2 Samuel

Book 10        2 Samuel

10:001:001 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was

           returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had

           abode two days in Ziklag;

10:001:002 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man

           came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and

           earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David,

           that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

10:001:003 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said

           unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

10:001:004 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee,

           tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the

           battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and

           Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

10:001:005 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest

           thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

10:001:006 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance

           upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and,

           lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

10:001:007 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me.

           And I answered, Here am I.

10:001:008 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an

           Amalekite.

10:001:009 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay

           me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole

           in me.

10:001:010 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he

           could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown

           that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm,

           and have brought them hither unto my lord.

10:001:011 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and

           likewise all the men that were with him:

10:001:012 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul,

           and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and

           for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the

           sword.

10:001:013 And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art

           thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an

           Amalekite.

10:001:014 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch

           forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?

10:001:015 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and

           fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.

10:001:016 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy

           mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the

           LORD's anointed.

10:001:017 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over

           Jonathan his son:

10:001:018 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the

           bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)

10:001:019 The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are

           the mighty fallen!

10:001:020 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon;

           lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the

           daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

10:001:021 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there

           be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the

           shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul,

           as though he had not been anointed with oil.

10:001:022 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the

           bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul

           returned not empty.

10:001:023 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and

           in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than

           eagles, they were stronger than lions.

10:001:024 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in

           scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold

           upon your apparel.

10:001:025 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O

           Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.

10:001:026 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant

           hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing

           the love of women.

10:001:027 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

10:002:001 And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the

           LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?

           And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither

           shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

10:002:002 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the

           Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.

10:002:003 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man

           with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

10:002:004 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king

           over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the

           men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

10:002:005 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and

           said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed

           this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried

           him.

10:002:006 And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also

           will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this

           thing.

10:002:007 Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye

           valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of

           Judah have anointed me king over them.

10:002:008 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took

           Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

10:002:009 And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and

           over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over

           all Israel.

10:002:010 Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to

           reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of

           Judah followed David.

10:002:011 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of

           Judah was seven years and six months.

10:002:012 And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the

           son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

10:002:013 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went

           out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat

           down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on

           the other side of the pool.

10:002:014 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play

           before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

10:002:015 Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin,

           which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of

           the servants of David.

10:002:016 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust

           his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together:

           wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in

           Gibeon.

10:002:017 And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was

           beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

10:002:018 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai,

           and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

10:002:019 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to

           the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

10:002:020 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And

           he answered, I am.

10:002:021 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to

           thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take

           thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from

           following of him.

10:002:022 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following

           me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then

           should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

10:002:023 Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the

           hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that

           the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and

           died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as

           came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

10:002:024 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went

           down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth

           before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

10:002:025 And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together

           after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an

           hill.

10:002:026 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour

           for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the

           latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people

           return from following their brethren?

10:002:027 And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely

           then in the morning the people had gone up every one from

           following his brother.

10:002:028 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and

           pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.

10:002:029 And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain,

           and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they

           came to Mahanaim.

10:002:030 And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had

           gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's

           servants nineteen men and Asahel.

10:002:031 But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of

           Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.

10:002:032 And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of

           his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went

           all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.

10:003:001 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house

           of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house

           of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

10:003:002 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was

           Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

10:003:003 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the

           Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the

           daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

10:003:004 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth,

           Shephatiah the son of Abital;

10:003:005 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born

           to David in Hebron.

10:003:006 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of

           Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong

           for the house of Saul.

10:003:007 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter

           of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou

           gone in unto my father's concubine?

10:003:008 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and

           said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness

           this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren,

           and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand

           of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning

           this woman?

10:003:009 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath

           sworn to David, even so I do to him;

10:003:010 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up

           the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even

           to Beersheba.

10:003:011 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared

           him.

10:003:012 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying,

           Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and,

           behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel

           unto thee.

10:003:013 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one

           thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face,

           except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou

           comest to see my face.

10:003:014 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying,

           Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an

           hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

10:003:015 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from

           Phaltiel the son of Laish.

