DG
2 Samuel · read by David Guzik
570 verses, in order. Only the verses David read aloud are shown.
2 Samuel 1
1
After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
2
On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul's camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage.Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
3
"Where have you come from?" David asked. "I have escaped from the Israelite camp," he replied.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
4
"What was the outcome?" David asked. "Please tell me." "The troops fled from the battle," he replied. "Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead."Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
5
Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
6
"I happened to be on Mount Gilboa," he replied, "and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
7
When he turned around and saw me, he called out and I answered, 'Here I am!'Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
9
Then he begged me, 'Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.'Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
10
So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord."Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
11
Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same.Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
12
They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
14
So David asked him, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
15
Then David summoned one of the young men and said, "Go, execute him!" So the young man struck him down, and he died.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
16
For David had said to the Amalekite, "Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I killed the LORD's anointed.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
17
Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan,Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
18
and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar:Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
19
"Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
20
Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
21
O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Free From Bitterness
22
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.Read from NASB1995 · Enemies in Ministry
23
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.Read from NKJV · (1 Samuel) How to Be Free From Bitterness
24
O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
25
How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.Read from NKJV · Enemies in Ministry
27
How the mighty have fallen and the weapons of war have perished!"Read from ESV · (1 Samuel) How to Be Free From Bitterness
2 Samuel 2
1
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, "Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" "Go up," the LORD answered. Then David asked, "Where should I go?" "To Hebron," replied the LORD.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
2
So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel.Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
3
David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
7
Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
8
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul's army, took Saul's son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim,Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
9
and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
10
Saul's son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
11
And the length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
12
One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
13
So Joab son of Zeruiah, along with the servants of David, marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two camps took up positions on opposite sides of the pool.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
14
Then Abner said to Joab, "Let us have the young men get up and compete before us." "Let them get up," Joab replied.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
15
So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
16
Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent's side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
17
The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
18
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
19
and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
22
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, "Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
23
But Asahel refused to turn away; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
24
But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
25
The Benjamites rallied to Abner, formed a single unit, and took their stand atop a hill.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
26
Then Abner called out to Joab: "Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
27
"As surely as God lives," Joab replied, "if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
28
So Joab blew the ram's horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
30
When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David's servants were missing,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
31
but they had struck down 360 Benjamites who were with Abner.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
32
Later, they took Asahel and buried him in his father's tomb in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and reached Hebron at daybreak.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
2 Samuel 3
1
Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War
4
his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
5
and his sixth was Ithream, by David's wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
6
During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
7
Meanwhile, Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, "Why did you sleep with my father's concubine?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
8
Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth's accusation. "Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?" he asked. "All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
9
May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him:Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
10
to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba."Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
11
And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
12
Then Abner sent messengers in his place to say to David, "To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
13
"Good," replied David, "I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul's daughter Michal when you come to see me."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
14
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, "Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
16
Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go back." So he returned home.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
17
Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, "In the past you sought David as your king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
18
Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, 'Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.'"Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
19
Abner also spoke to the Benjamites and went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
20
When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
21
Then Abner said to David, "Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires." So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
22
Just then David's soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had sent him on his way in peace.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
23
When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, "Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
24
So Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
26
As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David was unaware of it.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab's brother Asahel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
28
Afterward, David heard about this and said, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
29
May it whirl over the heads of Joab and the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
30
(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Believing and Living
2 Samuel 4
1
Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
3
because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
4
And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
5
Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while the king was taking his midday nap.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
7
They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, and having stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled all night by way of the Arabah.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
8
They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, "Here is the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy who sought your life. Today the LORD has granted vengeance to my lord the king against Saul and his offspring."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
9
But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
10
when someone told me, 'Look, Saul is dead,' and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
11
How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
12
So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner's tomb in Hebron.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy
2 Samuel 5
1
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "Here we are, your own flesh and blood.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
2
Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, 'You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
4
David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
5
In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
6
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: "You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you." For they thought, "David cannot get in here."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
