Ammonites and Syrians overcome. II. SAMUEL. Uriah slain in battle David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent he saw a woman washing herself; and the wo comforters unto thee? hath not David rather man was very beautiful to look upon. sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, 3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers and took her: and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; (for she was purified from her uncleanness:) and she returned unto her house. 4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child. 6 And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me 6 ¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David. they stank before David, the children of Ammon 7 And when Uriah was come unto him, David sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the demanded of him how Joab did, and how the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, people did, and how the war prospered. and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, 9 When Joab saw that the front of the battle 8 And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. 9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house. 10 And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thy house? 11 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord 10 And the rest of the people he delivered into Joab, and the servants of my lord are encamped the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might in the open fields; shall I then go into my house, put them in array against the children of Ammon. to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As 11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children this thing. of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. 12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good. 12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to-day also, and to-morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day and the morrow. 13 And when David had called him, he did cat and drink before him; and he made him drunk : 13 And Joab drew nigh, and the people that and at even he went out to lie on his bed with were with him, unto the battle against the Syri- the servants of his lord, but went not down to ans: and they fled before him. his house. 14 And when the children of Ammon saw that 14 And it came to pass in the morning, that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab re-hand of Uriah. turned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem. 15 ¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together. 16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam: and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. 15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. 16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were. 17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite 17 And when it was told David, he gathered died also. all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and 18 ¶ Then Joab sent and told David all the came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves things concerning the war; in array against David, and fought with him. 19 And charged the messenger, saying, When 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and Da-thou hast made an end of telling the matters of vid slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the war unto the king, the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and 20 And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so died there. 19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Aminon any more. CHAP. XI. David's sin concerning Uriah. nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye AND it came to pass, after the year was ex-shewed David all that Joab had sent him for. pired, at the time when kings go forth to 23 And the messenger said unto David, Surely battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants the men prevailed against us, and came out unto with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed us into the field, and we were upon them even the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. unto the entering of the gate. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon 21 And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that thy servants: and some of the king's servants he David arose from off his bed, and walked upon dead, and thy servantUriah the Hittite is dead also. the roof of the king's house: an 1 from the roof 23 Then David said unto the messenger, Thus Nathan s parable. CHAP. XII, XIII. Solomon is born shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing dis- 18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that please thee, for the sword devoureth one as well the child died. And the servants of David fearas another: make thy battle more strong against ed to tell him that the child was dead: for they the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we him. spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto 26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for tell him that the child is dead? her husband. 27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. CHAP. XII. Nathan reproveth David. 19 But when David saw that his servants whis pered, David perceived that the child was dead therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. 20Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and wor AND the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And shipped: then he came to his own house; and he came unto him, and said unto him, when ne required, they set bread before him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and he did eat. and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: 3 But the poor man had nothing save one little ewe-lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did cat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. 21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. 22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted, and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? 23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd,to dress for the way-faring man that was 24 And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she and dressed it for the man that was come to him. bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: 5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against and the LORD loved him. the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD 25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the proliveth, the man that hath done this thing shall phet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because surely die. of the LORD. 6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. 7 ¶ And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy inaster's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. 26 T And Joab fought against Rabbah of the 28 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name. 29And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it. 30 And he took their king's crown from off his 9 Wherefore hast thou despised the command-head, (the weight whereof was a talent of gold ment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou with the precious stones,) and it was set on Dahast killed Uriah the Ilittite with the sword, and vid's head. And he brought forth the spoil of hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain the city in great abundance. him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 31 And he brought forth the people that were 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart therein, and put them under saws and under from thy house; because thou hast despised harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite made them pass through the brick-kiln: and thus to be thy wife. did he unto all the cities of the children of Am11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold I will raise up mon. So David and all the people returned unto evil against thee out of thine own house, and I Jerusalem. will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. 14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. 15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. 16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. 17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. CHAP. XIII. Amnon defileth Tamar. AND it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Am non thought it hard for him to do any thing to her 3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's bro her: and Jonadab was a very subtle man. 4 And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, iny brother Absalom's sister 5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that 1 may see it, and eat it at her hand Amnon hateth Tamar. II. SAMUEL. Absalom kılleth Amnon 6¶ So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: 28 T New Absalom had commanded his ser and when the king was come to see him, Amnon vants, saying, Mark ye now when_Amnon's said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto sister come, and make me a coup e of cakes in you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: my sight, that I may eat at her hand. have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. 7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat. 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house: and he was lain down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. 9 And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went cut every man from him. 10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thy hand And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber Amnon her brother. 11 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. 12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. 13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. 14 Howbeit, he would not hearken unto her voice: but being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone, 16 And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her. 17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her. 18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon 29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had cominanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled. 30 1 And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. 31 Then the king arose, and tare his garments and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. 32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord sup pose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead. 34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, there came much people by the way of the hill-side behind him. 35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is. 36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore. 37 ¶ But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammilud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. CHAP. XIV. Joab procureth Absalom's return. her: for with such robes were the king's daugh- the king's heart was toward Absalom. ters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. 