Save Me, O My God

A Psalm of David, (A)when he fled from Absalom his son.

O Lord, (B)how many are my foes!
    Many are (C)rising against me;
many are saying of my soul,
    (D)“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah[a]

But you, O Lord, are (E)a shield (F)about me,
    my glory, and (G)the lifter of my head.
I (H)cried aloud to the Lord,
    and he (I)answered me from his (J)holy hill. Selah

I (K)lay down and slept;
    I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
I (L)will not be afraid of many thousands of people
    who have (M)set themselves against me all around.

(N)Arise, O Lord!
    Save me, O my God!
For you (O)strike all my enemies on the cheek;
    you (P)break the teeth of the wicked.

(Q)Salvation belongs to the Lord;
    your blessing be on your people! Selah

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 3:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word Selah, used frequently in the Psalms, is uncertain. It may be a musical or liturgical direction

Psalm 3

Confidence in Troubled Times

A psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom.(A)

Lord, how my foes increase!
There are many who attack me.(B)
Many say about me,
“There is no help for him in God.”(C)Selah

But You, Lord, are a shield around me,(D)
my glory,(E) and the One who lifts up my head.(F)
I cry aloud to the Lord,
and He answers me from His holy mountain.(G)Selah

I lie down and sleep;
I wake again because the Lord sustains me.(H)
I am not afraid of the thousands of people
who have taken their stand against me on every side.(I)

Rise up, Lord!(J)
Save me, my God!
You strike all my enemies on the cheek;(K)
You break the teeth of the wicked.(L)
Salvation belongs to the Lord;(M)
may Your blessing be on Your people.(N)Selah

Absalom's Conspiracy

15 After this Absalom (A)got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside (B)the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.” Then Absalom would say, (C)“Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.” And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

And at the end of four[a] years Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the Lord, in Hebron. For your servant (D)vowed a vow (E)while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If the Lord will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship to[b] the Lord.’” The king said to him, (F)“Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron. 10 But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom is king at Hebron!’” 11 With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem (G)who were invited guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing. 12 And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for[c] (H)Ahithophel the Gilonite, (I)David's counselor, from his city (J)Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom (K)kept increasing.

David Flees Jerusalem

13 And a messenger came to David, saying, (L)“The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” 14 Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us (M)flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” 15 And the king's servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king decides.” 16 So the king went out, and all his household after him. And the king left (N)ten concubines to keep the house. 17 And the king went out, and all the people after him. And they halted at the last house.

18 And (O)all his servants passed by him, and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the six hundred Gittites who had followed him from (P)Gath, passed on before the king. 19 Then the king said to (Q)Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home. 20 You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go (R)I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the Lord show[d] steadfast love and faithfulness to you.” 21 But Ittai answered the king, (S)“As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, (T)wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” 22 And David said to Ittai, “Go then, pass on.” So Ittai the Gittite passed on with all his men and all the little ones who were with him. 23 And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed (U)the brook (V)Kidron, and all the people passed on toward (W)the wilderness.

24 And (X)Abiathar came up, and behold, (Y)Zadok came also with all the Levites, (Z)bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God until the people had all passed out of the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will (AA)bring me back and let me see both it and his (AB)dwelling place. 26 But if he says, ‘I have no (AC)pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, (AD)let him do to me what seems good to him.” 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a (AE)seer? Go back[e] to the city in peace, with (AF)your two sons, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will wait at (AG)the fords of (AH)the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem, and they remained there.

30 But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, (AI)barefoot and (AJ)with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, (AK)weeping as they went. 31 And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, please (AL)turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

32 While David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai (AM)the Archite came to meet him (AN)with his coat torn and (AO)dirt on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be (AP)a burden to me. 34 But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, (AQ)‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. 35 Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So whatever you hear from the king's house, (AR)tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, (AS)their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son, (AT)and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.” 37 So Hushai, (AU)David's friend, came into the city, (AV)just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.