7
Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
8
On that day he said, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David. " That is why it is said, "The blind and the lame will never enter the palace."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
9
So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
10
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
11
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
12
And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
13
After he had arrived from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
14
These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
17
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
18
Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
19
So David inquired of the LORD, "Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?" "Go," replied the LORD, "for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
20
So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, "Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me." So he called that place Baal-perazim.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
21
There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David and his men carried them away.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
22
Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
24
As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
25
So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) King David in Triumph
2 Samuel 6
1
David again assembled the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand in all.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
2
And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name— the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
3
They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
4
bringing with it the ark of God. And Ahio was walking in front of the ark.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
5
David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
6
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
7
And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
8
Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
9
That day David feared the LORD and asked, "How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
10
So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
11
Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
13
When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
14
And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
15
while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram's horn.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
16
As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul's daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
17
So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
18
When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
21
But David said to Michal, "I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
22
and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
23
And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way
2 Samuel 7
1
After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
2
he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
3
And Nathan replied to the king, "Go and do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
5
"Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in?Read from NKJV · From Genesis to Jesus
6
For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved about with a tent as My dwelling.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
8
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.Read from NKJV · From Genesis to Jesus
10
And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginningRead from NKJV · From Genesis to Jesus
11
and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you.Read from NKJV · From Genesis to Jesus
12
And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom.Read from NKJV · From Genesis to Jesus
13
He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
14
I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
15
But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I moved out of your way.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
16
Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
17
So Nathan relayed to David all the words of this entire vision.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
19
And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD?Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
20
What more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
21
For the sake of Your word and according to Your own heart, You have accomplished this great thing and revealed it to Your servant.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
23
And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth whom God went out to redeem as a people for Himself and to make a name for Himself? You performed great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
25
And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house. Do as You have promised,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
26
so that Your name will be magnified forever when it is said, 'The LORD of Hosts is God over Israel.' And the house of Your servant David will be established before You.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
27
For You, O LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant when You said, 'I will build a house for you.' Therefore Your servant has found the courage to offer this prayer to You.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
29
Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Tale of Two Houses
2 Samuel 8
1
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
2
David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
3
David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
4
David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
5
When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
7
And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
9
When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
10
he sent his son Joram to greet King David and bless him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer, who had been at war with Toi. Joram brought with him articles of silver and gold and bronze,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
11
and King David dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he had subdued—Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
12
from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines and Amalekites, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
13
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
14
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
15
Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
16
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
17
Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) David's Triumph
2 Samuel 9
1
Then David asked, "Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
2
And there was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, "Are you Ziba?" "I am your servant," he replied.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
6
And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, "Mephibosheth!" "I am your servant," he replied.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
7
"Do not be afraid," said David, "for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
8
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
10
You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master's grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, is always to eat at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
11
And Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's own sons.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
12
And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
13
So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king's table, and he was lame in both feet.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Kindness of God
2 Samuel 10
1
Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
2
And David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me." So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
3
the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, "Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
4
So Hanun took David's servants, shaved off half of each man's beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
5
When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, "Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
7
On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
9
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
10
And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
11
"If the Arameans are too strong for me," said Joab, "then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
12
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight."Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
13
So Joab and his troops advanced to fight the Arameans, who fled before him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
14
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
15
When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they regrouped.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
16
Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer's army leading them.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
17
When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
19
When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men
2 Samuel 11
1
In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Not-So-Sudden Fall
2
One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Not-So-Sudden Fall
3
So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, "This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Not-So-Sudden Fall
4
Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Not-So-Sudden Fall
5
And the woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) a Not-So-Sudden Fall
7
When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the troops were doing with the war.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
