2 Samuel 2 Cross References - NSB

¹ Later David asked Jehovah: »Shall I go to the towns of Judah?« »Yes,« Jehovah answered. »Which one?« David asked. »Hebron,« Jehovah told him. ² David went to Hebron. He took his two wives: Ahinoam from Jezreel, and Abigail, Nabal’s widow from Carmel with him. ³ He also took his men and their families. They settled in the towns around Hebron. ⁴ Then the men of Judah came to Hebron. They anointed David as king of Judah. David heard that the people of Jabesh-gilead (Jabesh in Gilead) buried Saul. ⁵ He sent some men there with the message: »Jehovah blesses you for showing your loyalty to your king by burying him. ⁶ »May Jehovah always show you kindness. I also will be good to you because you did this. ⁷ »Be strong and courageous. Your master Saul is dead. Therefore the tribe of Judah has anointed me to be their king.« ⁸ Ner’s son Abner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ishbosheth and brought him to Mahanaim. ⁹ Abner made him king of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, that is, all Israel. ¹⁰ Saul’s son Ishbosheth was forty years old when he became king of Israel. He ruled for two years. However the tribe of Judah followed David. ¹¹ In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months. ¹² One time Abner and the soldiers of Ishbosheth left Mahanaim and went to Gibeon. ¹³ At that time Joab the son of Zeruiah was leading David’s soldiers. The two groups met at the pool in Gibeon. Abner and his men sat down on one side of the pool and Joab and his men sat on the other side. ¹⁴ Abner yelled to Joab: »Let some of our best soldiers get up and fight each other!« Joab agreed. ¹⁵ Twelve of Ishbosheth’s men from the tribe of Benjamin got up to fight twelve of David’s men. ¹⁶ Each one grabbed his opponent by the head. Then he stuck his sword into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together. That place in Gibeon is called the Field of Enemies. ¹⁷ Fierce fighting broke out that day. In the end, David’s men defeated Abner and the men of Israel. ¹⁸ Zeruiah’s three sons were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fast on his feet as a wild gazelle. ¹⁹ So Asahel started chasing Abner. He ran straight for him. ²⁰ Abner looked behind and asked: »Are you Asahel?« He answered: »I am.« ²¹ Abner said: »Soldiers are all around us. Stop chasing me and fight one of them! Kill him and take his clothes and weapons for yourself.« But Asahel refused to stop. ²² Abner spoke again to Asahel: »If you do not turn back, I will have to kill you! Then I could never face your brother Joab again.« ²³ However, Asahel would not turn back. So Abner struck him in the stomach with the back end of his spear. The spear went all the way through and came out of his back. Asahel fell down and died. Everyone who saw Asahel lying dead just stopped and stood still. ²⁴ Joab and Abishai ran after Abner. It was sun down when they arrived at the hill of Ammah. This hill is near Giah on the road to the wilderness of Gibeon. ²⁵ The men of Benjamin rallied behind Abner. They became united as one and stood on the top of a hill. ²⁶ Then Abner called to Joab: Must the sword devour forever? Do you not understand it will be bitter to the end? How long before you command the people to return from chasing their brothers? ²⁷ Joab said: »As God lives; if you had not spoken the men would have continued following their brothers.« ²⁸ So Joab blew a ram’s horn and all the troops stopped. They did not chase or fight Israel anymore. ²⁹ That night Abner and his men marched through the plains. They crossed the Jordan River and passed through the entire Bithron until they came to Mahanaim. ³⁰ Joab returned from chasing Abner. He gathered the troops. Nineteen of David’s officers and Asahel were missing. ³¹ David’s men killed three hundred and sixty of the men of Benjamin under Abner’s command. ³² They buried Asahel in his father’s tomb in Bethlehem. Joab and his men marched all night. They arrived at Hebron at daybreak.

¹ The word of Jehovah came to Abram in a vision: »Do not be afraid, Abram; I am your shield. Your reward shall be very great.«

¹³ Leah said: »I am happy, for women will call me blessed. So she named him Asher.«

² When he saw them, Jacob said: »This is God’s camp!« He named that place Mahanaim.

