2 Samuel

II SAMUEL Outlined Bible

Introduction: As I Samuel comes to a close, Saul & his sons die on Mt. Gilboa. In II Samuel the central character is David, and the story line deals with his coming to the throne and his exploits as king.

Name - The book (originally combined with I Samuel) bears the name of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. Samuel was the one God used to anoint Saul and David.

Author - The authorship is uncertain.

• The Jewish Talmud claims that Samuel wrote the first part of the book (I Samuel 1-24) and that Nathan composed the rest. (cf. I Chronicles 29:29)
• We do know that Samuel documented certain things. (I Samuel 10:25; I Chronicles 29:29)
• It is probable that a later prophet using Samuel's records, other sources and the Holy Spirit's direction produced the book between 975 and 930 BC.

Purpose - The purpose of II Samuel is to record the reign of David, Israel's greatest king, and to establish his role in the covenant made to Abraham.

• Background of the book.
• II Samuel covers the period between the death of Saul (ca.1010 BC) to the eve of David's death (ca. 970 BC).
• Remember that Saul had hunted David for about a decade prior to Saul's death.
• As the book begins, David is anointed king over the tribe of Judah. (II Samuel 2:1-7)
• However, war breaks out between the houses of Saul and David, and it would be 7 1/2 years before he would be king over all Israel.
• The following dates may be helpful in placing the activities of I and II Samuel in history.
• Saul’s reign from 1050 to 1010 BC
• David’s reign from 1010 to 970 BC
• Solomon’s reign from 970 to 930 BC
• Division of the Kingdom 930 BC
• The main messages in the Book:
• The character of David
• We are shown David's successes. (e.g. 5:1-7; 6:12-19; 8:1-14)
• The book also exposes David's sins and personal weaknesses. (e.g. 11:1-27; 13:1-39; 24:1-10)
• Unlike Saul, David always responded to his sin with a penitent heart. (e.g. 12:13; 24:10)
• The house of David (7:4-16)
• We will examine this message under "Key Themes" of the book.
• “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (7:16)
• Outline of the Book
• David's lament for Saul and Jonathan. (II Samuel 1)
• An Amalekite came to David claiming to have killed Saul. (1:1-13)
• David immediately ordered that he be killed. (14-16)
• David mourns for Saul and Jonathan. (1:17-27)
• David anointed king over Judah followed by years of civil war. (2-4)
• David is crowned king over his own tribe. (2:1-7)
• Ishbosheth, a son of Saul, was made king over the northern area by Abner, commander of Saul's army. (2:8-11)
• The two kingdoms warred for seven years. (2:12-4:12)
• During this time Abner was murdered. (3:30)
• Next Ishbosheth was assassinated. (4:5-6)
• David's reign over all Israel. (II Samuel 5-24)
• The successful early years. (5-10)
• The northern tribe leaders realized that it was not wise to be a divided people, and Israel and

Judah reunited. (5:1-5)

• David captured Jerusalem. (5:6-16)
• He led the defeat of the Philistines (5:17-25) and brought the ark to Jerusalem. (6:1-23)
• While God would not allow David to build the temple. He made a covenant with him about the messianic king that would come through his "house." (7:1-29)
• David's further conquests are recorded. (8:1 -10:19)
• David's sin with Bathsheba. (11:1-12:31)
• At home with time on his hands, David sinned with Bathsheba (11:1-13) and arranged for the murder of her husband. (11:14-17)
• The prophet Nathan told the king a parable to illustrate his sin (12:1-6) and foretold the consequences he would face. (12:7-14)
• The first of Nathan's predicted consequences-the death of the child born to David and Bathsheba occurred. (12:15-31)
• David's troubled later reign. (II Samuel 13:1-24:25)
• As Nathan predicted, the "sword didn't leave David's house".
• After raping his sister (II Samuel 13:1-22), Amnon was killed by his brother Absalom. (13:23- 39)
• After fleeing, Absalom returns to Jerusalem. (14:1-33)
• He leads a revolt against his father (15:1-12), and David has to flee. (15:13-17:29)
• As David regains strength, Absalom is killed by Joab. (18:1-33)
• David returned to Jerusalem and was restored to power. 19:1-20:26)
• The book concludes with various events and statements from David's last years. (21:1-24:25)

