Study Desk

But the Lord was angry with Uzzah and killed him for that mistake. Uzzah showed he did not honor God when he touched the Holy Box, so he died there by God's Holy Box.

The Lord 's Holy Box stayed in Obed Edom's house for three months. The Lord blessed Obed Edom and all his family.

David put up a tent for the Holy Box. The Israelites put the Lord 's Holy Box in its place under the tent. Then David offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord .

"Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build a house for me to live in.

I did not live in a house at the time I took the Israelites out of Egypt. No, I traveled around in a tent. I used the tent for my home.

I have been with you every place you went. I have defeated your enemies for you. I will make you one of the most famous people on earth.

And I chose a place for my people, the Israelites. I planted the Israelites. I gave them their own place to live so that they will not have to move from place to place anymore. In the past, I sent judges to lead my people, but evil people gave them many troubles. That will not happen now. I am giving you peace from all of your enemies. I promise that I will make your family a family of kings.

He will build a house for my name, and I will make his kingdom strong forever.

Your family of kings will continue—you can depend on that! For you, your kingdom will continue forever! Your throne will stand forever!'"

"And there is no nation on earth like your people, Israel. They are a special people. They were slaves, but you took them out of Egypt and made them free. You made them your people. You did great and wonderful things for the Israelites and for your land.

"Now, Lord God, you promised to do something for me, your servant, and for my family. Now please do what you promised—make my family a family of kings forever!

David went to an area near the Euphrates to set up a monument for himself. At that time he defeated the king of Zobah, Hadadezer son of Rehob.

David ruled over all Israel, and he made good and fair decisions for all of his people.

David asked, "Is there anyone still left in Saul's family? I want to show kindness to this person. I want to do it for Jonathan."

You will farm the land for Mephibosheth. Your sons and servants will do this for him. You will harvest the crops. Then your master's grandson will have plenty of food to eat, but Mephibosheth will always be allowed to eat at my table." Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants.

The Ammonites came out and got ready for the battle. They stood at the city gate. The Arameans from Zobah and Rehob and the men from Tob and Maacah did not stand together with the Ammonites in the field.

Joab saw that there were enemies in front of him and behind him. So he chose some of the best Israelite soldiers and lined them up for battle against the Arameans.

Joab said to Abishai, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, you will help me. If the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you.

Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. The Lord will do what he decides is right."

When David heard about this, he gathered all the Israelites together. They crossed over the Jordan River and went to Helam. There the Arameans prepared for battle and attacked,