⁸ »Judah, your brothers will praise you. You hold your enemies by the neck. Your brothers will bow down before you. ⁹ »Judah is like a lion, killing his victim and returning to his den. He is like a lion stretching out and lying down. No one dares disturb him. ¹⁰ »The royal scepter shall not depart from Judah. His descendants will always rule. Nations will bring him tribute and bow in obedience before him. This, until Shiloh comes and all will obey him.

⁴⁰ The roster of families and households for the descendants of Asher listed the men by name that were at least twenty years old and eligible for military duty.

⁶ Jehovah then passed in front of him and called out: »I, Jehovah, am a God who is full of compassion and pity. I am not easily angered and show great love and faithfulness.

²¹ »He will depend on Eleazar the priest, who will learn my will by using the Urim and Thummim. In this way Eleazar will direct Joshua and the whole congregation of Israel in all their affairs.«

¹ The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had a large number of livestock. They saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead was indeed a place suitable for livestock. ² They approached Moses, the priest Eleazar, and the leaders of the congregation and said: ³ »Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, ⁴ the land Jehovah won for the congregation of Israel, is a good place for livestock. Gentlemen, we have livestock.« ⁵ »Please give us this land as our property. Do not make us cross the Jordan River.« ⁶ Moses asked the tribes of Gad and Reuben: Are you going to stay here while the rest of the Israelites go to war? ⁷ That might discourage them from entering the land Jehovah has given them. ⁸ That is what your ancestors did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look at the land. ⁹ They went as far as the Eshcol Valley. They saw the land. But then they discouraged the rest of the Israelites from entering the land Jehovah had given them. ¹⁰ That day Jehovah became angry and swore this oath: ¹¹ »None of the people twenty years old or older, who came from Egypt, will see the land I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with an oath. This is because they did not wholeheartedly follow me. ¹² »Only Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun will get to see the land. This is because they wholeheartedly followed Jehovah. ¹³ »Jehovah’s anger blazed against the Israelites. Therefore he made them wander in the desert for forty years until the whole generation of those who had done evil in Jehovah’s presence was gone. ¹⁴ »You are just like your parents! You are a bunch of sinners trying to make Jehovah angry at Israel again. ¹⁵ »If you turn away from him he will abandon all these people in the desert. You would be responsible for their destruction.« ¹⁶ The tribes of Gad and Reuben came to Moses and said: »Allow us to build stone fences for our livestock and cities for our families here. ¹⁷ »Then we will be ready to march in battle formation ahead of the other Israelites until we have brought them to their land. Meanwhile our families will live in walled cities. They will be safe from the other people who live here. ¹⁸ »We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received his own land. ¹⁹ »We will not take possession of any land on the other side of the Jordan River, to the west and beyond. We already have our land here, east of the Jordan.« ²⁰ Moses answered: »If you really mean what you say, then here in the presence of Jehovah get ready to go into battle. ²¹ »All your fighting men are to cross the Jordan and under Jehovah’s command they are to attack our enemies until Jehovah defeats them ²² and takes possession of the land. You may return after that, because you will have fulfilled your obligation to Jehovah and to the other Israelites. Then Jehovah will acknowledge that this land east of the Jordan is yours. ²³ »If you do not keep your promise, I warn you that you will be sinning against Jehovah. Do not doubt this, you will be punished for your sin. ²⁴ »So build your towns and the enclosures for your sheep, but do what you have promised!« ²⁵ The men from Reuben and Gad answered Moses: »Sir, we will do just what you have said. ²⁶ »Our wives, children, sheep and cattle will stay here in the towns in Gilead. ²⁷ »However those of us prepared for battle will cross the Jordan and fight for Jehovah.« ²⁸ Moses said to Eleazar, Joshua, and the family leaders: ²⁹ »Make sure the tribes of Gad and Reuben prepare for battle and cross the Jordan River with you. If they do, then after the land is in your control, give them the region of Gilead as their tribal land. ³⁰ »But if they break their promise, they will receive land on the other side of the Jordan, like the rest of the tribes.« ³¹ The tribes of Gad and Reuben replied: »We are your servants and will do whatever Jehovah has commanded. ³² »We will enter Canaan as armed troops in Jehovah’s presence. The land we will take possession of is here, east of the Jordan.« ³³ So Moses gave the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of the tribe of Manasseh, son of Joseph, the kingdoms of King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. It was the whole land with its cities and its surrounding territory. ³⁴ The tribe of Gad rebuilt the cities of Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, ³⁵ Atroth Shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, ³⁶ Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran as walled cities. They also built stone fences for their flocks. ³⁷ The tribe of Reuben rebuilt the cities of Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, ³⁸ Nebo, Baal Meon whose names were changed, and Sibmah. These are the names they gave the cities they rebuilt. ³⁹ The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead. They captured it and forced out the Amorites who were there. ⁴⁰ So Moses gave Gilead to the people of Machir the descendants of Manasseh, and they lived there. ⁴¹ Then Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, captured the settlements in Gilead. He called them Havvoth Jair. ⁴² Nobah captured Kenath and its villages. He named it Nobah after himself.

