Josephus Book 07a - David

The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. Book seven, chapter one. Book seven, chapter one. Book seven, chapter one. Book seven, containing the interval of Book seven, containing the interval of Book seven, containing the interval of 40 years 40 years 40 years from the death of Saul to the death of from the death of Saul to the death of from the death of Saul to the death of David. David. David. Chapter one. Chapter one. Chapter one. How David reigned over one tribe at How David reigned over one tribe at How David reigned over one tribe at Hebron, while the son of Saul reigned Hebron, while the son of Saul reigned Hebron, while the son of Saul reigned over the rest of the multitude, and how over the rest of the multitude, and how over the rest of the multitude, and how in the civil war which then arose, in the civil war which then arose, in the civil war which then arose, Asahel and Abner were slain. This fight proved to be on the same day This fight proved to be on the same day whereon David was come back to Ziklag whereon David was come back to Ziklag whereon David was come back to Ziklag after he had overcome the Amalekites. after he had overcome the Amalekites. after he had overcome the Amalekites. Now, when he had been already two days Now, when he had been already two days Now, when he had been already two days at Ziklag, there came to him the man who at Ziklag, there came to him the man who at Ziklag, there came to him the man who slew Saul, slew Saul, slew Saul, which was the third day after the fight. which was the third day after the fight. which was the third day after the fight. He had escaped out of the battle which He had escaped out of the battle which He had escaped out of the battle which the Israelites had had with the the Israelites had had with the the Israelites had had with the Philistines, Philistines, Philistines, and had his clothes rent and ashes upon and had his clothes rent and ashes upon and had his clothes rent and ashes upon his head. his head. his head. And when he made his obeisance to David, And when he made his obeisance to David, And when he made his obeisance to David, he inquired of him whence he came.

he inquired of him whence he came. he inquired of him whence he came. He replied from the battle of the He replied from the battle of the He replied from the battle of the Israelites, and he informed him that the Israelites, and he informed him that the Israelites, and he informed him that the end of it was unfortunate. end of it was unfortunate. end of it was unfortunate. Many tens of thousands of the Israelites Many tens of thousands of the Israelites Many tens of thousands of the Israelites having been cut off and Saul together having been cut off and Saul together having been cut off and Saul together with his sons slain. with his sons slain. with his sons slain. He also said that he could well give him He also said that he could well give him He also said that he could well give him this information this information this information because he was present at the victory because he was present at the victory because he was present at the victory gained over the Hebrews, and was with gained over the Hebrews, and was with gained over the Hebrews, and was with the king when he fled. the king when he fled. the king when he fled. Nor did he deny that he had himself Nor did he deny that he had himself Nor did he deny that he had himself slain the king slain the king slain the king when he was ready to be taken by the when he was ready to be taken by the when he was ready to be taken by the enemy, and he himself exhorted him to do enemy, and he himself exhorted him to do enemy, and he himself exhorted him to do it because when he had fallen on his it because when he had fallen on his it because when he had fallen on his sword, his great wounds had made him so sword, his great wounds had made him so sword, his great wounds had made him so weak weak weak that he was not able to kill himself. that he was not able to kill himself. that he was not able to kill himself. He also produced demonstrations that the He also produced demonstrations that the He also produced demonstrations that the king was slain, king was slain, king was slain, which were the golden bracelets with which were the golden bracelets with which were the golden bracelets with that had been on the king's arms and his that had been on the king's arms and his that had been on the king's arms and his crown, crown, crown, which he had taken away from Saul's dead which he had taken away from Saul's dead which he had taken away from Saul's dead body and had brought them to him. body and had brought them to him. body and had brought them to him. So David having no longer any room to So David having no longer any room to So David having no longer any room to call in question the truth of what he call in question the truth of what he call in question the truth of what he said but seeing most evident marks that said but seeing most evident marks that said but seeing most evident marks that Saul was dead, Saul was dead, Saul was dead, he rent his garments and continued all he rent his garments and continued all he rent his garments and continued all that day with his companions in weeping that day with his companions in weeping that day with his companions in weeping and lamentation.

and lamentation. and lamentation. This grief was augmented by the This grief was augmented by the This grief was augmented by the consideration of Jonathan the son of consideration of Jonathan the son of consideration of Jonathan the son of Saul who had been his most faithful Saul who had been his most faithful Saul who had been his most faithful friend friend friend and the occasion of his own deliverance. and the occasion of his own deliverance. and the occasion of his own deliverance. He also demonstrated himself to have He also demonstrated himself to have He also demonstrated himself to have such great virtue and such great such great virtue and such great such great virtue and such great kindness for Saul as not only to take kindness for Saul as not only to take kindness for Saul as not only to take his death to heart though he had been his death to heart though he had been his death to heart though he had been frequently in danger of losing his life frequently in danger of losing his life frequently in danger of losing his life by his means by his means by his means but to punish him that slew him for when but to punish him that slew him for when but to punish him that slew him for when David had said to him that he was become David had said to him that he was become David had said to him that he was become his own accuser his own accuser his own accuser as the very man who had slain the king as the very man who had slain the king as the very man who had slain the king and when he had understood that he was and when he had understood that he was and when he had understood that he was the son of an Amalekite, he commanded the son of an Amalekite, he commanded the son of an Amalekite, he commanded him to be slain. him to be slain. him to be slain. He also committed to writing some He also committed to writing some He also committed to writing some lamentations and funeral commendations lamentations and funeral commendations lamentations and funeral commendations of Saul and Jonathan of Saul and Jonathan of Saul and Jonathan which have continued my own age. which have continued my own age. which have continued my own age. Now when David had paid these honors to Now when David had paid these honors to Now when David had paid these honors to the king, he left off his mourning and the king, he left off his mourning and the king, he left off his mourning and inquired of God by the prophet inquired of God by the prophet inquired of God by the prophet which of the cities of the tribe of which of the cities of the tribe of which of the cities of the tribe of Judah he would bestow upon him to dwell Judah he would bestow upon him to dwell Judah he would bestow upon him to dwell in. Who answered that he bestowed upon him Who answered that he bestowed upon him Hebron.

Hebron. Hebron. So he left Ziklag and came to Hebron So he left Ziklag and came to Hebron So he left Ziklag and came to Hebron and took with him his wives who were in and took with him his wives who were in and took with him his wives who were in number two number two number two and his armed men. and his armed men. and his armed men. Whereupon all the people of the Whereupon all the people of the Whereupon all the people of the aforementioned tribe came to him and aforementioned tribe came to him and aforementioned tribe came to him and ordained him their king. ordained him their king. ordained him their king. But when he heard that the inhabitants But when he heard that the inhabitants But when he heard that the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead of Jabesh-Gilead of Jabesh-Gilead had buried Saul and his sons honorably, had buried Saul and his sons honorably, had buried Saul and his sons honorably, he sent to them and commended them and he sent to them and commended them and he sent to them and commended them and took what they had done kindly and took what they had done kindly and took what they had done kindly and promised to make them amends for their promised to make them amends for their promised to make them amends for their care of those that were dead and at the care of those that were dead and at the care of those that were dead and at the same time he informed them that the same time he informed them that the same time he informed them that the tribe of Judah had chosen him for their tribe of Judah had chosen him for their tribe of Judah had chosen him for their king. king. king. But as soon as Abner, the son of Ner, But as soon as Abner, the son of Ner, But as soon as Abner, the son of Ner, who was general of Saul's army and a who was general of Saul's army and a who was general of Saul's army and a very active man and good-natured, very active man and good-natured, very active man and good-natured, knew that the king and Jonathan and his knew that the king and Jonathan and his knew that the king and Jonathan and his two other sons were fallen in the two other sons were fallen in the two other sons were fallen in the battle, battle, battle, he made haste into the camp and taking he made haste into the camp and taking he made haste into the camp and taking away with him the remaining son of Saul, away with him the remaining son of Saul, away with him the remaining son of Saul, whose name was Ish-bosheth, whose name was Ish-bosheth, whose name was Ish-bosheth, he passed over to the land beyond Jordan he passed over to the land beyond Jordan he passed over to the land beyond Jordan and ordained him the king of the whole and ordained him the king of the whole and ordained him the king of the whole multitude, excepting the tribe of Judah, multitude, excepting the tribe of Judah, multitude, excepting the tribe of Judah, and made his royal seat in a place and made his royal seat in a place and made his royal seat in a place called in our own language Mahanaim, called in our own language Mahanaim, called in our own language Mahanaim, but in the language of the Grecians, the but in the language of the Grecians, the but in the language of the Grecians, the camps.

camps. camps. From whence Abner made haste with a From whence Abner made haste with a From whence Abner made haste with a select body of soldiers to fight with select body of soldiers to fight with select body of soldiers to fight with such of the tribe of Judah as were such of the tribe of Judah as were such of the tribe of Judah as were disposed to it. disposed to it. disposed to it. For he was angry that this tribe had set For he was angry that this tribe had set For he was angry that this tribe had set up David for their king. up David for their king. up David for their king. But Joab, whose father was Suri and his But Joab, whose father was Suri and his But Joab, whose father was Suri and his mother Zeruiah, David's sister, who was mother Zeruiah, David's sister, who was mother Zeruiah, David's sister, who was the general of David's army, met him the general of David's army, met him the general of David's army, met him according to David's appointment. according to David's appointment. according to David's appointment. He had with him his brethren, Abishai He had with him his brethren, Abishai He had with him his brethren, Abishai and Asahel, and Asahel, and Asahel, as also all David's armed men. as also all David's armed men. as also all David's armed men. Now, when he met Abner at a certain Now, when he met Abner at a certain Now, when he met Abner at a certain fountain in the city of Gibeon, fountain in the city of Gibeon, fountain in the city of Gibeon, he prepared to fight. And when Abner he prepared to fight. And when Abner he prepared to fight. And when Abner said to him that he had a mind to know said to him that he had a mind to know said to him that he had a mind to know which of them had the most valiant which of them had the most valiant which of them had the most valiant soldiers, it was agreed between them soldiers, it was agreed between them soldiers, it was agreed between them that 12 of each side should fight that 12 of each side should fight that 12 of each side should fight together. together. together. So those that were chosen out by both of So those that were chosen out by both of So those that were chosen out by both of the generals for this fight came between the generals for this fight came between the generals for this fight came between the two armies and throwing their lances the two armies and throwing their lances the two armies and throwing their lances one against the other, they drew their one against the other, they drew their one against the other, they drew their swords and catching one another by the swords and catching one another by the swords and catching one another by the head, they held one another fast and ran head, they held one another fast and ran head, they held one another fast and ran each other's swords into their sides and each other's swords into their sides and each other's swords into their sides and groins till they all, groins till they all, groins till they all, as it were by mutual agreement, perished as it were by mutual agreement, perished as it were by mutual agreement, perished together.

together. together. When these were fallen down dead, the When these were fallen down dead, the When these were fallen down dead, the rest of the army came to a sore battle rest of the army came to a sore battle rest of the army came to a sore battle and Abner's men were beaten. And when and Abner's men were beaten. And when and Abner's men were beaten. And when they were beaten, Joab did not leave off they were beaten, Joab did not leave off they were beaten, Joab did not leave off pursuing them, pursuing them, pursuing them, but he pressed upon them and excited the but he pressed upon them and excited the but he pressed upon them and excited the soldiers to follow them close, and not soldiers to follow them close, and not soldiers to follow them close, and not to grow weary of killing them. to grow weary of killing them. to grow weary of killing them. His brethren also pursued them with His brethren also pursued them with His brethren also pursued them with great alacrity, especially the younger, great alacrity, especially the younger, great alacrity, especially the younger, Asahel, who was the most eminent of Asahel, who was the most eminent of Asahel, who was the most eminent of them. them. them. He was very famous for his swiftness of He was very famous for his swiftness of He was very famous for his swiftness of foot, foot, foot, for he could not only be too hard for for he could not only be too hard for for he could not only be too hard for man, but is reported to have overrun a man, but is reported to have overrun a man, but is reported to have overrun a horse when they had a race together. horse when they had a race together. horse when they had a race together. This Asahel ran violently after Abner, This Asahel ran violently after Abner, This Asahel ran violently after Abner, and would not turn in the least out of and would not turn in the least out of and would not turn in the least out of the straight way, either to the one side the straight way, either to the one side the straight way, either to the one side or to the other. or to the other. or to the other. Hereupon, Abner turned back and Hereupon, Abner turned back and Hereupon, Abner turned back and attempted artfully to avoid his attempted artfully to avoid his attempted artfully to avoid his violence. violence. violence. Sometimes he bade him leave off the Sometimes he bade him leave off the Sometimes he bade him leave off the pursuit and take the armor of one of his pursuit and take the armor of one of his pursuit and take the armor of one of his soldiers, soldiers, soldiers, and sometimes, when he could not and sometimes, when he could not and sometimes, when he could not persuade him so to do, he exhorted him persuade him so to do, he exhorted him persuade him so to do, he exhorted him to restrain himself and not to pursue to restrain himself and not to pursue to restrain himself and not to pursue him any longer, lest he should force him him any longer, lest he should force him him any longer, lest he should force him to kill him.

to kill him. to kill him. He should then not be able to look his He should then not be able to look his He should then not be able to look his brother in the face. brother in the face. brother in the face. But when Asahel would not admit of any But when Asahel would not admit of any But when Asahel would not admit of any persuasions, but still continued to persuasions, but still continued to persuasions, but still continued to pursue him, pursue him, pursue him, Abner smote him with his spear, Abner smote him with his spear, Abner smote him with his spear, as he held it in his flight, as he held it in his flight, as he held it in his flight, and that, by a backstroke, gave him a and that, by a backstroke, gave him a and that, by a backstroke, gave him a deadly wound, so that he died deadly wound, so that he died deadly wound, so that he died immediately. immediately. immediately. But those that were with him pursuing But those that were with him pursuing But those that were with him pursuing Abner, when they came to the place where Abner, when they came to the place where Abner, when they came to the place where Asahel lay, they stood round about the Asahel lay, they stood round about the Asahel lay, they stood round about the dead body and left off the pursuit of dead body and left off the pursuit of dead body and left off the pursuit of the enemy. the enemy. the enemy. However, However, However, both Joab himself and his brother both Joab himself and his brother both Joab himself and his brother Abishai Abishai Abishai ran past the dead corpse, and making ran past the dead corpse, and making ran past the dead corpse, and making their anger at the death of Asahel an their anger at the death of Asahel an their anger at the death of Asahel an occasion of greater zeal against Abner, occasion of greater zeal against Abner, occasion of greater zeal against Abner, they went on with incredible haste and they went on with incredible haste and they went on with incredible haste and alacrity, alacrity, alacrity, and pursued Abner to a certain place and pursued Abner to a certain place and pursued Abner to a certain place called Ammah. called Ammah. called Ammah. It was about sunset. It was about sunset. It was about sunset. Then did Joab ascend a certain hill, as Then did Joab ascend a certain hill, as Then did Joab ascend a certain hill, as he stood at that place, having the tribe he stood at that place, having the tribe he stood at that place, having the tribe of Benjamin with him, of Benjamin with him, of Benjamin with him, whence he took a view of them and of whence he took a view of them and of whence he took a view of them and of Abner also.

