From that time onward it was a binding ordinance for Israel, right up to the present time.

So Saul, his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men died together that day.

David replied to him, “How is it that you were not afraid to reach out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?”

Then Joab blew the ram’s horn and all the people stopped in their tracks. They stopped chasing Israel and ceased fighting.

“Go, tell my servant David: ‘This is what the Lord says: Do you really intend to build a house for me to live in?

Your house and your kingdom will stand before me permanently; your dynasty will be permanent.’”

What more can David say to you? You have given your servant special recognition, O Lord God!

Mephibosheth was living in Jerusalem, for he was a regular guest at the king’s table. But both his feet were crippled.

Because he committed this cold-hearted crime, he must pay for the lamb four times over!”

So David assembled all the army and went to Rabbah and fought against it and captured it.

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

Jonadab said to the king, “Look! The king’s sons have come! It’s just as I said!”

Then the woman said, “Please permit your servant to speak to my lord the king about another matter.” He replied, “Tell me.”

The king and all the people set out on foot, pausing at a spot some distance away.

Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me pick out twelve thousand men. Then I will go and pursue David this very night.

Then Joab blew the trumpet and the army turned back from chasing Israel, for Joab had called for the army to halt.

Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him have the whole thing! My lord the king has returned safely to his house!”

Now when Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, he crossed the Jordan with the king so he could send him on his way from there.

Joab answered, “Get serious! I don’t want to swallow up or destroy anything!

He brought me out into a wide open place; he delivered me because he was pleased with me.