²² When they went to the Negev, they came to Hebron where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, the descendants of Anak were. Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.

⁷ »Be strong and very courageous, that you may be careful to do according to all the Law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

³ When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,

² They were very afraid because Gibeon was a great royal city. It was larger than Ai and all the men there were great fighters.

⁴ »Come to me and help me, that we may strike Gibeon: for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.«

¹² Joshua spoke to Jehovah the day when Jehovah delivered the Amorites to the children of Israel. He said in sight of Israel: »Sun, stand still upon Gibeon; and Moon, stand still in the valley of Ajalon.«

⁸ With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of Jehovah gave them. ⁹ From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon ¹⁰ All the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon; ¹¹ And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salcah;

¹³ Joshua blessed Caleb the son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron for an inheritance. ¹⁴ Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite to this day, because that he wholly followed Jehovah the God of Israel. ¹⁵ Hebron was previously named Kirjath-arba. Arba was a great man among the Anakims. The land (and its people) had rest from war.

²⁵ Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

¹⁸ Their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

¹¹ They were given the city of Arba. Arba was Anak’s father. Arba is now called Hebron. It is in the hill country of Judah, along with the pastureland surrounding it. ¹² The fields that were in the city and its towns had already been given to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.

⁶ »Be careful to obey and do everything that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses. Do not neglect any of it.

¹ After the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked Jehovah (YHWH), saying: »Who will go first to fight against the Canaanites for us?«

³² But the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.

¹⁹ Suddenly the power of Jehovah made him strong. He went to Ashkelon, where he killed thirty men. He stripped them and gave their fine clothes to the men who had solved the riddle. He returned home, furious about what had happened.

⁸ On the way she said to them: »Go back home and stay with your mothers. Jehovah should be as good to you as you have been to me and to those who have died.

²⁰ Naomi said to her daughter-in-law: »May Jehovah bless him. The man is kind to the living and to the dead.« Then Naomi admitted to her: »The man is of our family, one of our near relatives.«

¹⁰ He said: »You are blessed of Jehovah, my daughter: for this kindness is greater than what you showed earlier. You have not pursued younger men, whether poor or rich.

⁹ »Be strong, Philistines, and conduct your selves like men (with courage). Or else you will serve the Hebrews as they served you. Act like men and fight.«

¹³ Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the Spirit of Jehovah took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

¹⁹ »You would not let me live if you were my enemy. I pray that Jehovah will reward you for what you did today.

²⁶ »Jehovah kept you from spilling innocent blood and from getting a victory by your own efforts. As Jehovah lives and you live, may your enemies and those who are trying to harm you end up like Nabal.

³² David said to Abigail: »Blessed is Jehovah the God of Israel, who sent you today to meet me. ³³ »Blessed is your good judgment and blessed are you for keeping me from slaughtering people today and from getting a victory by my own efforts.

⁴² Abigail quickly got up and rode on a donkey with five of her female servants following her. So she went with David’s messengers and became his wife. ⁴³ Earlier David married Ahinoam from the town of Jezreel. Now both she and Abigail were David’s wives.

⁶ David asked Ahimelech the Hittite, and Abishai the brother of Joab: »Who will go to Saul’s camp with me?« »I will,« Abishai answered.

¹⁴ David shouted to Saul’s troops and to Abner: »Abner! Can you hear me?« »Who is calling to the king?« Abner asked.

² David and his six hundred men went over at once to Achish son of Maoch, king of Gath. ³ David and his men and their families lived with Achish at Gath. David brought his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.

¹ Two days later David and his men came to Ziklag. The Amalekites raided the south country (Negev) including Ziklag. They attacked Ziklag and burned it.

