embrace|strong="H2388"\w* \w him and kiss|strong="H5401"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w acted|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w toward everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w for justice|strong="H4941"\w*. \w In this way|strong="H1589"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w won|strong="H1589"\w* \w the loyalty|strong="H3820"\w* \w of the citizens|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w After|strong="H7093"\w* \w four|strong="H0705"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and repay|strong="H7999"\w* \w my vow|strong="H5088"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I made|strong="H5087"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w while I was in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*.  
\v 8  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H5650"\w* \w made|strong="H5087"\w* \w this vow|strong="H5088"\w* \w when I was living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in Geshur|strong="H1650"\w* \w in Aram|strong="H0758"\w*\w : ‘If|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w really|strong="H7725"\w* \w does allow me|strong="H7725"\w* \w to return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w I will serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.’”  
\v 9  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w*.” \w So Absalom|strong="H6965"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w Then Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w spies|strong="H7270"\w* \w through all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “When you hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w of the horn|strong="H7782"\w*, \w you may assume|strong="H0053"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w rules|strong="H4427"\w* \w in Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*.”  
\v 11  \w Now two hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w had gone with|strong="H0854"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w from Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Since they were invited|strong="H7121"\w*, \w they went|strong="H1980"\w* \w naively|strong="H8537"\w* \w and were unaware|strong="H3045"\w* \w of what Absalom was planning|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 12  \w While he was offering|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*, \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w for Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w the Gilonite|strong="H1526"\w*, \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w adviser|strong="H3289"\w*, \w to come|strong="H1961"\w* \w from his city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w Giloh|strong="H1542"\w*. \w The conspiracy|strong="H7195"\w* \w was gaining momentum|strong="H0533"\w*, \w and the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were starting to side|strong="H7227"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.   
\s1 \w David|strong="H1732"\w* Flees \w from|strong="H1980"\w* Jerusalem  
\p
\v 13  \w Then a messenger came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and reported|strong="H5046"\w*, \w “The men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w are loyal|strong="H0310"\w* \w to Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*!”  
\v 14  \w So|strong="H4116"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, “\w Come on!|strong="H1980"\w* \w Let’s|strong="H5221"\w* \w escape|strong="H1272"\w*\w !|strong="H3588"\w* \w Otherwise|strong="H6435"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w delivered|strong="H6413"\w* \w from Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*\w ! Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w immediately|strong="H4116"\w*, \w or else|strong="H6435"\w* \w he will quickly|strong="H4116"\w* \w overtake|strong="H5381"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w and bring|strong="H7451"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on us and kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w the city’s residents|strong="H5892"\w* \w with the sword|strong="H2719"\w*.”  
\v 15  \w The king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “We|strong="H5650"\w* \w will do whatever|strong="H0834"\w* \w our lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* decides.”   
\p
\v 16  \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the members|strong="H1004"\w* \w of his royal|strong="H1004"\w* \w court|strong="H3318"\w* \w set|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w on foot|strong="H7272"\w*, \w though the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w behind ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w* \w to attend|strong="H8104"\w* \w to the palace|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 17  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w set out|strong="H3318"\w* \w on foot|strong="H7272"\w*, \w pausing|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H3318"\w* spot \w some|strong="H3605"\w* distance \w away|strong="H3318"\w*.  
\v 18  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w were leaving|strong="H5674"\w* \w with him,|strong="H3027"\w* \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Kerethites|strong="H3774"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Pelethites|strong="H6432"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Gittites|strong="H1663"\w* \w – some six|strong="H8337"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w on foot|strong="H7272"\w* \w from Gath|strong="H1661"\w*. \w They were leaving|strong="H5674"\w* \w with|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*.   
\p
\v 19  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0413"\w* \w to Ittai|strong="H0863"\w* \w the Gittite|strong="H1663"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should|strong="H1980"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w us? Go back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the new|strong="H4428"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are a foreigner|strong="H5237"\w* \w and an exile|strong="H1540"\w* \w from your|strong="H0859"\w* \w own country|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 20  \w It seems like you arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w just yesterday|strong="H8543"\w*. \w Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w should I make you wander around|strong="H5128"\w* \w by going|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us? I|strong="H0589"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w must go|strong="H1980"\w*. \w But as for you, go back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and take|strong="H7725"\w* \w your men|strong="H0251"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you. May genuine loyal love|strong="H0571"\w* \w protect|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*!”   
\p
\v 21  \w But Ittai|strong="H0863"\w* \w replied|strong="H6030"\w* \w to the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “As surely|strong="H2416"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w* \w and as my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w lives, wherever|strong="H4725"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w is, whether|strong="H0518"\w* \w dead|strong="H4194"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w*, \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w I|strong="H1961"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w as well|strong="H5650"\w*!”  
\v 22  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ittai|strong="H0863"\w*, \w “Come along|strong="H1980"\w* \w then.”|strong="H0863"\w* \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w Ittai|strong="H0863"\w* \w the Gittite|strong="H1663"\w* \w went along|strong="H5674"\w*, \w accompanied|strong="H5674"\w* \w by all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the dependents|strong="H2945"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w was weeping|strong="H1058"\w* \w loudly|strong="H1419"\w* \w as all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were leaving|strong="H5674"\w*. \w As the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w was crossing|strong="H5674"\w* \w over the Kidron|strong="H6939"\w* \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were leaving|strong="H5674"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the road|strong="H1870"\w* \w that leads to the desert|strong="H4057"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him were carrying|strong="H5375"\w* \w the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of the covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w When they positioned|strong="H3332"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w sacrifices until|strong="H5704"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w had finished leaving|strong="H4480"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*, \w “Take the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w back to the city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w I find|strong="H4672"\w* \w favor|strong="H2580"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w he will bring me back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and enable me to see|strong="H7200"\w* \w both it and his dwelling|strong="H5116"\w* place \w again|strong="H7725"\w*.  
\v 26  \w However, if|strong="H0518"\w* \w he should|strong="H3541"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘I|strong="H2005"\w* \w do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w take pleasure|strong="H2654"\w* \w in you,’ then he will deal with me in a way that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he considers|strong="H2005"\w* \w appropriate|strong="H5869"\w*.”   
\p
\v 27  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w “Are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w a seer|strong="H7200"\w*\w ?|strong="H7725"\w* \w Go|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w in peace|strong="H7965"\w*\w ! Your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w and Abiathar’s son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w may go with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you and Abiathar|strong="H8147"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Look|strong="H7200"\w*, \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will be waiting|strong="H4102"\w* \w at the fords|strong="H5679"\w* \w of the desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w word|strong="H1697"\w* \w from you|strong="H5973"\w* \w reaches|strong="H5704"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w*.”  
\v 29  \w So|strong="H7725"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w took the ark|strong="H0727"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w back to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and remained|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \w As David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was going up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the Mount|strong="H4608"\w* \w of Olives|strong="H2132"\w*, \w he was weeping|strong="H1058"\w* \w as he went|strong="H5927"\w*; \w his head|strong="H7218"\w* \w was covered|strong="H2645"\w* \w and his feet were bare|strong="H3182"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him also had their heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w covered|strong="H2645"\w* \w and were weeping|strong="H1058"\w* \w as they went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w*.  
\v 31  \w Now David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had been told|strong="H5046"\w*, \w “Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w has sided with the conspirators|strong="H7194"\w* \w who are with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*. \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w prayed|strong="H4994"\w*, “\w Make the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w foolish|strong="H5528"\w*, \w O|strong="H4994"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*!”   
\p
\v 32  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w reached|strong="H5704"\w* \w the summit|strong="H7218"\w*, \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he used to worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w the Arkite|strong="H0757"\w* \w met|strong="H7125"\w* \w him with his clothes|strong="H3801"\w* \w torn|strong="H7167"\w* \w and dirt|strong="H0127"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w*.  
\v 33  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you leave|strong="H5674"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me you will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a burden|strong="H4853"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 34  \w But you will be able to counter|strong="H6565"\w* \w the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you go back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w ‘I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will be your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w O king|strong="H4428"\w*\w ! Previously|strong="H0227"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w was your father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w and now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will be your servant|strong="H5650"\w*.’  
\v 35  \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you.|strong="H3605"\w* \w Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w you hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w in the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w you must|strong="H3808"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*.  
\v 36  \w Furthermore|strong="H2009"\w*, \w their two|strong="H8147"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w are there|strong="H8033"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them, Zadok’s|strong="H6659"\w* \w son Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w and Abiathar’s|strong="H0054"\w* \w son Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*. \w You must send|strong="H7971"\w* \w them to me|strong="H0413"\w* \w with any|strong="H3605"\w* \w information|strong="H1697"\w* \w you hear|strong="H8085"\w*.”   
\p
\v 37  \w So David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w friend|strong="H7463"\w* \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w in the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w just as Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w was entering|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\c 16  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H5674"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had gone|strong="H5674"\w* \w a short|strong="H4592"\w* \w way beyond the summit|strong="H7218"\w*, \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w the servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w of Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w was there to meet|strong="H7122"\w* \w him. He had a couple|strong="H6776"\w* \w of donkeys|strong="H2543"\w* \w that were saddled|strong="H2280"\w*, \w and on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them were two hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w loaves of bread|strong="H3899"\w*, \w a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w raisin cakes|strong="H6778"\w*, \w a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w baskets of summer fruit|strong="H7019"\w*, \w and a container|strong="H5035"\w* \w of wine|strong="H3196"\w*.   
\p
\v 2  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did you bring these|strong="H0428"\w* \w things?”|strong="H6717"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “The donkeys|strong="H2543"\w* \w are for the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w to ride|strong="H7392"\w* \w on, the loaves of bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w and the summer fruit|strong="H7019"\w* \w are for the attendants|strong="H5288"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w*, \w and the wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w is for those who get exhausted|strong="H3287"\w* \w in the desert|strong="H4057"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Where|strong="H0346"\w* \w is your master’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w*\w ?”|strong="H6717"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “He remains in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will give back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to me my grandfather’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4468"\w*.’”  
\v 4  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Ziba|strong="H6717"\w*, \w “Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was Mephibosheth’s|strong="H4648"\w* \w now belongs to you.” Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I bow|strong="H7812"\w* \w before you. May I find|strong="H4672"\w* \w favor|strong="H2580"\w* \w in your sight|strong="H5869"\w*, \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.”   
\s1 Shimei Curses David \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w Men|strong="H3605"\w*  
\p
\v 5  \w Then King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w reached|strong="H0935"\w* \w Bahurim|strong="H0980"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w extended|strong="H3318"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Gera|strong="H1617"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w*, \w yelling curses|strong="H7043"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w approached|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 6  \w He threw|strong="H5619"\w* \w stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w at David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w as well as all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and the soldiers|strong="H1368"\w* \w who were on his right|strong="H3225"\w* \w and on his left|strong="H8040"\w*.  
\v 7  \w As he yelled|strong="H3541"\w* \w curses|strong="H7043"\w*, \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Leave|strong="H3318"\w*\w ! Leave|strong="H3318"\w*\w ! You man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of bloodshed|strong="H1818"\w*, \w you wicked|strong="H1100"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*!  
\v 8  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has punished|strong="H7725"\w* \w you for|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the spilled blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w of the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w in whose|strong="H0834"\w* \w place|strong="H8478"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w rule|strong="H4427"\w*. \w Now|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has given|strong="H5414"\w* \w the kingdom|strong="H4410"\w* \w into the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of your son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*. \w Disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w has overtaken|strong="H2005"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you are|strong="H0859"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of bloodshed|strong="H1818"\w*!”   
\p
\v 9  \w Then Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should this|strong="H2088"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w dog|strong="H3611"\w* \w curse|strong="H7043"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*\w ? Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me go over|strong="H5674"\w* \w and cut off|strong="H5493"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w*!”  
\v 10  \w But the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do we have in common,|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*\w ? If|strong="H3588"\w* \w he curses|strong="H7043"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, ‘Curse|strong="H7043"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*\w !’, who can|strong="H4310"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, ‘Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w have you done|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H3651"\w*?’”  
\v 11  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w “My own son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w my very own flesh and blood|strong="H4578"\w*, \w is trying|strong="H1245"\w* \w to take my life|strong="H5315"\w*. \w So also|strong="H0637"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w Benjaminite|strong="H1145"\w*\w ! Leave|strong="H3240"\w* \w him alone so that he can curse|strong="H7043"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has spoken|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Perhaps|strong="H0194"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w will notice|strong="H7200"\w* \w my affliction|strong="H5771"\w* \w and this|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w grant me good|strong="H2896"\w* \w in place|strong="H8478"\w* \w of his curse|strong="H7045"\w*.”   
\p
\v 13  \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and his men|strong="H0376"\w* \w went on|strong="H1980"\w* \w their way|strong="H1870"\w*. \w But Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w kept going|strong="H1980"\w* \w along|strong="H5980"\w* \w the side|strong="H6763"\w* \w of the hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w opposite him, yelling|strong="H6080"\w* \w curses|strong="H7043"\w* \w as|strong="H5980"\w* \w he threw stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w and dirt|strong="H6083"\w* \w at|strong="H1732"\w* \w them|strong="H0376"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him arrived exhausted|strong="H5889"\w* \w at their destination, where|strong="H8033"\w* \w David|strong="H5314"\w* \w refreshed|strong="H5314"\w* \w himself|strong="H5314"\w*.   
