The bow of Jonathan was powerful, and the sword of Saul did its mighty work. They shed the blood of their enemies and pierced the bodies of mighty heroes.

Now is the time! For the Lord has said, ‘I have chosen David to save my people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and from all their other enemies.’”

But David said to Recab and Baanah, “The Lord, who saves me from all my enemies, is my witness.

So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).

The Lord’s Covenant Promise to David

When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies,

I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!

starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. “‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings!

he sent his son Joram to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze.

David Mourns Absalom’s Death

Then Zadok’s son Ahimaaz said, “Let me run to the king with the good news that the Lord has rescued him from his enemies.”

“What about young Absalom?” the king demanded. “Is he all right?” And the Ethiopian replied, “May all of your enemies, my lord the king, both now and in the future, share the fate of that young man!”

And throughout all the tribes of Israel there was much discussion and argument going on. The people were saying, “The king rescued us from our enemies and saved us from the Philistines, but Absalom chased him out of the country.

David’s Song of Praise

David sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul.

I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

He shot arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were confused.

He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.

“I chased my enemies and destroyed them; I did not stop until they were conquered.

You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.

and delivers me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents.

So Gad came to David and asked him, “Will you choose three years of famine throughout your land, three months of fleeing from your enemies, or three days of severe plague throughout your land? Think this over and decide what answer I should give the Lord who sent me.”