⁵ The Amalekites also captured David’s two wives, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, Nabal’s widow, from Carmel.

⁷ David told Abiathar the priest: »Please bring me the priestly ephod.« So Abiathar brought David the ephod. ⁸ David asked Jehovah: »Should I pursue these troops? Will I catch up with them?« »Pursue them!« Jehovah told him: »You will certainly catch up with them and rescue the captives.« ⁹ So David and his six hundred men went to the Besor Valley, where some were left behind. ¹⁰ David and four hundred men went in pursuit. Two hundred men who were too exhausted to cross the Besor Valley stayed behind.

³¹ and Hebron. He sent it to all the places where he and his men had been.

⁷ The Israelites on the other side of Jezreel Valley and east of the Jordan River heard that the Israelite army had fled and that Saul and his sons had been killed. They abandoned their towns and fled. Then the Philistines came and occupied the towns.

¹¹ The people living in Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul. ¹² All the fighting men marched all night and took the dead bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan. They came back to Jabesh and burned the bodies.

¹² All the fighting men marched all night and took the dead bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan. They came back to Jabesh and burned the bodies. ¹³ They buried the bones under a small tree in Jabesh. Then for seven days, they went without eating to show their sorrow.

²⁷ Abner arrived in Hebron. Joab took him aside at the gate, as though he wanted to speak privately with him. There he stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner was murdered because he had killed Joab’s brother Asahel.

⁵ Rechab and Baanah went to Ishbosheth’s house at the noontime. It was a hot day, and he was resting. ⁶ They came to the middle of the house pretending to get wheat. Once they were inside they stabbed Ishbosheth in the stomach and killed him.

⁶ They came to the middle of the house pretending to get wheat. Once they were inside they stabbed Ishbosheth in the stomach and killed him.

¹ All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said to him: »We are your own flesh and blood.

¹ All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said to him: »We are your own flesh and blood. ² »For a long time when Saul was still our king, you led the people of Israel in battle. Jehovah promised you that you would lead his people and be their ruler.« ³ All the elders of Israel came to King David at Hebron. He made a sacred alliance with them. They anointed him, and he became king of Israel.

³ All the elders of Israel came to King David at Hebron. He made a sacred alliance with them. They anointed him, and he became king of Israel. ⁴ David was thirty years old when he became king. He ruled for forty years. ⁵ In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven years and six months. In Jerusalem he ruled for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

⁵ In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven years and six months. In Jerusalem he ruled for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. ⁶ The king and his men went to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived in that region. The Jebusites told David: »You will never get in here. Even the blind and the lame could turn you away. In other words he could not enter there.«

¹⁷ The Philistines heard that David was now king of Israel. They mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David found out and went into his fortress.

¹⁹ David asked Jehovah: »Shall I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?« Jehovah answered David: »Attack! I will certainly deliver the Philistines to you.«

²³ Once again David consulted Jehovah. Jehovah answered David: »Do not attack them from here. Go around and get ready to attack them from the other side, near the balsam trees.

⁵⁰ The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Saul’s uncle Ner.

⁵⁵ When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he asked Abner the commander of the army: »Abner, whose son is this young man?« Abner said: »By your life, O king, I do not know.«

⁵⁸ Saul said: »Whose son are you, young man?« David answered: »I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.«

² A lot of other people joined him too. Some were in trouble. Others were angry or in debt. David was soon the leader of four hundred men.

² He asked Jehovah: »Shall I go and attack the Philistines?« Jehovah answered: »Yes, Attack them and save Keilah.«

⁴ David consulted Jehovah once again, and Jehovah said to him: »Go attack Keilah! I will give you victory over the Philistines.«

⁹ David learned that Saul was planning to harm him. He told the priest Abiathar: »Bring the ephod!« ¹⁰ Then David said: »Jehovah God of Israel, I have actually heard that Saul is going to come to Keilah and destroy the city on account of me. ¹¹ »Will the citizens of Keilah hand me over to him? Will Saul come here as I have heard? Jehovah God of Israel, please tell me.« Jehovah answered: »He will come.« ¹² »Will the citizens of Keilah hand my men and me over to Saul?« David asked. Jehovah answered: »They will hand you over.«

²¹ Saul answered: »May Jehovah bless you for being so kind to me!

