(The Scriptures)
The second book of Samuel
Chapter Lookup: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Chapter 1
1:1
After the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and had been two days in Zikeleg:
1:2
Behold, there came a man the third day out of the host from Saul with his clothes rent and earth upon his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the earth and did obeisance.
1:3
To whom David said: whence comest thou? And the other answered him: Out of the host of Israel am I escaped.
1:4
And David said to him again: How hath it chanced? tell me. And he said: the people fled from the battle: and many of the people are overthrown and dead: and Saul and Jonathas his son are dead thereto.
1:5
And David said unto the young man that told him: how knowest thou that Saul and Jonathas his son be dead?
1:6
and the young man that told him, said: I was by chance in mount Gelboe. And see, Saul leaned upon his spear, and the chariots and horsemen followed him at the heels.
1:7
And Saul looked back and called me. And I answered: here am I.
1:8
And he said unto me: what art thou? and I said unto him: I am an Amalekite.
1:9
And he said unto me: come on me and slay me: For anguish is come upon me and my life is yet all in me.
1:10
And I went on him and slew him: for 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 unto my lord hither.
1:11
Then David took his clothes and rent them, and so did all the men that were with him.
1:12
And they mourned, wept and fasted until evening, for Saul and Jonathas his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they were overthrown with the sword.
1:13
Then said David unto the young man that brought him tidings. Whence art thou? And he said: I am the son of an alien an Amalekite.
1:14
And David said unto him: How is it that thou wast not afraid to lay thine hand on the LORD's anointed, to destroy him?
1:15
And David called one of his young men and said: Go and run upon him. And he smote him that he died.
1:16
Then said David unto him: thy blood upon thine own head: for thine own mouth hath testified against thee saying: I have slain the LORD's anointed.
1:17
And David sang this song of mourning over Saul and Jonathas his son,
1:18
and bade to teach the children of Israel the staves thereof. And behold it is written in the book of the righteous.
1:19
The glory of Israel is slain upon the high hills: Oh how were the mighty overthrown?
1:20
Tell it not in Geth: nor publish it in the streets of Askalon: lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and that the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph thereof.
1:21
Ye mountains of Gelboe, upon you be neither dew nor rain, nor fields whence heave offerings come. For there the shields of the mighty were cast from them: the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
1:22
The bow of Jonathas and the sword of Saul turned never back again empty, from the blood of the wounded and from the fat of the mighty warriors.
1:23
Saul and Jonathas lovely and pleasant in their lives, were in their deaths not divided, men swifter than Aegles and stronger than Lions.
1:24
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, which clothed you in purple and garments of pleasure, and bordered your raiment with ornaments of gold.
1:25
How were the mighty slain in battle? Jonathas on the high hills was wounded to death:
1:26
Woe is me for thee my brother Jonathas: delectable to me wast thou exceeding. Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
1:27
How were the mighty overthrown, and how were the weapons of war forlorn.
Chapter 2
2:1
After this David asked the LORD saying: shall I go up into any of the cities of Juda? And the LORD said: go. And David answered whither shall I go? He answered, unto Hebron.
2:2
And so David went thither with his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezrahelite and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.
2:3
And the men that were with him, did David carry up also, every man with his house. And they dwelt in the towns of Hebron.
2:4
And the men of Juda came and there anointed David king over the house of Juda. When it was told David, how the men of Jabes in Gilead had buried Saul,
2:5
he sent messengers unto them and said unto them: blessed are ye unto the LORD, that ye have shewed such kindness unto your lord Saul, and have buried him.
2:6
Wherefore the LORD shew you mercy and truth again. And I will do you good also, because ye have done this thing.
2:7
And now let your hands stir them and play ye the men, though your master Saul be dead. And finally understand that the house of Juda have anointed me king over them.
2:8
But Abner the son of Ner that was captain of Saul's host, took Isboseth the son of Saul and brought him to Mahanaim
2:9
and made him king over Gilead and over the Assurites, and over Jezrahel: and over Ephraim and Benjamin and over all Israel.
2:10
And Isboseth Saul's son was forty year old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Juda only followed David.
2:11
And the time which David reigned in Hebron over the house of Juda was seven years and six months.
2:12
And Abner the son of Ner and the servants of Isboseth the son of Saul went out of Mahanaim, to Gabaon.
2:13
And Joab the son of Zaruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the Pool of Gabaon. And they sat down, the one part on the one side the pool and the other on the other side.
2:14
And Abner said to Joab: let the young men arise and play before us. And Joab answered: be it.
2:15
Then there arose and went over: twelve of Benjamin by number which pertained to Isboseth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
2:16
And they caught each his fellow that came against him, by the head and thrust his sword in his side, and so fell down all at once. Wherefore the place was called Helath Zurim which is in Gabaon.
2:17
And there began an exceeding cruel battle that same day. But Abner and the men of Israel were put to the worse of the servants of David.
2:18
And there was three sons of Zaruiah there: Joab, Abisai and Asahel: which Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild roe,
2:19
and followed after Abner and turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from Abner.
2:20
Then Abner looked behind him and said: art thou Asahel? And he said yea.
2:21
Then said Abner: turn thee either to the right hand or to the left and catch one of the young men and take thee his spoil. But Asahel would not depart from him.
2:22
And Abner said again to Asahel: turn from me, for I were loth to smite thee to the ground. For then how should I hold up my face before Joab thy brother?
2:23
howbeit he would in no wise depart. Then Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the short ribs, that the spear came out behind him: that he fell down in the same place and died there. And as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, stood still.
2:24
But Joab and Abisai followed Abner till the son went down. And when they were come to the hill Amah that lieth before Giah in the way that goeth thorow the wilderness of Gabaon,
2:25
the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner on a plump and stood still on the top of an hill.
2:26
Then Abner called to Joab and said: shall the sword devour without end? knowest thou not that bitterness is wont to come in the latter end? how long shall it be, yer thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
2:27
And Joab answered: as truly as God liveth, if thou hadst so said, then even in the morning had the people departed, each from following his brother.
2:28
And therewith Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still and pursued after Israel no more nor fought no more.
2:29
And Abner and his men walked all that night by the wild fields, and went over Jordan, and passed thorow all Bethhoron and came to Mahanaim.
2:30
And Joab returned from after Abner and gathered all the people together. And there lacked of David's servants nineteen persons and Asahel.
2:31
But the servants of David had slain of Benjamin and of Abner's men, three hundredth and three score men.
2:32
And they took up Asahel and buried him in the sepulchre of his father in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and came in the dawning to Hebron.
Chapter 3
3:1
There was long strife 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.
3:2
And David had children born him in Hebron: his eldest son was Amnon of Ahinoam the Jezrahelite:
3:3
the second Cheleab of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite: the third Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Tholmai the king of Gessur:
3:4
the fourth Adoniah the son of Hagith: the fifth Saphaitiah the son of Abital:
3:5
the sixth Jethraam by Egla David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
3:6
And as long as there was battle between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner held up the house of Saul.
3:7
And Saul had a concubine named Riphah the daughter of Aiah. And Isboseth said to Abner: Wherefore liest thou with my father's concubine?
3:8
Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Isboseth and said: Am I not a dog's head, which Against Juda have shewed mercy this day unto the house of Saul thy father and to his brethren and friends, and have not delivered them into the hand of David: seeing thou findest a fault in me this day for a woman?
3:9
So do God to Abner and so thereto: except that as the LORD hath sworn to David, I so do to him,
3:10
and bring the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Juda, even from Dan to Bersabe.
3:11
And he could give Abner never a word to answer because he feared him.
3:12
And Abner sent messengers to David forthwith, saying: whose is the land? And he said thereto: make a bond with me, and see, my hand is with thee, to bring all Israel unto thee.
3:13
And David answered well said, I will make a bond with thee. But one thing I require of thee, that thou see not my face, except thou first bring Michol Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see me.
3:14
And David sent messengers to Isboseth Saul's son saying: deliver me my wife Michol which I married with an hundredth foreskins of the Philistines.
3:15
And Isboseth sent and took her from her husband Phaltiel the son of Lais.
3:16
And her husband went with her, and came weeping behind her, till they came to Bathurim. Then said Abner unto him go and return. And he returned.
3:17
And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying: ye have long gone about that David should be king over you.
3:18
Now then do it: for the LORD hath said of David, by the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel, out of the hands of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
3:19
And like words had he with Benjamin, and then went to tell in the ears of David in Hebron all that Israel was content with and the whole house of Benjamin.
3:20
And when Abner was come to David to Hebron and twenty men with him: David made him and the men that were with him a feast.
3:21
Then Abner said unto David: I will up and go gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make an appointment with thee, that thou mayest be king over all that thine heart desireth. And so David let Abner depart, and he went in peace.
3:22
And see, the servants of David and Joab came from chasing robbers and brought a great prey with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron: for he had sent him away to depart in peace.
3:23
When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, men told Joab saying: Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away that he is gone in peace.
3:24
Then Joab went to the king and said: what hast thou done? See, Abner came unto thee, why hast thou sent him away, that he should escape quite?
3:25
Thou mightest know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to flatter with thee, and to know thy conversation and behaviour, and to know all that thou doest.
3:26
And when Joab was come out from the king, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah unwitting to David.|and David knew not therof.|
3:27
And when Abner was come again to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate, to speak with him guilefully, and there smote him under the short ribs that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
3:28
And when it afterward came to David's ear, he said: I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever, concerning the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
3:29
It fall therefore on the head of Joab and on all his father's house: that the house of Joab be never without one or other that hath running issues or without lepers and goers on crutches, and that fall on the sword and that lack bread.
3:30
And the cause why Joab and Abisai slew Abner was, that Abner had slain their brother Asahel at Gabaon in battle.
3:31
And David said to Joab and to all the people that were with him, rent your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
3:32
And when they had buried Abner in Hebron, the king lifted up his voice and wept over the sepulchre of Abner, and so did all the people.
3:33
And the king lamented over Abner and said: Abner died not as a wretch dieth.
3:34
Thy hands were not manacled nor thy feet brought into gyves: but as men fall before wicked children, so fellest thou. And all the people wept yet more over him.
3:35
And when all the people came to eat meat with David, while it was yet day, David sware saying: so do God to me and so thereto, if I taste bread or ought else, till the son be down.
3:36
And the people wist it, and it pleased them, as well as all other good things which the king did in the sight of the people.
3:37
And all the people and all Israel thereto understood that day how that it was not the king's mind, to slay Abner the son of Ner.
3:38
And the king said unto his servants: know ye not, how that there is a lord and that a great fallen this day in Israel?
