Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run and give the king the good news that the Lord has vindicated him before his enemies.”

But he said, “Whatever happens, I want to go!” So Joab said to him, “Then go!” So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Jordan plain, and he passed the Cushite.

The king covered his face and cried out loudly, “My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

But Absalom, whom we anointed as our king, has died in battle. So now why do you hesitate to bring the king back?”

He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. Then they sent word to the king saying, “Return, you and all your servants as well.”

Abishai son of Zeruiah replied, “For this should not Shimei be put to death? After all, he cursed the Lord’s anointed!”

Then the king replied to him, “Why should you continue speaking like this? You and Ziba will inherit the field together.”

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

But Barzillai was very old – eighty years old, in fact – and he had taken care of the king when he stayed in Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man.

Barzillai replied to the king, “How many days do I have left to my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

The king replied, “Kimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever I deem appropriate. And whatever you choose, I will do for you.”

So all the people crossed the Jordan, as did the king. After the king had kissed him and blessed him, Barzillai returned to his home.

When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed over with him. Now all the soldiers of Judah along with half of the soldiers of Israel had helped the king cross over.

Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together for me in three days, and you be present here with them too.”

David said to the Gibeonites, “What can I do for you, and how can I make amends so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?”

Now Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, had a spear that weighed three hundred bronze shekels, and he was armed with a new weapon. He had said that he would kill David.

Later there was another battle with the Philistines, this time in Gob. On that occasion Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the descendants of Rapha.

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul.

They crossed the Jordan and camped at Aroer, on the south side of the city, at the wadi of Gad, near Jazer.

When Araunah looked out and saw the king and his servants approaching him, he went out and bowed to the king with his face to the ground.