Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Print Page Options
Close DARBY

2 Samuel 19
Darby Translation

19 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weeps and mourns for Absalom.

2 And the victory that day was [turned] into mourning for all the people; for the people heard say that day, The king is grieved for his son.

3 And the people stole away that day into the city, as people steal away when ashamed of fleeing in battle.

4 And the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!

5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast put to shame this day the faces of all thy servants who have this day 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 them that hate thee, and hatest those that love thee. For thou hast declared this day, that neither princes nor servants are anything to thee: for to-day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died to-day, then it would have been right in thine eyes.

7 But now arise, go forth, and speak consolingly to thy servants; for I swear by Jehovah, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night; and that would be worse to thee than all the evil that has befallen thee from thy youth until now.

8 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, Behold, the king is sitting in the gate. And all the people came before the king. Now Israel had fled every man to his tent.

9 And all the people were at strife throughout the tribes of Israel, saying, The king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies, and he saved us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land because of Absalom.

10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle; and now why are ye silent as to bringing the king back?

11 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak to the elders of Judah saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, to his house.

12 Ye are my brethren, ye are my bone and my flesh; and why will ye be the last to bring back the king?

13 And say 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 before me continually instead of Joab.

14 And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah as of one man; and they sent to the king, Return, thou and all thy servants.

15 And the king returned and came as far as the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over the Jordan.

16 And Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, who was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

17 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they forded the Jordan before the king.

18 And a ferry boat passed to and fro to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king as he was [just] crossing over the Jordan.

19 And he said to the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity to me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to heart.

20 For thy servant knows that I have sinned; and behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

21 And Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Jehovah's anointed?

22 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries to me? Should there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

23 And the king said to Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king swore to him.

24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. Now he had neither washed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came [again] in peace.

25 And as soon as Jerusalem came to meet the king, the king said to him, Why didst thou not go with me, Mephibosheth?

26 And he said, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me; for thy servant said, I will saddle me the ass, and ride thereon, and go with the king; for thy servant is lame.

27 And he has slandered thy servant to my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God; do therefore what is good in thy sight.

28 For all my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king; and thou didst set thy servant among them that eat at thine own table. What further right therefore have I? and for what should I cry any more to the king?

29 And the king said to him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, Let him even take all, since my lord the king is come again in peace to his own house.

31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over the Jordan with the king, to conduct him over the Jordan.

32 And Barzillai was very aged, eighty years old; and it was he that had maintained the king while he abode at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

33 And the king said to Barzillai, Pass thou over with me, and I will maintain thee with me in Jerusalem.

34 And Barzillai said to the king, How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

35 I am this day eighty years old: can I discern between good and bad? can thy servant taste what I eat and what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? and why should thy servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?

36 Thy servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king; and why should the king recompense it to me with this reward?

37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham: let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what seems good to thee.

38 And the king said, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which seems good to thee; and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

39 And all the people went over the Jordan; and the king went over; and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.

40 And the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him; and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

41 And behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to 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 the Jordan?

42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to me; and why then are ye angry for this matter? have we eaten anything which came from the king, or has he given us any present?

43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah and said, I have ten parts in the king and I have also more right in David than thou; and why didst thou slight me? and was not my advice the first, to bring back my king? And the words of the men of Judah were harsher than the words of the men of Israel.

Close APSD-CEB

2 Samuel 19
Ang Pulong Sa Dios

19 May misugilon kang Joab nga nagahilak ang hari ug nagasubo tungod kang Absalom. 2 Sa dihang nadungog kini sa mga sundalo, napulihan ug kasubo ang ilang pagsadya sa ilang kadaogan. 3 Hilom silang mibalik sa lungsod sa Mahanaim, nga daw mga sundalo nga naulawan tungod kay misibog sa pagpakiggira. 4 Gitabonan ni David ang iyang nawong ug mihilak ug kusog, “O Absalom, anak ko, anak ko!”