David and Ziba

16 When David had passed a little beyond (AW)the summit, (AX)Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, bearing two hundred loaves of bread, (AY)a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred of summer fruits, and a skin of wine. And the king said to Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, (AZ)“The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who (BA)faint in the wilderness to drink.” And the king said, “And where is your master's son?” (BB)Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.’” Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”

Shimei Curses David

When King David came to (BC)Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was (BD)Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came (BE)he cursed continually. And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. And Shimei said as he (BF)cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! The Lord (BG)has avenged on you all (BH)the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”

Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this (BI)dead dog (BJ)curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” 10 But the king said, (BK)“What have I to do with you, (BL)you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, (BM)my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me,[f] and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.” 13 So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and (BN)cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust. 14 And the king, and all the people who were with him, (BO)arrived weary at the Jordan.[g] And there he refreshed himself.

Absalom Enters Jerusalem

15 (BP)Now Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 And when Hushai the Archite, (BQ)David's friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, (BR)“Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? (BS)Why did you not go with your friend?” 18 And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, for whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. 19 And again, (BT)whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? As I have served your father, so I will serve you.”

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel. What shall we do?” 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to (BU)your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and (BV)the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom (BW)on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father's concubines (BX)in the sight of all Israel. 23 Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, (BY)both by David and by Absalom.

Hushai Saves David

17 Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. I will come upon him while he is (BZ)weary and discouraged and throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. (CA)I will strike down only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man,[h] and all the people will be at peace.” And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

Then Absalom said, “Call (CB)Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say.” And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Thus has Ahithophel spoken; shall we do as he says? If not, you speak.” Then Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good.” Hushai said, “You know that your father and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged,[i] (CC)like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Besides, your father is expert in war; he will not spend the night with the people. Behold, even now he has hidden himself in one of the pits or in some other place. And as soon as some of the people fall[j] at the first attack, whoever hears it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then even the valiant man, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will utterly (CD)melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and that those who are with him are valiant men. 11 But my counsel is that all Israel be gathered to you, (CE)from Dan to Beersheba, (CF)as the sand by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person. 12 So we shall come upon him in some place where he is to be found, and we shall light upon him as the dew falls on the ground, and of him and all the men with him not one will be left. 13 If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we shall drag it into the valley, until not even a pebble is to be found there.” 14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” (CG)For the Lord had ordained[k] to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.

15 (CH)Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and so did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so have I counseled. 16 Now therefore send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not stay tonight at (CI)the fords of the wilderness, but by all means pass over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be (CJ)swallowed up.’” 17 Now (CK)Jonathan and Ahimaaz were waiting at (CL)En-rogel. A female servant was to go and tell them, and they were to go and tell King David, for they were not to be seen entering the city. 18 But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So both of them went away quickly and came to the house of a man at (CM)Bahurim, who had a well in his courtyard. And they went down into it. 19 (CN)And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth and scattered grain on it, and nothing was known of it. 20 When Absalom's servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook[l] of water.” And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

21 After they had gone, the men came up out of the well, and went and told King David. They said to David, (CO)“Arise, and go quickly over the water, for thus and so has Ahithophel counseled against you.” 22 Then David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they crossed the Jordan. By daybreak not one was left who had not crossed the Jordan.

23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to (CP)his own city. He (CQ)set his house in order and (CR)hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.

24 Then David came to (CS)Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. 25 Now Absalom had set (CT)Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra the Ishmaelite,[m] who had married Abigal the daughter of (CU)Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother. 26 And Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.

27 When David came to Mahanaim, (CV)Shobi the son of Nahash from (CW)Rabbah of the Ammonites, and (CX)Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and (CY)Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils,[n] 29 honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and (CZ)weary and thirsty (DA)in the wilderness.”

Absalom Killed

18 Then David mustered the men who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. And David sent out the army, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the command of (DB)Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, “I myself will also go out with you.” (DC)But the men said, “You shall not go out. For if we flee, they will not care about us. If half of us die, they will not care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore it is better that you send us help from the city.” The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands. And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” (DD)And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.

So the army went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was fought in the (DE)forest of Ephraim. And the men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the loss there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the face of all the country, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword.

And Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak,[o] (DF)and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was suspended between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on. 10 And a certain man saw it and told Joab, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.” 11 Joab said to the man who told him, “What, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have been glad to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” 12 But the man said to Joab, “Even if I felt in my hand the weight of a thousand pieces of silver, I would not reach out my hand against the king's son, for (DG)in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘For my sake protect the young man Absalom.’ 13 On the other hand, if I had dealt treacherously against his life[p] (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof.” 14 Joab said, “I will not waste time like this with you.” And he took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. 15 And ten young men, Joab's armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him.

16 Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained them. 17 And they took Absalom and threw him into a great pit in the forest and raised over him (DH)a very great heap of stones. And all Israel (DI)fled every one to his own home. 18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself (DJ)the pillar that is in (DK)the King's Valley, for he said, (DL)“I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom's monument[q] to this day.

David Hears of Absalom's Death

19 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, (DM)“Let me run and carry news to the king that (DN)the Lord has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.” 20 And Joab said to him, “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the king's son is dead.” 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed before Joab, and ran. 22 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?” 23 “Come what may,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of (DO)the plain, and outran the Cushite.

24 Now David (DP)was sitting between the two gates, and (DQ)the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. 25 The watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he drew nearer and nearer. 26 The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.” 27 The watchman said, “I think the running of the first is (DR)like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, (DS)“He is a good man and comes with good news.”

28 Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, “All is well.” And he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and said, (DT)“Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.” 29 And the king said, (DU)“Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king's servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.” 30 And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still.

David's Grief

31 And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For (DV)the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.” 32 The king said to the Cushite, (DW)“Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, (DX)“May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” 33 [r] And the king was deeply moved and went up (DY)to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, (DZ)“O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Joab Rebukes David

19 It was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 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.” And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle. The king (EA)covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, (EB)“O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 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, 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. Now therefore arise, go out and speak (EC)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.” Then the king arose and took his (ED)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 (EE)fled every man to his own home. And all the people were arguing throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, (EF)“The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and (EG)saved us from the hand of the Philistines, and now (EH)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 (EI)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?[s] 12 You are my brothers; (EJ)you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa, (EK)‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? (EL)God do so to me and more also, if you are not (EM)commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’” 14 And he swayed the heart of all the men of Judah (EN)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 (EO)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 (EP)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, (EQ)“Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your servant (ER)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 (ES)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 (ET)he cursed the Lord's anointed?” 22 But David said, (EU)“What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? (EV)Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” 23 (EW)And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath.

24 And (EX)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, (EY)“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,[t] that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For (EZ)your servant is lame. 27 (FA)He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is (FB)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 (FC)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 (FD)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. (FE)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, (FF)“How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day (FG)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 (FH)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 (FI)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 (FJ)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 (FK)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 (FL)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 (FM)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?” (FN)But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 15:7 Septuagint, Syriac; Hebrew forty
  2. 2 Samuel 15:8 Or will serve
  3. 2 Samuel 15:12 Or sent
  4. 2 Samuel 15:20 Septuagint; Hebrew lacks may the Lord show
  5. 2 Samuel 15:27 Septuagint The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Look, go back
  6. 2 Samuel 16:12 Septuagint, Vulgate will look upon my affliction
  7. 2 Samuel 16:14 Septuagint; Hebrew lacks at the Jordan
  8. 2 Samuel 17:3 Septuagint; Hebrew back to you. Like the return of the whole is the man whom you seek
  9. 2 Samuel 17:8 Hebrew bitter of soul
  10. 2 Samuel 17:9 Or And as he falls on them
  11. 2 Samuel 17:14 Hebrew commanded
  12. 2 Samuel 17:20 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
  13. 2 Samuel 17:25 Compare 1 Chronicles 2:17; Hebrew Israelite
  14. 2 Samuel 17:28 Hebrew adds and parched grain
  15. 2 Samuel 18:9 Or terebinth; also verses 10, 14
  16. 2 Samuel 18:13 Or at the risk of my life
  17. 2 Samuel 18:18 Or Absalom's hand
  18. 2 Samuel 18:33 Ch 19:1 in Hebrew
  19. 2 Samuel 19:11 Septuagint; Hebrew to the king, to his house
  20. 2 Samuel 19:26 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate Saddle a donkey for me

Absalom’s Revolt

15 After this, Absalom got himself a chariot, horses, and 50 men to run before him.(A) He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate.(B) Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for settlement, Absalom called out to him and asked, “What city are you from?” If he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” Absalom said to him, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king does not have anyone to listen to you.” He added, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice.” When a person approached to bow down to him, Absalom reached out his hand, took hold of him, and kissed him. Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for a settlement. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

When four[a] years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I made to the Lord. For your servant made a vow when I lived in Geshur of Aram,(C) saying: If the Lord really brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord in Hebron.”[b](D)

“Go in peace,” the king said to him.(E) So he went to Hebron.

