eng_aiv Amundson Interpretive Version 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 2 Sam 2 Samuel id=eng_aiv name=Amundson Interpretive Version (AIV) status=draft spec=USFM-USX 3.1.1 export=2026-11-02 char:add=translator-addition-italic char:wj=words-of-Jesus-as-received-unmapped note:f=footnotes para:r=parallel-passage-references para:d=psalm-superscriptions Saul’s Death Reported to David (1 Samuel 31:1–6; 1 Chronicles 10:1–6) And it came to pass after the death of Saul that David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekite. And David stayed in Ziklag two days. And it came to pass on the third day that behold, a man came from the camp of Saul with his clothes torn and dust on his head. And it came to pass, when he came to David, that he fell to the ground and bowed low. And David said to him, “From where have you come?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” And David said to him, “What is the report? Please tell me.” And he answered, “That people have fled from the battle, and many are fallen of the people and died. And also Saul and Jonathan his son are dead.” And David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?” And the young man who told him said, “I happened to meet on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear. And behold, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. And he looked behind him, and he saw me and called to me, and I answered, ‘Behold.’ And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ And I said to him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ And he said to me, ‘Stand, please, over me and kill me, for the anguish has seized me, but all my life is in me still.’ And I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the diadem that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them to my lord here.” And David took hold on his garments and tore them, and also all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until the evening for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of YHWH, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. And David said to the young man who told him, “From where are you?” And he answered, “I am a son of a sojourning man, an Amalekite.” And David said to him, “How were you not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the anointed of YHWH?” And David called one of the young men and said, “Go near and fall upon him.” And he struck him, and he died. And David said to him, “Your blood is on your own head. For your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the anointed of YHWH.’” David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, and he told them to teach the sons of Judah “The bow.”1.18 Probably the Song of the Bow ; alternately the use of the bow Behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar:1.18 Or the Book of the Upright One, commonly cited as Jasher; note that the Song of the Bow that follows is not found in known manuscripts attributed to Jasher. “The beauty, O Israel, on your high places is slain. How the mighty have fallen! Declare it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. O Mountains of Gilboa, no dew nor rain be upon you⁺, nor fields of contributions.1.21 Or no showers falling on your terraced fields; LXX no fields of firstfruits For there is cast away the shield of the mighty, the shield of Saul, not anointed with the oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. Saul and Jonathan were beloved and delightful in their lives, and in their death they were not divided. Than eagles they were swifter, than lions they were stronger. O Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you⁺ in scarlet with luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your⁺ apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan was slain on your high places. I Am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me; your love was wonderful to me, surpassing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished!” David Anointed King of Judah And it came to pass after this that David inquired of YHWH, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And YHWH said to him, “Go up.” And David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” And David went up there, and also his two wives Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. And the men who were with him David brought up, every man and his household, and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “The men of Jabesh-gilead are they who buried Saul.” And David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “You⁺ are blessed of YHWH, for you⁺ have shown this kindness to your⁺ lord, to Saul, and have buried him. And may YHWH show to you⁺ loving devotion2.6 Forms of the Hebrew chesed are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as loving devotion; the range of meaning includes love, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and mercy, as well as loyalty to a covenant. and truth, and also I will repay you⁺ this kindness, because you⁺ have done this thing. And now let your⁺ hands be strengthened and become sons of valor, for your⁺ master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.” Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel And Abner son of Ner, commander of the army that was unto Saul, had taken Ish-bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. 2.8 Ish-bosheth is also called Esh-baal; see 1 Chronicles 8:33. And he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. Ish-bosheth son of Saul was a son of forty years when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. Only the house of Judah was behind David. And the number of the days that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. The Battle of Gibeon And Abner son of Ner went out, and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, from Mahanaim to Gibeon. And Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon together, and they sat down, these of the pool on this side, and these of the pool on this side. And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men arise now and compete before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.” And they arose and went over, by number twelve from Benjamin and of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve from the servants of David. And each one grasped by the head his opponent, and thrust his sword in the side of his opponent, and they fell down together. And that place was called Helkath-hazzurim,2.16 Helkath-hazzurim means the Field of Swords. which is in Gibeon. And the battle was even very fierce that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were struck before the face of the servants of David. And were there three the sons of Zeruiah, Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet of foot as one of the gazelles that are in the field. And Asahel pursued after Abner, and he did not stretch in going to the right hand or to the left from following Abner. And Abner looked behind him and said, “Is this you, Asahel?” And He answered, “It is I.” And Abner said to him, “Stretch aside to your right hand or to your left, and lay hold on one of the young men, and take for yourself his armor.” And Asahel would not turn aside from after him. And Abner added again in saying to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? And how could I lift up my face unto Joab your brother?” And he refused to turn aside. And Abner struck him with the back of the spear in the stomach, and the spear came out of his back, and he fell down there and died under him. And it came to pass that all who came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, they stood still. And Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner, and the sun was going down, and they came to the hill of Ammah which is upon the face of Giah by the way of the Wilderness of Gibeon. And the sons of Benjamin gathered together behind Abner, and they became one unit and took their stand on top of a certain hill. And Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword forever devour? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? And until when will you not say to the people to turn from after their brothers?” And Joab said, “God lives, for unless you had spoken, surely then by the morning all the people would have pulled back from after their brothers.” And Joab blew on the shofar, and all the people stood still and pursued no more after Israel, and they did not continue anymore to fight. And Abner and his men went on through the Arabah all that night, and they passed over the Jordan and marched all morning,2.29 See LXX; Hebrew marched all through Bithron and they entered Mahanaim. And Joab returned from pursuing Abner, and he gathered together all the people. And there were missing from the servants of David nineteen men, and Asah-el. And the servants of David had struck down from Benjamin, even from the men of Abner, three hundred and sixty men who died. And they took up Asahel and buried him in the tomb of his father that was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men marched all night, and at daybreak they came to Hebron. The House of David Strengthened (1 Chronicles 3:1–9) And there was a long war between the house of Saul and between the house of David. And David was going on and was strong, and the house of Saul was going on and was weak. And Sons were born to David in Hebron: And his firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; and his second Chileab,3.3 LXX Daluia; some translators Daniel; see 1 Chronicles 3:1. by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; and the fourth, Adonijah son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream by Eglah wife of David. These were born to David in Hebron. Abner Joins David And it surely came to pass in the war between the house of Saul and between the house of David, that Abner had been strengthening himself in the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine, and her name was Rizpah the daughter of Aiah. And he said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to the concubine of my father?” And Abner became very hot at the words of Ish-bosheth, and he said, “Is it that the head of a dog I am that is unto Judah? This day I am doing kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and I have not delivered you into the hand of David—and you charge me with iniquity concerning the woman today? Thus may God do to Abner, and also more to him, if as YHWH has sworn for David, even so I do not do to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.” And he could not anymore answer to Abner a word, because he feared him. And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom is the land?” And saying, “Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand is with you to make turn to you all Israel.” And he said, “Good, I will cut with you a covenant. But one thing I am asking of you, saying, you shall not see my face, except if to my face you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see my face.” And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, saying, “Give to me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel son of Laish. 3.15 Paltiel is a variant of Palti; see 1 Samuel 25:44. And her husband went along with her, weeping behind her to Bahurim. And Abner said to him, “Go, turn back.” And he turned back. And the word of Abner was with the elders of Israel, saying, “Even before also heretofore you⁺ were seeking David for king over you⁺. And now do it, for YHWH has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of David My servant I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” And Abner spoke also in the ears of Benjamin. And Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good in the eyes of Israel and in the eyes of all the house of Benjamin. And Abner came to David at Hebron, and with him twenty men, and David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and gather to my lord the king all Israel, that they may cut with you a covenant, that you may reign over all that Your heart desires.” And David sent away Abner, and he went in peace. Joab Murders Abner And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from the troop, and much spoil they brought with them. And Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. And Joab and all the troops that were with him had come, and they told Joab, saying, “Abner son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” And Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you! Why is this that you sent him away, and he is long gone? You have known Abner son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.” And Joab had gone from David, and he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; and David did not know it. And Abner had returned to Hebron, and Joab took him to the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and he struck him there in the stomach, and he died on account of the blood of Asah-el his brother. And David heard it after thus, and he said, “I and My kingdom are guiltless before YHWH, even to forever, of the blood of Abner son of Ner. Let it rest on the head of Joab and on all the house of his father, and never let there fail to be in the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or falls by the sword, or is lacking bread.” (And Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, upon that he had killed Asahel their brother at Gibeon in the battle.) David Mourns for Abner And David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your⁺ clothes, and gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before the face of Abner.” And King David followed after the bier. And they buried Abner in Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner. And all the people wept. And the king lamented over Abner and said, “As the death of a fool should Abner die? Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters. As a man falls before the face of wicked men, you fell.” And all the people again wept over him. And all the people came to persuade David to eat food while it was still the day, and David took an oath, saying, “So do to me God, and thus may he continue for, if before the face of the sun goes down, I taste bread or any other thing.” And all the people took note, and it pleased them, since whatever the king did was good in the eyes of all the people. For all the people and all Israel understood that on that day it was not from the king to kill Abner son of Ner. And the king said to his servants, “Do you⁺ not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? And I am weak today, and though anointed king, these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me; YHWH shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness.” The Murder of Ish-bosheth And the son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, and his hands failed, and all Israel was troubled. And two men, captains of troops, were unto the son of Saul. The name of one was Baanah, and the name of the second Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin. For also Beeroth was reckoned to Benjamin, and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and they have been there sojourning until this day. And Jonathan son of Saul had a son lame in the feet. He was a son of five years at the coming in of the report of Saul and Jonathan from Jezreel. And his nurse took him up and fled. And it came to pass, as she hurried to flee, that he fell and became lame; and His name was Mephibosheth. And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out and came in at the heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, and he was lying the lying down of noon. And they came up to the midst of the house, as taking wheat, and they struck him in the fifth rib. And Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. And they came into the house, and he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, and they struck him and killed him and beheaded him, and they took his head and were escaping by way of the plain all the night. And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron, and they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul your enemy, who sought your life. And YHWH has given my lord the king vengeance this day of Saul and of his seed.” The Execution of Rechab and Baanah And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and he said to them, “As YHWH lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, when it was declared to me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and he was as a bearer of tidings in his own eyes, I arrested him and I killed him at Ziklag, which was instead of my giving to him for his news; how much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous person in his own house on his bed, shall I not now seek his blood from your⁺ hands and remove you⁺ from the earth?” And David commanded the young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet and hanged them by the pool in Hebron. And the head of Ish-bosheth they took and buried it in the tomb of Abner in Hebron. David Anointed King of All Israel (1 Chronicles 11:1–3) And all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and they spoke, saying, “Indeed we are your bone and your flesh. Also formerly, even heretofore, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel. And YHWH said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be ruler over Israel.’” And all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. And King David cut with them a covenant at Hebron before the face of YHWH, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was a son of thirty years when he began to reign; forty years he reigned. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. David Conquers Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:4–9) And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusite, the dweller of the land, and he spoke to David, saying, “You shall not come in here, for but the blind and the lame will repel you.” They said, “David cannot come in here.” And David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David). and David said on that day, “Whoever strikes the Jebusite, let him go up by the water shaft (and the lame and the blind who are hated by the soul of David).5.8 Or who are enemies of David” And upon thus they say, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” And David dwelt in the stronghold, and he called it the City of David. And David built all around from the Millo5.9 That is, the terrace and inward. And David went on, going on and becoming great, and YHWH, God of Hosts, was with him. And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and artificers of stone for walls, and they built a house for David. David’s Family Grows (1 Chronicles 14:1–7) And David knew that YHWH had established him as king over Israel, and that He had lifted up his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem after he had come from Hebron, and were born to David more sons and daughters. And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, 5.14 Shammua is a variant of Shimea; see 1 Chronicles 3:5. and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet. Two Victories over the Philistines (1 Chronicles 14:8–17) And the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, and all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard and went down to the stronghold. And the Philistines went and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of YHWH, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?” And YHWH said to David, “Go up, for I will surely give the Philistines into your hand.” And David went to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there, and he said, “YHWH has broken through my enemies before me like a breakthrough of waters.” Upon thus he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.5.20 Baal-perazim means The Lord Bursts Out. And there they left their images, and David and his men carried them away. And the Philistines added again to come up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of YHWH, and He said, “You shall not go up. Circle around unto behind them and come upon them in front of the balsam trees.5.23 Or aspen trees or poplar trees; also in verse 24 And it shall come to pass when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then YHWH will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” And David did so, as YHWH had commanded him, and he drove back the Philistines from Gibeon5.25 LXX (see also 1 Chronicles 14:16); Hebrew Geba as far as your coming to Gazer. David Fetches the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:1–7) And David gathered again every chosen one of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose and went, and all the people who were with him, from Baale of Judah6.2 That is, Kiriath-jearim; see 1 Chronicles 13:6. to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of YHWH of Hosts who dwells between the cherubim on it. And they mounted the ark of God on a new cart, and they carried it out of the house of Abinadab that was on the hill, with Uzzah and Ahio the sons of Abinadab driving the new cart, bringing with it6.4 DSS and some LXX manuscripts; MT includes from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. the ark of God, and Ahio went before the face of the ark. Uzzah Touches the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:8–14) And David and all the house of Israel were playing before the face of YHWH on all kinds of wood instruments of cypress,6.5 LXX playing before the Lord on well-tuned instruments mightily, and with songs; some of the instruments in this verse are uncertain; see 1 Chronicles 13:8. and on harps, and on stringed instruments, and on tambourines, and on sistrums, and on cymbals. And they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, and Uzzah reached out to the ark of God and took hold of it, because the oxen had stumbled. 6.6 Nacon is a variant of Chidon; see 1 Chronicles 13:9. And the anger of YHWH was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him there for the error,6.7 MT; DSS for this and he died there by the ark of God. And David became hot upon that YHWH had burst forth a breach against Uzzah, and he called the name of that place Perez-uzzah6.8 Perez-uzzah means outbreak against Uzzah. to this day. And David was afraid of YHWH that day, and he said, “How can the ark of YHWH come to me?” And David would not turn aside to himself the ark of YHWH into the City of David, and David took it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of YHWH remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and YHWH blessed Obed-edom and all his house. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:1–28) And it was told to King David, saying, “YHWH has blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that is unto him, because of the ark of God.” And David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with joy. And it came to pass, when those carrying the ark of YHWH had gone six paces, that he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. And David danced with all his might before the face of YHWH, and David was wearing a linen ephod. And David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of YHWH with shouting and with the voice of the shofar. Michal’s Contempt for David (1 Chronicles 15:29–16:3) And as the ark of YHWH came into the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the face of YHWH, and she despised him in her heart. And they brought the ark of YHWH and set it in its place in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it, and David offered burnt offerings before the face of YHWH, and peace offerings. And David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, and he blessed the people in the name of YHWH of hosts. And he distributed among all the people, among the whole multitude of Israel, from the men and to the women, to everyone, one loaf of bread, and one date cake, and one cake of raisins. And all the people departed, each to his house. 6.19 Or a portion of meat And David returned to bless his house. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How honored today was the king of Israel, who has uncovered himself today in the eyes of the maidservants of his servants, as one of the vain ones is openly uncovered.” And David said to Michal, “It was before YHWH, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of YHWH, over Israel. And I will play before the face of YHWH. And I will be even more undignified than this, and I will be humble in my eyes, and as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be honored.” And to Michal the daughter of Saul there were, unto her no children until the day of her death. God’s Covenant with David (1 Chronicles 17:1–15) And it came to pass, when the king was dwelling in his house and YHWH had given rest to him all around from all his enemies, that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, and the ark of God dwells in the midst of the curtain.” And Nathan said to the king, “All that is in your heart, go, do, for YHWH is with you.” And it came to pass in that night that the word of YHWH came to Nathan, saying, “Go and say unto My servant, to David, thus says YHWH: Would you build for Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt and to this day, and I have been moving about in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all that I have moved about with all the sons of Israel, have I spoken a word to one of the rods of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have not you⁺ built for Me a house of cedar?’ 7.7 Or tribes or leaders And now thus shall you say to My servant David, thus says YHWH of Hosts: I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. And I have been with you in every place that you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth. And I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and I will plant him, that he may dwell in his place and not be disturbed anymore, and the sons of wickedness will not add to afflict him as at first. And since the time that I commanded judges over My people Israel, and have brought rest for you from all your enemies. And YHWH declares to you that YHWH will make for you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you who will come from your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom even to forever. I will be his Father, and he will be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of man, 7.14 Cited in Hebrews 1:5 And My loving devotion shall not depart from him as I took it from Saul, whom I turned aside from before you. And your house and your kingdom will endure even to forever before My face.7.16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and LXX; most Hebrew manuscripts before your face Your throne will be established even to forever.” According to all these words and according to all this vision, so spoke Nathan to David. David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 17:16–27) And King David went in and sat before the face of YHWH, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord YHWH, and who is my house, that You have brought me as far as here? And yet this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord YHWH, and You have spoken also of the house of Your servant afar off. And is this the manner of the man, O Lord YHWH?7.19 Or And this is Your instruction for mankind, O Lord YHWH. And what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord YHWH. For the sake of Your word and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness, to make it known to Your servant. Upon thus You are great, O Lord YHWH, for there is none like You and no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make for Himself a name, and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations and their gods? 7.23 See LXX and 1 Chronicles 17:21 For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel—Your very own people even to forever. And You, O YHWH, have become their God. And now, O YHWH God, the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, establish it even to forever, and do as You have said. And let Your name be magnified even to forever, saying, ‘YHWH of Hosts is the God over Israel.’ And let the house of Your servant David be established before You. For You, O YHWH of Hosts, God of Israel, have uncovered this to the ear of Your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ Upon thus Your servant has found it in his heart to pray to You this prayer. And now, O Lord YHWH, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised to Your servant this goodness. And now begin and bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord YHWH, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.” David’s Triumphs (1 Chronicles 18:1–13; Psalm 60:1–12) And it came to pass after this that David struck the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah8.1 Metheg-ammah means bridle of the mother city. from the hand of the Philistines. And he defeated Moab, and he measured them off with a line, forcing them down to the ground. And he measured off with two lines those to be put to death, and the fullness of the line those to be kept alive. And the Moabites became servants of David, lifting up tribute. And David defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob king of Zobah as he went to recover his hand at the River.8.3 That is, along the Euphrates And David took from him a thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen,8.4 LXX (see also DSS and 1 Chronicles 18:4); MT captured from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand men on foot. And David hamstrung every chariot horse, and he spared of them a hundred chariots. And the Arameans of Damascus came to give help to Hadadezer king of Zobah, and David struck Aram—twenty-two thousand men. And David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and Aram became servants of David and brought tribute. And YHWH preserved David everywhere he went. And David took the shields of gold that belonged to the servants of Hadadezer, and he brought them to Jerusalem. And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze. 8.8 Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts Tebah; see 1 Chronicles 18:8. And Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer. 8.9 Toi is a variant of Tou; also in verse 10; see 1 Chronicles 18:9. And Toi sent Joram his son to King David to ask him of welfare and to bless him, upon that he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him. For Hadadezer had been a man of wars with Toi, and with him he brought articles of silver, and articles of gold, and articles of bronze. 8.10 Joram is a variant of Hadoram; see 1 Chronicles 18:10. Also these King David dedicated to YHWH, along with the silver and the gold that he had dedicated from all the nations that he had subdued— from Edom,8.12 Some Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, and Syriac (see also verse 14 and 1 Chronicles 18:11); most Hebrew manuscripts Aram and from Moab, and from the sons of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek, and from the plunder of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. And David made himself a name when he returned from his striking Edom8.13 A few Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, and Syriac (see also verse 14 and 1 Chronicles 18:12); most Hebrew manuscripts Aram in the Valley of Salt—eighteen thousand. And he put garrisons in Edom. Throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all Edom became servants of David. And YHWH preserved David everywhere he went. David’s Officers (1 Chronicles 18:14–17) And David reigned over all Israel, and David was doing judgment and justice to all his people. And Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; and Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; and Seraiah was the scribe; 8.17 Seraiah is also called Sheva, Shisha, and Shavsha; see 2 Samuel 20:25, 1 Kings 4:3, and 1 Chronicles 18:16. and Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were priestly leaders.8.18 Literally priests, or possibly chief officials; see LXX, Targum Yonaton, and 1 Chronicles 18:17. David and Mephibosheth And David said, “Is there one yet who is left to the house of Saul, that I may do for him kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” And to the house of Saul was a servant, and his name was Ziba. And they called him to David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “Your servant.” And the king said, “Is not still a man to the house of Saul, that I may show to him the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “Of Jonathan there is still a son, lame in his feet.” And the king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.” And King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. And Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, son of Saul, had come to David, and he fell on his face and bowed low. And David said, “Mephibosheth.” And he answered, “Behold, your servant!” 9.6 Mephibosheth is also called Merib-baal; see 1 Chronicles 8:34. And David said to him, “Do not fear, for surely I will show to you kindness for the sake of Jonathan your father, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather, and you shall eat bread at my table continually.” And he bowed low and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?” And the king called to Ziba servant of Saul and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house, I have given to the son of your master. And you will work the land for him—you and your sons and your servants, and you shall bring in, that the son of your master may have food to eat. And Mephibosheth son of your master shall always eat bread at my table.” And Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. And Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so your servant will do.” “And as for Mephibosheth, he shall eat at David’s table,9.11 LXX; Hebrew my table like one of the sons of the king.” And to Mephibosheth was a young son, and his name was Mica. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. 9.12 Mica is a variant of Micah; see 1 Chronicles 8:34. And Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for at the table of the king he ate continually. And he was lame in both of his feet. David’s Messengers Disgraced (1 Chronicles 19:1–9) And it came to pass after this that the king of the sons of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. And David said, “I will do kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, as his father did kindness to me.” And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants concerning his father. And the servants of David came into the land of the sons of Ammon. And the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Is David honoring your father in your eyes because he has sent to you comforters? Is it not for the purpose of searching out the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it that David has sent his servants to you?” And Hanun took the servants of David and shaved off half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle at their buttocks, and sent them away. And they told David, and he sent to meet them because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Abide at Jericho until your⁺ beards have grown, and return.” And the sons of Ammon saw that they were made to stink to David, and the sons of Ammon sent and hired Aram of Beth-rehob, and Aram of Zoba, and twenty thousand footmen, and from the king of Maacah a thousand men, and from Tob twelve thousand men. And David heard, and he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. And the sons of Ammon came out for battle and arrayed themselves at the entrance of the gate, and Aram of Zobah, and Rehob, and the men of Tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. David Defeats Ammon and Aram (1 Chronicles 19:10–19) And Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before the faces and behind, and he chose some of the chosen of Israel, and he arrayed them to meet Aram. And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the sons of Ammon. And he said, “If Aram is too strong for me, then you will be to me for salvation. But if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will go to give salvation to you. Be strong and strengthen yourself for our people, and for the cities of our God. And YHWH does what is good in His eyes.” And Joab drew near, and the people who were with him, for the battle against Aram, and they fled before his face. And the sons of Ammon saw that Aram was fleeing, and they fled before Abishai and entered the city. And Joab returned from the sons of Ammon, and he entered Jerusalem. And Aram saw that they had been struck by Israel, and they gathered together. And Hadadezer sent and brought out Aram, which is beyond the River. And they came to Helam, and Shobach10.16 That is, the Euphrates commander of the army of Hadadezer was before their faces. 10.16 Shobach is a variant of Shophach; see 1 Chronicles 19:16. And it was told to David, and he gathered all Israel and passed over the Jordan, and he came to Helam. And Aram arrayed themselves against David, and fought with him. And Aram fled before Israel, and David killed of Aram seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers,10.18 Some LXX manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 19:18); Hebrew horsemen and Shobach the commander of their army he struck down, and he died there. And all the kings—servants of Hadadezer—saw that they were defeated by Israel, and they made peace with Israel and served them. And Aram was afraid to deliver the sons of Ammon anymore. David and Bathsheba And it came to pass at the return of the year,11.1 That is in the spring of the year at the time of the going out of the kings, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and laid siege against Rabbah. And David remained at Jerusalem. And it came to pass at the time of the evening, that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the house of the king. And he saw from the roof a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful of appearance. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 11.3 Eliam is a variant of Ammiel; see 1 Chronicles 3:5. And David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (And she had cleansed herself from her uncleanness.) And she returned to her house. And the woman conceived. And she sent and told David and said, “I am pregnant.” And David sent to Joab: “Send to me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. And Uriah had come to him, and David asked of the welfare of Joab and of the welfare of the people, and of the welfare of the war. And David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” And Uriah departed from the house of the king. And went out after him a gift from the king. And Uriah slept at the door of the house of the king with all the servants of his lord, and he did not go down to his house. And they declared to David, saying, “Uriah did not go down to his house.” And David said to Uriah, “Is it not that you have come from a journey? Why did not you go down to your house?” And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents,11.11 Or staying at Sukkoth and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped on the face of the field, and I shall go to my house to eat and drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as lives your soul, I will not do this thing.” And David said to Uriah, “Wait in this place also today, and tomorrow I will let you depart.” And Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. And David called to him, and he ate before his face and drank, and he made him drunk. And he went out at the evening to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord; and to his house he did not go down. David Arranges Uriah’s Death And it came to pass in the morning that David wrote a letter to Joab, and he sent it by the hand of Uriah. And he wrote in the letter, saying, “Set Uriah at the front of the strongest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” And it came to pass, in Joab watching unto the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew that were valiant men there. And the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, and fell some of the people of the servants of David. And Uriah the Hittite also died. And Joab sent and told David all the matters of the war, and he commanded the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling all the matters of the war to the king, and it comes to pass that if the wrath of the king rises and he says to you, ‘Why did you⁺ approach so near to the city when you fought? Did not you⁺ know that they would shoot from the wall? Who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth?11.21 Jerubbesheth is also known as Jerubbaal, that is, Gideon. Was it not a woman who cast on him a piece of a millstone from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you⁺ go near the wall?’ Then you shall say, ‘Also your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.’” And the messenger went and came in and told David all that Joab had sent him. And the messenger said to David, “Indeed the men prevailed against us, and they came out against us to the field, and we were against them as far as the entrance of the gate. And those shooting shot at your servants from the wall, and some of the servants of the king are dead, and also your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.” And David said to the messenger, “Thus you shall say to Joab, ‘Do not let this thing displease you, for as this and as this the sword devours. Strengthen your attack against the city and overthrow it.’ And encourage him.” David Marries Bathsheba And the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, and she mourned for her husband. And her mourning was over, and David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore to him a son. And the thing that David had done was evil in the eyes of YHWH. Nathan Rebukes David (Psalm 51:1–19) And YHWH sent Nathan to David, and he came to him and said to him, “There were two men in one city—one rich and one poor. The rich one had flocks and herds exceedingly many. And the poor one had not anything, but if one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and kept alive. And it grew up with him and with his children together. Of his own food it ate, and from his own cup it drank, and in his bosom it lay, and it was to him like a daughter. And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare for the wayfaring man who had come to him. And he took the ewe lamb of the poor man and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” And the anger of David was kindled against the man greatly, and he said to Nathan, “As YHWH lives, surely shall die the man who has done this. And for the lamb he shall restore fourfold, on account that he did this thing, and because he pitied not.” And Nathan said to David, “You are the man. Thus says YHWH, God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I snatched you up from the hand of Saul. And I gave to you the house of your master and the wives of your master into your bosom, and I gave to you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that was too little, I would have given to you like them and like them. Why have you despised the commandment of YHWH to do evil in His sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and his wife you have taken to be your wife, and him have killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon. And now the sword shall not depart from your house even to forever, on account that you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ Thus says YHWH: ‘Behold, I will raise up against you adversity from your own house, and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the eyes of this sun. For you did it secretly, and I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.’” David’s Loss and Repentance And David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against YHWH.” And Nathan said to David, “Even YHWH has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of YHWH12.14 DSS; MT you have brought utter contempt from the enemies of YHWH by this deed, also the son born to you will surely die.” And Nathan departed to his house. And YHWH struck the child that the wife of Uriah had borne to David, and he became ill. And David pleaded with God for the child, and David kept a fast, and he came in and spent the night and laid down in sackcloth12.16 DSS and LXX; MT does not include in sackcloth. on the ground. And the elders of his house arose beside him to raise him up from the ground, and he would not, nor did he eat food with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. And how can we tell him the child is dead? He may do some harm.” And David saw that his servants were whispering, and David perceived that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” And David arose from the ground, and he washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes, and he went into the house of YHWH and worshiped. And he went to his own house, and he requested, and they set before him food, and he ate. And his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; and when the child died, you arose and ate food.” And he said, “While the child was alive I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows that YHWH may be gracious, and the child may live?’ And he is dead. Why is this that I should fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, and he shall not return to me.” Solomon’s Birth And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and she called his name Solomon. And YHWH loved him. And He sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet. And He called his name Jedidiah,12.25 Jedidiah means beloved of YHWH because of YHWH. The Capture of Rabbah (1 Chronicles 20:1–3) And Joab fought against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, and he captured the royal city. And Joab sent messengers to David, and he said, “I have fought against Rabbah; Also I have captured the waters of the city.12.27 Or have captured the city of waters And now gather together the rest of the people and encamp against the city and take it, lest I take the city, and my name it be called after it.” And David gathered together all the people, and he went to Rabbah and fought against it and took it. And he took the crown of their king12.30 Or of Milcom. Milcom, also called Molech, was god of the Ammonites; see Leviticus 18:21 and 1 Kings 11:7. from his head, and its weight was a talent of gold,12.30 A talent is approximately 75.4 pounds or 34.2 kilograms of gold. with precious stones; and it was set on the head of David, and the plunder of the city he brought out in great abundance. And the people who were in it he brought out, and he set them to the saw, and to picks of iron, and to axes of iron, and he made pass through to the brick kilns. And so he did to all the cities of the sons of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. Amnon and Tamar And it was after this that Absalom son of David had a lovely sister, and her name was Tamar. And Amnon son of David loved her. And Amnon was so distressed that he became sick over Tamar his sister, for she was a virgin, and it was improper in the eyes of Amnon to do anything to her. And Amnon had a friend, and his name was Jonadab son of Shimeah, brother of David. And Jonadab was a very shrewd man. 13.3 Shimeah is a variant of Shammah, Shimea, and Shimei; see 1 Samuel 16:9, 2 Samuel 21:21, and 1 Chronicles 2:13. And he said to him, “Why are you so depressed, son of the king, morning after morning? Will you not tell me?” And Amnon said to him, “I am loving Tamar, sister of Absalom my brother.” And Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let Tamar my sister come and give me food, and prepare the food in my sight, so that I may see and eat it from her hand.’” And Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill, and the king came to see him, and Amnon said to the king, “Please let Tamar my sister come and make for me in my sight two cakes, that I may eat from her hand.” And David sent to Tamar, to the house, saying, “Go now to the house of Amnon, to your brother, and prepare for him food.” And Tamar went to the house of Amnon her brother, and he was lying down. And she took the dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his eyes, and she baked the cakes. And she took the pan and placed them out before his face, and he refused to eat. And Amnon said, “Have every man go out from me.” And they went out, every man from him. And Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the cakes that she had made, and she brought them to Amnon her brother in the bedroom. And she had brought them to him to eat, and he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” And she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for such should not be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing. And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. And now speak, please, to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” And he would not listen to her voice, and he was stronger than she, and he forced her and lay with her. And Amnon hated her with exceedingly great hatred, so that greater the hatred was with which he hated her than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone.” And she said to him, “No, because this is greater evil than the other that you did to me—sending me away.” And he would not listen to her. And he called his servant who attended him, and he said, “Send away, please, this woman from me outside, and bolt the door behind her.” And she had on a tunic of many colors,13.18 Or a robe with long sleeves; see also Genesis 37:3. for such apparel virgin daughters of the king wore. And his servant put her outside, and he bolted the door behind her. And Tamar put ashes on her head, and she tore her tunic of many colors that was on her, and she put her hand on her head and went, going on and crying bitterly. And Absalom her brother said to her, “Amnon your brother has been with you, and my sister, keep silent. He is your brother; do not put this thing to heart.” And Tamar was desolate and remained in the house of Absalom her brother. And King David heard of all these things, and he was very hot.13.21 DSS and LXX include But he would not punish his son Amnon, because he loved him, since he was his firstborn. And Absalom did not speak to Amnon bad or good, for Absalom hated Amnon, upon the matter that he had disgraced Tamar his sister. Absalom’s Revenge on Amnon And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim. And Absalom invited all the sons of the king. And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold, now, your servant has sheepshearers. Let the king go, please, and his servants, with your servant.” And the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go now, and we will not be a burden to you.” And he urged him, and he would not go, and he blessed him. And Absalom said, “If not, please let Amnon my brother go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” And Absalom urged him, and he sent with him Amnon and all the sons of the king.13.27 LXX and Vulgate include And Absalom prepared a feast fit for a king. And Absalom had commanded his young men, saying, “Watch now, when the heart of Amnon is merry with wine, and I say to you⁺, strike Amnon and kill him. Do not be afraid. Is it not that I have commanded you⁺? Be courageous and be sons of valor.” And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded, and all the sons of the king arose, and they rode each one on his mule, and they fled. And it came to pass, they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has killed all the sons of the king, and not one of them is left.” And the king arose and tore his garments, and he laid down on the ground. And all his servants stood by, with their clothes torn. And Jonadab son of Shimeah, brother of David, answered and said, “Let not my lord say all the young men, the sons of the king, they have killed. For Amnon alone is dead. For by the mouth of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he violated Tamar his sister. And now let not my lord the king put to his heart the thing, to think that all the sons of the king are dead. For Amnon alone is dead.” Absalom Flees to Geshur And Absalom fled, and the young man who was watching lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road west of him13.34 Or behind him on the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.13.34 LXX; Hebrew does not include And the watchman.... And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the sons of the king have come. As spoke your servant, so it is.” And it came to pass, as he finished speaking, that indeed the sons of the king came, and they lifted up their voices and wept, and the king and all his servants wept, weeping very bitterly. And Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud king of Geshur. And he mourned for his son all the days. And Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and he was there three years. And king David13.39 MT; DSS and LXX And the spirit of the king longed to go to Absalom.13.39 Or ceased to go out after Absalom For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead. Absalom’s Return to Jerusalem And Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the heart of the king was on Absalom. And Joab sent to Tekoa, and he brought from there a wise woman, and said to her, “Pretend to be a mourner, please, and put on now mourning apparel, and do not anoint yourself with oil, and act like a woman these many days mourning for the dead. And go to the king and speak to him in this manner.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. And the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, and she fell on her nose to the ground, and bowed low, and said, “Save me, O king.” And the king said to her, “What troubles you?” And she answered, “Truly I am a woman, a widow, and my husband is dead. And your maidservant had two sons, and the two fought with each other in the field, and there was no one to part them, and the one struck the one and killed him. And behold, the whole family has risen up against your maidservant, and they said, ‘Give up him who struck his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he has slain. And we will destroy also the heir.’ And they would extinguish my ember that is left, and not leave to my husband a name and remnant on the face of the earth.” And the king said to the woman, “Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you.” And the woman of Tekoa said to the king, “On me, My lord the king, is the iniquity, and on the house of my father. And the king and his throne be guiltless.” And the king said, “He who speaks to you, bring him to me, and he shall not touch you anymore.” And she said, “Please let the king remember YHWH your God, and do not let add the avenger of blood to destroy. And they do not destroy my son.” And he said, “As YHWH lives, not one hair of your son shall fall to the ground.” And the woman said, “Please let your maidservant speak to my lord the king a word.” And he said, “Speak.” And the woman said, “And why have you schemed such as this against the people of God? For the king speaks this thing as one who is guilty, in that the king does not bring home again his banished one. For we will surely die and be like the water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. And God does not take away a life, and He devises means that His banished ones are not expelled from Him. And now that I have come to speak to the king my lord of this thing, because the people have made me afraid, and your maidservant said, ‘I will speak now to the king, perhaps the king will perform the request of his maidservant. For the king will hear and deliver his maidservant from the hand of the man destroying me and my son together from the inheritance of God.’ And Your maidservant said, ‘Now the word of my lord the king will be comforting, for like the angel14.17 Or Angel; also in verse 20 of God, so is my lord the king in discerning good and evil. And may YHWH your God be with you.’” And the king answered and said to the woman, “Please do not hide from me anything that I am asking you.” And the woman said, “Please let my lord the king speak.” And the king said, “Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?” And the woman answered and said, “As you live, my lord the king, there is no one turning to the right or turning to the left from anything that my lord the king has spoken. For your servant Joab, he commanded me, and he put in the mouth of your maidservant all these words. In order to bring about the change of this thing, your servant Joab has done this thing. And my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that is in the land.” And the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I have granted this thing. Go and bring back the young man Absalom.” And Joab fell on his face to the ground, and bowed low, and blessed the king, and Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant.” And Joab arose and went to Geshur, and he brought Absalom to Jerusalem. And the king said, “Let him return to his own house, and do not let him see my face.” And Absalom returned to his own house, and the face of the king he did not see. And there was no handsome man in all Israel who was praised as much as Absalom. From the sole of his foot and to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. And he cut the hair of his head, and it was at the end of every year that he cut it, because it was heavy on him; and he cut it, and he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels,14.26 200 shekels is approximately 5 pounds or 2.3 kilograms of hair. according to the standard of the king. And were born to Absalom three sons and one daughter, and her name was Tamar. She was a woman of beautiful appearance. Absalom Reconciled to David And Absalom dwelt in Jerusalem two full years, and the face of the king he did not see. And Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king. And he would not come to him. And he sent again the second time, and he would not come. And he said to his servants, “See, the portion of Joab is near mine, and he has barley there; go and burn it with the fire.” And the servants of Absalom burned the portion with the fire.14.30 LXX includes So the servants of Joab came to him with their clothes torn and said to him, “The servants of Absalom have set your field on fire.” And Joab arose and came to Absalom’s house, and he said to him, “Why have your servants burned the portion that is to me with the fire?” And Absalom answered unto Joab, “Behold, I sent to you, saying, ‘Come here, so that I may send you to the king to say: Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.’ And now let me see the face of the king. But if there is in me iniquity, let him kill me.” And Joab went to the king and told him, and he called for Absalom, and he came to the king and bowed himself on his nose to the ground before the face of the king. And the king kissed Absalom. Absalom’s Conspiracy And it came to pass after this that Absalom prepared for himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before his face. And Absalom would rise early and stand by the side of the way of the gate. And it came to pass, when every man who had a grievance came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, “From which city are you?” And he would say, “From one of the tribes of Israel is your servant.” And Absalom would say to him, “Look, your case is good and right, and there is none from the king to hear you.” And Absalom would say, “Who will make me judge in the land, and to me would come every man who has to him a grievance or dispute, and I would give him justice!” And it came to pass whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. And Absalom acted in this manner toward all Israel who came for judgment to the king. And Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. And it came to pass after four15.7 Syriac and some LXX manuscripts; Hebrew forty years that Absalom said to the king, “Let me go, please, and pay the vow that I made to YHWH in Hebron. For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If YHWH does surely bring me back to Jerusalem, I will serve YHWH in Hebron.15.8 Some LXX manuscripts; Hebrew does not include in Hebron.’” And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” And he arose and went to Hebron. And Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you⁺ hear the voice of the shofar, you⁺ shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron.’” And with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem, who were called, and they went along in their blamelessness, and did not know the whole matter. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, counselor of David, from his city, from Giloh, while he offered the sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people continually increased in number with Absalom. David Flees Jerusalem (Psalm 3:1–8) And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” And David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we there will not be an escape from Absalom. Hurry to depart, lest he hurry and overtake us and swing upon us a disaster and strike the city with the mouth of the sword.” And the servants of the king said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king chooses—behold, your servants.” And the king went out, and all his household at his feet, and the king left ten women, concubines, to keep the house. And the king went out, and all the people after him, and they stood at the last house. And all his servants passed over before his hand, and all the Cherethite, and all the Pelethite, and all the Gittite—six hundred men who had followed at his foot from Gath passed over before the face of the king. And the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also going with us? Return and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner, and also you are an exile from your own place. Only yesterday you arrived, and today should I make you wander up and down with us, since I go on where I know not? Turn back and take back your brothers with you.” May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.15.20 LXX; Hebrew your brothers. May loving devotion and faithfulness be with you. And Ittai answered the king and said, “As YHWH lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely if in whatever place where my lord the king shall be there, whether in death or in life, even there also your servant will be.” And David said to Ittai, “Go and pass over.” And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little children who were with him. And all the country wept in a loud voice, and all the people passed over, and the king himself also passed over the Kidron Valley, and all the people passed over, by the face of the way of the wilderness, and behold, also Zadok and all the Levites with him bearing the ark of the covenant of God, and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up15.24 Or Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished passing over from the city. And the king said to Zadok, “Carry back the ark of God into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of YHWH, He will bring me back and show me it and His dwelling place. But if thus He says, ‘I have not delighted in you,’ behold, it is I. Let Him do to me as is good in His eyes.” And the king said to Zadok the priest, “Are you a seer? Return15.27 Hebrew; LXX “Behold, return to the city in peace, and Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan son of Abiathar, your⁺ two sons with you⁺. See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness, until word comes from you⁺ to inform me.” And Zadok and Abiathar carried back the ark of God to Jerusalem, and they remained there. David Weeps at the Mount of Olives (Psalm 63:1–11) And David went up by the Ascent of the Olives, going up and weeping, and the head of him was covered, and he went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered each their heads, and went up, going up and weeping. And David was told, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “Turn into foolishness, please, the counsel of Ahithophel, O YHWH.” And it came to pass, David having come to the top, where he had worshiped God, that there was coming to meet him Hushai the Archite, with his tunic torn and dust on his head. And David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will become a burden to me. But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king, and servant of your father as I was from then, and now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. And is there not with you there Zadok and Abiathar the priests? And it will come to pass that the whole of the matter that you hear from the house of the king, you shall tell to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. Behold, there with them are their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, and you⁺ shall send by their hand to me every word that you⁺ hear.” And Hushai friend of David went into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem. David and Ziba And David was past a little from the top, and behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth to meet him, and a couple of donkeys were saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. And the king said to Ziba, “What are these to you?” And Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the house of the king to ride on, and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those who are faint to drink in the wilderness.” And the king said, “And where is the son of your master?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my father.’” And the king said to Ziba, “Behold, unto you is all that is unto Mephibosheth.” And Ziba said, “I humbly bow before you that I may find favor in your eyes, my lord the king.” Shimei Curses David And King David came to Bahurim, and behold, a man from there was going out from the family of the house of Saul, and his name was Shimei son of Gera. And he came out, coming out cursing continuously. And he stoned David with stones, and all the servants of King David. And all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. And thus said Shimei when he cursed, “Go out, go out, man of bloodshed, and man of worthlessness! YHWH has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. And YHWH has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. And behold, you are in your own evil, because you are a man of blood.” And Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over, please, and turn aside his head.” And the king said, “What have I with you⁺, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because YHWH has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, is seeking my life. And how much more that now this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse, for so YHWH has ordered him. Perhaps YHWH will look on my affliction and YHWH and will return me with good for his cursing this day.” And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along at the side of the hill opposite him as he went, and he cursed, and stoned with stones at him, and dusted with dust. And the king and all the people who were with him arrived weary,16.14 Some LXX manuscripts arrived at the Jordan and he refreshed himself there. The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai And Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, friend of David, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, “May live the king, may live the king.” And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did not you go with your friend?” And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but he whom YHWH has chosen, and this people, and all the men of Israel, unto him I will be, and with him I will remain. And secondly, whom should I serve? Is it not before the face of his son? As I have served before the face of your father, so will I be in your presence.” And Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give to us counsel as to what we should do.” And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to the concubines of your father, whom he has left to keep the house. And all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” And they pitched for Absalom a tent on the roof, and Absalom went in to the concubines of his father before the eyes of all Israel. And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled in those days, was as if one had inquired at the word of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel, both with David and with Absalom. Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose now twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight. And I will come upon him, and he is weary and weak handed, and I will cause him to tremble, and all the people will flee who are with him. And I will strike the king by himself, and bring back all the people to you.17.3 LXX; see also DSS; MT and I will bring back all the people to you. At the returning of all except the man whom you are seeking, all the people will be at peace.” And the saying was good in the eyes of Absalom and in the eyes of all the elders of Israel. And Absalom said, “Call now also Hushai the Archite, and let us hear what he says too.” And Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom spoke to him, saying, “In this manner Ahithophel has spoken. Shall we do as he says? If not, you yourself speak up.” And Hushai said to Absalom, “The counsel is not good that Ahithophel has counseled at this time.” And Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are bitter of spirit, like a bereaved bear in the field. And your father is a man of war, and he will not spend the night with the people. Behold now, he is hidden in one of the pits, or in one of the places. And it will come to pass, when some fall among them at the first,17.9 Or If he should attack your troops first that the hearer will hear and say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ And even he also, the son of valor whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will utterly melt. