David mourns.

II. SAMUEL.

Solomon is born. commandment of the LORD, to do evil in go to him, but he shall not return to me. his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

24 And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never 25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan depart from thine house; because thou hast the prophet; and he called his name Jededespised me, and hast taken the wife of diah, because of the LORD. Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

26 And Joab fought against Rabbah 11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold I will of the children of Ammon, and took the raise up evil against thee out of thine own royal city. house, and I will take thy wives before 27 And Joab sent messengers to David, thine eyes, and give them unto thy neigh- and said, I have fought against Rabbah, bour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the and have taken the city of waters. sight of this sun.

28 Now therefore gather the rest of the 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will people together, and encamp against the do this thing before all Israel, and before city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.

the sun.

13 And David said unto Nathan, I have 29 And David gathered all the people sinned against the LORD. And Nathan together, and went to Rabbah, and fought said unto David, The LORD also hath put against it, and took it. away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

30 And he took their king's crown from

14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou off his head, (the weight whereof was a hast given great occasion to the enemies talent of gold with the precious stones,) of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also and it was set on David's head. And he that is born unto thee shall surely die. brought forth the spoil of the city in great

31 And he brought forth the people that

15 ¶ And Nathan departed unto his abundance. house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it were therein, and put them under saws and was very sick.

16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick-kiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto JeruCHAP. XIII.

17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the salem. earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

AND it came to pass after this, that Ab

18 And it came to pass on the seventh salom the son of David had a fair sisday that the child died. And the servants ter, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon of David feared to tell him that the child the son of David loved her.

was dead: for they said, Behold while the 2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell child was yet alive, we spake unto him, sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a and he would not hearken unto our voice: virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him how will he then vex himself, if we tell to do any thing to her.

him that the child is dead?

3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name

19 But when David saw that his servants was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's whispered, David perceived that the child brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle was dead therefore David said unto his man. servants, Is the child dead? And they said, 4 And he said unto him, Why art thou, He is dead. being the king's son, lean from day to day? 20 Then David arose from the earth, and wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said washed, and anointed himself, and changed unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Abhis apparel, and came into the house of salom's sister. the LORD, and worshipped: then he came 5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee to his own house; and when he required, down on thy bed, and make thyself sick : they set bread before him, and he did eat. and when thy father cometh to see thee, 21 Then said his servants unto him, What say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister thing is this that thou hast done; thou Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress didst fast and weep for the child, while it the meat in my sight, that I may see it, was alive; but when the child was dead, and eat it at her hand. thou didst rise and eat bread.

6 So Amnon lay down, and made him22 And he said, While the child was yet self sick: and when the king was come to alive, I fasted, and wept: for I said, Who see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray can tell whether God will be gracious to thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me, that the child may live? me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.

23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall

7 Then David sent home to Tamar, say

Amnon's incestuous love.

CHAP. XIII.

Absalom kills Amnon.

ing, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, 24 And Absalom came to the king, and dress him meat. and said, Behold now, thy servant hath 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's sheep-shearers: let the king, I beseech house; and he was laid down. And she thee, and his servants go with thy servant. took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes 25 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, in his sight, and did bake the cakes. my son, let us not all now go, lest we be 9 And she took a pan, and poured them chargeable unto thee. And he pressed out before him; but he refused to eat. And him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed Amnon said, Have out all men from me. him. And they went out every man from him.

10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

11 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.

12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.

26 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

27 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

28 ¶ Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

30 And it came to pass, while they 14 Howbeit, he would not hearken unto were in the way, that tidings came to Daher voice: but being stronger than she, vid, saying, Absalom hath slain all the forced her, and lay with her. king's sons, and there is not one of them

15 Then Amnon hated her exceeding-left. ly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated 31 Then the king arose, and tare his garher was greater than the love wherewith he ments and lay on the earth; and all his serhad loved her. And Amnon said unto her, vants stood by with their clothes rent. 32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah

Arise, be gone.

