Abner said to David, “Let me go and rally all Israel to my lord the king, in order that they may make a covenant with you and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went away in peace.

As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.

Because of your promise and according to your own heart, you have wrought all this greatness so that your servant may know it.

Her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar remained, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house.

Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Watch when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not be afraid; have I not myself commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.”

Now, therefore, do not let my lord the king take it to heart, as if all the king’s sons were dead, for Amnon alone is dead.”

And the heart of the king went out, yearning for Absalom, for he was now consoled over the death of Amnon.

Thus Absalom did to every Israelite who came to the king for judgment, so Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel.

David Flees from Jerusalem

A messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the Israelites have gone after Absalom.”

Then even the valiant warrior whose heart is like the heart of a lion will utterly melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a warrior and that those who are with him are valiant warriors.

Joab said, “I will not waste time like this with you.” He took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak.

Amasa swayed the hearts of all the people of Judah as one, and they sent word to the king, “Return, both you and all your servants.”

Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their strongholds.

Judgment on David’s Sin

But afterward, David was stricken to the heart because he had numbered the people. David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, I pray you, take away the guilt of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”