and as thy soul liveth (the Lord, I say, that hath a 1 Sam. 23:19 37 Then in the morning, when the wine was gone

and as thy soul liveth (the Lord, I say, that hath a 1 Sam. 23:19 37 Then in the morning, when the wine was gone

307 1 Samuel 26:3

name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord whom thou sentest. 26 Now therefore my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth (the Lord, I say, that hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and that thine 1hand should not save thee) so now thine enemies shall be as Nabal, and they that intend to do my lord evil. 27 And now this 1blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it be given unto the young men, that 2follow my lord. 28 I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will make my lord a 1sure house, because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and none evil hath been found in thee 2in all thy life. 29 Yet 1a man hath risen up to persecute thee, and to seek thy soul, but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the 2bundle of life with the Lord thy God: and the soul of thine enemies shall God cast out, as out of the middle of a sling. 30 And when the Lord shall have done to my lord all the good that he hath promised thee, and shall have made thee ruler over Israel, 31 Then shall it be no grief unto thee, nor offence of mind unto my lord, that he hath not shed blood causeless, nor that my lord hath 1not preserved himself: and when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, remember thine handmaid. 32 Then David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me. 33 And blessed be thy counsel, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, 1and that mine hand hath not saved me. 34 For indeed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, 1who hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and met me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the dawning of the day, any that pisseth against the wall. 35 Then David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said to her, Go up in peace to thine house: behold, I have heard thy voice, and have 1granted thy petition. 36 ¶ So Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he made a feast in his house, like the feast of a king, and

Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him 1nothing, neither less nor more, until the morning arose. 37 Then in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, his wife told him those words, and his heart died within him, and he was like 1a stone. 38 And about ten days after, the Lord smote Nabal, that he died. 39 ¶ Now when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the Lord, that hath 1judged the cause of my rebuke of the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the Lord hath recompensed the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. Also David sent to commune with Abigail, to 2take her to his wife. 40 And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us to thee, to take thee to his wife. 41 And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. 42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, and her five maids 1followed her, and she went after the messengers of David, and was his wife. 43 David also took Ahinoam of bJezreel, and they were both his wives. 44 Now Saul had given cMichal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish, which was of 1Gallim. 26 1 David was discovered unto Saul by the Ziph­ ites. 12 David taketh away Saul's spear, and a pot of water that stood at his head. 21 Saul confesseth his sin.

b Josh. 15:56

c 2 Sam. 3:14,15

chapter 26

a 1 Sam. 23:19

1 Again the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, aDoth not David hide himself 1in the hill of Hachilah before 2Jeshimon? 2 Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand 1chosen men of Israel with him, for to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon by the wayside. Now David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after

25:26 1 That is, that thou shouldest not be revenged of thine enemy. 25:27 1 Or, present. 2 Hebrew, walk at the feet. 25:28 1 Confirm his Kingdom to his posterity. 2 Hebrew, from thy days. 25:29 1 To wit, Saul. 2 God shall preserve thee long in his service, and destroy thine enemies. 25:31 1 That he hath not avenged himself, which things would have tormented his conscience. 25:33 1 Read verse 26. 25:34 1 He attributeth it to the Lord's mercy, and not to himself that

he was stayed. 25:35 1 Hebrew, received thy face. 25:36 1 For he had no reason either to consider, or to give thanks for this great benefit of deliverance. 25:37 1 For fear of the great danger. 25:39 1 Or, revenged. 2 For he had experience of her great godliness, wisdom and humility. 25:42 1 Hebrew, went at her feet. 25:44 1 Which was a place bordering on the country of the Moabites. 26:1 1 Or, in Gibeah. 2 Or, the wilderness. 26:2 1 That is, of the most skillful and valiant soldiers.

1 Samuel 26:4 308

him into the wilderness. 4 (For David had sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come 1in very deed.) 5 Then David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched, and when David beheld the place where Saul lay, and bAbner the son of Ner which was his chief captain, (for Saul lay in the fort, and the people pitched round about him.) 6 Then spake David, and said to Ahimelech the 1Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to 2Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the host? Then Abishai said, I will go down with thee. 7 So David and Abishai came down to the people by night: and behold, Saul lay sleeping within the fort, and his spear did stick in the ground at his 1head: and Abner and the people lay round about him. 8 ¶ Then said Abishai to David, God hath closed thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore, I pray thee, let me smite him once with a spear to the earth, and I will not smite him 1again. 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can lay his hand 1on the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? 10 Moreover David said, As the Lord liveth, either the Lord shall smite him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall descend into battle, and perish. 11 The Lord keep me from laying mine hand upon the Lord's anointed: but, I pray thee, take now the spear that is at his head, and the pot of water, and let us go hence. 12 So David took the spear and the pot of water from Saul's head, and they got them away, and no man saw it, nor marked it, neither did any awake, but they were all asleep: for 1the Lord had sent a dead sleep upon them. 13 Then David went unto the other side, and stood on the top of an hill a far off, a great space being between them. 14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, 1Hearest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered, and said, Who art thou that cryest to the King? 15 ¶ And David said to Abner, Art not thou a

1man? and who is like thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy Lord the King? for there came one of the folk in to destroy the king thy lord. 16 This is not well done of thee: as the Lord liveth, ye are 1worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master the Lord's anointed: and now see where the King's spear is, and the pot of water that was at his head. 17 And Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this thy voice, 1my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O King. 18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus persecute his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? 19 Now therefore, I beseech thee, let my Lord the King hear the words of his servant. If the Lord have stirred thee up against me, 1let him smell the savor of a sacrifice: but if the children of men have done it, cursed be they before the Lord: for they have cast me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go, serve 2other gods. 20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the Lord: for the King of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as one would hunt a partridge in the mountains. 21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: Come again, my son David: for I will do thee no more harm, because my soul was 1precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have done foolishly, and have erred exceedingly. 22 Then David answered, and said, Behold the King's spear, let one of the young men come over and fet it. 23 And let the Lord reward every man according to his 1righteousness and faithfulness: for the Lord had delivered thee into mine hands this day, but I would not lay mine hand upon the Lord's anointed. 24 And behold, like as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes: so let my life be set by in the eyes of the Lord, that he may deliver me out of all tribulation. 25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed art thou, my son David: for thou shalt do great things, and also prevail. So David went his way, and Saul returned to his 1place.

b 1 Sam. 14:50

1 Sam. 17:55

26:4 1 Or, to a certain place. 26:6 1 Who was a stranger, and not an Israelite. 2 Who afterward was David's chief captain. 26:7 1 Or, bolster. 26:8 1 Meaning, he would make him sure at one stroke. 26:9 1 To wit, in his own private cause: for Jehu slew two Kings at God's appointment, 2 Kings 9:24. 26:12 1 Hebrew, the heavy sleep of the Lord was fallen upon them. 26:14 1 Hebrew, Answerest. 26:15 1 Esteemed most valiant and meet to save the King? 26:16 1 Hebrew, sons of death.

26:17 1 Hereby it appeareth, that the hypocrite persecuted David against his own conscience, and contrary to his promise. 26:19 1 Let his anger toward us be pacified by a sacrifice. 2 As much as lay in them, they compelled him to idolatry because they forced him to flee to the idolaters. 26:21 1 Because thou savedst my life this day. 26:23 1 Thus he protesteth his innocency toward Saul, not defend­ ing his justice in the sight of God, in whose presence none is righ­ teous, Ps 14:3 and 130:3. 26:25 1 To Gibeah of Benjamin.

309 1 Samuel 28:11 27 2 David fleeth to Achish King of Gath, who giveth him Ziklag. 8 David destroyeth certain of the Philistines. 10 Achish is deceived by David.

12 And Achish believed David, saying, 1He hath made his people of Israel utterly to abhor him: therefore he shall be my servant forever. 28 1 David hath the chief charge promised about Achish. 8 Saul consulteth with a witch, and she causeth him to speak with Samuel, 18 Who declareth his ruin.

chapter 28

a 1 Sam. 25:1

1 And David said in his heart, I shall now 1perish one day by the hand of Saul: is it not better for me that I save myself in the land of the Philistines, and that Saul may have no hope of me to seek me anymore in all the coasts of Israel, and so escape out of his hand? 2 David therefore arose, and he, and the six hundred men that were with him, went unto Achish the son of Maoch king of Gath. 3 And David 1dwelt with Achish at Gath, he, and his men, every man with his household, David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: so he sought no more for him. 5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, 1let them give me a place in some other city of the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the head city of the kingdom with thee? 6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that same day: therefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day. 7 ¶ And 1the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines, was four months and certain days. 8 Then David and his men went up, and invaded the 1Geshurites, and the Girzites, and the Amalekites: for they inhabited the land from the beginning, from the way, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt. 9 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took sheep, and oxen, and asses, and camels, and apparel, and returned and came to Achish. 10 And Achish said, 1Where have ye been a roving this day? And David answered, Against the South of Judah, and against the South of the 2Jerahmeelites, and against the South of the Kenites. 11 And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, and say, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while that he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.

1 Now at that time the Philistines assembled their bands and army to fight with Israel: therefore Achish said to David, 1Be sure, thou shalt go out with me to the battle, thou, and thy men. 2 And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Surely I will make thee keeper of mine head forever. 3 (aSamuel was then dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah his own city: and Saul had 1put away the sorcerers, and the Soothsayers out of the land.) 4 Then the Philistines assembled themselves, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul assembled all Israel, and they pitched in Gilboa. 5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart was sore astonied. 6 Therefore Saul asked counsel of the Lord, and the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by 1Urim, nor yet by Prophets. 7 ¶ Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and ask of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman at En Dor that hath a familiar spirit. 8 Then Saul 1changed himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, conjecture unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up whom I shall name unto thee. 9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath destroyed the sorcerers, and the soothsayers out of the land: wherefore then seekest thou to take me in a snare to cause me to die? 10 And Saul swore to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, no 1harm shall come to thee for this thing. 11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up

27:1 1 David distrusteth God's protection, and therefore fleeth unto the idolaters, who were enemies to God's people. 27:3 1 Thus God by his providence changeth the enemy's hearts, and maketh them to favor his in their necessity. 27:5 1 Let thine officers appoint me a place. 27:7 1 Hebrew, the number of the days. 27:8 1 These were the wicked Canaanites, whom God had appointed to be destroyed. 27:10 1 Or, against whom. 2 Which were a family of the tribe of Judah, 1 Chron. 2:9.

27:12 1 Or, he doth surely abhor his people. 28:1 1 Albeit it was a great grief to David to fight against the people of God, yet such was his infirmity, he durst not deny him. 28:3 1 According to the commandment of God, Exod. 22:18 and Deut. 18:10, 11. 28:6 1 Meaning, the high Priest, Exod. 28:30. 28:8 1 He seeketh not to God in his misery, but is let by Satan to unlawful means, which in his conscience he condemneth. 28:10 1 Or, punishment.

1 Samuel 28:12 310

unto thee? And he answered, Bring me up 1Samuel. 12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice, and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. 13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw 1gods ascending up out of the earth. 14 Then he said unto her, What fashion is he of? And she answered, An old man cometh up lapped in a mantel: and Saul knew that it was 1Samuel, and he inclined his face to the ground, and bowed himself. 15 ¶ And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? Then Saul answered, I am in great distress: for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither 1by Prophets, neither by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest tell me, what I shall do. 16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing, the Lord is gone from thee, and is thine enemy? 17 Even the Lord hath done to 1him, as he spake bby mine 2hand: for the Lord will rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and give it thy neighbor David. 18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon the Amalekites, therefore hath the Lord done this unto thee this day. 19 Moreover the Lord will deliver Israel with thee into the hands of the Philistines: 1and tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me, and the Lord shall give the host of Israel into the hands of the Philistines. 20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore 1afraid because of the words of Samuel, so that there was no strength in him: for he had eaten no bread all the day nor all the night. 21 Then the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, See, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I 1have put my soul in mine hand, and have obeyed thy words which thou saidest unto me. 22 Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a

morsel of bread before thee, that thou mayest eat and get thee strength, and go on thy journey. 23 But he refused and said, I will not eat: but his servants and the woman together compelled him, and he obeyed their voice: so he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed. 24 Now the woman had a fat calf in the house, and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and baked of it 1unleavened bread. 25 Then she brought them before Saul, and before his servants: and when they had eaten, they stood up, and went away the same night. 29 4 The princes of the Philistines cause David to be sent back from the battle against Israel, because they distrusted him.

b 1 Sam. 15:28

chapter 29

a 1 Chron. 12:19

b 1 Sam. 18:7

1 Sam. 21:11

1 So the Philistines were gathered together with all their armies in Aphek: and the Israelites pitched 1by the fountain, which is in Jezreel. 2 And the 1princes of the Philistines went forth by 2hundreds and thousands, but David and his men came behind with Achish. 3 Then said the Princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David the servant of Saul the King of Israel, who hath been with me these days, 1or these years, and I have found nothing in him, since he 2dwelt with me unto this day? 4 But the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him, and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, aSend this fellow back, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest that in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he obtain the favor of his master? should it not be with the 1heads of these men? 5 Is not this David, of whom they sang in dances, saying, bSaul slew his thousand, and David his ten thousand? 6 ¶ Then Achish called David, and said unto him, As the Lord liveth, thou hast been upright and good in my sight, when thou 1wentest out and in with me in the host, neither have I found evil with thee, since thou camest to me unto this day, but 2the princes do

28:11 1 He speaketh according to his gross ignorance, not consider­ ing the state of the Saints after this life, and how Satan hath no power over them. 28:13 1 Or, an excellent person. 28:14 1 To his imagination, albeit it was Satan, who to blind his eyes took upon him the form of Samuel, as he can do of an Angel of light. 28:15 1 Hebrew, by the hand of Prophets. 28:17 1 That is, to David. 2 Or, ministry. 28:19 1 Ye shall be dead, 1 Sam. 31:6. 28:20 1 The wicked when they hear God's judgments, tremble and

despair, but cannot seek for mercy by repentance. 28:21 1 I have ventured my life. 28:24 1 Because it required haste. 29:1 1 Or, in Ain. 29:2 1 Or, captains. 2 According to their bands, or ensigns. 29:3 1 Meaning, a long time, that is, four months and certain days, 1 Sam. 27:7. 2 Hebrew, fell, as Gen. 25:18. 29:4 1 Would not Saul receive him to favor, if he would betray us? 29:6 1 That is, wast conversant with me. 2 Hebrew, thou art not good in the eye of the princes.