\s1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Advice \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Ahithophel  
\p
\v 15  \w Now when Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w was with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w*.  
\v 16  \w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w friend|strong="H7463"\w* \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w the Arkite|strong="H0757"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0053"\w*, “\w Long live|strong="H2421"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*\w ! Long live|strong="H2421"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*!”   
\p
\v 17  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w*, \w “Do you call this|strong="H2088"\w* \w loyalty|strong="H2617"\w* \w to your friend|strong="H7453"\w*\w ? Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w your friend|strong="H7453"\w*?”  
\v 18  \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w “No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w I will be|strong="H1961"\w* \w loyal to the one whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w have chosen|strong="H0977"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Moreover|strong="H8145"\w*, \w whom|strong="H4310"\w* \w should I|strong="H0589"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w*\w ? Should it not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be his son|strong="H1121"\w*\w ? Just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as I served|strong="H5647"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w*, \w so|strong="H3651"\w* \w I will serve|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”   
\p
\v 20  \w Then Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0413"\w* \w to Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w*, \w “Give|strong="H3051"\w* \w us your advice|strong="H6098"\w*. \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w should we do|strong="H6213"\w*?”  
\v 21  \w Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w “Have sex|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w your father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w he left|strong="H3240"\w* \w to care|strong="H8104"\w* \w for the palace|strong="H1004"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you have made yourself repulsive|strong="H0887"\w* \w to your father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w Then your followers will be motivated|strong="H2388"\w* \w to support|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w So they pitched|strong="H5186"\w* \w a tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w for Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the roof|strong="H1406"\w*, \w and Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w had sex with|strong="H0001"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w* \w in the sight|strong="H5869"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w In those|strong="H1992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w Ahithophel’s|strong="H0302"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w was considered as|strong="H0834"\w* \w valuable|strong="H7592"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w a prophetic|strong="H1697"\w* \w revelation.|strong="H1571"\w* \w Both|strong="H1571"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w highly|strong="H3651"\w* \w regarded|strong="H3605"\w* \w the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w*.   
\c 17  
\p
\v 1  \w Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w “Let me pick|strong="H0977"\w* \w out twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w I will go|strong="H6965"\w* \w and pursue|strong="H7291"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w this very night|strong="H3915"\w*.  
\v 2  \w When I catch up|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H1931"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w will be exhausted|strong="H3023"\w* \w and worn|strong="H3027"\w* \w out.|strong="H2729"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* rout \w him, and the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him will flee|strong="H5127"\w*. \w I will kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w only|strong="H0905"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*  
\v 3  \w and will bring|strong="H7725"\w* \w the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you. In exchange for the life of the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are seeking|strong="H1245"\w*, \w you will get back everyone|strong="H3605"\w*. \w The entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w return unharmed|strong="H7965"\w*.”   
\p
\v 4  \w This seemed|strong="H3474"\w* \w like a good idea|strong="H5869"\w* \w to Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w and to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 5  \w But Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Call|strong="H7121"\w* \w for|strong="H2365"\w* \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w the Arkite|strong="H0757"\w*, \w and let’s hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w he has to say|strong="H6310"\w*.”  
\v 6  \w So Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*. \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him, “Here|strong="H2088"\w* \w is what|strong="H1697"\w* \w Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w has advised|strong="H1696"\w*. \w Should we follow|strong="H6213"\w* \w his advice|strong="H1697"\w*\w ? If|strong="H0518"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w*, \w what would you|strong="H0859"\w* \w recommend|strong="H1696"\w*?”   
\p
\v 7  \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w “Ahithophel’s|strong="H0302"\w* \w advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w is not|strong="H3808"\w* \w sound this|strong="H2063"\w* \w time|strong="H6471"\w*.”  
\v 8  \w Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w went on to say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and his men|strong="H0376"\w* \w – they are soldiers|strong="H1368"\w* \w and are as dangerous|strong="H4751"\w* \w as a bear|strong="H1677"\w* \w out in the wild|strong="H7704"\w* \w that has been robbed of her cubs|strong="H7909"\w*. \w Your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w is an experienced|strong="H0376"\w* \w soldier|strong="H4421"\w*; \w he will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w stay overnight|strong="H3885"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the army|strong="H5971"\w*.  
\v 9  \w At this|strong="H2009"\w* \w very moment|strong="H2009"\w* \w he is|strong="H1931"\w* \w hiding|strong="H2244"\w* \w out in one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the caves|strong="H6354"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w in some other|strong="H0259"\w* \w similar|strong="H5307"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. \w If it should turn out that he attacks our troops|strong="H6354"\w* \w first|strong="H8462"\w*, \w whoever hears|strong="H8085"\w* \w about|strong="H8085"\w* \w it will say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w has|strong="H4046"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w slaughtered|strong="H4046"\w*!’  
\v 10  \w If that|strong="H1931"\w* \w happens even|strong="H1571"\w* \w the bravest soldier|strong="H2428"\w* \w – one who|strong="H0834"\w* \w is lion-hearted|strong="H0738"\w* \w – will virtually|strong="H4549"\w* \w melt away|strong="H4549"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w knows|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w your father|strong="H0001"\w* \w is a warrior|strong="H1368"\w* \w and that those who|strong="H0834"\w* \w are with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him are brave|strong="H2428"\w*.  
\v 11  \w My advice|strong="H3289"\w* \w therefore|strong="H3588"\w* \w is this: Let all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H5704"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w – in number|strong="H7230"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w the sand|strong="H2344"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the sea|strong="H3220"\w*! – \w be|strong="H3478"\w* mustered \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w lead|strong="H1980"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w personally|strong="H6440"\w* \w into|strong="H1980"\w* \w battle|strong="H7128"\w*.  
\v 12  \w We will|strong="H5307"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w wherever|strong="H4725"\w* \w he happens to be found|strong="H4672"\w*. \w We will descend|strong="H5117"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him like the dew|strong="H2919"\w* \w falls|strong="H5307"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the ground|strong="H0127"\w*. \w Neither he nor|strong="H3498"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of the men|strong="H0582"\w* \w who are with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* spared alive – \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*!  
\v 13  \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w he regroups|strong="H0622"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w a city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will take up|strong="H5375"\w* \w ropes|strong="H2256"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w that city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and drag|strong="H5498"\w* \w it down|strong="H5498"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the valley|strong="H5158"\w*, \w so that|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w a single pebble|strong="H6872"\w* \w will be left|strong="H4672"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*!”   
\p
\v 14  \w Then Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said, “The advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w the Arkite|strong="H0757"\w* \w sounds better|strong="H2896"\w* \w than the advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w*.” \w Now|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had|strong="H6680"\w* \w decided|strong="H6565"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* frustrate \w the sound advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w of Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w*, \w so that|strong="H5668"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w could bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w on Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.   
\p
\v 15  \w Then Hushai|strong="H2365"\w* \w reported to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w “Here is what|strong="H3289"\w* \w Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w has advised Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w and the leaders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to do, and here is what|strong="H3289"\w* \w I have|strong="H0589"\w* \w advised|strong="H0589"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w word quickly|strong="H4120"\w* \w to David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and warn|strong="H5046"\w* \w him,|strong="H0408"\w* “\w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w spend|strong="H3885"\w* \w the night at the fords|strong="H6160"\w* \w of the desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w tonight|strong="H1571"\w*. \w Instead, be sure you cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w over,|strong="H6435"\w* \w or|strong="H6435"\w* \w else|strong="H6435"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w is with him may|strong="H0854"\w* \w be overwhelmed|strong="H1104"\w*.”   
\p
\v 17  \w Now Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w and Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w were staying|strong="H5975"\w* \w in En Rogel|strong="H5883"\w*. \w A female servant|strong="H8198"\w* \w would go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and inform|strong="H5046"\w* \w them, and they|strong="H1992"\w* \w would then go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and inform|strong="H5046"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w It was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w advisable|strong="H3201"\w* \w for them to be seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w going|strong="H0935"\w* \w into the city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 18  \w But a young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w them on one occasion and informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*. \w So the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w of them quickly|strong="H4120"\w* \w departed|strong="H1980"\w* \w and went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w in Bahurim|strong="H0980"\w*. \w There was a well|strong="H0875"\w* \w in his courtyard|strong="H2691"\w*, \w and they got down|strong="H3381"\w* \w in it|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 19  \w His wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w then took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the covering|strong="H4539"\w* \w and spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w it over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the top of the well|strong="H0875"\w* \w and scattered|strong="H7849"\w* \w some grain|strong="H7383"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w it. No|strong="H3808"\w* \w one was aware|strong="H3045"\w* \w of what|strong="H1697"\w* \w she had done|strong="H1697"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w When the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w approached|strong="H0935"\w* \w the woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w at her home|strong="H1004"\w*, \w they asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Where|strong="H0346"\w* \w are Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w and Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*\w ?” The woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them, “They crossed over|strong="H5674"\w* \w the stream|strong="H4325"\w*.” \w Absalom’s men|strong="H1245"\w* \w searched|strong="H1245"\w* \w but did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w them, so they returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w the men had left|strong="H1980"\w*, \w Ahimaaz and Jonathan|strong="H5927"\w* \w climbed|strong="H5927"\w* \w out of the well|strong="H0875"\w*. \w Then they left|strong="H1980"\w* \w and informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w They advised|strong="H0559"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w stream|strong="H4325"\w* \w quickly|strong="H4120"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w has devised|strong="H3602"\w* \w a plan|strong="H3289"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* catch \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan River|strong="H3383"\w*. \w By|strong="H5704"\w* \w dawn|strong="H1242"\w* \w there was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w person left|strong="H5737"\w* \w who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w realized|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w his advice|strong="H6098"\w* \w had|strong="H6680"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been followed, he|strong="H6213"\w* \w saddled|strong="H2280"\w* \w his donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w returned|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his house|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5892"\w* \w his hometown|strong="H5892"\w*. \w After setting|strong="H6680"\w* \w his household|strong="H1004"\w* \w in order, he hanged|strong="H2614"\w* \w himself. So he died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and was buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in the grave|strong="H6913"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w*.   
\p
\v 24  \w Meanwhile David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had gone|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Mahanaim|strong="H4266"\w*, \w while Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan River|strong="H3383"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w had made|strong="H7760"\w* \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w general in command of the army|strong="H6635"\w* \w in place of|strong="H8478"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*. \w (Now Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of an Israelite|strong="H3481"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Jether|strong="H3501"\w*, \w who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w married|strong="H0413"\w* \w Abigail|strong="H0026"\w* \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Nahash|strong="H5176"\w* \w and sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*, \w Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*.)  
\v 26  \w The army of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.   
\p
\v 27  \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Mahanaim|strong="H4266"\w*, \w Shobi|strong="H7629"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nahash|strong="H5176"\w* \w from Rabbah|strong="H7237"\w* \w of the Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w Makir|strong="H4353"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ammiel|strong="H5988"\w* \w from Lo Debar|strong="H3810"\w*, \w and Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w the Gileadite|strong="H1569"\w* \w from Rogelim|strong="H7274"\w*  
\v 28  \w brought bedding|strong="H4904"\w*, \w basins|strong="H5592"\w*, \w and pottery|strong="H3335"\w* \w utensils|strong="H3627"\w*. \w They also brought food for David and all who were with him, including wheat|strong="H2406"\w*, \w barley|strong="H8184"\w*, \w flour|strong="H7058"\w*, \w roasted grain|strong="H7039"\w*, \w beans|strong="H6321"\w*, \w lentils|strong="H5742"\w*,  
\v 29  \w honey|strong="H1706"\w*, \w curds|strong="H2529"\w*, \w flocks|strong="H6629"\w*, \w and cheese|strong="H8194"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w they said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “The people|strong="H5971"\w* \w are no doubt hungry|strong="H7457"\w*, \w tired|strong="H5889"\w*, \w and thirsty|strong="H6771"\w* \w there in the desert|strong="H4057"\w*.”   
\c 18  
\p
\v 1  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w assembled|strong="H6485"\w* \w the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him. He appointed|strong="H7760"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of thousands|strong="H0505"\w* \w and leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of hundreds|strong="H3967"\w*.  
\v 2  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w then sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w out the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w – a third|strong="H7992"\w* \w under the leadership|strong="H3027"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w a third|strong="H7992"\w* \w under the leadership|strong="H3027"\w* \w of Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*, \w and a third|strong="H7992"\w* \w under the leadership|strong="H3027"\w* \w of Ittai|strong="H0863"\w* \w the Gittite|strong="H1663"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the troops|strong="H5971"\w*, \w “I|strong="H0589"\w* \w too|strong="H1571"\w* \w will indeed march|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w*.”   