19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying. 20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. 21 ¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth. 22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. 23 And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. 24 And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheep-shearers: let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant. 25 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. 26 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee? 27 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. 2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: 3 And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth. 4 T And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. 5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and my husband is dead. 6 And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him. 7 And behold, the whole family is risen against thy handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth 8 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thy house, and I will give charge concerning thee 9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless. Absalom's return. CHAP. XV. He stealeth the hearts of Israel. 10 And the king said, Whosoever saith aught sent him to the king; but he would not come to unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not him: and when he sent again the second time, touch thee any more. he would not come. 11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king re- 30 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, member the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's sermore, lest they destroy my son. And he said, vants set the field on fire. As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth. 31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire? 12 Then the woman said, Let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the 32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent kjug And he said, Say on. unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send 13 And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come thou thought such a thing against the people of from Geshur? it had been good for me to have God? for the king doth speak this thing as one been there still now therefore let me see the which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch king's face; and if there be any iniquity 'à me, home again his banished. Jet him kill me. 14 For we must needs die, and are as water 33 So Joab came to the king, and told him: and spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered when he had called for Absalom, he came to the up again; neither doth God respect any person: king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground yet doth he devise means, that his banished be before the king: and the king kissed Absalom. not expelled from him. CHAP. XV. Absalom's treason and rebellion. AND it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty 15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that men to run before him. the king will perform the request of his handmaid. 2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside 16 For the king will hear, to deliver his hand- the way of the gate: and it was so, that when maid out of the hand of the man that would de- any man that had a controversy came to the king stroy me and my son together out of the inheri- for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and tance of God. said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy 17 Then thy handmaid said, The word of my lord servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel 3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and are good and right; but there is no inan deputed bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee. of the king to hear thee. 18 Then the king answered and said unto the 4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing judge in the land, that every man which hath that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let any suit or cause might come unto me, and I my lord the king now speak. would do him justice! 19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab 5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh with thee in all this? And the woman answer- to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, ed and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, and took him, and kissed him. none can turn to the right hand or to the left from aught that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thy handmaid: 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7 And it came to pass after forty years, that 20 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of the LORD, in Hebron. God, to know all things that are in the earth. 8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode 21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will young man Absalom again. serve the LORD. 9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. 10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absa 22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and 11 And with Absalom went two hundred men 24 And the king said, Let him turn to his own out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went house, and let him not see my face. So Absa- in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing lot returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face. 25 But in all Israel there was none to be so mich praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 26 And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it; because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it;) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight. 12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. 13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: 27 And unto Absalom there were born three make speed to depart, lest he overtake us sudsons, and one daughter, whose name was Ta-dealy, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city mar: she was a woman of a fair countenance. with the edge of the sword. 28 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jeru- 15 And the king's servants said unto the king, salem, and saw not the king's face. Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to havelmy lord the king shall appoint. David fleeth from Jerusalem. 11. SAMUEL. CHAP. XVI. Shimei curseth David. 16 And the king went forth, and all his house 37 So Hushai, David's friend, came into the hold after him. And the king left ten women city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem. which were concubines to keep the house. 17 And the king went forth, and all the people Ziba's treachery to Mephibosheth. after him, and tarried in a place that was far off: AND when David was a little past the top of 18 And all his servants passed on beside him; the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephiand all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, bosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 19 ¶ Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king; for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. and a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hun- 20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing go whither I may; return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. 3 And the king said, And where is thy master's 21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To-day shall surely in what place my lord the king shall be, the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of whether in death or life, even there also will thy my father. servant be. 22 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him. 23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. 4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king. 5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the 24 ¶ And lo, Zadok also, and all the Levites servants of king David: and all the people and were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant all the mighty men were on his right hand and of God: and they set down the ark of God; and on his left. Abiathar went up, until all the people had done 7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come passing out of the city. out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: 8 The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son :" and behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. 25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation: 26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. 27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto Art not thou a seer? return into the city in the king, Why should this dead dog curse my peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. take off his head. 28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, 10 And the king said, What have I to do with until there come word from you to certify me. you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, be29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark cause the LORD hath said unto him, Curse Daof God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there. vid. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou 30 And David went up by the ascent of mount done so ? Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his covered, and he went barefoot: and all the peo- servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of ple that was with him covered every man his my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, 31 f And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. among the conspirators with Absalom. And 12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the coun-affliction, and that the LORD will requite me sel of Ahithophel into foolishness. good for his cursing this day. 32 1 And it came to pass, that when David was 13 And as David and his men went by the come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet against him, and cursed as he went, and threw him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: stones at him, and cast dust. 33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on 14 And the king, and all the people that were with with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me: him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there 34 But if thou return to the city, and say unto 15 1 And Absalom, and all the people the men Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Alithophel been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now with him. also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. 35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear 16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Ar chite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king. 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? 18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. |