5 Unya miadto si Joab sa balay sa hari ug miingon, “Gipakaulawan mo karong adlawa ang imong mga tawo nga nagluwas sa imong kinabuhi ug sa kinabuhi sa imong mga anak ug mga asawa. 6 Gimahal mo ang nakigbatok kanimo, ug gikontra mo ang nagmahal kanimo. Dayag nga gipakawalay-bili nimo ang imong mga opisyal ug mga tawo. Nasabtan ko nga mas malipay ka pa kon buhi si Absalom ug kaming tanan ang namatay. 7 Busa karon, gawas, ug pasalamati ang imong mga tawo. Kay kon dili, ipanumpa ko sa Ginoo nga walay usa kanila nga mahibilin uban kanimo niining gabhiona. Ug mao unya kini ang labing daotan nga mahitabo kanimo sukad sa imong pagkabatan-on hangtod karon.” 8 Busa mitindog si David ug milingkod sa may pultahan sa lungsod. Sa dihang nahibaloan kini sa mga tawo, miduol silang tanan kaniya.

Mibalik si David sa Jerusalem

Sa laing bahin, ang mga sundalo sa Israel nga dapig kang Absalom, miikyas na ngadto sa ilang mga pinuy-anan. 9 Nanggilalis ang mga tawo sa tibuok Israel. Nagaingon sila, “Giluwas kita ni Haring David sa atong mga kaaway nga mga Filistihanon, apan mibiya siya gikan sa atong nasod tungod kang Absalom. 10 Namatay sa panag-away si Absalom nga atong gipili nga mangulo kanato. Nganong dili man kita mangitag paagi nga mapabalik si Haring David ingon nga hari?”

11-12 Sa dihang nabalitaan ni Haring David ang ilang gihisgotan, nagpadala siyag mensahe sa mga pari nga si Zadok ug si Abiatar, nga nagaingon, “Isulti ninyo kini ngadto sa mga tigdumala sa Juda: ‘Nabalitaan ko nga gusto sa inyong mga lumulupyo nga ibalik ako ingon nga hari. Nganong naulahi man kamo sa pagpabalik kanako ingon nga hari? Dili ba mga paryente ko man kamo ug mga kadugo ko pa gayod?’ 13 Ug isulti usab ninyo kini ngadto kang Amasa, ‘Tungod kay kadugo ko ikaw, himuon ko ikaw nga komander sa akong mga sundalo puli kang Joab. Kon dili ko kini himuon, hinaut nga silotan ako sa Dios sa labihan gayod.’ ”

14 Nakombinse ang tanang taga-Juda ug nagkahiusa sila sa ilang desisyon. Nagpadala silag mensahe ngadto kang David nga nagaingon, “Balik na dinhi kanamo uban sa tanan mong mga tawo.”

15 Busa mibalik si David. Ug sa pag-abot niya sa Suba sa Jordan, gitagbo siya sa taga-Juda nga miadto didto sa Gilgal sa pagtabang kaniya sa pagtabok sa suba. 16 Midali-dali usab pag-uban sa pagtagbo kang David si Shimei nga anak ni Gera, nga usa ka Benjaminhon nga gikan sa Bahurim. 17 May kauban siyang 1,000 ka mga Benjaminhon, apil na niini si Ziba nga alagad sa pamilya ni Saul, ug ang iyang 15 ka mga anak nga lalaki ug 20 ka sulugoon. Midali-dali gayod sila sa pagtagbo kang David didto sa Suba sa Jordan. 18 Gitabangan nilang tanan si David ug ang iyang panimalay sa pagtabok sa suba, ug gituman nila ang tanang gipabuhat ni David.

Ang Kaayo ni David kang Shimei

Sa dihang motabok na si David sa Suba sa Jordan, miluhod si Shimei sa iyang atubangan 19 ug miingon siya, “Mahal nga hari, pasayloa ako. Hinaut nga kalimtan mo na ang akong daotang gihimo kanimo sa dihang mibiya ka sa Jerusalem. 20 Nasayod ko nga nakasala gayod ako, Mahal nga Hari. Mao gani nga una gayod akong mianhi dinhi kay sa ubang mga tribo sa amihan[a] aron sa pagtagbo kanimo.”