²³ »It was easy to love Saul and Jonathan. Together in life, together in death, they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.

⁷ »Be strong and courageous. Your master Saul is dead. Therefore the tribe of Judah has anointed me to be their king.« ⁸ Ner’s son Abner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ishbosheth and brought him to Mahanaim.

¹¹ In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months.

¹⁴ Abner yelled to Joab: »Let some of our best soldiers get up and fight each other!« Joab agreed.

¹⁶ Each one grabbed his opponent by the head. Then he stuck his sword into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together. That place in Gibeon is called the Field of Enemies. ¹⁷ Fierce fighting broke out that day. In the end, David’s men defeated Abner and the men of Israel. ¹⁸ Zeruiah’s three sons were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fast on his feet as a wild gazelle.

²¹ Abner said: »Soldiers are all around us. Stop chasing me and fight one of them! Kill him and take his clothes and weapons for yourself.« But Asahel refused to stop.

²⁶ Then Abner called to Joab: Must the sword devour forever? Do you not understand it will be bitter to the end? How long before you command the people to return from chasing their brothers? ²⁷ Joab said: »As God lives; if you had not spoken the men would have continued following their brothers.«

¹ There was a long war between the royal families of Saul and David. David’s family became stronger and stronger. Saul’s family became weaker and weaker.

⁷ Saul had a concubine named Rizpah. She was Aiah’s daughter. Ishbosheth asked Abner: »Why did you have sex with my father’s concubine?« ⁸ Ishbosheth’s question made Abner very angry. »Am I a dog that belongs to Judea?« He asked. »Until now I have been faithful to your father Saul’s family, to his relatives and friends. I did not hand you over to David. But now you charge me with a crime because of this woman.

¹⁶ Joab the son of Zeruiah was the commander in chief of the army. Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud kept the government records.

³ The king asked him: »Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness? I promised God I would.« Ziba answered: »There is still one of Jonathan’s sons. He is crippled.«

⁷ David replied: »Do not be afraid. I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul. You will always be welcome at my table.«

² David thought: »I will show kindness to Hanun since his father Nahash showed me kindness.« David sent his servants to comfort Hanun after his father’s death. When David’s servants entered Ammonite territory,

¹² »Be brave and fight hard to protect our people and the cities of our God. I pray that Jehovah will do whatever pleases him.«

²⁵ David replied: »This is what you are to say to Joab: ‘Do not let this thing trouble you. After all a sword can kill one person as easily as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and destroy it. Say this to encourage him.’«

⁷ After four years Absalom said to King David: »My lord let me go to Hebron and keep a promise I made to Jehovah.

²⁰ »In fact you came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I do not even know where I am going? Go back and take your countrymen with you. May Jehovah always show you kindness.«

¹¹ What all Israel was saying reached the king at his house. So King David sent this message to the priests Zadok and Abiathar: »Ask the leaders of Judah, Why should you be the last tribe to reinstate the king back to his palace?

⁴² All the people of Judah answered the people of Israel: »Because the king is our relative. Why are you angry about this? Did we eat the king’s food, or did he give us any gifts?«

¹⁰ Amasa was not on guard against the sword in Joab’s left hand. Joab stabbed him in the stomach. Then he stabbed him in his intestines and they poured out on the ground. He died without being stabbed again. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

¹² Amasa’s body was covered with blood in the middle of the road. Joab’s man saw that everybody was stopped. He dragged the body from the road out into the field and threw a blanket over it. ¹³ After the body had been removed from the road, everyone followed Joab in pursuit of Sheba.

¹⁴ Absalom and all the people of Israel said: »The advice of Hushai from Archi’s family is better than Ahithophel’s advice. Jehovah commanded Ahithophel’s good advice to be defeated in order to ruin Absalom.«

²⁶ The Israelites under Absalom’s command set up camp in the region of Gilead. ²⁷ David went to the town of Mahanaim. Shobi son of Nahash came from Rabbah in Ammon, Machir son of Ammiel came from Lo-Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite came from Rogelim.

²³ Joab was in command of the army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of David’s bodyguards.

⁷ But Adonijah had discussed his actions with Joab (son of Zeruiah) and with the priest Abiathar, so they supported him.