[1] The Gibeonites are avenged. (21:1-14) [2] He battles the Philistines again. (21:15-22) [3] David offered a song of praise. (22:1-51) [4] David's mighty men are named. (23:8-39) [5) David takes a census of the fighting men. (24:1-17) [6] He builds an altar to the Lord. (24:18-25)

• Key themes of the Book
• The house of David (2 Samuel 7:4-16):
• There is a play on the word "house."
• David wants to build God a "house" (i.e. - a temple).
• While God rejected his plan, He promised to build David a "house" (i.e. - a kingdom).
• Some parts of the promise were fulfilled through Solomon.
• He would build the Temple David dreamed of building. (7:13)
• Solomon would also know punishment for sin. (7:14)
• Ultimately, however, the prophecy is fulfilled through Christ. (Luke 1:31 -33, 68-70; Acts 2:29-31; 15:12-18)
• This is one of the most important messianic prophecies in the OT.

“That night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: "Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving

from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" '

"Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.

"'The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'" (7:4-16)

• It formed the basis for the "messianic hope" of Israel.
• “‘Go and tell my servant David. This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of

Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel. Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’” (2 Samuel 7:5-7)

• The Hebrew term "messiah" (Greek - Christos) means "anointed one."
• David's sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 11:1 -12:31):
• The Bible is completely honest about its characters and heroes.
• When he should have been elsewhere (11:1), David lusted after Bathsheba and committed fornication with her. (11:4)
• That sin led to a number of wrong choices, sinful behavior, and negative consequences.
• Bathsheba discovered her pregnancy and sent word to David. (11:5)
• David attempted a cover-up. (11:6-11)
• When that failed, he conspired to murder Bathsheba's husband, Uriah. (11:12-17)
• The prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin (12:1-9) and foretold the consequences of
• (12:10-14)

[1] The sword would never depart from his house. (12:10) [2] Out of his own household, calamity would be brought on David. (12:11; cf. 16:11, 21-22) [3] Some of David's wives would be taken from him and given to one close to him. (12:11: cf. 16:22) [4] The child born to Bathsheba would die. (12:14, 18-19)

• The primary differences between David's heart and Saul's heart were David's willingness to humbly and totally repent. (12:13; Psalm 51)
• The lessons for us are numerous:
• No one is immune to temptation. (I Corinthians 10:12)
• One sin often leads to another, then another, etc.
• The ramifications of sin are often beyond the imagination. (cf. Hosea 8:7)
• The forgiveness of God is always available and free.
• However, the forgiven person will still face any consequences for the sin.
• The story of Mephibosheth.
• Years before David was king; he made a covenant with Jonathan. (I Samuel 18:1-4; 20:16)
• Jonathan specifically asked David to extend the covenant to his descendants. (I Samuel 20:42)
• Approximately 20 years later, David begins to ask about any descendants from the house of Saul. (II Samuel 9:1)
• Ziba, one of Saul's servants, told the king of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth.
• Dropped by a nurse when he was five years old, he was crippled in both feet. (II Samuel 4:4)
• He was now living in seclusion at Lo Debar. (II Samuel 9:4)
• David sends for him, and a fearful Mephibosheth bows in the king's presence. (II Samuel 9:8)
• Much to his surprise. King David bestowed on Mephibosheth all the land and goods that had belonged to Saul's family and invited him to eat at the king's table. (II Samuel 9:10)
• What David did for Mephibosheth is a type of what Jesus Christ has done for us.