10:003:016 And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to

           Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he

           returned.

10:003:017 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying,

           Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:

10:003:018 Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By

           the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out

           of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all

           their enemies.

10:003:019 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went

           also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed

           good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of

           Benjamin.

10:003:020 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And

           David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

10:003:021 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will

           gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a

           league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that

           thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went

           in peace.

10:003:022 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing

           a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was

           not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was

           gone in peace.

10:003:023 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they

           told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and

           he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.

10:003:024 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done?

           behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent

           him away, and he is quite gone?

10:003:025 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive

           thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know

           all that thou doest.

10:003:026 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers

           after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah:

           but David knew it not.

10:003:027 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in

           the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under

           the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his

           brother.

10:003:028 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom

           are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner

           the son of Ner:

10:003:029 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's

           house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that

           hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff,

           or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.

10:003:030 So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had

           slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

10:003:031 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with

           him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn

           before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.

10:003:032 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.

10:003:033 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a

           fool dieth?

10:003:034 Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a

           man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the

           people wept again over him.

10:003:035 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while

           it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more

           also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.

10:003:036 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as

           whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

10:003:037 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it

           was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

10:003:038 And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is

           a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?

10:003:039 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men

           the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward

           the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

10:004:001 And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his

           hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.

10:004:002 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the

           name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab,

           the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin:

           (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin.

10:004:003 And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there

           until this day.)

10:004:004 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet.

           He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and

           Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled:

           and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell,

           and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

10:004:005 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah,

           went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of

           Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.

10:004:006 And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though

           they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the

           fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

10:004:007 For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his

           bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded

           him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain

           all night.

10:004:008 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron,

           and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of

           Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath

           avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.

10:004:009 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of

           Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth,

           who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

10:004:010 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to

           have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in

           Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for

           his tidings:

10:004:011 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person

           in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now

           require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the

           earth?

10:004:012 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut

           off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the

           pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and

           buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

10:005:001 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and

           spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

10:005:002 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he

           that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said

           to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a

           captain over Israel.

10:005:003 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and

           king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD:

           and they anointed David king over Israel.

10:005:004 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he

           reigned forty years.

10:005:005 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months:

           and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all

           Israel and Judah.

10:005:006 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites,

           the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying,

           Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not

           come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

10:005:007 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is

           the city of David.

10:005:008 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the

           gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind

           that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain.

           Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come

           into the house.

10:005:009 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David.

           And David built round about from Millo and inward.

10:005:010 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts

           was with him.

10:005:011 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar

           trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an

           house.

10:005:012 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king

           over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his

           people Israel's sake.

10:005:013 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem,

           after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and

           daughters born to David.

10:005:014 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in

           Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

10:005:015 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

10:005:016 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

10:005:017 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David

           king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David;

           and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.

10:005:018 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley

           of Rephaim.

10:005:019 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the

           Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the

           LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the

           Philistines into thine hand.

10:005:020 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and

           said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me,

           as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that

           place Baalperazim.

10:005:021 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned

           them.

10:005:022 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves

           in the valley of Rephaim.

10:005:023 And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not

           go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them

           over against the mulberry trees.

10:005:024 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the

           tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir

           thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite

           the host of the Philistines.

10:005:025 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the

           Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

10:006:001 Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel,

           thirty thousand.

10:006:002 And David arose, and went with all the people that were with

           him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of

           God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts

           that dwelleth between the cherubims.

10:006:003 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it

           out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and

           Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

10:006:004 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at

           Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the

           ark.

10:006:005 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD

           on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps,

           and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on

           cymbals.

10:006:006 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth

           his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen

           shook it.

10:006:007 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God

           smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of

           God.

10:006:008 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach

           upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to

           this day.

10:006:009 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall

           the ark of the LORD come to me?

10:006:010 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into

           the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house

           of Obededom the Gittite.

10:006:011 And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the

           Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all

           his household.

10:006:012 And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the

           house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because

           of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God

           from the house of Obededom into the city of David with

           gladness.