\p
\v 3  \w But the soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You should not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do this!|strong="H3588"\w* \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w we should have to|strong="H0413"\w* \w make|strong="H7760"\w* \w a rapid|strong="H5127"\w* \w retreat|strong="H5127"\w*, \w they won’t be|strong="H1961"\w* \w too concerned|strong="H3820"\w* \w about us.|strong="H0518"\w* \w Even|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of us|strong="H0413"\w* \w should|strong="H3588"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*, \w they won’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w be too concerned|strong="H3820"\w* \w about us. But you|strong="H3644"\w* \w are|strong="H6235"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w of us! So it is better|strong="H2896"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w you remain in the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w for support|strong="H5826"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “I will do whatever|strong="H0834"\w* \w seems|strong="H3190"\w* \w best|strong="H5869"\w* \w to you.”|strong="H6213"\w*  
\p \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the king\w* \w stayed\w* \w beside\w* \w the city gate\w*, \w while all\w* \w the army\w* \w marched\w* \w out by hundreds\w* \w and by thousands\w*.  
\v 5  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w gave this order|strong="H6680"\w* \w to Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w*, \w and Ittai|strong="H0863"\w*\w : “For my sake deal gently|strong="H0328"\w* \w with the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.” \w Now the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w was listening|strong="H8085"\w* \w when the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w this order|strong="H1697"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5921"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w Then the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w marched|strong="H3318"\w* \w out to the field|strong="H7704"\w* \w to fight|strong="H7125"\w* \w against Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w The battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w took place in the forest|strong="H3293"\w* \w of Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w was defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w by David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w men.|strong="H8033"\w* \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w slaughter|strong="H4046"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w was great|strong="H1419"\w* \w that day|strong="H3117"\w* \w – 20,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* killed.  
\v 8  \w The battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w was spread|strong="H6327"\w* \w out over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w area|strong="H0776"\w*, \w and the forest|strong="H3293"\w* \w consumed|strong="H0398"\w* \w more|strong="H7235"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w than the sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w devoured|strong="H0398"\w* \w that day|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Then Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w happened|strong="H7122"\w* \w to come across|strong="H6440"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w men|strong="H5650"\w*. \w Now as Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w was riding|strong="H7392"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H6505"\w* \w mule|strong="H6505"\w*, \w it|strong="H6505"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the branches|strong="H7730"\w* \w of a large|strong="H1419"\w* \w oak tree|strong="H0424"\w*. \w His head|strong="H7218"\w* \w got caught in the oak|strong="H0424"\w* \w and he was suspended|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H0996"\w* \w midair|strong="H0776"\w*, \w while the mule|strong="H6505"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been riding kept going|strong="H5674"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w When one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w this, he reported|strong="H5046"\w* \w it to Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I|strong="H2009"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w hanging|strong="H8518"\w* \w in an oak tree|strong="H0424"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who was telling|strong="H5046"\w* \w him this, “What! You saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w this? Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you strike|strong="H5221"\w* \w him down|strong="H5221"\w* \w right on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the spot|strong="H8033"\w*\w ?|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w have|strong="H0376"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w you ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w pieces of silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and a commemorative belt|strong="H2290"\w*!”   
\p
\v 12  \w The man|strong="H0376"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w “Even if|strong="H3863"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w were receiving|strong="H3709"\w* \w a thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w pieces of silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w I would not|strong="H3808"\w* \w strike|strong="H3027"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*\w ! In our very presence|strong="H0241"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w gave this order|strong="H6680"\w* \w to you and Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w and Ittai|strong="H0863"\w*, \w ‘Protect|strong="H8104"\w* \w the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w sake|strong="H5921"\w*.’  
\v 13  \w If|strong="H0176"\w* \w I had acted|strong="H6213"\w* \w at risk|strong="H8267"\w* \w of my own life|strong="H5315"\w* – \w and nothing|strong="H3808"\w* \w is hidden|strong="H3582"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*! – \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w would|strong="H5315"\w* \w have|strong="H0859"\w* abandoned \w me|strong="H5315"\w*.”   
\p
\v 14  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w wait|strong="H3176"\w* \w around like this|strong="H3651"\w* \w for you!” He took|strong="H3947"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w spears|strong="H7626"\w* \w in his hand|strong="H3709"\w* \w and thrust|strong="H8628"\w* \w them into the middle|strong="H3820"\w* \w of Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w while he was still|strong="H5750"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w* \w in the middle|strong="H3820"\w* \w of the oak tree|strong="H0424"\w*.  
\v 15  \w Then|strong="H5437"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5288"\w* \w who were Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w armor|strong="H3627"\w* \w bearers|strong="H4191"\w* \w struck|strong="H5221"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w and finished him|strong="H4191"\w* \w off|strong="H5375"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w Then|strong="H8628"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w the trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w and the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w turned back|strong="H7725"\w* \w from chasing|strong="H7291"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w had called for the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w to halt|strong="H2820"\w*.  
\v 17  \w They took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w him into a large|strong="H1419"\w* \w pit|strong="H6354"\w* \w in the forest|strong="H3293"\w*, \w and stacked a huge pile|strong="H1530"\w* \w of stones|strong="H0068"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w him. In the meantime|strong="H3966"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w fled|strong="H5127"\w* \w to their homes|strong="H0168"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w Prior to this|strong="H0053"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w had set up|strong="H5324"\w* \w a monument|strong="H4678"\w* \w and dedicated it to himself in the|strong="H0853"\w* \w King’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w Valley|strong="H6010"\w*, \w reasoning|strong="H0559"\w* \w “I have no|strong="H0369"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w who will carry on|strong="H2142"\w* \w my name|strong="H8034"\w*.” \w He|strong="H7121"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the monument|strong="H4678"\w* \w after himself, and to this|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w it is known|strong="H7121"\w* \w as Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* \w Memorial|strong="H3027"\w*.   
\s1 \w David|strong="H3117"\w* Learns \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Absalom’s|strong="H0053"\w* Death  
\p
\v 19  \w Then Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me run|strong="H7323"\w* \w and give|strong="H1319"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w the good news|strong="H1319"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has vindicated|strong="H8199"\w* \w him before his enemies|strong="H0341"\w*.”  
\v 20  \w But Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “You will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be a bearer|strong="H0376"\w* \w of good news|strong="H1309"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will bear good news|strong="H1319"\w* \w some other|strong="H0312"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w but not|strong="H3808"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w is dead|strong="H4191"\w*.”   
\p
\v 21  \w Then Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to the Cushite|strong="H3569"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you have seen|strong="H7200"\w*.” \w After bowing|strong="H7812"\w* \w to Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w the Cushite|strong="H3569"\w* \w ran|strong="H7323"\w* \w off|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w “Whatever|strong="H4100"\w* \w happens|strong="H7323"\w*, \w let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H0589"\w* \w go after|strong="H0310"\w* \w the Cushite|strong="H3569"\w*.” \w But Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w it that you|strong="H0859"\w* \w want|strong="H7323"\w* \w to go, my son|strong="H1121"\w*\w ? You have no|strong="H0369"\w* \w good news|strong="H1309"\w* \w that will bring you a reward|strong="H4672"\w*.”  
\v 23  \w But|strong="H7323"\w* \w he said,|strong="H4100"\w* “\w Whatever|strong="H4100"\w* \w happens|strong="H7323"\w*, \w I want to go!” So Joab|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Then|strong="H7323"\w* \w go!” So Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w ran|strong="H7323"\w* \w by the way|strong="H1870"\w* \w of|strong="H3603"\w* \w the Jordan plain|strong="H3603"\w*, \w and he passed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Cushite|strong="H3569"\w*.   
\p
\v 24  \w Now David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the inner and outer gates|strong="H8179"\w*, \w and the watchman|strong="H6822"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w up to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the roof|strong="H1406"\w* \w over the gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w at the wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w When he looked|strong="H5375"\w*, \w he saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w running|strong="H7323"\w* \w by himself|strong="H0905"\w*.  
\v 25  \w So the watchman|strong="H6822"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out and informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “If|strong="H0518"\w* \w he is by himself|strong="H0905"\w*, \w he brings good news|strong="H1309"\w*.” \w The runner|strong="H6310"\w* \w came ever closer|strong="H7131"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w Then the watchman|strong="H6822"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w another|strong="H0312"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w running|strong="H7323"\w*. \w The watchman|strong="H6822"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the gatekeeper|strong="H7778"\w*, \w “There|strong="H2009"\w* \w is another man|strong="H0376"\w* \w running|strong="H7323"\w* \w by himself|strong="H0905"\w*.” \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “This|strong="H2088"\w* \w one also|strong="H1571"\w* \w is bringing good news|strong="H1319"\w*.”  
\v 27  \w The watchman|strong="H6822"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “It appears|strong="H7200"\w* \w to me that the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w runner|strong="H4794"\w* \w is Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*.” \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “He is a good|strong="H2896"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*, \w and he comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w with good|strong="H2896"\w* \w news|strong="H1309"\w*.”   
\p
\v 28  \w Then Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Greetings|strong="H7965"\w*\w !”|strong="H7812"\w* \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down before the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w with his face|strong="H0639"\w* \w toward the ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w May|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w be praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w he has defeated|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w opposed|strong="H5375"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*!”   
\p
\v 29  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “How|strong="H7965"\w* \w is the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*\w ?” Ahimaaz|strong="H0290"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w a great|strong="H1419"\w* \w deal of confusion|strong="H1995"\w* \w when|strong="H7971"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w was sending|strong="H7971"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w and me, your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w but I don’t know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w it|strong="H3045"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3045"\w* \w about|strong="H3045"\w*.”  
\v 30  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Turn|strong="H5437"\w* \w aside|strong="H3320"\w* \w and take|strong="H3320"\w* \w your place here|strong="H3541"\w*.” \w So he turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w aside and waited|strong="H5975"\w*.   
\p
\v 31  \w Then|strong="H2009"\w* \w the Cushite|strong="H3569"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w May|strong="H3569"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w now receive the good news|strong="H1319"\w*! \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w has vindicated|strong="H8199"\w* \w you today|strong="H3117"\w* \w and delivered you from the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who have|strong="H3588"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H6965"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!”  
\v 32  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w the Cushite|strong="H3569"\w*, \w “How|strong="H7965"\w* \w is the young man|strong="H5288"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*\w ?” The Cushite|strong="H3569"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “May the enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w of my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who have|strong="H0834"\w* \w plotted|strong="H7451"\w* \w against you|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w like that young man|strong="H5288"\w*!”   
\p
\v 33  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w then became very upset|strong="H7264"\w*. \w He went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to the upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w room over the gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and wept|strong="H1058"\w*. \w As he went|strong="H1980"\w* \w he said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*\w ! My son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*\w ! If only|strong="H4310"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w could have died|strong="H4191"\w* \w in your place|strong="H8478"\w*\w ! Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*!”   
\c 19  
\p
\v 1  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w was told|strong="H5046"\w*, \w “The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w is weeping|strong="H1058"\w* \w and mourning|strong="H0056"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.”  
\v 2  \w So the victory|strong="H8668"\w* \w of that day|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w turned to mourning|strong="H0060"\w* \w as far as all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were concerned. For|strong="H3588"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w on that day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w “The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w grieved|strong="H6087"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w his son|strong="H1121"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w That day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w stole|strong="H1589"\w* \w away to go|strong="H0935"\w* \w to the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w the way people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who are embarrassed|strong="H3637"\w* \w steal|strong="H1589"\w* \w away|strong="H5127"\w* \w in fleeing|strong="H5127"\w* \w from battle|strong="H4421"\w*.  
\v 4  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w covered|strong="H3813"\w* \w his face|strong="H6440"\w* \w and cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w out loudly|strong="H6963"\w*, “\w My son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*\w ! Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w my son|strong="H1121"\w*!”   
\p
\v 5  \w So Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w visited|strong="H0935"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w his home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w you have embarrassed|strong="H3001"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who have saved|strong="H4422"\w* \w your life|strong="H5315"\w* \w this day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w as well as the lives|strong="H5315"\w* \w of your sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w your daughters|strong="H1323"\w*, \w your wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and your concubines|strong="H6370"\w*.  
\v 6  \w You seem to love|strong="H0157"\w* \w your enemies|strong="H8130"\w* \w and hate|strong="H8130"\w* \w your friends|strong="H0157"\w*\w ! For|strong="H3588"\w* \w you have as much as declared|strong="H5046"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0369"\w* \w matter to you. I realize|strong="H3045"\w* \w now|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H3863"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w were alive|strong="H2416"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of us were dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*, \w it would be all right|strong="H3477"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w*.  
\v 7  \w So|strong="H6258"\w* \w get up|strong="H6965"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w and go|strong="H6965"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and give|strong="H1696"\w* \w some encouragement|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w*. \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w I swear|strong="H7650"\w* \w by|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w that if|strong="H3588"\w* \w you don’t|strong="H0369"\w* \w go out|strong="H3318"\w* \w there, not|strong="H0369"\w* \w a single man|strong="H0376"\w* \w will stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w here with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you tonight|strong="H3915"\w*\w ! This disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w will be worse for you than any|strong="H3605"\w* \w disaster|strong="H7451"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w has overtaken|strong="H0935"\w* \w you from your youth|strong="H5271"\w* \w right to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the present time|strong="H5704"\w*!”   