Abner also. Abner also. Hereupon Abner cried aloud and said that Hereupon Abner cried aloud and said that Hereupon Abner cried aloud and said that it was not fit that they should irritate it was not fit that they should irritate it was not fit that they should irritate men of the same nation to fight so men of the same nation to fight so men of the same nation to fight so bitterly one against another. bitterly one against another. bitterly one against another. That as for Asahel, his brother, he was That as for Asahel, his brother, he was That as for Asahel, his brother, he was himself in the wrong when he would not himself in the wrong when he would not himself in the wrong when he would not be advised by him not to pursue him any be advised by him not to pursue him any be advised by him not to pursue him any farther, farther, farther, which was the occasion of his wounding which was the occasion of his wounding which was the occasion of his wounding and death. and death. and death. So Joab consented to what he said and So Joab consented to what he said and So Joab consented to what he said and accepted these his as an excuse about accepted these his as an excuse about accepted these his as an excuse about Asahel Asahel Asahel and called the soldiers back with the and called the soldiers back with the and called the soldiers back with the sound of the trumpet as a signal for sound of the trumpet as a signal for sound of the trumpet as a signal for their retreat their retreat their retreat and thereby put a stop to any further and thereby put a stop to any further and thereby put a stop to any further pursuit. pursuit. pursuit. After which Joab pitched his camp there After which Joab pitched his camp there After which Joab pitched his camp there that night, but Abner marched all that that night, but Abner marched all that that night, but Abner marched all that night and passed over the river Jordan night and passed over the river Jordan night and passed over the river Jordan and came to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, to and came to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, to and came to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, to Mahanaim. On the next day Joab counted Mahanaim. On the next day Joab counted Mahanaim. On the next day Joab counted the dead men and took care of all their the dead men and took care of all their the dead men and took care of all their funerals. funerals. funerals. Now there were slain of Abner's soldiers Now there were slain of Abner's soldiers Now there were slain of Abner's soldiers about 360, about 360, about 360, but of those of David, 19 and Asahel, but of those of David, 19 and Asahel, but of those of David, 19 and Asahel, whose body Joab and Abishai carried to whose body Joab and Abishai carried to whose body Joab and Abishai carried to Bethlehem. And when they buried him in Bethlehem. And when they buried him in Bethlehem. And when they buried him in the sepulchre of their fathers, they the sepulchre of their fathers, they the sepulchre of their fathers, they came to David in Hebron.

came to David in Hebron. came to David in Hebron. From this time therefore there began an From this time therefore there began an From this time therefore there began an intestine war which lasted a great while intestine war which lasted a great while intestine war which lasted a great while in which the followers of David grew in which the followers of David grew in which the followers of David grew stronger in the dangers they underwent stronger in the dangers they underwent stronger in the dangers they underwent and the servants and subjects of Saul's and the servants and subjects of Saul's and the servants and subjects of Saul's son did almost every day become weaker. son did almost every day become weaker. son did almost every day become weaker. About this time David was become father About this time David was become father About this time David was become father of six sons born of as many mothers. of six sons born of as many mothers. of six sons born of as many mothers. The eldest was by Ahinoam and he was The eldest was by Ahinoam and he was The eldest was by Ahinoam and he was called Amon. called Amon. called Amon. The second was Daniel by his wife The second was Daniel by his wife The second was Daniel by his wife Abigail. Abigail. Abigail. The name of the third was Absalom The name of the third was Absalom The name of the third was Absalom by Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king by Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king by Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. of Geshur. of Geshur. The fourth he named Adonijah by his wife The fourth he named Adonijah by his wife The fourth he named Adonijah by his wife Haggith. Haggith. Haggith. The fifth was Shephatiah, by Abital. The fifth was Shephatiah, by Abital. The fifth was Shephatiah, by Abital. The sixth he called Ithream, by Eglah. The sixth he called Ithream, by Eglah. The sixth he called Ithream, by Eglah. Now, while this intestine war went on, Now, while this intestine war went on, Now, while this intestine war went on, and the subjects of the two kings came and the subjects of the two kings came and the subjects of the two kings came frequently to action and to fighting, it frequently to action and to fighting, it frequently to action and to fighting, it was Abner, was Abner, was Abner, the general of the host of Saul's son, the general of the host of Saul's son, the general of the host of Saul's son, who, by his prudence and the great who, by his prudence and the great who, by his prudence and the great interest he had among the multitude, interest he had among the multitude, interest he had among the multitude, made them all continue with Ish-bosheth.

made them all continue with Ish-bosheth. made them all continue with Ish-bosheth. And, indeed, it was a considerable time And, indeed, it was a considerable time And, indeed, it was a considerable time that they continued of his party. that they continued of his party. that they continued of his party. But, afterwards, Abner was blamed, and But, afterwards, Abner was blamed, and But, afterwards, Abner was blamed, and an accusation was laid against him, that an accusation was laid against him, that an accusation was laid against him, that he went in unto Saul's concubine. Her he went in unto Saul's concubine. Her he went in unto Saul's concubine. Her name was Rizpah, name was Rizpah, name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. the daughter of Aiah. the daughter of Aiah. So, when he was complained of by So, when he was complained of by So, when he was complained of by Ish-bosheth, he was very uneasy and Ish-bosheth, he was very uneasy and Ish-bosheth, he was very uneasy and angry at it, because he had not justice angry at it, because he had not justice angry at it, because he had not justice done him by Ish-bosheth, done him by Ish-bosheth, done him by Ish-bosheth, to whom he had shown the greatest to whom he had shown the greatest to whom he had shown the greatest kindness. kindness. kindness. Whereupon, he threatened to transfer the Whereupon, he threatened to transfer the Whereupon, he threatened to transfer the kingdom to David, and demonstrate that kingdom to David, and demonstrate that kingdom to David, and demonstrate that he did not rule over the people beyond he did not rule over the people beyond he did not rule over the people beyond Jordan by his own abilities and wisdom, Jordan by his own abilities and wisdom, Jordan by his own abilities and wisdom, but by his warlike conduct and fidelity but by his warlike conduct and fidelity but by his warlike conduct and fidelity in leading his army. in leading his army. in leading his army. So, he sent ambassadors to Hebron, to So, he sent ambassadors to Hebron, to So, he sent ambassadors to Hebron, to David, and desired that he would give David, and desired that he would give David, and desired that he would give him security upon oath that he would him security upon oath that he would him security upon oath that he would esteem him as companion and as friend, esteem him as companion and as friend, esteem him as companion and as friend, upon condition that he should persuade upon condition that he should persuade upon condition that he should persuade the people to leave Saul's son, the people to leave Saul's son, the people to leave Saul's son, and choose him king of the whole and choose him king of the whole and choose him king of the whole country. country. country. And when David had made that league with And when David had made that league with And when David had made that league with Abner, for he was pleased with his Abner, for he was pleased with his Abner, for he was pleased with his message to him, message to him, message to him, he desired that he would give this as he desired that he would give this as he desired that he would give this as the first mark of performance of the the first mark of performance of the the first mark of performance of the present league, present league, present league, that he might have his wife, Michal, that he might have his wife, Michal, that he might have his wife, Michal, restored to him, restored to him, restored to him, as her whom he had purchased with great as her whom he had purchased with great as her whom he had purchased with great hazards, and with those 600 heads of the hazards, and with those 600 heads of the hazards, and with those 600 heads of the Philistines, Philistines, Philistines, which he had brought to Saul, her which he had brought to Saul, her which he had brought to Saul, her father.

father. father. So, Abner took Michal from Paltiel, So, Abner took Michal from Paltiel, So, Abner took Michal from Paltiel, who was then her husband, and sent her who was then her husband, and sent her who was then her husband, and sent her to David. to David. to David. Ishbosheth himself affording him his Ishbosheth himself affording him his Ishbosheth himself affording him his assistance, for David had written to him assistance, for David had written to him assistance, for David had written to him that of right he ought to have this his that of right he ought to have this his that of right he ought to have this his wife restored to him. wife restored to him. wife restored to him. Abner also called together the elders of Abner also called together the elders of Abner also called together the elders of the multitude, the multitude, the multitude, the commanders and captains of the commanders and captains of the commanders and captains of thousands, and spake thus to them, thousands, and spake thus to them, thousands, and spake thus to them, that he had formerly dissuaded them from that he had formerly dissuaded them from that he had formerly dissuaded them from their own resolution, their own resolution, their own resolution, when they were ready to forsake when they were ready to forsake when they were ready to forsake Ishbosheth and join themselves to David. Ishbosheth and join themselves to David. Ishbosheth and join themselves to David. That, however, he now gave them leave to That, however, he now gave them leave to That, however, he now gave them leave to do so, if they had a mind to do it. do so, if they had a mind to do it. do so, if they had a mind to do it. For they knew that God had appointed For they knew that God had appointed For they knew that God had appointed David to be king of all the Hebrews by David to be king of all the Hebrews by David to be king of all the Hebrews by Samuel the prophet, and had foretold Samuel the prophet, and had foretold Samuel the prophet, and had foretold that he should punish the Philistines that he should punish the Philistines that he should punish the Philistines and overcome them, and overcome them, and overcome them, and bring them under. and bring them under. and bring them under. Now, when the elders and rulers heard Now, when the elders and rulers heard Now, when the elders and rulers heard this, and understood that Abner was come this, and understood that Abner was come this, and understood that Abner was come over to those sentiments about the over to those sentiments about the over to those sentiments about the public affairs which they were before, public affairs which they were before, public affairs which they were before, they changed their measures and came in they changed their measures and came in they changed their measures and came in to David.

to David. to David. When these men had agreed to Abner's When these men had agreed to Abner's When these men had agreed to Abner's proposal, he called together the tribe proposal, he called together the tribe proposal, he called together the tribe of Benjamin, from all that tribe were of Benjamin, from all that tribe were of Benjamin, from all that tribe were the guards of Ishbosheth's body, the guards of Ishbosheth's body, the guards of Ishbosheth's body, and he spake to them to the same and he spake to them to the same and he spake to them to the same purpose. purpose. purpose. And when he saw that they did not in the And when he saw that they did not in the And when he saw that they did not in the least oppose what he said, but resigned least oppose what he said, but resigned least oppose what he said, but resigned themselves up to his opinion, themselves up to his opinion, themselves up to his opinion, he took about 20 of his friends and came he took about 20 of his friends and came he took about 20 of his friends and came to David, in order to receive himself to David, in order to receive himself to David, in order to receive himself security upon security upon security upon For we may justly esteem those things to For we may justly esteem those things to For we may justly esteem those things to be firmer which every one of us do by be firmer which every one of us do by be firmer which every one of us do by ourselves than those which we do by ourselves than those which we do by ourselves than those which we do by another. another. another. He also gave him an account of what he He also gave him an account of what he He also gave him an account of what he had said to the rulers and to the whole had said to the rulers and to the whole had said to the rulers and to the whole tribe of Benjamin. tribe of Benjamin. tribe of Benjamin. And when David had received him in a And when David had received him in a And when David had received him in a courteous manner, and had treated him courteous manner, and had treated him courteous manner, and had treated him with great hospitality for many days, with great hospitality for many days, with great hospitality for many days, Abner, when he was dismissed, desired Abner, when he was dismissed, desired Abner, when he was dismissed, desired him to bring the multitude with him, him to bring the multitude with him, him to bring the multitude with him, that he might deliver up the government that he might deliver up the government that he might deliver up the government to him when David himself was present to him when David himself was present to him when David himself was present and a spectator of what was done. and a spectator of what was done. and a spectator of what was done. When David had sent Abner away, When David had sent Abner away, When David had sent Abner away, Joab of his army came immediately to Joab of his army came immediately to Joab of his army came immediately to Hebron.

Hebron. Hebron. He had understood that Abner had been He had understood that Abner had been He had understood that Abner had been with David and had parted with him a with David and had parted with him a with David and had parted with him a little before under leagues and little before under leagues and little before under leagues and agreements that the government should be agreements that the government should be agreements that the government should be delivered up to David. delivered up to David. delivered up to David. He feared lest David should place Abner, He feared lest David should place Abner, He feared lest David should place Abner, who had assisted him to gain the who had assisted him to gain the who had assisted him to gain the kingdom, in the first rank of dignity, kingdom, in the first rank of dignity, kingdom, in the first rank of dignity, especially since he was a shrewd man in especially since he was a shrewd man in especially since he was a shrewd man in other respects and understanding affairs other respects and understanding affairs other respects and understanding affairs and in managing them artfully as proper and in managing them artfully as proper and in managing them artfully as proper seasons should require, seasons should require, seasons should require, and that he should himself be put lower and that he should himself be put lower and that he should himself be put lower and be deprived of the command of the and be deprived of the command of the and be deprived of the command of the army. army. army. So, he took a knavish and wicked course. So, he took a knavish and wicked course. So, he took a knavish and wicked course. In the first place, he endeavored to In the first place, he endeavored to In the first place, he endeavored to calumniate Abner to the king, calumniate Abner to the king, calumniate Abner to the king, exhorting him to have a care of him and exhorting him to have a care of him and exhorting him to have a care of him and not to give attention to what he had not to give attention to what he had not to give attention to what he had engaged to do for him, because all he engaged to do for him, because all he engaged to do for him, because all he did tended to confirm the government to did tended to confirm the government to did tended to confirm the government to Saul's son, Saul's son, Saul's son, that he came to him deceitfully and with that he came to him deceitfully and with that he came to him deceitfully and with guile and was gone away in hopes of guile and was gone away in hopes of guile and was gone away in hopes of gaining his purpose by this management. gaining his purpose by this management. gaining his purpose by this management. But when he could not thus persuade But when he could not thus persuade But when he could not thus persuade David, David, David, nor Saul him at all exasperated, he nor Saul him at all exasperated, he nor Saul him at all exasperated, he betook himself to a project bolder than betook himself to a project bolder than betook himself to a project bolder than the former.

the former. the former. He determined to kill Abner and in order He determined to kill Abner and in order He determined to kill Abner and in order thereto, thereto, thereto, he sent some messengers after him, to he sent some messengers after him, to he sent some messengers after him, to whom he gave in charge that when they whom he gave in charge that when they whom he gave in charge that when they should overtake him, they should recall should overtake him, they should recall should overtake him, they should recall him in David's name him in David's name him in David's name and tell him that he had somewhat to say and tell him that he had somewhat to say and tell him that he had somewhat to say to him about his affairs, which he had to him about his affairs, which he had to him about his affairs, which he had not remembered to speak of when he was not remembered to speak of when he was not remembered to speak of when he was with him. with him. with him. Now, when Abner heard what the Now, when Abner heard what the Now, when Abner heard what the messengers said, messengers said, messengers said, for they overtook him in a certain place for they overtook him in a certain place for they overtook him in a certain place called Besirah, which was distant from called Besirah, which was distant from called Besirah, which was distant from Hebron 20 furlongs, Hebron 20 furlongs, Hebron 20 furlongs, he suspected none of the mischief which he suspected none of the mischief which he suspected none of the mischief which was befalling him and came back. was befalling him and came back. was befalling him and came back. Hereupon, Joab met him at the gate and Hereupon, Joab met him at the gate and Hereupon, Joab met him at the gate and received him in the kindest manner, as received him in the kindest manner, as received him in the kindest manner, as if he were Abner's most benevolent if he were Abner's most benevolent if he were Abner's most benevolent acquaintance and friend. acquaintance and friend. acquaintance and friend. For such as undertake the vilest actions For such as undertake the vilest actions For such as undertake the vilest actions in order to prevent the suspicion in order to prevent the suspicion in order to prevent the suspicion of any private mischief intended, of any private mischief intended, of any private mischief intended, do frequently make the greatest pretense do frequently make the greatest pretense do frequently make the greatest pretense to what really good men sincerely do. to what really good men sincerely do. to what really good men sincerely do. So, he took him aside from his own So, he took him aside from his own So, he took him aside from his own followers, as if he would speak with him followers, as if he would speak with him followers, as if he would speak with him in private, in private, in private, and brought him into a void place of the and brought him into a void place of the and brought him into a void place of the gate, having himself nobody with him but gate, having himself nobody with him but gate, having himself nobody with him but his brother Abishai.

his brother Abishai. his brother Abishai. Then he drew his sword and smote him in Then he drew his sword and smote him in Then he drew his sword and smote him in the groin, upon which Abner died by this the groin, upon which Abner died by this the groin, upon which Abner died by this treachery of Joab, which, as he said treachery of Joab, which, as he said treachery of Joab, which, as he said himself, was in the way of punishment himself, was in the way of punishment himself, was in the way of punishment for his brother Asahel, for his brother Asahel, for his brother Asahel, whom Abner smote and slew as he was whom Abner smote and slew as he was whom Abner smote and slew as he was pursuing after him in the battle of pursuing after him in the battle of pursuing after him in the battle of Hebron. Hebron. Hebron. But, as the truth was, out of his fear But, as the truth was, out of his fear But, as the truth was, out of his fear of losing his command of the army and of losing his command of the army and of losing his command of the army and his dignity of the king, his dignity of the king, his dignity of the king, and lest he should be deprived of those and lest he should be deprived of those and lest he should be deprived of those advantages, and Abner should obtain the advantages, and Abner should obtain the advantages, and Abner should obtain the first rank in David's court. first rank in David's court. first rank in David's court. By these examples anyone may learn how By these examples anyone may learn how By these examples anyone may learn how many and how great instances of many and how great instances of many and how great instances of wickedness men will venture upon for the wickedness men will venture upon for the wickedness men will venture upon for the sake of getting money and authority, sake of getting money and authority, sake of getting money and authority, and that they may not fail of either of and that they may not fail of either of and that they may not fail of either of them. them. them. For, as when they are desirous of For, as when they are desirous of For, as when they are desirous of obtaining the same, obtaining the same, obtaining the same, they acquire them by 10,000 evil they acquire them by 10,000 evil they acquire them by 10,000 evil practices. So, when they are afraid of practices. So, when they are afraid of practices. So, when they are afraid of losing them, losing them, losing them, they get them confirmed to them by they get them confirmed to them by they get them confirmed to them by practices much worse than the former. practices much worse than the former. practices much worse than the former. As if no other calamity so terrible As if no other calamity so terrible As if no other calamity so terrible could befall them as the failure of could befall them as the failure of could befall them as the failure of acquiring so exalted an authority.

