I was with you wherever you went, and I defeated all your enemies before you. Now I will make you as famous as the great men of the earth.

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

Now, O sovereign Lord, you are the true God! May your words prove to be true! You have made this good promise to your servant!

David defeated King Hadadezer son of Rehob of Zobah when he came to reestablish his authority over the Euphrates River.

David placed garrisons in the territory of the Arameans of Damascus; the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The Lord protected David wherever he campaigned.

Then Hadadezer sent for Arameans from beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam. Shobach, the general in command of Hadadezer’s army, led them.

But Uriah stayed at the door of the palace with all the servants of his lord. He did not go down to his house.

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.”

So as Joab kept watch on the city, he stationed Uriah at the place where he knew the best enemy soldiers were.

When the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, some of David’s soldiers fell in battle. Uriah the Hittite also died.

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

So now the sword will never depart from your house. For you have despised me by taking the wife of Uriah the Hittite as your own!’

Although you have acted in secret, I will do this thing before all Israel, and in broad daylight.’”

Nonetheless, because you have treated the Lord with such contempt in this matter, the son who has been born to you will certainly die.”

Then Nathan went to his home. The Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and the child became very ill.

Then David prayed to God for the child and fasted. He would even go and spend the night lying on the ground.

Joab then sent messengers to David, saying, “I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city.

But when she took the pan and set it before him, he refused to eat. Instead Amnon said, “Get everyone out of here!” So everyone left.

But she said to him, “No, my brother! Don’t humiliate me! This just isn’t done in Israel! Don’t do this foolish thing!

While they were still on their way, the following report reached David: “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons; not one of them is left!”