8
Then he said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
9
But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master's servants; he did not go down to his house.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
10
And David was told, "Uriah did not go home." "Haven't you just arrived from a journey?" David asked Uriah. "Why didn't you go home?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
11
Uriah answered, "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
12
"Stay here one more day," David said to Uriah, "and tomorrow I will send you back." So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
13
Then David invited Uriah to eat and drink with him, and he got Uriah drunk. And in the evening Uriah went out to lie down on his cot with his master's servants, but he did not go home.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
15
In the letter he wrote: "Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
18
Joab sent to David a full account of the battleRead from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
19
and instructed the messenger, "When you have finished giving the king all the details of the battle,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
20
if the king's anger flares, he may ask you, 'Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Did you not realize they would shoot from atop the wall?Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
22
So the messenger set out and reported to David all that Joab had sent him to say.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
23
The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
24
Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall, and some of the king's servants were killed. And your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
25
Then David told the messenger, "Say this to Joab: 'Do not let this matter upset you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city and demolish it.' Encourage him with these words."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
26
When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
27
And when the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Caught in the Trap of Sin
2 Samuel 12
1
Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, "There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
2
The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
3
but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
4
Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for his guest."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
5
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
6
Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
7
Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
8
I gave your master's house to you and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
10
Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.'Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
11
This is what the LORD says: 'I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
12
You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
13
Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." "The LORD has taken away your sin," Nathan replied. "You will not die.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
15
After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
16
David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
17
The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
18
On the seventh day the child died. But David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
19
When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he perceived that the child was dead. So he asked his servants, "Is the child dead?" "He is dead," they replied.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
20
Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
22
David answered, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.'Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
23
But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
24
Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the childRead from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
25
and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
26
Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
28
Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troops, lay siege to the city, and capture it. Otherwise I will capture the city, and it will be named after me."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
29
So David assembled all the troops and went to Rabbah; and he fought against it and captured it.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
30
Then he took the crown from the head of their king. It weighed a talent of gold and was set with precious stones, and it was placed on David's head. And David took a great amount of plunder from the city.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
31
David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Repentance and Restoration
2 Samuel 13
1
After some time, David's son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David's son Absalom.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
2
Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
3
Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
5
Jonadab told him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare it in my sight so I may watch her and eat it from her hand.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
6
So Amnon lay down and feigned illness. When the king came to see him, Amnon said, "Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, so that I may eat from her hand."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
7
Then David sent word to Tamar at the palace: "Please go to the house of Amnon your brother and prepare a meal for him."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
8
So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked them.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
9
Then she brought the pan and set it down before him, but he refused to eat. "Send everyone away!" said Amnon. And everyone went out.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
10
Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the bedroom, so that I may eat it from your hand." Tamar took the cakes she had made and went to her brother Amnon's bedroom.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
11
And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said, "Come lie with me, my sister!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
12
"No, my brother!" she cried. "Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
13
Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
14
But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
15
Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity that his hatred was greater than the love he previously had. "Get up!" he said to her. "Be gone!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
16
"No," she replied, "sending me away is worse than this great wrong you have already done to me!" But he refused to listen to her.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
17
Instead, he called to his attendant and said, "Throw this woman out and bolt the door behind her!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
18
So Amnon's attendant threw her out and bolted the door behind her. Now Tamar was wearing a robe of many colors, because this is what the king's virgin daughters wore.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
19
And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her robe. And putting her hand on her head, she went away crying bitterly.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
20
Her brother Absalom said to her, "Has your brother Amnon been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing to heart." So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in the house of her brother Absalom.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
21
When King David heard all this, he was furious.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
22
And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
23
Two years later, when Absalom's sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
24
And he went to the king and said, "Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
25
"No, my son," the king replied, "we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you." Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
26
"If not," said Absalom, "please let my brother Amnon go with us." "Why should he go with you?" the king asked.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
27
But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
28
Now Absalom had ordered his young men, "Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
29
So Absalom's young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
31
Then the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground; and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
33
So now, my lord the king, do not take to heart the report that all the sons of the king are dead. Only Amnon is dead."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
34
Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, "I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
35
So Jonadab said to the king, "Look, the sons of the king have arrived! It is just as your servant said."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
36
And as he finished speaking, the sons of the king came in, wailing loudly. Then the king and all his servants also wept very bitterly.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
37
Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
38
After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
39
And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon's death.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
2 Samuel 14
1
Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart longed for Absalom.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
2
So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, "Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
3
Then go to the king and speak these words to him." And Joab put the words in her mouth.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