3:39
And I am this day tender, though I be anointed king. And these men the sons of Zaruiah be too good for me to rule? But the LORD reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
Chapter 4
4:1
When Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands fainted and all Israel was troubled.
4:2
Now this Saul's son had two men that were become captains over the soldiers, the one called Baanah and the other Rechab, the sons of Remon a Berothite, and of the children of Benjamin: for Beroth was reckoned to pertain to Benjamin.
4:3
And these Berothites fled to Gethaim and sojourned there until the same time.
4:4
And Jonathas Saul's son had a son that was lame on his feet: five years old was he when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathas out of Jezrahel. And his nurse took him up and fled away. And as she made haste to flee and was amazed, the child fell and became halt and was called Miphiboseth.
4:5
And these sons of Remon the Berothite, Rechab and Baanah went, and came in the heat of the day to the house of Isboseth, as he slept on a bed at noon.
4:6
And behold they came into the house as though they would have bought wheat, and smote him under the short ribs and fled.
4:7
For they came into the house as he slept on his bed in his resting chamber, and smote him and slew him and beheaded him and took his head and gat them away thorow the wild fields all night.
4:8
And they brought the head of Isboseth unto David, to Hebron and said to the king: behold there the head of Isboseth Saul's son thine enemy, which sought thy soul. But the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul and of his seed.
4:9
And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Remon the Berothite and said unto them: as surely as the LORD liveth which hath delivered my soul out of all adversities:
4:10
him that told me how that Saul was dead, thinking to have brought me good tidings, I caught and slew in Zikeleg, to give him a reward for his tidings bringing.
4:11
And how much more ought I to deal with wicked men that have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? Now therefore think ye that I will not require his blood of your hands and take you from the earth?
4:12
And David commanded his young men, and they slew them and cut off their hands and their feet and hanged them up by the pole in Hebron. And they took the head of Isboseth and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.
Chapter 5
5:1
Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron and said: see, we are thy bones and thy flesh.
5:2
And thereto in time past when Saul was king over us, thou leddest Israel in and out. And the LORD hath said to thee: thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
5:3
And so all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron. And king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel.
5:4
David was thirty year old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty year.
5:5
In Hebron he reigned over Juda seven years and six months. And in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three year over all Israel and Juda.
5:6
Then went the king and his men to Jerusalem, unto the Jebusites the inhabiters of the land. And they said unto David: except thou take away the blind and the lame thou shalt not come in hither, meaning thereby that David should not have come in thither.
5:7
Nevertheless David took the hold of Sion, which is in the city of David.
5:8
Then said David the same day: whosoever winneth the walls and the lame and the blind hated of David's soul. Wherefore the blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
5:9
And David dwelt in the tower and called it the city of David. And David built round about it from Mello inward.
5:10
And David waxed great and the LORD God of hosts was with him.
5:11
And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with Cedar trees and carpenters and Masons, to build David an house.
5:12
Whereby David perecived that the LORD had stablished him king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
5:13
And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were yet born to David.
5:14
And these be the names of the sons that were born him in Jerusalem: Samua, Sobab, Nathan, Salamon,
5:15
Jebahar, Elisua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elisama,
5:16
Eliada, and Eliphalet.
5:17
But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, they came all up to seek David. And as soon as David heard of it, he gat him to an hold.
5:18
And the Philistines came and laid them along in the valley of Raphaim.
5:19
And David asked of the LORD saying: shall I go to the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into my hands? And the LORD said unto David: go for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hands.
5:20
And David came to Baal Pharazim and smote them there and said: the LORD hath divided mine enemies asunder before me, as a man would divide water. And therefore he called the name of the said place, Baal Pharazim.
5:21
And there they left their Images and David and his men took them up.
5:22
And the Philistines came yet again and laid them in the valley Raphaim.
5:23
And David asked the LORD, and he said go not. But compass them on the back side and come down upon them from the Peretrees.
5:24
And when thou hearest the noise of a thing going in the tops of the Peretrees, then move. For then the LORD is gone out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
5:25
And David did as the LORD commanded him and smote the Philistines from Gabaah to Gezer.
Chapter 6
6:1
After that, David chose out all the chief young men in Israel to the sum of thirty thousand,
6:2
and arose and went and all the folk that were with him of the men of Juda, to fetch away the Ark of God upon which is called the name of the LORD of Hosts that dwelleth between the cherubins.
6:3
And they put the Ark of God upon a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that dwelt at Gabaah. And Ozah and Ahio the sons of Abinadab drave the new cart.
6:4
And when they brought it out of that house of Abinadab that dwelt at Gabaah with the Ark of God, Ahio went before the ark.
6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all manner instruments of fir wood, with harps, psalteries, timbrels, fiddles and cymbals.
6:6
And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Ozah put his hand to the ark of God and held it, for the oxen stumbled.
6:7
And the LORD was wrath with Ozah and God smote him in the same place for his fault, and there he died by the ark of God.
6:8
And David was displeased because the LORD had rent Ozah. And the name of the place was called Perez Ozah until this day.
6:9
And David was then afraid of the LORD and said: how should the Ark of the LORD come to my house?
6:10
And so David would not bring the Ark of the LORD with him into the city of David. But carried it into the house of Obed Edom a Gethite.
6:11
And the Ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed Edom the Gethite, three months, and the LORD blessed Obed Edom and all his household.
6:12
And when it was told king David how that the LORD had blessed the house of Obed Edom and all that pertained unto him, because of the Ark of God, he went and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed Edom unto the city of David with gladness.
6:13
And ever when they that bare the Ark of the LORD, had gone six passes, he offered an ox and a fat sheep.
6:14
And David danced before the LORD with all his might in a linen Ephod gird unto him.
6:15
And David and all the house of Israel brought the ark of the LORD with shouting and trumpet blowing.
6:16
And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michol Saul's daughter looked thorow a window and saw king David spring and dance before the LORD, and therefore despised him in her heart.
6:17
And when they had brought in the Ark of the LORD, and had set it even in his place, even in the tabernacle that David had prepared for it: David offered burntofferings and peaceofferings before the LORD,
6:18
and as soon as David had made and end of offering burntofferings and peaceofferings he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts,
6:19
and gave among all the folk, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men every one a Cake of bread and a piece of flesh and a flacket of wine. And so the people departed every man to his house.
6:20
Then David returned to salute his household. And Michol the daughter of Saul came out against him and said: Oh how glorious was the king of Israel today, which stripped himself today before the eyes of the maidens of his servants, as a light brained fellow is wont to strip himself.
6:21
But David said again to Michol, I will make sport before the LORD which chose me before thy father and before all his kin, commanding me to be ruler over all his people Israel.
6:22
And I will be yet more vile than so, and will be meek in mine own sight: and shall for all that of the very same maidservants which thou speakest of, be had in honour.
6:23
But the said Michol daughter to Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
Chapter 7
7:1
And in process as the king dwelt in his house after that the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies,
7:2
he said unto Nathan the prophet: behold, I dwell in a house of Cedar trees, but the Ark of God dwelleth in the midst of curtains.
7:3
Then said Nathan unto the king: go and do all that is in thine heart, for the LORD is with thee.
7:4
But that same night the word of the LORD came unto Nathan saying:
7:5
go and tell my servant David, thus sayeth the LORD: shalt thou go build me an house for the LORD to dwell in?
7:6
For I have not dwelt in any house since the time I brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, unto this day: but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.
7:7
In any way where I went among the children of Israel, spake I one word with any of the tribes of Israel which I commanded to feed my people Israel saying: why build ye not me an house of Cedar tree?
7:8
Now therefore so say unto my servant David, thus sayeth the LORD of Hosts I took thee out of a shepherd's cote from following sheep to be a ruler over my people Israel.
7:9
And I was with thee in all that thou wentest to, and have destroyed all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men of the world.
7:10
And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant it and they shall continue in one place and shall move no more, neither shall wicked people trouble them any more as they did at the beginning,
7:11
and since the time I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and I will give thee rest from all thine enemies. And the LORD telleth thee that he will build thee an household.
7:12
And when thy days be fulfilled and thou laid to rest with thy fathers, then I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy body, and will stablish his kingdom.
7:13
And he shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the seat of his kingdom for ever:
7:14
I will be his father and he shall be my son: insomuch that if he sin, I will but rebuke him with such a rod as men be rebuked with and with such plagues as the children of men be plagued with.
7:15
But my mercy will I not take away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put down before thee.
7:16
And thine house and thy kingdom shall endure without end after thee, and thy seat shall be stablished for ever.
7:17
And when Nathan had told David all these words and all this vision:
7:18
Then went king David and set him down before the LORD and said: what am I Lord Jehovah,{Lorde Iehouah} and what is my kin, that thou shouldest have brought me this far forth?
7:19
And is this a small thing in thy sight Lord Jehovah,{Lorde Iehouah} but that thou shouldest speak also of thy servant's house for a great while to come? is this a law among men Lord Jehovah?{Lorde Iehouah}
7:20
And what can David say more unto thee, seeing thou knowest thy servant Lord Jehovah?{Lorde Iehouah}
7:21
Even for thy word's sake and according to thine own heart hast thou done all these great things to make them known unto thy servant.
7:22
Wherefore thou art great O LORD God and there is none like thee, neither is there any God save thou, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
7:23
And what one people in the earth is like thy people Israel, which God went and delivered to be his people, and to make him a name, and to shew them great and terrible things in the earth, before thy people which thou redeemest to thee out of Egypt, even from the people and from their gods.
7:24
And thou hast ordained thy people Israel to be thy people for ever. And thou LORD art their God.
7:25
And now LORD God the thing thou hast said of thy servant and of his house make it good for ever and do as thou hast said.
7:26
And let thy name be great for ever, that men may say, the LORD of Hosts is the God of Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be stablished before thee.
7:27
For thou LORD of Hosts God of Israel hast told in the ear of thy servant saying: I will build thee an house. And therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
7:28
And now Lord Jehovah{Lorde Iehouah} thou art the God, and thy words must be true: for thou hast told this goodness unto thy servant.
7:29
And now go to and bless the household of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee. For thou Lord Jehovah{Lorde Iehouah} hast said that of thy blessing the house of thy servant shall be blessed for ever.
Chapter 8
8:1
After that, David beat the Philistines and subdued them and took the bridle of bondage out of their hands.
8:2
And he beat the Moabites and measured them with a line, making them lie along the earth, and then meeting the length of two lines to slay, and the length of one line to save a life. And so became the Moabites David's servants and paid tribute.