2 Samuel

Summarized Bible

“David returned from defeating the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. On the third day a man arrived from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and with dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor. He said, ‘The men fled from the battle. Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.’ David asked ‘How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?’ (2 Sam 1:1-5)

“At Mount Gilboa Saul was leaning on his spear, with the chariots and riders almost upon him. He called out to me and said 'Stand over me and kill me! I am in the throes of death, but I'm still alive.’ ‘So, I killed him, took the crown that was on his head and the band on his arm and have brought them here to my lord.’” (2 Sam 1:9-10)

“David asked young man who brought him the report ‘Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?’ Then David called one of his men and said, ‘Go, strike him down!’ So, they did and he died. For David had said to him, ‘Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, I killed the Lord's anointed.’” (2 Sam 1:14-15)

“In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. ‘Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?’ he asked. The Lord said, ‘Go up to Hebron.’ So, David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail. David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.” (2 Sam 2:1-4)

Abner and Ish-Bosheth “Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul's army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel. Ish-Bosheth reigned Israel for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. The length of time David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. Abner together with the men of Ish-Bosheth left Mahanaim and went to Gibeon. Joab and David's men went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. One group sat down on one side of the pool and one

group on the other side. Then Abner said to Joab, ‘Let's have some of the young men get up and fight hand to hand in front of us.’ Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David's men.” (2 Sam 2:8-14)

“The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Now Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle. He chased Abner, turning neither to the right nor to the left as he pursued him. Abner looked behind him and asked, ‘Is that you, Asahel?’ ‘It is," he answered. Then Abner said to him, ‘Turn aside to the right or to the left; take on one of the young men and strip him of his weapons.’ But Asahel would not stop chasing him. Again, Abner warned Asahel, ‘Stop chasing me! Why should I strike you down? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?’” (2 Sam 2:18-22)

“The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, ‘Whose land is it? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you.’ … Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, ‘For some time you have wanted to make David your king. Now do it! For the Lord promised David, By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” (2 Sam 3:11-18)

“Abner also spoke to the Benjamites in person. Then he went to Hebron to tell David everything that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin wanted to do. When Abner, who had twenty men with him, came to David at Hebron, David prepared a feast for him and his men. Then Abner said to David, ‘Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a compact with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.’ So, David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.” (2 Sam 3:19-21)

“Just then David's men and Joab returned from a raid and brought with them a great deal of plunder. But Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, because David had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. When Joab and all the soldiers with him arrived, he was told that Abner had come to the king and that the king had sent him away and that he had gone in peace. So, Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you let him go? Now he is gone! You know Abner son of Ner; he came to deceive you and observe your movements and find out everything you are doing.” (2 Sam 3:22- 25)

“Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David did not know it. Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway, as though to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died. Later, when David heard about this, he said, ‘I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the Lord concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. May his blood fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house! May Joab's house never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food.’” (2 Sam 3:26-30) Comment: Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.

“Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, ‘Tear your clothes and put-on sackcloth and walk-in mourning in front of Abner.’ King David himself walked behind the bier. They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner's tomb. All the people wept also. … All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them. So, on that day all the people and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.” (2 Sam 3:31-37)

“Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth.” (2 Sam 4:1)

“Now Recab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out for the house of Ish-Bosheth, and they arrived there in the heat of the day while he was taking his noonday rest. They went into the inner part of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Recab and his brother Baanah slipped away.” (2 Sam 4:5-6)

“They had gone into the house while he was lying on the bed in his bedroom. After they stabbed and killed him, they cut off his head. Taking it with them, they traveled all night by way of the Arabah. They brought the head of Ish-Bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, ‘Here is the head of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, who tried to take your life. This day the Lord has avenged my lord the king against Saul and his offspring.’” (2 Sam 4:7-8)

“David answered Recab and his brother Baanah, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of all trouble, when a man told me, Saul is dead, and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more — when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed — should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!” So, David gave an order to his men, and they killed them. They cut off their hands and feet and hung the bodies by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish- Bosheth and buried it in Abner's tomb at Hebron.” (2 Samuel 4:9-12) Comment: God does not reward evil.

King Over Israel and Judah “All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, ‘We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. The Lord said to you, You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’ David made a compact with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.” (2 Sam 5:1-2)

“David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. David captured the fortress of Zion. … David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the supporting terraces inward. And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.” (2 Sam 5:4-5, 9-10)

“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.” (2 Sam 5:11-12)

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so, David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?’ The Lord answered him, ‘Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you.’ David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them.” (2 Sam 5:17-19) Comment: David constantly inquired of the Lord before making major decisions.

“Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim to attack the Israelites; so, David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.’ So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.” (2 Sam 5:22-25)

Ark to Jerusalem “David again brought together out of Israel chosen men, thirty thousand in all. He and all his men set out from Baalah of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the ark. They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals. When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore, God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.” (2 Sam 6:1-7)

Comment: Be careful not to do what seems right before you find out what God desires.

“Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, "How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?" He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed- Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household.” (2 Sam 6:8-11)

“Now King David was told, "The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So, David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed- Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.” (2 Sam 6:12-16)

“They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.” (2 Sam 6:17-19)

“After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.’ … Nathan told David ‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who

will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” (2 Sam 7:1-16)

“Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation. Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: ‘Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord? What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign Lord. For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant. How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. And who is like your people Israel — the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, O Lord, have become their God. And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established before you. O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer. O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.” (2 Sam 7:17-29)

“In the course of time, David defeated the Philistines, the Moabites, Hadadezer, king of Zobah and the Arameans of Damascus. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. David took the plunder and dedicated them articles to the Lord. … David became famous after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. … David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.” (2 Sam 8:1-15)

“David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?’ A servant of Saul's household named Ziba said there is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet. … When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, ‘don't be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’ Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’ Then the king summoned Ziba stating, ‘I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master's grandson may be provided for. Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.’ Then Ziba said to the king, ‘Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.’ So, Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons.” (2 Sam 9:1-11)

Sin of David with Bathsheba

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, ‘I am pregnant.’” (2 Sam 11:1-5) Comment: Lingering looks of a sensual nature brings the temptation of lust and when fulfilled fornication.

“David sent this word to Joab: ‘Send me Uriah the Hittite.’ And Joab sent him to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, ‘Go down to your house and wash your feet.’ Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master's servants and did not go down to his house.” (2 Sam 11:6-9)

“When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, ‘There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.’” (2 Sam 11:26-27; 12:1- 4)

“David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.’ Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’” (2 Sam 12:5-10)

“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.’ After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. … David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?’ he asked. ‘Yes,’they replied. Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes,

he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.” (2 Sam 12:13-20)

“His servants asked him, ‘Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!’ He answered, ‘While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.’ Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him; and because the Lord loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.” (2 Sam 12:21-25)

Trouble in David’s House “In the course of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of David. Amnon became frustrated to the point of illness on account of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her. Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man. He asked Amnon, "Why do you, the king's son, look so haggard morning after morning? Won't you tell me?" Amnon said to him, ‘I'm in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.’ ‘Go to bed and pretend to be ill,’ Jonadab said. ‘When your father comes to see you, say to him, I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand.’ So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, ‘I would like my sister Tamar to come and make some special bread in my sight, so I may eat from her hand.’ David sent word to Tamar at the palace: ‘Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare some food for him.’ Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made the bread in his sight and baked it. Then she took the pan and served him the bread, but he refused to eat. ‘Send everyone out of here,’ Amnon said. Everyone left then he raped her.” (2 Sam 13:1-10)

“Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred and called his personal servant and said, ‘Get this woman out of here and bolt the door after her. She put her hand on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went. … Her brother Absalom said to her, ‘Has that Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet now, my sister; he is your brother. Don't take this thing to heart.’ Tamar lived in her brother Absalom's house, a desolate woman. When King David heard all this, he was furious. Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar. Two years later, when Absalom’s men kill Amnon. Then all the king's sons got up, mounted their mules and fled to Geshur, he stayed there three years.” (2 Sam 13:15, 20-23)

“Joab knew that the king's heart longed for Absalom. So, Joab arranged by intrigue to get David have Absalom return to Jerusalem. … The king said to Joab, ‘Very well, I will do it. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.’ Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. But the king said, ‘He must go to his own house; he must not see my face.’ So, Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king. In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.” (2 Sam 14:1-2, 21-25)

Absalom’s Plot to Take David’s Throne and Become King “In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone

came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town are you from?" He would answer, ‘Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.’ Then Absalom would say to him, ‘Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.’ And Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice.’ Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Sam 15:1-6)

“At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, ‘Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the Lord. While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow: If the Lord takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord in Hebron.’ The king said to him, ‘Go in peace.’ So, he went to Hebron. Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, Absalom is king in Hebron.’ Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. The conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing.” (2 Sam 15:7-12)

“A messenger came and told David, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.’ Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, ‘Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword.’ The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. The king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at a place some distance away. All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king.” (2 Sam 15:13-18)

