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2 Samuel 19
1599 Geneva Bible

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.

1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the King weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

2 Therefore the [a]victory 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 [b]secretly, as people confounded hide themselves when they flee in battle.

4 So the King [c]hid his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, My son Absalom, Absalom my son, my son.

5 ¶ Then Joab came into the [d]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 thy [e]princes, nor servants: therefore this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and we all had died this day, that then it would have [f]pleased thee well.

7 Now therefore up, come out, and speak [g]comfortably 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 [h]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 ¶ Then all the people were at [i]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: therefore why are ye so slow to bring the king again?

11 But King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the [j]Priests, saying, Speak unto the Elders of Judah, 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 [k]room 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 [l]Shimei 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 (A)Ziba 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 (B)wickedness unto me, nor remember the thing that thy servant did [m]wickedly 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 [n]Joseph, 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 [o]die, and the king swore unto him.

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 [p]he 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 (C)accused thy servant unto my lord the king: but my lord the king is as an [q]angel of God: do therefore thy pleasure.

28 For all my father’s house were [r]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 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 [s]lands.

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, [t]How 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 [u]burthen 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?

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 [v]Chimham, 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 [w]require 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 [x]blessed him, and he returned unto his own place.

40 ¶ Then the King went to [y]Gilgal, and Chimham went with him, and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of [z]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 [aa]Jordan?

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 [ab]that 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.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 19:2 Hebrew, salvation, or deliverance.
  2. 2 Samuel 19:3 Or, by stealth.
  3. 2 Samuel 19:4 As they do that mourn.
  4. 2 Samuel 19:5 At Mahanaim.
  5. 2 Samuel 19:6 Or, captains.
  6. 2 Samuel 19:6 Hebrew, been right in thine eyes.
  7. 2 Samuel 19:7 Hebrew, to the heart of thy servant.
  8. 2 Samuel 19:8 Where the most resort of the people haunted.
  9. 2 Samuel 19:9 Everyone blamed another and strove who should first bring him home.
  10. 2 Samuel 19:11 That they should reprove the negligence of the Elders, seeing the people were so forward.
  11. 2 Samuel 19:13 By this policy David thought that by winning of the captain, he should have the hearts of all the people.
  12. 2 Samuel 19:16 Who had before reviled him, 2 Sam. 16:13.
  13. 2 Samuel 19:19 For in his adversity he was his most cruel enemy, and now in his prosperity, seeketh by flattery to creep into favor.
  14. 2 Samuel 19:20 By Joseph he meaneth Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin (whereof he was) because these three were under one standard, Num. 2:18.
  15. 2 Samuel 19:23 By my hands, or during my life, as read 1 Kings 2:8, 9.
  16. 2 Samuel 19:25 When Mephibosheth being at Jerusalem had met the King.
  17. 2 Samuel 19:27 Able for his wisdom to judge in all matters.
  18. 2 Samuel 19:28 Worthy to die for Saul’s cruelty toward thee.
  19. 2 Samuel 19:29 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.
  20. 2 Samuel 19:34 Hebrew, how many days are the years of my life?
  21. 2 Samuel 19:35 He thought it not meet to receive benefits of him to whom he was not able to do service again.
  22. 2 Samuel 19:37 My son.
  23. 2 Samuel 19:38 Or, choose.
  24. 2 Samuel 19:39 Or, bade him farewell.
  25. 2 Samuel 19:40 Where the tribe of Judah tarried to receive him.
  26. 2 Samuel 19:40 Which had taken part with the King.
  27. 2 Samuel 19:41 Toward Jerusalem.
  28. 2 Samuel 19:43 Or, have not we first spoken to bring home the King? verse 11.
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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
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2 Samuel 19
English Standard Version

Joab Rebukes David

19 It was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, for the people heard that day, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle. 4 The king (A)covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, (B)“O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, 6 because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased. 7 Now therefore arise, go out and speak (C)kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” 8 Then the king arose and took his (D)seat in the gate. And the people were all told, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” And all the people came before the king.

