He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me, for they were too strong for me.

Be strong! Let’s fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our God! The Lord will do what he decides is best!”

Absalom instructed his servants, “Look! When Amnon is drunk and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ kill him then and there. Don’t fear! Is it not I who have given you these instructions? Be strong and courageous!”

Joab said, “If the Arameans start to overpower me, you come to my rescue. If the Ammonites start to overpower you, I will come to your rescue.

The one true God is my mighty refuge; he removes the obstacles in my way.

Now be courageous and prove to be valiant warriors, for your lord Saul is dead. The people of Judah have anointed me as king over them.”

As the war continued between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was becoming more influential in the house of Saul.

While he was offering sacrifices, Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s adviser, to come from his city, Giloh. The conspiracy was gaining momentum, and the people were starting to side with Absalom.

But David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the city of David).

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.”

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.

Today I am weak, even though I am anointed as king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too much for me to bear! May the Lord punish appropriately the one who has done this evil thing!”

You made Israel your very own people for all time. You, O Lord, became their God.

David was in the stronghold at the time, while a Philistine garrison was in Bethlehem.

He said to me, ‘Stand over me and finish me off! I’m very dizzy, even though I’m still alive.’

From the blood of the slain, from the fat of warriors, the bow of Jonathan was not turned away. The sword of Saul never returned empty.

So David lived in the fortress and called it the City of David. David built all around it, from the terrace inwards.

In the letter he wrote: “Station Uriah in the thick of the battle and then withdraw from him so he will be cut down and killed.”

Absalom would then say to him, “Look, your claims are legitimate and appropriate. But there is no representative of the king who will listen to you.”

David was thirsty and said, “How I wish someone would give me some water to drink from the cistern in Bethlehem near the gate!”