acquiring so exalted an authority. acquiring so exalted an authority. And when they have acquired it, and by And when they have acquired it, and by And when they have acquired it, and by long custom found the sweetness of it, long custom found the sweetness of it, long custom found the sweetness of it, the losing it again, the losing it again, the losing it again, and since this last would be the and since this last would be the and since this last would be the heaviest of all afflictions, heaviest of all afflictions, heaviest of all afflictions, they, all of them, contrive and venture they, all of them, contrive and venture they, all of them, contrive and venture upon the most difficult actions out of upon the most difficult actions out of upon the most difficult actions out of the fear of losing the the the fear of losing the the the fear of losing the the But let it suffice that I have made But let it suffice that I have made But let it suffice that I have made these short reflections upon that these short reflections upon that these short reflections upon that subject. When David heard that Abner was slain, When David heard that Abner was slain, it grieved his soul. it grieved his soul. it grieved his soul. He called all men to witness, with He called all men to witness, with He called all men to witness, with stretching out his hands to God, and stretching out his hands to God, and stretching out his hands to God, and crying out that he was not a partaker in crying out that he was not a partaker in crying out that he was not a partaker in the murder of Abner, the murder of Abner, the murder of Abner, and that his death was not procured by and that his death was not procured by and that his death was not procured by his command or approbation. his command or approbation. his command or approbation. He also wished the heaviest curses might He also wished the heaviest curses might He also wished the heaviest curses might light upon him that slew him, light upon him that slew him, light upon him that slew him, and upon his whole house, and he devoted and upon his whole house, and he devoted and upon his whole house, and he devoted those who had assisted him in this those who had assisted him in this those who had assisted him in this murder to the same penalties on its murder to the same penalties on its murder to the same penalties on its account. account. account. For, he took care not to appear to have For, he took care not to appear to have For, he took care not to appear to have had any hand in this murder, contrary to had any hand in this murder, contrary to had any hand in this murder, contrary to the assurances he had given and the the assurances he had given and the the assurances he had given and the oaths he had taken to Abner.

oaths he had taken to Abner. oaths he had taken to Abner. However, he commanded all the people to However, he commanded all the people to However, he commanded all the people to weep and lament this man, weep and lament this man, weep and lament this man, and to honor his dead body with the and to honor his dead body with the and to honor his dead body with the usual solemnities, that is, by rending usual solemnities, that is, by rending usual solemnities, that is, by rending their garments and putting on sackcloth, their garments and putting on sackcloth, their garments and putting on sackcloth, that all things should be the habit in that all things should be the habit in that all things should be the habit in which they should go before the bier. which they should go before the bier. which they should go before the bier. After which, he followed it himself with After which, he followed it himself with After which, he followed it himself with the elders and those that were rulers, the elders and those that were rulers, the elders and those that were rulers, lamenting Abner, and by his tears lamenting Abner, and by his tears lamenting Abner, and by his tears demonstrating his goodwill to him while demonstrating his goodwill to him while demonstrating his goodwill to him while he was alive, and his sorrow for him now he was alive, and his sorrow for him now he was alive, and his sorrow for him now he was dead, he was dead, he was dead, and that he was not taken off with his and that he was not taken off with his and that he was not taken off with his consent. consent. consent. So, he buried him at Hebron in a So, he buried him at Hebron in a So, he buried him at Hebron in a magnificent manner, and indicted magnificent manner, and indicted magnificent manner, and indicted funeral elegies for him. funeral elegies for him. funeral elegies for him. He also stood first over the monument, He also stood first over the monument, He also stood first over the monument, weeping, and caused others to do the weeping, and caused others to do the weeping, and caused others to do the same. Nay, so deeply did the death of same. Nay, so deeply did the death of same. Nay, so deeply did the death of Abner disorder him that his companions Abner disorder him that his companions Abner disorder him that his companions could by no means force him to take any could by no means force him to take any could by no means force him to take any food. food. food. But, he affirmed with an oath that he But, he affirmed with an oath that he But, he affirmed with an oath that he would taste nothing till the sun was would taste nothing till the sun was would taste nothing till the sun was set. set. set. This procedure gained him the goodwill This procedure gained him the goodwill This procedure gained him the goodwill of the multitude.

of the multitude. of the multitude. For, such as had affection for Abner For, such as had affection for Abner For, such as had affection for Abner were mightily satisfied with the respect were mightily satisfied with the respect were mightily satisfied with the respect he paid him when he was dead, he paid him when he was dead, he paid him when he was dead, and the observation of that faith he had and the observation of that faith he had and the observation of that faith he had plighted to him, plighted to him, plighted to him, which was shown in his vouchsafing him which was shown in his vouchsafing him which was shown in his vouchsafing him all the usual ceremonies, as if he had all the usual ceremonies, as if he had all the usual ceremonies, as if he had been his kinsman and his friend, and not been his kinsman and his friend, and not been his kinsman and his friend, and not suffering him to be neglected and suffering him to be neglected and suffering him to be neglected and injured with a dishonorable burial, as injured with a dishonorable burial, as injured with a dishonorable burial, as if he had been his enemy. if he had been his enemy. if he had been his enemy. Insomuch that the entire nation rejoiced Insomuch that the entire nation rejoiced Insomuch that the entire nation rejoiced at the king's gentleness and mildness of at the king's gentleness and mildness of at the king's gentleness and mildness of disposition. disposition. disposition. Everyone being ready to suppose that the Everyone being ready to suppose that the Everyone being ready to suppose that the king would have taken the same care of king would have taken the same care of king would have taken the same care of them in the like circumstances, which them in the like circumstances, which them in the like circumstances, which they saw bestowed in the burial of the they saw bestowed in the burial of the they saw bestowed in the burial of the dead body of Abner. dead body of Abner. dead body of Abner. And indeed, David principally intended And indeed, David principally intended And indeed, David principally intended to gain a good reputation, to gain a good reputation, to gain a good reputation, and therefore he took care to do what and therefore he took care to do what and therefore he took care to do what was proper in this case. was proper in this case. was proper in this case. Whence none had any suspicion that he Whence none had any suspicion that he Whence none had any suspicion that he was the author of Abner's death. was the author of Abner's death. was the author of Abner's death. He also said this to the multitude, that He also said this to the multitude, that He also said this to the multitude, that he was greatly troubled at the death of he was greatly troubled at the death of he was greatly troubled at the death of so great a man, so great a man, so great a man, and that the affairs of the Hebrews had and that the affairs of the Hebrews had and that the affairs of the Hebrews had suffered great detriment by being suffered great detriment by being suffered great detriment by being deprived of him, who was of so great deprived of him, who was of so great deprived of him, who was of so great abilities to preserve them by his abilities to preserve them by his abilities to preserve them by his excellent advice and by the strength of excellent advice and by the strength of excellent advice and by the strength of his hands in war.

his hands in war. his hands in war. But he added that God, who has a regard But he added that God, who has a regard But he added that God, who has a regard to all men's actions, will not suffer to all men's actions, will not suffer to all men's actions, will not suffer this man, Joab, to go off unrevenged. this man, Joab, to go off unrevenged. this man, Joab, to go off unrevenged. But know ye that I am not about to do But know ye that I am not about to do But know ye that I am not about to do anything to those sons of Zeruiah, Joab anything to those sons of Zeruiah, Joab anything to those sons of Zeruiah, Joab and Abishai, and Abishai, and Abishai, who have more power than I have. who have more power than I have. who have more power than I have. But God will requite their insolent But God will requite their insolent But God will requite their insolent attempts upon their own heads. attempts upon their own heads. attempts upon their own heads. And this was the fatal conclusion of the And this was the fatal conclusion of the And this was the fatal conclusion of the life of Abner. life of Abner. life of Abner. End of Book Seven, Chapter One. Book Seven, Chapters 2 through 4 of The Book Seven, Chapters 2 through 4 of The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to domain. For more information or to domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. volunteer, please visit librivox.org. volunteer, please visit librivox.org. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. Book seven, William Whiston. Book seven, William Whiston. Book seven, chapters two through four.

chapters two through four. chapters two through four. Chapter two, Chapter two, Chapter two, that upon the slaughter of Ishbosheth by that upon the slaughter of Ishbosheth by that upon the slaughter of Ishbosheth by the treachery of his friends, the treachery of his friends, the treachery of his friends, David received the whole kingdom. When Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, had When Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, had heard of the death of Abner, heard of the death of Abner, heard of the death of Abner, he took it to heart to be deprived of a he took it to heart to be deprived of a he took it to heart to be deprived of a man that was of his kindred, and had man that was of his kindred, and had man that was of his kindred, and had indeed given him the kingdom, indeed given him the kingdom, indeed given him the kingdom, but was greatly afflicted, and Abner's but was greatly afflicted, and Abner's but was greatly afflicted, and Abner's death very much troubled him. death very much troubled him. death very much troubled him. Nor did he himself outlive any longer Nor did he himself outlive any longer Nor did he himself outlive any longer time, but was treacherously set upon by time, but was treacherously set upon by time, but was treacherously set upon by the sons of Rimmon, the sons of Rimmon, the sons of Rimmon, Baanah and Rechab were their names, and Baanah and Rechab were their names, and Baanah and Rechab were their names, and was slain by them. was slain by them. was slain by them. For these being of the family of the For these being of the family of the For these being of the family of the Benjamites, and of the first rank among Benjamites, and of the first rank among Benjamites, and of the first rank among them, them, them, thought that if they should slay thought that if they should slay thought that if they should slay Ishbosheth, they should obtain large Ishbosheth, they should obtain large Ishbosheth, they should obtain large presents from David, and be made presents from David, and be made presents from David, and be made commanders by him, or however, should commanders by him, or however, should commanders by him, or however, should have some other trust committed to them. have some other trust committed to them. have some other trust committed to them. So, when they once found him alone and So, when they once found him alone and So, when they once found him alone and asleep at noon in an upper room, when asleep at noon in an upper room, when asleep at noon in an upper room, when none of his guards were there, and when none of his guards were there, and when none of his guards were there, and when the woman that kept the door was not the woman that kept the door was not the woman that kept the door was not watching, but had fallen asleep also, watching, but had fallen asleep also, watching, but had fallen asleep also, partly on account of the labor she had partly on account of the labor she had partly on account of the labor she had undergone, and partly on account of the undergone, and partly on account of the undergone, and partly on account of the heat of the day, heat of the day, heat of the day, these men went into the room in which these men went into the room in which these men went into the room in which Ishbosheth, Saul's son, lay asleep, and Ishbosheth, Saul's son, lay asleep, and Ishbosheth, Saul's son, lay asleep, and slew them.

slew them. slew them. They also cut off his head, and took They also cut off his head, and took They also cut off his head, and took their journey all that night and the their journey all that night and the their journey all that night and the next day, next day, next day, as supposing themselves flying away from as supposing themselves flying away from as supposing themselves flying away from those they had injured to one that would those they had injured to one that would those they had injured to one that would accept of this action as a favor, and accept of this action as a favor, and accept of this action as a favor, and would afford them security. would afford them security. would afford them security. So, they came to Hebron, and showed So, they came to Hebron, and showed So, they came to Hebron, and showed David the head of Ishbosheth, David the head of Ishbosheth, David the head of Ishbosheth, and presented themselves to him as of and presented themselves to him as of and presented themselves to him as of his well-wishers, and such as had killed his well-wishers, and such as had killed his well-wishers, and such as had killed one that was his enemy and antagonist. one that was his enemy and antagonist. one that was his enemy and antagonist. Yet, David did not relish what they had Yet, David did not relish what they had Yet, David did not relish what they had done as they expected, but said to them, done as they expected, but said to them, done as they expected, but said to them, "You vile wretches, you shall "You vile wretches, you shall "You vile wretches, you shall immediately receive the punishment you immediately receive the punishment you immediately receive the punishment you deserve. deserve. deserve. Did you not know what vengeance I Did you not know what vengeance I Did you not know what vengeance I executed on him that murdered Saul and executed on him that murdered Saul and executed on him that murdered Saul and brought me his crown of gold? And this brought me his crown of gold? And this brought me his crown of gold? And this while he who made it this slaughter did while he who made it this slaughter did while he who made it this slaughter did it as a favor to him that he might not it as a favor to him that he might not it as a favor to him that he might not be caught by his enemies. be caught by his enemies. be caught by his enemies. Or do you imagine that I am altered in Or do you imagine that I am altered in Or do you imagine that I am altered in my disposition and suppose that I am not my disposition and suppose that I am not my disposition and suppose that I am not the same man I was then? the same man I was then? the same man I was then? But I'm pleased with men that are wicked But I'm pleased with men that are wicked But I'm pleased with men that are wicked doers and esteem your vile actions when doers and esteem your vile actions when doers and esteem your vile actions when you are become murderers of your master you are become murderers of your master you are become murderers of your master as grateful to me as grateful to me as grateful to me when you have slain a righteous man upon when you have slain a righteous man upon when you have slain a righteous man upon his bed who never did evil to anybody his bed who never did evil to anybody his bed who never did evil to anybody and treated you with great goodwill and and treated you with great goodwill and and treated you with great goodwill and respect?

respect? respect? Wherefore you shall suffer the Wherefore you shall suffer the Wherefore you shall suffer the punishment due on his account and the punishment due on his account and the punishment due on his account and the vengeance I ought to afflict upon you vengeance I ought to afflict upon you vengeance I ought to afflict upon you for killing Ishbosheth and for supposing for killing Ishbosheth and for supposing for killing Ishbosheth and for supposing that I should take his death kindly at that I should take his death kindly at that I should take his death kindly at your hands? your hands? your hands? For you could not lay a greater blot on For you could not lay a greater blot on For you could not lay a greater blot on my honor than by making such a my honor than by making such a my honor than by making such a supposition." supposition." supposition." When David had said this, he tormented When David had said this, he tormented When David had said this, he tormented them with all kinds of torments them with all kinds of torments them with all kinds of torments and then put them to death. And he and then put them to death. And he and then put them to death. And he bestowed all accustomed rights on the bestowed all accustomed rights on the bestowed all accustomed rights on the burial of the head of Ishbosheth and burial of the head of Ishbosheth and burial of the head of Ishbosheth and laid it in the grave of Abner. When these things were brought to this When these things were brought to this conclusion, all the principal men of the conclusion, all the principal men of the conclusion, all the principal men of the Hebrew people came to David at Hebron Hebrew people came to David at Hebron Hebrew people came to David at Hebron with the heads of thousands and other with the heads of thousands and other with the heads of thousands and other rulers and delivered up themselves to rulers and delivered up themselves to rulers and delivered up themselves to him, putting him in mind of the goodwill him, putting him in mind of the goodwill him, putting him in mind of the goodwill they had borne to him in Saul's lifetime they had borne to him in Saul's lifetime they had borne to him in Saul's lifetime and the respect they then had not ceased and the respect they then had not ceased and the respect they then had not ceased to pay him when he was captain of a to pay him when he was captain of a to pay him when he was captain of a thousand. thousand. thousand. And also that he was chosen of God by And also that he was chosen of God by And also that he was chosen of God by Samuel the prophet, he and his sons, and Samuel the prophet, he and his sons, and Samuel the prophet, he and his sons, and declaring besides how God had given him declaring besides how God had given him declaring besides how God had given him power to save the land of the Hebrews power to save the land of the Hebrews power to save the land of the Hebrews and overcome the Philistines.