\p
\v 8  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up and sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w at the city gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w When all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were informed|strong="H5046"\w* \w that the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w was sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w at the city gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w they|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\s1 David \w Goes|strong="H3318"\w* \w Back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* Jerusalem  
\p \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelite \w soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* fled \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* homes.  
\v 9  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w throughout all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were arguing|strong="H1777"\w* \w among themselves saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w delivered|strong="H5337"\w* \w us from the hand|strong="H3709"\w* \w of our enemies|strong="H0341"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w rescued|strong="H4422"\w* \w us from|strong="H4422"\w* \w the hand|strong="H3709"\w* \w of the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w but now|strong="H6258"\w* \w he has fled|strong="H1272"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*.  
\v 10  \w But Absalom|strong="H0053"\w*, \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w we anointed|strong="H4886"\w* \w as our king,|strong="H4191"\w* \w has|strong="H1961"\w* died \w in battle|strong="H4421"\w*. \w So now|strong="H6258"\w* \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w do you|strong="H0859"\w* \w hesitate|strong="H2790"\w* \w to bring|strong="H7725"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* back?”   
\p
\v 11  \w Then King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a message to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Tell|strong="H1696"\w* \w the elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w ‘Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should you delay any further|strong="H1961"\w* \w in bringing|strong="H0314"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w when|strong="H7725"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w is saying has come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* attention.  
\v 12  \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are my brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w – my very|strong="H6106"\w* \w own flesh|strong="H1320"\w* \w and blood!|strong="H4100"\w* \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should you delay any further|strong="H1961"\w* \w in bringing|strong="H0314"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w*?’  
\v 13  \w Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Amasa|strong="H6021"\w*, \w ‘Are you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w my|strong="H6106"\w* \w flesh|strong="H1320"\w* \w and blood?|strong="H0430"\w* God \w will punish me severely|strong="H3254"\w*, \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w from this time on|strong="H3117"\w* \w you are not|strong="H3808"\w* \w the commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of my army|strong="H6635"\w* \w in place|strong="H8478"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w*!’”   
\p
\v 14  \w He|strong="H5186"\w* won \w over the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hearts|strong="H3824"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w as though they were one|strong="H0259"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*. \w Then they sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w word to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w saying, “Return|strong="H7725"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* well.”  
\v 15  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w and came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the Jordan River|strong="H3383"\w*.  
\p \w Now the people of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w had come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Gilgal|strong="H1537"\w* \w to meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and to help|strong="H5674"\w* \w him|strong="H5674"\w* cross \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Gera|strong="H1617"\w* \w the Benjaminite|strong="H1145"\w* \w from Bahurim|strong="H0980"\w* \w came down|strong="H3381"\w* \w quickly|strong="H4116"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 17  \w There were a thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w with him, along with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w the servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w of Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w household|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and with him|strong="H0854"\w* \w his fifteen|strong="H6240"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*. \w They hurriedly|strong="H6743"\w* \w crossed|strong="H3383"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Jordan \w within sight|strong="H6440"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 18  \w They crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w at the ford|strong="H5679"\w* \w in order to help the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w household|strong="H1004"\w* \w cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w and to do|strong="H6213"\w* \w whatever|strong="H2896"\w* \w he thought appropriate|strong="H5869"\w*.  
\p \w Now after he had crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w*, \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Gera|strong="H1617"\w* \w threw|strong="H5307"\w* \w himself down before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 19  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w think badly|strong="H2803"\w* \w of me, my lord|strong="H0113"\w*, \w and don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w recall|strong="H2142"\w* \w the sin|strong="H5771"\w* \w of your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w on the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w when|strong="H3318"\w* \w you, my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*\w !|strong="H7760"\w* Please don’t \w call it|strong="H7760"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w mind|strong="H3820"\w*!  
\v 20  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w I, your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w*, \w and I have come|strong="H0935"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w as the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Joseph|strong="H3130"\w* \w to come down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*.”   
\p
\v 21  \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “For|strong="H8478"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w should not|strong="H3808"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w* \w be put to death|strong="H4191"\w*\w ? After all, he cursed|strong="H7043"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w anointed|strong="H4899"\w*!”  
\v 22  \w But David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do we have in common,|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*\w ? You are like my enemy|strong="H7854"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*\w ! Should anyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w be put to death|strong="H4191"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*\w ? Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you realize|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*?”  
\v 23  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*, \w “You won’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*.” \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w vowed an oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 24  \w Now Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w*, \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w*, \w came down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had left|strong="H1980"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w he safely|strong="H7965"\w* \w returned|strong="H0935"\w*, \w Mephibosheth|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w cared for his feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w nor trimmed|strong="H6213"\w* \w his mustache|strong="H8222"\w* \w nor|strong="H3808"\w* \w washed|strong="H3526"\w* \w his clothes|strong="H0899"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w he came|strong="H0935"\w* \w from Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me, Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w*?”  
\v 26  \w He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “My lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w deceived|strong="H7411"\w* \w me! I|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Let me get my donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w saddled|strong="H2280"\w* \w so that I can ride|strong="H7392"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it and go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*,’ \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H5650"\w* \w am lame|strong="H6455"\w*.  
\v 27  \w But my servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w has slandered|strong="H7270"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w But my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w is like an angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w whatever|strong="H2896"\w* \w seems appropriate|strong="H5869"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.  
\v 28  \w After|strong="H3588"\w* \w all, there was|strong="H1961"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one in the entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of my grandfather|strong="H0001"\w* \w who did not deserve|strong="H0376"\w* \w death|strong="H4194"\w* \w from my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w But instead you allowed me|strong="H5650"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w at your own table|strong="H7979"\w*\w !|strong="H4100"\w* \w What|strong="H2896"\w* \w further|strong="H5750"\w* \w claim do I have|strong="H3426"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w ask|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* anything?”   
\p
\v 29  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should you continue|strong="H5750"\w* \w speaking|strong="H1696"\w* \w like this|strong="H1697"\w*\w ? You|strong="H0859"\w* \w and Ziba|strong="H6717"\w* \w will inherit|strong="H2505"\w* \w the field|strong="H7704"\w* \w together|strong="H2199"\w*.”  
\v 30  \w Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Let him have|strong="H1571"\w* \w the whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w thing! My lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w has returned safely|strong="H7965"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his house|strong="H1004"\w*!”   
\p
\v 31  \w Now when Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w the Gileadite|strong="H1569"\w* \w had come down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from Rogelim|strong="H7274"\w*, \w he crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w so he could send|strong="H7971"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w there|strong="H7965"\w*.  
\v 32  \w But Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w was very|strong="H3966"\w* \w old|strong="H2204"\w* \w – eighty|strong="H8084"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* old, \w in|strong="H4428"\w* fact – \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w taken|strong="H3381"\w* care \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w when|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* stayed \w in|strong="H4428"\w* Mahanaim, \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w was|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* very rich man.  
\v 33  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w*, \w “Cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w over with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me, and I|strong="H3557"\w* \w will take care|strong="H3557"\w* \w of you while you are|strong="H0859"\w* \w with me|strong="H5978"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.”   
\p
\v 34  \w Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “How|strong="H4100"\w* \w many days|strong="H3117"\w* \w do I have left to my life|strong="H2416"\w*, \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I should go up|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*?  
\v 35  \w I am presently|strong="H0996"\w* \w eighty|strong="H8084"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old. Am|strong="H0595"\w* \w I able to discern|strong="H3045"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w and bad|strong="H7451"\w*\w ? Can|strong="H0518"\w* \w I|strong="H5650"\w* \w taste|strong="H2938"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w I eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and drink|strong="H8354"\w*\w ? Am I still|strong="H5750"\w* \w able to hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the voices|strong="H7891"\w* \w of male and female singers|strong="H7891"\w*\w ? Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should I|strong="H5650"\w* \w continue|strong="H5750"\w* \w to be a burden|strong="H4853"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*?  
\v 36  \w I|strong="H5650"\w* \w will cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and go a short|strong="H4592"\w* \w distance|strong="H1580"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w reward|strong="H1578"\w* \w me in this|strong="H2063"\w* way?  
\v 37  \w Let me|strong="H5650"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w so that I may|strong="H4994"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w in my own city|strong="H5892"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the grave|strong="H6913"\w* \w of my father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and my mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w But look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w here is your servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Kimham|strong="H3643"\w*. \w Let him cross over|strong="H5674"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w for him whatever|strong="H2896"\w* \w seems appropriate|strong="H5869"\w* \w to|strong="H5650"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w*.”   
\p
\v 38  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Kimham|strong="H3643"\w* \w will cross over|strong="H5674"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me, and I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w for him whatever I deem|strong="H2896"\w* \w appropriate|strong="H5869"\w*. \w And whatever|strong="H0834"\w* \w you choose|strong="H0977"\w*, \w I will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H4191"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.”   
\p
\v 39  \w So all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w*, \w as did the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w After the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had kissed|strong="H5401"\w* \w him and blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w him, Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to his home|strong="H4725"\w*.  
\v 40  \w When the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w over to Gilgal|strong="H1537"\w*, \w Kimham|strong="H3643"\w* \w crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w over with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him. Now all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w along with half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of the soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had helped the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w over|strong="H5674"\w*.   
\p
\v 41  \w Then|strong="H2009"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w began coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w They asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w did our brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w sneak|strong="H1589"\w* \w the king away|strong="H5674"\w* \w and help the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his household|strong="H1004"\w* \w cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w – and not only him but all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w as well|strong="H5973"\w*?”   
\p
\v 42  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w replied|strong="H6030"\w* \w to the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w “Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w is our close relative|strong="H7138"\w*\w ! Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are you so upset|strong="H2734"\w* \w about this|strong="H2088"\w*\w ? Have we eaten|strong="H0398"\w* \w at the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w expense?|strong="H0518"\w* \w Or|strong="H1004"\w* \w have we misappropriated anything|strong="H5375"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* use?”  
\v 43  \w The men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w replied|strong="H6030"\w* \w to the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w “We have ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w shares|strong="H3027"\w* \w in the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w and we have a greater|strong="H1571"\w* \w claim|strong="H0589"\w* \w on David|strong="H1732"\w* \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w you do! Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w do you want|strong="H7043"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* curse \w us? Weren’t|strong="H1697"\w* \w we the|strong="H1697"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w to suggest bringing back|strong="H7725"\w* \w our king|strong="H4428"\w*\w ?” But the comments|strong="H7185"\w* \w of the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w more severe|strong="H1697"\w* \w than those of the|strong="H1697"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\c 20  
\p
\v 1  \w Now a wicked|strong="H1100"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7652"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bicri|strong="H1075"\w*, \w a Benjaminite|strong="H3228"\w*, \w happened|strong="H7122"\w* \w to be there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w He blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w the trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*,  
\q1 “\w We have no|strong="H0369"\w* \w share|strong="H2506"\w* \w in David|strong="H1732"\w*;  
\q1 \w we have no|strong="H3808"\w* \w inheritance|strong="H5159"\w* \w in this son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jesse|strong="H3448"\w*\w !|strong="H0376"\w*  
\q1 \w Every man|strong="H0376"\w* \w go home|strong="H0168"\w*, \w O Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!”   
\p
\v 2  \w So|strong="H5927"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w deserted|strong="H0310"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7652"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bicri|strong="H1075"\w*. \w But the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w stuck|strong="H1692"\w* \w by their king|strong="H4428"\w* \w all the way from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Jordan River|strong="H3383"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w concubines|strong="H6370"\w* \w he had|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H3240"\w* \w to care|strong="H8104"\w* \w for the palace|strong="H1004"\w* \w and placed|strong="H5414"\w* \w them under confinement|strong="H4931"\w*. \w Though he provided|strong="H3557"\w* \w for their needs|strong="H3557"\w*, \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have sexual relations|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w them.|strong="H1961"\w* \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w remained|strong="H1961"\w* \w in confinement|strong="H6887"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the day|strong="H3117"\w* \w they died|strong="H4194"\w*, \w living out the rest of their lives|strong="H2424"\w* \w as widows|strong="H0491"\w*.   
\p
\v 4  \w Then the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w*, \w “Call|strong="H2199"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w together for|strong="H2199"\w* \w me in three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*, \w and you|strong="H0859"\w* \w be present|strong="H5975"\w* \w here|strong="H6311"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* too.”  
\v 5  \w So Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w went out|strong="H1980"\w* \w to call|strong="H2199"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w together. But in doing so he took longer|strong="H0309"\w* \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w the time|strong="H4150"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the king had allotted|strong="H3259"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w*, \w “Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7652"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bicri|strong="H1075"\w* \w will cause greater disaster|strong="H3415"\w* \w for us than|strong="H4480"\w* \w Absalom|strong="H0053"\w* \w did! Take|strong="H3947"\w* \w your|strong="H0859"\w* \w lord’s|strong="H0113"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and pursue|strong="H7291"\w* \w him. Otherwise|strong="H6435"\w* \w he will secure|strong="H4672"\w* \w fortified|strong="H1219"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w for himself and get away|strong="H5337"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*.”  