10 Then Absalom sent messengers throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the ram’s horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom has become king in Hebron!’”(F)

11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Absalom. They had been invited and were going innocently, for they knew nothing about the whole matter. 12 While he was offering the sacrifices, Absalom sent for David’s adviser Ahithophel the Gilonite,(G) from his city of Giloh. So the conspiracy grew strong, and the people supporting Absalom continued to increase.

13 Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”

14 David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Get up. We have to flee, or we will not escape from Absalom!(H) Leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”

15 The king’s servants said to him, “Whatever my lord the king decides, we are your servants.” 16 Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind 10 concubines to take care of the palace. 17 So the king set out, and all the people followed him. They stopped at the last house 18 while all his servants marched past him. Then all the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the Gittites—600 men who came with him from Gath(I)—marched past the king.

19 The king said to Ittai the Gittite,(J) “Why are you also going with us? Go back and stay with the new king since you’re both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. 20 Besides, you only arrived yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I go wherever I can? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness.”

21 But in response, Ittai vowed to the king, “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there!”

22 “March on,” David replied to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and the children who were with him. 23 Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly while all the people were marching past. As the king was crossing the Kidron Valley, all the people were marching past on the road that leads to the desert.

24 Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set the ark of God down, and Abiathar offered sacrifices[c] until the people had finished marching past.(K) 25 Then the king instructed Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city.(L) If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, He will bring me back and allow me to see both it and its dwelling place.(M) 26 However, if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am—He can do with me whatever pleases Him.”[d](N)

27 The king also said to Zadok the priest,(O) “Look,[e] return to the city in peace and your two sons with you: your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. 28 Remember, I’ll wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.

30 David was climbing the slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he ascended. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.(P) Each of the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they ascended.

31 Then someone reported to David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.”

Lord,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”(Q)

32 When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite(R) was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go away with me, you’ll be a burden to me, 34 but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, my king! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. 35 Won’t Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report everything you hear from the king’s palace to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Take note: their two sons, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan, are there with them. Send me everything you hear through them.” 37 So Hushai,(S) David’s personal adviser, entered Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.

Ziba Helps David

16 When David had gone a little beyond the summit,[f] Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant,(T) was right there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with 200 loaves of bread, 100 clusters of raisins, 100 bunches of summer fruit, and a skin of wine. The king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?”

Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those to drink who become exhausted in the desert.”

“Where is your master’s grandson?” the king asked.

“Why, he’s staying in Jerusalem,” Ziba replied to the king, “for he said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore my grandfather’s kingdom to me.’”

The king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!”(U)

“I bow before you,” Ziba said. “May you look favorably on me, my lord the king!”

Shimei Curses David

When King David got to Bahurim, a man belonging to the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera,(V) and he was yelling curses as he approached. He threw stones at David and at all the royal[g] servants, the people and the warriors on David’s right and left. Shimei said as he cursed: “Get out, get out, you worthless murderer! The Lord has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul in whose place you became king, and the Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. Look, you are in trouble because you’re a murderer!”

Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog(W) curse my lord the king?(X) Let me go over and cut his head off!”

10 The king replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything?(Y) He curses(Z) me this way because the Lord[h] told him, ‘Curse David!’ Therefore, who can say, ‘Why did you do that?’” 11 Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood,[i] intends to take my life(AA)—how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the Lord has told him to. 12 Perhaps the Lord will see my affliction[j] and restore goodness to me instead of Shimei’s curses today.” 13 So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei was going along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he cursed David, and threw stones and dirt at him. 14 Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived[k] exhausted, so they rested there.