8:3
David smote also Adadezer the son of Rehob king of Zobah as he went to make the end of his coasts at the river Euphrates.
8:4
And David took a thousand and seven hundredth horsemen of his, and twenty thousand footmen and destroyed all his chariots reserving one hundredth of them.(Septuagint: And David took a thousand of his chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all his chariot horses, and he reserved to himself a hundred chariots. Note: 1 Chronicles 18:4)
8:5
Then came the Sirians of Damasco to succour Adadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Siria Damasco.
8:6
And the Sirians became servants to David paying tribute. And thus the LORD saved David in all that he went to.
8:7
And David took the shields of gold that were upon the servants of Adadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.
8:8
And thereto out of Betah and Berathai cities of Adadezer he brought exceeding great abundance of brass.
8:9
When Thoi king of Hemath had heard how David had discomforted all the host of Adadezer,
8:10
he sent Joram his son unto king David to salute him with peace and to bless him because he had fought against Adadezer and beaten him: for Thoi kept war with Adadezer, which son brought vessels of silver, gold and of brass with him.
8:11
And them also king David did dedicate unto the LORD with the silver and gold that he consecrated of all nations which he subdued:
8:12
of the Sirians, the Moabites, the children of Ammon, the Philistines, the Amalekites, and of the spoil of Adadezer son of Rehob king of Zobah.
8:13
And David made him a name after he returned from the slaughter of the Sirians in the valley of Salt where he slew eighteen thousand men.
8:14
And he put keepers in Edom, even thorowout all Edom put he soldiers and all Edom became his servants. And the LORD kept David whatsoever he took in hand.
8:15
And David reigned over all Israel and executed right and Justice unto all his people.
8:16
And Joab the son of Zaruiah was over the host, and Jehosaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder.
8:17
And Sadoch the son of Ahitob and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were the priests, and Saraiah was the Scribe.
8:18
And Banaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cerethites and the Phelethites and David's sons were chief rulers.
Chapter 9
9:1
Then said David: is there yet any man left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him mercy for Jonathas' sake?
9:2
And there was of the household of Saul a servant named Zibah which was called unto David. And the king said unto him: art thou Zibah? And he said: thy servant is the man.
9:3
Then said the king: remaineth there yet any man of the kindred of Saul, whom I may shew the mercy of God upon? And Zibah said unto the king: Jonathas hath yet a son which is lame on both feet.
9:4
And the king said unto him: where is he? And Zibah said unto the king: behold he is in the house of Machir the son of Amiel in Lodaber.
9:5
Then king David sent and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Amiel, out of Lodaber.
9:6
Now when Miphiboseth the son of Jonathas the son of Saul was come unto David, he bowed himself and fell on his face. Then said David: Miphiboseth? And he answered. Behold thy servant.
9:7
And David said: fear not, for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathas' sake and will restore thee all the fields of Saul thy father, and thou shalt eat meat on mine own table always.
9:8
And the other bowed himself and said: what is thy servant that thou shouldst vouchsafe to look upon such a dead dog as I am.
9:9
Then the king called unto Zibah Saul's young man saying unto him: I give unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his kin.
9:10
See therefore that thou and thy sons and thy servants till the land for him, and bring in, that thy master's son may have food to eat. For Miphiboseth thy master's son shall eat meat alway upon my table. For this Zibah had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
9:11
Then said Zibah unto the king: all that my lord hath said unto his servant, thy servant shall do. For (said the king) Miphiboseth must eat upon my table, as one of the king's sons.
9:12
This Miphiboseth had a son that was young named Micha, and all that dwelled in the house of Zibah were servants unto Miphiboseth.
9:13
And Miphiboseth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate ever at the king's table, and was thereto halt on both legs.
Chapter 10
10:1
It happened after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanon his son reigned in his stead.
10:2
Then said David: I will shew kindness unto Hanon the son of Nahas, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And thereupon David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants over the death of his father. Now when David's servants were come into the land of the children of Ammon,
10:3
the lords of the children of Ammon said unto Hanon their lord: thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, because he hath sent to comfort thee? Nay, he hath rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city and to spy it out, even to overthrow it.
10:4
Wherefore Hanon took David's servants and shaved off the one half of every man's beard and cut off their garments even in the middle, even hard by the buttocks of them and sent them away.
10:5
When it was told David he sent against them (for they were men exceedingly ashamed) and said: tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
10:6
And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank unto David, they sent and hired the sons of Bethrehob of the Sirians of Zobah twenty thousand footmen and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Istob twelve thousand men.
10:7
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of strong men.
10:8
And the children of Ammon came out and waged battle before the gate and the Sirians of Zobah, of Rehob, Istob and Maacah were by themselves in the fields.
10:9
When Joab saw that the front of the battle was before and after, he chose of all the best of Israel and put them in array against the Sirians.
10:10
And the rest of the people he delivered in the hand of Abisai his brother, which put them in array against the children of Ammon.
10:11
And he said: if the Sirians overcome me, then succour me. But if the children of Ammon be too good for thee, I will come and succour thee,
10:12
quite thee like a man, and let us fight lustily for our people and for the cities of our God. And the LORD do what seemeth best in his eyes.
10:13
And forthwith Joab proceeded and the people that was with him into battle against the Sirians, which fled before him.
10:14
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Sirians were fled, then fled they also before Abisai, and entered into the city. And so Joab returned from the children of Ammon and came to Jerusalem.
10:15
And when the Sirians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they gathered them together.
10:16
And Adadezer sent and brought out the Sirians that were beyond the river. And the host of them came, and Sobah the captain of the host of Hadadezer before them.
10:17
And when it was shewed David, he gathered all Israel and passed over Jordan and came to Helam: where the Sirians put themselves in array against David and fought with him:
10:18
how be it the Sirians fled before Israel. And David destroyed seven hundredth chariots of them and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Sobah the captain of his host, that he there died.
10:19
And when all the kings that were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with them and served them. And so the Sirians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
Chapter 11
11:1
And it came to pass in the beginning of a new year, in the times when kings are wont to go forth to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel. And they destroyed the children of Ammon, and beseiged Rabah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
11:2
And it chanced in an evening that David arose from his couch and walked upon the roof of the king's palace, and from the roof saw a very beautiful woman washing herself. And he sent to enquire what woman it should be.
11:3
And it was answered again, that she was Bethsabe the daughter of Eliam and wife to Urias the Hethite.(DSS add Joab’s armor bearer)
11:4
And David sent messengers and fetched her, and she came unto him, and he lay with her. And she was straightway purified of her uncleanness, and returned unto her house.
11:5
And when the woman had perceived that she had conceived, she sent and told David, and said: I am with child.
11:6
Then David sent to Joab, to send unto him Urias the hethite. And Joab sent Urias to David.
11:7
And when Urias was come unto him he demanded how Joab did, and how the people fared, and how the war prospered.
11:8
And David said moreover to Urias: go down to thine house and wash thy feet. And Urias departed out of the king's palace, and there followed him a service from the king's table:
11:9
But Urias slept at the door of the king's palace with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.
11:10
Then they told David saying: Urias descended not into his house. Then said David unto Urias: seeing that thou art come from journeying, why dost thou not go down unto thine house?
11:11
And Urias said unto David: the ark and Israel and Juda dwell in pavilions: and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord lie in tents upon the flat earth: and should I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? By thy life and as sure as thy soul liveth I will not do that thing.
11:12
Then said David unto Urias: tarry here this day also, and tomorrow I will let thee depart. And so Urias abode in Jerusalem that day and on the morrow.
11:13
And David called him, and he ate and drank before him, and he made him drunk. And at even he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of the lord, and went not down to his house.
11:14
Wherefore on the morrow David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by Urias.
11:15
And he wrote in the letter saying: put Urias in the forefront of the battle where it is most strong, and come back from him that he may be smitten to death.
11:16
And as Joab beseiged the city he assigned Urias unto a place where he wist that strong men were.
11:17
And the men of the city came out and fought with Joab. And there were certain overthrown of the people and of the servants of David, and Urias the hethite died also.
11:18
Then Joab sent and told David all the process of the war
11:19
and charged the messengers saying: when thou hast made an end of telling the story of war unto the king
11:20
if he begin to fume and say unto thee: wherefore approached ye so nye unto the city to fight? wist ye not that men would hurl and shoot from the walls?
11:21
who smote Abimelech son of Jerobeseth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from off the walls, that he died in Thebes? why then went ye nye the walls? then say thou? thy servant Urias the Hethite is dead also.
11:22
And the messengers went and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him with,
11:23
and said unto David: the men prevail against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we stuck unto them, even unto the entering of the gate.
11:24
And the shooters shot from the walls, and some of the servants of the king be dead. And thy servant Urias the hethite is dead also.
11:25
Then said David unto the messenger, thus wise say unto Joab, let not that thing trouble thee. For the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city and destroy it, and see that thou courage Joab.
11:26
And when the wife of Urias heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him, and as soon as the mourning was ended, David sent and fetched her to his house,
11:27
and she was his wife and bare him a son. But the deed that David had committed, displeased the LORD.
Chapter 12
12:1
And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him and said unto him: there were two men in one city, a rich and a poor.
12:2
And the rich had exceeding great abundance of sheep and oxen.
12:3
But the poor had nothing save one little lamb which he bought and nourished up. And it grew up with him and his children, and did eat of his own meat and drank of his own cup, and slept in his bosom, and was as dear unto him as his daughter.
12:4
And there came a stranger unto the rich man. And he could not find in his heart to take of his own sheep nor of his beasts to dress for the stranger that was come unto him. But took the poor man's lamb and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
12:5
And David was exceeding wroth with the man, and said to Nathan: as surely as the LORD liveth the fellow that hath done this thing, is the child of death
12:6
and shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.
12:7
Then Nathan said to David: thou art the man. Thus sayeth the LORD God of Israel: I anointed thee king over Israel and rid thee out of the hands of Saul.
12:8
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 Juda, and would if that had been too little: have given thee twice so much more.
12:9
Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do wickedness in his sight? thou hast killed Urias the hethite with the sword and hast taken his wife to thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
12:10
Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house, because (sayeth the Lord) thou hast despised me and taken the wife of Urias the hethite, to be thy wife.
12:11
Thus sayeth the LORD: behold I will stir up evil against thee even of thine own house and will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, which shall sleep with them in the sight of the son.
12:12
And thou didst it secretly, yet will I do this thing before all Israel and in the open son light.
12:13
Then said David unto Nathan: I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said again to David: the LORD hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not die.