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are sons of valor. Therefore I counsel that all Israel be diligently gathered to you, from Dan and to Beersheba, like the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and your face will be walking in the battle. And we will come upon him in one of the places where he may be found, and we will be on him as the dew falls on the ground, and there shall not be left of him and all the men who are with him even one. And if he withdraws into a city, all Israel shall bring to that city ropes, and we will pull it into the river until that there is not found there even a pebble.” And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For YHWH had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, for the sake of YHWH bringing on Absalom disaster. Hushai’s Warning Saves David (Psalm 55:1–23) And Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and thus Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus I have counseled. And now send quickly and declare to David, saying, ‘Do not spend the night in the plains of the wilderness, and also surely pass over, lest the king be swallowed up and all the people who are with him.’” And Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel; and the maidservant would come and tell them, and they would go and tell King David. For they dared not to be seen coming into the city. And a boy saw them and told Absalom; and the two of them went away quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, and unto him was a well in his court, and they went down into it. And the woman took and spread a screen over the face of the well, and she spread over it grain, and the thing was known not. And the servants of Absalom came to the woman at the house, and they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” And they searched and did not find, and they turned back to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well, and they went and told King David, and they said to David, “Arise and pass over the waters quickly, for thus Ahithophel has counseled against you⁺.” And David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they passed over the Jordan until the light of the morning; not even one of them was left who had not gone over the Jordan. And Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, and he saddled a donkey and arose and went home to his house, to his city, and he put in order unto his house, and hanged himself, and he died, and he was buried in the tomb of his father. And David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom passed over the Jordan—he and all the men of Israel with him. And Absalom had appointed Amasa instead of Joab Captain of the army. And Amasa was son of a man, and his name was Ithra the Ishmaelite,17.25 Ithra is a variant of Jether; see 1 Kings 2:5. who had gone in to Abigail17.25 Some LXX manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 2:17); MT and other LXX manuscripts Israelite the daughter of Nahash,17.25 Or Abigal, a variant of Abigail sister of Zeruiah, mother of Joab. 17.25 Or of Jesse; see DSS and 1 Chronicles 2:13–16 And Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. And it came to pass, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, and Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched, and beans, and lentils, 17.28 Most LXX manuscripts and Syriac; Hebrew includes and roasted grain. and honey, and curds, and sheep, and cheese of the herd, they brought near for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” Absalom Killed And David numbered the people who were with him, and he set over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds. And David sent out a third of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third under the hand of Abishai son of Zeruiah the brother of Joab, and a third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I will surely go out—I also with you⁺.” And the people answered, “You shall not go out, for if we surely flee, they will not set the heart on us. If half of us die, they will not set the heart on us, but now you are like ten thousand of us,18.3 Two Hebrew manuscripts, some LXX manuscripts, and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts care; for now there are ten thousand like us for now you are more to us in the city for a helper.” And the king said to them, “That which seems best in your⁺ eyes I will do.” And the king stood at the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands. And the king had commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Be gentle for my sake with the young man, Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders all the captains concerning Absalom. And the people went out into the field to meet Israel, and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim. And the people of Israel were struck there before the faces of the servants of David, and there took place that day a great slaughter of twenty thousand. For the battle there was scattered over the face of all the land, and the forest multiplied to devour the people more than the sword devoured that day. And Absalom met before the face of the servants of David. And Absalom rode on a mule. And the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak,18.9 Or large terebinth or very great tree; similarly in verses 10 and 14 and his head caught in the oak. And he was left hanging between the heavens and between the earth, and the mule that was under him went on. And a man saw it and told Joab, and he said, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.” And Joab said to the man who told him, “And behold, you saw him, and why did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given to you ten shekels of silver18.11 10 shekels is approximately 4 ounces or 114 grams of silver. and one belt.” And the man said to Joab, “Even if I was weighing in my hands a thousand shekels of silver,18.12 1,000 shekels is approximately 25.1 pounds or 11.4 kilograms of silver. I would not have sent out my hand against the son of the king. For in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Protect for my sake18.12 A few Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, Vulgate, and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts Protect, whoever (you are), the young man Absalom.’ And if I had done against my soul a falsehood—For no matter is hidden from the king—then you would have set yourself against me.” And Joab said, “Not thus will I wait to your face.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the heart of the oak tree. And surrounded ten young men who bore weapons of Joab, and they struck Absalom and killed him. And Joab blew in the shofar, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel, for Joab held back the people. And they took Absalom and cast him in the woods, into a large pit, and laid over him a very large heap of stones. And all Israel fled, each man to his tent. And Absalom had taken and set up for himself when he was living a pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “Not unto me is a son to keep in remembrance my name.” And He called the pillar after his own name, and it is called the Hand of Absalom to this day. David Mourns for Absalom And Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Let me run now to the king and take the news, how YHWH has avenged him of his enemies.” And Joab said to him, “You are not the man to take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. And this day you shall not take news, upon that the son of the king is dead.” And Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” And the Cushite bowed low to Joab, and he ran. And Ahimaaz son of Zadok added again and said to Joab, “And what it was, will run, please, I also, after the Cushite!” And Joab said, “Why is this that you will run, my son, since there are there is no news found from you?” “And what it will be, let me run.” And he said to him, “Run.” And Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain18.23 That is, the plain of the Jordan and outran the Cushite. And David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate to the wall, and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was running by himself. And the watchman cried out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is by himself, news is in his mouth.” And he came, coming on and drawing near. And the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper, and said, “Behold, a man is running by himself.” And the king said, “Also this one brings news.” And the watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This one is a good man, and with good news he comes.” And Ahimaaz called out and said to the king, “All is well.” And he bowed down before the king with his face to the earth. And he said, “Blessed be YHWH your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.” And the king said, “Is the young man safe Absalom?” And Ahimaaz answered, “I saw a great tumult when Joab sent the servant of the king and me, your servant, and I did not know why.” And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” And he turned aside and stood still. And just then the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “There is good news, my lord the king, for YHWH has avenged you this day against the hand of all those who rose up against you.” And the king said to the Cushite, “Is it all well for the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “And may be the enemies of my lord the king like that young man, all who rise against you to do harm.” And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he went, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Oh that I was given to die in your place, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Joab Reproves David And it was declared to Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” And the victory that day became mourning for all the people, for the people heard it that day, saying, “The king is grieved for his son.” And the people stole away that day to go into the city, as the people steal away who are ashamed in their fleeing in battle. And the king covered his face, and the king cried out in a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” And Joab came to the king to the house, and said, “You have disgraced today the faces of all your servants who have saved your life today, and the lives of your sons and daughters, and the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, in that you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have declared today that not unto you are princes and servants; for I know today that if Absalom had lived and all of us today had died, that then it would be upright in your eyes. And now arise, go out, and speak to the heart of your servants, for by YHWH I swear, if you do not go out, not a man will stay with you this night. And this is worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” David Restored as King And the king arose and sat in the gate. And all the people declared, saying, “There is the king, sitting in the gate.” And all the people came before the face of the king. For Israel had fled, each man to his tent. And all the people were in a dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king snatched us up from the hand of our enemies, and he saved us from the hand of the Philistines. And he has fled from the land because of Absalom. And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in the battle. And now, why are you⁺ silent about bringing back the king?” And King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you⁺ the last to bring back the king to his house, since the words of all Israel have come to the king, to his house? My brothers you⁺ are, my bone and you⁺ are my flesh. And why are you⁺ the last to bring back the king?’ And say to Amasa, ‘Is it not that you are my bone and my flesh? So may God do to me, and even may He add, if you are not the commander of the army before me all the days in place of Joab.’” And he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as one man. And they sent to the king, “Return, you and all your servants.” And the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. Shimei Pardoned And Shimei son of Gera the Benjamite, who was from Bahurim, hurried, and he came down with the men of Judah to meet King David. And a thousand men of Benjamin were with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons, and his twenty servants with him. And they rushed into the Jordan before the face of the king. And they passed over the ford to bring over the house of the king, and to do what was good in his eyes. And Shimei son of Gera fell down before the face of the king when he had crossed the Jordan. And he said to the king, “Let not my lord reckon to me iniquity or remember what your servant did wrong on the day that my lord the king left Jerusalem, that the king should put it to heart. For I your servant know that I have sinned. And behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph, to go down to meet my lord the king.” And Abishai son of Zeruiah answered and said, “In exchange for this, shall not Shimei be put to death, in that he cursed the anointed of YHWH?” And David said, “And what have I to do with you⁺, sons of Zeruiah, that you⁺ should be unto me for an adversary today? Shall today any man be put to death in Israel? For do I not know that this day I am king over Israel?” And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him. Mephibosheth Excused And Mephibosheth son of Saul came down to meet the king, and he had not cared for his feet, and not trimmed his mustache, and his clothes he had not washed from the day of the going away of the king until the day that he returned in peace. And it came to pass, when he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “My lord the king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said, ‘I will saddle for myself the donkey,19.26 LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate Saddle a donkey for me that I may ride on it and go to the king, because your servant is lame.’ And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. And my lord the king is like the angel19.27 Or Angel of God; and do what is good in your eyes. For were not all the house of my father as but dead men before my lord the king? And you set your servant among those who eat at your own table. And what right have I anymore to cry still to the king?” And the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said that you and Ziba shall divide the land.” And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, let him take all of it, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house.” David’s Kindness to Barzillai And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to send him away over the Jordan. And Barzillai was very old, a son of eighty years, and he had provided for the king while he stayed at Mahanaim. For he was a very rich man. And the king said to Barzillai, “You pass over with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem.” And Barzillai said to the king, “How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? I am a son of eighty years today. Can I discern between good and evil? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singers and songstresses? Why should be your servant add a burden to my lord the king? As a little thing your servant will pass over the Jordan with the king. And why should the king repay me this reward? Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, near the grave of my father and my mother. And here is your servant Chimham. Let him pass over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your eyes.” And the king answered, “Chimham shall pass over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your eyes. And whatever you request of me, I will do for you.” And all the people passed over the Jordan. And the king had passed over, and the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place. And the king passed over to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him, and all the people of Judah brought over the king, and also half the people of Israel. Contention over the King And behold, all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “Why have stolen you away our brothers the men of Judah, and the king, and his house brought across the Jordan, and all the men of David with him?” And all the men of Judah answered against the men of Israel, “Because the king is near to us. And why is this that you are hot over this matter? Have we ever eaten from the king? Or has he ever lifted up to us?” And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, “Ten shares unto me are in the king, and also in David unto me is more than you. And why do you despise us, Was not my word first to bring back my king?” And the word of the men of Judah was sharper than the word of the men of Israel. Sheba’s Rebellion And there happened to be a man of worthlessness, and his name was Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite man. And he blew with the shofar and said, “Unto us there is no share in David, nor an inheritance do we have in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, O Israel.” And every man of Israel deserted from after David, to after Sheba son of Bichri. And the men of Judah remained loyal to their king from the Jordan and as far as Jerusalem. And David came to his house at Jerusalem, and the king took the ten women, his concubines whom he had left to keep the house, and he placed them in a house under guard. And he supported them, and to them he did not go in. And they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood. And the king said to Amasa, “Call for me the men of Judah in three days, and you stand here.” And Amasa went to assemble Judah, and he delayed beyond the set time that he had appointed him. And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri will do more harm to us than Absalom. You take the servants of your lord and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape our eyes.20.6 Or and snatch away our eyes or and do us serious harm” And the men of Joab went out after him, with the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, and they went out of Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri. They were near the great stone that is in Gibeon, and Amasa came before their faces. And Joab was girded in his long robe for his clothing, and on it was a belt with a sword fastened at his hips in its sheath. And as he was going forward, it fell out. And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And with his right hand Joab held on to the beard of Amasa to kiss him. And Amasa did not notice the sword that was in the hand of Joab, and he struck him with it in the stomach, and his bowels poured out on the ground, and he did not do it again to him, and he died. And Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba son of Bichri. And a man stood by him of the young men of Joab, and he said, “Who is he that takes delight in Joab? And who is he that is for David? Follow Joab!” And Amasa was rolling around in his blood in the middle of the highway. And the man saw that all the people stood still, and he moved Amasa from the highway to the field and threw over him a garment when he saw that everyone who came upon him stood still. When he was removed from the highway, all the people went on after Joab to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri. And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-Beth-maacah,20.14 Hebrew to Abel and Beth-maacah; see verse 15. and all the Berites.20.14 Hebrew; LXX and Vulgate Bicrites And they were gathered together and went also after him. And they came and besieged him in Abel-Beth-maachah, and they heaped up a mound against the city, and it stood by the rampart. And all the people who were with Joab were destroying the wall to throw it down, and a wise woman cried out from the city, “Listen, listen! Say, please, to Joab, come nearby here, that I may speak with you.” And he had come near to her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” And He answered, “I am.” And she said to him, “Listen to the words of your maidservant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” And she spoke, saying, “They spoke often in former times, saying, ‘Let them diligently ask at Abel,’ and so they finished. I am a peaceable and faithful one of Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the inheritance of YHWH?” And Joab answered and said, “Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy! The matter is not so! But a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba son of Bichri by name, has raised his hand against the king, against David. Give up him alone, and I will depart from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” And the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri, and they threw it to Joab. And he blew with the shofar, and they withdrew from the city, every man to his tents. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king. And Joab was over all the host of Israel; and Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and Adoram was in charge of revenue; and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; 20.24 Adoram is a variant of Adoniram and Hadoram; see 1 Kings 4:6 and 2 Chronicles 10:18. and Sheva was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 20.25 Sheva is also called Seraiah, Shisha, and Shavsha; see 2 Samuel 8:17, 1 Kings 4:3, and 1 Chronicles 18:16. and Ira the Jairite20.26 Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts and Syriac Ithrite; see 2 Samuel 23:38. was a chief minister to David. David Avenges the Gibeonites And there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year. And David inquired of YHWH. And YHWH answered, “Because of Saul and his house is the blood, on account that he killed the Gibeonites.” And the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (And the Gibeonites, they were not of the sons of Israel, for they were only of the remnant of the Amorite. And the sons of Israel had sworn protection to them, and Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah.) And David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you⁺, and with what shall I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of YHWH?” And the Gibeonites said to him, “We will have no silver or gold from Saul or from his house, and no man to put to death in Israel.” And he said, “What are you⁺ saying I can do for you⁺.” And they answered to the king, “The man who consumed us and plotted against us, that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the territories of Israel, let be given to us seven men of his sons, and we will hang them21.6 Or expose them or execute them; similarly in verse 9 before YHWH in Gibeah of Saul, chosen by YHWH.” And the king said, “I will give them.” And the king had pity on Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul, because of the oath of YHWH that was between them, between David and between Jonathan son of Saul. And the king took the two sons of Rizpah daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth, and the five sons of Merab21.8 Two Hebrew manuscripts, some LXX manuscripts, and Syriac (see also 1 Samuel 18:19); most Hebrew and LXX manuscripts Michal daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite, and he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the face of YHWH. And they fell seven together, and they were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days in the beginning of the harvest of barley. And Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and she spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until the late rains poured on them from the heavens. And she did not allow the birds of the heavens to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. And David was told what Rizpah daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done. And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead who had stolen them from the broad place of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them there after the Philistines had struck down Saul in Gilboa. And he brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son, and they gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. And they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they performed all that the king commanded, and God heeded the prayer for the land after that. Four Battles against the Philistines (1 Chronicles 20:4–8) And again were the Philistines at war with Israel, and David went down, and his servants with him, and they fought against the Philistines, and David grew faint. And Ishbi-benob, who was one of the sons of Rapha—21.16 Or of the giant; also in verses 18, 20, and 22 and the weight of his spear was three hundred shekels of bronze in weight,21.16 300 shekels is approximately 7.5 pounds or 3.4 kilograms. and he was bearing a new one—spoke of striking David. And Abishai son of Zeruiah came to aid him and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” And it came to pass after thus, that the battle there was again at Gob with the Philistines. Then Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the sons of Rapha. 21.18 Saph is a variant of Sippai; see 1 Chronicles 20:4. And there was war again at Gob with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck the brother of Goliath21.19 Or Son of Jair; see 1 Chronicles 20:5. the Gittite, and the shaft of his spear was like a weavers’ beam. 21.19 See 1 Chronicles 20:5; Hebrew does not include the brother of. And there was war again at Gath, where there was a man of stature, and the fingers of his hands were six, and the toes of his feet six—twenty-four in number. And also he was born from Rapha. And he defied Israel, and Jonathan son of Shimei the brother of David killed him. 21.21 Shimei is a variant of Shammah, Shimeah, and Shimea; see 1 Samuel 16:9, 2 Samuel 13:3, and 1 Chronicles 2:13. These four were born of Rapha in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. David’s Song of Deliverance (Psalm 18:1–50) And David spoke to YHWH the words of this song on the day when YHWH had snatched him up from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said: “YHWH is my rock and stronghold and rescuer to me. God is my rock, I will take refuge in Him, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my Savior; from violence You save me. I will call upon YHWH who is to be praised, and from my enemies I shall be saved. For the waves of death surrounded me, the floods of ungodliness terrified me, the sorrows of Sheol surrounded me, the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon YHWH, and to my God I cried out, and He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry is in His ears. And the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of the heavens22.8 Most Hebrew sources; Vulgate, Syriac, and two Hebrew manuscripts (see also Psalm 18:7) mountains quaked. And they were shaken, because He was hot. Smoke went up from His nostrils, and consuming fire from His mouth; glowing coals were kindled by it. And He stretched out the heavens and came down, and darkness was under His feet. And He rode upon a cherub and flew, and He soared22.11 Many Hebrew manuscripts (see also Psalm 18:10); most Hebrew manuscripts and He was seen on the wings of the wind. And He made darkness around Him as a covering, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. From the brightness before Him coals of fire22.13 Or bolts of lightning blazed forth. YHWH thundered from the heavens, and the Most High gave forth His voice. And He sent out arrows and scattered them; lightning, and He vanquished them. And the channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were uncovered at the rebuke of YHWH, at the blast of the breath of His nostrils. He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He snatched me up from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me, they confronted me in the day of my calamity, and YHWH was support to me. And He brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. YHWH rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has repaid to me. For I have kept the ways of YHWH, and have not done wickedly against my God. For all His ordinances are before me, and His statutes—I have not turned away from them. And I was blameless before Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity. And YHWH has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness before His eyes. 22.25 Hebrew; LXX and Vulgate (see also Psalm 18:24) according to the cleanness of my hands With the kind You show Yourself kind, with a blameless man You show Yourself blameless, with the pure You show Yourself pure, and with the crooked You show Yourself shrewd. And the humble people You will save, and Your eyes are on the haughty, to bring them down. For You are my lamp, O YHWH, and YHWH shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of YHWH is refined; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, except YHWH? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my stronghold of strength, and He makes perfect my way. He makes my feet like those of a deer, and on my high places He sets me. He teaches my hands for war, and my arms can bend a bow of bronze. And You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your gentleness has made me great.22.36 Or and Your help exalts me or and You stoop down to make me great You enlarged my path under me, and my feet did not slip. I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them, and neither did I turn back again until they were consumed. And I have destroyed them and wounded them, so that they could not rise, and they have fallen under my feet. And You have girded me with strength for the battle; those who rose against me You have subdued under me. And You have given me the necks of my enemies— of those who hated me—and I destroyed them. They looked, and there was none to save, to YHWH, and He did not answer them. And I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth, like dirt in the streets I crushed them and trampled them. And You have rescued me from the strife of my people, You have kept me as the head of the nations; a people I have not known shall serve me. Sons of a stranger submit to me; at the hearing of an ear, they listen to me. Sons of a stranger fade away and come trembling from their strongholds. 22.46 Some LXX manuscripts and Vulgate (see also Psalm 18:45); MT and gird themselves YHWH lives, and blessed be my Rock, and may God the Rock of my salvation be exalted. It is God who gives vengeance to me and subdues the peoples under me, and He delivers me from my enemies; and those who rise against me You lift me up above, from the man of violence You deliver me. Upon thus I will confess You, O YHWH, among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to Your name. 22.50 Cited in Romans 15:9 Great salvation is to His king, and He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and to his seed even to forever.” David’s Last Song And these are the last words of David: “An utterance of David son of Jesse, and a declaration of the mighty man who was exalted on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:23.1 Or the hero of the songs of Israel or the favorite of the Strong One of Israel The Spirit of YHWH spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke the Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men is righteous, ruling in the fear of God, and as the light of the morning he rises, a morning sun, without clouds, by clear shining after the rain, the tender grass of the earth.’ For not so is my house with God; yet an everlasting covenant He has made with me, ordered in all things and secure; for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, for will He not make it sprout? And the worthless, like a thorn are all thrust away, because not in the hand can they be taken. And the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear; and with the fire they are completely burned in the place.” David’s Mighty Men (1 Chronicles 11:10–47) These are the names of the mighty men who were unto David: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite23.8 Tahchemonite is probably a variant of Hachmonite; see 1 Chronicles 11:11. was chief of the three;23.8 Or chief among the captains He wielded his spear against23.8 Some LXX manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 11:11); Hebrew He was Adino the Eznite because of eight hundred, whom he killed at one time. And after him was Eleazar son of Dodo, son of Ahohi, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle and the men of Israel had retreated. 23.9 Dodo is a variant of Dodai; see 1 Chronicles 27:4. He arose and struck the Philistines until that his hand was weary and his hand stuck to the sword; and YHWH brought about a great victory that day, and the people returned after him only to plunder. And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines had gathered together into a troop, and there was a portion of the field full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. And he stationed himself in the middle of the field and defended it and killed the Philistines, and YHWH brought about a great salvation. And three of the thirty chief men went down and came at harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, and the troop of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of the Rephaim. And David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David craved and he said, “Who will give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate?” And the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, and they drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and they lifted it and brought it to David. And he would not drink it, and he poured it out to YHWH. And he said, “Far be it from me, O YHWH, that I should do this; is it the blood of the men who went with their lives?” And he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men. And Abishai brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three.23.18 Most Hebrew manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 11:20); two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac the Thirty And He lifted his spear against three hundred, slain, and he won a name among these three. Of the three23.19 Hebrew; Syriac the Thirty was he not more honored? And he became for them as commander, and to the three he did not attain. And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was son of a man of valor,23.20 Or Benaiah son of Jehoiada was the son of Ishhai great in deeds, from Kabzeel. He struck down two lion-like ones23.20 Or two champions or two sons of Ariel of Moab, and He went down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. And he killed an Egyptian, who was a man of appearance, and in his hand the Egyptian had a spear. And he went down to him with a staff and wrested the spear out of the hand of the Egyptian and killed him with his own spear. These things Benaiah son of Jehoiada did, and he won a name among the three mighty men. Among the thirty he is honored, and to the three he did not attain. And David appointed him over his guard. Asah-el the brother of Joab was among the thirty, Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem, Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 23.27 Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts Sibbecai; see 2 Samuel 21:18 and 1 Chronicles 11:29. Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai23.29 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate (see also 1 Chronicles 11:30); most MT manuscripts Heleb son of Ribai from Gibeah of the sons of Benjamin, 23.29 Ittai is a variant of Ithai; see 1 Chronicles 11:31. Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks23.30 Hiddai is a variant of Hurai; see 1 Chronicles 11:32. of Gaash, 23.30 Or from the ravines Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan 23.32 Jashen is a variant of Hashem; see 1 Chronicles 11:34. son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar23.33 Some LXX manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 11:34); Hebrew Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hararite, 23.33 Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts Sachar; see 1 Chronicles 11:35. Eliphelet son of Ahasbai son of the Maachathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, Igal son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, bearer of the weapons of Joab son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, and Uriah the Hittite. And in all were thirty-seven. David’s Military Census (Exodus 30:11–16; 1 Chronicles 21:1–6) And the anger of YHWH added to be hot against Israel, and He moved David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” And the king said to Joab the commander of the army, who was with him,24.2 LXX to Joab and the army commanders with him “Go now throughout all the tribes of Israel, from Dan and to Beersheba, and count the people, that I may know the number of the people.” And Joab said to the king, “And YHWH your God may add to the people, as they were and as they are a hundred times, and the eyes of my lord the king may see it. And my lord the king, why does this thing delight?” And the word of the king prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the army. And Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel. And they passed over the Jordan and camped in Aroer, on the right side of the city which is in the midst of the valley, toward Gad and to Jazer. And they came to Gilead and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi,24.6 Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts to Gilead and to the land of the Hittites and they came to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon, and they came to the stronghold of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivite and the Canaanite, and they went out to the Negev of Judah,24.7 Or to the south of Judah to Beersheba. And they had gone through all the land, and they came at the end of nine months and twenty days to Jerusalem. And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to the king. And in Israel there were eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. Judgment for David’s Sin (1 Chronicles 21:7–13) And the heart of David condemned him after that he had numbered the people. And David said to YHWH, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. And, O YHWH, cause to pass, please, the iniquity of Your servant. For I have acted very foolishly.” And David arose in the morning, and the word of YHWH came to Gad the prophet, seer of David, saying, “Go and tell to David, thus says YHWH: ‘Three things I offer you. Choose for yourself one of them, that I may do it to you.’” And Gad came to David and told him, and he said to him, “Shall come three years of famine to you in your land, or shall you flee three months before your enemy and he pursues you, or shall there be three days plague in your land? Now consider and see what word I should take back to Him who sent me.” 24.13 LXX (see also 1 Chronicles 21:12); Hebrew seven And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall, please, into the hand of YHWH, for great are His mercies. And into the hand of man do not let me fall.” A Plague on Israel (1 Chronicles 21:14–17) And YHWH sent a plague upon Israel from the morning and until the appointed time, and died of the people from Dan and to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And the angel stretched out His hand over Jerusalem to destroy it, and YHWH relented from the destruction, and He said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Now restrain your hand!” And the angel of YHWH was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 24.16 Araunah is a variant of Ornan; see 1 Chronicles 21:15 and 2 Chronicles 3:1. And David spoke to YHWH when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and he said, “Behold, I, the shepherd, have sinned, and I have acted wickedly. And these sheep, what have they done? Please be Your hand against me and against the house of my father.” 24.17 DSS and LXX; MT does not include the shepherd. David Builds an Altar (1 Chronicles 21:18–30) And Gad came to David that day and said to him, “Go up, raise to YHWH an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” And David went up according to the word of Gad, as YHWH had commanded. And Araunah looked and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. And Araunah went out and bowed low before the king with his nose to the ground. And Araunah said, “Why has my lord come the king to his servant?” And David said, “To buy from you the threshing floor to build an altar to YHWH, that the plague may be restrained from the people.” And Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever is good in his eyes. See the oxen for the burnt offering, and the threshing instruments, and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. All these Araunah has given, O king, to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May YHWH your God accept you.” And the king said to Araunah, “No, but I shall surely buy it from you for a price, and I will not offer to YHWH my God burnt offerings for nothing.” And David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.24.24 50 shekels is approximately 1.26 pounds or 569.8 grams of silver. And David built there an altar to YHWH, and he offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings. And YHWH heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.