CAB(i)
16 And David inquired of God concerning the child, and David fasted, and went in and lay all night upon the ground.
17 And the elders of his house arose and went to him to raise him up from the ground, but he would not rise, nor did he eat bread with them.
18 And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive we spoke to him, and he hearkened not to our voice; and should we tell him now that the child is dead?-- so would he do himself harm.
19 And David knew that his servants were whispering, and David perceived that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
20 Then David rose up from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his clothes, and went into the house of God, and worshipped Him; and he went into his own house, and called for bread to eat, and they set bread before him and he ate.
21 And his servants said to him, What is this thing that you have done concerning the child? While the child was yet living you fasted and wept, and kept watch; but when the child was dead you rose up and ate bread, and drank.
22 And David said, While the child yet lived, I fasted and wept; for I said, Who knows if the Lord will pity me, and the child should live?
23 But now it is dead, why should I fast thus? Shall I be able to bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.