\v 7  \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*, \w accompanied|strong="H0310"\w* \w by the Kerethites|strong="H3774"\w*, \w the Pelethites|strong="H6432"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the warriors|strong="H1368"\w*, \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to pursue|strong="H7291"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7652"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bicri|strong="H1075"\w*.   
\p
\v 8  \w When they|strong="H1992"\w* \w were near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the big|strong="H1419"\w* \w rock|strong="H0068"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is in Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w*, \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to them|strong="H6440"\w*. \w Now Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w was dressed|strong="H2296"\w* \w in military|strong="H4055"\w* \w attire|strong="H3830"\w* \w and had a dagger|strong="H2719"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w its sheath|strong="H8593"\w* \w belted|strong="H6775"\w* \w to his waist|strong="H4975"\w*. \w When he|strong="H1931"\w* \w advanced, it fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to Amasa|strong="H6021"\w*, \w “How|strong="H7965"\w* \w are you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w my brother|strong="H0251"\w*\w ?” With his right hand|strong="H3225"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w took hold|strong="H0270"\w* \w of Amasa’s|strong="H6021"\w* \w beard|strong="H2206"\w* \w as if to greet him with a kiss|strong="H5401"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w protect|strong="H8104"\w* \w himself from the knife|strong="H2719"\w* \w in Joab’s other hand|strong="H3027"\w*, \w and Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w stabbed|strong="H5221"\w* \w him in the abdomen|strong="H2570"\w*, \w causing Amasa’s|strong="H4578"\w* \w intestines|strong="H4578"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w spill out|strong="H8210"\w* \w on the ground|strong="H0776"\w*. \w There was no|strong="H3808"\w* \w need to stab him again|strong="H8138"\w*; \w the first blow was fatal|strong="H4191"\w*. \w Then Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and his brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w pursued|strong="H7291"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7652"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bicri|strong="H1075"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w One|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5288"\w* \w who stood|strong="H5976"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Amasa said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Whoever|strong="H4310"\w* \w is for|strong="H3097"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and whoever is|strong="H0834"\w* \w for David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*!”  
\v 12  \w Amasa|strong="H6021"\w* \w was squirming|strong="H1556"\w* \w in his own blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w in the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of the path|strong="H4546"\w*, \w and this man|strong="H0376"\w* \w had noticed|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5975"\w*. \w Having noticed|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who came|strong="H0935"\w* \w across|strong="H5921"\w* \w Amasa|strong="H5975"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5975"\w*, \w the man|strong="H5437"\w* \w pulled|strong="H5437"\w* \w him|strong="H6021"\w* \w away from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the path|strong="H4546"\w* \w and into the field|strong="H7704"\w* \w and threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w a garment|strong="H0899"\w* \w over him|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Once he had removed|strong="H5674"\w* \w Amasa|strong="H3014"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the path|strong="H4546"\w*, \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w to pursue|strong="H7291"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7652"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bicri|strong="H1075"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w Sheba|strong="H5674"\w* \w traveled|strong="H5674"\w* \w through all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to Abel|strong="H0059"\w* \w of|strong="H1038"\w* Beth Maacah \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the Berite|strong="H1276"\w* \w region. When they had assembled|strong="H7035"\w*, \w they too|strong="H0637"\w* \w joined|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0310"\w*.  
\v 15  \w So Joab’s men|strong="H0935"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w and laid siege against|strong="H6696"\w* \w him in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Abel|strong="H0059"\w* \w of Beth Maacah|strong="H1038"\w*. \w They prepared|strong="H8210"\w* \w a siege ramp|strong="H5550"\w* \w outside|strong="H0413"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w* \w which stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w against its outer rampart|strong="H2426"\w*. \w As all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of Joab’s|strong="H3097"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w were trying to break through|strong="H7843"\w* \w the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w so that it would collapse|strong="H5307"\w*,  
\v 16  \w a wise|strong="H2450"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w out from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w “Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w up|strong="H5704"\w*\w ! Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w up|strong="H2008"\w*\w ! Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w ‘Come|strong="H7126"\w* \w near|strong="H2008"\w* \w so that I may speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H5704"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 17  \w When he approached|strong="H7126"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*, \w the woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*\w ?” He replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I am|strong="H0589"\w*.” \w She said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of your servant|strong="H0519"\w*.” \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Go ahead. I’m|strong="H0595"\w* \w listening|strong="H8085"\w*.”  
\v 18  \w She said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “In the past|strong="H7223"\w* \w they would|strong="H1696"\w* \w always say|strong="H0559"\w*, \w ‘Let them inquire|strong="H7592"\w* \w in Abel|strong="H0059"\w*,’ \w and that|strong="H3651"\w* \w is|strong="H3651"\w* \w how|strong="H3651"\w* \w they|strong="H3651"\w* settled \w things|strong="H7223"\w*.  
\v 19  \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w represent the peaceful|strong="H7999"\w* \w and the faithful|strong="H0539"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are attempting|strong="H1245"\w* \w to destroy|strong="H4191"\w* \w an important|strong="H0517"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should you swallow up|strong="H1104"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w inheritance|strong="H5159"\w*?”   
\p
\v 20  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w answered|strong="H6030"\w*, \w “Get serious|strong="H2486"\w*\w !|strong="H0518"\w* \w I|strong="H0518"\w* don’t \w want to swallow up|strong="H1104"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w destroy|strong="H7843"\w* anything!  
\v 21  \w That’s|strong="H3651"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w the way|strong="H3651"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w are. There is a man|strong="H0376"\w* \w from the hill country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Sheba|strong="H7652"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bicri|strong="H1075"\w*. \w He has rebelled|strong="H4428"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*. \w Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me just this one man, and I will leave|strong="H1980"\w* \w the city|strong="H5892"\w*.” \w The woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w “This|strong="H2009"\w* \w very minute|strong="H1157"\w* \w his head|strong="H7218"\w* \w will be thrown|strong="H7993"\w* \w over the wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!”   
\p
\v 22  \w Then the woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w with her wise advice|strong="H2451"\w* \w and they cut off|strong="H3772"\w* \w Sheba’s|strong="H7652"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w and threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w it out|strong="H7993"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*. \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpet|strong="H7782"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w dispersed|strong="H6327"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w going|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* \w home|strong="H0168"\w*. \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w Now Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w was the general|strong="H3746"\w* \w in command|strong="H3746"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the army|strong="H6635"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoida|strong="H3077"\w* \w was over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the Kerethites|strong="H3746"\w* \w and the Perethites|strong="H6432"\w*.  
\v 24  \w Adoniram|strong="H0151"\w* \w was supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the work crews|strong="H4522"\w*. \w Jehoshaphat|strong="H3092"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahilud|strong="H0286"\w* \w was the secretary|strong="H2142"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Sheva|strong="H7724"\w* \w was the scribe|strong="H5608"\w*, \w and Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w and Abiathar|strong="H0054"\w* \w were the priests|strong="H3548"\w*.  
\v 26  \w Ira|strong="H5896"\w* \w the Jairite|strong="H2972"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w personal priest|strong="H3548"\w*.   
\c 21  
\p
\v 1  \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w reign there was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a famine|strong="H7458"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w consecutive years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w inquired|strong="H1245"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w .|strong="H3068"\w* \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “It is because of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and his bloodstained|strong="H1818"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w because he murdered|strong="H4191"\w* \w the Gibeonites|strong="H1393"\w*.”   
\p
\v 2  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w the Gibeonites|strong="H1393"\w* \w and spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w with them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w (Now the Gibeonites|strong="H1393"\w* \w were not|strong="H3808"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*; \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w were a remnant of|strong="H3499"\w* \w the Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*. \w The Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w made a promise|strong="H7650"\w* \w to|strong="H1992"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w but|strong="H1245"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w tried|strong="H1245"\w* \w to kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w them because of his zeal|strong="H7065"\w* \w for the people of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.)  
\v 3  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the Gibeonites|strong="H1393"\w*, \w “What|strong="H4100"\w* \w can I do|strong="H6213"\w* \w for you, and how|strong="H4100"\w* \w can I make amends|strong="H3722"\w* \w so that you will bless|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w inheritance|strong="H5159"\w*?”   
\p
\v 4  \w The Gibeonites|strong="H1393"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to him, “We|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w claim to silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w or gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w from Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w or from his family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w nor would we be justified|strong="H0369"\w* \w in putting to death|strong="H4191"\w* \w anyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.” \w David asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w then are you|strong="H0859"\w* \w asking me to do|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*?”  
\v 5  \w They replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “As|strong="H0834"\w* \w for this man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w exterminated|strong="H3615"\w* \w us and who|strong="H0834"\w* \w schemed|strong="H1819"\w* \w against|strong="H3320"\w* \w us so that we were destroyed|strong="H8045"\w* \w and left without status|strong="H3320"\w* \w throughout all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the borders|strong="H1366"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* –  
\v 6  \w let seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w of his male|strong="H0376"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w be turned over|strong="H5414"\w* \w to us, and we will execute|strong="H3363"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* before \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w chosen one|strong="H0972"\w*.” \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will turn|strong="H5414"\w* \w them over|strong="H5414"\w*.”   
\p
\v 7  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had mercy|strong="H2550"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* light \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w oath|strong="H7621"\w* \w that had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been taken between|strong="H0996"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w*.  
\v 8  \w So the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w Armoni|strong="H0764"\w* \w and Mephibosheth|strong="H4648"\w*, \w the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Aiah’s|strong="H0345"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Rizpah|strong="H7532"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w she had born|strong="H3205"\w* \w to Saul|strong="H7586"\w*, \w and the five|strong="H2568"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Merab|strong="H4324"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w she had born|strong="H3205"\w* \w to Adriel|strong="H5741"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w the Meholathite|strong="H4259"\w*.  
\v 9  \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w turned them over|strong="H3027"\w* \w to the Gibeonites|strong="H1393"\w*, \w and they executed|strong="H3363"\w* \w them on a hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w . The seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w of them|strong="H5307"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w together|strong="H3162"\w*; \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w were put to death|strong="H4191"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w harvest|strong="H7105"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* – \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w beginning|strong="H8462"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w barley|strong="H8184"\w* \w harvest|strong="H7105"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w Rizpah|strong="H7532"\w* \w the daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Aiah|strong="H0345"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w sackcloth|strong="H8242"\w* \w and spread|strong="H5186"\w* \w it out|strong="H5186"\w* \w for herself on|strong="H0413"\w* \w a rock|strong="H6697"\w*. \w From the beginning|strong="H8462"\w* \w of the harvest|strong="H7105"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the rain|strong="H4325"\w* \w fell|strong="H5413"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them,|strong="H3808"\w* \w she|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w the birds|strong="H5775"\w* \w of the air|strong="H8064"\w* \w to feed|strong="H5117"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w them by day|strong="H3119"\w*, \w nor the wild|strong="H7704"\w* \w animals|strong="H2416"\w* \w by night|strong="H3915"\w*.  
\v 11  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was told|strong="H5046"\w* \w what Rizpah|strong="H7532"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Aiah|strong="H0345"\w*, \w Saul’s|strong="H7586"\w* \w concubine|strong="H6370"\w*, \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*,  
\v 12  \w he|strong="H1732"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w and took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and of his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w from the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w (They had secretly taken|strong="H1589"\w* \w them from the|strong="H0853"\w* \w plaza|strong="H7339"\w* \w at Beth Shan|strong="H1052"\w*. \w It was there|strong="H8033"\w* \w that Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w publicly exposed|strong="H8518"\w* \w their corpses|strong="H8518"\w* \w after|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H6430"\w* \w had killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w at Gilboa|strong="H1533"\w*.)  
\v 13  \w David|strong="H5927"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w the bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and of Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w from there|strong="H8033"\w*; \w they also gathered up|strong="H0622"\w* \w the bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w of those who had been executed|strong="H3363"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \w They buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bones|strong="H6106"\w* \w of Saul|strong="H7586"\w* \w and his son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w* \w in the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w at Zela|strong="H6762"\w* \w in the grave|strong="H6913"\w* \w of his father|strong="H0001"\w* \w Kish|strong="H7027"\w*. \w After they had done|strong="H6213"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had commanded|strong="H6680"\w*, \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w responded to their prayers|strong="H6279"\w* \w for the land|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\s1 Israel Engages \w in|strong="H0430"\w* Various Battles \w with|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Philistines  
\p
\v 15  \w Another|strong="H5750"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w was fought between the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w went down|strong="H3381"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w his soldiers|strong="H5650"\w* \w and fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w became exhausted|strong="H5774"\w*.  
\v 16  \w Now Ishbi-Benob|strong="H3430"\w*, \w one of the descendants|strong="H3211"\w* \w of Rapha|strong="H7497"\w*, \w had a spear|strong="H7013"\w* \w that weighed|strong="H4948"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w* \w shekels|strong="H4948"\w*, \w and he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was armed|strong="H2296"\w* \w with a new|strong="H2319"\w* \w weapon.|strong="H0559"\w* \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w that he would kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 17  \w But Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w* \w came to David’s aid, striking|strong="H5221"\w* \w the Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w down and killing him|strong="H4191"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0227"\w* \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w took an oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “You will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w us again|strong="H5750"\w*\w ! You must not|strong="H3808"\w* \w extinguish|strong="H3518"\w* \w the lamp|strong="H5216"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*!”   