Absalom’s Advisers

15 Now Absalom and all the Israelites came to Jerusalem. Ahithophel was also with him. 16 When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”(AB)

17 “Is this your loyalty to your friend?” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend?”

18 “Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the Lord, the people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him. 19 Furthermore, whom will I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, I will also serve in yours.”(AC)

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me your advice. What should we do?”

21 Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Sleep with your father’s concubines he left to take care of the palace.(AD) When all Israel hears that you have become repulsive to your father, everyone with you will be encouraged.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.(AE)

23 Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God(AF)—such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice. 17 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight. I will attack him while he is weak and weary, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns except the man you’re seeking, all[l] the people will be at peace.” This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let’s hear what he has to say as well.”

So Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom told him: “Ahithophel offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say?”

Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good.” Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves[m] or some other place. If some of our troops fall[n] first, someone is sure to hear and say, ‘There’s been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion(AG) will melt because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors. 11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba—as numerous as the sand by the sea—be gathered to you and that you personally go into battle. 12 Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. Not even one will be left of all the men with him. 13 If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its stones into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” 14 Since the Lord had decreed(AH) that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined(AI) in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.”

David Informed of Absalom’s Plans

15 Hushai then told the priests Zadok and Abiathar, “This is what[o] Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what[p] I advised. 16 Now send someone quickly and tell David, ‘Don’t spend the night at the wilderness ford of the Jordan,(AJ) but be sure to cross over, or the king and all the people with him will be destroyed.’”

17 Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, because they dared not be seen entering the city. 18 However, a young man did see them and informed Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. 19 Then his wife took the cover, placed it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain on it so nobody would know anything.

20 Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?”

“They passed by toward the water,”[q] the woman replied to them. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.

21 After they had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed out of the well and went and informed King David. They told him, “Get up and immediately ford the river, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” 22 So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one who had not crossed the Jordan. 23 When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He set his affairs in order[r] and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

24 David had arrived at Mahanaim by the time Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. 25 Now Absalom had appointed Amasa(AK) over the army in Joab’s place. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra[s] the Israelite;[t](AL) Ithra had married Abigail daughter of Nahash.[u] Abigail was a sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. 27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash(AM) from Rabbah(AN) of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar,(AO) and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim(AP) 28 brought beds, basins,[v] and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,[w] 29 honey, curds, sheep, and cheese[x] from the herd for David and the people with him to eat. They had reasoned, “The people must be hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the desert.”

Absalom’s Defeat

18 David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of hundreds and of thousands over them. He then sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, “I will also march out with you.”

“You must not go!”(AQ) the people pleaded. “If we have to flee, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth[y] 10,000 of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city.”

“I will do whatever you think is best,” the king replied to them. So he stood beside the gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands. The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the people heard the king’s orders to all the commanders about Absalom.

Then David’s forces marched into the field to engage Israel in battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim. The people of Israel were defeated by David’s soldiers, and the slaughter there was vast that day—20,000 casualties. The battle spread over the entire region, and that day the forest claimed more people than the sword.

Absalom’s Death

Absalom was riding on his mule when he happened to meet David’s soldiers. When the mule went under the tangled branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so he was suspended in midair.[z] 10 One of the men saw him and informed Joab. He said, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!”

11 “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed.[aa] “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you 10 silver pieces[ab] and a belt!”

12 The man replied to Joab, “Even if I had the weight of 1,000 pieces of silver[ac] in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you, Abishai, and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for me.’[ad](AR) 13 If I had jeopardized my own[ae] life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.”

14 Joab said, “I’m not going to waste time with you!” He then took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree, 15 and 10 young men who were Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him.

16 Afterward, Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him.(AS) And all Israel fled, each to his tent.(AT)

18 When he was alive, Absalom had set up a pillar(AU) for himself in the King’s Valley,(AV) for he had said, “I have no son(AW) to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name. It is still called Absalom’s Monument today.

19 Ahimaaz son of Zadok(AX) said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the Lord has delivered him from his enemies.”

20 Joab replied to him, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but today you aren’t taking good news, because the king’s son is dead.” 21 Joab then said to the Cushite, “Go tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.