and overcome the Philistines. and overcome the Philistines. Whereupon he received kindly this their Whereupon he received kindly this their Whereupon he received kindly this their alacrity on his account, and exhorted alacrity on his account, and exhorted alacrity on his account, and exhorted them to continue in it, for that they them to continue in it, for that they them to continue in it, for that they should have no reason to repent of being should have no reason to repent of being should have no reason to repent of being thus disposed to him. thus disposed to him. thus disposed to him. So, when he had feasted them and treated So, when he had feasted them and treated So, when he had feasted them and treated them kindly, he sent them out to bring them kindly, he sent them out to bring them kindly, he sent them out to bring all the people to him. all the people to him. all the people to him. Upon which came to him about 6,800 Upon which came to him about 6,800 Upon which came to him about 6,800 armed men of the tribe of Judah, who armed men of the tribe of Judah, who armed men of the tribe of Judah, who bore shields and spears for their bore shields and spears for their bore shields and spears for their weapons. weapons. weapons. For these had till now continued with For these had till now continued with For these had till now continued with Saul's son, when the rest of the tribe Saul's son, when the rest of the tribe Saul's son, when the rest of the tribe of Judah had ordained David for their of Judah had ordained David for their of Judah had ordained David for their king. king. king. There came also 7,100 out of the tribe There came also 7,100 out of the tribe There came also 7,100 out of the tribe of Simeon. of Simeon. of Simeon. Out of the tribe of Levi came 4,700, Out of the tribe of Levi came 4,700, Out of the tribe of Levi came 4,700, having Jehoiada for their leader. having Jehoiada for their leader. having Jehoiada for their leader. After these came Zadok, the high priest, After these came Zadok, the high priest, After these came Zadok, the high priest, with 22 captains of his kindred. with 22 captains of his kindred. with 22 captains of his kindred. Out of the tribe of Benjamin, the armed Out of the tribe of Benjamin, the armed Out of the tribe of Benjamin, the armed men were 4,000, but the rest of the men were 4,000, but the rest of the men were 4,000, but the rest of the tribe continued, still expecting that tribe continued, still expecting that tribe continued, still expecting that someone of the house of Saul should someone of the house of Saul should someone of the house of Saul should reign over them.

reign over them. reign over them. Those of the tribe of Ephraim were Those of the tribe of Ephraim were Those of the tribe of Ephraim were 20,800, 20,800, 20,800, and these mighty men of valor and and these mighty men of valor and and these mighty men of valor and eminent for their strength. eminent for their strength. eminent for their strength. Out of the half tribe of Manasseh came Out of the half tribe of Manasseh came Out of the half tribe of Manasseh came 1,800 of the most potent men. 1,800 of the most potent men. 1,800 of the most potent men. Out of the tribe of Issachar came 200, Out of the tribe of Issachar came 200, Out of the tribe of Issachar came 200, who foreknew what was to come hereafter. who foreknew what was to come hereafter. who foreknew what was to come hereafter. But of armed men, 20,000. But of armed men, 20,000. But of armed men, 20,000. Of the tribe of Zebulun, 50,000 chosen Of the tribe of Zebulun, 50,000 chosen Of the tribe of Zebulun, 50,000 chosen men. men. men. This was the only tribe that came This was the only tribe that came This was the only tribe that came universally in to David, and all these universally in to David, and all these universally in to David, and all these had the same weapons with the tribe of had the same weapons with the tribe of had the same weapons with the tribe of Gad. Gad. Gad. Out of the tribe of Naphtali, the Out of the tribe of Naphtali, the Out of the tribe of Naphtali, the eminent men and rulers were 1,000, whose eminent men and rulers were 1,000, whose eminent men and rulers were 1,000, whose weapons were shields and spears, and the weapons were shields and spears, and the weapons were shields and spears, and the tribe itself followed after, being in tribe itself followed after, being in tribe itself followed after, being in the matter innumerable, 37,000. the matter innumerable, 37,000. the matter innumerable, 37,000. Out of the tribe of Dan, Out of the tribe of Dan, Out of the tribe of Dan, there were of chosen men, 27,600. there were of chosen men, 27,600. there were of chosen men, 27,600. Out of the tribe of Asher, 40,000.

Out of the tribe of Asher, 40,000. Out of the tribe of Asher, 40,000. Out of the two tribes with that were Out of the two tribes with that were Out of the two tribes with that were beyond Jordan, and the rest of the tribe beyond Jordan, and the rest of the tribe beyond Jordan, and the rest of the tribe of Manasseh, such as used shields and of Manasseh, such as used shields and of Manasseh, such as used shields and spears and headpieces and swords, were spears and headpieces and swords, were spears and headpieces and swords, were 120,000. 120,000. 120,000. And the rest of the tribes also made use And the rest of the tribes also made use And the rest of the tribes also made use of swords. of swords. of swords. This multitude came together to Hebron, This multitude came together to Hebron, This multitude came together to Hebron, to David, to David, to David, with a great quantity of corn and wine, with a great quantity of corn and wine, with a great quantity of corn and wine, and all other sorts of food, and and all other sorts of food, and and all other sorts of food, and established David in his kingdom with established David in his kingdom with established David in his kingdom with one consent. one consent. one consent. And when the people had rejoiced for 3 And when the people had rejoiced for 3 And when the people had rejoiced for 3 days in Hebron, days in Hebron, days in Hebron, David and all the people removed and David and all the people removed and David and all the people removed and came to Jerusalem. came to Jerusalem. came to Jerusalem. Chapter 3. How David laid siege to Chapter 3. How David laid siege to Chapter 3. How David laid siege to Jerusalem, and when he had taken the Jerusalem, and when he had taken the Jerusalem, and when he had taken the city, he cast the Canaanites out of it, city, he cast the Canaanites out of it, city, he cast the Canaanites out of it, and brought in the Jews to inhabit and brought in the Jews to inhabit and brought in the Jews to inhabit therein. therein. therein. Now, the Jebusites, who were the Now, the Jebusites, who were the Now, the Jebusites, who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and were by inhabitants of Jerusalem, and were by inhabitants of Jerusalem, and were by extraction Canaanites, extraction Canaanites, extraction Canaanites, shut their gates, and placed the blind, shut their gates, and placed the blind, shut their gates, and placed the blind, and the lame, and all their maimed and the lame, and all their maimed and the lame, and all their maimed persons upon the wall, in way of persons upon the wall, in way of persons upon the wall, in way of derision of the king, derision of the king, derision of the king, and said that the very lame themselves and said that the very lame themselves and said that the very lame themselves would hinder his entrance into it.

would hinder his entrance into it. would hinder his entrance into it. They did this out of contempt of his They did this out of contempt of his They did this out of contempt of his power, power, power, and as depending on the strength of and as depending on the strength of and as depending on the strength of their walls. their walls. their walls. David was hereby enraged, and began the David was hereby enraged, and began the David was hereby enraged, and began the siege of Jerusalem, and employed his siege of Jerusalem, and employed his siege of Jerusalem, and employed his utmost diligence and alacrity therein, utmost diligence and alacrity therein, utmost diligence and alacrity therein, as intending by the taking of this place as intending by the taking of this place as intending by the taking of this place to demonstrate his power, and to to demonstrate his power, and to to demonstrate his power, and to intimidate all others that might be of intimidate all others that might be of intimidate all others that might be of the like evil disposition towards him. the like evil disposition towards him. the like evil disposition towards him. So, he took the lower city by force, but So, he took the lower city by force, but So, he took the lower city by force, but the citadel held out still. the citadel held out still. the citadel held out still. Whence it was that the king, knowing Whence it was that the king, knowing Whence it was that the king, knowing that the proposal of dignities and that the proposal of dignities and that the proposal of dignities and rewards would encourage the soldiers to rewards would encourage the soldiers to rewards would encourage the soldiers to greater actions, promised that he who greater actions, promised that he who greater actions, promised that he who should first go over the ditches that should first go over the ditches that should first go over the ditches that were beneath the citadel, and should were beneath the citadel, and should were beneath the citadel, and should ascend to the citadel itself and take ascend to the citadel itself and take ascend to the citadel itself and take it, should have the command of the it, should have the command of the it, should have the command of the entire people conferred upon him. entire people conferred upon him. entire people conferred upon him. So, they were all ambitious to ascend So, they were all ambitious to ascend So, they were all ambitious to ascend and thought no pains too great in order and thought no pains too great in order and thought no pains too great in order to ascend thither, to ascend thither, to ascend thither, out of their desire of the chief out of their desire of the chief out of their desire of the chief command. command. command. However, Joab, son of Zeruiah, prevented However, Joab, son of Zeruiah, prevented However, Joab, son of Zeruiah, prevented the rest, and as soon as he got up to the rest, and as soon as he got up to the rest, and as soon as he got up to the citadel, cried out to the king and the citadel, cried out to the king and the citadel, cried out to the king and claimed the chief command.

claimed the chief command. claimed the chief command. When David had cast the Jebusites out of When David had cast the Jebusites out of When David had cast the Jebusites out of the citadel, he rebuilt Jerusalem and the citadel, he rebuilt Jerusalem and the citadel, he rebuilt Jerusalem and named it the city of David, named it the city of David, named it the city of David, and abode there all time of his reign. and abode there all time of his reign. and abode there all time of his reign. But for the time that he reigned over But for the time that he reigned over But for the time that he reigned over the tribe of Judah only in Hebron, it the tribe of Judah only in Hebron, it the tribe of Judah only in Hebron, it was 7 years and 6 months. was 7 years and 6 months. was 7 years and 6 months. Now, when he had chosen Jerusalem to be Now, when he had chosen Jerusalem to be Now, when he had chosen Jerusalem to be his royal city, his affairs did more and his royal city, his affairs did more and his royal city, his affairs did more and more prosper by the providence of God, more prosper by the providence of God, more prosper by the providence of God, who took care that they should improve who took care that they should improve who took care that they should improve and be augmented. and be augmented. and be augmented. Hiram, also the king of the Tyrians, Hiram, also the king of the Tyrians, Hiram, also the king of the Tyrians, sent ambassadors to him and made a sent ambassadors to him and made a sent ambassadors to him and made a league of mutual friendship and league of mutual friendship and league of mutual friendship and assistance with him. assistance with him. assistance with him. He also sent him presents, cedar trees He also sent him presents, cedar trees He also sent him presents, cedar trees and mechanics, and men skillful in and mechanics, and men skillful in and mechanics, and men skillful in building and architecture, building and architecture, building and architecture, that they might build him a royal palace that they might build him a royal palace that they might build him a royal palace at Jerusalem. at Jerusalem. at Jerusalem. Now, David made buildings round about Now, David made buildings round about Now, David made buildings round about the lower city. He also joined the the lower city. He also joined the the lower city. He also joined the citadel to it and made it one body. citadel to it and made it one body. citadel to it and made it one body. And when he had encompassed all with And when he had encompassed all with And when he had encompassed all with walls, he appointed Joab to take care of walls, he appointed Joab to take care of walls, he appointed Joab to take care of them. them. them. It was David, therefore, who first cast It was David, therefore, who first cast It was David, therefore, who first cast the Jebusites out of Jerusalem the Jebusites out of Jerusalem the Jebusites out of Jerusalem and called it by his own name, the city and called it by his own name, the city and called it by his own name, the city of David.

of David. of David. For under our forefather Abraham, it was For under our forefather Abraham, it was For under our forefather Abraham, it was called Salem or Solyma. called Salem or Solyma. called Salem or Solyma. But after that time, some say that Homer But after that time, some say that Homer But after that time, some say that Homer mentions it by the name of Solyma. mentions it by the name of Solyma. mentions it by the name of Solyma. For he named the temple Solyma, For he named the temple Solyma, For he named the temple Solyma, according to the Hebrew language, which according to the Hebrew language, which according to the Hebrew language, which denotes security. denotes security. denotes security. Now, the whole time from the warfare Now, the whole time from the warfare Now, the whole time from the warfare under Joshua, our general, against the under Joshua, our general, against the under Joshua, our general, against the Canaanites, and from that war in which Canaanites, and from that war in which Canaanites, and from that war in which he overcame them and distributed the he overcame them and distributed the he overcame them and distributed the land among the Hebrews, land among the Hebrews, land among the Hebrews, Nor could the Israelites ever cast out Nor could the Israelites ever cast out Nor could the Israelites ever cast out the Canaanites out of Jerusalem until the Canaanites out of Jerusalem until the Canaanites out of Jerusalem until this time when David took it by siege. this time when David took it by siege. this time when David took it by siege. This whole time was 515 years. This whole time was 515 years. This whole time was 515 years. I shall now make mention of Araunah, who I shall now make mention of Araunah, who I shall now make mention of Araunah, who was a wealthy man among the Jebusites, was a wealthy man among the Jebusites, was a wealthy man among the Jebusites, but was not slain by David in the siege but was not slain by David in the siege but was not slain by David in the siege of Jerusalem because of the goodwill he of Jerusalem because of the goodwill he of Jerusalem because of the goodwill he bore to the Hebrews, bore to the Hebrews, bore to the Hebrews, and a particular benignity and affection and a particular benignity and affection and a particular benignity and affection which he had to the king himself, which he had to the king himself, which he had to the king himself, which I shall take a more seasonable which I shall take a more seasonable which I shall take a more seasonable opportunity to speak of a little opportunity to speak of a little opportunity to speak of a little afterwards. afterwards. afterwards. Now, David married other wives over and Now, David married other wives over and Now, David married other wives over and above those which he had before.

above those which he had before. above those which he had before. He had also concubines. He had also concubines. He had also concubines. The sons whom he had were in number 11, The sons whom he had were in number 11, The sons whom he had were in number 11, whose names were Amnon, whose names were Amnon, whose names were Amnon, Emnos, Emnos, Emnos, Eban, Eban, Eban, Nathan, Nathan, Nathan, Solomon, Solomon, Solomon, Jeban, Jeban, Jeban, Elian, Elian, Elian, Fauna, Fauna, Fauna, Enefen, Enefen, Enefen, Jenai, Jenai, Jenai, Elefale, Elefale, Elefale, and a daughter, Tamar. and a daughter, Tamar. and a daughter, Tamar. Nine of these were born of legitimate Nine of these were born of legitimate Nine of these were born of legitimate wives, but the last two named of wives, but the last two named of wives, but the last two named of concubines. And Tamar had the same concubines. And Tamar had the same concubines. And Tamar had the same mother as Absalom. Chapter 4. Chapter 4. That when David had conquered the That when David had conquered the That when David had conquered the Philistines who made war against him at Philistines who made war against him at Philistines who made war against him at Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, he removed the ark to Jerusalem and had he removed the ark to Jerusalem and had he removed the ark to Jerusalem and had a mind to build a temple. a mind to build a temple. a mind to build a temple. When the Philistines understood that When the Philistines understood that When the Philistines understood that David was made king of the Hebrews, they David was made king of the Hebrews, they David was made king of the Hebrews, they made war against him at Jerusalem. made war against him at Jerusalem. made war against him at Jerusalem. And when they had seized upon that And when they had seized upon that And when they had seized upon that valley which is called the valley of the valley which is called the valley of the valley which is called the valley of the giants, giants, giants, and is a place not far from the city, and is a place not far from the city, and is a place not far from the city, they pitched their camp therein.

they pitched their camp therein. they pitched their camp therein. But the king of the Jews, who never But the king of the Jews, who never But the king of the Jews, who never permitted himself to do anything without permitted himself to do anything without permitted himself to do anything without prophecy and the command of God, prophecy and the command of God, prophecy and the command of God, and without depending on him as a and without depending on him as a and without depending on him as a security for the time to come, security for the time to come, security for the time to come, bade the high priest to foretell to him bade the high priest to foretell to him bade the high priest to foretell to him what was the will of God, what was the will of God, what was the will of God, and what would be the event of this and what would be the event of this and what would be the event of this battle. battle. battle. And when he foretold that he should gain And when he foretold that he should gain And when he foretold that he should gain the victory and the dominion, he led out the victory and the dominion, he led out the victory and the dominion, he led out his army against the Philistines. his army against the Philistines. his army against the Philistines. And when the battle was joined, he came And when the battle was joined, he came And when the battle was joined, he came himself behind and fell upon the enemy himself behind and fell upon the enemy himself behind and fell upon the enemy on the sudden and slew some of them and on the sudden and slew some of them and on the sudden and slew some of them and put the rest to flight. put the rest to flight. put the rest to flight. And let no one suppose that it was a And let no one suppose that it was a And let no one suppose that it was a small army of the Philistines that came small army of the Philistines that came small army of the Philistines that came against the Hebrews, against the Hebrews, against the Hebrews, as guessing so from the suddenness of as guessing so from the suddenness of as guessing so from the suddenness of their defeat and from their heavy their defeat and from their heavy their defeat and from their heavy perform no great action or that was perform no great action or that was perform no great action or that was worth recording worth recording worth recording from the slowness of their march and from the slowness of their march and from the slowness of their march and want of courage. want of courage. want of courage. But let him know that all Syria and But let him know that all Syria and But let him know that all Syria and Phoenicia, with many other nations Phoenicia, with many other nations Phoenicia, with many other nations besides them, and those warlike nations besides them, and those warlike nations besides them, and those warlike nations also, came to their assistance and had a also, came to their assistance and had a also, came to their assistance and had a share in this war. share in this war. share in this war. Which thing was the only cause why, Which thing was the only cause why, Which thing was the only cause why, when they had been so often conquered when they had been so often conquered when they had been so often conquered and had lost so many tens thousands of and had lost so many tens thousands of and had lost so many tens thousands of their men, their men, their men, they still came upon the Hebrews with they still came upon the Hebrews with they still came upon the Hebrews with greater armies. Nay, indeed, when they greater armies. Nay, indeed, when they greater armies. Nay, indeed, when they had so often had failed of their purpose had so often had failed of their purpose had so often had failed of their purpose in these battles, in these battles, in these battles, they came upon David with an army three they came upon David with an army three they came upon David with an army three times as numerous as before and pitched times as numerous as before and pitched times as numerous as before and pitched their camp on the same spot of ground as their camp on the same spot of ground as their camp on the same spot of ground as before.