311 1 Samuel 30:19

7 ¶ And David said to Abiathar the Priest Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me the Ephod. And Abiathar brought the Ephod to David. 8 Then David asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I follow after this company? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Follow: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and 1recover all. 9 ¶ So David and the six hundred men that were with him, went, and came to the river Besor, where a part of them abode: 10 But David and four hundred men followed (for two hundred abode behind, being too weary to go over the river Besor.) 11 And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him 1bread, and he did eat, and they gave him water to drink. 12 Also they gave him a few figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water in three days, and three nights. 13 ¶ And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, and servant to an Amalekite: and my master left me three days ago because I fell sick. 14 We roved upon the South of Chereth, and upon the coast belonging to Judah, and upon the South of Caleb, and we burnt Ziklag with fire. 15 And David said unto him, Canst thou bring me to this company? And he said, 1Swear unto me by God, that thou will neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee to this company. 16 ¶ And when he had brought him thither, behold, they lay scattered abroad upon all the earth, 1eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great prey that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. 17 And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening 1of the next morrow, so that there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. 18 And David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken: also David rescued his two wives. 19 And they lacked nothing, small or great, son or daughter, or of the spoil of all that they had taken

not favor thee. 7 Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the princes of the Philistines. 8 ¶ And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant as long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may 1not go and fight against the enemies of my Lord the King? 9 Achish then answered and said to David, I know thou pleasest me as an Angel of God: but the princes of the Philistines have said, Let him not go up with us to battle. 10 Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy 1master's servants that are come with thee: and when ye be up early, as soon as ye have light, depart. 11 So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, and to return into the land of the Philistines: and the Philistines went up to Jezreel. 30 1 The Amalekites burn Ziklag. 5 David's two wives are taken prisoners. 6 The people would stone him. 8 He asketh counsel of the Lord, and pursuing his enemies recovereth the prey. 24 He divideth it equally, 26 And sendeth part to his friends.

1 But when David and his men were come to Ziklag 1the third day, the Amalekites had invaded upon the South, even unto Ziklag, and had 2smitten Ziklag, and burnt it with fire, 2 And had taken the women that were therein, prisoners, both small and great, and slew not a man, but carried them away, and went their ways. 3 ¶ So David and his men came to the city, and behold, it was burnt with fire, and their 1wives and their sons, and their daughters were taken prisoners. 4 Then David and the people that were with him, lift up their voices and wept, until they could weep no more. 5 David's two wives were taken prisoners also, Ahinoam the Jezreelite, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 6 And David was in great sorrow: for the people 1intended to stone him, because the hearts of all the people were vexed every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David comforted himself in the Lord his God.

29:8 1 This dissimulation cannot be excused: for it grieved him to go against the people of God. 29:10 1 With them that fled unto thee from Saul. 30:1 1 After that he departed from Achish. 2 That is, destroyed the city. 30:3 1 For these only remained in the city, when the men were gone to war. 30:6 1 Thus we see that in troubles and adversity we do not consider God's providence, but like raging beasts forget both our own duty, and contemn God's appointment over us. 30:8 1 Though God seem to leave us for a time, yet if we trust in him,

we shall be sure to find comfort. 30:11 1 God by his providence both provided for the necessity of this poor stranger, and made him a guide to David to accomplish his enterprise. 30:15 1 For oaths were in all ages had in most reverence, even among the heathen. 30:16 1 The wicked in their pomp and pleasures consider not the judgment of God, which is then at hand to smite them. 30:17 1 Some read, and unto the morrow of the two evenings: that is, three days.

1 Samuel 30:20 312

away: David recovered them all. 20 David also took all the sheep, and the oxen, and they drove them before his cattle, and said, This is David's 1prey. 21 ¶ And David came to the two hundred men that were too weary for to follow David: whom they had made also to abide at the river Besor: and they came to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: so when David came near to the people, he saluted them. 22 Then answered all the evil and wicked of the men that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, therefore will we give them none of the prey that we have recovered, save to every man his 1wife and his children: therefore let them carry them away and depart. 23 Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us, into our hands. 24 For who will obey you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be, that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. 25 1So from that day forward he made it a statute and a law in Israel, until this day. 26 ¶ When David therefore came to Ziklag, he sent of the prey unto the Elders of Judah and to his friends, saying, See there is a blessing for you of the spoil of the enemies of the Lord. 27 He sent to them of Bethel, and to them of South Ramoth, and to them of Jattir, 28 And to them of Aroer, and to them of Siphmoth, and to them of Eshtemoa, 29 And to them of Rachal, and to them of the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them of the cities of the Kenites, 30 And to them of Hormah, and to them of Chorashan, and to them of Athach, 31 And to them of Hebron, and 1to all the places where David and his men had haunted. 31 4 Saul killeth himself. 6 His children are slain in the battle. 12 The men of Jabesh took down his body, which was hanged on the wall.

1 Now athe Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled away from the Philistines, and they fell down 1wounded in mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines pressed sore upon Saul and his sons, and slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua Saul's sons. 3 And when the battle went sore against Saul, the archers and bowmen 1hit him, and he was sore 2wounded of the archers. 4 Then said Saul unto his armor bearer, 1Draw out thy sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest the uncircumcised come and thrust me through and mock me: but his armor bearer would not, for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell upon it. 5 And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. 6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, and all his men that same day together. 7 ¶ And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the 1valley, and they of the other side 2Jordan saw that the men of Israel were put to flight, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they left the cities, and ran away: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. 8 ¶ And on the morrow when the Philistines were come to spoil them that were slain, they found Saul and his three sons lying in mount Gilboa, 9 And they cut off his head, and stripped him out of his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines on every side, that they should 1publish it in the temple of their idols, and among the people. 10 And they laid up his armor in the house of Ashtoreth, but they hanged up his body on the wall of Beth Shan. 11 ¶ When the inhabitants of 1Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 Then they arose (as many as were strong men) and went all night, and took the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, from the wall of Beth Shan, and came to Jabesh, and bburnt them there, 13 And took their bones and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, cand 1fasted seven days.

chapter 31

a 1 Chron. 10:1

b Jer. 34:5

c 2 Sam. 2:4

30:20 1 Which the Amalekites had taken of others, and David from them, besides the goods of Ziklag. 30:22 1 Under these are comprehended the cattle and goods, which appertained to every man. 30:25 1 Some refer these words to David, that he alleged an old cus­ tom and law, as if it were written, it is both now, and hath been ever. 30:31 1 Showing himself mindful of their benefits towards him. 31:1 1 Or, slain. 31:3 1 Hebrew, found him.

2 Or, afraid. 31:4 1 So we see that his cruel life hath a desperate end: as is com­ monly seen in them that persecute the children of God. 31:7 1 Near to Gilboa. 2 The Tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. 31:9 1 In token of victory and triumph. 31:11 1 Whom he had delivered from their enemies, 1 Sam. 11:11. 31:13 1 According to the custom of mourners.

T h e s e c o n d b o o k

o f S a m u e l

1 4 It was told David of Saul's death. 15 He causeth him to be slain that brought the tidings. 19 He lamenteth the death of Saul and Jonathan.

hither unto my lord. 11 Then David took hold on his clothes, band rent them, and likewise all the men that were with him. 12 And they mourned and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel, because they were slain with the sword. 13 ¶ 1Afterward David said unto the young man that told it him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger an Amalekite. 14 And David said unto him, cHow wast thou not afraid, to put forth thine hand to destroy the Anointed of the Lord? 15 Then David called one of his young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. 16 Then said David unto him, 1Thy blood be upon thine own head: for thine own mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord's Anointed. 17 ¶ Then David mourned with this lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son, 18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah to 1shoot, as it is written in the book of d,2Jasher.) 19 O noble Israel, 1he is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty overthrown! 20 eTell it not in Gath, nor publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. 21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, upon you be neither dew nor rain, nor 1be there fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is cast down, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. 22 The bow of Jonathan never turned back, neither did the sword of Saul return empty from the blood

chapter 1

a 1 Sam. 30:17

b 2 Sam. 3:31

2 Sam. 13:31

c Ps. 105:15

1 After the death of Saul, when David was returned from the aslaughter of the Amalekites, and had been two days in Ziklag, 2 Behold, a man came the third day out of the host from Saul with 1his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and when he came to David, he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 3 Then David said unto him, Whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the host of Israel I am escaped. 4 And David said unto him, What is done? I pray thee, tell me. Then he said, that the people is fled from the battle, and many of the people are overthrown, and dead, and also Saul and Jonathan his son are dead. 5 And David said unto the young man that told it him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? 6 Then the young man that told him, answered, 1As I came to mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear, and lo, the chariots and 2horsemen followed hard after him. 7 And when he looked back, he saw me, and called me. And I answered, Here am I. 8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an 1Amalekite. 9 Then said he unto me, I pray thee,1come upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my 2life is yet whole in me. 10 So 1I came upon him, and slew him, and because I was sure that he could not live, after that he had fallen, I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and brought them

d Josh. 10:13

e Mic. 1:10

1:2 1 Seeming to lament the overthrow of the people of Israel. 1:6 1 As I fled in the chase. 2 Or, captains. 1:8 1 He was an Amalekite born, but renounced his country, and joined with the Israelites. 1:9 1 Hebrew, stand upon. 2 I am sorry, because I am yet alive. 1:10 1 Hebrew, I stood upon him.

1:13 1 After the lamentation, he examined him again. 1:16 1 Thou art justly punished for thy fault. 1:18 1 That they might be able to match their enemies the Philis­ tines in that art. 2 Or, righteous. 1:19 1 Meaning, Saul. 1:21 1 Let their fertile fields be barren, and bring forth no fruit to offer to the Lord.

2 Samuel 1:23 314

of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him to Mahanaim, 9 And made him King over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over 1all Israel. 10 Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years: but the house of Judah followed David. 11 (And the time which David reigned in Hebron over the house of Judah, was seven years and six 1months.) 12 ¶ And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul went out of Mahanaim to Gibeon. 13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David went out and met one another by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. 14 Then Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and 1play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. 15 Then there arose and went over twelve of Benjamin by number, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16 And every one caught his 1fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side, so they fell down together: wherefore the place was called 2Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 17 And the battle was exceedingly sore that same day: for Abner and the men of Israel 1fell before the servants of David. 18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as light on foot as a wild roe. 19 And Asahel followed after Abner, and in going he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, Yea. 21 Then Abner said, Turn thee either to the right hand or to the left, and take one of the young men, and take thee his 1weapons: and Asahel would not depart from him. 22 And Abner said to Asahel, Depart from me: 1wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how

of the slain, and from the fat of the mighty. 23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they were not 1divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, which clothed you in scarlet, 1with pleasures, and hanged ornaments of gold upon your apparel. 25 How were the mighty slain in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. 26 Woe is me for thee, my brother Jonathan: very kind hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of 1women: how are the mighty overthrown, and the weapons of war destroyed! 2 1 David is anointed King in Hebron. 9 Abner maketh Ishbosheth King over Israel. 15 The battle of the servants of David and Ishbosheth. 32 The burial of Asahel.

chapter 2

a 1 Sam. 31:13

1 After this, David 1asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go? He then answered, Unto 2Hebron. 2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And David brought up the men that were with 1him, every man with his household, and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4 ¶ Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David King over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, athat the men of Jabesh Gilead buried Saul. 5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said unto them, Blessed are ye of the Lord, that ye have showed such kindness unto your lord Saul, that you have buried him. 6 Therefore now the Lord show mercy and 1truth unto you: and I will recompense you this benefit, because ye have done this thing. 7 Therefore now let your hands be strong, and be you valiant: albeit your master Saul be dead, yet nevertheless the house of Judah hath anointed me 1King over them. 8 ¶ But Abner the son of Ner that was captain

1:23 1 They died both together in Gilboa. 1:24 1 As rich garments and costly jewels. 1:26 1 Either toward their husbands, or their children. 2:1 1 By the means of the high Priest, as 1 Sam. 23:2 and 2 Sam. 5:19. 2 Which city was also called Kirjath Arba, Josh. 14:15. 2:3 1 In the time of his persecution. 2:6 1 According to his promise, which is to recompense them that are merciful. 2:7 1 So that you shall not want a Captain and a defender.