“Then the king said to Zadok, ‘Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, I am not pleased with you, then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.’ The king also said to Zadok the priest, ‘Aren't you a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan son of Abiathar. You and Abiathar take your two sons with you. I will wait at the fords in the desert until word comes from you to inform me.’ So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there. But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. Now David had been told, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’ So, David prayed, "O Lord, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness.” (2 Sam 15:25-31)

“When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head. David said to him, ‘If you go with me, you will be a burden to me. But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,' then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel's advice. Won't the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Tell them anything you hear in the king's palace. Their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me

with anything you hear.’ So, David's friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.” (2 Sam 15:32-37)

“When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine.

The king then asked, ‘Where is your master's grandson?’ Ziba said to him, ‘He is staying in Jerusalem, because he thinks, Today the house of Israel will give me back my grandfather's kingdom.’” (2 Sam 16:1- 3)

“David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. There he refreshed himself. Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. Then Hushai, David's friend, went to Absalom and said to him, ‘Long live the king! Long live the king!’ Absalom asked Hushai, ‘Is this the love you show your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?’ Hushai said to Absalom, ‘No, the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the men of Israel — his I will be, and I will remain with him. Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.’ Absalom said to Ahithophel, ‘Give us your advice. What should we do?’ Ahithophel answered, ‘Lie with your father's concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench in your father's nostrils, and the hands of everyone with you will be strengthened.’ So, they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.” (2 Sam 16:13-22)

Comment: Just as Nathan had prophesied.

“Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice. Ahithophel said to Absalom, ‘I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.’ This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel. But Absalom said, ‘Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say.’ When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, ‘Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.’” (2 Sam 16:23, 17:1-6)

“Hushai replied to Absalom, ‘The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time. You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom. Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave. So, I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba — as numerous as the sand on the seashore — be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle. Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive.

If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a piece of it can be found.’” (2 Sam 11:7-13)

“Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.’ For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so. Now send a message immediately and tell David, 'Do not spend the night at the fords in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’ David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. David sent the troops out — a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, ‘I myself will surely march out with you.’ But the men said, ‘You must not go out; if we are forced to flee, they won't care about us. Even if half of us die, they won't care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.’ … So, the king stood beside the gate. The army marched into the field to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. There the army of Israel was defeated by David's men, and the casualties that day were great — twenty thousand men. The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword.” (2 Sam 17:14-28; 18:1-8)

“Now Absalom happened to meet David's men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going. … Joab took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes. … Then Joab said to a Cushite, ‘Go, tell the king what you have seen.’ When the Cushite arrived, he said, ‘My lord the king, hear the good news! The Lord has delivered you today from all who rose up against you.’ The king asked the Cushite, ‘Is the young man Absalom safe?’ The Cushite replied, ‘May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.’” (2 Sam 18:9-32)

David Mourns for Absalom “The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: ‘O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you — O Absalom, my son, my son!" Joab was told, "The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.’ And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, ‘The king is grieving for his son.’ The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. The king covered his face and cried aloud, ‘O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!’ Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, ‘Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now.’ So, the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, ‘The king is sitting in the gateway,’ they all came before him.” (2 Sam 18:32; 19:1-7)

“Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes. Throughout the tribes of Israel, the people were all arguing with each other, saying, ‘The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country because of Absalom; and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?’ King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: "Ask the elders of Judah, Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king? And say to Amasa, Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab.’ He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. They sent word to the king, ‘Return, you and all your men.’ Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.” (2 Sam 19:8-15)

“Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul's household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king and said to him, ‘May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.’ Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, ‘Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord's anointed.’ David replied, ‘What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?’ So, the king said to Shimei, ‘You shall not die.’ And the king promised him on oath.” (2 Sam 19:16-23)

“Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, ‘Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?’ He said, ‘My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king. But Ziba my servant betrayed me. And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so, do whatever pleases you. All my grandfather's descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who sat at your table. So, what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?’ The king said to him, ‘Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the fields.’ Mephibosheth said to the king, ‘Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has arrived home safely.’” (2 Sam 19:24-30)

“Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there. Now Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. The king said to Barzillai, ‘Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you.’ But Barzillai answered the king, ‘How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of men and women singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my

father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever pleases you.’ The king said, ‘Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever pleases you. And anything you desire from me I will do for you.’ So, all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and gave him his blessing, and Barzillai returned to his home. When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over.” (2 Sam 19:31-40)

“Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, ‘Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?’ All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, ‘We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king's provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?’ Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, ‘We have ten shares in the king; and besides, we have a greater claim on David than you have. So why do you treat us with contempt? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?’ But the men of Judah responded even more harshly than the men of Israel.” (2 Sam 19:41-43)

“Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bicri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted, ‘We have no share in David, no part in Jesse's son! Every man to his tent, O Israel!’ So, all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bicri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. Then the king said to Amasa, ‘Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.’ But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him. David said to Abishai, ‘Now Sheba son of Bicri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your master's men and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and escape from us.’ So, Joab's men and the Kerethites and Pelethites and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bicri. While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, it dropped out of its sheath. Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab's hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bicri.” (2 Sam 20:1-10)

“One of Joab's men stood beside Amasa and said, ‘Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!’ Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the middle of the road, and the man saw that all the troops came to a halt there. When he realized that everyone who came up to Amasa stopped, he dragged him from the road into a field and threw a garment over him. After Amasa had been removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bicri. Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him. All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maacah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down, a wise woman called from the city, ‘Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.’ He went toward her, and she asked, ‘Are you Joab?’ ‘I am,’ he answered. She said, ‘Listen to what your servant has to say.’ ‘I'm listening,’ he said. She continued, ‘Long ago they used to say, Get your answer at Abel, and that settled

• We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord's inheritance?" "Far be it from me!" Joab replied, "Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bicri, from the hill country of

Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I'll withdraw from the city.’ The woman said to Joab, ‘His head will be thrown to you from the wall.’ Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri and threw it to Joab. So, he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.” (2 Sam 20:11-22)

“Again, the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, ‘Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.’” (2 Sam 24:1)

Comment: The “he incited” probably causes one to think that “he” is “the Lord.” The Hebrew word is cuwth without the “he.” Young’s Literal Translation has it as “an adversary.” 1 Chron 21:1-2 states “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”

“The king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, ‘Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are.’ But Joab replied to the king, ‘May the Lord your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?’ The king's word, however, overruled Joab and the army commanders; so, they left the presence of the king to enroll the fighting men of Israel. After crossing the Jordan, they camped near Aroer, south of the town in the gorge, and then went through Gad and on to Jazer. They went to Gilead and the region of Tahtim Hodshi, and on to Dan Jaan and around toward Sidon. Then they went toward the fortress of Tyre and all the towns of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went on to Beersheba in the Negev of Judah. After they had gone through the entire land, they came back to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. Joab reported the number of the fighting men to the king: In Israel there were eight hundred thousand able-bodied men who could handle a sword, and in Judah five hundred thousand. David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the Lord, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O Lord, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” (2 Sam 24:2-10)

Comment: David’s conscience was stricken and his statement “I have sinned” strongly supports that David yielded to temptation. God does not tempt but Satan not only tempts but lies.

“Before David got up the next morning, the word of the Lord had come to Gad the prophet, David's seer: ‘Go and tell David, This is what the Lord says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.’ So, Gad went to David and said to him, ‘Shall there come upon you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me.’ David said to Gad, "I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men." So, the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord was grieved because of the calamity and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, ‘Enough! Withdraw your hand.’ The angel of the Lord was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” (2 Sam 24:11-16)

“When David saw the angel, who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, ‘I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall upon me and my family.’ On that day Gad went to David and said to him, ‘Go up and build an altar to the Lord on the

threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.’ So, David went up, as the Lord had commanded through Gad. When Araunah looked and saw the king and his men coming toward him, he went out and bowed down before the king with his face to the ground. Araunah said, "Why has my lord the king come to his servant?’ ‘To buy your threshing floor,’ David answered, ‘so I can build an altar to the Lord, that the plague on the people may be stopped.’ Araunah said to David, ‘Let my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. O king, Araunah gives all this to the king." Araunah also said to him, ‘May the Lord your God accept you.’ But the king replied ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So, David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them. David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.” (2 Sam 24:17-25)