12:14
Howbeit because in doing this deed thou hast given the enemies of the LORD a cause to rail, the child that is born thee shall die surely.
12:15
And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Urias' wife bare David and it sickened.
12:16
And David besought God for the boy and fasted and went and lay all night upon the earth.
12:17
And the elders of his house arose and went to him to take him up from the earth. But he would not, neither yet eat meat with them.
12:18
And it happened the seventh day that the child died. But the servants of David durst not tell him that the child was dead. For they said: see, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice. How much more then will he vex himself if we tell him that the child is dead?
12:19
But David saw his servants whispering and thereby perceived that the child was dead, and said unto his servants: is the child dead? And they said yea.
12:20
Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his apparel, and went into the house of the LORD and prayed, and after came to his own house and bade that they should set meat before him, and he did eat.
12:21
Then said his servants unto him: what is this that thou hast done? Thou fastedest and weepest for thy child while it was alive, and as soon as it was dead thou didst rise up and didst eat meat.
12:22
And he answered: while the child was alive, I fasted and wept. For I this thought: who can tell whether GOD will have mercy on me that the child may live?
12:23
But now seeing it is dead wherefore should I fast? can I bring him again any more? I shall go to him: but he shall not come again to me.
12:24
And David comforted Bethsabe his wife, and went in unto her and lay with her, and she bare a son whose name was called Salomon, and the LORD loved him.
12:25
And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet and called his name Jedidiah, of the LORD's behalf.
12:26
And as Joab fought against Rabah the city of the children of Ammon he took the king's Tower,
12:27
and sent messengers to David saying: I have made assault to Rabah, and also have taken the castle from whence they had their water.
12:28
Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and come and besiege the city and take it: lest if I take it, the victory be ascribed to me.
12:29
And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabah and assaulted it and gat it.
12:30
And he took the king's crown from off his head which weighed an hundredth weight of gold, and was set with precious stones. And David ware it on his head. And he brought out the spoil of the city in exceeding great abundance.
12:31
And he brought out the people that was therein and sawed them and drew harrows of iron upon them, and shred some of them with shredding knives of iron, and thrust some into furnaces. And so he served all the cities of the children of Ammon. And then David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.
Chapter 13
13:1
And it chanced that Absalom David's son had a fair sister named Thamar, whom afterward Amnon another son of David loved.
13:2
And this Amnon was so vexed that he fell sick for the love of his sister Thamar: for it thought him hard to come by his purpose of her, seeing she was yet a virgin.
13:3
But Amnon had a companion called Jonadab the son of Samah the brother of David: which Jonadab was a very wise man.
13:4
And he said unto him: how cometh it that thou being the king's son art thus consumed every morning? mayst thou not tell it me? And Amnon answered him: I love Thamar my brother Absalom's sister.
13:5
Then said Jonadab unto him: lie on thy bed and feign thyself sick. And when thy father is come to see thee, say unto him, let my sister Thamar come and give me meat and dress it in my sight, that I may see it and eat it of her hand.
13:6
And Amnon lay down and made himself sick. And when the king was come to see him Amnon said unto him: let Thamar my sister come and make me a couple of fritters in my sight, that I may eat of her hand.
13:7
And David sent home to Thamar saying: go to thy brother Amnon's house and dress him meat.
13:8
When Thamar came to her brother Amnon's house he lay. And she took flour and made paste and made fritters in his sight and did bake them,
13:9
and took a platter and poured them out before him. And Amnon would not eat, but commanded to have out all men from him. And they went all out from him.
13:10
Then said Amnon unto Thamar: bring the meat into the chamber that I may eat it of thine hand. And Thamar took the fritters which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother
13:11
and set them before him to eat. And he took her and said unto her, come lie with me my sister.
13:12
And she answered him: nay, my brother do not force me, for it ought not to be so in Israel, do not this folly.
13:13
For whither shall I go with my shame? And thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. But speak unto the king, and he shall not deny me unto thee.
13:14
How be it he would not hearken unto her voice but was too strong for her and forced her and lay with her.
13:15
And then Amnon hated her exceedingly: so that the hate wherewith he hated her was greater than the love with which he before loved her. And he said unto her: up and away.
13:16
Then she said unto him, this great cruelness that thou puttest me away passeth the other that thou didst unto me. Nevertheless he would not hear her,
13:17
but called his lad that waited upon him and said: put her out at the doors from me and bolt the door after her.
13:18
And she had a kirtle of divers colours upon her: for with such were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled, made strait unto them. Then his servant brought her out at the doors and locked the doors after her.
13:19
And Thamar put ashes on her head and rent her gay kirtle that was on her and put her hand on her head and so went, and as she went cried.
13:20
Then Absalom her brother said unto her: hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? Now then be still my sister: for he is thy brother. And let not this thing grieve thine heart. And so Thamar remained discomforted in her brother Absalom's house.
13:21
And king David heard of all these things and was very wroth.
13:22
And Absalom said unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. How be it Absalom hated Amnon because he had forced his sister Thamar.
13:23
And it happened two year after that Absalom had a sheep shearing in Baal Hazor besides the tribe of Ephraim, and bade all the king's sons
13:24
and he came to the king and said: behold thy servant hath a sheep shearing, let the king and his servants come with thy servant.
13:25
And the king said unto Absalom: Oh nay my son let us not go every one of us that we be not chargeable unto thee. And Absalom lay sore upon him: how be it he would not go, but blessed him.
13:26
Then said Absalom: then let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king answered: what needeth it that he go with thee?
13:27
But Absalom made such instance that he let Amnon go with him, and all the king's children.
13:28
Then Absalom commanded his young men saying: mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I bid you smite Amnon then kill him: fear not, for it is I that bid you, be bold therefore and play the lusty bloods.
13:29
And the young men of Absalom served Amnon even as Absalom commanded them. And all the king's sons arose and took each man his Mule and fled.
13:30
And while they were yet in the way, tidings came to David that Absalom had slain all the king's sons, so that none was left alive.
13:31
Then the king arose and tare his garments and lay along on the earth: and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
13:32
Then Jonadab the son of Samah David's brother answered and said: let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons, save Amnon onely is dead. For that hath been ever in Absalom's mouth since he forced his sister Thamar.
13:33
Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing so grievously to think that all the king's sons were dead, when Amnon onely is dead.
13:34
But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked about. And behold, there came much people by a way that was behind his back along by an hill's side.
13:35
Then said Jonadab unto the king: behold, the king's sons are come, and as thy servant said, so it is.
13:36
And as soon as he had left speaking: behold, the king's sons came and lifted up their voices and wept. And thereto the king and all his servants wept exceedingly.
13:37
But Absalom escaped and went to Tholmai the son of Amihud king of Gesur. And the king mourned for his son continually.
13:38
And so Absalom escaped and went to Gesur, and was there three years.
13:39
And by that time the king turned his mind from pursuing Absalom. For he had left mourning for the death of Amnon.
Chapter 14
14:1
When Joab the son of Zaruiah perceived that the king's heart was turned again to Absalom,
14:2
he sent to Thekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her: feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel. And anoint not thyself with oil. But be as a woman that had long time mourned for the death of somebody.
14:3
And go to the king and speak of thus manner unto him. And so Joab taught her what she should say.
14:4
And when the wife of Thekoa was come to speak with the king, she fell on her face to the ground and did obeisance and said: help me O king.
14:5
And the king said unto her: what aileth thee? and she answered. I am a widow, and mine husband is dead.
14:6
And thy handmaid had two sons which fought together in the fields where was no man to go between them, and the one slew the other.
14:7
And behold, the whole kindred arose against thy handmaid and said: deliver us him that smote his brother: that we may kill him for the soul of his brother whom he slew, for he will destroy the heir also. And so they shall quench my sparkle which is left that he shall stir up neither name or issue upon the earth unto my husband.
14:8
And the king said unto the wife: go home to thine house, and I will give a charge for thee.
14:9
And the woman of Thekoa said unto the king: My lord king, the trespass be on me and on my father's house, and the king and his seat be guiltless.
14:10
And then said the king: if any man say ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall no more trouble thee.
14:11
Then said she: let the king remember his LORD God, that the next of the blood gather not on heaps together to destroy, and that they slay not my son. And he said: as sure as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son's head fall to the earth.
14:12
Then the woman said: let thine handmaid speak one word more unto my lord the king and he said: say on.
14:13
And the woman said: wherefore then hast thou determined on this same manner against the people of God? that the king should speak this thing and be faulty therein, so that the king should not fetch home again his banished.
14:14
For we must needs die and perish as water spilt on the ground which can not be gathered up again and God will not take away the life but find the means that the banished be not utterly expelled from him.
14:15
And now concerning that I am come to speak of this thing unto the king my lord in the presence of the people: thy handmaid thought: surely I will speak unto the king, peradventure the king will hear the request of his handmaid.
14:16
And the king shall hear his handmaid and deliver her out of the hand of the man that would have destroyed me and my son also out of the inheritance of God.
14:17
Then thine handmaid said: I pray God that the word of my lord the king may be immutable. For my lord the king is as an Angel of God, in hearing of good or bad: and therefore the LORD thy God be with thee.
14:18
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 say on.
14:19
Then said the king: is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this matter? And the woman answered and said: as sure as thy soul liveth my lord king, it is neither on the right hand nor on the left that my Lord{Lorde} the king hath spoken. For thy servant Joab he bade me, and he put all these words even in the mouth of thine handmaid.
14:20
And the turning of my tale another way, that made thy servant Joab. And so I see that my lord is wise even as an Angel of God, to understand all things that are in the earth.
14:21
Then said the king to Joab: behold, I am content to do this thing. Go therefore fetch home the lad Absalom.
14:22
And Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself and blessed the king and said: now thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in the sight of my lord the king in that he hath fulfilled the request of his servant.
14:23
And so Joab arose and went to Gesur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
14:24
Then said the king: let him turn to his own house, but see that he come not in my presence. And so Absalom went to his own house, but came not in the king's presence.
14:25
Moreover in all Israel there was not so goodly a man as Absalom, or so greatly praised, from the sole of his foot to the top of his head there was no blemish in him.
14:26
And when he shaved his head (for at every years' end he shaved it because it was heavy on him, and therefore he shaved it) the hair thereof weighed two hundredth sicles weight of the king's weight.
14:27
And this Absalom had three sons born him and one daughter named Thamar, which was a fair woman to look upon.
14:28
When Absalom had dwelt two year in Jerusalem without coming into the king's presence he sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king.
14:29
But he would not come to him. And he sent again, and for all that he would not come.