2:9 1 Over the eleven tribes. 2:11 1 After this time was expired, he reigned over all the country 33 years, 2 Sam. 5:5. 2:14 1 Let us see how they can handle their Weapons. 2:16 1 Meaning, his adversary. 2 Or, the field of strong men. 2:17 1 After that these four and twenty were slain. 2:21 1 Or, spoil. 2:22 1 Why dost thou provoke me to kill thee?

315 2 Samuel 3:15

2 ¶ And unto David were children born in Hebron: and his eldest son was Amnon of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, 3 And his second, was 1Chileab of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite: and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai the king of Geshur, 4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital: 5 And the sixth, Ithream by Eglah David's wife: these were born to David in 1Hebron. 6 ¶ Now while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner made all his power for the house of Saul. 7 And Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in to my father's concubine? 8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a 1dog's head, which against Judah do show mercy this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his neighbors, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me this day with a fault concerning this woman? 9 1So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the Lord hath sworn to David, even so I do to him, 10 To remove the kingdom from the house of Saul, that the throne of David may be established over Israel, and over Judah, even from Dan to Beersheba. 11 And he durst no more answer to Abner: for he feared him. 12 ¶ Then Abner sent messengers to David 1on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? who should also say, Make covenant with me, and behold, mine hand shall be with thee, to bring all Israel unto thee. 13 Who said, Well, I will make a covenant with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, that thou see not my face, except thou bring Michal Saul's daughter when thou comest to see me. 14 ¶ Then David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I married for aan hundred foreskins of the Philistines. 15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her

then should I be able to hold up my face to Joab thy brother? 23 And when he would not depart, Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the 1fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him: and he fell down there, and died in his place. And as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down, and died, stood still. 24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and were on an heap, and stood on the top of an hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the 1sword devour forever? knowest thou not, that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long then shall it be, or thou bid the people return from following their brethren? 27 And Joab said, As God liveth, if thou hadst not 1spoken, surely even in the morning the people had departed every one back from his brother. 28 ¶ So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they anymore. 29 And Abner and his men walked all that night through the 1plain, and went over Jordan, and past through all Bithron till they came 2to Mahanaim. 30 Joab also returned back from Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men, and Asahel. 31 But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three 1hundred and threescore men died. 32 And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulcher of his father, which was in Bethlehem: and Joab and his men went all night, and when they came to Hebron, the day arose. 3 1 Long war between the houses of Saul and David. 2 The children of David in Hebron. 12 Abner turneth to David. 27 Joab killeth him.

chapter 3

a 1 Sam. 18:25,27

1 There was then 1long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker.

2:23 1 Some read, in those parts, whereas the lively parts lie: as the heart, the lungs, the liver, the milt, and the gall. 2:26 1 Shall we not make an end of murdering? 2:27 1 If thou hadst not provoked them to battle, as verse 14. 2:29 1 Or, wilderness. 2 Or, to the tents. 2:31 1 Thus God would confirm David in his kingdom by the destruc­ tion of his adversaries. 3:1 1 That is, without intermission enduring two years, which was

the whole reign of Ishbosheth. 3:3 1 Who is called also Daniel, 1 Chron. 3:1. 3:5 1 Within seven years and six months. 3:8 1 Dost thou esteem me no more than a dog, for all my service done to thy father's house? 3:9 1 We see how the wicked cannot abide to be admonished of their faults, but seek their displeasure, which go about to bring them from their wickedness. 3:12 1 Or, secretly.

2 Samuel 3:16 316

husband bPaltiel the son of Laish. 16 And her husband went with her, and came weeping behind her, unto Bahurim: then said Abner unto him, Go, and return. So he returned. 17 ¶ And Abner had 1communication with the Elders of Israel, saying, Ye fought for David in times past, that he might be your King. 18 Now then do it: for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hands of the Philistines, and out of the hands of all their enemies. 19 Also Abner spake 1to Benjamin, and afterward Abner went to speak with David in Hebron, concerning all that Israel was content with, and the whole 2house of Benjamin. 20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, having twenty men with him, and David made a feast unto Abner, and to the men that were with him. 21 Then Abner said unto David, I will rise up, and go gather all Israel unto my lord the King, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. Then David let Abner depart, who went 1in peace. 22 ¶ And behold, the servants of David and Joab came 1from the camp, and brought a great prey with them (but Abner was not with David in Hebron: for he had sent him away, and he departed in peace.) 23 When Joab, and all the host that was with him were come, men told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the King, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. 24 Then Joab came to the King, and said, 1What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee, why hast thou sent him away, and he is departed? 25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner: for he came to deceive thee, and to know thy outgoing and ingoing, and to know all that thou doest. 26 ¶ And when Joab was gone out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah unknowing to David. 27 And when Abner was come again to Hebron, cJoab took him aside in the gate to speak with him 1peaceably, and smote him under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of dAsahel his brother. 28 ¶ And when afterward it came to David's ear,

he said, I and my Kingdom are 1guiltless before the Lord forever, concerning the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 Let the blood fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house, that the house of Joab be never without some that have running issues, or leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that doeth fall on the sword, or that lacketh bread. 30 (So Joab and 1Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in battle.) 31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rent your clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourn 1before Abner: and King David himself followed the bier. 32 And when they had buried Abner in Hebron, the King lift up his voice, and wept beside the sepulcher of Abner, and all the people wept. 33 And the King lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner 1as a fool dieth? 34 Thine hands were not bound, nor thy feet tied in fetters of brass: but as a man falleth before wicked men, so didst thou fall. And all the people wept again for him. 35 Afterward all the people came to cause David eat 1meat while it was yet day, but David swore, saying, So do God to me and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else till the sun be down. 36 And all the people knew it, and it 1pleased them: as whatsoever the King did, pleased all the people. 37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day, how that it was not the King's deed that Abner the son of Ner was slain. 38 And the King said unto his servants, Know ye not, that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? 39 And I am this day weak and newly anointed King: and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too 1hard for me: the Lord reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. 4 5 Baanah and Rechab slay Ishbosheth the son of Saul. 12 David commandeth them to be slain.

b 1 Sam. 25:44

c 1 Kings 2:5

d 2 Sam. 2:23

1 And when Saul's 1son heard that Abner was

3:17 1 Rather for malice that he bare toward Ishbosheth, than for love he bare to David. 3:19 1 Hebrew, in the ears of Benjamin. 2 Who challenged the Kingdom, because of their father Saul. 3:21 1 Or, without harm. 3:22 1 From war against the Philistines. 3:24 1 Here appeareth the malicious mind of Joab, who would have had the King to slay Abner for his private grudge. 3:27 1 Or, secretly. 3:28 1 The Lord knoweth that I did not consent to his death. 3:30 1 Abishai is said to slay him with Joab, because he consented

to the murder. 3:31 1 Meaning before the corpse. 3:33 1 He declareth that Abner died not as a wretch or vile person, but as a valiant man might do, being traitorously deceived by the wicked. 3:35 1 According to their custom, which was to banquet at burials. 3:36 1 It is expedient sometimes not only to conceive inward sorrow, but also that it may appear to others, to the intent that they may be satisfied. 3:39 1 Or, cruel. 4:1 1 That is, Ishbosheth.

317 2 Samuel 5:12

dead in Hebron, then his hands were 2feeble, and all Israel was afraid, 2 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the one called Baanah, and the other called Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite of the children of Benjamin: (for 1Beeroth was reckoned to Benjamin, 3 Because the Beerothites fled to 1Gittaim, and sojourned there, unto this day.) 4 And Jonathan Saul's son had a son that was lame on his feet: he was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Israel: then his nurse took him, and fled away. And as she made haste to flee, the child fell, and began to halt, and his name was Mephibosheth. 5 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah went and came in the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth (who slept on a bed at noon.) 6 And behold, Rechab and Baanah his brother came into the midst of the house, as they 1would have wheat, and they 2smote him under the fifth rib, and fled. 7 For when they came into the house, he slept on his bed in his bed chamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and got them away through the 1plain all the night. 8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth Saul's son thine enemy, who sought after thy life: and the Lord hath avenged my Lord the King this day of Saul, and of his seed. 9 Then David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the Lord liveth, who hath delivered my soul out of all adversity, 10 When one atold me, and said that Saul was dead, (thinking to have brought good tidings) I took him and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: 11 How 1much more when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house, and upon his bed? shall I not now therefore require his blood at your hand, and take you from the earth? 12 Then David commanded his young men, and

they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron: but they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulcher of bAbner in Hebron. 5 3 David is made King over all Israel. 7 He taketh the fort of Zion. 19 He asketh counsel of the Lord. 23 And overcometh the Philistines twice.

chapter 4

a 2 Sam. 1:15

b 2 Sam. 3:32

chapter 5

a 1 Chron. 11:1

b Ps. 78:71

c 2 Sam. 2:11

d 2 Chron. 11:6

1 Then acame all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and said thus, Behold, we are thy 1bones and thy flesh. 2 And in time past when Saul was our King, thou leddest Israel in and out: and the Lord hath said to thee, bThou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 3 So all the Elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron: and King David made a covenant with them in Hebron 1before the Lord, and they anointed David King over Israel. 4 ¶ David was thirty years old when he began to reign: and he reigned forty years. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah cseven years, and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah. 6 ¶ The King also and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: who spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the 1blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking that David could not come thither: 7 But David took the fort of Zion: this is the city of David. 8 Now David had said the same day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites, and getteth up to the gutters and smiteth the lame and blind, which David's soul hateth, I will prefer him: dtherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not 1come into that house. 9 So David dwelt in that fort, and called it the city of David, and David built round about it, from 1Millo, and inward. 10 And David prospered and grew: for the Lord God of hosts was with him. 11 ¶ Hiram also king of 1Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons for walls: and they built David an house. 12 Then David knew that the Lord had established

2 Meaning, that he was discouraged. 4:2 1 This city Beeroth was in the tribe of Benjamin, Josh. 18:25. 4:3 1 After the death of Saul, for fear of the Philistines. 4:6 1 They disguised themselves as merchants, which came to buy wheat. 2 There is nothing so vile and dangerous, which the wicked will not enterprise in hope of lucre and favor. 4:7 1 Or, wilderness. 4:11 1 Forasmuch as neither the example of him that slew Saul, nor duty to their master, nor the innocency of the person, nor reverence of the place, nor time did move them, they deserved most grievous

punishment. 5:1 1 We are of thy kindred, and most near joined unto thee. 5:3 1 That is, taking the Lord to witness: for the Ark was as yet in Abinadab's house. 5:6 1 The children of God called idols blind and lame guides: there­ fore the Jebusites meant that they should prove that their gods were neither blind nor lame. 5:8 1 The idols should enter no more into that place. 5:9 1 He built from the town house round about to his own house, 1 Chron. 11:8. 5:11 1 Hebrew, Zor.

2 Samuel 5:13 318

him King over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. 13 And David took him more econcubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 fAnd these be the names of the sons, that were born unto him in Jerusalem, Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, 15 And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet. 17 ¶ gBut when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David: and when David heard, he went down to a fort. 18 But the Philistines came, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 19 Then David 1asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hands? And the Lord answered David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hands. 20 ¶ hThen David came to Baal Perazim, and smote them there, and said, The Lord hath divided mine enemies asunder before me, as waters be divided asunder: therefore he called the name of that place, 1Baal Perazim. 21 And there they left their images, and David and his men iburnt them. 22 Again the Philistines came up, and spread themselves in the valley of 1Rephaim. 23 And when David asked counsel of the Lord, he answered, Thou shalt not go up, but turn about behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. 24 And when thou hearest the noise of one going in the tops of the mulberry trees, then remove: for then shall the Lord go out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. 25 Then David did so as the Lord had commanded him, and smote the Philistines from Geba, until thou come to 1Gezer. 6 3 The Ark is brought forth of the house of Abina­ dab. 7 Uzzah is stricken, and dieth. 14 David danceth

before it, 16 and is therefore despised of his wife Michal.

e 1 Chron. 3:9

f 1 Chron. 3:5

1 Again David gathered together all the 1chosen men of Israel, even thirty thousand 2 aAnd David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from 1Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the Ark of God, whose Name is called by the Name of the Lord of hosts, that dwelleth upon it between the Cherubims. 3 And they put the Ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, that was in 1Gibeah. And Uzzah and Ahio the sons of Abinadab did drive the new cart. 4 And when they brought the Ark of God out of the house of bAbinadab, that was at Gibeah, Ahio went before the Ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel 1played before the Lord on all instruments made of fir, and on harps, and on Psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 6 ¶ cAnd when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put his hand to the Ark of God, and held it: for the oxen did shake it. 7 And the Lord was very wroth with Uzzah, and God 1smote him in the same place for his fault, and there he died by the Ark of God. 8 And David was displeased because the Lord had 1smitten Uzzah: and he called the name of the place 2Perez Uzzah until this day. 9 Therefore David that day feared the Lord, and said, How shall the Ark of the Lord come to me? 10 So David would not bring the Ark of the Lord unto him into the city of David, but David carried it into the house of Obed-Edom 1a Gittite. 11 And the Ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom, and all his household. 12 And one told King David, saying, dThe Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that he hath, because of the Ark of God: therefore David went and 1brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom, into the city of David with gladness. 13 And when they that bare the Ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he offered an ox, and a fat beast. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, and was girded with a linen 1Ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought

g 1 Chron. 14:8

1 Chron. 11:16

h Isa. 28:20

i 1 Chron. 14:12

chapter 6

a 1 Chron. 13:5,6

b 1 Sam. 7:1

c 1 Chron. 13:10

d 1 Chron. 15:25

5:19 1 By Abiathar the Priest. 5:20 1 Or, the plain of divisions. 5:22 1 Meaning, the valley of giants, which David called Baal Perazim, because of his victory. 5:25 1 Which was in the tribe of Benjamin, but the Philistines did possess it. 6:1 1 Or, chief. 6:2 1 This was a city in Judah called also Kirjath Jearim, Josh. 15:9. 6:3 1 Which was an high place of the city of Baal.