4
When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, "Help me, O king!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
6
And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
7
Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, 'Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!' So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband's name or posterity on the earth."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
8
"Go home," the king said to the woman, "and I will give orders on your behalf."Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
9
But the woman of Tekoa said to the king, "My lord the king, may any blame be on me and on my father's house, and may the king and his throne be guiltless."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
10
"If anyone speaks to you," said the king, "bring him to me, and he will not trouble you again!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
12
Then the woman said, "Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?" "Speak," he replied.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
13
The woman asked, "Why have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, since he has not brought back his own banished son?Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
14
For surely we will die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
15
Now therefore, I have come to present this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, 'I will speak to the king. Perhaps he will grant the request of his maidservant.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
16
For the king will hear and deliver his maidservant from the hand of the man who would cut off both me and my son from God's inheritance.'Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
17
And now your servant says, 'May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the Banished
18
Then the king said to the woman, "I am going to ask you something; do not conceal it from me!" "Let my lord the king speak," she replied.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
19
So the king asked, "Is the hand of Joab behind all this?" The woman answered, "As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
20
Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
21
Then the king said to Joab, "I hereby grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
22
Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. "Today," said Joab, "your servant knows that he has found favor with you, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
23
So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
24
But the king added, "He may return to his house, but he must not see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
25
Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
26
And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
27
Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
28
Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
29
Then he sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So Absalom sent a second time, but Joab still would not come.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
30
Then Absalom said to his servants, "Look, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!" And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
31
Then Joab came to Absalom's house and demanded, "Why did your servants set my field on fire?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
32
"Look," said Absalom, "I sent for you and said, 'Come here. I want to send you to the king to ask: Why have I come back from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.' So now, let me see the king's face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
33
So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
2 Samuel 15
1
Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
2
He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, "What city are you from?" And if he replied, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
3
Absalom would say, "Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
4
And he would add, "If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
5
Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
6
Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
7
After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, "Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
8
For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: 'If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
9
"Go in peace," said the king. So Absalom got up and went to Hebron.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
10
Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: "When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, 'Absalom reigns in Hebron!'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
11
Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept increasing.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
13
Then a messenger came to David and reported, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
14
And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, "Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
15
The king's servants replied, "Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
17
So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
20
In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
21
But Ittai answered the king, "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
23
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
24
Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until the people had passed out of the city.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
26
But if He should say, 'I do not delight in you,' then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
27
The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
28
See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
29
So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
30
But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
31
Now someone told David: "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David pleaded, "O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
32
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
36
Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
37
So David's friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty
2 Samuel 16
2
"Why do you have these?" asked the king. Ziba replied, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
3
"Where is your master's grandson?" asked the king. And Ziba answered, "Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, 'Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
4
So the king said to Ziba, "All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!" "I humbly bow before you," said Ziba. "May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
5
As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
6
He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David's right and left.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
7
And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, "Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
8
The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
9
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
10
But the king replied, "What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, 'Curse David,' who can ask, 'Why did you do this?'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
11
Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
12
Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
13
So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
14
Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived, exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity
15
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
16
And David's friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
18
"Not at all," Hushai answered. "For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
19
Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father's presence, so also I will serve in yours."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
20
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give me counsel. What should we do?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
21
Ahithophel replied, "Sleep with your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
22
So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
23
Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel's advice.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
2 Samuel 17
1
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
2
I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the kingRead from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
3
and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
4
This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
5
Then Absalom said, "Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
6
So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, "Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
7
Hushai replied, "This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
8
He continued, "You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
10
Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
11
Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
12
Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
15
So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
16
Now send quickly and tell David, 'Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
19
Then the man's wife took a covering and spread it over the mouth of the well, scattering grain over it so nobody would know a thing.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
21
After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, "Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
22
So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
23
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father's tomb.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
24
Then David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
26
So the Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
28
They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
29
