2 Samuel, Chapter 19:

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Verses from 2 Samuel, Chapter 19 of the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible.

2 Samuel - Old Testament — 2 Samuel – Old Testament

1. They informed Joab that the king was crying and mourning for Absalom.
2. The news spread among the army, and the day of victory turned to sadness, for everyone heard that the king was mourning his son.
3. At that time, the army remained silent in the city, like those who feel defeated in battle.
4. The king, with his face covered, cried out: “Ah, my son Absalom! Ah, Absalom, my son, my son!”
5. Then Joab entered the palace and spoke to the king, saying: “Today you have humiliated all your soldiers, those who saved your life, as well as those of your sons, daughters, wives and concubines.
6. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. Today you clearly showed that commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. It seems like you would rather Absalom were alive and we were all dead.
7. Now, go and encourage your soldiers! I swear to the Lord that if you don't leave, not a single man will stand by you tonight. That would be worse than all the misfortunes that have befallen you since your youth.”
8. Then the king arose and sat at the city gate. When the army heard that the king was sitting at the door, all the soldiers joined him. Meanwhile, the Israelites fled to their homes.
9. In all the tribes of Israel, the people were arguing, saying, “David delivered us from the hands of our enemies, he delivered us from the Philistines. But now he has fled the land because of Absalom.
10. And Absalom, whom We anointed king, died in battle. Why don’t you talk about bringing the king back?”

David returns to Jerusalem

11. When the king heard what all the Israelites were saying, David sent a message to the priests Zadok and Abiathar, saying, “Speak to the leaders of Judah and ask them, Why would you be the last to bring the king back? to your palace?
12. You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood! Why would they be the last to support me?”
13. And say to Amasa: “You are my kinsman, my own blood. May God punish me severely if you do not become commander of my army in Joab’s place.”
14. David's words won the loyalty of all the leaders of Judah, and they sent a message to the king, asking him to return with all his servants.
15. Then the king returned and came to the Jordan. And the men of Judah went to Gilgal to meet the king and help him cross the river Jordan.
16. Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, went quickly with the men of Judah to meet King David.
17. With him were a thousand Benjamites, and also Ziba, the overseer of the house of Saul, with his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They crossed the Jordan before the king
18. and they assisted the royal family during the crossing, doing everything the king wanted. Shimei son of Gera fell down before the king
19. and said, “May my lord not take into account what I have done wrong. May the king not remember the evil I committed when I left Jerusalem. Please don't take this into account!
20. I, your servant, acknowledge that I have sinned. But I was the first of all the tribe of Joseph to come to meet my lord, the king.”
21. Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shimei has cursed the Lord’s anointed! He should be killed!”
22. But David answered, “What have we to do with this, sons of Zeruiah? Are you now becoming my adversaries? Should anyone be killed in Israel today? Don’t I have any guarantees that I will reign over Israel again?”
23. And the king swore an oath to Shimei, saying, “You will not be killed.”
24. Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, also went to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.
25. When he arrived in Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you come with me, Mephibosheth?”
26. He replied, “O my lord the king, my servant has deceived me. I ordered my donkey to be saddled to ride with the king, but my servant slandered me.
27. He spoke ill of me to my lord the king. But the king, like an angel of God, can do whatever he sees fit.
28. All of my grandfather's descendants deserved to die before the king, my lord. Yet you have given me a place at the table among those who eat with you. What more can I ask of the king?”
29. The king said to him, “You have said enough. I have decided that you and Ziba will share the property.”
30. Mephibosheth replied to the king, “Let him have everything now that my lord the king has returned safely to his home.”
31. Barzillai of Gilead also came from Rogelim to accompany the king to the Jordan and see him off.
32. Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old. He had supported the king during his stay in Mahanaim, as he was very rich.
33. The king said to Barzillai, “Come with me to Jerusalem, and I will take care of you.”
34. Barzillai answered the king, “How many years do I have left before I go with the king to Jerusalem?
35. I am now eighty years old. How can I discern between what is good and what is bad? Will your servant still enjoy the taste of what he eats and drinks? Will I still be able to hear the voices of men and women singing? Why would I be a burden to the king, my lord?
36. Your servant will go a little further with the king, beyond the Jordan, but why should the king reward me so generously?
37. Let me return to die in my own city, at the grave of my father and mother. But here is Chiman, my servant. Let him go with the king and do what the king thinks best!”
38. The king replied: “Chiman will go with me. I will do for him whatever you consider best. And whatever you ask of me, I will do for you.”
39. Then the whole army crossed the Jordan, and the king also crossed it. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him. And Barzillai returned home.
40. The king went to Gilgal, and Chiman went with him. The entire army of Judah and half of the army of Israel accompanied the king.
41. Soon the men of Israel came to the king and complained, “Why did our brothers in Judah kidnap the king and take him back across the Jordan, along with his family and all his followers?”
42. All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “We are ten times more related to the king than you are! Why do you despise us? Weren’t we the ones who suggested bringing back our king?” However, the words of the men of Judah were even harsher than those of the men of Israel.
43. And so the division between the people of Israel ends, with the men of Judah defending King David and the men of Israel expressing their dissatisfaction.