The king of Israel, therefore, inquired The king of Israel, therefore, inquired of God again concerning the event of the of God again concerning the event of the of God again concerning the event of the battle, battle, battle, and the high priest prophesied to him and the high priest prophesied to him and the high priest prophesied to him that he should keep his army in the that he should keep his army in the that he should keep his army in the groves groves groves called the groves of weeping, which were called the groves of weeping, which were called the groves of weeping, which were not far away from the enemy's camp, and not far away from the enemy's camp, and not far away from the enemy's camp, and that he should not move nor begin to that he should not move nor begin to that he should not move nor begin to fight till the trees of the grove should fight till the trees of the grove should fight till the trees of the grove should be in motion without the winds blowing. be in motion without the winds blowing. be in motion without the winds blowing. But as soon as these trees moved, and But as soon as these trees moved, and But as soon as these trees moved, and the time foretold to him by God was the time foretold to him by God was the time foretold to him by God was come, he should, without delay, go out come, he should, without delay, go out come, he should, without delay, go out to gain what was an already prepared and to gain what was an already prepared and to gain what was an already prepared and evident victory. evident victory. evident victory. For the several ranks of the enemy's For the several ranks of the enemy's For the several ranks of the enemy's army did not sustain him, army did not sustain him, army did not sustain him, but retreated at the first onset. but retreated at the first onset. but retreated at the first onset. Whom he closely followed and slew them Whom he closely followed and slew them Whom he closely followed and slew them as he went along and pursued them to the as he went along and pursued them to the as he went along and pursued them to the city Gaza, which was the limit of their city Gaza, which was the limit of their city Gaza, which was the limit of their country. country. country. After this, he spoiled their camp, in After this, he spoiled their camp, in After this, he spoiled their camp, in which he found great riches, and he which he found great riches, and he which he found great riches, and he destroyed their gods. destroyed their gods. destroyed their gods. When this had proven the event of the When this had proven the event of the When this had proven the event of the battle, David thought it proper, upon a battle, David thought it proper, upon a battle, David thought it proper, upon a consultation with the elders and rulers consultation with the elders and rulers consultation with the elders and rulers and captains of thousands, and captains of thousands, and captains of thousands, to send for those who were in the flower to send for those who were in the flower to send for those who were in the flower of their age out of all his countrymen of their age out of all his countrymen of their age out of all his countrymen and out of the whole land, and with all and out of the whole land, and with all and out of the whole land, and with all for the priests and the Levites in order for the priests and the Levites in order for the priests and the Levites in order to their going to Kiriath-Jearim to their going to Kiriath-Jearim to their going to Kiriath-Jearim to bring up the ark of God out of that to bring up the ark of God out of that to bring up the ark of God out of that city and to carry it to Jerusalem city and to carry it to Jerusalem city and to carry it to Jerusalem and there to keep it and offer before it and there to keep it and offer before it and there to keep it and offer before it those sacrifices and those other honors those sacrifices and those other honors those sacrifices and those other honors with which God used to be well pleased.

with which God used to be well pleased. with which God used to be well pleased. For had they done thus in the reign of For had they done thus in the reign of For had they done thus in the reign of Saul, Saul, Saul, they had not undergone any great they had not undergone any great they had not undergone any great misfortunes at all. misfortunes at all. misfortunes at all. So, when the whole body of the people So, when the whole body of the people So, when the whole body of the people were come together, as they resolved to were come together, as they resolved to were come together, as they resolved to do, the king came to the ark, which the do, the king came to the ark, which the do, the king came to the ark, which the priests brought out of the house of priests brought out of the house of priests brought out of the house of Abinadab, Abinadab, Abinadab, and laid it upon a new cart and and laid it upon a new cart and and laid it upon a new cart and permitted their brethren and their permitted their brethren and their permitted their brethren and their children to draw it together with the children to draw it together with the children to draw it together with the oxen. oxen. oxen. Before it went the king and the whole Before it went the king and the whole Before it went the king and the whole multitude of the people with him, multitude of the people with him, multitude of the people with him, singing hymns to God and making use of singing hymns to God and making use of singing hymns to God and making use of all sorts of songs usual among them with all sorts of songs usual among them with all sorts of songs usual among them with variety of the sounds of musical variety of the sounds of musical variety of the sounds of musical instruments and with dancing and singing instruments and with dancing and singing instruments and with dancing and singing of psalms, of psalms, of psalms, as also with the sounds of trumpets and as also with the sounds of trumpets and as also with the sounds of trumpets and of cymbals, and so brought the ark to of cymbals, and so brought the ark to of cymbals, and so brought the ark to Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. But as they came to the threshing floor But as they came to the threshing floor But as they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, a place so called, of Chidon, a place so called, of Chidon, a place so called, Uzzah was slain by the anger of God. Uzzah was slain by the anger of God. Uzzah was slain by the anger of God. For as the oxen shook the ark, he For as the oxen shook the ark, he For as the oxen shook the ark, he stretched out his hands and would needs stretched out his hands and would needs stretched out his hands and would needs take hold of it. take hold of it. take hold of it. Now, because he was not a priest and yet Now, because he was not a priest and yet Now, because he was not a priest and yet touched the ark, God struck him dead.

touched the ark, God struck him dead. touched the ark, God struck him dead. Hereupon, both the king and the people Hereupon, both the king and the people Hereupon, both the king and the people were displeased at the death of Uzzah, were displeased at the death of Uzzah, were displeased at the death of Uzzah, and the place where where died is still and the place where where died is still and the place where where died is still called the breach of Uzzah unto this called the breach of Uzzah unto this called the breach of Uzzah unto this day. day. day. So, David was afraid and supposing that So, David was afraid and supposing that So, David was afraid and supposing that if he received the ark to himself into if he received the ark to himself into if he received the ark to himself into the city, he might suffer in the like the city, he might suffer in the like the city, he might suffer in the like manner as Uzzah had suffered. manner as Uzzah had suffered. manner as Uzzah had suffered. Who, upon his bare putting out his hand Who, upon his bare putting out his hand Who, upon his bare putting out his hand to the ark, died in the manner already to the ark, died in the manner already to the ark, died in the manner already mentioned. mentioned. mentioned. He did not receive it to himself into He did not receive it to himself into He did not receive it to himself into the city, but he took it aside unto a the city, but he took it aside unto a the city, but he took it aside unto a certain place belonging to a righteous certain place belonging to a righteous certain place belonging to a righteous man whose name was Obededom, man whose name was Obededom, man whose name was Obededom, who was by his family a Levite, and who was by his family a Levite, and who was by his family a Levite, and deposited the ark with him. And it deposited the ark with him. And it deposited the ark with him. And it remained there three entire months. remained there three entire months. remained there three entire months. This augmented the house of Obededom and This augmented the house of Obededom and This augmented the house of Obededom and conferred many blessings upon it. conferred many blessings upon it. conferred many blessings upon it. And when the king heard what had And when the king heard what had And when the king heard what had befallen Obededom, how he was become of befallen Obededom, how he was become of befallen Obededom, how he was become of a poor man in a low estate exceeding a poor man in a low estate exceeding a poor man in a low estate exceeding happy and the object of envy to all happy and the object of envy to all happy and the object of envy to all those that saw or inquired after his those that saw or inquired after his those that saw or inquired after his house, house, house, he took courage he took courage he took courage and hoping that he should meet with no and hoping that he should meet with no and hoping that he should meet with no misfortune thereby, he transferred the misfortune thereby, he transferred the misfortune thereby, he transferred the ark to his own house. The priests ark to his own house. The priests ark to his own house. The priests carrying it, while seven companies of carrying it, while seven companies of carrying it, while seven companies of singers, who were set in that order by singers, who were set in that order by singers, who were set in that order by the king, went before it.

the king, went before it. the king, went before it. And while he himself played upon the And while he himself played upon the And while he himself played upon the harp and joined in the music, harp and joined in the music, harp and joined in the music, insomuch that when his wife, Michelle, insomuch that when his wife, Michelle, insomuch that when his wife, Michelle, the daughter of Saul, who was our first the daughter of Saul, who was our first the daughter of Saul, who was our first king, saw him doing so, king, saw him doing so, king, saw him doing so, she laughed at him. she laughed at him. she laughed at him. But when they had brought in the ark, But when they had brought in the ark, But when they had brought in the ark, they placed it under the tabernacle they placed it under the tabernacle they placed it under the tabernacle which David had pitched for it. And he which David had pitched for it. And he which David had pitched for it. And he offered costly sacrifices and peace offered costly sacrifices and peace offered costly sacrifices and peace offerings and treated the whole offerings and treated the whole offerings and treated the whole multitude and dealt both to the women multitude and dealt both to the women multitude and dealt both to the women and the men and the men and the men and the infants a loaf of bread and a and the infants a loaf of bread and a and the infants a loaf of bread and a cake cake cake and another cake baked in a pan with a and another cake baked in a pan with a and another cake baked in a pan with a portion of the sacrifice. portion of the sacrifice. portion of the sacrifice. So, when he had thus feasted the people, So, when he had thus feasted the people, So, when he had thus feasted the people, he sent them away and he himself he sent them away and he himself he sent them away and he himself returned to his own house. returned to his own house. returned to his own house. But when Michelle, his wife, the But when Michelle, his wife, the But when Michelle, his wife, the daughter of Saul, came and stood by him, daughter of Saul, came and stood by him, daughter of Saul, came and stood by him, she wished him all other happiness and she wished him all other happiness and she wished him all other happiness and entreated that whatsoever he should entreated that whatsoever he should entreated that whatsoever he should further desire to the utmost possibility further desire to the utmost possibility further desire to the utmost possibility might be given to him by God might be given to him by God might be given to him by God and that he might be favorable to him.

and that he might be favorable to him. and that he might be favorable to him. Yet did she blame him that so great a Yet did she blame him that so great a Yet did she blame him that so great a king as he should dance after an king as he should dance after an king as he should dance after an unseemly manner and in his dancing unseemly manner and in his dancing unseemly manner and in his dancing uncover himself among the servants and uncover himself among the servants and uncover himself among the servants and the handmaidens. the handmaidens. the handmaidens. But he replied that he was not ashamed But he replied that he was not ashamed But he replied that he was not ashamed to do what was acceptable to God who had to do what was acceptable to God who had to do what was acceptable to God who had preferred him before her father and preferred him before her father and preferred him before her father and before all others and that he would play before all others and that he would play before all others and that he would play frequently and dance without any regard frequently and dance without any regard frequently and dance without any regard to what the handmaidens and herself to what the handmaidens and herself to what the handmaidens and herself thought of it. thought of it. thought of it. So this Michelle who was David's wife So this Michelle who was David's wife So this Michelle who was David's wife had no children. had no children. had no children. However, when she was afterwards married However, when she was afterwards married However, when she was afterwards married to him to whom Saul her father had given to him to whom Saul her father had given to him to whom Saul her father had given her her her for at this time David had taken her for at this time David had taken her for at this time David had taken her away from him and had her himself. away from him and had her himself. away from him and had her himself. She bore five children but concerning She bore five children but concerning She bore five children but concerning those matters I shall discourse in a those matters I shall discourse in a those matters I shall discourse in a proper place. proper place. proper place. Now when the king saw that his affairs Now when the king saw that his affairs Now when the king saw that his affairs grew better almost every day by the will grew better almost every day by the will grew better almost every day by the will of God of God of God he thought that he should offend him he thought that he should offend him he thought that he should offend him while he himself continued in houses while he himself continued in houses while he himself continued in houses made of cedar such as were of a great made of cedar such as were of a great made of cedar such as were of a great height and had the most curious works of height and had the most curious works of height and had the most curious works of architecture in them.

architecture in them. architecture in them. He should overlook the ark while it laid He should overlook the ark while it laid He should overlook the ark while it laid in a tabernacle and was desirous to in a tabernacle and was desirous to in a tabernacle and was desirous to build a temple to God as Moses had build a temple to God as Moses had build a temple to God as Moses had predicted such a temple should be built. predicted such a temple should be built. predicted such a temple should be built. And when he had discourse with Nathan And when he had discourse with Nathan And when he had discourse with Nathan the prophet about these things and had the prophet about these things and had the prophet about these things and had been encouraged by him to do whatsoever been encouraged by him to do whatsoever been encouraged by him to do whatsoever he had a mind to do he had a mind to do he had a mind to do as having God with him and his helper in as having God with him and his helper in as having God with him and his helper in all things all things all things he was thereupon the more ready to set he was thereupon the more ready to set he was thereupon the more ready to set about that building. about that building. about that building. But God appeared to Nathan that very But God appeared to Nathan that very But God appeared to Nathan that very night and commanded him to say to David night and commanded him to say to David night and commanded him to say to David that he took his purpose and his desires that he took his purpose and his desires that he took his purpose and his desires kindly kindly kindly since nobody had before now taken it since nobody had before now taken it since nobody had before now taken it into their head to build him a temple. into their head to build him a temple. into their head to build him a temple. Although upon his having such a notion, Although upon his having such a notion, Although upon his having such a notion, he would not permit him to build it, he would not permit him to build it, he would not permit him to build it, that temple, that temple, that temple, because he had made many wars and was because he had made many wars and was because he had made many wars and was defiled with the slaughter of his defiled with the slaughter of his defiled with the slaughter of his enemies. enemies. enemies. That, however, after his death in his That, however, after his death in his That, however, after his death in his old age, and when he had lived a long old age, and when he had lived a long old age, and when he had lived a long time, time, time, there should be a temple built by a son there should be a temple built by a son there should be a temple built by a son of his of his of his who should take his kingdom after him who should take his kingdom after him who should take his kingdom after him and shall be called Solomon, and shall be called Solomon, and shall be called Solomon, whom he promised to provide for as a whom he promised to provide for as a whom he promised to provide for as a father provides for his son father provides for his son father provides for his son by preserving the kingdom for his son's by preserving the kingdom for his son's by preserving the kingdom for his son's posterity and delivering it to them.

posterity and delivering it to them. posterity and delivering it to them. But that he should still punish him if But that he should still punish him if But that he should still punish him if he sinned with diseases and barrenness he sinned with diseases and barrenness he sinned with diseases and barrenness of land. of land. of land. When David understood this from the When David understood this from the When David understood this from the prophet and was over joyful at this prophet and was over joyful at this prophet and was over joyful at this knowledge of the sure continuance of the knowledge of the sure continuance of the knowledge of the sure continuance of the dominion of his posterity dominion of his posterity dominion of his posterity and that his house should be splendid and that his house should be splendid and that his house should be splendid and very famous, and very famous, and very famous, he came to the ark and fell down on his he came to the ark and fell down on his he came to the ark and fell down on his face face face and began to adore God and began to adore God and began to adore God and to return thanks to him and to return thanks to him and to return thanks to him for all his benefits, as well as those for all his benefits, as well as those for all his benefits, as well as those he had already bestowed upon him in he had already bestowed upon him in he had already bestowed upon him in raising him from a low state and from raising him from a low state and from raising him from a low state and from the employment of a shepherd to so great the employment of a shepherd to so great the employment of a shepherd to so great dignity of dominion and glory. dignity of dominion and glory. dignity of dominion and glory. As for those also which he had promised As for those also which he had promised As for those also which he had promised to his posterity and besides to his posterity and besides to his posterity and besides for that providence which he had for that providence which he had for that providence which he had exercised over the Hebrews in procuring exercised over the Hebrews in procuring exercised over the Hebrews in procuring them the liberty they enjoyed. them the liberty they enjoyed. them the liberty they enjoyed. And when he had said thus and had sung And when he had said thus and had sung And when he had said thus and had sung him hymn of praise to God, he went his him hymn of praise to God, he went his him hymn of praise to God, he went his way. way. way. End of Book Seven, chapters two through End of Book Seven, chapters two through End of Book Seven, chapters two through four.