10:006:013 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD

           had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

10:006:014 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David

           was girded with a linen ephod.

10:006:015 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the

           LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

10:006:016 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal

           Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David

           leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in

           her heart.

10:006:017 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his

           place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched

           for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings

           before the LORD.

10:006:018 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt

           offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the

           name of the LORD of hosts.

10:006:019 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole

           multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one

           a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of

           wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.

10:006:020 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the

           daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How

           glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself

           to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of

           the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

10:006:021 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which

           chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to

           appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel:

           therefore will I play before the LORD.

10:006:022 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in

           mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken

           of, of them shall I be had in honour.

10:006:023 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the

           day of her death.

10:007:001 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the

           LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

10:007:002 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell

           in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within

           curtains.

10:007:003 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine

           heart; for the LORD is with thee.

10:007:004 And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came

           unto Nathan, saying,

10:007:005 Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou

           build me an house for me to dwell in?

10:007:006 Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I

           brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this

           day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.

10:007:007 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children

           of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel,

           whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build

           ye not me an house of cedar?

10:007:008 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus

           saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from

           following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:

10:007:009 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut

           off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a

           great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in

           the earth.

10:007:010 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will

           plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and

           move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict

           them any more, as beforetime,

10:007:011 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my

           people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine

           enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an

           house.

10:007:012 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy

           fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall

           proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

10:007:013 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the

           throne of his kingdom for ever.

10:007:014 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit

           iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the

           stripes of the children of men:

10:007:015 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from

           Saul, whom I put away before thee.

10:007:016 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever

           before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

10:007:017 According to all these words, and according to all this

           vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

10:007:018 Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said,

           Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast

           brought me hitherto?

10:007:019 And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but

           thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while

           to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

10:007:020 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD,

           knowest thy servant.

10:007:021 For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast

           thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know

           them.

10:007:022 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like

           thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all

           that we have heard with our ears.

10:007:023 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like

           Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and

           to make him a name, and to do for you great things and

           terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou

           redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their

           gods?

10:007:024 For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a

           people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their

           God.

10:007:025 And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning

           thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever,

           and do as thou hast said.

10:007:026 And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of

           hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant

           David be established before thee.

10:007:027 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy

           servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath

           thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.

10:007:028 And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true,

           and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

10:007:029 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy

           servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou,

           O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the

           house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

10:008:001 And after this it came to pass that David smote the

           Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out

           of the hand of the Philistines.

10:008:002 And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them

           down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to

           death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the

           Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.

10:008:003 David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah,

           as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

10:008:004 And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred

           horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all

           the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred

           chariots.

10:008:005 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer

           king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty

           thousand men.

10:008:006 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians

           became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD

           preserved David whithersoever he went.

10:008:007 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants

           of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

10:008:008 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king

           David took exceeding much brass.

10:008:009 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the

           host of Hadadezer,

10:008:010 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him,

           and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and

           smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram

           brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and

           vessels of brass:

10:008:011 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the

           silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he

           subdued;

10:008:012 Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of

           the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer,

           son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

10:008:013 And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the

           Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.

10:008:014 And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he

           garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And

           the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

10:008:015 And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment

           and justice unto all his people.

10:008:016 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat

           the son of Ahilud was recorder;

10:008:017 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of

           Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;

10:008:018 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites

           and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

10:009:001 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of

           Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

10:009:002 And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was

           Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said

           unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

10:009:003 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul,

           that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said

           unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his

           feet.

10:009:004 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto

           the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of

           Ammiel, in Lodebar.

10:009:005 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of

           Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.

10:009:006 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul,

           was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence.

           And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy

           servant!

10:009:007 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee

           kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee

           all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at

           my table continually.

10:009:008 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou

           shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

10:009:009 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto

           him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to

           Saul and to all his house.

10:009:010 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the

           land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy

           master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy

           master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had

           fifteen sons and twenty servants.

10:009:011 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord

           the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do.