14:30
Then he said unto his servants: behold, Joab hath a parcel of land fast by mine, and hath barley therein. Go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants went and set it on fire.(Septuagint and DSS: And Abessalom said to his servants, Behold, Joab’s portion in the field is next to mine, and he has in it barley; go and set it on fire. And the servants of Abessalom set the field on fire: and the servants of Joab come to him with their clothes rent, and they said to him, The servants of Abessalom have set the field on fire.)
14:31
Then Joab arose and came to Absalom unto his house and said unto him: wherefore have thy servants burned my field with fire?
14:32
And Absalom said to Joab: behold, I sent for thee desiring thee to come, because I would have sent thee to the king, for to say: wherefore I am come from Gesur. It had been as good for me to have bidden there still. Now therefore let me come to the king's presence, or else if there be any trespass in me, kill me.
14:33
And Joab went to the king and told him. And he sent for Absalom: which when he was come, fell to the ground on his face before the king. And the king kissed him.
Chapter 15
15:1
After this Absalom gat him chariots and horses and fifty men to run before him.
15:2
And thereto he used to rise up early in the mornings and to stand by the way's side that led to the gate of the city. And all the men of Israel that had complaints and came to the king for judgement, he called unto him and said: of what city art thou? And when the other answered: thy servant is of such a tribe of Israel.
15:3
Then said Absalom unto him: see, thy matter is good and righteous, and yet no man is deputed of the king to hear thee.
15:4
Then Absalom said moreover: Oh, that I were a judge in the land, and that all men which have pleas and matter in the law, should come to me. For I would do them justice.
15:5
And also when any man came nye to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand and took him to him and kissed him.
15:6
And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgement, and therewith stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
15:7
And at forty years' end Absalom said unto the king: let me go I pray thee to Hebron, and pay my vow which I have vowed, unto the LORD:
15:8
for thy servant vowed a vow when I was in Gesur in the land of Siria saying: if the LORD shall bring me again to Jerusalem, I will serve the LORD.
15:9
And the king said: go in peace. And so he arose and went to Hebron.
15:10
Then Absalom sent spies thorowout all the tribes of Israel saying: as soon as ye hear the voice of the trumpet blow, say: Absalom reigneth king in Hebron.
15:11
And with Absalom went two hundredth men out of Jerusalem that were called. And they went with pure hearts|went on simply| and wist|knew| nothing of the matter.
15:12
And Absalom sent also for Ahitophel the Gilonite David's counsellor, and fetched him out of his city Giloh, when he sacrificed sacrifices. And there was wrought strong treason. And the people drew to Absalom in great multitude.
15:13
And there came a messenger to David and said: the hearts of the men of Israel are to follow Absalom.
15:14
Then said David unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem: up and let us flee, for we shall not else escape from Absalom. Make speed to depart: lest he come suddenly and catch us and bring some mischief upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
15:15
And the king's servants said to him: behold thy servants are ready to whatsoever my lord{Lorde} the king shall appoint.
15:16
And the king and all his household departed afoot. And he left behind him ten wives that were his concubines, to keep the house.
15:17
And so the king and all the people went out afoot and tarried far from the house.
15:18
And all his servants went by his side. And all the Cerethites and all the Phelethites, and all the Hethites even six hundredth men which were come afoot from Geth, went before the king.
15:19
Then said the king to Ethai the Gethite, wherefore shouldest thou go with us also? Return and abide with the king, for thou art a stranger and art removed from thine own place.
15:20
Thou camest but yesterday, and should I unquiet thee today to go with us? I will go whither I go. But return thou and carry again thy brethren. Mercy and truth be with thee.
15:21
And Ethai answered the king and said: as surely as the LORD liveth, and as surely as my lord the king liveth, in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there will thy servant be.
15:22
Then said the king to Ethai, come and go forward. And Ethai the Gethite went forth, and all his men, and all the children that were with him.
15:23
And all the country wept with a loud voice. And all the people went forward the straight way to the wilderness.
15:24
And behold, Sadock and all the Levites were with him and bare the ark of the appointment of God. And when they had fetched down the Ark of God, Abiathar came up, until the people were all come over, out of the city.
15:25
Then said the king unto Sadock: Carry the Ark of God again 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 the tabernacle thereof also.
15:26
But and if the Lord thus say: I have no lust unto thee. Behold, here am I, let him do with me what seemeth best in his eyes.
15:27
The king said also unto Sadock the priest thou art a Sear. Return therefore into the city in peace. And take your two sons with you: Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathas the son of Abiathar.
15:28
And see, I will tarry in the fields of the wilderness until there come some word from you to be told me.
15:29
And so Sadock and Abiathar carried the Ark of God again to Jerusalem, and they tarried there.
15:30
And David went up on mount olivet and wept as he went, and had his head covered and went thereto barefoot. And all the people that was with him, had every man his head covered, and as they went wept also.
15:31
And one told David saying: Ahitophel is one of them that have conspired with Absalom. Then said David: O LORD, turn the counsel of Ahitophel unto foolishness.
15:32
When David was come to the top of the mount and had bowed himself unto God: behold, Husai the Arachite came against him with his coat torn and earth upon his head.
15:33
Unto whom David said: if thou go with me thou shalt be a burden unto me.
15:34
And if thou return to the city: then shalt thou say unto Absalom I will be thy servant O king: thus long have I been thy father's servant, and now I am thine. And destroy me the counsel of Ahitophel.
15:35
And thou hast there with thee Sadock and Abiathar the priests, unto which thou shalt shew all that thou canst hear out of the king's house.
15:36
And behold, ye have there with you their two sons: Ahimaaz Sadock's son, and Jonathas Abiathar's son, by which ye shall send me all that ye can hear.
15:37
And so Husai David's friend gat him to the city. And Absalom also entered into Jerusalem.
Chapter 16
16:1
And when David was a little past the top of the hill: behold Ziba the servant of Miphiboseth came against him with a couple of Asses saddled, and upon them two hundredth loaves and one hundredth bunches of Resinges, and an hundredth frayls of dried figs, and a bottle of wine.
16:2
Then said the king to Ziba: what hast thou there? And Ziba said: Asses for the king's household to ride on, and bread and fruit for the young men to eat, and wine to drink, if any man faint in the wilderness.
16:3
Then said the king: where is thy master's son? and Ziba said unto the king: behold, he tarrieth still at Jerusalem. For he said: this day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.
16:4
Then said the king to Ziba: behold, thine are all that pertained to Miphiboseth. And Ziba answered: I beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight my lord king.
16:5
And when king David came to Bahurim: behold, thence came out a man of the kindred of the house of Saul named Semei the son of Gera, and he came out cursing.
16:6
And thereto he cast stones at David and at all the servants of king David, all the people and all the men of war going part on his right hand, and part on his left.
16:7
And thus said this Semei as he cursed: come forth, come forth thou blood shedder and thou unthrifty man.
16:8
The LORD hath brought upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned, and he hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son. And thou art wrapped about with thine own mischief, because thou art a blood shedder.
16:9
Then said Abisai the son of Zaruiah unto the king: why doth this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go and take off the head of him.
16:10
And the king said: what have I to do with you ye sons of Zaruiah: let him curse: for the LORD hath bid him curse David. And who dare presume to say wherefore doth he so?
16:11
And David said to Abisai, and to all his servants: behold, my son which came out of mine own bowels seeketh my life. How much more may this son of Jemini do it? Suffer him therefore to curse, for the LORD hath bidden him:
16:12
haply the LORD will look on my wretchedness, and do me good for his cursing this day.
16:13
And thus as David and his men went by the way, Semei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him and cast dust.
16:14
And the king and all that were with him came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
16:15
And Absalom and all the people of the men of Israel came to Jerusalem and Ahitophel with him.
16:16
And as soon as he was come: Husai the Arachite went unto Absalom and said unto him: God save the king, God save the king.
16:17
And Absalom said again to Husai: is this the kindness thou owest to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with him?
16:18
And Husai said unto Absalom: nay not so, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his will I be, and with him will I dwell.
16:19
And furthermore unto whom shall I do service but even to his son? And as I was servant before with thy father, even so shall I be with thee.
16:20
Then spake Absalom to Ahitophel give counsel what is best for us to do.
16:21
And Ahitophel said unto Absalom: get thee in unto thy father's concubines which he hath left to keep the house. For when all Israel shall hear that thou hast made thy father to stink, then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
16:22
And so they pitched Absalom a tent upon the top of the house. And he went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.
16:23
And the counsel of Ahitophel which he counselled in those days, was as a man had asked counsel of God: even so was all the counsel of Ahitophel, both unto David and also unto Absalom.
Chapter 17
17:1
Then Ahitophel said unto Absalom: let me choose out, I pray thee, twelve thousand men. And I will up and follow after David by night.
17:2
And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will fear him, that all the people that are with him shall flee. And so will I smite the king onely,
17:3
and will bring again all the people unto thee. And when all these men which thou seekest are turned to thee, all the people shall have rest.
17:4
And the saying pleased Absalom well and all the elders of Israel.
17:5
Then said Absalom: call also Husai the Arachite and let us hear his sentence.
17:6
When Husai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him saying: Ahitophel hath given such counsel: whether it be best we do after his saying or not, tell thou.
17:7
Then said Husai to Absalom: the counsel that Ahitophel hath given is not good at this time.
17:8
For (said Husai) thou knowest thy father and the men that are with him, how that they be strong men. And they be chafed in their minds, even as a bear robbed of her whelps. And thy father is a man practised in war, and will not lie a nights among the common people.
17:9
Behold he lurketh now in some cave or in some other place. And thereto though some of his men be overthrown at the first brunt, yet they that hear it will think the people that followeth Absalom be put to the worse.
17:10
By the reason whereof the best men thou hast whose hearts are as the hearts of Lions, shall shrink thereat. For all Israel knoweth that thy father is a man, and that they which be with him be children of activity.
17:11
But my counsel is, that all Israel be gathered unto thee, from Dan to Bersabe, as the sand of the sea in number, and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
17:12
And we will come upon him in one place or other, where we shalt find him, and we will pitch a field against him, even as thick as the dew falleth on the ground. And there shall not one of them be left, neither he nor any of all that are with him.
17:13
Moreover if he take a town then shall all the men of Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one stone found upon another.
17:14
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said: that the counsel of Husai the Arachite was better than the counsel of Ahitophel. For it was even the LORD's determination to destroy the counsel of Ahitophel: which was good, that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.
