The men of Judah came and there they anointed David as king over the people<n id="1" /> of Judah.p> <p class="bodytext">David was told,<n id="2" /> &#8220;The people<n id="3" /> of Jabesh Gilead are the ones who buried Saul.&#8221;

<p class="bodytext">So as Joab kept watch on the city, he stationed Uriah at the place where he knew the best enemy soldiers<n id="1" /> were.

When the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, some of David&#8217;s soldiers<n id="1" /> fell in battle. Uriah the Hittite also died.p>

Absalom acted this way toward everyone in Israel who came to the king for justice. In this way Absalom won the loyalty<n id="1" /> of the citizens<n id="2" /> of Israel.p>

So Joab&#8217;s men, accompanied by the Kerethites, the Pelethites, and all the warriors, left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bicri.p>

So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh Gilead and told them, &#8220;May you be blessed by the <sc>Lordsc> because you have shown this kindness<n id="1" /> to your lord Saul by burying him.

After all, there was no one in the entire house of my grandfather<n id="1" /> who did not deserve death from my lord the king. But instead you allowed me to eat at your own table!<n id="2" /> What further claim do I have to ask<n id="3" /> the king for anything?&#8221;p>

<p class="bodytext">Then all the men of Israel began coming to the king. They asked the king, &#8220;Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, sneak the king away and help the king and his household cross the Jordan &#8211; and not only him but all of David&#8217;s men as well?&#8221;p> <p class="bodytext">

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to David&#8217;s aid, striking the Philistine down and killing him. Then David&#8217;s men took an oath saying, &#8220;You will not go out to battle with us again! You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel!&#8221;p>