Study Desk

Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, also went down to meet King David. Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet, cut his beard, or washed his clothes from the time the king had left Jerusalem until he returned safely.

The king answered, "Kimham will go with me. I will do for him anything you wish, and I will do anything for you that you wish."

All the people of Judah answered the Israelites, "We did this because the king is our close relative. Why are you angry about it? We have not eaten food at the king's expense or taken anything for ourselves!"

One of Joab's young men stood by Amasa's body and said, "Everyone who is for Joab and David should follow Joab!"

Then the woman said, "In the past people would say, ‘Ask for advice at Abel,' and the problem would be solved.

During the time David was king, there was a shortage of food that lasted for three years. So David prayed to the Lord . The Lord answered, "Saul and his family of murderers are the reason for this shortage, because he killed the Gibeonites."

He asked, "What can I do for you? How can I make up for the harm done so you can bless the Lord 's people?"

The Gibeonites said to David, "We cannot demand silver or gold from Saul or his family. And we don't have the right to kill anyone in Israel." Then David asked, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Aiah's daughter Rizpah took the rough cloth that was worn to show sadness and put it on a rock for herself. She stayed there from the beginning of the harvest until the rain fell on her sons' bodies. During the day she did not let the birds of the sky touch her sons' bodies, and during the night she did not let the wild animals touch them.

The people buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan at Zela in Benjamin in the tomb of Saul's father Kish. The people did everything the king commanded. Then God answered the prayers for the land.

My God is my rock. I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The Lord saves me from those who want to harm me.

In my trouble I called to the Lord ; I cried out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my call for help reached his ears.

He saved me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me, because they were too strong for me.

He trains my hands for battle so my arms can bend a bronze bow.

They called for help, but no one came to save them. They called to the Lord , but he did not answer them.

The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘Whoever rules fairly over people, who rules with respect for God,

"This is how God has cared for my family. God made a lasting agreement with me, right and sure in every way. He will accomplish my salvation and satisfy all my desires.

Next was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. Eleazar was one of the three soldiers who were with David when they challenged the Philistines. The Philistines were gathered for battle, and the Israelites drew back.

But Eleazar stayed where he was and fought the Philistines until he was so tired his hand stuck to his sword. The Lord gave a great victory for the Israelites that day. The troops came back after Eleazar had won the battle, but only to take weapons and armor from the enemy.

but Shammah stood in the middle of the field and fought for it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord gave a great victory.