Book Seven, chapters five and six of The Book Seven, chapters five and six of The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two. Antiquities of the Jews, volume two. Antiquities of the Jews, volume two. This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. domain. domain. For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. Book seven, chapters five and six. Book seven, chapters five and six. Book seven, chapters five and six. Chapter five. How David brought under Chapter five. How David brought under Chapter five. How David brought under the Philistines and the Moabites the Philistines and the Moabites the Philistines and the Moabites and the kings of Sophine and of Damascus and the kings of Sophine and of Damascus and the kings of Sophine and of Damascus and of the Syrians, as also the and of the Syrians, as also the and of the Syrians, as also the Idumeans, in war. Idumeans, in war. Idumeans, in war. And how he made a league with the king And how he made a league with the king And how he made a league with the king of Hamath of Hamath of Hamath and was mindful of the friendship that and was mindful of the friendship that and was mindful of the friendship that Jonathan, the son of Saul, had borne Jonathan, the son of Saul, had borne Jonathan, the son of Saul, had borne him. him. him. A little while after this, he considered A little while after this, he considered A little while after this, he considered that he ought to make war against the that he ought to make war against the that he ought to make war against the Philistines and not to see any idleness Philistines and not to see any idleness Philistines and not to see any idleness or laziness permitted in his management or laziness permitted in his management or laziness permitted in his management that so it might prove, as God had that so it might prove, as God had that so it might prove, as God had foretold to him, that when he had foretold to him, that when he had foretold to him, that when he had overthrown his enemies, he should leave overthrown his enemies, he should leave overthrown his enemies, he should leave his posterity to reign in peace his posterity to reign in peace his posterity to reign in peace afterward.

afterward. afterward. So, he called together his army again So, he called together his army again So, he called together his army again and when he had charged them to be ready and when he had charged them to be ready and when he had charged them to be ready and prepared for war and when he thought and prepared for war and when he thought and prepared for war and when he thought that all things in his army were in a that all things in his army were in a that all things in his army were in a good state he removed from Jerusalem and good state he removed from Jerusalem and good state he removed from Jerusalem and came against the Philistines. came against the Philistines. came against the Philistines. And when he had overcome them in battle And when he had overcome them in battle And when he had overcome them in battle and had cut off a great part of their and had cut off a great part of their and had cut off a great part of their country country country and had adjoined it to the country of and had adjoined it to the country of and had adjoined it to the country of the Hebrews he transferred the war to the Hebrews he transferred the war to the Hebrews he transferred the war to the Moabites. the Moabites. the Moabites. And when he had overcome two parts of And when he had overcome two parts of And when he had overcome two parts of their army in battle he took the their army in battle he took the their army in battle he took the remaining part captive remaining part captive remaining part captive and imposed upon them to be paid and imposed upon them to be paid and imposed upon them to be paid annually. annually. annually. He then made war against Hadadezer He then made war against Hadadezer He then made war against Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Sophine. the son of Rehob, king of Sophine. the son of Rehob, king of Sophine. And when he had joined battle with him And when he had joined battle with him And when he had joined battle with him at the river Euphrates at the river Euphrates at the river Euphrates he destroyed 20,000 of his footmen and he destroyed 20,000 of his footmen and he destroyed 20,000 of his footmen and about 7,000 of his horsemen. about 7,000 of his horsemen. about 7,000 of his horsemen. He also took 1,000 of his chariots and He also took 1,000 of his chariots and He also took 1,000 of his chariots and destroyed the greatest part of them and destroyed the greatest part of them and destroyed the greatest part of them and ordered that no more than 100 should be ordered that no more than 100 should be ordered that no more than 100 should be kept. kept. kept. Now, when Hadad, king of Damascus and of Now, when Hadad, king of Damascus and of Now, when Hadad, king of Damascus and of Syria, heard that David fought against Syria, heard that David fought against Syria, heard that David fought against Hadadezer, who was his friend, Hadadezer, who was his friend, Hadadezer, who was his friend, he came to his assistance with a he came to his assistance with a he came to his assistance with a powerful army in hopes to rescue him.

powerful army in hopes to rescue him. powerful army in hopes to rescue him. And when he joined battle with David at And when he joined battle with David at And when he joined battle with David at the river Euphrates, he failed of his the river Euphrates, he failed of his the river Euphrates, he failed of his purpose and lost in the battle a great purpose and lost in the battle a great purpose and lost in the battle a great number of his soldiers. number of his soldiers. number of his soldiers. For there were slain in the army of For there were slain in the army of For there were slain in the army of Hadad 20,000, and all the rest fled. Hadad 20,000, and all the rest fled. Hadad 20,000, and all the rest fled. Nicolaus, also of Damascus, makes Nicolaus, also of Damascus, makes Nicolaus, also of Damascus, makes mention of this king in the fourth book mention of this king in the fourth book mention of this king in the fourth book of his histories, of his histories, of his histories, where he speaks thus, where he speaks thus, where he speaks thus, "A great while after these things had "A great while after these things had "A great while after these things had happened, there was one of that country happened, there was one of that country happened, there was one of that country whose name was Hadad, who was become whose name was Hadad, who was become whose name was Hadad, who was become very potent. He reigned over Damascus very potent. He reigned over Damascus very potent. He reigned over Damascus and the other parts of Syria, excepting and the other parts of Syria, excepting and the other parts of Syria, excepting Phoenicia. Phoenicia. Phoenicia. He made war against David, the king of He made war against David, the king of He made war against David, the king of Judea, and tried his fortune in many Judea, and tried his fortune in many Judea, and tried his fortune in many battles, and particularly in the last battles, and particularly in the last battles, and particularly in the last battle at Euphrates, battle at Euphrates, battle at Euphrates, whereupon he was beaten. whereupon he was beaten. whereupon he was beaten. He seems to have been the most excellent He seems to have been the most excellent He seems to have been the most excellent of all the kings in strength and of all the kings in strength and of all the kings in strength and manhood. manhood. manhood. Nay, besides this, he says of his Nay, besides this, he says of his Nay, besides this, he says of his posterity that posterity that posterity that they succeeded one another in his they succeeded one another in his they succeeded one another in his kingdom and in his name, kingdom and in his name, kingdom and in his name, where thus he speaks, where thus he speaks, where thus he speaks, "When Hadad was dead, his posterity "When Hadad was dead, his posterity "When Hadad was dead, his posterity reigned for 10 generations, each of his reigned for 10 generations, each of his reigned for 10 generations, each of his successors receiving from his father successors receiving from his father successors receiving from his father that his dominion and this his name, that his dominion and this his name, that his dominion and this his name, as did the Ptolemies in Egypt.

as did the Ptolemies in Egypt. as did the Ptolemies in Egypt. But the third was the most powerful of But the third was the most powerful of But the third was the most powerful of them all and was willing to avenge the them all and was willing to avenge the them all and was willing to avenge the defeat his forefather had received. defeat his forefather had received. defeat his forefather had received. So, he made an expedition against the So, he made an expedition against the So, he made an expedition against the Jews and laid waste the city which is Jews and laid waste the city which is Jews and laid waste the city which is now called Samaria. now called Samaria. now called Samaria. Nor did he err from the truth, Nor did he err from the truth, Nor did he err from the truth, for this is that Hadad who made the for this is that Hadad who made the for this is that Hadad who made the expedition against Samaria in the reign expedition against Samaria in the reign expedition against Samaria in the reign of Ahab, king of Israel, concerning whom of Ahab, king of Israel, concerning whom of Ahab, king of Israel, concerning whom we shall speak in due place hereafter. we shall speak in due place hereafter. we shall speak in due place hereafter. Now, when David had made an expedition Now, when David had made an expedition Now, when David had made an expedition against Damascus and the other parts of against Damascus and the other parts of against Damascus and the other parts of Syria Syria Syria and had brought it all into subjection and had brought it all into subjection and had brought it all into subjection and had placed garrisons in the country and had placed garrisons in the country and had placed garrisons in the country and appointed that they should pay and appointed that they should pay and appointed that they should pay tribute, he returned home. tribute, he returned home. tribute, he returned home. He also dedicated to God at Jerusalem He also dedicated to God at Jerusalem He also dedicated to God at Jerusalem the golden quivers, the entire armor the golden quivers, the entire armor the golden quivers, the entire armor which the guards of Hadad used to wear, which the guards of Hadad used to wear, which the guards of Hadad used to wear, which Shishak, the king of Egypt, took which Shishak, the king of Egypt, took which Shishak, the king of Egypt, took away when he fought with David's away when he fought with David's away when he fought with David's grandson Rehoboam grandson Rehoboam grandson Rehoboam with a great deal of other wealth which with a great deal of other wealth which with a great deal of other wealth which he carried out of Jerusalem. he carried out of Jerusalem. he carried out of Jerusalem. However, these things will be explained However, these things will be explained However, these things will be explained in their proper places hereafter.

in their proper places hereafter. in their proper places hereafter. Now, as for the king of the Hebrews, he Now, as for the king of the Hebrews, he Now, as for the king of the Hebrews, he was assisted by God who gave him great was assisted by God who gave him great was assisted by God who gave him great successes in his wars and he made all successes in his wars and he made all successes in his wars and he made all expedition against the best cities of expedition against the best cities of expedition against the best cities of Hadadezer, Hadadezer, Hadadezer, Betah and Macon. Betah and Macon. Betah and Macon. So, he took them by force and laid them So, he took them by force and laid them So, he took them by force and laid them waste. waste. waste. Therein was found a very great quantity Therein was found a very great quantity Therein was found a very great quantity of gold and silver of gold and silver of gold and silver besides that sort of brass which is said besides that sort of brass which is said besides that sort of brass which is said to be more valuable than gold, of which to be more valuable than gold, of which to be more valuable than gold, of which brass Solomon made that large vessel brass Solomon made that large vessel brass Solomon made that large vessel which is called the brazen sea which is called the brazen sea which is called the brazen sea and those most curious levers and those most curious levers and those most curious levers when he built the temple for God. when he built the temple for God. when he built the temple for God. But when the king of Hamath was informed But when the king of Hamath was informed But when the king of Hamath was informed of the ill success of Hadadezer and had of the ill success of Hadadezer and had of the ill success of Hadadezer and had heard of the ruin of his army, heard of the ruin of his army, heard of the ruin of his army, he was afraid on his own account and he was afraid on his own account and he was afraid on his own account and resolved to make a league of friendship resolved to make a league of friendship resolved to make a league of friendship and fidelity with David before he should and fidelity with David before he should and fidelity with David before he should come against him. come against him. come against him. So, he sent to him his son Joram and So, he sent to him his son Joram and So, he sent to him his son Joram and professed that he owed him thanks for professed that he owed him thanks for professed that he owed him thanks for fighting against Hadadezer, who was his fighting against Hadadezer, who was his fighting against Hadadezer, who was his enemy, enemy, enemy, and made a league with him of mutual and made a league with him of mutual and made a league with him of mutual assistance and friendship.

assistance and friendship. assistance and friendship. He also sent him presents, vessels of He also sent him presents, vessels of He also sent him presents, vessels of ancient workmanship, both of gold and of ancient workmanship, both of gold and of ancient workmanship, both of gold and of silver and of brass. silver and of brass. silver and of brass. So, when David had made this league of So, when David had made this league of So, when David had made this league of mutual assistance with Toi, mutual assistance with Toi, mutual assistance with Toi, for that was the name of the king of for that was the name of the king of for that was the name of the king of Hamath, and received the presents he Hamath, and received the presents he Hamath, and received the presents he sent him, sent him, sent him, he dismissed his son with that respect he dismissed his son with that respect he dismissed his son with that respect which was due on both sides. which was due on both sides. which was due on both sides. But then David brought those presents But then David brought those presents But then David brought those presents that were sent by him, that were sent by him, that were sent by him, and also the rest of the gold and the and also the rest of the gold and the and also the rest of the gold and the silver which he had taken from the silver which he had taken from the silver which he had taken from the cities that he had conquered, and cities that he had conquered, and cities that he had conquered, and dedicated them to God. dedicated them to God. dedicated them to God. Nor did God give victory and success to Nor did God give victory and success to Nor did God give victory and success to him only when he went to battle himself him only when he went to battle himself him only when he went to battle himself and led his own army, and led his own army, and led his own army, but he gave victory to Abishai, the but he gave victory to Abishai, the but he gave victory to Abishai, the brother of Joab, general of his forces, brother of Joab, general of his forces, brother of Joab, general of his forces, over the Idumeans, over the Idumeans, over the Idumeans, and by him to David, when he sent him and by him to David, when he sent him and by him to David, when he sent him with an army into Idumea. with an army into Idumea. with an army into Idumea. For Abishai destroyed 18,000 of them in For Abishai destroyed 18,000 of them in For Abishai destroyed 18,000 of them in the battle, the battle, the battle, whereupon the king of Israel placed whereupon the king of Israel placed whereupon the king of Israel placed garrisons throughout all Idumea, garrisons throughout all Idumea, garrisons throughout all Idumea, and received the tribute of the country and received the tribute of the country and received the tribute of the country and of every head among them.

and of every head among them. and of every head among them. Now David was in his nature just, and Now David was in his nature just, and Now David was in his nature just, and made his determination with regard to made his determination with regard to made his determination with regard to truth. truth. truth. He had for the general of his whole army He had for the general of his whole army He had for the general of his whole army Joab, Joab, Joab, and he made Jehoshaphat, the son of and he made Jehoshaphat, the son of and he made Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, recorder. Ahilud, recorder. Ahilud, recorder. He also appointed Zadok of the family of He also appointed Zadok of the family of He also appointed Zadok of the family of Phineas to be the high priest, together Phineas to be the high priest, together Phineas to be the high priest, together with Abiathar, for he was his friend. with Abiathar, for he was his friend. with Abiathar, for he was his friend. He also made Seraiah son the scribe, and He also made Seraiah son the scribe, and He also made Seraiah son the scribe, and committed the command over the guards of committed the command over the guards of committed the command over the guards of his body to Benaiah, the son of his body to Benaiah, the son of his body to Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada. Jehoiada. Jehoiada. His elder sons were near his body and His elder sons were near his body and His elder sons were near his body and had the care of it also. had the care of it also. had the care of it also. He also called to mind the covenants and He also called to mind the covenants and He also called to mind the covenants and the oaths he made with Jonathan, the son the oaths he made with Jonathan, the son the oaths he made with Jonathan, the son of Saul, and the friendship and of Saul, and the friendship and of Saul, and the friendship and affection Jonathan had for him. affection Jonathan had for him. affection Jonathan had for him. For besides all the rest of his For besides all the rest of his For besides all the rest of his excellent qualities with which he was excellent qualities with which he was excellent qualities with which he was endowed, he was also exceedingly mindful endowed, he was also exceedingly mindful endowed, he was also exceedingly mindful of such as had at other times bestowed of such as had at other times bestowed of such as had at other times bestowed benefits upon him. benefits upon him. benefits upon him. He therefore gave order that inquiry He therefore gave order that inquiry He therefore gave order that inquiry should be made whether any of Jonathan's should be made whether any of Jonathan's should be made whether any of Jonathan's lineage were living, lineage were living, lineage were living, to whom he might make return of that to whom he might make return of that to whom he might make return of that familiar acquaintance which Jonathan had familiar acquaintance which Jonathan had familiar acquaintance which Jonathan had had with him, had with him, had with him, and for which he was still debtor.