16 And she said unto him, There is no David's brother, answered and said, Let not cause this evil in sending me away is my lord suppose that they have slain all greater than the other that thou didst unto the young men the king's sons; for Amme. But he would not hearken unto her. non only is dead: for by the appointment 17 Then he called his servant that minis- of Absalom this hath been determined tered unto him, and said, Put now this wo- from the day that he forced his sister Taman out from me, and bolt the door after her. mar. 18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.

20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother, regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.

21 ¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.

22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

33 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, there came much people by the way of the hill-side behind him.

35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.

36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.

37 ¶ But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur,

23 And it came to pass after two full and was there three years. years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in

39 And the soul of king David longed to Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and go forth unto Absalom: for he was comfortAbsalom invited all the king's sons. led concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

Joab suborns the widow.

CHAP. XIV.

II. SAMUEL.

Absalom returns. Jafraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now OW Joab the son of Zeruiah perceiv-speak unto the king; it may be that the ed that the king's heart was toward king will perform the request of his handAbsalom. maid.

NOW

2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched 16 For the king will hear, to deliver his thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I handmaid out of the hand of the man that pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, would destroy me and my son together out and put on now mourning apparel, and of the inheritance of God.

anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a wo- 17 Then thine handmaid said, The word man that had a long time mourned for the of my lord the king shall now be comfortadead: ble for as an angel of God, so is my lord

3 And come to the king, and speak on the king to discern good and bad: therethis manner unto him. So Joab put the fore the LORD thy God will be with thee. words in her mouth. 18 Then the king answered and said

4 ¶ And when the woman of Tekoah unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray spake to the king, she fell on her face to thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the ground, and did obeisance, and said, the woman said, Let my lord the king now Help, O king. speak.

5 And the king said unto her, What ail-19 And the king said, Is not the hand of eth thee? And she answered, I am indeed Joab with thee in all this? And the woman a widow woman, and mine husband is dead. answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my 6 And thy handmaid had two sons, and lord the king, none can turn to the right they two strove together in the field, and hand or to the left from ought that my lord there was none to part them, but the one the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, smote the other, and slew him. he bade me, and he put all these words in

7 And behold, the whole family is risen the mouth of thine handmaid : against thine handmaid, and they said, 20 To fetch about this form of speech Deliver him that smote his brother, that we hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and may kill him, for the life of his brother whom my lord is wise, according to the wisdom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: of an angel of God, to know all things that and so they shall quench my coal which is are in the earth. left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.

8 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.

9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.

10 And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.

21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To-day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

24 And the king said, Let him turn to 11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the his own house, and let him not see my face. king remember the LORD thy God, that So Absalom returned to his own house, and thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of saw not the king's face.

blood to destroy any more, lest they de- 25 ¶ But in all Israel there was none to stroy my son. And he said, As the LORD be so much praised as Absalom for his beauliveth, there shall not one hair of thy son ty: from the sole of his foot even to the fall to the earth. crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my 26 And when he polled his head, (for lord the king. And he said, Say on. it was at every year's end that he polled it : 13 And the woman said, Wherefore then because the hair was heavy on him, therehast thou thought such a thing against the fore he polled it :) he weighed the hair of people of God? for the king doth speak his head at two hundred shekels after the this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king's weight.

king doth not fetch home again his banished. 27 And unto Absalom there were born 14 For we must needs die, and are as three sons, and one daughter, whose name water spilt on the ground, which cannot be was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair gathered up again; neither doth God re- countenance. spect any person yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

28 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to 15 Now therefore that I am come to have sent him to the king; but he would speak of this thing unto my lord the king, not come to him: and when he sent again it is because the people have made me the second time, he would not come.

The conspiracy of Absalom.

CHAP. XV.

David flees from Jerusalem. 30 Therefore he said unto his servants, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath And the conspiracy was strong; for the peo barley there; go and set it on fire. And ple increased continually with Absalom. Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 13 And there came a messenger to 31 Then Joab arose, and came to Ab- David, saying, The hearts of the men of salom unto his house, and said unto him, Israel are after Absalom. Wherefore have thy servants set my field 14 And David said unto all his servants on fire? that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and 32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, let us flee; for we shall not else escape from I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he I may send thee to the king, to say, Where- overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon fore am I come from Geshur? it had been us, and smite the city with the edge of the good for me to have been there still now sword. therefore let me see the king's face; and 15 And the king's servants said unto the if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. 33 So Joab came to the king, and told 16 And the king went forth, and all his him and when he had called for Absa- household after him. And the king left lom, he came to the king, and bowed him- ten women which were concubines to keep self on his face to the ground before the the house. king: and the king kissed Absalom. CHAP. XV.

me.