           As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table,

           as one of the king's sons.

10:009:012 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And

           all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto

           Mephibosheth.

10:009:013 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually

           at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.

10:010:001 And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children

           of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.

10:010:002 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of

           Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent

           to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And

           David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

10:010:003 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their

           lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he

           hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his

           servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and

           to overthrow it?

10:010:004 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one

           half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the

           middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

10:010:005 When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because

           the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at

           Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

10:010:006 And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before

           David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of

           Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen,

           and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve

           thousand men.

10:010:007 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of

           the mighty men.

10:010:008 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in

           array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba,

           and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in

           the field.

10:010:009 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him

           before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel,

           and put them in array against the Syrians:

10:010:010 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of

           Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against

           the children of Ammon.

10:010:011 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou

           shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for

           thee, then I will come and help thee.

10:010:012 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people,

           and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which

           seemeth him good.

10:010:013 And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto

           the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.

10:010:014 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled,

           then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city.

           So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to

           Jerusalem.

10:010:015 And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel,

           they gathered themselves together.

10:010:016 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were

           beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the

           captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

10:010:017 And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together,

           and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set

           themselves in array against David, and fought with him.

10:010:018 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of

           seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand

           horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who

           died there.

10:010:019 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw

           that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with

           Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the

           children of Ammon any more.

10:011:001 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time

           when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his

           servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the

           children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried

           still at Jerusalem.

10:011:002 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from

           off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and

           from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman

           was very beautiful to look upon.

10:011:003 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is

           not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah

           the Hittite?

10:011:004 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto

           him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her

           uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.

10:011:005 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I

           am with child.

10:011:006 And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And

           Joab sent Uriah to David.

10:011:007 And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how

           Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.

10:011:008 And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy

           feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there

           followed him a mess of meat from the king.

10:011:009 But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the

           servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

10:011:010 And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto

           his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy

           journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?

10:011:011 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah,

           abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord,

           are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine

           house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou

           livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

10:011:012 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow

           I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day,

           and the morrow.

10:011:013 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before

           him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on

           his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to

           his house.

10:011:014 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter

           to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.

10:011:015 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the

           forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that

           he may be smitten, and die.

10:011:016 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he

           assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men

           were.

10:011:017 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and

           there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and

           Uriah the Hittite died also.

10:011:018 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the

           war;

10:011:019 And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end

           of telling the matters of the war unto the king,

10:011:020 And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto

           thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye

           did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?

10:011:021 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman

           cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he

           died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy

           servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

10:011:022 So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab

           had sent him for.

10:011:023 And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed

           against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were

           upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

10:011:024 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and

           some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the

           Hittite is dead also.

10:011:025 Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto

           Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword

           devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong

           against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.

10:011:026 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was

           dead, she mourned for her husband.

10:011:027 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to

           his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But

           the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

10:012:001 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and

           said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich,

           and the other poor.

10:012:002 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:

10:012:003 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which

           he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with

           him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and

           drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him

           as a daughter.

10:012:004 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to

           take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the

           wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's

           lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

10:012:005 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he

           said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done

           this thing shall surely die:

10:012:006 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this

           thing, and because he had no pity.

10:012:007 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the

           LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I

           delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

10:012:008 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives

           into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of

           Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have

           given unto thee such and such things.

10:012:009 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to

           do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with

           the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast

           slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

10:012:010 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house;

           because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of

           Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

10:012:011 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee

           out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine

           eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with

           thy wives in the sight of this sun.

10:012:012 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before

           all Israel, and before the sun.

10:012:013 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.

           And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy

           sin; thou shalt not die.

10:012:014 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion

           to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that

           is born unto thee shall surely die.

10:012:015 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the

           child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

10:012:016 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted,

           and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

10:012:017 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise

           him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat

           bread with them.

10:012:018 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died.

           And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child

           was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet

           alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our

           voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the

           child is dead?