\p
\v 18  \w Later|strong="H0310"\w* \w there was|strong="H1961"\w* \w another|strong="H5750"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w this time|strong="H0227"\w* \w in Gob|strong="H1359"\w*. \w On that occasion|strong="H5221"\w* \w Sibbekai|strong="H5444"\w* \w the Hushathite|strong="H2843"\w* \w killed Saph|strong="H5593"\w*, \w who was one of the descendants|strong="H3211"\w* \w of Rapha|strong="H7497"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Yet another|strong="H5750"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w occurred|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w in Gob|strong="H1359"\w*. \w On that occasion Elhanan|strong="H0445"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jair|strong="H3296"\w* \w the Bethlehemite|strong="H1022"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w the brother of Goliath|strong="H1555"\w* \w the Gittite|strong="H1663"\w*, \w the shaft|strong="H6086"\w* \w of whose spear|strong="H2595"\w* \w was like a weaver’s|strong="H0707"\w* \w beam|strong="H4500"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Yet another|strong="H5750"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w occurred in Gath|strong="H1661"\w*. \w On that occasion|strong="H4067"\w* \w there was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a large man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who had six|strong="H8337"\w* \w fingers|strong="H0676"\w* \w on each hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w and six|strong="H8337"\w* \w toes|strong="H0676"\w* \w on each foot|strong="H7272"\w*, \w twenty-four|strong="H0702"\w* \w in all! He too|strong="H1571"\w* \w was a descendant|strong="H3205"\w* \w of Rapha|strong="H7497"\w*.  
\v 21  \w When he taunted|strong="H2778"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Shimeah|strong="H8096"\w*, \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w*.  
\v 22  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w four|strong="H0702"\w* \w were the descendants of Rapha|strong="H7497"\w* \w who lived in Gath|strong="H1661"\w*; \w they were killed|strong="H5307"\w* \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and his soldiers|strong="H5650"\w*.   
\c 22  
\p
\v 1  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w sang|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of this|strong="H2063"\w* \w song|strong="H7892"\w* \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w rescued|strong="H5337"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w from the power|strong="H3709"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his enemies|strong="H0341"\w*, \w including|strong="H3709"\w* \w Saul|strong="H7586"\w*.  
\v 2  \w He said|strong="H0559"\w*\w :|strong="H3068"\w*  
\q1 “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is my high ridge|strong="H5553"\w*, \w my stronghold|strong="H4686"\w*, \w my deliverer|strong="H6403"\w*.   
\q1
\v 3  \w My God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is my rocky|strong="H6697"\w* \w summit where I take shelter|strong="H2620"\w*,  
\q1 \w my shield|strong="H4043"\w*, \w the horn|strong="H7161"\w* \w that saves|strong="H3468"\w* \w me,|strong="H4869"\w* \w my|strong="H3467"\w* \w stronghold|strong="H4869"\w*,  
\q1 \w my refuge|strong="H4498"\w*, \w my savior|strong="H3467"\w*. \w You save|strong="H3467"\w* \w me from violence|strong="H2555"\w*!   
\q1
\v 4  \w I called|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , who is worthy of praise|strong="H1984"\w*,  
\q1 \w and I was delivered|strong="H3467"\w* \w from my enemies|strong="H0341"\w*.   
\q1
\v 5  \w The waves|strong="H4867"\w* \w of death|strong="H4194"\w* \w engulfed|strong="H0661"\w* \w me;|strong="H5158"\w*  
\q1 \w the currents|strong="H5158"\w* \w of chaos|strong="H1100"\w* \w overwhelmed|strong="H1204"\w* \w me|strong="H0661"\w*.   
\q1
\v 6  \w The ropes|strong="H2256"\w* \w of Sheol|strong="H7585"\w* \w tightened|strong="H6923"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w me;|strong="H4170"\w*  
\q1 \w the snares|strong="H4170"\w* \w of death|strong="H4194"\w* trapped \w me|strong="H5437"\w*.   
\q1
\v 7  \w In my distress|strong="H6862"\w* \w I called|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ;|strong="H7121"\w*  
\q1 \w I called|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\q1 \w From his heavenly temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w he heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w my voice|strong="H6963"\w*;  
\q1 \w he listened to my cry for help|strong="H7775"\w*.   
\q1
\v 8  \w The earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w heaved|strong="H1607"\w* \w and shook|strong="H7493"\w*;  
\q1 \w the foundations|strong="H4146"\w* \w of the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w trembled|strong="H7264"\w*.  
\q1 \w They heaved|strong="H1607"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was angry|strong="H2734"\w*.   
\q1
\v 9  \w Smoke|strong="H6227"\w* \w ascended|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H0639"\w* \w his|strong="H4480"\w* \w nose|strong="H0639"\w*;  
\q1 \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w devoured|strong="H0398"\w* \w as it came from|strong="H4480"\w* \w his mouth|strong="H6310"\w*;  
\q1 \w he hurled down fiery coals|strong="H1513"\w*.   
\q1
\v 10  \w He made|strong="H5186"\w* \w the sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w sink|strong="H5186"\w* \w as he descended|strong="H3381"\w*;  
\q1 \w a thick cloud|strong="H6205"\w* \w was under|strong="H8478"\w* \w his feet|strong="H7272"\w*.   
\q1
\v 11  \w He mounted|strong="H7392"\w* \w a winged|strong="H3742"\w* \w angel|strong="H5774"\w* \w and|strong="H7200"\w* \w flew|strong="H5774"\w*;  
\q1 \w he glided|strong="H7200"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the wings|strong="H3671"\w* \w of the wind|strong="H7307"\w*.   
\q1
\v 12  \w He shrouded|strong="H7896"\w* \w himself in darkness|strong="H2822"\w*,  
\q1 \w in thick|strong="H2841"\w* \w rain|strong="H4325"\w* \w clouds|strong="H5645"\w*.   
\q1
\v 13  \w From the brightness|strong="H5051"\w* \w in front|strong="H5048"\w* \w of him|strong="H1513"\w*  
\q1 \w came coals|strong="H1513"\w* \w of fire|strong="H0784"\w*.   
\q1
\v 14  \w The \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w thundered|strong="H7481"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the sky|strong="H8064"\w*;  
\q1 \w the sovereign One|strong="H5945"\w* \w shouted|strong="H5414"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w*.   
\q1
\v 15  \w He shot|strong="H7971"\w* \w arrows|strong="H2671"\w* \w and scattered|strong="H6327"\w* \w them,|strong="H1300"\w*  
\q1 \w lightning|strong="H1300"\w* \w and routed|strong="H2000"\w* \w them|strong="H7971"\w*.   
\q1
\v 16  \w The depths|strong="H0650"\w* \w of the sea|strong="H3220"\w* \w were exposed|strong="H1540"\w*;  
\q1 \w the inner regions|strong="H4146"\w* \w of the world|strong="H8398"\w* \w were uncovered|strong="H1606"\w*  
\q1 \w by|strong="H1606"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w battle cry,|strong="H1606"\w*  
\q1 \w by|strong="H1606"\w* \w the powerful breath|strong="H5397"\w* \w from his nose|strong="H0639"\w*.   
\q1
\v 17  \w He reached|strong="H7971"\w* \w down from above|strong="H4791"\w* \w and grabbed|strong="H3947"\w* \w me;|strong="H4871"\w*  
\q1 \w he pulled|strong="H4871"\w* \w me from the surging|strong="H7227"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*.   
\q1
\v 18  \w He rescued me from my strong|strong="H5794"\w* \w enemy|strong="H0341"\w*,  
\q1 \w from those who hate|strong="H8130"\w* \w me,|strong="H3588"\w*  
\q1 \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they were too|strong="H4480"\w* \w strong|strong="H0553"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me|strong="H8130"\w*.   
\q1
\v 19  \w They confronted|strong="H6923"\w* \w me in my day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of calamity|strong="H0343"\w*,  
\q1 \w but|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w helped|strong="H4937"\w* \w me|strong="H1961"\w*.   
\q1
\v 20  \w He brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w me out|strong="H3318"\w* \w into a wide open place|strong="H4800"\w*;  
\q1 \w he delivered|strong="H2502"\w* \w me because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was pleased|strong="H2654"\w* \w with|strong="H3318"\w* \w me|strong="H3318"\w*.   
\q1
\v 21  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w repaid|strong="H1580"\w* \w me for my godly deeds|strong="H6666"\w*;  
\q1 \w he rewarded|strong="H7725"\w* \w my blameless|strong="H1252"\w* \w behavior|strong="H3027"\w*.   
\q1
\v 22  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w I have obeyed|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w commands|strong="H1870"\w*;  
\q1 \w I have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H7561"\w* \w against my God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\q1
\v 23  \w For|strong="H3588"\w* \w I am aware|strong="H5048"\w* \w of all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his regulations|strong="H4941"\w*,  
\q1 \w and I do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w reject|strong="H5493"\w* \w his rules|strong="H2708"\w*.   
\q1
\v 24  \w I was|strong="H1961"\w* \w blameless|strong="H8549"\w* \w before him;|strong="H8104"\w*  
\q1 \w I kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w myself from sinning|strong="H5771"\w*.   
\q1
\v 25  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w rewarded|strong="H7725"\w* \w me for my godly deeds|strong="H6666"\w*;  
\q1 \w he took notice of my blameless|strong="H1252"\w* \w behavior|strong="H5869"\w*.   
\q1
\v 26  \w You|strong="H5973"\w* \w prove to be loyal|strong="H2616"\w* \w to one who is faithful|strong="H2623"\w*;  
\q1 \w you prove to be trustworthy|strong="H8552"\w* \w to one|strong="H1368"\w* \w who is innocent|strong="H8549"\w*.   
\q1
\v 27  \w You prove|strong="H1305"\w* \w to be|strong="H1305"\w* \w reliable|strong="H6617"\w* \w to|strong="H5973"\w* \w one who is blameless,|strong="H6617"\w*  
\q1 \w but|strong="H6617"\w* \w you prove to be deceptive|strong="H6617"\w* \w to one who is perverse|strong="H6141"\w*.   
\q1
\v 28  \w You deliver|strong="H3467"\w* \w oppressed|strong="H6041"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*,  
\q1 \w but you watch|strong="H5869"\w* \w the proud|strong="H8213"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w bring|strong="H8213"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w down|strong="H8213"\w*.   
\q1
\v 29  \w Indeed|strong="H3588"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are my lamp|strong="H5216"\w*, \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w .|strong="H3068"\w*  
\q1 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w illumines|strong="H5050"\w* \w the darkness|strong="H2822"\w* around \w me|strong="H0859"\w*.   
\q1
\v 30  \w Indeed,|strong="H3588"\w* \w with|strong="H0430"\w* \w your help|strong="H1416"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* can \w charge|strong="H7323"\w* against \w an|strong="H3588"\w* army;  
\q1 \w by|strong="H1416"\w* \w my God’s power|strong="H0430"\w* \w I can jump over a|strong="H1801"\w* \w wall|strong="H7791"\w*.   
\q1
\v 31  \w The one true God|strong="H0410"\w* \w acts in a faithful manner|strong="H1870"\w*;  
\q1 \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w promise|strong="H0565"\w* \w is reliable|strong="H6884"\w*;  
\q1 \w he is|strong="H1931"\w* \w a shield|strong="H4043"\w* \w to all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who take shelter|strong="H2620"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*.   
\q1
\v 32  \w Indeed|strong="H3588"\w*, \w who|strong="H4310"\w* \w is God|strong="H0410"\w* \w besides|strong="H1107"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ?|strong="H4310"\w*  
\q1 \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w is a protector|strong="H6697"\w* \w besides|strong="H1107"\w* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w*?   
\q1
\v 33  \w The one true God|strong="H0410"\w* \w is my mighty refuge|strong="H4581"\w*;  
\q1 \w he removes|strong="H5425"\w* \w the obstacles|strong="H8549"\w* \w in my way|strong="H1870"\w*.   
\q1
\v 34  \w He gives me the agility|strong="H7737"\w* \w of a deer|strong="H0355"\w*;  
\q1 \w he enables me to negotiate|strong="H7272"\w* \w the rugged terrain|strong="H1116"\w*.   
\q1
\v 35  \w He trains|strong="H3925"\w* \w my hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w for battle|strong="H4421"\w*;  
\q1 \w my arms can bend|strong="H5181"\w* \w even the strongest|strong="H5154"\w* \w bow|strong="H7198"\w*.   
\q1
\v 36  \w You give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H3468"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* protective \w shield|strong="H4043"\w*;  
\q1 \w your willingness|strong="H6031"\w* \w to help enables me|strong="H7235"\w* \w to prevail|strong="H3468"\w*.   