17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absa- 19 Then said the king to Ittai the lom called unto him, and said, Of what city Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of return to thy place, and abide with the one of the tribes of Israel. king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may; return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.

21 And Ittai answered the king, and 5 And it was so, that when any man said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he the king liveth, surely in what place my put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed lord the king shall be, whether in death or him. life, even there also will thy servant be. 22 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass all Israel that came to the king for judg-over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, ment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the and all his men, and all the little ones that men of Israel.

6 And on this manner did Absalom to

were with him.

7¶ And it came to pass after forty years, 23 And all the country wept with a loud that Absalom said unto the king, I pray voice, and all the people passed over: the thee, let me go and pay my vow, which king also himself passed over the brook have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron. Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

I

I

8 For thy servant vowed a vow while abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

24 ¶ And lo, Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down 9 And the king said unto him, Go in the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. until all the people had done passing out

10 But Absalom sent spies throughout of the city. all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as 25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye back the ark of God into the city: if I shall shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will 11 And, with Absalom went two hun- bring me again, and shew me both it, and dred men out of Jerusalem, that were call- his habitation: ed; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city,

26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

27 The king said also unto Zadok the

David curses Ahithophel's counsel. II. SAMUEL.

Shimei curses David.

priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the said, To-day shall the house of Israel recity in peace, and your two sons with you, store me the kingdom of my father. Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

5¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose 30 And David went up by the ascent name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, came forth, and cursed still as he came. and had his head covered, and he went 6 And he cast stones at David, and at bare-foot and all the people that was with all the servants of king David: and all him covered every man his head, and they the people and all the mighty men were on went up, weeping as they went up. his right hand and on his left.

31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

8 The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose 32 And it came to pass, that when Da- stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD vid was come to the top of the mount, where hath delivered the kingdom into the hand he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the of Absalom thy son: and behold, thou art Archite came to meet him with his coat taken in thy mischief, because thou art a rent, and earth upon his head: bloody man.

unto me:

33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruion with me, then thou shalt be a burden ah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go 34 But if thou return to the city, and over, I pray thee, and take off his head. say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, 10 And the king said, What have I to do O king; as I have been thy father's servant with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: curse, because the LORD hath said unto then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel him, Curse David. Who shall then say, of Ahithophel. Wherefore hast thou done so ?

35 And hast thou not there with thee 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore his servants, Behold, my son, which came it shall be, that what thing soever thou forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how shalt hear out of the king's house, thou much more now may this Benjamite do it? shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the let him alone, and let him curse; for the priests. LORD hath bidden him. 36 Behold, they have there with them 12 It may be that the LORD will look on their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and mine affliction, and that the LORD will reJonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye quite me good for his cursing this day. shall send unto me every thing that ye can 13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's 37 So Hushai David's friend came into side over against him, and cursed as he the city, and Absalom came into Jeru- went, and threw stones at him, and cast salem. dust.

hear.

CHAP. XVI.

14 And the king, and all the people that A ND when David was a little past the were with him, came weary, and refreshed top of the hill, behold, Ziba the ser- themselves there.

vant of Mephibosheth met him, with a

15¶ And Absalom, and all the people couple of asses saddled, and upon them the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and two hundred loaves of bread, and an hun- Ahithophel with him.

dred bunches of raisins, and an hundred 16 And it came to pass, when Hushai of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. the Archite, David's friend, was come unto 2 And the king said unto Ziba, What Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, God save the king, God save the king. The asses be for the king's household to 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this ride on; and the bread and summer fruit thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest for the young men to eat; and the wine, thou not with thy friend? that such as be faint in the wilderness may 18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

drink.

3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he

19 And again, whom should I serve?