21 Unya miingon si Abishai nga anak ni Zeruya, “Dili ba nga angay mang patyon si Shimei tungod kay gipanghimaraot niya ang hari nga pinili sa Ginoo?” 22 Apan miingon si David, “Kamong mga anak ni Zeruya, unsay inyong labot? Mora kamog akong mga kaaway! Ayaw ninyog supaka ang akong hukom. Ako na karon ang hari sa Israel, ug walay tawo nga pagapatyon karong adlawa.” 23 Busa miingon si David kang Shimei, “Ipanumpa ko nga dili ka patyon.”

24-25 Miadto usab didto si Mefiboshet nga apo ni Saul sa pagtagbo kang David. Gikan siya sa Jerusalem. Wala siya makapanghimasa sa iyang tiil, wala makapamalbas, ug wala usab makailis sa iyang bisti sukad sa pagbiya ni David sa Jerusalem hangtod nga nahibalik kini nga luwas sa kakuyaw. Sa pag-abot niya didto, gipangutana siya ni David, “Mefiboshet, nganong wala ka man mouban kanako?” 26 Mitubag siya, “Mahal nga Hari, nahibalo ka nga bakol ako. Giingnan ko ang akong sulugoon nga si Ziba nga andamon ang akong asno aron makasakay ako ug makauban kanimo. Apan gilimbongan niya ako, 27 ug gibutang-butangan niya ako kanimo pinaagi sa pag-ingon nga kuno dili ako mouban. Apan nahibalo ka sa tinuod kay sama ikaw sa anghel sa Dios. Busa himoa ang giisip mong maayo. 28 Angay lang unta nga patyon mo ang tanang kaliwat sa akong lolo, apan gihatagan mo ako nga imong alagad ug pabor nga mokaon uban kanimo. Busa unsa may akong katungod sa pagpangayo kanimo ug pabor?” 29 Miingon si David kaniya, “Husto na kana. Nakahukom na ako nga tungaon ninyo ni Ziba ang yuta ni Saul.” 30 Miingon si Mefiboshet sa hari, “Ihatag na lang kaniya ang tanan. Alang kanako kontento na ako nga nakauli ka nga luwas sa kakuyaw.”

Ang Kaayo ni David kang Barzilai

31 Miadto usab kang David si Barzilai nga taga-Gilead gikan sa Rogelim. Gusto usab siyang motabang sa pagtabok nila ni David sa Suba sa Jordan. 32 Tigulang na si Barzilai; 80 na ang iyang edad. Adunahan kaayo siya, ug siya ang naghatag sa mga kinahanglanon ni David sa dihang didto pa kini magpuyo sa Mahanaim. 33 Miingon si David kaniya, “Tabok uban kanako ug puyo sa Jerusalem. Ako ang bahala kanimo didto.” 34 Apan mitubag si Barzilai, “Dili na ako magdugay, nganong mouban pa man ako kanimo sa Jerusalem? 35 80 na ka tuig ako karon, ug dili na ako makahibalo kon unsay maanindot ug dili. Dili na ako makatagamtam sa kalami sa akong kaonon ug imnon. Dili na ako makadungog sa mga mag-aawit. Makasagabal lang ako kanimo, Mahal nga Hari. 36 Gusto lang akong mouban sa paghatod kanimo tabok sa Jordan, nganong gantihan mo man ako ug sama niana? 37 Tugoti na lang ako sa pagpauli, aron adto ako mamatay sa akong kaugalingong lungsod, diin gilubong ang akong ginikanan. Apan ania ang akong anak nga si Kimham nga moalagad kanimo. Dad-a siya, ug himoa kaniya ang gihunahuna mo nga maayo.” 38 Mitubag ang hari, “Paubanon ko siya kanako ug himuon ko kaniya ang bisan unsa nga maayo alang kanimo. Himuon ko usab alang kanimo ang bisan unsa nga ihangyo mo kanako.” 39 Gigakos ni David si Barzilai ug gipanalanginan. Unya mitabok si David ug ang tanan niyang tawo sa Suba sa Jordan. Ug mipauli si Barzilai sa iyang balay.