10:012:019 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David

           perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto

           his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

10:012:020 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed

           himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of

           the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and

           when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

10:012:021 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou

           hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it

           was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and

           eat bread.

10:012:022 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept:

           for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me,

           that the child may live?

10:012:023 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him

           back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

10:012:024 And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her,

           and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name

           Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

10:012:025 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called

           his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

10:012:026 And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and

           took the royal city.

10:012:027 And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought

           against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters.

10:012:028 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and

           encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city,

           and it be called after my name.

10:012:029 And David gathered all the people together, and went to

           Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it.

10:012:030 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight

           whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it

           was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the

           city in great abundance.

10:012:031 And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put

           them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of

           iron, and made them pass through the brick-kiln: and thus did

           he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and

           all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

10:013:001 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David

           had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of

           David loved her.

10:013:002 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister

           Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him

           to do anything to her.

10:013:003 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of

           Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.

10:013:004 And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean

           from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto

           him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.

10:013:005 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make

           thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto

           him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat,

           and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it

           at her hand.

10:013:006 So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king

           was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee,

           let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my

           sight, that I may eat at her hand.

10:013:007 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother

           Amnon's house, and dress him meat.

10:013:008 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid

           down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in

           his sight, and did bake the cakes.

10:013:009 And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he

           refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And

           they went out every man from him.

10:013:010 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber,

           that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which

           she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her

           brother.

10:013:011 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of

           her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.

10:013:012 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no

           such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

10:013:013 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee,

           thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I

           pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me

           from thee.

10:013:014 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being

           stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.

10:013:015 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith

           he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved

           her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

10:013:016 And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending

           me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But

           he would not hearken unto her.

10:013:017 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said,

           Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.

10:013:018 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with

           such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins

           apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the

           door after her.

10:013:019 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of

           divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head,

           and went on crying.

10:013:020 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother

           been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy

           brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in

           her brother Absalom's house.

10:013:021 But when king David heard of all these things, he was very

           wroth.

10:013:022 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad:

           for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister

           Tamar.

10:013:023 And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had

           sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and

           Absalom invited all the king's sons.

10:013:024 And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy

           servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and

           his servants go with thy servant.

10:013:025 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now

           go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him:

           howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

10:013:026 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon

           go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with

           thee?

10:013:027 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's

           sons go with him.

10:013:028 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now

           when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto

           you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I

           commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

10:013:029 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had

           commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat

           him up upon his mule, and fled.

10:013:030 And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings

           came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons,

           and there is not one of them left.

10:013:031 Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the

           earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.

10:013:032 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and

           said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the

           young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the

           appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day

           that he forced his sister Tamar.

10:013:033 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his

           heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon

           only is dead.

10:013:034 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted

           up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people

           by the way of the hill side behind him.

10:013:035 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come:

           as thy servant said, so it is.

10:013:036 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of

           speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up

           their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants

           wept very sore.

10:013:037 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king

           of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

10:013:038 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three

           years.

10:013:039 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom:

           for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

10:014:001 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart

           was toward Absalom.

10:014:002 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and

           said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and

           put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil,

           but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

10:014:003 And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So

           Joab put the words in her mouth.

10:014:004 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on

           her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O

           king.

10:014:005 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she

           answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

10:014:006 And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in

           the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote

           the other, and slew him.

10:014:007 And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid,

           and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may

           kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we

           will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal

           which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name

           nor remainder upon the earth.

10:014:008 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I

           will give charge concerning thee.

10:014:009 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king,

           the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king

           and his throne be guiltless.

10:014:010 And the king said, Whoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to

           me, and he shall not touch thee any more.

10:014:011 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy

           God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to

           destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As

           the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to

           the earth.

10:014:012 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak

           one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

10:014:013 And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a

           thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this

           thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch

           home again his banished.

10:014:014 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground,

           which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect

           any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not

           expelled from him.

10:014:015 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my

           lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid:

           and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may

           be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

10:014:016 For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the

           hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out

           of the inheritance of God.

10:014:017 Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall

           now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the

           king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will

           be with thee.