\q1
\v 37  \w You widen|strong="H7337"\w* \w my path|strong="H6806"\w*;  
\q1 \w my feet|strong="H7166"\w* \w do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w slip|strong="H4571"\w*.   
\q1
\v 38  \w I chase|strong="H7291"\w* \w my enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w and destroy|strong="H8045"\w* \w them;|strong="H3808"\w*  
\q1 \w I do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w turn back|strong="H7725"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I wipe|strong="H3615"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w out|strong="H5704"\w*.   
\q1
\v 39  \w I wipe|strong="H0398"\w* \w them out|strong="H0398"\w* \w and beat|strong="H4272"\w* \w them to death;|strong="H3808"\w*  
\q1 \w they cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w get up|strong="H6965"\w*;  
\q1 \w they fall|strong="H5307"\w* \w at my feet|strong="H7272"\w*.   
\q1
\v 40  \w You give|strong="H0247"\w* \w me strength|strong="H2428"\w* \w for battle|strong="H4421"\w*;  
\q1 \w you make my foes kneel|strong="H3766"\w* \w before|strong="H8478"\w* \w me|strong="H3766"\w*.   
\q1
\v 41  \w You make|strong="H5414"\w* \w my enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w retreat|strong="H6203"\w*;  
\q1 \w I destroy|strong="H6789"\w* \w those who hate|strong="H8130"\w* \w me|strong="H6789"\w*.   
\q1
\v 42  \w They cry|strong="H8159"\w* \w out,|strong="H0369"\w* \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one to help|strong="H3467"\w* \w them;|strong="H0413"\w*  
\q1 \w they cry out to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w ,|strong="H3808"\w* \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w does|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w answer|strong="H6030"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.   
\q1
\v 43  \w I grind|strong="H7833"\w* \w them as fine as the dust|strong="H6083"\w* \w of the ground|strong="H0776"\w*;  
\q1 \w I crush|strong="H1854"\w* \w them and stomp on|strong="H7554"\w* \w them like clay|strong="H2916"\w* \w in the streets|strong="H2351"\w*.   
\q1
\v 44  \w You rescue|strong="H6403"\w* \w me from a hostile|strong="H7379"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w*;  
\q1 \w you preserve|strong="H8104"\w* \w me as a|strong="H7379"\w* \w leader|strong="H7218"\w* \w of nations|strong="H1471"\w*;  
\q1 \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w over whom I had no|strong="H3808"\w* \w authority are now my subjects|strong="H5647"\w*.   
\q1
\v 45  \w Foreigners|strong="H5236"\w* \w are powerless|strong="H3584"\w* \w before me;|strong="H8085"\w*  
\q1 \w when they hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w of my exploits, they submit|strong="H8085"\w* \w to me|strong="H8085"\w*.   
\q1
\v 46  \w Foreigners|strong="H5236"\w* \w lose their courage|strong="H5034"\w*;  
\q1 \w they shake with fear|strong="H4526"\w* \w as|strong="H1121"\w* they leave their \w strongholds|strong="H4526"\w*.   
\q1
\v 47  \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w is alive|strong="H2416"\w*\w !|strong="H6697"\w*  
\q1 \w My protector|strong="H6697"\w* \w is praiseworthy|strong="H1288"\w*\w !|strong="H0430"\w*  
\q1 \w The God|strong="H0430"\w* \w who delivers|strong="H3468"\w* \w me|strong="H7311"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w exalted|strong="H7311"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* king!   
\q1
\v 48  \w The one true God|strong="H0410"\w* \w completely vindicates|strong="H5360"\w* \w me;|strong="H5971"\w*  
\q1 \w he makes nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w submit|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H8478"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w*.   
\q1
\v 49  \w He delivers|strong="H3318"\w* \w me from my enemies|strong="H0341"\w*;  
\q1 \w you snatch|strong="H7311"\w* \w me away|strong="H5337"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w those|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w attack|strong="H6965"\w* \w me|strong="H7311"\w*;  
\q1 \w you rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w me from violent|strong="H2555"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*.   
\q1
\v 50  \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w I will give you thanks|strong="H3034"\w*, \w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , before the nations|strong="H1471"\w*\w !|strong="H2167"\w*  
\q1 \w I will sing praises|strong="H2167"\w* \w to you|strong="H8034"\w*.   
\q1
\v 51  \w He gives|strong="H3444"\w* \w his chosen king|strong="H4428"\w* \w magnificent|strong="H1431"\w* \w victories|strong="H3444"\w*;  
\q1 \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w is faithful|strong="H2617"\w* \w to his chosen ruler|strong="H4899"\w*,  
\q1 \w to David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and to his descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*!”   
\c 23  
\p
\v 1  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are the final|strong="H0314"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*\w :|strong="H5002"\w*  
\q1 \w “The oracle|strong="H5002"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jesse|strong="H3448"\w*,  
\q1 \w the oracle|strong="H5002"\w* \w of the man|strong="H1397"\w* \w raised up|strong="H6965"\w* \w as|strong="H5920"\w*  
\q1 \w the ruler|strong="H5920"\w* \w chosen|strong="H4899"\w* \w by the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Jacob|strong="H3290"\w*,  
\q1 \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* \w beloved|strong="H5273"\w* \w singer of songs|strong="H2158"\w*:   
\q1
\v 2  \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w through me;|strong="H4405"\w*  
\q1 \w his word|strong="H4405"\w* \w was on|strong="H5921"\w* \w my tongue|strong="H3956"\w*.   
\q1
\v 3  \w The God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w*,  
\q1 \w the protector|strong="H6697"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to me.|strong="H4910"\w*  
\q1 \w The one who rules|strong="H4910"\w* \w fairly|strong="H6662"\w* \w among men|strong="H0120"\w*,  
\q1 \w the one who rules|strong="H4910"\w* \w in the fear|strong="H3374"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*,   
\q1
\v 4  \w is like the light|strong="H0216"\w* \w of morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w when the sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w comes up|strong="H2224"\w*,  
\q1 \w a morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w in which there are no|strong="H3808"\w* \w clouds|strong="H5645"\w*.  
\q1 \w He is like the brightness|strong="H5051"\w* \w after rain|strong="H4306"\w*  
\q1 \w that produces grass|strong="H1877"\w* \w from the earth|strong="H0776"\w*.   
\q1
\v 5  \w My dynasty|strong="H1004"\w* \w is|strong="H3651"\w* \w approved|strong="H5973"\w* \w by God|strong="H0410"\w*,  
\q1 \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he has made|strong="H7760"\w* \w a perpetual|strong="H5769"\w* \w covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w with me,|strong="H6186"\w*  
\q1 \w arranged|strong="H6186"\w* \w in all|strong="H3605"\w* \w its particulars|strong="H8104"\w* \w and secured.|strong="H3605"\w*  
\q1 \w He always|strong="H3605"\w* \w delivers|strong="H3468"\w* \w me,|strong="H3605"\w*  
\q1 \w and brings all|strong="H3605"\w* \w I desire|strong="H2656"\w* \w to fruition|strong="H6779"\w*.   
\q1
\v 6  \w But evil|strong="H1100"\w* \w people are like thorns|strong="H6975"\w* \w –|strong="H3605"\w*  
\q1 \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of them are tossed away|strong="H5074"\w*,  
\q1 \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w they cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w be held|strong="H3947"\w* \w in the hand|strong="H3027"\w*.   
\q1
\v 7  \w The one|strong="H0376"\w* \w who touches|strong="H5060"\w* \w them|strong="H1270"\w*  
\q1 \w must use an iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w instrument|strong="H4390"\w*  
\q1 \w or the wooden shaft|strong="H6086"\w* \w of a spear|strong="H2595"\w*.  
\q1 \w They are completely burned up|strong="H8313"\w* \w right where|strong="H8313"\w* \w they lie|strong="H7675"\w*!”   
\s1 David’s \w Warriors|strong="H0376"\w*  
\p
\v 8  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are the names|strong="H8034"\w* \w of David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w*:  
\p \w Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite|strong="H8461"\w*, \w was head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the officers|strong="H7991"\w*. \w He killed|strong="H2491"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w men with his spear|strong="H6112"\w* \w in one|strong="H0259"\w* battle.  
\v 9  \w Next in command|strong="H0310"\w* \w was Eleazar|strong="H0499"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Dodo|strong="H1734"\w*, \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahohi|strong="H0266"\w*. \w He was one of the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w who were with|strong="H5973"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w when they defied|strong="H2778"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w who were assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w for battle|strong="H4421"\w*. \w When the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w retreated|strong="H5927"\w*,  
\v 10  \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w his ground|strong="H5221"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* fought \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w his hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w grew so tired|strong="H3021"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H1692"\w* seemed \w stuck|strong="H1692"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his sword|strong="H2719"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w gave a great|strong="H1419"\w* \w victory|strong="H8668"\w* \w on that day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w When the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to him|strong="H0310"\w*, \w the only|strong="H0389"\w* \w thing left to do was to plunder|strong="H0310"\w* \w the corpses|strong="H6584"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w Next in command|strong="H0310"\w* \w was Shammah|strong="H8037"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Agee|strong="H0089"\w* \w the Hararite|strong="H2043"\w*. \w When the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w at Lehi,|strong="H8033"\w* \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w* \w to be an area|strong="H2513"\w* \w of a field|strong="H7704"\w* \w that was full|strong="H4395"\w* \w of lentils|strong="H5742"\w*, \w the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w retreated|strong="H5127"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*.  
\v 12  \w But he made a stand|strong="H3320"\w* \w in the middle|strong="H8432"\w* \w of that area|strong="H2513"\w*. \w He defended|strong="H5337"\w* \w it and defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*; \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w gave them|strong="H5337"\w* \w a great|strong="H1419"\w* \w victory|strong="H8668"\w*.   
\p
\v 13  \w At the time of|strong="H7105"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w harvest|strong="H7105"\w* \w three|strong="H7970"\w* \w of the thirty|strong="H7970"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w went down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the cave|strong="H4631"\w* \w of Adullam|strong="H5725"\w*. \w A band|strong="H2416"\w* \w of Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w was camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w in the valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w of Rephaim|strong="H7497"\w*.  
\v 14  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was in the stronghold|strong="H4686"\w* \w at the time|strong="H0227"\w*, \w while a Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w garrison|strong="H4673"\w* \w was in Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*.  
\v 15  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w was thirsty|strong="H0183"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “How I wish|strong="H4310"\w* \w someone would|strong="H4310"\w* \w give me some water|strong="H4325"\w* \w to drink|strong="H8248"\w* \w from the cistern|strong="H0877"\w* \w in Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w near the gate|strong="H8179"\w*!”  
\v 16  \w So the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w elite warriors|strong="H1368"\w* \w broke through|strong="H1234"\w* \w the Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w forces and drew|strong="H7579"\w* \w some water|strong="H4325"\w* \w from the cistern|strong="H0877"\w* \w in Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w near the gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w They carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w it back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w but he refused|strong="H0014"\w* \w to drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w it. He poured|strong="H5258"\w* \w it out|strong="H5258"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H5375"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w offering|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*  
\v 17  \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w O|strong="H3068"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , I will not|strong="H2486"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*\w !|strong="H1818"\w* \w It|strong="H6213"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* equivalent \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w blood|strong="H1818"\w* \w of the men|strong="H0582"\w* \w who risked their lives|strong="H5315"\w* \w by going|strong="H1980"\w*.” \w So he refused|strong="H0014"\w* \w to drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w it. Such|strong="H0428"\w* \w were the exploits|strong="H6213"\w* \w of the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w elite warriors|strong="H1368"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w Abishai|strong="H0052"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*, \w the brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of the three|strong="H7992"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w killed|strong="H2491"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w men with his spear|strong="H2595"\w* \w and gained|strong="H5782"\w* \w fame|strong="H8034"\w* \w among the three|strong="H7969"\w*.  
\v 19  \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w he was given honor|strong="H3513"\w* \w and he became|strong="H1961"\w* \w their officer|strong="H8269"\w*, \w even though he was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one of the three|strong="H7969"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoida|strong="H3077"\w* \w was a brave warrior|strong="H0376"\w* \w from Kabzeel|strong="H6909"\w* \w who performed|strong="H2416"\w* \w great|strong="H7227"\w* \w exploits|strong="H6467"\w*. \w He struck down|strong="H5221"\w* \w the two|strong="H8147"\w* \w sons of Ariel|strong="H0739"\w* \w of Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. \w He also went down|strong="H3381"\w* \w and killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w a lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w in|strong="H8432"\w* \w a cistern|strong="H0953"\w* \w on a snowy|strong="H7950"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 21  \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w an|strong="H4713"\w* \w impressive-looking|strong="H4758"\w* \w Egyptian|strong="H4713"\w*. \w The Egyptian|strong="H4713"\w* \w wielded|strong="H3381"\w* \w a spear|strong="H2595"\w*, \w while Benaiah attacked|strong="H7626"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w club|strong="H7626"\w*. \w He grabbed|strong="H1497"\w* \w the spear|strong="H2595"\w* \w out of the Egyptian’s|strong="H4713"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w and killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w him with his own spear|strong="H2595"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Such|strong="H0428"\w* \w were the exploits|strong="H6213"\w* \w of Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehoida|strong="H3077"\w*, \w who gained fame among|strong="H8034"\w* \w the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w elite warriors|strong="H1368"\w*.  