22 However, Ahimaaz son of Zadok persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!”

Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to run since you won’t get a reward?”

23 “No matter what, I want to run!”

“Then run!” Joab said to him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.

24 David was sitting between the two gates(AY) when the watchman went up to the roof of the gate and over to the wall.(AZ) The watchman looked out and saw a man running alone. 25 He called out and told the king.

The king said, “If he’s alone, he bears good news.”

As the first runner came closer, 26 the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!”

“This one is also bringing good news,” said the king.

27 The watchman said, “The way the first man runs looks to me like the way Ahimaaz son of Zadok runs.”(BA)

“This is a good man; he comes with good news,”(BB) the king commented.

28 Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well,” and then bowed down to the king with his face to the ground. He continued, “May the Lord your God be praised! He delivered up the men who rebelled against my lord the king.”

29 The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?”

Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a big disturbance, but I don’t know what it was.”

30 The king said, “Move aside and stand here.” So he stood to one side.

31 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: today the Lord has delivered you from all those rising up against you!”

32 The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?”

The Cushite replied, “May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you with evil intent.”(BC)

33 [af]The king was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!”(BD)

David’s Kingdom Restored

19 It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.” That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.” So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle. But the king hid his face(BE) and cried out at the top of his voice, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers—those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines. You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you![ag]

“Now get up! Go out and encourage[ah] your soldiers, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight.(BF) This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!”

So the king got up and sat in the gate,(BG) and all the people were told: “Look, the king is sitting in the gate.” Then they all came into the king’s presence.

Meanwhile, each Israelite had fled to his tent.(BH) All the people among all the tribes of Israel were arguing: “The king delivered us from the grasp of our enemies,(BI) and he rescued us from the grasp of the Philistines,(BJ) but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom.(BK) 10 But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

11 King David sent word to the priests, Zadok and Abiathar:(BL) “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace? The talk of all Israel has reached the king at his house. 12 You are my brothers, my flesh and blood.(BM) So why should you be the last to restore the king?’ 13 And tell Amasa,(BN) ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me and do so severely if you don’t become commander of the army from now on instead of Joab!’”

14 So he won over[ai] all the men of Judah, and they sent word to the king: “Come back, you and all your servants.” 15 Then the king returned. When he arrived at the Jordan, Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and escort him across the Jordan.

16 Shimei son of Gera,(BO) a Benjaminite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 There were 1,000 men from Benjamin with him. Ziba, an attendant from the house of Saul,(BP) with his 15 sons and 20 servants also rushed down to the Jordan ahead of the king. 18 They forded the Jordan to bring the king’s household across and do whatever the king desired.[aj]

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king 19 and said to him, “My lord, don’t hold me guilty, and don’t remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem.(BQ) May the king not take it to heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. But look! Today I am the first one of the entire house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

21 Abishai son of Zeruiah asked, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?”(BR)

22 David answered, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything?(BS) Have you become my adversary today? Should any man be killed in Israel today? Am I not aware that today I’m king over Israel?” 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” Then the king gave him his oath.(BT)

24 Mephibosheth,(BU) Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, 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, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you come with me?”

26 “My lord the king,” he replied, “my servant Ziba betrayed me. Actually your servant said: ‘I’ll saddle the donkey for myself[ak] so that I may ride it and go with the king’—for your servant is lame.(BV) 27 Ziba slandered your servant to my lord the king.(BW) But my lord the king is like the Angel of God,(BX) so do whatever you think best.[al] 28 For my grandfather’s entire family deserves death from my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table.(BY) So what further right do I have to keep on making appeals to the king?”

29 The king said to him, “Why keep on speaking about these matters of yours? I hereby declare: you and Ziba are to divide the land.”(BZ)

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has come to his palace safely, let Ziba take it all!”

31 Barzillai the Gileadite(CA) had come down from Rogelim and accompanied the king to the Jordan River to see him off at the Jordan. 32 Barzillai was a very old man—80 years old—and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the needs of the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.(CB)

33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I’ll provide for you[am] at my side in Jerusalem.”