17:15
Then said Husai unto Sadock and Abiathar the priests: of this and that manner did Ahitophel and the elders of Israel counsel Absalom. And thus and thus have I counselled.
17:16
Now therefore send quickly and shew David saying: tarry not all night in the fields of the wilderness, but get thee over, lest the king be devoured and all the people that are with him.
17:17
Now Jonathas and Ahimaaz abode by the well rogell: for they might not be seen to come in to the city. And a wench went and told them. And they to go and shewed king David.
17:18
Nevertheless there was a lad saw them which told it to Absalom. But they went both of them away quickly and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his yard, into which they went down.
17:19
And the wife took and spread a coverlet on the top of the well and strawed thereon steeped barley to dry. And the thing was not spied.
17:20
And when Absalom's servants came to the wife to the house and asked where one Ahimaaz and Jonathas were, the wife said unto them: they be gone over the little brook of water. And when they had sought them and could not find them, then they returned to Jerusalem.
17:21
And as soon as they were departed, the other came out of the well, and went and told king David and said unto him: up and get you quickly over the water for such counsel hath Ahitophel given.
17:22
Then David arose and all the people that were with him, and they were come over Jordan be that it was day, that there lacked not one of them that was not come over Jordan.
17:23
And when Ahitophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his Ass and arose and gat him home to his own house and to his own city, and put his household in order and hanged himself and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
17:24
Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, both he and all the men of Israel with him.
17:25
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host in the stead of Joab, which Amasa was a man's son named Jethra a Jezrahelite that went into Abigail the daughter of Naah sister to Zaruiah Joab's mother.
17:26
And Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
17:27
And when David was come to Mahanaim, Sobi the son of Naah out of Rabath the city of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Amiel out of Lodaber and Berzelai the Gileadite out of Rogelim,
17:28
brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels: and also corn, barley, flour and parched corn, beans and rice
17:29
honey, butter, sheep and cheese of kine, for David and all the people that were with him to eat. For they supposed that the people should be hungry, fainty, and thirsty in the wilderness.
Chapter 18
18:1
And the king numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and of hundreds over them.
18:2
And he sent one part of them with Joab, and another part with Abisai the son of Zaruiah Joab's brother, and the third part with Ethai the Gethite. And the king said unto the people: shall I go with you?
18:3
And the people answered: nay, for if we flee, our adversaries will not care for us: neither though half of us were slain, shall they regard us. But thou were worth ten thousand of us. And therefore it is better that thou be ready to succour us out of the city.
18:4
Then said the king: what seemeth you best, that will I do. And the king stood up by the Gate's side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.
18:5
And the king commanded Joab, Abisai, and Ethai saying: intreat me Jently my son Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge over Absalom.
18:6
And the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim.
18:7
Where the people of Israel were put to the worse before the servants of David, and there was a great slaughter that day, even of twenty thousand men.
18:8
And the field was fought in divers places, all abroad upon the earth. And the woods devoured more people that day than did the sword.
18:9
And it chanced Absalom to come before the servants of David riding upon a Mule which carried him under the thick boughs of a great Oak. And his head caught in the Oak, and he was left between heaven and earth, and the Mule that was under him went his way.
18:10
And one that saw it told Joab saying: behold, I saw Absalom hang in an Oak:
18:11
and Joab said unto him that told him: lo, sawest thou him? And why didst thou not there smite him to the ground, that I should have given thee ten sicles of silver and a soldier's girdle.
18:12
And the man answered Joab: though I had a thousand sicles of silver told in my hand yet would I not stretch out mine hand against the king's son. For we heard with our ears when the king charged thee, Abisai and Ethai, saying: spare me the lad Absalom.
18:13
Moreover though I had jeoparded my life and done falsely thereto, yet could nought of all the matter have been hid from the king: yea and thou thyself wouldest be against me.
18:14
Then said Joab I may not stand tarrying with thee. And therewith he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive on the body of the tree.
18:15
And ten servants that bare Joab's weapons, turned and smote Absalom and slew him.
18:16
Then Joab blew a trumpet, and the people returned from following Israel: for Joab spared the people.
18:17
And they took Absalom and cast him into a great pit that was in the wood, and cast a mighty great heap of stones upon him. And all Israel fled every man to his tent.
18:18
And this Absalom yet in his lifetime, took and reared up a pillar, which is yet in king's dale. For he said: I have no male child. And therefore to keep my name in remembrance do I it. And he called the pillar after his own name. And it is called unto this day, Absalom's pillar.
18:19
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Sadock: let me run I pray thee, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath judged him quite of the hands of all his enemies.
18:20
And Joab said unto him: thou art no man to bear tidings today: thou shalt bear tidings another time: but today thou shalt bear none, because the king's son is dead.
18:21
Then said Joab to Chusi: go and tell the king what thou hast seen. And Chusi bowed himself unto Joab and ran.
18:22
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Sadock again to Joab: come what come will, let me run I pray thee after Chusi. And Joab said: wherefore shouldest thou run my son? for and thou run thou gettest no reward: well come what will let me run.
18:23
And he said unto him: run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the plain and overran Chusi.
18:24
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 saw: and behold, there came a man running alone.
18:25
And the watchman called and told the king. And the king said: if he come alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came and drew nye.
18:26
And the watchman saw another man running, and called unto the porter and said: behold there cometh another running alone. And the king answered: he is also a tidings bringer.
18:27
And the watchman said: me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Sadock. And the king said: he is a good man and cometh with good tidings.
18:28
And Ahimaaz called and said to the king: good tidings, and bowed himself to the earth upon his face before the king and said: blessed be the LORD thy God which hath shut up all the men that lifted up their hands against my Lord{Lorde} the king.
18:29
And the king said: is the lad Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered I saw a great ado, when the king's servant Joab sent me thy servant. But I wot not what it was.
18:30
And the king said: turn and stand here. And he turned and stood.
18:31
And behold Chusi came and said: tidings my lord the king, the LORD hath quite thee this day out of the hands of all that rose against thee.
18:32
And the king said to Chusi: is the lad Absalom safe? And Chusi answered: the enemies of my lord the king and all that rise against thee, to have thee, be as thy lad is.
18:33
And the king was moved and went up to a chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went thus he said: my son Absalom, my son, my son, my son Absalom, would to God I had died for thee Absalom, my son, my son.
Chapter 19
19:1
And it was told Joab, how that the king wept and mourned for Absalom.
19:2
And the victory was turned that day into mourning unto all the people. For the people heard say that day, how the king sorrowed for his son,
19:3
and the people went stealing into the city, as people confounded steal away, when they flee in battle.
19:4
And the king hid his face and cried with a loud voice: my son Absalom, Absalom my son my son.
19:5
And Joab went 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 daughters, and the lives of thy wives and concubines,
19:6
in that thou lovest thine enemies and hatest thy friends. Thou hast declared this day that thou camest neither for thy lords nor servants. For this day I do perceive, if Absalom had lived, and all we died this day, that then it had pleased thee well.
19:7
Now therefore up and come out, and speak kindly unto thy servants, I swear by the LORD except thou come out, there will not tarry one man with thee this night. And that will be worse unto thee, than all the evil that fell on thee from thine youth unto this hour.
19:8
Then the king arose and sat down in the Gate. And it was told unto all the people, how the king sat in the Gate. And then all the people came before the king. But Israel fled every man to his tent.
19:9
And all the people were at strife thorowout all the tribes of Israel saying: the king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies. And he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines.
19:10
And now he is fled out of the land for Absalom. But Absalom whom we anointed over us is dead in battle.
19:11
Now therefore why are ye so still, that ye bring not the king again. And king David sent to Sadock and Abiathar the priests saying: speak unto the elders of Juda and say: why should ye be the last that should bring again the king to his house, seeing that such tidings is come from all Israel unto the king even to his house?
19:12
ye are my brethren, my bones and my flesh: wherefore then should ye be the last that should come to bring the king home again?
19:13
And say to Amasa: art thou not my bone and my flesh? And God do so to me and so thereto: except thou be captain of the Host to me for ever in the room of Joab.
19:14
And he bowed the hearts of all the men of Juda, as a man would bow the heart of one man: so that they sent word to the king, that he should return with all his servants.
19:15
And the king returned and came to Jordan. And Juda came to Gilgal for to go against the king to convey him over Jordan.
19:16
And Semei the son of Gera the son of Jemini which was of Bahurim, hasted and came with the men of Juda against king David,
19:17
and a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants with him. And they whipt over Jordan before the king.
19:18
And there went over a Boat to carry over the king's household and to do him pleasure. And Semei the son of Gera fell before the king, as he was come over Jordan
19:19
and said unto him: let not my lord impute wickedness unto me, nor let him not remember the wickedness that thy servant did, when my lord the king departed out of Jerusalem that the king should take it to heart.
19:20
For thy servant doth know how that I have done amiss. And therefore behold, I am the first this day of all the house of Joseph that am come to meet my lord the king.
19:21
But Abisai the son of Zaruiah answered and said: shall Semei not die for that cause: which cursed the LORD's anointed?
19:22
And the king said: what matter is between you and me ye sons of Zaruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? There shall no man die this day in Israel: for I know that I am this day king over Israel.
19:23
And the king said unto Semei: thou shalt not die, and sware unto him.
19:24
And Miphiboseth the son of Saul came to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet nor shaved his beard nor washed his clothes from the time the king departed, until he came again in peace.
19:25
And when he was come to Jerusalem toward the king, the king said unto him: wherefore went not thou with me Miphiboseth?
19:26
And he said: my lord king, my servant deceived me. For thy servant said: that I would have mine Ass saddled to ride thereon, for to go to the king, because thy servant is lame.
19:27
And he hath thereto complained on thy servant unto my lord the king. But my lord the king is as an Angel of God: do therefore what seemeth best in thine eyes.
19:28
For all my father's house were but dead men unto my lord the king: and yet didst thou put me among them that eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet, to cry any more unto the king?
19:29
And the king said: it needeth thee not to speak any more, for I have said: that thou and Ziba shall divide the lands between you.
19:30
And Miphiboseth said unto the king: yea let him take all: for so much as my lord the king is come in peace unto his own house.
19:31
And Berselai the Gileadite came from Rogelim and went over Jordan with the king, to accompany him over Jordan:
19:32
which Berselai was a very aged man, even four score year old, and had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim: for he was a man of very great substance.
19:33
And the king said unto Berselai: come thou with me, that I may feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
19:34
But Berselai said unto the king: of what age am I of, that I should go with the king into Jerusalem.