¹¹ He was king of Israel for forty years. He ruled seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

²⁸ Joab received news of this for Joab had been one of Adonijah's supporters. He was not on Absalom's side. Then Joab went in flight to the Tent of Jehovah and put his hands on the corners of the altar. ²⁹ When King Solomon heard about this he sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada to kill him. ³⁰ Benaiah went to the Tent of Jehovah and told Joab: Come out. Joab said: »No! Let me die here.« So Benaiah returned to the king and gave him the answer Joab gave him. ³¹ The king said: »Do as he said. Kill him there and bury him in the earth. This will remove the guilt of his senseless murders from my father’s family and me. ³² »Jehovah will punish Joab for those murders he committed without my father David's knowledge. Joab killed two innocent men who were better men than he: Abner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa, commander of the army of Judah. ³³ »Jehovah will repay him for the blood Joab shed. The blood will fall on Joab and on his descendants as long as they live. Jehovah will always give success to David's descendants who sit on his throne.« ³⁴ So Benaiah went to the Tent of Jehovah’s presence and killed Joab. He was buried at his home in the wilderness. ³⁵ The king made Benaiah commander of the army in Joab's place and put Zadok the priest in Abiathar's place.

¹¹ The king of Israel responded: »It is said, let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.«

² He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah. He walked in the ways of David his father, without turning to the right hand or to the left.

¹⁰ »It is true that you have overcome Edom and your heart is uplifted. Let that glory be enough for you and stay in your own country. Why do you make causes for trouble, putting yourself and Judah with you in danger of downfall?« ¹¹ But Amaziah paid no attention. So Jehoash king of Israel went to Amaziah king of Judah to meet face to face at Bethshemesh in Judah. ¹² Judah was defeated by Israel and every man fled home.

¹³ Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; the second son was Abinadab, the third Shimea, ¹⁴ the fourth Nethanel, the fifth Raddai, ¹⁵ the sixth Ozem and the seventh David. ¹⁶ Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah’s three sons were Abishai, Joab and Asahel.

¹⁶ Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah’s three sons were Abishai, Joab and Asahel.

⁴ These six were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years,

³⁹ Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal. (Ish-Bosheth)

³ Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. David made a covenant with them at Hebron in the presence of Jehovah. Then they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of Jehovah by Samuel.

⁶ David said: Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief.

²⁶ Also the mighty warriors were Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

³³ Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.

¹ The following men joined David at Ziklag while he was hiding from Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who fought beside David in battle. ² All of them were expert archers who could shoot arrows or sling stones with their left hand as well as their right. They were all relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. ³ Their leader was Ahiezer son of Shemaah from Gibeah; his brother Joash was second-in-command. These were the other warriors: Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth; Beracah and Jehu from Anathoth; ⁴ Ishmaiah from Gibeon, a famous warrior and leader among the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad from Gederah; ⁵ Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah from Haruph; ⁶ Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites; ⁷ Joelah and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham from Gedor. ⁸ Some brave and experienced warriors from the tribe of Gad also defected to David while he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were expert with both shield and spear, as fierce as lions and as swift as deer on the mountains.

²⁷ for forty years. He ruled in Hebron for seven years and in Jerusalem for thirty-three.

⁷ They gave the following for the work on the Temple: one hundred and ninety tons of gold, three hundred and eighty tons of silver, six hundred and seventy five tons of bronze, and three thousand seven hundred and fifty tons of iron.

¹⁴ Asa was buried in the rock tomb that he had carved out for himself in David’s City. They used spices and perfumed oils to prepare his body for burial. They built a huge bonfire to mourn his death.

¹ Jehoshaphat died and was buried in the royal tombs in David’s City and his son Jehoram succeeded him as king.

² »When will you end these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk.

² »How long will you torment me and depress me with words?

² »As God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty? Who has made me taste bitterness?

² O sons of men, how long will my glorious honor be turned into shame? How long will you love empty, worthless things and search for the lie?

³³ He makes my feet sure-footed on high places just like those of a deer.

⁴ I have asked one thing from Jehovah. This I will seek: to live in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to look at Jehovah’s beauty and search for an answer in his temple.

⁴ Make your ways known to me, O Jehovah, and teach me your paths. ⁵ Make me walk (guide me) (bend me) in your truth and teach me because you are my God of salvation. I wait all day long for you.

³ He will send from heaven, and save me, He rebukes the one who is pursuing me. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.