10:014:018 Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from

           me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the

           woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.

10:014:019 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all

           this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my

           lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left

           from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant

           Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of

           thine handmaid:

10:014:020 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done

           this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an

           angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

10:014:021 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this

           thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

10:014:022 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself,

           and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant

           knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king,

           in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

10:014:023 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to

           Jerusalem.

10:014:024 And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him

           not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw

           not the king's face.

10:014:025 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as

           Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the

           crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

10:014:026 And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end

           that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him,

           therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at

           two hundred shekels after the king's weight.

10:014:027 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter,

           whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

10:014:028 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the

           king's face.

10:014:029 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king;

           but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the

           second time, he would not come.

10:014:030 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near

           mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And

           Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

10:014:031 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said

           unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

10:014:032 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying,

           Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say,

           Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to

           have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's

           face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.

10:014:033 So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called

           for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his

           face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed

           Absalom.

10:015:001 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him

           chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

10:015:002 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the

           gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy

           came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him,

           and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is

           of one of the tribes of Israel.

10:015:003 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and

           right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

10:015:004 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land,

           that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto

           me, and I would do him justice!

10:015:005 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him

           obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed

           him.

10:015:006 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the

           king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of

           Israel.

10:015:007 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto

           the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have

           vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

10:015:008 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria,

           saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem,

           then I will serve the LORD.

10:015:009 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went

           to Hebron.

10:015:010 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel,

           saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye

           shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

10:015:011 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that

           were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew

           not any thing.

10:015:012 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's

           counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered

           sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people

           increased continually with Absalom.

10:015:013 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the

           men of Israel are after Absalom.

10:015:014 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at

           Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else

           escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us

           suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the

           edge of the sword.

10:015:015 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy

           servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall

           appoint.

10:015:016 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And

           the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the

           house.

10:015:017 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and

           tarried in a place that was far off.

10:015:018 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the

           Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six

           hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before

           the king.

10:015:019 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou

           also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king:

           for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

10:015:020 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee

           go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return

           thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with

           thee.

10:015:021 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and

           as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the

           king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will

           thy servant be.

10:015:022 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the

           Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones

           that were with him.

10:015:023 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people

           passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook

           Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the

           wilderness.

10:015:024 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing

           the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of

           God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done

           passing out of the city.

10:015:025 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into

           the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he

           will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:

10:015:026 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am

           I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

10:015:027 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer?

           return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you,

           Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

10:015:028 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there

           come word from you to certify me.

10:015:029 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to

           Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

10:015:030 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as

           he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot:

           and all the people that was with him covered every man his

           head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

10:015:031 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the

           conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray

           thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

10:015:032 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of

           the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite

           came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

10:015:033 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou

           shalt be a burden unto me:

10:015:034 But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will

           be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant

           hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou

           for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

10:015:035 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the

           priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou

           shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to

           Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

10:015:036 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz

           Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall

           send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

10:015:037 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came

           into Jerusalem.

10:016:001 And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold,

           Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of

           asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and

           an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer

           fruits, and a bottle of wine.

10:016:002 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And

           Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on;

           and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and

           the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

10:016:003 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba

           said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he

           said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom

           of my father.

10:016:004 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that

           pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech

           thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

10:016:005 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a

           man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei,

           the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

10:016:006 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king

           David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his

           right hand and on his left.

10:016:007 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou

           bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

10:016:008 The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of

           Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath

           delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and,

           behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a

           bloody man.

10:016:009 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should

           this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray

           thee, and take off his head.

10:016:010 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of

           Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto

           him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done

           so?

10:016:011 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my

           son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much

           more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him

           curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

10:016:012 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that

           the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

10:016:013 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on

           the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and

           threw stones at him, and cast dust.

10:016:014 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came

           weary, and refreshed themselves there.

10:016:015 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to

           Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

10:016:016 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend,

           was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save

           the king, God save the king.

10:016:017 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy

           friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

10:016:018 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this

           people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and

           with him will I abide.