6:5 1 Praised God, and sang Psalms. 6:7 1 Here we see what danger it is to follow good intentions, or to do anything in God's service without his express word. 6:8 1 Hebrew, made a breach. 2 Or, the division of Uzzah. 6:10 1 Who was a Levite, and had dwelt in Gittaim, 1 Chron. 15:25. 6:12 1 Meaning, he caused the Levites to bear it, according to the Law. 6:14 1 With a garment like to the Priest's garment.

319 2 Samuel 7:16

3 Then Nathan said unto the king, Go, and do all that is in thine heart: for the Lord is with thee. 4 ¶ And the same night the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, 5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, 1Shalt thou build me an house for my dwelling? 6 For I have dwelt in no house since the time that I brought the children of Israel out of Egypt unto this day, but have walked in a tent and Tabernacle. 7 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel, spake I one 1word with any of the tribes of Israel when I commanded the Judges to feed my people Israel? or said I, Why build ye not me an house of cedar trees? 8 Now therefore so say unto my servant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, bI took thee from the sheepcote following the sheep, that thou mightest be ruler over my people, over Israel. 9 And I was with thee wheresoever thou hast walked, and have destroyed all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a 1great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. 10 (Also I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant it, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move 1no more, neither shall wicked people trouble them anymore as beforetime, 11 And since the time that I set Judges over my people of Israel) and I will give thee rest from all thine enemies: also the Lord telleth thee, that he will make thee an house. 12 cAnd when thy days be fulfilled, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, and I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy body, and will establish his kingdom. 13 dHe shall build an house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 eI will be his father, and he shall be my son: and if he fsin, I will chasten him with the 1rod of men, and with the plagues of the children of men. 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul whom I have put away before thee. 16 And thine house shall be established and thy kingdom forever before thee, even thy throne shall be 1established forever.

the Ark of the Lord with shouting, and sound of trumpet. 16 And as the Ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw King David leap, and dance before the Lord, and she 1despised him in her heart. 17 And when they had brought in the Ark of the Lord, they set it in his place, in the midst of the Tabernacle that David had pitched for it: then David offered burnt offerings, and peace offerings before the Lord. 18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he eblessed the people in the Name of the Lord of hosts, 19 And gave among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a piece of flesh, and a bottle of wine: so all the people departed every one to his house. 20 ¶ Then David returned to 1bless his house, and Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, O how glorious was the King of Israel this day, which was uncovered today in the eyes of the maidens of his servants, as a 2fool uncovereth himself! 21 Then David said unto Michal, 1It was before the Lord, which chose me rather than thy father, and all his house, and commanded me to be ruler over the people of the Lord, even over Israel: and therefore will I play before the Lord, 22 And will yet be more vile than thus, and will be low in mine own sight, and of the very same maidservants, which thou hast spoken of, shall I be had in honor. 23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had 1no child unto the day of her death. 7 2 David would build God an house, but is forbidden by the Prophet Nathan. 8 God putteth David in mind of his benefits. 12 He promiseth continuance of his kingdom and posterity.

e 1 Chron. 16:2

chapter 7

a 1 Chron. 17:2

b 1 Sam. 16:12

Ps. 78:70

c 1 Kings 8:20

d 1 Kings 5:5

1 Kings 6:12 1 Chron. 22:10

e Heb. 1:5

f Ps. 89:31,32

1 Afterward awhen the King sat in his house, and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies, 2 The King said unto Nathan the Prophet, Behold, now I dwell in an house of cedar trees, and the Ark of God remaineth within the 1curtains.

6:16 1 The worldlings are not able to comprehend the emotions that move the children of God to praise God by all manner of means. 6:20 1 That is, to pray for his house, as he had done for the people. 2 Or, vain man. 6:21 1 It was for no worldly affection, but only for that zeal that I bare to God's glory. 6:23 1 Which was a punishment because she mocked the servant of God. 7:2 1 Within the Tabernacle covered with skins, Exod. 26:7. 7:5 1 Meaning, he should not: yet Nathan speaking according

to man's judgment and not by the spirit of prophecy, permitted him. 7:7 1 As concerning building of an house: meaning, that without God's express word, nothing ought to be attempted. 7:9 1 I have made thee famous through all the world. 7:10 1 He promiseth them quietness, if they will walk in his fear and obedience. 7:14 1 That is, gently, as fathers used to chastise their children. 7:16 1 This was begun in Solomon, as a figure, but accomplished in Christ.

2 Samuel 7:17 320

17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, Nathan spake thus unto David. 18 ¶ Then King David went in, and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? 19 And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord God, therefore thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while: but 1doth this appertain to 2man, O Lord God? 20 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord God, knowest thy servant. 21 For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart hast thou done all these great things, to make them known unto thy servant. 22 Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 gAnd what one people in the earth is like thy people, like Israel? whose God went and redeemed them to himself, that they might be his people, and that he might make him a name, and do for 1you great things, and terrible for 2thy land, O Lord, even for thy people, whom thou redeemedst to thee out of Egypt, from the 3nations, and their gods? 24 For thou hast 1ordained to thyself thy people Israel to be thy people forever: and thou Lord art become their God. 25 Now therefore, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and his house, and do as thou hast said. 26 And let thy Name be magnified forever by them that shall say, The Lord of hosts is the God over Israel, and let the 1house of thy servant David be established before thee. 27 For thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed unto thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant 1been bold to pray this prayer unto thee. 28 Therefore now, O Lord God, (for thou art God, and thy words be true, and thou hast told this goodness unto thy servant.)

29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue forever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast 1spoken it: and let the house of thy servant be blessed forever with thy blessing. 8 1 David overcometh the Philistines, and other strange nations, and maketh them tributaries to Israel.

g Deut. 4:7

chapter 8

a 1 Chron. 18:1

Ps. 60:2

1 After athis now, David smote the Philistines and subdued them, and David took 1the bridle of bondage out of the 2hand of the Philistines. 2 And he smote Moab, and measured them with a cord, and cast them down to the ground: he measured them with 1two cords to put them to death, and with one full cord to keep them alive: so became the Moabites David's servants, and brought gifts. 3 ¶ David smote also Hadadezer the son of Rehob king of Zobah, as he went to 1recover his border at the river 2Euphrates. 4 And David took of them a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and David 1destroyed all the chariots, but he reserved an hundred chariots of them. 5 ¶ Then came the 1Aramites of 2Dammesek to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah, but David slew of the Aramites two and twenty thousand men. 6 And David put a garrison in 1Aram of Dammesek: and the Aramites became servants to David, 2and brought gifts. And the Lord saved David wheresoever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that belonged to the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to 1Jerusalem. 8 And out of Betah, and Berothai (cities of Hadad­ ezer) king David brought exceedingly much brass. 9 ¶ Then Toi king of 1Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer, 10 Therefore Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, 1to salute him, and to 2,3rejoice with him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and beaten him (for Hadadezer had war with Toi) who 4brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of

7:19 1 Hebrew, is this the law of man? 2 Cometh not this rather of thy free mercy, than of any worthiness that can be in man? 7:23 1 O Israel. 2 And inheritance, which is Israel. 3 From the Egyptians and their idols. 7:24 1 He showeth that God's free election is the only cause, why the Israelites were chosen to be his people. 7:26 1 This prayer is most effectual, when we chiefly seek God's glory, and the accomplishment of his promise. 7:27 1 Hebrew, found his heart disposed. 7:29 1 Therefore I firmly believe it shall come to pass. 8:1 1 Or, Metheg Ammah. 2 So that they paid no more tribute.

8:2 1 He slew two parts as it pleased him, and reserved the third. 8:3 1 Or, enlarge. 2 Hebrew, Perath. 8:4 1 Or, bought the horses of the chariots. 8:5 1 Or, the Syrians. 2 Or, of Damascus, that is, which dwelt near Damascus. 8:6 1 In that part of Syria, where Damascus was. 2 They paid yearly tribute. 8:7 1 For the use of the Temple. 8:9 1 Or, Antiochia. 8:10 1 Hebrew, to ask peace. 2 Hebrew, bless him. 3 For seeing David victorious, he was glad to entreat of peace. 4 Hebrew, in his hand.

321 2 Samuel 10:3

gold, and vessels of brass. 11 And king David dedicated them unto the Lord with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all the nations, which he had subdued: 12 Of 1Aram, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob king of Zobah. 13 So David got a name after that he returned, and had slain of the Aramites in the 1valley of salt eighteen thousand men. 14 And he put a garrison in Edom: throughout all Edom put he soldiers, and all they of Edom became David's servants: and the Lord kept David 1whithersoever he went. 15 Thus David reigned over all Israel, and executed 1judgment and justice unto all his people. 16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was 1Recorder. 17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were the Priests, and Seraiah the Scribe. 18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada 1and the 2Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David's sons were chief rulers. 9 9 David restoreth all the lands of Saul's to Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan. 10 He appointeth Ziba to see to the profit of his lands.

of the house of Machir the son of 1Ammiel of Lo Debar. 6 Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth? And he answered, Behold thy servant. 7 Then David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the 1fields of Saul thy father, and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. 8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a 1dead dog as I am? 9 Then the king called Ziba Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's 1son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. 10 Thou therefore and 1thy sons and thy servants shall till the land for him, and bring in that thy master's son may have food to eat. And Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread always at my table (now Ziba had fifteen sons, and twenty servants.) 11 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do, 1that Mephibosheth may eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. 12 Mephibosheth also had a young son named Micha, and all that dwelled in the house of Ziba, were servants unto Mephibosheth. 13 And Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table, and was lame on both his feet. 10 4 The messengers of David are villainously entreated of the king of Ammon. 7 Joab is sent against the Ammonites.

chapter 9

a 2 Sam. 4:4

chapter 10

a 1 Chron. 19:2

1 And David said, Is there yet any man left of the house of Saul, that I may show him mercy for 1Jonathan's sake? 2 And there was of the household of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, I thy servant am he. 3 Then the King said, Remaineth there yet none of the house of Saul, on whom I may show the 1mercy of God? Ziba then answered the King, Jonathan hath yet a son alame of his feet. 4 Then the King said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo Debar. 5 ¶ Then king David sent, and took him out

1 After this, the aKing of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead. 2 Then said David, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father 1showed kindness unto me. And David sent his servants to comfort him for his father. So David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon. 3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said

8:12 1 Or, Syria, or Cœlosyria. 8:13 1 Or, in Gemelah. 8:14 1 Or, in all his enterprises. 8:15 1 He gave judgment in controversies, and was merciful toward the people. 8:16 1 Or, writer of Chronicles. 8:18 1 Or, was over the Cherethites. 2 The Cherethites and Pelethites were as the king's guard, and had charge of his person. 9:1 1 Because of mine oath and promise made to Jonathan, 1 Sam. 10:15.

9:3 1 Such mercy as shall be acceptable to God. 9:5 1 Who was also called Eliam the father of Bathsheba David's wife. 9:7 1 Or, lands. 9:8 1 Meaning, a despised person. 9:9 1 Or, nephew. 9:10 1 Be ye provident overseers and governors of his lands, that they may be profitable. 9:11 1 That Mephibosheth may have all things at commandment, as becometh a king's son. 10:2 1 The children of God are not unmindful of a benefit received.