David Returns to Jerusalem

Now Israel had (E)fled every man to his own home. 9 And all the people were arguing throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, (F)“The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and (G)saved us from the hand of the Philistines, and now (H)he has fled out of the land from Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

11 And King David sent this message to (I)Zadok and Abiathar the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house, when the word of all Israel has come to the king?[a] 12 You are my brothers; (J)you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa, (K)‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? (L)God do so to me and more also, if you are not (M)commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’” 14 And he swayed the heart of all the men of Judah (N)as one man, so that they sent word to the king, “Return, both you and all your servants.” 15 So the king came back to the Jordan, and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king over the Jordan.

David Pardons His Enemies

16 And (O)Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, from Bahurim, hurried to come down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 And with him were a thousand men from Benjamin. And (P)Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, with his fifteen sons and his twenty servants, rushed down to the Jordan before the king, 18 and they crossed the ford to bring over the king's household and to do his pleasure. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was about to cross the Jordan, 19 and said to the king, (Q)“Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your servant (R)did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. Do not let the king take it to heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, behold, I have come this day, the first (S)of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” 21 Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because (T)he cursed the Lord's anointed?” 22 But David said, (U)“What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? (V)Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” 23 (W)And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath.

24 And (X)Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. 25 And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, (Y)“Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself,[b] that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For (Z)your servant is lame. 27 (AA)He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is (AB)like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you. 28 For all my father's house were but men doomed to death before my lord the king, but (AC)you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to cry to the king?” 29 And the king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” 30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.”

31 Now (AD)Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan. 32 Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. (AE)He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” 34 But Barzillai said to the king, (AF)“How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day (AG)eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be (AH)an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant (AI)Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.” 38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you.” 39 Then all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. And (AJ)the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home. 40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. All the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel, brought the king on his way.

41 Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and (AK)brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?” 42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is (AL)our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?” 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have (AM)ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” (AN)But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 19:11 Septuagint; Hebrew to the king, to his house
  2. 2 Samuel 19:26 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate Saddle a donkey for me
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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.
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2 Samuel 19
Nueva Biblia de las Américas

Joab reprende a David

19 Entonces dieron aviso a Joab: «El rey está llorando y se lamenta por Absalón(A)». 2 Y la victoria[a] aquel día se convirtió en duelo para todo el pueblo, porque el pueblo oyó decir aquel día: «El rey está entristecido por su hijo». 3 Aquel día el pueblo entró calladamente en la ciudad, como pueblo que humillado, entra a escondidas cuando huye de la batalla. 4 Y el rey con su rostro cubierto, clamaba[b](B) en alta voz: «¡Oh hijo mío Absalón, oh Absalón, hijo mío, hijo mío(C)!».

5 Entonces Joab entró en la casa del rey, y dijo: «Hoy usted ha cubierto de vergüenza el rostro de todos sus siervos que han salvado hoy su vida, la vida de sus hijos e hijas, la vida de sus mujeres y la vida de sus concubinas, 6 al amar a aquellos que lo odian y al odiar a aquellos que lo aman. Pues hoy ha demostrado que príncipes[c] y siervos no son nada para usted; porque ahora en este día sé que si Absalón estuviera vivo y todos nosotros hoy estuviéramos muertos, entonces usted estaría complacido[d]. 7 Ahora pues, levántese, salga y hable bondadosamente a[e] sus siervos, porque juro por el Señor que si no sale, ciertamente ni un solo hombre(D) pasará la noche con usted, y esto le será peor que todo el mal que ha venido sobre usted desde su juventud hasta ahora». 8 Entonces el rey se levantó y se sentó a la puerta. Y cuando avisaron a todo el pueblo, diciendo: «Miren, el rey está sentado a la puerta(E)», entonces todo el pueblo vino delante del rey.

David regresa a Jerusalén

Pero los de Israel habían huido, cada uno a su tienda(F). 9 Y todo el pueblo reñía en todas las tribus de Israel, diciendo: «El rey nos ha librado de mano[f] de nuestros enemigos y nos ha salvado de mano[g] de los filisteos(G), pero ahora ha huido de la tierra por causa de Absalón(H). 10 Sin embargo, Absalón, a quien ungimos sobre nosotros, ha muerto en combate. Ahora pues, ¿por qué guardan silencio respecto a restaurar al rey?».

