Study Desk

David also conquered the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in a row, and he measured them off in groups with a length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became David's subjects and paid him tribute money.

David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.

he sent his son Joram to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze.

So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.

One day David asked, "Is anyone in Saul's family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

So David sent for him and brought him from Makir's home.

You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master's household. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will eat here at my table." (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)

When David heard what had happened, he sent messengers to tell the men, "Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back." For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.

"If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me," Joab told his brother. "And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you.

Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord 's will be done."

The Arameans now realized that they were no match for Israel. So when they regrouped,

When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, "What's the matter? Why didn't you go home last night after being away for so long?"

When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him.

When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the Lord was displeased with what David had done.

One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man's lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest."

He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity."

Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife.

Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord ." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin.

Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die."

David replied, "I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.'