2 Samuel 10:4 322

15 ¶ And when the Aramites saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered them together. 16 And 1Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Aramites that were beyond the 2River: and they came to Helam, and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadadezer went before them. 17 When it was showed David, then he gathered 1all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam: and the Aramites set themselves in array against David, and fought with him: 18 And the Aramites fled before Israel: and David destroyed 1seven hundred chariots of the Aramites, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of his host, who died there. 19 And when all the kings, that were servants to Hadadezer, saw that they fell before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. and the Aramites feared to help the children of Ammon anymore. 11 1 The city Rabbah is besieged. 4 David committeth adultery. 17 Uriah is slain. 27 David marrieth Bathsheba.

unto Hanun their lord, 1Thinkest thou that David doth honor thy father, that he hath sent comforters to thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, 2to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? 4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the half of their beard, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 ¶ When it was told unto David, he sent to meet them (for the men were exceedingly ashamed) and the king said, Tarry at Jericho, until your beards be grown, then return. 6 ¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they 1stank in the sight of David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the 2Aramites of the house of Rehob, and the Aramites of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ish-Tob twelve thousand men. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the strong men. 8 And the children of Ammon came out and put their army in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Aramites of 1Zoba, and of Rehob, and of Ish-Tob, and of Maacah were by themselves in the field. 9 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Aramites. 10 And the rest of the people, he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon. 11 And he said, If the Aramites be stronger than I, thou shalt help me, and if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, I will come and succor thee. 12 Be strong and let us be valiant for 1our people, and for the cities of our God, and let the Lord do that which is good in his eyes. 13 Then Joab, and the people that was with him, joined in battle with the Aramites, who fled before him. 14 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Aramites fled, they fled also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.

chapter 11

a 1 Chron. 20:1

b Lev. 15:1,9

Lev. 18:19

1 And when the year was 1expired in the time when kings go forth to battle, David sent aJoab, and his servants with him, and all Israel, who destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah: but David remained in Jerusalem. 2 And when it was evening-tide, David arose out of his 1bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's palace: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself: and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and inquired what woman it was: and one said, Is not this Bathsheba the daughter of Eliam, wife to Uriah the 1Hittite? 4 Then David sent messengers, and took her away: and she came unto him and he lay with her: (now she was bpurified from her uncleanness) and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived: therefore she sent and 1told David, and said, I am with child. 6 ¶ Then David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David. 7 And when Uriah came unto him, David demanded

10:3 1 Hebrew, in thine eyes doth David. 2 Their arrogant malice would not suffer them to see the simplicity of David's heart: therefore their counsel turned to the destruction of their country. 10:6 1 That they had deserved David's displeasure, for the injury done to his ambassadors. 2 Or, Syrians. 10:8 1 These were divers parts of the country of Syria, whereby appeareth that the Syrians served where they might have entertain­ ment, as now the Sweitzers do. 10:12 1 Here is declared wherefore war ought to be undertaken: of the defense of true religion and God's people.

10:16 1 Or, Hadarezer. 2 Or, Euphrates. 10:17 1 Meaning, the greatest part. 10:18 1 Which were the chiefest and most principal: for in all he destroyed 7000, as 1 Chron. 19:18, or the soldiers which were in 700 chariots. 11:1 1 The year following about the spring time. 11:2 1 Whereupon he used to rest at afternoon, as was read of Ish­ bosheth, 2 Sam. 4:7. 11:3 1 Who was not an Israelite born, but converted to the true reli­ gion. 11:5 1 Fearing lest she should be stoned according to the Law.

323 2 Samuel 12:4

him how Joab did, and how the people fared, and how the war prospered. 8 Afterward David said to Uriah, 1Go down to thine house, and wash thy feet. So Uriah departed out of the king's palace, and the king sent a present after him. 9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king's palace with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house. 10 Then they told David, saying, Uriah went not down to his house: and David said unto Uriah, Comest thou not from thy journey? why didst thou not go down to thine house? 11 Then Uriah answered David, 1The Ark and Israel, and Judah dwell in tents: and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord abide in the open fields: shall I then go into mine house to eat and drink, and lie with my wife? by thy life, and by the life of thy soul, I will not do this thing. 12 Then David said unto Uriah, Tarry yet this day, and tomorrow I will send thee away. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow. 13 Then David called him, and he did eat and drink before him, and he made him 1drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house. 14 And on the morrow David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 15 And he wrote 1thus in the letter, 2Put ye Uriah in the forefront of the strength of the battle, and recule ye back from him, that he may be smitten, and die. 16 ¶ So when Joab besieged the city, he assigned Uriah unto a place, where he knew that strong men were. 17 And the men of the city came out, and fought with Joab: and there fell of the people of the servants of David, and Uriah the Hittite also died. 18 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war. 19 ¶ And he charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling all the matters of the war unto the King, 20 1And if the king's anger arise, so that he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye unto the city

to fight? knew ye not that they would hurl from the wall? 21 Who smote Abimelech son of 1Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, and he died in Thebez? why went you nigh the wall? Then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead. 22 So the messenger went, and came and showed David all that Joab had sent him for. 23 And the messenger said unto David, Certainly the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, but we 1pursued them unto the entering of the gate. 24 But the shooters shot from the wall against thy servants, and some of the king's servants be dead: and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead. 25 Then David said unto the messenger, 1Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing trouble thee: for the sword devoureth 2one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and destroy it, and encourage thou him. 26 ¶ And when the wife of Uriah heard that her husband Uriah was dead, she mourned for her husband. 27 So when the mourning was past, David sent and took her into his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son: but the thing that David had done, 1displeased the Lord. 12 1 David reproved by Nathan, confesseth his sin. 18 The child conceived in adultery, dieth. 24 Solomon is born. 30 Rabbah is taken. 31 The citizens are grievously punished.

1 Then the Lord sent 1Nathan unto David, who came to him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city, the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceedingly many sheep and oxen: 3 But the poor had none at all, save one little sheep which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up with him, and with his children also, and did eat of his own morsels, and drank of his own cup, and slept in his bosom, and was unto him as his daughter. 4 Now there came a 1stranger unto the rich man,

11:8 1 David thought that if Uriah lay with his wife, his fault might be cloaked. 11:11 1 Hereby God would touch David's conscience, that seeing the fidelity and religion of his servant, he would declare himself so forgetful of God, and injurious to his servant. 11:13 1 He made him drink more liberally than he was wont to do, thinking hereby he would have lain by his wife. 11:15 1 Hebrew, saying. 2 Except God continually uphold us with his mighty spirit, the most perfect fall headlong into all vice and abomination. 11:20 1 Or, thou shalt do this, if.

11:21 1 Meaning, Gideon, Judg. 9:52, 53. 11:23 1 Hebrew, were against them. 11:25 1 He dissembleth with the messenger, to the intent that nei­ ther his cruel commandment, nor Joab's wicked obedience might be espied. 2 Hebrew, so and so. 11:27 1 Hebrew, was evil in the eyes of the Lord. 12:1 1 Because David lay now drowned in sin, the loving mercy of God, which suffereth not his to perish, waketh his conscience by this similitude, and bringeth him to repentance. 12:4 1 Or, wayfaring man.

2 Samuel 12:5 324

who 2refused to take of his own sheep, and of his own oxen to dress for the stranger that was come unto him, but took the poor man's sheep, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. 5 Then 1David was exceedingly wroth with the man, and said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing, 2shall surely die, 6 And he shall restore the lamb afourfold, because he did this thing, and had no pity thereof. 7 Then Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I banointed thee King over Israel, and delivered thee out of the hand of Saul. 8 And gave thee thy lord's 1house, and thy lord's

16 David therefore besought God for the child, and fasted and 1went in, and lay all night upon the earth. 17 Then the Elders of his house arose to come unto him, and to cause him to rise from the ground: but he would not, neither did he eat 1meat with them. 18 So on the seventh day the child died: and the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how then shall we say unto him, The child is dead, 1to vex him more? 19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. 20 Then David 1arose from the earth, and washed and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped, and afterward came to his own house, and bade that they should set bread before him, and he did eat. 21 Then 1said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive, but when the child was dead, thou didst rise up, and eat meat, 22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted, and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will have mercy on me, that the child may live? 23 But now being dead, wherefore should I now fast? 1Can I bring him again anymore? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 24 ¶ And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her, dand she bare a son, and 1he called his name Solomon: also the Lord loved him. 25 For the Lord had sent 1by Nathan the 2Prophet: therefore 3,ehe called his name Jedidiah, because the Lord loved him. 26 ¶ Then Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the 1city of the Kingdom. 27 Therefore Joab sent messengers to David, saying, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken

chapter 12

a Exod. 22:1

b 1 Sam. 16:13

c Deut. 28:30

2 Sam. 16:22

d Matt. 1:6

e 1 Chron. 22:9

2wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel, and of Judah, and would moreover (if that had been too little) have given thee 3such and such things. 9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the 1children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house, because thou hast despised me, and taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. 11 Thus said the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and will ctake thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of his 1sin. 12 For thou diddest it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 13 Then David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath 1put away thy sin, thou shalt not die. 14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast caused the enemies of the Lord to 1blaspheme, the child that is born unto thee, shall surely die. 15 ¶ So Nathan departed unto his house: and the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was sick.

12:4 2 Or, spared. 12:5 1 Hebrew, the anger of David was kindled. 2 Hebrew, is the child of death. 12:8 1 For David succeeded Saul in his kingdom. 2 The Jews understand this of Eglah and Michal, or of Rizpah and Michal. 3 That is, greater things than these: for God's love and benefits increase toward his, if by their ingratitude they stay him not. 12:9 1 Thou hast most cruelly given him into the hands of God's enemies. 12:11 1 Meaning, openly, as at noon-days. 12:13 1 For the Lord seeketh but that the sinner would turn to him. 12:14 1 In saying, that the Lord hath appointed a wicked man to reign over his people.

12:16 1 To wit, to his privy chamber. 12:17 1 Thinking by his instant prayer that God would have restored his child, but God hath otherwise determined. 12:18 1 Hebrew, and he will do himself evil. 12:20 1 Showing that our lamentations ought not to be excessive, but moderate: and that we must praise God in all his doings. 12:21 1 As they which considered not that God granteth many things to the sobs and tears of the faithful. 12:23 1 By this consideration he appeased his sorrow. 12:24 1 To wit, the Lord, 1 Chron. 22:9. 12:25 1 Hebrew, by the hand of. 2 To call him Solomon. 3 Meaning, David. 12:26 1 Or the chief city.

325 2 Samuel 13:19

the city of 1waters. 28 Now therefore, gather the rest of the people together, and besiege the city, that thou mayest take it, lest 1the victory be attributed to me. 29 So David gathered all the people together, and went against Rabbah, and besieged it, and took it. 30 fAnd he took their king's crown from his head, (which weighed a 1talent of gold, with precious stones) and it was set on David's head: and he brought away the spoil of the city in exceedingly great abundance. 31 And he carried away the people that was therein, and put them under 1saws, and under iron harrows, and under axes of iron, and cast them into the tile-kiln: even thus did he with all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem. 13 14 Amnon David's son defileth his sister Tamar. 20 Tamar is comforted by her brother Absalom. 29 Absalom therefore killeth Amnon.

that I may receive meat at her hand. 7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat. 8 ¶ So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house, and he lay down: and she took 1flour, and knead it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. 9 And she took a pan, and 1poured them out before him, but he would not eat. Then Amnon said, Cause ye every man to go out from 2me: so every man went out from him. 10 Then 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 set them before him to eat, he took her, and said unto her, Come, lie with me, my sister. 12 But she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me: for no such thing aought to be done in Israel: commit not this folly. 13 And I, 1whither shall I cause my shame to go? and thou shalt be as one of 2the fools in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee speak to the king, for he will not deny me unto thee. 14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice, but being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred wherewith he hated her, was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her: and Amnon said unto her, Up, get thee hence. 16 And she answered him, 1There is no cause: this evil (to put me away) is greater than the other that thou didst unto me: but he would not hear her, 17 But called his 1servant that served him, and said, Put this woman now out from me, and lock the door after her. 18 (And she had a garment of 1diverse colors upon her: for with such garments were the King's daughters that were virgins, appareled) Then his servant brought her out, and locked the door after her. 19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent the

f 1 Chron. 20:2

chapter 13

a Lev. 18:9

1 Now after this, so it was, that Absalom the son of David having a fair sister, whose name was 1Tamar, Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 And Amnon was so sore vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar: for she was a 1virgin, and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything to her. 3 But Amnon had a friend called Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle man, 4 Who said unto him, Why art thou the king's son, so lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? Then Amnon answered him, I love Tamar my brother Absalom's sister. 5 And Jonadab said unto him, 1Lie down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father shall come to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and let her dress meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it of her hand. 6 ¶ So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king came to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of 1cakes in my sight,

12:27 1 That is, the chief city and where all the conduits are, is as good as taken. 12:28 1 Hebrew, my name be called upon it. 12:30 1 That is: threescore pounds after the weight of the common talent. 12:31 1 Signifying that as they were malicious enemies of God, so he put them to cruel death. 13:1 1 Tamar was Absalom's sister both by father and mother, and Amnon's only by father. 13:2 1 And therefore kept in her father's house, as virgins were accustomed. 13:5 1 Here we see that there is no enterprise so wicked that can lack

counsel to further it. 13:6 1 Meaning, some delicate and dainty meat. 13:8 1 Or, past. 13:9 1 That is, she served them on a dish. 2 For the wicked are ashamed to do that before men, which they are not afraid to commit in the sight of God. 13:13 1 Or, how shall I put away my shame? 2 As a lewd and wicked person. 13:16 1 Or, for this cause. 13:17 1 Or, boy. 13:18 1 For that which was of divers colors or pieces, in those days was had in great estimation, Gen. 37:3; Judg. 5:30.