10:016:019 And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the

           presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's

           presence, so will I be in thy presence.

10:016:020 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what

           we shall do.

10:016:021 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's

           concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all

           Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then

           shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

10:016:022 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and

           Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of

           all Israel.

10:016:023 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those

           days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so

           was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with

           Absalom.

10:017:001 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out

           twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David

           this night:

10:017:002 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed,

           and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him

           shall flee; and I will smite the king only:

10:017:003 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom

           thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be

           in peace.

10:017:004 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of

           Israel.

10:017:005 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let

           us hear likewise what he saith.

10:017:006 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him,

           saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do

           after his saying? if not; speak thou.

10:017:007 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath

           given is not good at this time.

10:017:008 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that

           they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a

           bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a

           man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

10:017:009 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and

           it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the

           first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a

           slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

10:017:010 And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a

           lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy

           father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant

           men.

10:017:011 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto

           thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the

           sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own

           person.

10:017:012 So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be

           found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the

           ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there

           shall not be left so much as one.

10:017:013 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel

           bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river,

           until there be not one small stone found there.

10:017:014 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of

           Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.

           For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of

           Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon

           Absalom.

10:017:015 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus

           and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of

           Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

10:017:016 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not

           this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass

           over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that

           are with him.

10:017:017 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not

           be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them;

           and they went and told king David.

10:017:018 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went

           both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in

           Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went

           down.

10:017:019 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's

           mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not

           known.

10:017:020 And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house,

           they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said

           unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they

           had sought and could not find them, they returned to

           Jerusalem.

10:017:021 And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came

           up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said

           unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus

           hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

10:017:022 Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and

           they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not

           one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

10:017:023 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he

           saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to

           his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself,

           and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

10:017:024 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan,

           he and all the men of Israel with him.

10:017:025 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab:

           which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an

           Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash,

           sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

10:017:026 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

10:017:027 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that

           Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon,

           and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the

           Gileadite of Rogelim,

10:017:028 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and

           barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles,

           and parched pulse,

10:017:029 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for

           David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they

           said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the

           wilderness.

10:018:001 And David numbered the people that were with him, and set

           captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds over them.

10:018:002 And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand

           of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of

           Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of

           Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will

           surely go forth with you myself also.

10:018:003 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we

           flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us

           die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten

           thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour

           us out of the city.

10:018:004 And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do.

           And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came

           out by hundreds and by thousands.

10:018:005 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying,

           Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.

           And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains

           charge concerning Absalom.

10:018:006 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the

           battle was in the wood of Ephraim;

10:018:007 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of

           David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of

           twenty thousand men.

10:018:008 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the

           country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the

           sword devoured.

10:018:009 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a

           mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak,

           and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up

           between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under

           him went away.

10:018:010 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I

           saw Absalom hanged in an oak.

10:018:011 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou

           sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the

           ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and

           a girdle.

10:018:012 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand

           shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine

           hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king

           charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none

           touch the young man Absalom.

10:018:013 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own

           life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou

           thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.

10:018:014 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took

           three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of

           Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.

10:018:015 And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and

           smote Absalom, and slew him.

10:018:016 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from

           pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

10:018:017 And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the

           wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all

           Israel fled every one to his tent.

10:018:018 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for

           himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I

           have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the

           pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day,

           Absalom's place.

10:018:019 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear

           the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his

           enemies.

10:018:020 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day,

           but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou

           shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

10:018:021 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen.

           And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

10:018:022 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But

           howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab

           said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast

           no tidings ready?

10:018:023 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run.

           Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.

10:018:024 And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up

           to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his

           eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

10:018:025 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said,

           If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came

           apace, and drew near.

10:018:026 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman

           called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running

           alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

10:018:027 And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost

           is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king

           said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

10:018:028 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And

           he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and

           said, Blessed be the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the

           men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

10:018:029 And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz

           answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy

           servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was.

10:018:030 And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he

           turned aside, and stood still.

10:018:031 And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the

           king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that

           rose up against thee.