19:35
I am this day four score year old: and therefore can not discern savoury from unsavoury, neither hath thy servant pleasure in that he eateth or drinketh: nor yet delectation in the songs of men or women. It is no need that thy servant be a burden unto my lord the king:
19:36
let thy servant go a little way over Jordan with the king: for why should the king render me such a reward?
19:37
But let thy servant turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and mother. But lo here is thy servant Chamaam: let him go with my lord the king, and do to him, what shall please thee.
19:38
And the king answered: Chamaam shall go with me. And I will do to him that thou shalt be content with. And thereto whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that same will I do for thee.
19:39
And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over Jordan, he kissed Berselai and took his leave of him, and he went back again unto his own place.
19:40
And then the king went to Gilgal, and Chamaam went with him. Now all the men of Juda were at the bringing over of the king, and but half the men of Israel.
19:41
Wherefore all the men of Israel came to the king and said unto him: why have our brethren the men of Juda stolen thee away, and have brought the king and his household and all David's men with him over Jordan?
19:42
And all the men of Juda answered the men of Israel: for the king is near of kin to us:|nye kindred| wherefore be ye angry for that matter? think ye that we eat of the king's cost, or that the king giveth us any gifts?
19:43
And the men of Israel answered the men of Juda and said: we have ten parts in the king, and have thereto more right to David than ye. Why then did ye despise us, that our advice had not been first had in restoring our king again? And the words of the men of Juda were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.
Chapter 20
20:1
And there happened to be an unthrifty fellow named Seba the son of Bochri a man of Gemini which blew a trumpet and said: we have no part in David, nor inheritance in the son of Isai, o Israel,
20:2
let us depart therefore every man to his tent. And all Israel went from David and followed Seba the son of Bochri. But the men of Juda clave fast unto the king, from Jordan to Jerusalem.
20:3
And when David was come to his house to Jerusalem, he took the ten wives his concubines that he had left behind him to keep the house, and put them in ward and ministered all things unto them: but lay no more with them. And so they were enclosed unto the day of the death of them, and lived a widow's life.
20:4
Then said the king to Amasa: call me the men of Juda together within three days and present thyself here.
20:5
And Amasa went to gather the men of Juda together: but tarried longer than the time which was appointed him.
20:6
Wherefore the king said to Abisai: now shall Seba the son of Bochri be worse to us than Absalom. Take thou therefore thy lord's servants and follow after him: lest he get him walled cities and escape us.
20:7
And there went out after him Joab's men and the Cerethites and the Phelethites and the men of might. And they departed out of Jerusalem to follow after Seba the son of Bochri.
20:8
And when they were come to the great stone in Gabaon, Amasa met them. And Joab had his garment that he had about him, gird unto him, and had girded thereon a knife joined fast to his loins, in such a sheath that as he went it fell sometimes out.
20:9
And Joab said to Amasa: are all things in rest and peace my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the chin with the right hand, as though he would have kissed him.
20:10
And Amasa took no heed to the knife that was in Joab's hand, with which Joab smote him in the short ribs, and shed out his bowels to the ground and smote him but one stroke, and he died. And then Joab and Amisai his brother followed after Seba the son of Bochri.
20:11
And one of Joab's men that stood by him said: what is he that he would be as Joab, and what is he that would be unto David instead of Joab?
20:12
And Amasa lay wallowing in blood in the midst of the way. And there was a man that saw all the people stand still. And when he saw that all that came by him stood still, he rolled Amasa out of the way into the field and cast a cloth upon him.
20:13
And as soon as he was tumbled out of the way, all the people went after Joab to follow after Seba the son of Bochri.
20:14
And he went thorow all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, Bethmaacah and all Barim. And the people gathered unto him and went also after him.
20:15
And they came and besieged him in Abel Bethmaacah. And they cast up a bank against the city. And it was besieged. All the people that was with Joab laboured busily to overthrow the wall.
20:16
Then cried a wise woman out of the city, hear hear, bid I pray you Joab that he come hither, that I may speak with him.
20:17
When Joab was come the woman said: art thou Joab? And Joab answered that am I. And she said to him: hear the words of thy handmaid? And he said: I am ready to hear.
20:18
And she said: it hath been a common saying in the old time, men must ask of Abel, and then go and finish the work.
20:19
Abel is one of the quietest and faithfullest cities that are in Israel. And thou goest about to destroy a city that is as a mother in Israel. Why devourest thou the inheritance of the LORD?
20:20
And Joab answered and said: God forbid, God forbid it me, that I should either devour or destroy it.
20:21
The matter is not so: But there is a man of mount Ephraim, Seba the son of Bochri by name, which hath lifted up his hand against king David. Deliver us him onely, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab: Behold, his head shall be thrown thorow the wall to thee.
20:22
And then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they smote off the head of Seba son of Bochri, and cast it to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they scattered from the city every man to his tent, and Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
20:23
And Joab was over all the host of Israel. And Banaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cerethites and the Phelethites.
20:24
And Aduram was over the tribute. And Jehosaphat the son of Ahilud was Recorder.
20:25
Sema was scribe. And Sadock and Abiathar were priests.
20:26
And Ira the Jairite was likewise David's priest.
Chapter 21
21:1
Then there fell an hunger in the days of David three years, year by year. And David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered: it is for Saul's sake and the house of blood, because he slew the Gabeonites.
21:2
And the king called the Gabeonites and said unto them. Now these Gabeonites are not of the children of Israel, but a remnant of the Ammonites, and the children of Israel sware unto them. And yet Saul sought to slay them, for a zeal that he had to the children of Israel and of Juda.
21:3
Wherefore David said unto them: what shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I content you that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?
21:4
And the Gabaonites said unto him: we have no matter of silver or of gold with Saul or with his house: neither have we any man that we would kill in Israel. Then he said: what say ye that I shall do for you?
21:5
and they said unto the king: the man that consumed and imagined to bring us to nought, him we ought to destroy, that nought of him continue in any of the coasts of Israel,
21:6
let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, that we may hang them up unto the LORD, in Gabaah of Saul the LORD's elect. And David said: I will give them you.
21:7
But the king had compassion on Miphiboseth the son of Jonathas, the son of Saul, because of the LORD's oath that was between them: that is to say between David and Jonathas the son of Saul.
21:8
But he took the two sons of Rezphah the daughter of Aiah which she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Miphiboseth, and the five sons of Michol the daughter of Saul which she bare to Adriel the son of Berselai the Molathite,
21:9
and delivered them unto the hands of the Gabeonites, which hanged them in the hill before the LORD. And they fell all seven together in the first days of harvest: even in the beginning of barley harvest.
21:10
And Rezphah the daughter of Aiah took Sackcloth and spread it under her upon the Rock, even from the beginning of harvest until rain dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the Air to fall on them by day nor beasts of the field by night.
21:11
And when it was told David what Rezphah the daughter of Aiah the concubine of Saul had done,
21:12
he went and took the bones of Saul, and of Jonathas his son, and of the men of Jabes in Gilead, which they had stolen from the street of Bethsan, where the Philistines had hanged them in the days when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gelboe.
21:13
And he brought thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathas his son, and they fetched away the bones of them that were hanged,
21:14
and buried them with the bones of Saul and Jonathas his son in the country of Benjamin, in Zela, in the sepulchre of Cis his father. And when they had performed all that the king commanded, God was then at one with the land.
21:15
And the Philistines had yet again war with Israel. And David went down and his servants with him, and fought with the Philistines.
21:16
And David waxed fainty, and Jesbi of Nob one of the sons of Haraphah whose spear head weighed three hundredth sicles of brass, and was girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
21:17
But Abisai the son of Zaruiah succoured him and smote the Philistine and killed him. Then the servants of David sware unto him saying: Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that the light of Israel be not put out.
21:18
And there was yet after this battle with the Philistines at Nob, in which Sobochai the Husathite slew Saph of the sons of Haraphah.
21:19
And there was yet the third battle in Gob, with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of the Jaere Orgim, a Bethlehemite slew one Goliath a Gethite: the staff of whose spear was as great as a weaver's cloth beam.
21:20
And there was yet battle in Geth, where was a man of a size and had on every hand six fingers and on every foot six toes: twenty four in all. And was also of the kindred of Haraphah, and defied Israel.
21:21
And Jonathas the son of Samach the brother of David slew him.
21:22
These four were of the sons of Haraphah in Geth, and were overthrown by the hand of David and by the hands of his servants.
Chapter 22
22:1
And David spake the words of this song unto the LORD, what time the LORD had delivered him out of the hands of all his enemies, and out of the hands of Saul.
22:2
And he said: The LORD is my rock, my castle and my deliverer.
22:3
God is my strength, and in him will I trust: my shield and the horn that defendeth me: mine high hold and refuge: O my Saviour, save me from wrong.
22:4
I will praise and call on the LORD, and so shall be saved from mine enemies.
22:5
For the waves of death have closed me about, and the floods of Belial have feared me.
22:6
The cords of hell have compassed me about, and the snares of death have overtaken me.
22:7
In my tribulation I called to the LORD, and cried to my God. And he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry entered into his ears.
22:8
And the earth trembled and quoke, and the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was angry.
22:9
Smoke went up out of his nostrils, and consuming fire out of his mouth, that coals were kindled of him.
22:10
And he bowed heaven and came down, and darkness underneath his feet.
22:11
And he rode upon Cherub and flew: and appeared upon the wings of the wind.
22:12
And he made darkness a tabernacle round about him, with water gathered together in thick clouds.
22:13
Of the brightness, that was before him, coals were set on fire.
22:14
The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most high put out his voice.
22:15
And he shot arrows and scattered them, and hurled lightning and turmoiled them.
22:16
And the bottom of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were seen, by the reason of the rebuking of the LORD, and thorow the blasting of the breath of his nostrils.
22:17
He sent from on high and fetched me, and plucked me out of mighty waters.
22:18
He delivered me from my mighty enemy, and from them that hated me and were too strong for me.
22:19
When they had compassed me in the day of my tribulation, the LORD stayed me up.
22:20
And he brought me out into roomth, and delivered me, because he delighted in me.
22:21
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness, and according to the pureness of my hands he dealt with me.
22:22
For I kept the ways of the LORD, and did no wickedness forsaking my God.
22:23
But I had all his laws in my sight, and I turned my face from none of his ordinances.
22:24
But was pure unto him ward, and kept myself from wickedness.
22:25
And the LORD did to me again, according to my righteousness, and after my pureness that I had in his sight.
22:26
With the holy thou shalt be holy, and with the man that is uncorrupt, thou shalt be uncorrupt.
