Study Desk

Then King David went in and sat in front of the Lord . David said, "Lord God , who am I? What is my family? Why did you bring me to this point?

" Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, you have said to me, ‘I will make your family great.' So I, your servant, am brave enough to pray to you.

Now there was a servant named Ziba from Saul's family. So David's servants called Ziba to him. King David said to him, "Are you Ziba?" He answered, "Yes, I am your servant."

Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, came before David and bowed facedown on the floor. David said, "Mephibosheth!" Mephibosheth said, "I am your servant."

Mephibosheth bowed to David again and said, "You are being very kind to me, your servant! And I am no better than a dead dog!"

But Bathsheba became pregnant and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."

"This is what the Lord says: ‘I am bringing trouble to you from your own family. While you watch, I will take your wives from you and give them to someone who is very close to you. He will have sexual relations with your wives, and everyone will know it.

King David asked her, "What is the matter?" The woman said, "I am a widow; my husband is dead.

But if the Lord says he is not pleased with me, I am ready. He can do what he wants with me."

But if you return to the city, you can make Ahithophel's advice useless. Tell Absalom, ‘I am your servant, my king. In the past I served your father, but now I will serve you.'

I know I have sinned. That is why I am the first person from Joseph's family to come down and meet you today, my master and king!"

David said, "This does not concern you, sons of Zeruiah! Today you're against me! No one will be put to death in Israel today. Today I know I am king over Israel!"

He answered, "My master, my servant Ziba tricked me! I said to Ziba, ‘I am crippled, so saddle a donkey. Then I will ride it so I can go with the king.'

But Barzillai answered the king, "Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem?

I am eighty years old! I am too old to taste what I eat or drink. I am too old to hear the voices of men and women singers. Why should you be bothered with me?

I am not worthy of a reward from you, but I will cross the Jordan River with you.

So Joab came near her. She asked him, "Are you Joab?" He answered, "Yes, I am." Then she said, "Listen to what I say." Joab said, "I'm listening."

I am one of the peaceful, loyal people of Israel. You are trying to destroy an important city of Israel. Why must you destroy what belongs to the Lord ?"

I am innocent before him; I have kept myself from doing evil.

David said to Gad, "I am in great trouble. Let the Lord punish us, because the Lord is very merciful. Don't let my punishment come from human beings!"