40 Mipadayon si David ngadto sa Gilgal uban si Kimham ug ang tanang sundalo sa Juda ug ang katunga sa sundalo sa Israel nga mikuyog kaniya pagtabok.

41 Unya, miadto kang David ang mga sundalo sa Israel ug mireklamo kon nganong ang mga taga-Juda nga ilang kadugo ang nangunay sa pagpatabok kaniya ug sa iyang panimalay, ug sa tanan niyang tawo. 42 Mitubag ang mga sundalo sa Juda sa mga taga-Israel, “Gihimo namo kini tungod kay ang hari among duol nga paryente. Busa nganong mangasuko man kamo? Ngano, nakadawat ba kami ug pagkaon o bisan unsa nga gasa gikan kaniya? Wala gayod!” 43 Mitubag ang mga sundalo sa Israel, “Napulo kami ka tribo sa Israel, busa mas dako ang among katungod sa hari kay kaninyo. Nganong gitamay man ninyo kami? Dili ba nga kami man ang unang miingon nga pabalikon nato ang atong hari?” Apan dili palupig ang mga taga-Juda, ug sakit silang manubag sa mga taga-Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 19:20 kay sa ubang mga tribo sa amihan: sa literal, sa tibuok panimalay ni Jose.
Listen to 2 Samuel 19
Close KJV

2 Samuel 19
King James Version

19 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.

3 And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and 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 princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

8 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. 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 And all the people were at strife 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. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

11 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.

12 Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

13 And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

14 And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.

15 So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.

16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

17 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

18 And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

19 And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.

20 For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death 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 ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death 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 die. And the king sware unto him.

24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

26 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.

27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

28 For all of my father's house were but 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 any more unto the king?

29 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

31 And 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 very great man.

33 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

39 And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

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 Jordan?

42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?

43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

Listen to 2 Samuel 19
Close NIV

2 Samuel 19
New International Version

19 [a]Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.”(A)

8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,(B)” they all came before him.

Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

David Returns to Jerusalem

9 Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines.(C) But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom;(D) 10 and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

11 King David sent this message to Zadok(E) and Abiathar, the priests: “Ask the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? 12 You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa,(F) ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood?(G) May God deal with me, be it ever so severely,(H) if you are not the commander of my army for life in place of Joab.(I)’”

14 He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” 15 Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.

Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal(J) to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. 16 Shimei(K) son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba,(L) the steward of Saul’s household,(M) and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. 18 They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king 19 and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem.(N) May the king put it out of his mind. 20 For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”

21 Then Abishai(O) son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed(P) the Lord’s anointed.”(Q)

22 David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?(R) What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today?(S) Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath.(T)

24 Mephibosheth,(U) Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. 25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me,(V) Mephibosheth?”

26 He said, “My lord the king, since I your servant am lame,(W) I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.’ But Ziba(X) my servant betrayed me. 27 And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel(Y) of God; so do whatever you wish. 28 All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death(Z) from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table.(AA) So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?”

29 The king said to him, “Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.”

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.”

31 Barzillai(AB) the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there. 32 Now Barzillai was very old, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy(AC) man. 33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you.”

34 But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35 I am now eighty(AD) years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers?(AE) Why should your servant be an added(AF) burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? 37 Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father(AG) and mother. But here is your servant Kimham.(AH) Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish.”

38 The king said, “Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever you wish. And anything you desire from me I will do for you.”

39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and bid him farewell,(AI) and Barzillai returned to his home.

40 When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over.

41 Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?”(AJ)

42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king’s provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?”

43 Then the men of Israel(AK) answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king; so we have a greater claim on David than you have. Why then do you treat us with contempt? Weren’t we the first to speak of bringing back our king?”