and for which he was still debtor. and for which he was still debtor. And when one of Saul's freedmen was And when one of Saul's freedmen was And when one of Saul's freedmen was brought to him, who was acquainted with brought to him, who was acquainted with brought to him, who was acquainted with those of his family who were still those of his family who were still those of his family who were still living, he asked him whether he could living, he asked him whether he could living, he asked him whether he could tell him of anyone belonging to Jonathan tell him of anyone belonging to Jonathan tell him of anyone belonging to Jonathan that was now alive and capable of a that was now alive and capable of a that was now alive and capable of a requital of the benefits which he had requital of the benefits which he had requital of the benefits which he had received from Jonathan. received from Jonathan. received from Jonathan. And he said And he said And he said that a son of his was remaining, whose that a son of his was remaining, whose that a son of his was remaining, whose name was Mephibosheth, name was Mephibosheth, name was Mephibosheth, but that he was lame of his feet. For but that he was lame of his feet. For but that he was lame of his feet. For that when his nurse heard that the that when his nurse heard that the that when his nurse heard that the father and grandfather of the child were father and grandfather of the child were father and grandfather of the child were fallen in the battle, she snatched him fallen in the battle, she snatched him fallen in the battle, she snatched him away and fled, and let him fall from her away and fled, and let him fall from her away and fled, and let him fall from her shoulders, and his feet were lamed. shoulders, and his feet were lamed. shoulders, and his feet were lamed. So when he had learned where and by whom So when he had learned where and by whom So when he had learned where and by whom he was brought up, he sent messengers to he was brought up, he sent messengers to he was brought up, he sent messengers to Machir, to the city of Lodebar. Machir, to the city of Lodebar. Machir, to the city of Lodebar. For with him was the son of Jonathan For with him was the son of Jonathan For with him was the son of Jonathan brought up, and sent for him to come to brought up, and sent for him to come to brought up, and sent for him to come to him. him. him. So when Mephibosheth came to the king, So when Mephibosheth came to the king, So when Mephibosheth came to the king, he fell on his face and worshipped him. he fell on his face and worshipped him. he fell on his face and worshipped him. But David encouraged him, bade him be of But David encouraged him, bade him be of But David encouraged him, bade him be of good cheer, and expect better times.

good cheer, and expect better times. good cheer, and expect better times. So he gave him his father's house and So he gave him his father's house and So he gave him his father's house and all the estates which his grandfather all the estates which his grandfather all the estates which his grandfather Saul was in possession of, and bade him Saul was in possession of, and bade him Saul was in possession of, and bade him come and diet with him at his own table, come and diet with him at his own table, come and diet with him at his own table, and never to be absent one day from that and never to be absent one day from that and never to be absent one day from that table. table. table. And when the youth had worshipped him on And when the youth had worshipped him on And when the youth had worshipped him on account of his words and gifts given to account of his words and gifts given to account of his words and gifts given to him, he called for Ziba, and told him him, he called for Ziba, and told him him, he called for Ziba, and told him that he had given the youth his father's that he had given the youth his father's that he had given the youth his father's house and all Saul's estates. house and all Saul's estates. house and all Saul's estates. He also ordered that Ziba should He also ordered that Ziba should He also ordered that Ziba should cultivate his land and take care of it, cultivate his land and take care of it, cultivate his land and take care of it, and bring him the profits of all to and bring him the profits of all to and bring him the profits of all to Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Accordingly, David brought him to his Accordingly, David brought him to his Accordingly, David brought him to his table every day, and bestowed upon the table every day, and bestowed upon the table every day, and bestowed upon the youth Ziba and his sons, who were 15 in youth Ziba and his sons, who were 15 in youth Ziba and his sons, who were 15 in number, number, number, and his servants, who were in number 20. and his servants, who were in number 20. and his servants, who were in number 20. When the king had made these When the king had made these When the king had made these appointments, and Ziba had worshipped appointments, and Ziba had worshipped appointments, and Ziba had worshipped him, and promised to do all he had him, and promised to do all he had him, and promised to do all he had bidden him, he went his way. bidden him, he went his way. bidden him, he went his way. So, that this son of Jonathan dwelt at So, that this son of Jonathan dwelt at So, that this son of Jonathan dwelt at Jerusalem, and dieted at the king's Jerusalem, and dieted at the king's Jerusalem, and dieted at the king's table, and had the same care that a son table, and had the same care that a son table, and had the same care that a son might claim taken of him.

He also had himself a son, who he named He also had himself a son, who he named Mica. Mica. Mica. Chapter 6. Chapter 6. Chapter 6. How the war was waged against the How the war was waged against the How the war was waged against the Ammonites and happily concluded. Ammonites and happily concluded. Ammonites and happily concluded. These were the honors These were the honors These were the honors that such were left of Saul's and that such were left of Saul's and that such were left of Saul's and Jonathan's lineage received from David. Jonathan's lineage received from David. Jonathan's lineage received from David. About this time died Nahash, the king of About this time died Nahash, the king of About this time died Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, who was a friend of the Ammonites, who was a friend of the Ammonites, who was a friend of David's, and when his son had succeeded David's, and when his son had succeeded David's, and when his son had succeeded his father in the kingdom, David sent his father in the kingdom, David sent his father in the kingdom, David sent ambassadors to him to comfort him, and ambassadors to him to comfort him, and ambassadors to him to comfort him, and exhorted him to take his father's death exhorted him to take his father's death exhorted him to take his father's death patiently, patiently, patiently, and to expect that he would continue the and to expect that he would continue the and to expect that he would continue the same kindness to himself which he had same kindness to himself which he had same kindness to himself which he had shown to his father. shown to his father. shown to his father. But, the princes of the Ammonites took But, the princes of the Ammonites took But, the princes of the Ammonites took this message in evil part, this message in evil part, this message in evil part, and not as David's kind dispositions and not as David's kind dispositions and not as David's kind dispositions gave reason to take it, gave reason to take it, gave reason to take it, and they excited the king to resent it, and they excited the king to resent it, and they excited the king to resent it, and said that David had sent men to spy and said that David had sent men to spy and said that David had sent men to spy out the country, and what strength it out the country, and what strength it out the country, and what strength it had, and under the pretense of humanity had, and under the pretense of humanity had, and under the pretense of humanity and kindness. and kindness. and kindness. They further advised him to have a care, They further advised him to have a care, They further advised him to have a care, and not to give heed to David's words, and not to give heed to David's words, and not to give heed to David's words, lest he should be deluded by him, and so lest he should be deluded by him, and so lest he should be deluded by him, and so fall into an inconsolable calamity.

fall into an inconsolable calamity. fall into an inconsolable calamity. Accordingly, Nahash's son, the king of Accordingly, Nahash's son, the king of Accordingly, Nahash's son, the king of the Ammonites, thought these princes the Ammonites, thought these princes the Ammonites, thought these princes spake spake spake what was more probable than the truth what was more probable than the truth what was more probable than the truth would admit, and so abused the would admit, and so abused the would admit, and so abused the ambassadors after a very harsh manner. ambassadors after a very harsh manner. ambassadors after a very harsh manner. For, he shaved the one half of their For, he shaved the one half of their For, he shaved the one half of their beards, cut off one half of their beards, cut off one half of their beards, cut off one half of their garments, and sent his answer not in garments, and sent his answer not in garments, and sent his answer not in words, but in deeds. words, but in deeds. words, but in deeds. When the king of Israel saw this, he had When the king of Israel saw this, he had When the king of Israel saw this, he had indignation at it, and showed openly indignation at it, and showed openly indignation at it, and showed openly that he would not overlook this that he would not overlook this that he would not overlook this injurious and contumelious treatment, injurious and contumelious treatment, injurious and contumelious treatment, but he would make war with the but he would make war with the but he would make war with the Ammonites, and would avenge this wicked Ammonites, and would avenge this wicked Ammonites, and would avenge this wicked treatment of his ambassadors on their treatment of his ambassadors on their treatment of his ambassadors on their king. king. king. So, that king's intimate friends and So, that king's intimate friends and So, that king's intimate friends and commanders, understanding that they had commanders, understanding that they had commanders, understanding that they had violated their league, and reliable to violated their league, and reliable to violated their league, and reliable to be punished for the same, be punished for the same, be punished for the same, made preparations for war. made preparations for war. made preparations for war. They also sent a thousand talents to the They also sent a thousand talents to the They also sent a thousand talents to the Syrian king of Mesopotamia, Syrian king of Mesopotamia, Syrian king of Mesopotamia, and endeavored to prevail with him to and endeavored to prevail with him to and endeavored to prevail with him to assist them for that pay, and Shobach. assist them for that pay, and Shobach. assist them for that pay, and Shobach. Now, these kings had 20,000 footmen.

Now, these kings had 20,000 footmen. Now, these kings had 20,000 footmen. They also hired the king of the country They also hired the king of the country They also hired the king of the country called Maacah, called Maacah, called Maacah, and a fourth king by name Ishtob, and a fourth king by name Ishtob, and a fourth king by name Ishtob, which last had 12,000 armed men. which last had 12,000 armed men. which last had 12,000 armed men. But, David was under no consternation at But, David was under no consternation at But, David was under no consternation at this confederacy, nor at the forces of this confederacy, nor at the forces of this confederacy, nor at the forces of the Ammonites, and put his trust in God, the Ammonites, and put his trust in God, the Ammonites, and put his trust in God, because he was going to war in a just because he was going to war in a just because he was going to war in a just cause on account of the injurious cause on account of the injurious cause on account of the injurious treatment he had met with. treatment he had met with. treatment he had met with. He immediately sent Joab, the captain of He immediately sent Joab, the captain of He immediately sent Joab, the captain of his host, against them, and gave him the his host, against them, and gave him the his host, against them, and gave him the flower of his army, who pitched his camp flower of his army, who pitched his camp flower of his army, who pitched his camp at Rabbah, the metropolis of the at Rabbah, the metropolis of the at Rabbah, the metropolis of the Ammonites, Ammonites, Ammonites, whereupon the enemy came out and set whereupon the enemy came out and set whereupon the enemy came out and set themselves in array, themselves in array, themselves in array, not all of them together, but in two not all of them together, but in two not all of them together, but in two bodies. bodies. bodies. For, the auxiliaries were set in array For, the auxiliaries were set in array For, the auxiliaries were set in array in the plain by themselves, in the plain by themselves, in the plain by themselves, but the army of the Ammonites at the but the army of the Ammonites at the but the army of the Ammonites at the gates over against the Hebrews. gates over against the Hebrews. gates over against the Hebrews. When Joab saw this, he opposed one When Joab saw this, he opposed one When Joab saw this, he opposed one stratagem against another, stratagem against another, stratagem against another, and chose out the most hardy part of his and chose out the most hardy part of his and chose out the most hardy part of his men, and set them in opposition to the men, and set them in opposition to the men, and set them in opposition to the king of Syria and the kings that were king of Syria and the kings that were king of Syria and the kings that were with him, with him, with him, and gave the other part to his brother, and gave the other part to his brother, and gave the other part to his brother, Abishai, and bid him set them in Abishai, and bid him set them in Abishai, and bid him set them in opposition to the Ammonites, and said to opposition to the Ammonites, and said to opposition to the Ammonites, and said to him, him, him, that in case he should see that the that in case he should see that the that in case he should see that the Syrians distressed him and were too hard Syrians distressed him and were too hard Syrians distressed him and were too hard for him, he should order his troops to for him, he should order his troops to for him, he should order his troops to turn about and assist him.

turn about and assist him. turn about and assist him. And he said that he himself would do the And he said that he himself would do the And he said that he himself would do the same to him if he saw him in the like same to him if he saw him in the like same to him if he saw him in the like distress from the Ammonites. distress from the Ammonites. distress from the Ammonites. So, he sent his brother before and So, he sent his brother before and So, he sent his brother before and encouraged him to do everything encouraged him to do everything encouraged him to do everything courageously and with alacrity, which courageously and with alacrity, which courageously and with alacrity, which would teach them to be afraid of would teach them to be afraid of would teach them to be afraid of disgrace and to fight manfully. disgrace and to fight manfully. disgrace and to fight manfully. And so, he dismissed him to fight with And so, he dismissed him to fight with And so, he dismissed him to fight with the Ammonites, while he fell upon the the Ammonites, while he fell upon the the Ammonites, while he fell upon the Syrians. Syrians. Syrians. And though they made a strong opposition And though they made a strong opposition And though they made a strong opposition for a while, Joab slew many of them, but for a while, Joab slew many of them, but for a while, Joab slew many of them, but compelled the rest to betake themselves compelled the rest to betake themselves compelled the rest to betake themselves to flight. to flight. to flight. Which, when the Ammonites saw and were Which, when the Ammonites saw and were Which, when the Ammonites saw and were with all afraid of Abishai and his army, with all afraid of Abishai and his army, with all afraid of Abishai and his army, they stayed no longer, but imitated they stayed no longer, but imitated they stayed no longer, but imitated their auxiliaries and fled to the city. their auxiliaries and fled to the city. their auxiliaries and fled to the city. So, Joab, when he had thus overcome the So, Joab, when he had thus overcome the So, Joab, when he had thus overcome the enemy, returned with great joy to enemy, returned with great joy to enemy, returned with great joy to Jerusalem to the king. Jerusalem to the king. Jerusalem to the king. This defeat did not still induce the This defeat did not still induce the This defeat did not still induce the Ammonites to be quiet, nor to own those Ammonites to be quiet, nor to own those Ammonites to be quiet, nor to own those that were superior to them to be so and that were superior to them to be so and that were superior to them to be so and be still, be still, be still, but they sent to Chalaman, the king of but they sent to Chalaman, the king of but they sent to Chalaman, the king of the Syrians beyond Euphrates, and hired the Syrians beyond Euphrates, and hired the Syrians beyond Euphrates, and hired him for an auxiliary.

him for an auxiliary. him for an auxiliary. He had Shobach for the captain of his He had Shobach for the captain of his He had Shobach for the captain of his host with 80,000 footmen and 10,000 host with 80,000 footmen and 10,000 host with 80,000 footmen and 10,000 horsemen. horsemen. horsemen. Now, when the king of the Hebrews Now, when the king of the Hebrews Now, when the king of the Hebrews understood that the Ammonites had again understood that the Ammonites had again understood that the Ammonites had again gathered so great an army together, gathered so great an army together, gathered so great an army together, he determined to make war with them no he determined to make war with them no he determined to make war with them no longer by his generals, longer by his generals, longer by his generals, but he passed over the river Jordan but he passed over the river Jordan but he passed over the river Jordan himself with all his army. himself with all his army. himself with all his army. And when he met them, he joined battle And when he met them, he joined battle And when he met them, he joined battle with them and overcame them and slew with them and overcame them and slew with them and overcame them and slew 40,000 of their footmen and 7,000 of 40,000 of their footmen and 7,000 of 40,000 of their footmen and 7,000 of their horsemen. their horsemen. their horsemen. He also wounded Shobach, the general of He also wounded Shobach, the general of He also wounded Shobach, the general of Chalaman's forces, who died of that Chalaman's forces, who died of that Chalaman's forces, who died of that stroke. stroke. stroke. But the people of Mesopotamia, upon such But the people of Mesopotamia, upon such But the people of Mesopotamia, upon such a conclusion of the battle, delivered a conclusion of the battle, delivered a conclusion of the battle, delivered themselves up to David themselves up to David themselves up to David and sent him presents, and sent him presents, and sent him presents, who, at wintertime, returned to who, at wintertime, returned to who, at wintertime, returned to Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. But at the beginning of the spring, he But at the beginning of the spring, he But at the beginning of the spring, he sent Joab, the captain of his host, to sent Joab, the captain of his host, to sent Joab, the captain of his host, to fight against the Ammonites, fight against the Ammonites, fight against the Ammonites, who overran all their country and laid who overran all their country and laid who overran all their country and laid it waste and shut them up in their it waste and shut them up in their it waste and shut them up in their metropolis, Rabbah, and besieged them metropolis, Rabbah, and besieged them metropolis, Rabbah, and besieged them therein.