22:27
With the pure thou shalt be pure, and with the froward thou shalt be froward also.
22:28
And the people that are in adversity, thou shalt help.
22:29
And on the proud shalt thou cast thine eyes. Thou art my light, O LORD, and the LORD shall light my darkness.
22:30
With thy help I will run thorow an Host of men, and by the aid of my God will spring over a wall.
22:31
The way of God is undefiled,|perfect| and the word of the LORD fined as gold, and he a shield to all that trust in him.|yea, words of the LORD are tried in the fire: he is a shield for all them that put their trust in him|
22:32
Who is a God save the LORD, and who mighty save our God?
22:33
God is my strength in war, and riddeth the way clear before me.
22:34
And maketh my feet as swift as an hind's, and setteth me fast upon my high hold.
22:35
And teacheth my hands to fight, that a bow of brass is too weak for mine arms.
22:36
And thou hast saved me with thy shield, and keptest me ever in meekness.
22:37
And thou madest me space to walk in, that my feet should not stumble.
22:38
I followed mine enemies and destroyed them, and turned not again until I had consumed them.
22:39
I wasted them and so clouted them, that they could not arise: but fell under my feet.
22:40
And thou compassedest me about with might to battle, and madest them that rose against me to stoop under me.
22:41
And thou madest mine enemies to turn their backs to me, and them that hated me, and I destroyed them.
22:42
They looked for help: But none came to save them: unto the LORD they cried, but he heard them not.
22:43
And I will beat them as small as the dust of the earth, and will stamp them as the dirt of the street, and will spread them abroad.
22:44
And thou deliveredst me from the dissension of my people, and keepest me to be an head over nations, for the people which I knew not became my servants.
22:45
And the aliens crouched unto me, and obeyed me at a word.
22:46
And the aliens that shrink away shall tremble for fear in their defended places.
22:47
The LORD live, and blessed be he that is my strength: and exalted be God the strength that saveth me.
22:48
It is God that avengeth me, and bringeth down the people under me.
22:49
And delivereth me from mine enemies: thou liftest me up on high from them that rise against me, and deliverest me from the wicked men.
22:50
And therefore I will praise thee O LORD among the heathen, and will sing unto thy name.
22:51
For thy great and manifold saving of thy king, and shewing mercy unto thine anointed, even to David, and his seed for ever.
Chapter 23
23:1
These be the last sayings of David. David the son of Isai said: And the man is lifted up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob and pleasant Psalmist of Israel said:
23:2
the spirit of the LORD spake in me, and his words were on my tongue.
23:3
The God of Israel spake unto me, and the strength of Israel said: he that beareth rule over men, he that ruleth justly in the fear of God.
23:4
And he shall be as the morning light, when the son shineth in a morning in which are no clouds to let the brightness, and as the grass of the earth is by the virtue of the rain.
23:5
And is not mine house so with God? in that he hath made with me an everlasting covenant perfect in all points: and in that he shall fulfil all that is healthsome unto me, and all my desires thereto.
23:6
When the unthrifty men are all of them as thorns taken out of their places, which can not be taken with hands.
23:7
But the man that shall touch them, must be armed with iron on a long helve. And then shall they be burned with fire to sit thereby.
23:8
These be the names of the mighty men that were about David: Joseb of Sebeth the Thachmonite, first of three, otherwise called Adino the Azonite, which slew eight hundredth at one time.
23:9
And next to him Eleazar the son of Dodi the son of Ahohi, one of the three principal that were with David, which when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together in battle (and the men of Israel were gone up)
23:10
arose and laid on the Philistines until his hand ached and clave unto the sword. And the LORD made a great victory the same day. And the people returned and went after him only to spoil.
23:11
After him was Sema the son of Ageh the Hararite (which when the Philistines were gathered together in Lahaia where was a parcel of land full of rice, and the people were fled for fear of the Philistines)
23:12
stood in the midst of the said ground, and defended it and slew the Philistines. And the LORD gave him a great victory.
23:13
And these three of the thirty of the Lord's went down and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave Odolom. And the Host of the Philistines had pitched in the valley of Giants.
23:14
And David was then in an hold. And the Soldiers of the Philistines were then in Bethlehem.
23:15
And David longed and said: Oh, that I had of the water that is in the well in the gate of Bethlehem for to drink.
23:16
And anon the three mighty brake thorow the Host of the Philistines and fetched water out of the well of Bethlehem that was in the gate, and took and brought it to David: Nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but offered it unto the LORD
23:17
and said: the LORD forbid that I should do so, should I drink the blood of men that were in jeopardy of their lives? and so he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
23:18
Then Abisai the brother of Joab, the son of Saruiah: he was a captain over the three, and he lifted up his spear against three hundredth and slew them, and was named with the three.
23:19
For he was nobler man than the three and was their captain. How be it he attained not unto those three in acts.
23:20
Then Banaiah the son of Jehoiada the son of a lusty man valiant in acts of Rabzeel, he slew two lions of Moab. He went down and slew a lion in a pit in time of Snow.
23:21
And he slew an Egyptian a goodly man, which had a spear in his hand. And Banaiah went down to him with a staff and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and slew him with his own spear:
23:22
Such things did Banaiah the son of Jehoiada and was the noblest of thirty: But not like to any of the three in facts of war.
23:23
And David made him of his counsel.
23:24
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty. Then Elehanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem:
23:25
Semah the Harodite: Elica the Harodite:
23:26
Helez the Palitite: Ira the son of Akes the Thekoite:
23:27
Abiezer of Anathoth: Mobonai the Husathite:
23:28
Zelmon an Ahohite: Maharai the Netophathite:
23:29
Heleb the son of Baanah an Netophathite: Ithai the son of Ribai of Gabaah a city of the children of Benjamin:
23:30
Banaiah the Pharathonite: Hedai of the river of Gaas:
23:31
Abialbon the Arbathite: Asmaueth a Berhomite:
23:32
Elithaba a Salabonite: Of the sons of Jasen Jonathas:
23:33
Semah the Harorite: Ahiam the son of Sarar an Ararite:
23:34
Eliphelet the son of Aasbai the son of a Maachathite: Eliam the son of Ahitophel the Gilonite:
23:35
Hezrai the Carmelite: Pharai the Arbite:
23:36
Igaal the son of Nathan of Zobah: Bani the Gadite:
23:37
Zelec an Ammonite: Naharai a Berothite the Harnessbearer of Joab the son of Zaruiah:
23:38
Ira the Jethrite: Gareb the Jethrite:
23:39
Uriah the Hethite: in all thirty and seven.
Chapter 24
24:1
And the LORD was wroth again against Israel, and stirred up David against them saying: go and number both Israel and Juda.
24:2
And forthwith the king said to Joab the captain of his Host: go abroad I pray thee, thorowout all the tribes of Israel, even from Dan to Bersabe, and number the people that I may know the number of them.
24:3
And Joab said unto the king: I beseech that the LORD thy God make the people as many more as they be: yea and an hundredth times so many more, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see them. But how is it that my lord the king hath a lust in this thing?
24:4
Notwithstanding the king's words prevailed against Joab and against all the captains of the Host. Then Joab and the captains of the Host went out from the king, to view the people of Israel.
24:5
And they passed over Jordan and pitched in Aroer on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the valley of Gad and so forth to Jazer.
24:6
And then they went to Gilead and to the nether land of Hodesi, and from thence to Dan Jaan, and about to Sidon,
24:7
and came to the strong town of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hevites and of the Cananites, and then went out to the South of Juda even to Bersabe.
24:8
And so when they had been abroad thorowout all the land they returned to Jerusalem again at the end of nine months and twenty days.
24:9
And then Joab delivered up the reckoning of the number of the people unto the king. And there were found in Israel nine hundredth thousand men of might that drew swords. And the men of Juda were five hundredth thousand men.
24:10
And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And he said unto the LORD: I have sinned exceedingly in that I have done. And now LORD take away the trespass of thy servant: for I have done foolishly.
24:11
And when David was up in a morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad David's sear, saying:
24:12
go and say unto David, thus sayeth the LORD: I offer thee three things, choose which of them I shall do to thee.
24:13
And Gad came to David and shewed him and said unto him: whether wilt thou have seven years hunger in thy land, or that thou flee three months before thine enemies and they following thee, or that there be three days pestilence in thy land. Now understand and see, what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.(Septuagint: And Gad went in to David, and told him, and said to him, Choose one of these things to befall thee, whether there shall come upon thee for three years famine in thy land; or that thou shouldest flee three months before thine enemies, and they should pursue thee; or that there should be for three days mortality in thy land. Now then decide, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.)
24:14
Then said David unto Gad: I am in a marvellous strait. But let me fall I pray thee, into the hands of the LORD, for much is his mercy, and let me not fall into the hands of men.
24:15
And the LORD sent a pestilence in Israel from the morning unto the end of the time appointed. And there died of the people between Dan and Bersabe seventy thousand men.
24:16
And when the Angel stretched out his hand unto Jerusalem to have destroyed it, the LORD had compassion to do that evil, and said to the Angel that destroyed the people: it is sufficient: let thine hand cease. And the Angel was at the threshing place of Areunah the Jebusite.
24:17
Then spake David unto the LORD when he saw the Angel that smote the people, and said: lo, it is I that have sinned, and I that have done wickedly. But these sheep what have they done? let I pray thee thine hand be on me and on my father's house.
24:18
And Gad came the same day to David and said unto him: go up and rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshing floor of Areunah the Jebusite.
24:19
And David according to the saying of Gad went up as the LORD commanded.
24:20
And when Areunah looked and saw the king and his servants coming toward him, he went out: and bowed himself to the king flat on his face to the ground,
24:21
and said: wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said: to buy the threshing floor of thee, for to make an altar unto the LORD that the plague may cease from the people.
24:22
And Areunah said unto the king: let my lord the king take and offer what seemeth him good in his eyes: Behold oxen for sacrifice, and sleds and the other instruments of the oxen for wood.
24:23
And Areunah the king's friend gave all to the king, and said moreover unto the king: the Lord: the LORD{Lorde} thy God accept thee.
24:24
But the king said unto Areunah: not so, but I will buy it of thee at a price, and will not offer sacrifice unto the LORD my God that shall cost me nought. And so David bought the threshing floor, and the oxen for fifty sicles of silver.
24:25
And David built there an altar unto the LORD and offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings. And so the LORD was agreed with the land. And the plague ceased from Israel.

The end of the second book of Samuel, which they commenly call the second of the Kings.





























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