But the men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 19:1 In Hebrew texts 19:1-43 is numbered 19:2-44.
Listen to 2 Samuel 19
Close NKJV

2 Samuel 19
New King James Version

David Returns to Jerusalem

19 And Joab was told, “Behold, the king is weeping and (A)mourning for Absalom.” 2 So the victory that day was turned into (B)mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” 3 And the people [a]stole back (C)into the city that day, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 4 But the king (D)covered his face, and the king cried out with a loud voice, (E)“O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 Then (F)Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines, 6 in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you [b]regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well. 7 Now therefore, arise, go out and speak [c]comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.” 8 Then the king arose and sat in the (G)gate. And they told all the people, saying, “There is the king, sitting in the gate.” So all the people came before the king.

For everyone of Israel had (H)fled to his tent.

David Returns to Jerusalem

9 Now all the people were in a dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king saved us from the hand of our (I)enemies, he delivered us from the hand of the (J)Philistines, and now he has (K)fled from the land because of Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now therefore, why do you say nothing about bringing back the king?”

11 So King David sent to (L)Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house, since the words of all Israel have come to the king, to his very house? 12 You are my brethren, you are (M)my bone and my flesh. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?’ 13 (N)And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? (O)God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of the army before me [d]continually in place of Joab.’ ” 14 So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, (P)just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants!”

15 Then the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to (Q)Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to escort the king (R)across the Jordan. 16 And (S)Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, who was from Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 There were a thousand men of (T)Benjamin with him, and (U)Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over the Jordan before the king. 18 Then a ferryboat went across to carry over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good.

David’s Mercy to Shimei

Now Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king when he had crossed the Jordan. 19 Then he said to the king, (V)“Do not let my lord [e]impute iniquity to me, or remember what (W)wrong your servant did on the day that my lord the king left Jerusalem, that the king should (X)take it to heart. 20 For I, your servant, know that I have sinned. Therefore here I am, the first to come today of all (Y)the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.”

21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, (Z)because he (AA)cursed the Lord’s anointed?”

22 And David said, (AB)“What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? (AC)Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 Therefore (AD)the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him.

David and Mephibosheth Meet

24 Now (AE)Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. And he had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he returned in peace. 25 So it was, when he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, (AF)“Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”

26 And he answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go to the king,’ because your servant is lame. 27 And (AG)he has slandered your servant to my lord the king, (AH)but my lord the king is like the angel of God. Therefore do what is good in your eyes. 28 For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king. (AI)Yet you set your servant among those who eat at your own table. Therefore what right have I still to [f]cry out anymore to the king?”

29 So the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.’ ”

30 Then Mephibosheth said to the king, “Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house.”

David’s Kindness to Barzillai

31 And (AJ)Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan. 32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And (AK)he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come across with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem.”

34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am today (AL)eighty years old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way across the Jordan with the king. And why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant (AM)Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you.”

38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you. Now whatever you request of me, I will do for you.” 39 Then all the people went over the Jordan. And when the king had crossed over, the king (AN)kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place.

The Quarrel About the King

40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and [g]Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel. 41 Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, “Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and (AO)brought the king, his household, and all David’s men with him across the Jordan?”

42 So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is (AP)a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?”

43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, “We have (AQ)ten shares in the king; therefore we also have more right to David than you. Why then do you despise us—were we not the first to advise bringing back our king?”

Yet (AR)the words of the men of Judah were [h]fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 19:3 went by stealth
  2. 2 Samuel 19:6 have no respect for
  3. 2 Samuel 19:7 Lit. to the heart of
  4. 2 Samuel 19:13 permanently
  5. 2 Samuel 19:19 charge me with iniquity
  6. 2 Samuel 19:28 complain
  7. 2 Samuel 19:40 MT Chimhan
  8. 2 Samuel 19:43 harsher
Next
2 Samuel 18
2 Samuel 20
Next
dropdown
Darby Translation (DARBY)

Public Domain (Why are modern Bible translations copyrighted?)

Ang Pulong Sa Dios (APSD-CEB)

Ang Pulong Sa Dios (Cebuano New Testament) Copyright © 1988, 2001 by International Bible Society® Used by Permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

July Summer Surge

More on the NIV

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Learn the Bible in 30 days