2 Samuel 13:20 326

garment of diverse colors which was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went her way crying. 20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? Now yet be 1still, my sister: he is thy brother: let not this thing grieve thine heart. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. 21 ¶ But when King David heard all these things, he was very wroth. 22 And Absalom said unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. 23 ¶ And after the time of two years, Absalom had sheepshearers in 1Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim, and 2Absalom called all the king's sons. 24 And Absalom came to the King, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers: I pray thee, that the king with his servants would go with thy servant. 25 But the King answered Absalom, Nay my son, I pray thee, let us not go all, lest we be chargeable unto thee. Yet Absalom lay sore upon him: howbeit he would not go, but 1thanked him. 26 Then said Absalom, But, I pray thee, shall not my brother 1Amnon go with us? And the king answered him, Why should he go with thee? 27 But Absalom was instant upon him, and he sent Amnon with him, and all the king's children. 28 ¶ Now had Absalom commanded his servants, saying, Mark now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon, kill him, fear not, for have not 1I commanded you? be bold therefore, and play the men. 29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon, as Absalom had commanded: and all the king's sons arose, and every man got him up upon his mule, and fled. 30 ¶ And while they were in the way, tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the King's sons, and there is not one of them left. 31 Then the king arose, and tore his garments, and lay on the 1ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. 32 And Jonadab the son of Shimeah David's brother answered and said, Let not my lord suppose

that they have slain all the young men the King's sons: for Amnon only is dead, 1because Absalom had reported so, since he forced his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore let not my lord the King 1take the thing so grievously; to think that all the King's sons are dead: 2for Amnon only is dead. 34 ¶ Then Absalom fled: and the young man that kept the watch, lift up his eyes, and looked, and behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side 1behind him. 35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, 1so it is. 36 And as soon as he had left speaking, behold, the king's sons came, and lift up their voices, and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept exceedingly sore. 37 But Absalom fled away, and went to 1Talmai the son of Ammihud king of Geshur: and David mourned for his son every day. 38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 And king David 1desired to go forth unto Absalom, because he was pacified concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. 14 2 Absalom is reconciled to his father by the subtlety of Joab. 24 Absalom may not see the King's face. 25 The beauty of Absalom. 30 He causeth Joab's corn to be burnt, and is brought to his father's presence.

1 Then Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived, that the king's 1heart was toward Absalom, 2 And Joab sent to Tekoa, and brought thence a 1subtle woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to mourn, and now put on mourning apparel, and 2anoint not thyself with oil: but be as a woman that had now long time mourned for the dead. 3 And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him, (for Joab 1taught her what she should say). 4 ¶ Then the woman of Tekoa spake unto the king, and fell down on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, 1Help, O King. 5 Then the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a 1widow, and mine

13:20 1 For though he conceived sudden vengeance in his heart, yet he dissembled it till occasion served, and comforted his sister. 13:23 1 Or, in the plain of Hazor. 2 To wit, to a banquet, thinking thereby to fulfill his wicked purpose. 13:25 1 Hebrew, blessed. 13:26 1 Pretending to the king that Amnon was most dear unto him. 13:28 1 Such is the pride of the wicked masters, that in all their wicked commandments they think to be obeyed. 13:31 1 Lamenting, as he that felt the wrath of God upon his house, 2 Sam. 12:10. 13:32 1 Hebrew, because it was put in Absalom's mouth. 13:33 1 Or, take it to heart.

2 Or, but. 13:34 1 Or, one after another. 13:35 1 That only Amnon is dead. 13:37 1 For Maacah his mother was the daughter of this Talmai, 2 Sam. 3:3. 13:39 1 Or, ceased, 14:1 1 That the king favored him. 14:2 1 Or, wife. 2 In token of mourning: for they used anointing to seem cheerful. 14:3 1 Hebrew, put words in her mouth. 14:4 1 Hebrew, Save. 14:5 1 Hebrew, a widow woman.

327 2 Samuel 14:28

husband is dead: 6 And thine handmaid had two 1sons, and they two strove together in the field, (and there was none to part them) so the one smote the other, and slew him. 7 And behold the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him for the 1soul of his brother whom he slew, that we may destroy the heir also: so they shall quench my sparkle which is left, and shall not leave to mine husband neither name nor posterity upon the earth. 8 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give a charge for thee. 9 Then the woman of Tekoa said unto the King, My lord, O King, this 1trespass be on me, and on my father's house, and the King and his throne be 2guiltless. 10 And the King said, Bring him to me that speaketh against thee, and he shall touch thee no more. 11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king 1remember the Lord thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer many revengers of blood to destroy, lest they slay my son. And he answered, As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth. 12 Then the woman said, I pray thee, let thine handmaid speak a word to my lord the King. And he said, Say on. 13 Then the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou 1thought such a thing against the people of God? or why doth the King, as one which is faulty, speak this thing, that he will not bring again his banished? 14 For we must needs die, and we are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again: neither doth God 1spare any person, yet doth he appoint 2means, not to cast out from him, him that is expelled. 15 Now therefore, that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the King, the cause is that the people 1have made me afraid: therefore thine handmaid said, Now will I speak unto the King: it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid. 16 For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me, and also my son from the inheritance of God.

17 Therefore thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be 1comfortable: for my lord the King is even as an 2Angel of God in hearing of good and bad: therefore the Lord thy God be with thee. 18 Then the king answered, and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak. 19 And the king said, Is not 1the hand of Joab with thee in all this? Then the woman answered, and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the King, I will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for even thy servant Joab bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid. 20 For to the intent that I 1should change the form of speech, thy servant Joab hath done this thing: but

2my lord is wise according to the wisdom of an Angel of God, to understand all things that are in the earth. 21 ¶ And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have 1done this thing: go then, and bring the young man Absalom again. 22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself and 1thanked the King. Then Joab said, This day thy servant knoweth, that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord the king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. 23 ¶ And Joab arose, and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the King said, Let him 1turn to his own house, and not see my face. So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king's face. 25 Now in all Israel there was none to be so much praised for beauty as Absalom: from the sole of his foot even to the top of his head there was no blemish in him. 26 And when he polled his head, (for at every year's end he polled it: because it was too heavy for him, therefore he polled it) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred 1shekels by the king's weight. 27 And Absalom had three sons, and one daughter named Tamar, which was a fair woman to look upon. 28 ¶ So Absalom dwelt the space of two years in

14:6 1 Under this parable she describeth the death of Amnon by Absalom. 14:7 1 Because he hath slain his brother he ought to be slain accord­ ing to the Law, Gen. 9:6; Exod. 21:12. 14:9 1 As touching the breach of the Law which punisheth blood, let me bear the blame. 2 Or, innocent. 14:11 1 Swear that they shall not revenge the blood, which are many in number. 14:13 1 Why dost thou give contrary sentence in thy son Absalom? 14:14 1 Or, accept. 2 God hath provided ways (as sanctuaries) to save them oft times,

whom man judgeth worthy death. 14:15 1 For I thought they would kill this mine heir. 14:17 1 Hebrew, rest. 2 Is of great wisdom to discern right from wrong. 14:19 1 Hast not thou done this by the counsel of Joab. 14:20 1 By speaking further in a parable then plainly. 2 Or, none can hide ought from the King. 14:21 1 I have granted thy request. 14:22 1 Hebrew, blessed. 14:24 1 Covering hereby his affection, and showing some part of justice to please the people. 14:26 1 Which weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces after half an ounce the shekel.

2 Samuel 14:29 328

6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel, that came to the King for judgment: so Absalom 1stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7 ¶ And after 1forty years, Absalom said unto the King, I pray thee, let me go to Hebron, and render my vow which I have vowed unto the Lord. 8 For thy servant vowed a vow when I remained at Geshur, in Aram, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, I will 1serve the Lord. 9 And the King said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. 10 ¶ Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, When ye hear the sound of the trumpet, ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. 11 ¶ And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were 1called: and they went in their simplicity, knowing nothing. 12 Also Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite David's counselor, from his city Giloh, while he offered sacrifices: and the treason was great: for the people 1increased still with Absalom. 13 ¶ Then came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are turned after Absalom. 14 Then David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Up, and let us flee: for we shall not escape from 1Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he come suddenly and take us, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. 15 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, thy servants are ready to do according to all that my lord the king shall 1appoint. 16 So the king departed and all his household 1after him, and the king left ten concubines to keep the house. 17 And the king went forth and all the people after him, and tarried in a 1place 2far off. 18 And all his servants went about him, and all the 1Cherethites and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, even six hundred men which were come after him from Gath, went before the king.

Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab to send him to the King, but he would not come to him: and when he sent again, he would not come. 30 Therefore he said unto his servants, Behold, Joab hath a 1field by my place, and hath barley therein: go, and set it 2on fire: and Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants burnt my field with fire? 32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent for thee, saying, Come thou hither, and I will send thee to the king for to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? It had been better for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face: and 1if there be any trespass in me, let him kill me. 33 Then Joab came to the king, and told him: and he called for Absalom, who came to the king, and bowed himself to the ground on his face before the king, and the king kissed Absalom. 15 2 The practices of Absalom to aspire to the kingdom. 14 David and his flee. 31 David's prayer. 34 Hushai is sent to Absalom to discover his counsel.

1 After this, Absalom 1prepared him chariots, and horses, and fifty men to 2run before him. 2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood hard by the entering in of the gate: and every man that had any 1matter, and came to the king for judgment, him did Absalom call unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he answered, Thy servant is of one of the 2tribes of Israel. 3 Then Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and righteous, but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. 4 Absalom said moreover, 1Oh that I were made Judge in the land, that every man which hath any matter of controversy, might come to me, that I might do him justice. 5 And when any man came near to him, and did him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

14:30 1 Or, possession. 2 The wicked are impatient in their affections, and spare no unlaw­ ful means to compass them. 14:32 1 If I have offended by revenging my sister's dishonor: thus the wicked justify themselves in their evil. 15:1 1 Hebrew, made him. 2 Which were as a guard to set forth his estate. 15:2 1 Or, controversy. 2 That is, noting of what city or place he was. 15:4 1 Thus by slander, flattery and fair promises the wicked seek preferment. 15:6 1 By enticing them from his father to himself. 15:7 1 Counting from the time that the Israelites had asked a King

of Samuel. 15:8 1 By offering a peace offering, which was lawful to do in any place. 15:11 1 And bid to his feast in Hebron. 15:12 1 Hebrew, went and increased. 15:14 1 Whose heart he saw that Satan had so possessed, that he would leave no mischief unattempted. 15:15 1 Hebrew, choose. 15:16 1 Hebrew, at his feet. 15:17 1 Or, house. 2 To wit, from Jerusalem. 15:18 1 These were as the king's guard, or as some write, his coun­ selors.

329 2 Samuel 16:5

19 Then said the King to 1Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore comest thou also with us? Return and abide with the King, for thou art a stranger, depart thou therefore to thy place. 20 Thou camest yesterday, and should I cause thee to wander today and go with us? I will go whither I can: therefore return thou, and carry again thy 1brethren: mercy and 2truth be with thee. 21 And Ittai answered the King, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there surely will thy servant be. 22 Then David said to Ittai, Come, and go forward. And Ittai the Gittite went, and all his men, and all the children that were with him. 23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and 1all the people went forward, but the King passed over the brook Kidron: and all the people went over toward the way of the wilderness. 24 ¶ And lo, Zadok also was there, and all the Levites with him, 1bearing the Ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the Ark of God: and Abiathar went 2up until the people were all come out of the city. 25 Then the King said unto Zadok, Carry the Ark of God again into the city: if I shall find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and the 1Tabernacle thereof. 26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee, behold, 1here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good in his eyes. 27 The King said again unto Zadok the Priest, Art not thou a aSeer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you: to wit, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 Behold, I will tarry in the fields of the wilderness, until there come some word from you to be told me. 29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the Ark of God again to Jerusalem, and they tarried there. 30 And David went up the mount of olives, and wept as he went up, and had his head 1covered, and went barefooted: and all the people that was with him, had every man his head covered, and as they went up, they wept. 31 Then one told David, saying, Ahithophel is one of them that have conspired with Absalom: and

David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the 1counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. 32 ¶ Then David came to the top of the mount where he worshipped God: and behold, Hushai the Archite came against him with his coat torn, and having earth upon his head. 33 Unto whom David said, If thou go with me, thou shalt be a burthen unto me. 34 But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy 1servant, O King (as I have been in time past thy father's servant, so will I now be thy servant) then thou mayest bring me the counsel of Ahithophel to nought. 35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the Priests? therefore whatsoever thou shalt hear out of the King's house, thou shalt show to Zadok and Abiathar the Priests. 36 Behold, there are with them their two sons: Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son: by them also shall ye send me everything that ye can hear. 37 So Hushai David's friend went into the city: and Absalom came into Jerusalem. 16 1 The infidelity of Ziba. 5 Shimei curseth David. 16 Hushai cometh to Absalom. 21 The counsel of Ahithophel for the concubines.

chapter 15

a 1 Sam. 9:9

1 When David was a little past the 1top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred cakes of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of 2dried figs, and a bottle of wine. 2 And the King said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, They be 1asses for the king's household to ride on, and bread, and dried figs for the young men to eat, and wine, that the faint may drink in the wilderness. 3 And the King said, But where is thy master's son? Then Ziba answered the King, Behold, he remaineth in Jerusalem: for he said, This day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father. 4 Then said the King to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, 1I beseech thee, let me find grace in thy sight, my lord, O King. 5 ¶ And when King David came to 1Bahurim,

15:19 1 Who as some write was the king's son of Gath. 15:20 1 Meaning, them of his family. 2 God require thee thy friendship and fidelity. 15:23 1 To wit, the six hundred men. 15:24 1 Which was the charge, of the Kohathites, Num. 4:4. 2 To stand by the Ark. 15:25 1 Or, his tabernacle. 15:26 1 The faithful in all their afflictions show themselves obedient to God's will. 15:30 1 With ashes and dust in sign of sorrow.