⁸ Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of my head; Judah is my lawgiver;

¹⁵ Jehovah, the maker of heaven and earth, will bless you.

⁸ Let me hear your loving kindness in the morning. For I trust in you! Teach me the way in which I should walk for to you I am lifted up.

⁵ Trust in Jehovah with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge (recognize) Him and He will make your paths straight.

²⁷ Do not turn to the right or to the left. Remove your foot from evil.

²³ It is like sport to a fool to do mischief. A man of understanding has wisdom.

¹⁰ He finds no joy in strong horses, nor do brave soldiers please him. ¹¹ Jehovah is pleased with those who fear him, with those who wait with hope for his mercy.

²² Do they not err that devise evil? Those who devise good will find loving kindness and truth.

¹ A mild answer turns away anger. Harsh words stir up anger.

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like releasing water [from a floodgate]. Therefore stop contention before it begins.

¹⁸ Good counsel makes for good plans. Seek good counsel if you wage war.

⁸ Do not run quickly to court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame.

²⁹ Do you see a man diligent in his business? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before unknown men.

¹⁸ This is like a mad man who throws firebrands, arrows, and death. ¹⁹ So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says: »I was only joking.«

¹ He who is often reprimanded and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

¹⁰ That which exists is named already. It is known and he cannot dispute with the one that is mightier than he.

¹¹ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift. The battle is not to the strong. Bread does not go to the wise, or riches to men of understanding. Men of skill do not always receive favor, but time and unexpected circumstance happens to them all.

¹⁷ (To Her Beloved) »Until the daybreaks and the shadows flee away, turn my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag upon the mountains of Bether.«

¹⁴ (The Shulamite) »Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag upon the mountains of spices.«

²⁰ »Refuse and rebel and swords will devour you. Jehovah has spoken.«

⁷ »‘You said: ‘I will be a queen for a very long time!’ You did not consider these things or remember their outcome.

³⁰ »I have punished your children without results. They did not respond to correction. You killed my prophets like a raging lion.

²¹ How long must I see the battle flag and hear the sound of rams' horns?

¹² »Across the entire desert highlands people have come to plunder. Jehovah has sent war to destroy the entire land. No one can live in peace.

¹⁰ That day belongs to Jehovah of Hosts. It is a day of vengeance when he will take revenge on his enemies. His sword will devour until it has had enough, and it will drink their blood until it is full. The Almighty Jehovah of Hosts will offer them as sacrifices in the north by the Euphrates River.

¹⁴ »Tell this in Egypt. Announce this in Migdol. Make it known in Memphis and in Tahpanhes. Say: ‘Take your positions, and get ready. Swords will kill those around you.

¹² they took all their men and went to fight Ishmael. They caught up with him at the large pool in Gibeon.

³⁷ »This is what the Lord Jehovah says: ‘I will also let the people of Israel ask me to make them as numerous as sheep.

¹⁴ »Flight will perish from the swift! The strong will not increase his strength. The mighty will not save himself.

⁶ »Swords will flash in their cities, destroy the bars of their gates, and put an end to their plans.

¹⁹ Jehovah, the Sovereign Lord, is my strength! He makes my feet like a deer’s feet. He will make me walk upon high places.

⁴⁴ »I say love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

¹⁶ »I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

⁷ »Blessed are the merciful and compassionate, for they will receive mercy and compassion.

³¹ »When a king commands ten thousand men to fight another king who comes against him with twenty thousand men, he will sit down first and decide if he is strong enough to defeat the other king. ³² »If he is not strong enough he will send messengers to the other king to ask for terms of peace while he is still far away.«

²⁸ »You have continued with me in my temptations. ²⁹ »I assigned a kingdom to you just as my Father assigned it to me.

²⁶ »The next day he appeared to them while they were fighting. He wanted to unite them and said, ‘You are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?’

¹³ Be alert (be watchful) and stand fast (be vigilant) (persevere) in the faith, carry on as men (be courageous), be strong. (Ps 31:24)

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty strength.

¹⁶ The Lord grants mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains. ¹⁷ When he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant him to find the mercy of God in that day, and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, you know very well.

¹⁸ But if he has wronged you and owes you anything at all, charge this to me. ¹⁹ I Paul write with my own hand. I will repay. I do not say that you owe your own self (life) to me.