he serves to this day at the King’s Gate on the east. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the descendants of Levi.

He built up the city around it, from the terrace to the surrounding walls; Joab restored the rest of the city.

From the three he was given double honor and he became their officer, even though he was not one of them.

David did just as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.

He then handed out to each Israelite man and woman a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake.

and Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel. They lived in Aroer as far as Nebo and Baal Meon.

From Benjamin, Saul’s tribe, there were 3,000, most of whom, up to that time, had been loyal to Saul.

So David assembled all Israel from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim.

May the Lord God of Israel be praised, in the future and forevermore. Then all the people said, “We agree! Praise the Lord!”

David praised the Lord before the entire assembly: “O Lord God of our father Israel, you deserve praise forevermore!

David told Joab and the leaders of the army, “Go, count the number of warriors from Beer Sheba to Dan. Then bring back a report to me so I may know how many we have.”