11 Entonces el rey David envió mensaje a los sacerdotes Sadoc y Abiatar(I) y dijo: «Hablen a los ancianos de Judá, y díganles: “¿Por qué son los últimos en hacer volver al rey a su casa, ya que la palabra de todo Israel ha llegado al rey, a su casa? 12 Ustedes son mis hermanos; mi hueso y mi carne son(J). ¿Por qué, pues, son los últimos en hacer volver al rey?”. 13 Y díganle a Amasa(K): “¿No eres hueso mío y carne mía(L)? Así haga Dios conmigo y aun más si no has de ser comandante del ejército(M) delante de mí para siempre en lugar de Joab(N)”». 14 Así inclinó el corazón de todos los hombres de Judá como el de un solo hombre(O), y enviaron palabra al rey, diciendo: «Regresa, tú y todos tus siervos». 15 Volvió el rey y llegó hasta el Jordán. Y Judá vino a Gilgal para ir al encuentro del rey(P), para conducir al rey al otro lado del Jordán.

16 Entonces Simei, hijo de Gera, el benjamita que era de Bahurim, se dio prisa y descendió con los hombres de Judá al encuentro del rey David(Q). 17 Con él había 1,000 hombres de Benjamín, y Siba, siervo(R) de la casa de Saúl, y con él sus quince hijos y sus veinte siervos; y se apresuraron a pasar el Jordán delante del rey. 18 Y seguían cruzando el vado para pasar a toda la casa del rey, y hacer lo que le pareciera bien[h]. Y Simei, hijo de Gera, se postró ante el rey cuando este iba a pasar el Jordán. 19 Y dijo al rey: «No me considere culpable(S) mi señor, ni se acuerde del mal que su siervo hizo el día en que mi señor el rey salió de Jerusalén. Que el rey no lo guarde en su corazón. 20 Pues yo su siervo reconozco que he pecado; por tanto, hoy he venido, el primero de toda la casa de José, para descender al encuentro de mi señor el rey(T)». 21 Pero Abisai, hijo de Sarvia, respondió: «¿No ha de morir Simei por esto(U), porque maldijo al ungido del Señor(V)?». 22 Entonces David dijo: «¿Qué tengo yo que ver con ustedes, hijos de Sarvia(W), para que en este día me sean adversarios? ¿Ha de morir hoy hombre alguno en Israel(X)? ¿Acaso no sé que hoy soy rey sobre Israel?». 23 Y el rey dijo a Simei: «No morirás». Así el rey se lo juró(Y).

24 También Mefiboset, nieto de Saúl, descendió al encuentro del rey(Z); y no se había aseado[i] los pies, ni recortado[j] el bigote, ni lavado la ropa(AA), desde el día en que el rey se marchó hasta el día en que volvió en paz. 25 Y cuando vino de Jerusalén al encuentro del rey, este[k] le dijo: «¿Por qué no fuiste(AB) conmigo, Mefiboset?». 26 Y él respondió: «Oh rey, señor mío, mi siervo me engañó; pues su siervo se dijo: “Me aparejaré un asno para montar en él e ir con el rey”, porque su siervo es cojo(AC). 27 Además, ha calumniado a su siervo ante mi señor el rey(AD); pero mi señor el rey es como el ángel de Dios; haga, pues, lo que le parezca bien(AE). 28 Porque toda la casa de mi padre no era más que hombres muertos ante mi señor el rey(AF). Con todo, puso a su siervo entre los que comían a su propia mesa(AG). ¿Qué derecho tengo todavía para quejarme[l] más al rey?». 29 Y el rey le dijo: «¿Por qué sigues hablando de tus asuntos? Yo he decidido[m]: “Tú y Siba se repartirán las tierras”». 30 «Que él las tome todas, ya que mi señor el rey ha vuelto en paz a su propia casa», dijo Mefiboset al rey.