10:018:032 And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe?

           And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all

           that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man

           is.

10:018:033 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over

           the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son

           Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for

           thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

10:019:001 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth

           for Absalom.

10:019:002 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the

           people: for the people heard say that day how the king was

           grieved for his son.

10:019:003 And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as

           people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

10:019:004 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud

           voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

10:019:005 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast

           shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day

           have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy

           daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy

           concubines;

10:019:006 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For

           thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither

           princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom

           had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased

           thee well.

10:019:007 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy

           servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there

           will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be

           worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy

           youth until now.

10:019:008 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto

           all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate.

           And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled

           every man to his tent.

10:019:009 And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of

           Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our

           enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the

           Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.

10:019:010 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now

           therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

10:019:011 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests,

           saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the

           last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of

           all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.

10:019:012 Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore

           then are ye the last to bring back the king?

10:019:013 And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh?

           God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the

           host before me continually in the room of Joab.

10:019:014 And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the

           heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king,

           Return thou, and all thy servants.

10:019:015 So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to

           Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over

           Jordan.

10:019:016 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim,

           hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

10:019:017 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba

           the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his

           twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the

           king.

10:019:018 And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's

           household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son

           of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

10:019:019 And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto

           me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did

           perversely the day that my lord the king went out of

           Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.

10:019:020 For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore,

           behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of

           Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

10:019:021 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not

           Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's

           anointed?

10:019:022 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of

           Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall

           there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I

           know that I am this day king over Israel?

10:019:023 Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And

           the king sware unto him.

10:019:024 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king,

           and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor

           washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the

           day he came again in peace.

10:019:025 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the

           king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou

           with me, Mephibosheth?

10:019:026 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for

           thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride

           thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.

10:019:027 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but

           my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is

           good in thine eyes.

10:019:028 For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord

           the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did

           eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry

           any more unto the king?

10:019:029 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy

           matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

10:019:030 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all,

           forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his

           own house.

10:019:031 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went

           over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

10:019:032 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old:

           and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at

           Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

10:019:033 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and

           I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

10:019:034 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live,

           that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

10:019:035 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between

           good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I

           drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and

           singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a

           burden unto my lord the king?

10:019:036 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king:

           and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

10:019:037 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die

           in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and

           of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over

           with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto

           thee.

10:019:038 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I

           will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and

           whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

10:019:039 And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was

           come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he

           returned unto his own place.

10:019:040 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him:

           and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half

           the people of Israel.

10:019:041 And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said

           unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen

           thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and

           all David's men with him, over Jordan?

10:019:042 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because

           the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for

           this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath

           he given us any gift?

10:019:043 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We

           have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in

           David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice

           should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the

           words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the

           men of Israel.

10:020:001 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was

           Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet,

           and said, We have no part in David, neither have we

           inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O

           Israel.

10:020:002 So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed

           Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their

           king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

10:020:003 And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took

           the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the

           house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in

           unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death,

           living in widowhood.

10:020:004 Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah

           within three days, and be thou here present.

10:020:005 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried

           longer than the set time which he had appointed him.

10:020:006 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri

           do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's

           servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities,

           and escape us.

10:020:007 And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites,

           and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out

           of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

10:020:008 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa

           went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was

           girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened

           upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it

           fell out.

10:020:009 And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And

           Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

10:020:010 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand:

           so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his

           bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died.

           So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of

           Bichri.

10:020:011 And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that

           favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after

           Joab.

10:020:012 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And

           when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed

           Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon

           him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.

10:020:013 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on

           after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

10:020:014 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to

           Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered

           together, and went also after him.

10:020:015 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and

           they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the

           trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the

           wall, to throw it down.

10:020:016 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I

           pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with

           thee.

10:020:017 And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou

           Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear

           the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

10:020:018 Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time,

           saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they

           ended the matter.

10:020:019 I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel:

           thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why

           wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

10:020:020 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that

           I should swallow up or destroy.

10:020:021 The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the

           son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand agai