15:31 1 The counsel of the crafty worldlings doth more harm than the open force of the enemy. 15:34 1 Though Hushai dissembled here at the King's request, yet may we not use this example to excuse our dissimulation. 16:1 1 Which was the hill of olives, 2 Sam. 15:30. 2 Or, fig cakes. 16:2 1 Commonly there are no viler traitors than they, which under pretence of friendship accuse others. 16:4 1 Hebrew, I worship. 16:5 1 Which was a city in the tribe of Benjamin.

2 Samuel 16:6 330

behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, named Shimei, the son of Gera: and he came out and cursed. 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of King David: and all the people, and all the men of war were on his 1right hand, and on his left. 7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come forth, come forth thou 1murderer, and 2wicked man. 8 The Lord hath brought upon thee all the 1blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned: and the Lord hath delivered thy kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and behold, thou art taken in thy wickedness, because thou art a murderer. 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the King, Why doth athis dead dog curse my lord the King: let me go, I pray thee, and take away his head. 10 ¶ But the King said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? for he curseth, even because the Lord hath 1bidden him curse David: who dare then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son which came out of mine own bowels, seeketh my life: then how much more now may this son of Benjamin? Suffer him to curse: for the Lord hath bidden him. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on 1mine affliction, and 2do me good for his cursing this day. 13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went by the side of the mountain over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones against him, and cast dust. 14 Then came the King and all the people that were with him weary, and refreshed themselves 1there. 15 ¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, Hushai said unto Absalom, 1God save the King, God save the King. 17 Then Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy 1friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend? 18 Hushai then answered unto Absalom, Nay, but whom the Lord, and this people, and all the men of Israel

choose, his will I be, and with them will I dwell. 19 And 1moreover, unto whom shall I do service? not to his son? as I served before thy father, so will I before thee. 20 ¶ Then spake Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel what we shall do. 21 And 1Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in to thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house: and when all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father, the hands of all that are with thee, shall be strong. 22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counseled in those days, was like as one had asked

chapter 16

a 1 Sam. 24:14

2 Sam. 3:8

1counsel at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. 17 7 Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai. 14 The Lord had so ordained. 19 The Priest's sons are hidden in the well. 22 David goeth over Jordan. 23 Ahithophel hangeth himself. 27 They bring victuals to David.

1 Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, 1Let me choose out now twelve thousand men, and I will up and follow after David this night, 2 And I will come upon him: for he is weary, and weak handled: so I will fear him, and all the people that are with him shall flee, and I will smite the king only, 3 And I will bring again all the people unto thee, and when all shall return, (1the man whom thou seekest being slain) all the people shall be in peace. 4 And the saying 1pleased Absalom well, and all the Elders of Israel. 5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise 1what he saith. 6 So when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath 1spoken thus: shall we do after his saying, or no? tell thou. 7 Hushai then answered unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given, is not 1good at this time.

16:6 1 That is, round about him. 16:7 1 Hebrew, man of blood. 2 Hebrew, man of Belial. 16:8 1 Reproaching him, as though by his means Ishbosheth and Abner were slain. 16:10 1 David felt that this was the judgment of God for his sin, and therefore humbleth himself to his rod. 16:12 1 Or, my tears. 2 Meaning, that the Lord will send comfort to his, when they are oppressed. 16:14 1 To wit, at Bahurim. 16:16 1 Hebrew, let the king live. 16:17 1 Meaning, David.

16:19 1 Hebrew, the second time. 16:21 1 Suspecting the change of the Kingdom, and so his own overthrow, he giveth such counsel as might most hinder his father's reconciliation: and also declare to the people that Absalom was in highest authority. 16:23 1 It was so esteemed for the success thereof. 17:1 1 The wicked are so greedy to execute their malice, that they leave none occasion, that may further the same. 17:3 1 Meaning, David. 17:4 1 Hebrew, was right in the eyes of Absalom. 17:5 1 Hebrew, what is in his mouth. 17:6 1 Or, given such counsel. 17:7 1 Hushai showeth himself faithful to David, in that he reproveth this wicked counsel and purpose.

331 2 Samuel 17:29

8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father, and his men, that they be strong men, and are chafed in mind as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: also thy father is a valiant warrior, and will not 1lodge with the people. 9 Behold, he is hid now in some cave, or in some place: and though some of them be overthrown at the first, yet the people shall hear, and say, The people that follow Absalom, 1be overthrown. 10 Then he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall 1shrink and faint: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is valiant, and they which be with him, stout men. 11 Therefore my counsel is, that all Israel be gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba as the sand of the Sea in number, and that thou go to battle in thine own person. 12 So shall we come upon him in some place, where we shall find him, and 1we will upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of all the men that are with him, we will not leave him one. 13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all the men of Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. 14 ¶ Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite, is better, than the counsel of Ahithophel: for the Lord had 1determined to destroy the 2good counsel of Ahithophel, that the Lord might 3bring evil upon Absalom. 15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the Priests, Of this and that manner did Ahithophel and the Elders of Israel counsel Absalom: and thus and thus have I counseled. 16 Now therefore send quickly, and show David, saying, Tarry not this night in the fields of the wilderness, but rather get thee 1over, lest the king be devoured, and all the people that are with him. 17 ¶ Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz abode by 1En Rogel: (for they might not be seen to come into the city) and a maid went, and 2told them, and they went and showed king David. 18 Nevertheless, a young man saw them, and told it to Absalom. Therefore they both departed quickly,

and came to a man's house in Bahurim, who had a well in his court, into the which they went down. 19 And 1the wife took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon, that the thing should not be known. 20 And when Absalom's servants came to the wife into the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman answered them, They be gone over the 1brook of water. And when they had sought them, and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 21 And as soon as they were departed, the other came out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto him, Up, and get you quickly over the water: for 1such counsel hath Ahithophel given against you. 22 Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they went over Jordan 1until the dawning of the day, so that there lacked not one of them, that was not come over Jordan. 23 ¶ Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and he went home unto his city, and put his household in order, and 1hanged himself, and died, and was buried in his father's grave. 24 ¶ Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he, and all the men of Israel with him. 25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host in the stead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son named Jithra, an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of 1Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. 26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead. 27 ¶ And when David was come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash out of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel out of Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite out of Rogelim, 28 1Brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentils, and parched corn. 29 And they brought honey, and butter, and sheep,

17:8 1 Or, tarry all night. 17:9 1 Hebrew, have a breach of ruin. 17:10 1 Hebrew, melt. 17:12 1 Or, we will camp against him. 17:14 1 Or, commanded. 2 That counsel which seemed good at the first to Absalom, verse 4. 3 For by the counsel of Hushai, he went to the battle, where he was destroyed. 17:16 1 That is, over Jordan. 17:17 1 Or, the well of Rogel. 2 Meaning, the message from their fathers.

17:19 1 Thus God sendeth succor to his, in their greatest dangers. 17:20 1 The Chaldea text readeth: Now they have passed the Jordan. 17:21 1 To wit, to pursue thee with all haste. 17:22 1 They traveled all night, and by morning had all their com­ pany passed over. 17:23 1 God's just vengeance even in this life is poured on them which are enemies, traitors, or persecutors of his Church. 17:25 1 Who was also called Jesse David's Father. 17:28 1 God showeth himself most liberal to his, when they seem to be utterly destitute.

2 Samuel 18:1 332

and cheese of kine for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty in the wilderness. 18 2 David divideth his army into three parts. 9 Absalom is hanged, slain, and cast into a pit. 33 David lamenteth the death of Absalom.

went away. 10 And one that saw it, told Joab, saying, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. 11 Then Joab said unto the man that told him, And hast thou indeed seen? why then didst thou not there smite him to the ground, and I would have given thee ten ashekels of silver, and a girdle? 12 Then the man said unto Joab, Though I should 1receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not lay mine hand upon the King's son: for in our hearing the King charged thee, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, Beware, lest any touch the young man Absalom. 13 If I had done it, it had been 1the danger of my life: for nothing can be hid from the King: yea, thou thyself wouldest have been against me. 14 Then said Joab, I will not thus tarry with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them 1through Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. 15 And ten servants that bare Joab's armor, compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. 16 Then Joab 1blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people. 17 And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great 1pit in the wood, and laid a mighty great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent. 18 Now Absalom in his life time had taken and reared him up a pillar, which is in the bKing's dale: for he said, I have no 1son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name, and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place. 19 ¶ Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, I pray thee, let me run and bear the King tidings that the Lord hath 1delivered him out of the hand of his enemies. 20 And Joab said unto him, Thou 1shalt not be the messenger today, but thou shalt bear tidings another time, but today thou shalt bear none: for the King's son is dead. 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go, tell the King, what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran. 22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok again

chapter 18

a Gen. 23:15

b Gen. 14:17

1 Then David 1numbered the people that were with him, and set over them captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds. 2 And David sent forth the third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and the third part under the hand of Abishai Joab's brother, the son of Zeruiah: and the other third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the King said unto the people, I will go with you myself also. 3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not regard us, neither will they pass for us, though half of us were slain: but thou art 1now worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succor us out of the city. 4 Then the king said unto them, What seemeth you best, that I will do. So the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, Entreat the young man Absalom gently for my sake. And all the people heard when the King gave all the Captains charge concerning Absalom. 6 So the people went out into the field to meet Israel, and the battle was in the 1wood of Ephraim: 7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David: so there was a great slaughter that day, even of twenty thousand. 8 ¶ For the battle was scattered over all the country: and the wood devoured much more people that day than did the sword. 9 ¶ Now Absalom met the servants of David, and Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule came under a great thick oak: and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up 1between the heaven and the earth: and the mule that was under him

18:1 1 For certain of the Reubenites, Gadites, and of the half tribe, could not bear the insolence of the son against the father, and there­ fore joined with David. 18:3 1 Signifying, that a good governor ought to be so dear unto his people, that they will rather lose their lives, than that ought should come unto him. 18:6 1 So called, because the Ephraimites (as some say) fed their cattle beyond Jordan in this wood. 18:9 1 This is a terrible example of God's vengeance against them that are rebels or disobedient to their parents. 18:12 1 Hebrew, weigh upon mine hand.

18:13 1 Hebrew, a lie against my soul. 18:14 1 Hebrew, in the heart of Absalom. 18:16 1 For he had pity of the people, which was seduced by Absa­ lom's flattery. 18:17 1 Thus God turned his vain glory to shame. 18:18 1 It seemed that God had punished him in taking away his children, 2 Sam. 14:27. 18:19 1 Hebrew, judged. 18:20 1 For Joab bare a good affection to Ahimaaz, and doubted how David would take the report of Absalom's death.

333 2 Samuel 19:11

19 7 Joab encourageth the king. 8 David is restored. 23 Shimei is pardoned. 24 Mephibosheth meeteth the king. 39 Barzillai departeth. 41 Israel striveth with Judah.

to Joab, What, I pray thee, if I also run after Cushi? And Joab said, Wherefore now wilt thou run my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings to bring? 23 Yet what if I run? Then he said unto him, Run. So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overwent Cushi. 24 Now David sat between the two 1gates. And the watchman went to the top of the gate upon the wall, and lift up his eyes, and saw, and behold, a man came running alone. 25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the King said, If he be alone, 1he bringeth tidings. And he came apace, and drew near. 26 And the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called unto the potter, and said, Behold, another man runneth alone. And the King said, He also bringeth tidings. 27 And the watchman said, 1Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. Then the King said, He is a 2good man, and cometh with good tidings. 28 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the King, Peace be with thee: and he fell down to the earth upon his face before the King, and said, Blessed be the Lord thy God, who hath 1shut up the men that lift up their hands against my Lord the King. 29 And the King said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the King's 1servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what. 30 And the King said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here: so he turned aside and stood still. 31 And behold, Cushi came, and Cushi said, 1Tidings, my lord the King: for the Lord hath delivered thee this day out of the hand of all that rose against thee. 32 Then the King said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the King, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. 33 And the King was 1moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom: would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son.