31 Barzilai el galaadita también había descendido de Rogelim(AH), y había cruzado el Jordán con el rey para despedirlo en el Jordán. 32 Barzilai era muy anciano, de ochenta años, y había dado provisiones al rey mientras este permanecía en Mahanaim(AI), porque era hombre muy poderoso[n]. 33 Y el rey dijo a Barzilai: «Pasa conmigo y yo te sustentaré[o] junto a mí en Jerusalén». 34 Pero Barzilai respondió al rey: «¿Cuánto tiempo me queda de vida[p](AJ) para que yo suba con el rey a Jerusalén? 35 Ahora tengo[q] ochenta años(AK). ¿Puedo distinguir entre lo bueno y lo malo? ¿Puede su siervo saborear lo que come o bebe? ¿Puede oír aún la voz de los cantores o de las cantoras(AL)? ¿Por qué, pues, ha de ser su siervo otra carga más para mi señor el rey(AM)? 36 Su siervo no haría más que pasar el Jordán con el rey. ¿Por qué ha de concederme el rey esta recompensa? 37 Permita que su siervo vuelva, para morir en mi ciudad junto al sepulcro de mi padre y de mi madre. Sin embargo, aquí tiene a su siervo Quimam(AN); que pase él con mi señor el rey, y haz por él lo que le parezca bien». 38 Y el rey respondió: «Quimam pasará conmigo, y haré por él lo que te parezca bien; y todo lo que me pidas[r], lo haré por ti». 39 Todo el pueblo pasó el Jordán y el rey también pasó. Entonces el rey besó a Barzilai y lo bendijo, y este regresó a su lugar(AO).

40 El rey siguió hasta Gilgal y Quimam fue con él; y todo el pueblo de Judá y también la mitad del pueblo de Israel acompañaban al[s] rey(AP). 41 Y todos los hombres de Israel vinieron al rey y le dijeron[t](AQ): «¿Por qué te han secuestrado nuestros hermanos(AR), los hombres de Judá, y han hecho pasar el Jordán al rey y a su casa, y a todos los hombres de David con él?». 42 Entonces todos los hombres de Judá respondieron a los hombres de Israel: «Porque el rey es pariente cercano nuestro[u](AS). ¿Por qué, pues, están enojados por esto?[v] ¿Acaso hemos comido algo a costa del rey, o se nos ha dado algo[w]?». 43 Pero los hombres de Israel respondieron[x] a los hombres de Judá: «Nosotros tenemos diez partes(AT) en el rey, y por eso también tenemos más derecho que ustedes sobre David. ¿Por qué, pues, nos han despreciado? ¿No fue nuestro consejo[y] el primero que se dio para hacer volver a nuestro rey?». Pero las palabras de los hombres de Judá fueron más duras que las palabras de los hombres de Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 19:2 Lit. la salvación.
  2. 19:4 Lit. y el rey clamó.
  3. 19:6 O jefes.
  4. 19:6 Lit. porque entonces estaría bien ante tus ojos.
  5. 19:7 Lit. al corazón de.
  6. 19:9 Lit. la palma.
  7. 19:9 Lit. la palma.
  8. 19:18 Lit. lo bueno ante sus ojos.
  9. 19:24 Lit. hecho.
  10. 19:24 Lit. hecho.
  11. 19:25 Lit. y el rey.
  12. 19:28 Lit. clamar.
  13. 19:29 Lit. dicho.
  14. 19:32 O grande, o rico.
  15. 19:33 O proveeré alimentos para ti.
  16. 19:34 Lit. ¿Cuántos son los días de los años de mi vida.
  17. 19:35 Lit. Hoy.
  18. 19:38 Lit. lo que escojas de mí.
  19. 19:40 Lit. pasaban con el.
  20. 19:41 Lit. y dijeron al rey.
  21. 19:42 Lit. mío.
  22. 19:42 Lit. esto es algo que te quema?
  23. 19:42 O se ha tomado regalo para nosotros.
  24. 19:43 Lit. respondió; en el resto del vers.; los verbos y formas pronominales son también singular en Heb.
  25. 19:43 Lit. palabra.
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