The king settled into his palace, for the Lord gave him relief from all his enemies on all sides.

Nathan replied to the king, “You should go and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.”

When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer,

Then Mephibosheth bowed and said, “Of what importance am I, your servant, that you show regard for a dead dog like me?”

When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband Uriah was dead, she mourned for him.

Now Joab son of Zeruiah realized that the king longed to see Absalom.

The earth heaved and shook; the foundations of the sky trembled. They heaved because he was angry.

Indeed, who is God besides the Lord? Who is a protector besides our God?

So I stood over him and put him to death, since I knew that he couldn’t live in such a condition. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm. I have brought them here to my lord.”

But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether dead or alive, there I will be as well!”

But the king said, “What do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David!’, who can say to him, ‘Why have you done this?’”

Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son, my very own flesh and blood, is trying to take my life. So also now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone so that he can curse, for the Lord has spoken to him.

If that happens even the bravest soldier – one who is lion-hearted – will virtually melt away. For all Israel knows that your father is a warrior and that those who are with him are brave.

For I, your servant, know that I sinned, and I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

He replied, “My lord the king, my servant deceived me! I said, ‘Let me get my donkey saddled so that I can ride on it and go with the king,’ for I am lame.

After all, there was no one in the entire house of my grandfather who did not deserve death from my lord the king. But instead you allowed me to eat at your own table! What further claim do I have to ask the king for anything?”

David said to the young man who was telling him this, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

David said to him, “Your blood be on your own head! Your own mouth has testified against you, saying ‘I have put the Lord’s anointed to death.’”

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.”

All the people and all Israel realized on that day that the killing of Abner son of Ner was not done at the king’s instigation.