So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bicri. But the men of Judah stuck by their king all the way from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

Sheba traveled through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth Maacah and all the Berite region. When they had assembled, they too joined him.

I represent the peaceful and the faithful in Israel. You are attempting to destroy an important city in Israel. Why should you swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?”

They replied to the king, “As for this man who exterminated us and who schemed against us so that we were destroyed and left without status throughout all the borders of Israel –

Another battle was fought between the Philistines and Israel. So David went down with his soldiers and fought the Philistines. David became exhausted.

These are the final words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised up as the ruler chosen by the God of Jacob, Israel’s beloved singer of songs:

The Lord’s anger again raged against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go count Israel and Judah.”

Then David built an altar for the Lord there and offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings. And the Lord accepted prayers for the land, and the plague was removed from Israel.

So they looked through all Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

Now, my master, O king, all Israel is watching anxiously to see who is named to succeed my master the king on the throne.

There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet will anoint him king over Israel; then blow the trumpet and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’

Then follow him up as he comes and sits on my throne. He will be king in my place; I have decreed that he will be ruler over Israel and Judah.”

and said this: ‘The Lord God of Israel is worthy of praise because today he has placed a successor on my throne and allowed me to see it.’”

David reigned over Israel forty years; he reigned in Hebron seven years, and in Jerusalem thirty-three years.

All the men of Israel assembled before King Solomon during the festival in the month Ethanim (the seventh month).

He said, “The Lord God of Israel is worthy of praise because he has fulfilled what he promised my father David.

“The time will come when your people Israel are defeated by an enemy because they sinned against you. If they come back to you, renew their allegiance to you, and pray for your help in this temple,

then listen from heaven, forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them back to the land you gave to their ancestors.

“Foreigners, who do not belong to your people Israel, will come from a distant land because of your reputation.

“May you be attentive to your servant’s and your people Israel’s requests for help and may you respond to all their prayers to you.