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, "The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort
2 Samuel 18
1
Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of hundreds and of thousands.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
2
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, "I will surely march out with you as well."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
3
But the people pleaded, "You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
4
"I will do whatever seems best to you," the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
5
Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake." And all the people heard the king's orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
7
There the people of Israel were defeated by David's servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
8
The battle spread over the whole countryside, and that day the forest devoured more people than the sword.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
10
When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, "I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
11
"You just saw him!" Joab exclaimed. "Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior's belt!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
12
The man replied, "Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the son of the king. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, 'Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.'Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
13
If I had jeopardized my own life —and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
15
And ten young men who carried Joab's armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
16
Then Joab blew the ram's horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
17
They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
18
During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to preserve the memory of my name." So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom's Monument.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
19
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, "Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
20
But Joab replied, "You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king's son is dead."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
21
So Joab said to a Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
22
Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, "Regardless of whatever may happen, please let me also run behind the Cushite!" "My son," Joab replied, "why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
23
"No matter what, I want to run!" he replied. "Then run!" Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
24
Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
26
the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, "Look! Another man is running alone!" "This one also brings good news," said the king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
27
The watchman said, "The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok." "This is a good man," said the king. "He comes with good news."Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
29
The king asked, "Is the young man Absalom all right?" And Ahimaaz replied, "When Joab sent the king's servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
30
"Move aside," said the king, "and stand here." So he stepped aside.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
31
Just then the Cushite came and said, "May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
32
The king asked the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom all right?" And the Cushite replied, "May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you to harm you."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
33
The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, "O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
2 Samuel 19
1
Then it was reported to Joab, "The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
2
And that day's victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, "The king is grieving over his son."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
3
So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
4
But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
5
Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, "Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
6
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
7
Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
8
So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: "Behold, the king is sitting in the gate." So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom
9
And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, "The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
10
But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
11
Then King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: "Say to the elders of Judah, 'Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace, since the talk of all Israel has reached the king at his quarters?Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
12
You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king?'Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
13
And say to Amasa, 'Aren't you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
14
So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: "Return, you and all your servants."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
15
So the king returned, and when he arrived at the Jordan, the men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the Jordan.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
16
Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
17
along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the kingRead from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
19
and said, "My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant's wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
20
For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
21
But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
22
And David replied, "Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
23
So the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king swore an oath to him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
24
Then Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
25
And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, "Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
26
"My lord the king," he replied, "because I am lame, I said, 'I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.' But my servant Ziba deceived me,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
27
and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
28
For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
29
The king replied, "Why say any more? I hereby declare that you and Ziba are to divide the land."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
30
And Mephibosheth said to the king, "Instead, since my lord the king has safely come to his own house, let Ziba take it all!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
31
Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
32
Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
34
But Barzillai replied, "How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
35
I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
36
Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward?Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
39
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
40
Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
41
Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, "Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David's men?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
42
And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, "We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king's expense or received anything for ourselves?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
43
"We have ten shares in the king," answered the men of Israel, "so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?" But the men of Judah pressed even harder than the men of Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King
2 Samuel 20
1
Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram's horn and shouted: "We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse's son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
2
So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
3
When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to care for the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
4
Then the king said to Amasa, "Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
5
So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
6
And David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord's servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
7
So Joab's men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
10
Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab's hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
11
One of Joab's young men stood near Amasa and said, "Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
13
As soon as Amasa's body was removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
15
And Joab's troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maacah and built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city. As all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to topple it,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
16
a wise woman called out from the city, "Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
19
I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD's inheritance?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
20
"Far be it!" Joab declared. "Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
21
That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city." "Look," the woman replied, "his head will be thrown to you over the wall."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
23
Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity
2 Samuel 21
1
During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, "It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