34 Barzillai replied to the king, “How many years of my life are left that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35 I’m now 80 years old.(CC) Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?(CD) 36 Since your servant is only going with the king a little way across the Jordan, why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return so that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham:(CE) let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him what seems good to you.”[an]

38 The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you,[ao] and whatever you desire from me I will do for you.” 39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned to his home.

40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went with him. All the troops of Judah and half of Israel’s escorted the king. 41 Suddenly, all the men of Israel came to the king. They asked him, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and transport the king and his household across the Jordan, along with all of David’s men?”

42 All the men of Judah responded to the men of Israel, “Because the king is our relative. Why does this make you angry? Have we ever eaten anything of the king’s or been honored at all?”[ap]

43 The men of Israel answered the men of Judah: “We have 10 shares in the king,(CF) so we have a greater claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Weren’t we the first to speak of restoring our king?”(CG) But the words of the men of Judah were harsher than those of the men of Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 15:7 Some LXX mss, Syr, Vg; other LXX mss, MT read 40
  2. 2 Samuel 15:8 Some LXX mss; MT omits in Hebron
  3. 2 Samuel 15:24 Or Abiathar went up
  4. 2 Samuel 15:26 Lit me what is good in His eyes
  5. 2 Samuel 15:27 LXX; MT reads Are you a seer?
  6. 2 Samuel 16:1 = Mount of Olives
  7. 2 Samuel 16:6 Lit all King David’s
  8. 2 Samuel 16:10 Alt Hb tradition reads If he curses, and if the Lord
  9. 2 Samuel 16:11 Lit son who came from my belly
  10. 2 Samuel 16:12 Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr, Vg; one Hb tradition reads iniquity; alt Hb tradition reads eyes; ancient Jewish tradition reads will look with His eye
  11. 2 Samuel 16:14 LXX adds at the Jordan
  12. 2 Samuel 17:3 LXX reads to you as a bride returns to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all
  13. 2 Samuel 17:9 Or pits, or ravines
  14. 2 Samuel 17:9 Lit And it will be when a falling on them at
  15. 2 Samuel 17:15 Lit Like this and like this
  16. 2 Samuel 17:15 Lit and like this and like this
  17. 2 Samuel 17:20 Or brook; Hb obscure
  18. 2 Samuel 17:23 Lit He commanded his house
  19. 2 Samuel 17:25 Or Jether
  20. 2 Samuel 17:25 Some LXX mss read Ishmaelite
  21. 2 Samuel 17:25 Some LXX mss read Jesse
  22. 2 Samuel 17:28 LXX reads brought 10 embroidered beds with double coverings, 10 vessels
  23. 2 Samuel 17:28 LXX, Syr; MT adds roasted grain
  24. 2 Samuel 17:29 Hb obscure
  25. 2 Samuel 18:3 Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg; other Hb mss read because there would now be about
  26. 2 Samuel 18:9 Lit was between heaven and earth
  27. 2 Samuel 18:11 Lit Joab said to the man who told him
  28. 2 Samuel 18:11 About 4 ounces of silver
  29. 2 Samuel 18:12 About 25 pounds of silver
  30. 2 Samuel 18:12 Some Hb mss, LXX, Tg, Vg; other Hb mss read Protect, whoever, the young man Absalom; Hb obscure
  31. 2 Samuel 18:13 Alt Hb tradition reads jeopardized his
  32. 2 Samuel 18:33 2Sm 19:1 in Hb
  33. 2 Samuel 19:6 Lit be right in your eyes
  34. 2 Samuel 19:7 Lit speak to the heart of
  35. 2 Samuel 19:14 Lit he turned the heart of
  36. 2 Samuel 19:18 Lit do what is good in his eyes
  37. 2 Samuel 19:26 LXX, Syr, Vg read said to him, ‘Saddle the donkey for me
  38. 2 Samuel 19:27 Lit do what is good in your eyes
  39. 2 Samuel 19:33 LXX reads for your old age; Ru 4:15
  40. 2 Samuel 19:37 Lit what is good in your eyes
  41. 2 Samuel 19:38 Lit what is good in your eyes
  42. 2 Samuel 19:42 LXX reads king’s or has he given us a gift or granted us a portion