1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the King weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. 2 Therefore the 1victory of that day was turned into mourning to all the people: for the people heard say that day, The King sorroweth for his son. 3 And the people went that day into the city 1secretly, as people confounded hide themselves when they flee in battle. 4 So the King 1hid his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, My son Absalom, Absalom my son, my son. 5 ¶ Then Joab came into the 1house to the King, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons, and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines, 6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends: for thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither thy 1princes, nor servants: therefore this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and we all had died this day, that then it would have 2pleased thee well. 7 Now therefore up, come out, and speak 1comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the Lord, except thou come out, there will not tarry one man with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee, than all the evil that fell on thee from thy youth hitherto. 8 Then the king arose, and sat in the 1gate: and they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate: and all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent. 9 ¶ Then all the people were at 1strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The King saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines, and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom. 10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle: therefore why are ye so slow to bring the king again? 11 But King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the 1Priests, saying, Speak unto the Elders of Judah,

18:24 1 He sat in the gate of the city of Mahanaim. 18:25 1 Hebrew, tidings are in his mouth. 18:27 1 Hebrew, I see the running. 2 He had experience of his fidelity, 2 Sam. 17:21. 18:28 1 Or, delivered up. 18:29 1 To wit, Cushi, who was an Ethiopian. 18:31 1 Hebrew, tidings is brought. 18:33 1 Because he considereth both the judgment of God against his sin, and could not otherwise hide his fatherly affection toward his son. 19:2 1 Hebrew, salvation, or deliverance.

19:3 1 Or, by stealth. 19:4 1 As they do that mourn. 19:5 1 At Mahanaim. 19:6 1 Or, captains. 2 Hebrew, been right in thine eyes. 19:7 1 Hebrew, to the heart of thy servant. 19:8 1 Where the most resort of the people haunted. 19:9 1 Everyone blamed another and strove who should first bring him home. 19:11 1 That they should reprove the negligence of the Elders, see­ ing the people were so forward.

2 Samuel 19:12 334

24 ¶ And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither washed his feet, nor dressed his beard, nor washed his clothes from the time the king departed, until he returned in peace. 25 And when 1he was come to Jerusalem, and met the king, the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? 26 And he answered, My lord the King, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I would have mine ass saddled to ride thereon, for to go with the king, because thy servant is lame. 27 And he hath caccused thy servant unto my lord the king: but my lord the king is as an 1angel of God: do therefore thy pleasure. 28 For all my father's house were 1but dead men before my lord the king, yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table: what right therefore have I yet to cry anymore unto the king? 29 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou anymore of thy matters? I have said, Thou, and Ziba, divide the 1lands. 30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, seeing my lord the king is come home in peace. 31 ¶ Then Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan. 32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old, and he had provided the king of sustenance, while he lay at Mahanaim: for he was a man of very great substance. 33 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem. 34 And Barzillai said unto the king, 1How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good or evil? Hath thy servant any taste in that I eat, or in that I drink? Can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? wherefore then should thy servant be anymore a 1burthen unto my lord the king? 36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king, and why will the king recompense it me with such a reward?

and say, Why are ye behind to bring the King again to his house (for the saying of all Israel is come unto the King, even to his house.) 12 Ye are my brethren: my bones and my flesh are ye: Wherefore then are ye the last that bring the King again? 13 Also say ye to Amasa, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host to me forever in the 1room of Joab. 14 So he bowed the hearts of all the men of Judah, as of one man: therefore they sent to the King, saying, Return thou with all thy servants. 15 ¶ So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, for to go to meet the king, and to conduct him over Jordan. 16 ¶ And 1Shimei the son of Gera, the son of Benjamin, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David, 17 And a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and aZiba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants with him: and they went over Jordan before the king. 18 And there went over a boat to carry over the king's household, and to do him pleasure. Then Shimei the son of Gera fell before the king, when he was come over Jordan, 19 And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute bwickedness unto me, nor remember the thing that thy servant did 1wickedly when my lord the King departed out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. 20 For thy servant doth know, that I have done amiss: therefore behold, I am the first this day of all the house of 1Joseph, that am come to go down to meet my lord the king. 21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered, and said, Shall not Shimei die for this, because he cursed the Lord's anointed? 22 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that this day ye should be adversaries unto me? shall there any man die this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? 23 Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not 1die, and the king swore unto him.

chapter 19

a 2 Sam. 16:2

b 2 Sam. 16:15

c 2 Sam. 16:3

19:13 1 By this policy David thought that by winning of the captain, he should have the hearts of all the people. 19:16 1 Who had before reviled him, 2 Sam. 16:13. 19:19 1 For in his adversity he was his most cruel enemy, and now in his prosperity, seeketh by flattery to creep into favor. 19:20 1 By Joseph he meaneth Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin (whereof he was) because these three were under one standard, Num. 2:18. 19:23 1 By my hands, or during my life, as read 1 Kings 2:8, 9.

19:25 1 When Mephibosheth being at Jerusalem had met the King. 19:27 1 Able for his wisdom to judge in all matters. 19:28 1 Worthy to die for Saul's cruelty toward thee. 19:29 1 David did evil in taking his lands from him before he knew the cause, but much worse, that knowing the truth, he did not restore them. 19:34 1 Hebrew, how many days are the years of my life? 19:35 1 He thought it not meet to receive benefits of him to whom he was not able to do service again.

335 2 Samuel 20:15

37 I pray thee, let thy servant turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried in the grave of my father and of my mother: but behold thy servant 1Chimham, let him go with my lord the King, and do to him what shall please thee. 38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go with me, and I will do to him that thou shalt be content with: and whatsoever thou shalt 1require of me, that will I do for thee. 39 So all the people went over Jordan: and the king passed over: and the king kissed Barzillai, and 1blessed him, and he returned unto his own place. 40 ¶ Then the King went to 1Gilgal, and Chimham went with him, and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of 2Israel. 41 And behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king and his household, and all David's men with him over 1Jordan? 42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: and wherefore now be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten of the king's cost, or have we taken any bribes? 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and have also more right to David than ye: Why then did ye despise us 1that our advise should not be first had in restoring our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. 20 1 Sheba raiseth Israel against David. 10 Joab killeth Amasa traitorously. 22 The head of Sheba is delivered to Joab. 23 David's chief officers.

that he had left behind him to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but lay no more with them: but they were enclosed unto the day of their death, living in widowhood. 4 ¶ Then said the King to 1Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. 5 So Amasa went to assemble Judah, but he tarried longer than the time which he had appointed him. 6 Then David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou therefore thy 1lord's servants and follow after him, lest he get him walled cities, and escape us. 7 And there went out after him Joab's men, and the bCherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they departed out of Jerusalem, to follow after Sheba the son of Bichri. 8 When they were at the great stone, which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them, and Joab's 1garment, that he had put on, was girded unto him, and upon it was a sword girded, which hanged on his loins in the sheath, and as he went, it used to fall out. 9 And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in 1health, my brother? and Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. 10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: for therewith he smote him in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and 1smote him not the second time: so he died: then Joab and Abishai his brother followed after Sheba the son of Bichri. 11 And one of Joab's men 1stood by him, and said, He that favoreth Joab, and he that is of David's part, let him go after Joab. 12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the way: and when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the way into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, because he saw that everyone that came by him, stood still. 13 ¶ When he was removed out of the way, every man went after Joab, to follow after Sheba the son of Bichri. 14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and 1Beth Maachah and all places of Berim: and they gathered together, and went also after him. 15 So they came, and besieged him in Abel, near

chapter 20

a 2 Sam. 16:22

b 2 Sam. 8:18

1 Then there was come 1thither a wicked man (named Sheba the son of Bichri, a man of Benjamin) and he blew the trumpet, and said, We have no part in 2David, neither have we inheritance in the son 3of Ishai: every man to his tents, O Israel. 2 So every man of Israel went from David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave fast unto their King, from 1Jordan even to Jerusalem. 3 When David then came to his house to Jerusalem, the king took the ten women his aconcubines,

19:37 1 My son. 19:38 1 Or, choose. 19:39 1 Or, bade him farewell. 19:40 1 Where the tribe of Judah tarried to receive him. 2 Which had taken part with the King. 19:41 1 Toward Jerusalem. 19:43 1 Or, have not we first spoken to bring home the King? verse 11. 20:1 1 Where the ten tribes contended against Judah. 2 As they of Judah say. 3 He thought by speaking contemptuously of the king, to stir the

people rather to sedition, or else by causing Israel to depart, thought that they of Judah would have less esteemed him. 20:2 1 From Gilgal, which was near Jordan. 20:4 1 Who was his chief captain in Joab's room, 2 Sam. 19:13. 20:6 1 Either them which had been under Joab or David's men. 20:8 1 Which was his coat, that he used to wear in the wars. 20:9 1 Hebrew, peace. 20:10 1 Hebrew, doubled not his stroke. 20:11 1 He stood by Amasa at Joab's appointment. 20:14 1 Unto the city Abel, which was near to Beth Maachah.

2 Samuel 20:16 336

to Beth Maachah, and they cast up a mount against the city, and the people thereof stood on the rampart, and all the people that was with Joab, 1destroyed and cast down the wall. 16 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear, I pray you, say unto Joab, Come thou hither, that I may speak with thee. 17 And when he came near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, Yea. And she said to him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear. 18 Then she spake thus, 1They spake in the old time, saying, They should ask of Abel: and so they have continued. 19 I am 1one of them that are peaceable, and faithful in Israel: and thou goest about to destroy a city, and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou devour the inheritance of the Lord? 20 And Joab answered, and said, God forbid, God forbid it me, that I should devour, or destroy it. 21 The 1matter is not so, but a man of mount Ephraim (Sheba the son of Bichri by name) hath lift up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver us him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. 22 Then the woman went unto all the people with her wisdom, and they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it to Joab: then he blew the trumpet, and 1they retired from the city, every man to his tent: and Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the King. 23 ¶ cThen Joab was over all the host of Israel, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the Cherethites, and over the Pelethites, 24 And Adoram over the tribute, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud the Recorder, 25 And Sheva was Scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar the Priests 26 And also Ira the Jairite was 1chief about David. 21 1 Three dear years. 9 The vengeance of the sins of Saul lighteth on his seven sons, which are hanged. 15 Four great battles, which David had against

the Philistines.

c 2 Sam. 8:16

1 Then there was a famine in the days of David, three years 1together: and David 2asked counsel of the Lord, and the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the 3Gibeonites. 2 Then the King called the Gibeonites, and said unto them, (Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but a aremnant of the Amorites, unto whom the children of Israel had sworn: but Saul sought to slay them for his zeal toward the children of Israel and Judah) 3 And David said unto the Gibeonites, 1What shall I do for you, and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord? 4 The Gibeonites then answered him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul nor of his house, neither for us shalt thou kill 1any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say that will I do for you. 5 Then they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that imagined evil against us, so that we are destroyed from remaining in any coast of Israel, 6 Let seven men of his 1sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up 2unto the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, the Lord's chosen, And the king said, I will give them. 7 But the king had compassion on Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the bLord's oath, that was between them, even between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 8 But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, even Armoni and Mephibosheth, and the five sons of 1Michal, the daughter of Saul, whom she bare to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite. 9 And he delivered them unto the hands of the Gibeonites, which hanged them in the mountain before the Lord: so they 1died all seven together: and they were slain in the time of harvest: in the 2first days, and in the beginning of barley harvest. 10 Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took 1sackcloth and hanged it up for her upon the rock, from

chapter 21

a Josh. 9:3,16,17

b 1 Sam. 18:3 1 Sam. 20:8,42

20:15 1 That is, he went about to overthrow it. 20:18 1 She showeth that the old custom was not to destroy a city before peace was offered, Deut. 20:10, 11. 20:19 1 She speaketh in the name of the city. 20:21 1 Hearing his fault told him, he gave place to reason, and required only him that was author of the treason. 20:22 1 Hebrew, they were scattered. 20:26 1 Either in dignity or familiarity. 21:1 1 Hebrew, year after year. 2 Hebrew, sought the face of the Lord. 3 Thinking to gratify the people, because these were not of the seed of Abraham. 21:3 1 Wherewith may your wrath be appeased, that you may pray

to God to remove this plague from his people. 21:4 1 Save only of Saul's stock. 21:6 1 Of Saul's kinsmen. 2 To pacify the Lord. 21:8 1 Here Michal is named for Merab, Adriel's wife, as appeareth, 1 Sam. 18:19, for Michal was the wife of Paltiel, 1 Sam. 25:44, and never had child, 2 Sam. 6:23. 21:9 1 Hebrew, fell. 2 Which was in the month Abib or Nisan, which contained part of March and part of April. 21:10 1 To make her a tent wherein she prayed to God to turn away his wrath.

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