2
At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
3
So David asked the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
5
And they answered the king, "As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
6
let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD." "I will give them to you," said the king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
7
Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
8
But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
9
And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD. So all seven of them fell together; they were put to death in the first days of the harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
10
And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain from heaven poured down on the bodies, she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
11
When David was told what Saul's concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, had done,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
12
he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
13
So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged.Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt
15
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
16
Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
17
But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, "You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
19
Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
20
And there was still another battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
21
and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David's brother Shimei killed him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
22
So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
2 Samuel 22
1
And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
2
He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
3
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
4
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
5
For the waves of death engulfed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
6
The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
7
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
8
Then the earth shook and quaked; the foundations of the heavens trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
9
Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
10
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
11
He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
12
He made darkness a canopy around Him, a gathering of water and thick clouds.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
13
From the brightness of His presence coals of fire blazed forth.Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
14
The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
15
He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
16
The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of His nostrils.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
17
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
18
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
19
They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
20
He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
21
The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
22
For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
23
For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
24
And I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from iniquity.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
25
So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
28
You save an afflicted people, but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
29
For You, O LORD, are my lamp; the LORD lights up my darkness.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
30
For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
31
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
32
For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
33
God is my strong fortress and He makes my way clear.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
34
He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
35
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
37
You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
39
I devoured and crushed them so they could not rise; they have fallen under my feet.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
41
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I put an end to those who hated me.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
42
They looked, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer.Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
43
I ground them as the dust of the earth; I crushed and trampled them like mud in the streets.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
45
Foreigners cower before me; when they hear me, they obey me.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
46
Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their strongholds.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
47
The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock! And may God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted—Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
48
the God who avenges me and brings down nations beneath me,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
49
who frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
50
Therefore I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
51
Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Grateful Retrospect
2 Samuel 23
2
The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
4
is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.'Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
6
But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they can never be gathered by hand.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
7
The man who touches them must be armed with iron or with the shaft of a spear. The fire burns them to ashes in the place where they lie."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
8
These are the names of David's mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
9
Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
10
but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
12
But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
13
At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
14
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
15
David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
16
So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
17
saying, "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?" So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
18
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
19
Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
20
And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
21
He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
23
He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
2 Samuel 24
1
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
2
So the king said to Joab the commander of his army, who was with him, "Go now throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and register the troops, so that I may know their number."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
3
But Joab replied to the king, "May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
4
Nevertheless, the king's word prevailed against Joab and against the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army departed from the presence of the king to count the troops of Israel.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
5
They crossed the Jordan and camped near Aroer, south of the town in the middle of the valley, and proceeded toward Gad and Jazer.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
8
At the end of nine months and twenty days, having gone through the whole land, they returned to Jerusalem.Read from ESV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
9
And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men
10
After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken and he said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
11
When David got up in the morning, a revelation from the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David's seer:Read from NASB1995 · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
12
"Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: 'I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.'"Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
13
So Gad went and said to David, "Do you choose to endure three years of famine in your land, three months of fleeing the pursuit of your enemies, or three days of plague upon your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
14
David answered Gad, "I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
15
So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
17
When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, "Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father's house."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
18
And that day Gad came to David and said to him, "Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
19
So David went up at the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
20
When Araunah looked out and saw the king and his servants coming toward him, he went out and bowed facedown before the king.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
21
"Why has my lord the king come to his servant?" Araunah said. "To buy your threshing floor," David replied, "that I may build an altar to the LORD, so that the plague upon the people may be halted."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
22
Araunah said to David, "My lord the king may take whatever seems good and offer it up. Here are the oxen for a burnt offering and the threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
23
O king, Araunah gives all these to the king." He also said to the king, "May the LORD your God accept you."Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands
25
And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted.Read from NKJV · (2 Samuel) in God's Hands