When Abner, accompanied by twenty men, came to David in Hebron, David prepared a banquet for Abner and the men who were with him.

Absalom said to Hushai, “Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”

Another battle was fought between the Philistines and Israel. So David went down with his soldiers and fought the Philistines. David became exhausted.

David then grabbed his own clothes and tore them, as did all the men who were with him.

Then David chanted this lament over Saul and his son Jonathan.

But he refused to listen to her. He overpowered her and humiliated her by raping her.

But when Absalom pressed him, he sent Amnon and all the king’s sons along with him.

David said to him, “If you leave with me you will be a burden to me.

The king and all the people who were with him arrived exhausted at their destination, where David refreshed himself.

Now when Absalom and all the men of Israel arrived in Jerusalem, Ahithophel was with him.

David assembled the army that was with him. He appointed leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds.

So the king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will take care of you while you are with me in Jerusalem.”

So David said, “Good! I will make an agreement with you. I ask only one thing from you. You will not see my face unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to visit me.”

Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Have sex with your father’s concubines whom he left to care for the palace. All Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. Then your followers will be motivated to support you.”

Now may the Lord show you true kindness! I also will reward you, because you have done this deed.

Her husband went along behind her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Finally Abner said to him, “Go back!” So he returned home.

When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, Joab was told: “Abner the son of Ner came to the king; he sent him away, and he left in peace!”

When the time comes for you to die, I will raise up your descendant, one of your own sons, to succeed you, and I will establish his kingdom.

But Uriah stayed at the door of the palace with all the servants of his lord. He did not go down to his house.

When the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, some of David’s soldiers fell in battle. Uriah the Hittite also died.