\v 23  \w He received honor|strong="H3513"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the thirty|strong="H7970"\w* \w warriors, though he was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one of the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w elite warriors. David|strong="H1732"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w him in charge of|strong="H0413"\w* \w his bodyguard|strong="H4928"\w*.   
\p
\v 24  \w Included with the thirty|strong="H7970"\w* \w were the following: Asahel|strong="H6214"\w* \w the brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w Elhanan|strong="H0445"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Dodo|strong="H1734"\w* \w from Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*,  
\v 25  \w Shammah|strong="H8048"\w* \w the Harodite|strong="H2733"\w*, \w Elika|strong="H0470"\w* \w the Harodite|strong="H2733"\w*,  
\v 26  \w Helez|strong="H2503"\w* \w the Paltite|strong="H6407"\w*, \w Ira|strong="H5896"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ikkesh|strong="H6142"\w* \w from Tekoa|strong="H8621"\w*,  
\v 27  \w Abiezer|strong="H0044"\w* \w the Anathothite|strong="H6069"\w*, \w Mebunnai|strong="H4012"\w* \w the Hushathite|strong="H2843"\w*,  
\v 28  \w Zalmon|strong="H6756"\w* \w the Ahohite|strong="H0266"\w*, \w Maharai|strong="H4121"\w* \w the Netophathite|strong="H5200"\w*,  
\v 29  \w Heled|strong="H2460"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Baanah|strong="H1196"\w* \w the Netophathite|strong="H5200"\w*, \w Ittai|strong="H0863"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ribai|strong="H7380"\w* \w from Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w in Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*,  
\v 30  \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w* \w the Pirathonite|strong="H6553"\w*, \w Hiddai|strong="H1914"\w* \w from the wadis|strong="H5158"\w* \w of Gaash|strong="H1608"\w*,  
\v 31  \w Abi-Albon|strong="H0045"\w* \w the Arbathite|strong="H6164"\w*, \w Azmaveth|strong="H5820"\w* \w the Barhumite|strong="H1273"\w*,  
\v 32  \w Eliahba|strong="H0455"\w* \w the Shaalbonite|strong="H8170"\w*, \w the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jashen|strong="H3464"\w*, \w Jonathan|strong="H3083"\w*  
\v 33  \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H8048"\w* \w Shammah|strong="H8048"\w* \w the Hararite|strong="H2043"\w*, \w Ahiam|strong="H0279"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Sharar|strong="H8325"\w* \w the Hararite|strong="H2043"\w*,  
\v 34  \w Eliphelet|strong="H0467"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahasbai|strong="H0308"\w* \w the Maacathite|strong="H4602"\w*, \w Eliam|strong="H0463"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahithophel|strong="H0302"\w* \w the Gilonite|strong="H1526"\w*,  
\v 35  \w Hezrai|strong="H2695"\w* \w the Carmelite|strong="H3761"\w*, \w Paarai|strong="H6474"\w* \w the Arbite|strong="H0701"\w*,  
\v 36  \w Igal|strong="H3008"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nathan|strong="H5416"\w* \w from Zobah|strong="H6678"\w*, \w Bani|strong="H1137"\w* \w the Gadite|strong="H1425"\w*,  
\v 37  \w Zelek|strong="H6768"\w* \w the Ammonite|strong="H5984"\w*, \w Naharai|strong="H5171"\w* \w the Beerothite|strong="H0886"\w* \w (the armor-bearer|strong="H3627"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zeruiah|strong="H6870"\w*),  
\v 38  \w Ira|strong="H5896"\w* \w the Ithrite|strong="H3505"\w*, \w Gareb|strong="H1619"\w* \w the Ithrite|strong="H3505"\w*  
\v 39  \w and Uriah|strong="H0223"\w* \w the Hittite|strong="H2850"\w*. \w Altogether|strong="H3605"\w* \w there were thirty-seven|strong="H7651"\w*.   
\c 24  
\p
\v 1  \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w anger|strong="H0639"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w* \w raged|strong="H2734"\w* \w against Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and he incited|strong="H5496"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w against them, saying|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Go|strong="H1980"\w* \w count|strong="H4487"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.”  
\v 2  \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w the general in command|strong="H8269"\w* \w of his army|strong="H2428"\w*, \w “Go through|strong="H7751"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w to Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w* \w and muster|strong="H6485"\w* \w the army|strong="H5971"\w*, \w so I may know|strong="H3045"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w size|strong="H4557"\w* \w of the army|strong="H5971"\w*.”   
\p
\v 3  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “May|strong="H3254"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w make the army|strong="H5971"\w* \w a hundred|strong="H3967"\w* \w times|strong="H6471"\w* \w larger right before the eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w of my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*\w ! But|strong="H7200"\w* \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w does|strong="H4100"\w* \w my master|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w want|strong="H2654"\w* \w to do this|strong="H2088"\w*?”   
\p
\v 4  \w But|strong="H2388"\w* \w the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w edict|strong="H1697"\w* \w stood, despite the objections|strong="H2388"\w* \w of|strong="H3097"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the army|strong="H2428"\w*. \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w and the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the army|strong="H2428"\w* \w left the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w presence|strong="H6440"\w* \w in order to muster|strong="H6485"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelite|strong="H3478"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w They crossed|strong="H5674"\w* \w the Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w and camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w at Aroer|strong="H6177"\w*, \w on the south|strong="H3225"\w* \w side of the city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w at|strong="H5158"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wadi|strong="H5158"\w* \w of Gad|strong="H1410"\w*, \w near Jazer|strong="H3270"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Then they went|strong="H0935"\w* \w on to Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w and to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the region|strong="H0776"\w* \w of Tahtim Hodshi|strong="H8483"\w*, \w coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Dan Jaan|strong="H1842"\w* \w and on around|strong="H5439"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Sidon|strong="H6721"\w*.  
\v 7  \w Then they went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to the fortress|strong="H4013"\w* \w of Tyre|strong="H6865"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w of the Hivites|strong="H2340"\w* \w and the Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w*. \w Then they went|strong="H3318"\w* \w on to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the Negev|strong="H5045"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w to Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w*.  
\v 8  \w They went through|strong="H7751"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and after|strong="H7097"\w* \w nine|strong="H8672"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w and twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w came back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w* \w reported|strong="H5414"\w* \w the number|strong="H4662"\w* \w of warriors|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w In Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w there were|strong="H1961"\w* \w 800,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w sword-wielding|strong="H2719"\w* \w warriors|strong="H2428"\w*, \w and in Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w there were 500,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w felt|strong="H5608"\w* \w guilty|strong="H0310"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w he had numbered|strong="H5608"\w* \w the army|strong="H5971"\w*. \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , “I have sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w greatly|strong="H3966"\w* \w by doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w this! Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w O|strong="H4994"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , please|strong="H4994"\w* \w remove|strong="H5674"\w* \w the guilt|strong="H5771"\w* \w of your servant|strong="H5650"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w I have acted very|strong="H3966"\w* \w foolishly|strong="H5528"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11  \w When David|strong="H1732"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up the next morning|strong="H1242"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had already|strong="H1961"\w* \w spoken|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gad|strong="H1410"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5030"\w*, \w David’s|strong="H1732"\w* \w seer|strong="H2374"\w*:  
\v 12 “\w Go|strong="H1980"\w*, \w tell|strong="H1696"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w ‘This is what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*\w : I am|strong="H0595"\w* \w offering you three|strong="H7969"\w* \w forms|strong="H5190"\w* \w of judgment. Pick|strong="H0977"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of them|strong="H1992"\w* \w and I|strong="H0977"\w* \w will carry|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*.’”   
\p
\v 13  \w Gad|strong="H1410"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and told|strong="H5046"\w* \w him, “Shall seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w of famine|strong="H7458"\w* \w come upon your land|strong="H0776"\w*\w ? Or shall|strong="H0518"\w* \w you flee|strong="H5127"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w* \w from your enemy|strong="H6862"\w* \w with him|strong="H7291"\w* \w in hot pursuit|strong="H7291"\w*\w ? Or shall|strong="H0518"\w* \w there be|strong="H1961"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of plague|strong="H1698"\w* \w in your land|strong="H0776"\w*\w ? Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w decide|strong="H7200"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I should tell|strong="H4100"\w* \w the one who sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*.”  
\v 14  \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gad|strong="H1410"\w*, \w “I am|strong="H6862"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w upset|strong="H6862"\w*\w ! I prefer|strong="H5307"\w* \w that we be attacked|strong="H3027"\w* \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , for|strong="H3588"\w* \w his mercy|strong="H7356"\w* \w is great|strong="H7227"\w*; \w I do not|strong="H0408"\w* \w want to be attacked|strong="H5307"\w* \w by men|strong="H0120"\w*!”   
\p
\v 15  \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w sent|strong="H5414"\w* \w a plague|strong="H1698"\w* \w through Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w from the morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the completion|strong="H5704"\w* \w of the appointed|strong="H4150"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w*. \w Seventy|strong="H7657"\w* \w thousand|strong="H0505"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Beer Sheba|strong="H0884"\w*.  
\v 16  \w When|strong="H7971"\w* \w the angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w extended|strong="H7971"\w* \w his hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w to destroy|strong="H7843"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w relented|strong="H5162"\w* \w from his judgment|strong="H7451"\w*. \w He told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w who was killing|strong="H7843"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w “That’s|strong="H7503"\w* \w enough|strong="H7227"\w*\w ! Stop now|strong="H6258"\w*\w !”|strong="H3068"\w* (\w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w of Araunah|strong="H0728"\w* \w the Jebusite|strong="H2983"\w*.)   
\p
\v 17  \w When he saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w who was destroying|strong="H5221"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , “Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w it is I|strong="H0595"\w* \w who have sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w and done this evil thing|strong="H5753"\w*\w ! As for these|strong="H0428"\w* \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w – what|strong="H4100"\w* \w have they done|strong="H6213"\w*\w ? Attack me|strong="H4994"\w* \w and my family|strong="H0001"\w*.”   
\s1 \w David|strong="H1732"\w* Acquires \w a|strong="H1961"\w* Threshing Floor \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Constructs \w an|strong="H1961"\w* Altar \w There|strong="H2009"\w*  
\p
\v 18  \w So Gad|strong="H1410"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w that day|strong="H3117"\w* \w and told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him, “Go up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and build|strong="H6965"\w* \w an altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w on the threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w of Araunah|strong="H0728"\w* \w the Jebusite|strong="H2983"\w*.”  
\v 19  \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w went up|strong="H5927"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w Gad|strong="H1410"\w* \w instructed|strong="H6680"\w* \w him|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6680"\w*, according \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w instructions|strong="H1697"\w*.   
\p
\v 20  \w When Araunah|strong="H0728"\w* \w looked|strong="H8259"\w* \w out and saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w and his servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w approaching|strong="H5674"\w* \w him, he|strong="H0728"\w* \w went out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w with his face|strong="H0639"\w* \w to the ground|strong="H0776"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Araunah|strong="H0728"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w has my lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his servant|strong="H5650"\w*\w ?” David|strong="H1732"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “To buy|strong="H7069"\w* \w from you|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w so I can build|strong="H1129"\w* \w an altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , so|strong="H6113"\w* \w that the plague|strong="H4046"\w* \w may be removed from the people|strong="H5971"\w*.”  
\v 22  \w Araunah|strong="H0728"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w “My lord|strong="H0113"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w may take|strong="H3947"\w* \w whatever|strong="H2896"\w* \w he wishes|strong="H5869"\w* \w and offer it. Look|strong="H7200"\w*\w ! Here are oxen|strong="H1241"\w* \w for burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w*, \w and threshing sledges|strong="H4173"\w* \w and harnesses|strong="H1241"\w* \w for wood|strong="H6086"\w*.  
\v 23  \w I|strong="H0728"\w*, \w the servant of my lord|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w it all|strong="H3605"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w*\w !” Araunah|strong="H0728"\w* \w also told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, “\w May|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w show you favor|strong="H7521"\w*!”  
\v 24  \w But the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Araunah|strong="H0728"\w*, \w “No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w I insist on|strong="H7069"\w* \w buying|strong="H7069"\w* \w it from you! I will not|strong="H3808"\w* \w offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w that cost me nothing|strong="H2600"\w*.”  
\p \w So David|strong="H1732"\w* \w bought|strong="H7069"\w* \w the threshing floor|strong="H1637"\w* \w and the oxen|strong="H1241"\w* \w for fifty|strong="H2572"\w* \w pieces|strong="H8255"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*.  
\v 25  \w Then David|strong="H1732"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w an altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w and offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w and peace offerings|strong="H8002"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w accepted prayers|strong="H6279"\w* \w for the land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w and the plague|strong="H4046"\w* \w was removed from Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.