therein. therein. End of book seven, chapters five and End of book seven, chapters five and End of book seven, chapters five and six. Book seven, chapter seven of The Book seven, chapter seven of The Antiquities of the Jews, Antiquities of the Jews, Antiquities of the Jews, volume two. volume two. volume two. This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. domain. domain. For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Recording by Kenneth Sargent Gagan. Recording by Kenneth Sargent Gagan. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, written by Flavius Josephus, written by Flavius Josephus, written by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston, book translated by William Whiston, book translated by William Whiston, book seven, chapter seven. seven, chapter seven. seven, chapter seven. Chapter seven. Chapter seven. Chapter seven. How David fell in love with Bathsheba How David fell in love with Bathsheba How David fell in love with Bathsheba and slew her husband Uriah, for which he and slew her husband Uriah, for which he and slew her husband Uriah, for which he is reproved by Nathan. is reproved by Nathan. is reproved by Nathan. But David fell now into very grievous But David fell now into very grievous But David fell now into very grievous sin, sin, sin, though he were otherwise naturally a though he were otherwise naturally a though he were otherwise naturally a righteous and a religious man righteous and a religious man righteous and a religious man and one that firmly observed the laws of and one that firmly observed the laws of and one that firmly observed the laws of our fathers.

our fathers. our fathers. For when late and in the evening, he For when late and in the evening, he For when late and in the evening, he took a view around him from the roof of took a view around him from the roof of took a view around him from the roof of his royal palace, his royal palace, his royal palace, where he used to walk at that hour, where he used to walk at that hour, where he used to walk at that hour, he saw a woman washing herself in her he saw a woman washing herself in her he saw a woman washing herself in her own house. own house. own house. She was one of extraordinary beauty and She was one of extraordinary beauty and She was one of extraordinary beauty and therein surpassed all other women. therein surpassed all other women. therein surpassed all other women. Her name was Bathsheba. Her name was Bathsheba. Her name was Bathsheba. So, he was overcome by that woman's So, he was overcome by that woman's So, he was overcome by that woman's beauty and was not able to restrain his beauty and was not able to restrain his beauty and was not able to restrain his desires, desires, desires, but sent for her and lay with her. but sent for her and lay with her. but sent for her and lay with her. Hereupon, she conceived a child. Hereupon, she conceived a child. Hereupon, she conceived a child. And she sent to the king that he should And she sent to the king that he should And she sent to the king that he should contrive some way for concealing her contrive some way for concealing her contrive some way for concealing her sin. sin. sin. For according to the laws of their For according to the laws of their For according to the laws of their fathers, she had been guilty of adultery fathers, she had been guilty of adultery fathers, she had been guilty of adultery and ought to be put to death. and ought to be put to death. and ought to be put to death. So, the king sent for Joab's So, the king sent for Joab's So, the king sent for Joab's armor-bearers from the siege, who was armor-bearers from the siege, who was armor-bearers from the siege, who was the woman's husband. the woman's husband. the woman's husband. And his name was Uriah. And his name was Uriah. And his name was Uriah. And when he had come, And when he had come, And when he had come, the king inquired of him about the army the king inquired of him about the army the king inquired of him about the army and about the siege. and about the siege. and about the siege. And when he made answer that all their And when he made answer that all their And when he made answer that all their affairs went according to their wishes, affairs went according to their wishes, affairs went according to their wishes, the king took some portions of meat from the king took some portions of meat from the king took some portions of meat from his supper and gave them to him and bade his supper and gave them to him and bade his supper and gave them to him and bade him go home to his wife and take rest him go home to his wife and take rest him go home to his wife and take rest with her.

with her. with her. Uriah did not do so, Uriah did not do so, Uriah did not do so, but slept near the king with the rest of but slept near the king with the rest of but slept near the king with the rest of his armor-bearers. his armor-bearers. his armor-bearers. When the king was informed of this, he When the king was informed of this, he When the king was informed of this, he asked him, "Why did he not go home to asked him, "Why did he not go home to asked him, "Why did he not go home to his house and to his wife after so long his house and to his wife after so long his house and to his wife after so long an absence, which is the natural custom an absence, which is the natural custom an absence, which is the natural custom of all men when they come from a long of all men when they come from a long of all men when they come from a long journey?" journey?" journey?" He replied that it was not right while He replied that it was not right while He replied that it was not right while his fellow soldiers and the general of his fellow soldiers and the general of his fellow soldiers and the general of the army slept upon the ground in the the army slept upon the ground in the the army slept upon the ground in the camp and in enemy country, camp and in enemy country, camp and in enemy country, that he should go and take his rest and that he should go and take his rest and that he should go and take his rest and solace himself with his wife. solace himself with his wife. solace himself with his wife. So, when he had thus replied, the king So, when he had thus replied, the king So, when he had thus replied, the king ordered him to stay there that night ordered him to stay there that night ordered him to stay there that night that he might dismiss him the next day that he might dismiss him the next day that he might dismiss him the next day to the general. to the general. to the general. So, the king invited Uriah to supper and So, the king invited Uriah to supper and So, the king invited Uriah to supper and after a cunning and dexterous manner, after a cunning and dexterous manner, after a cunning and dexterous manner, plied him with drink at supper till he plied him with drink at supper till he plied him with drink at supper till he was thereby disordered. Yet, did he was thereby disordered. Yet, did he was thereby disordered. Yet, did he nevertheless sleep at the king's gate nevertheless sleep at the king's gate nevertheless sleep at the king's gate without any inclination to go to his without any inclination to go to his without any inclination to go to his wife. wife. wife. Upon this, the king was very angry at Upon this, the king was very angry at Upon this, the king was very angry at him and wrote to Joab and commanded him him and wrote to Joab and commanded him him and wrote to Joab and commanded him to punish Uriah. For he told him that he to punish Uriah. For he told him that he to punish Uriah. For he told him that he had offended him and he suggested to him had offended him and he suggested to him had offended him and he suggested to him the manner in which he would have him the manner in which he would have him the manner in which he would have him punished that it might not be discovered punished that it might not be discovered punished that it might not be discovered that he himself was the author of this that he himself was the author of this that he himself was the author of this punishment.

punishment. punishment. For he charged him to set him against For he charged him to set him against For he charged him to set him against that part of the enemy's army that part of the enemy's army that part of the enemy's army where the attack would be the most where the attack would be the most where the attack would be the most hazardous and where he might be deserted hazardous and where he might be deserted hazardous and where he might be deserted and be in the greatest jeopardy. and be in the greatest jeopardy. and be in the greatest jeopardy. For he bade him order his fellow For he bade him order his fellow For he bade him order his fellow soldiers to retire out of the fight. soldiers to retire out of the fight. soldiers to retire out of the fight. When he had written thus to him and When he had written thus to him and When he had written thus to him and sealed the letter with his own seal, sealed the letter with his own seal, sealed the letter with his own seal, he gave it to Uriah to carry to Joab. he gave it to Uriah to carry to Joab. he gave it to Uriah to carry to Joab. When Joab had received it and upon When Joab had received it and upon When Joab had received it and upon reading it understood the king's reading it understood the king's reading it understood the king's purpose, purpose, purpose, he set Uriah in that place where he knew he set Uriah in that place where he knew he set Uriah in that place where he knew the enemy would be the most troublesome the enemy would be the most troublesome the enemy would be the most troublesome to him to him to him and gave him for his partners some of and gave him for his partners some of and gave him for his partners some of the best soldiers in the army and said the best soldiers in the army and said the best soldiers in the army and said that he would also come to their that he would also come to their that he would also come to their assistance with the whole army, assistance with the whole army, assistance with the whole army, that if possible, they may break down that if possible, they may break down that if possible, they may break down some part of the wall and enter the some part of the wall and enter the some part of the wall and enter the city. city. city. And he desired him to be glad of the And he desired him to be glad of the And he desired him to be glad of the opportunity of exposing himself to such opportunity of exposing himself to such opportunity of exposing himself to such great pains and not to be displeased at great pains and not to be displeased at great pains and not to be displeased at it, since he was a valiant soldier and it, since he was a valiant soldier and it, since he was a valiant soldier and had a great reputation for his valor had a great reputation for his valor had a great reputation for his valor both with the king and with his both with the king and with his both with the king and with his countrymen.

countrymen. countrymen. And when Uriah undertook the work, he And when Uriah undertook the work, he And when Uriah undertook the work, he was set upon with alacrity. He gave was set upon with alacrity. He gave was set upon with alacrity. He gave private orders to those who were to be private orders to those who were to be private orders to those who were to be his companions, that when they saw the his companions, that when they saw the his companions, that when they saw the enemy make a sally, they should leave enemy make a sally, they should leave enemy make a sally, they should leave him. The Hebrews made an attack upon the him. The Hebrews made an attack upon the him. The Hebrews made an attack upon the city. city. city. The Ammonites were afraid that the enemy The Ammonites were afraid that the enemy The Ammonites were afraid that the enemy might prevent them and get into the city might prevent them and get into the city might prevent them and get into the city and this at the very place whither Uriah and this at the very place whither Uriah and this at the very place whither Uriah was ordered. was ordered. was ordered. So, they exposed their best soldiers to So, they exposed their best soldiers to So, they exposed their best soldiers to be in the forefront and opened their be in the forefront and opened their be in the forefront and opened their gates suddenly and fell upon the enemy gates suddenly and fell upon the enemy gates suddenly and fell upon the enemy with great vehemence and ran violently with great vehemence and ran violently with great vehemence and ran violently upon them. And when those that were with upon them. And when those that were with upon them. And when those that were with Uriah saw this, they all retreated Uriah saw this, they all retreated Uriah saw this, they all retreated backward as Joab had directed them backward as Joab had directed them backward as Joab had directed them beforehand, but Uriah, as ashamed to run beforehand, but Uriah, as ashamed to run beforehand, but Uriah, as ashamed to run away and leave his post, sustained the away and leave his post, sustained the away and leave his post, sustained the enemy enemy enemy and receiving the violence of their and receiving the violence of their and receiving the violence of their onslaught, he slew many of them, but onslaught, he slew many of them, but onslaught, he slew many of them, but being encompassed round and caught in being encompassed round and caught in being encompassed round and caught in the midst of them, the midst of them, the midst of them, and he was slain and some other of his and he was slain and some other of his and he was slain and some other of his companions were slain with him. When companions were slain with him. When companions were slain with him. When this was done, Joab sent messengers to this was done, Joab sent messengers to this was done, Joab sent messengers to the king the king the king and ordered them to tell him that he did and ordered them to tell him that he did and ordered them to tell him that he did what he could to take the city.

what he could to take the city. what he could to take the city. But that, as they made an assault on the But that, as they made an assault on the But that, as they made an assault on the wall, wall, wall, they had been forced to retire with they had been forced to retire with they had been forced to retire with great loss. great loss. great loss. And bade them, if they saw the king was And bade them, if they saw the king was And bade them, if they saw the king was angry at it, angry at it, angry at it, to add this, to add this, to add this, that Uriah was slain also. that Uriah was slain also. that Uriah was slain also. When the king had heard of this of the When the king had heard of this of the When the king had heard of this of the messengers, messengers, messengers, he took it heinously, and said that they he took it heinously, and said that they he took it heinously, and said that they did wrong when they assaulted the wall. did wrong when they assaulted the wall. did wrong when they assaulted the wall. Whereas they ought, by undermining and Whereas they ought, by undermining and Whereas they ought, by undermining and other strategems of war, other strategems of war, other strategems of war, to endeavor the taking of the city, to endeavor the taking of the city, to endeavor the taking of the city, especially when they had before their especially when they had before their especially when they had before their eyes eyes eyes the example of the example of the example of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who would Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who would Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who would needs take the tower in Thebez by force, needs take the tower in Thebez by force, needs take the tower in Thebez by force, and was killed by a large stone thrown and was killed by a large stone thrown and was killed by a large stone thrown at him by an old woman. at him by an old woman. at him by an old woman. And although he was a man of great And although he was a man of great And although he was a man of great prowess, prowess, prowess, he died ignominiously by the dangerous he died ignominiously by the dangerous he died ignominiously by the dangerous manner of his assault. manner of his assault. manner of his assault. That they should remember this accident, That they should remember this accident, That they should remember this accident, and not come near the enemy's wall. For and not come near the enemy's wall. For and not come near the enemy's wall. For that the best method of making wars with that the best method of making wars with that the best method of making wars with success success success was to call to mind the accidents of was to call to mind the accidents of was to call to mind the accidents of former wars, former wars, former wars, and what good or bad success had and what good or bad success had and what good or bad success had attended them in like dangerous cases.

attended them in like dangerous cases. attended them in like dangerous cases. That so they might imitate the one and That so they might imitate the one and That so they might imitate the one and avoid the other. avoid the other. avoid the other. But when the king was in this But when the king was in this But when the king was in this disposition, disposition, disposition, the messenger told him that Uriah was the messenger told him that Uriah was the messenger told him that Uriah was slain also. slain also. slain also. Whereupon he was pacified. Whereupon he was pacified. Whereupon he was pacified. So he bade the messengers go back to So he bade the messengers go back to So he bade the messengers go back to Joab, and tell him that this misfortune Joab, and tell him that this misfortune Joab, and tell him that this misfortune is no other than what is common among is no other than what is common among is no other than what is common among mankind, and such the accidents of war. mankind, and such the accidents of war. mankind, and such the accidents of war. Insomuch that sometimes the enemy will Insomuch that sometimes the enemy will Insomuch that sometimes the enemy will have success therein, have success therein, have success therein, and sometimes others. and sometimes others. and sometimes others. But that he ordered him to go on still But that he ordered him to go on still But that he ordered him to go on still in his case about the siege. in his case about the siege. in his case about the siege. That no ill accident might befall him. That no ill accident might befall him. That no ill accident might befall him. That they should raise bulwarks, and use That they should raise bulwarks, and use That they should raise bulwarks, and use machines in besieging the city. machines in besieging the city. machines in besieging the city. And when they have gotten it, to And when they have gotten it, to And when they have gotten it, to overturn its very foundations, and to overturn its very foundations, and to overturn its very foundations, and to destroy all those that are in it. destroy all those that are in it. destroy all those that are in it. Accordingly, the messenger carried the Accordingly, the messenger carried the Accordingly, the messenger carried the king's message with which he was king's message with which he was king's message with which he was charged, charged, charged, and made haste to Joab.

and made haste to Joab. and made haste to Joab. But Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, But Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, But Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, when she was informed of the death of when she was informed of the death of when she was informed of the death of her husband, mourned for his death many her husband, mourned for his death many her husband, mourned for his death many days. days. days. And when her mourning was over, And when her mourning was over, And when her mourning was over, and the tears which she shed for Uriah and the tears which she shed for Uriah and the tears which she shed for Uriah were dried up, were dried up, were dried up, the king took her to wife, the king took her to wife, the king took her to wife, and a son was born to him by her. and a son was born to him by her. and a son was born to him by her. With this marriage, God was not well With this marriage, God was not well With this marriage, God was not well pleased, pleased, pleased, but was thereupon angry at David, and he but was thereupon angry at David, and he but was thereupon angry at David, and he appeared to Nathan the prophet in his appeared to Nathan the prophet in his appeared to Nathan the prophet in his sleep, sleep, sleep, and complained of the king. and complained of the king. and complained of the king. Now, Nathan was a fair and prudent man, Now, Nathan was a fair and prudent man, Now, Nathan was a fair and prudent man, and considering that kings, when they and considering that kings, when they and considering that kings, when they fall into a passion, fall into a passion, fall into a passion, are guided more by that passion than are guided more by that passion than are guided more by that passion than they are by justice, they are by justice, they are by justice, he resolved to conceal the threatenings he resolved to conceal the threatenings he resolved to conceal the threatenings that proceeded from God, and made a that proceeded from God, and made a that proceeded from God, and made a good-natured discourse to him, and this good-natured discourse to him, and this good-natured discourse to him, and this after the manner following. after the manner following. after the manner following. He desired that the king would give him He desired that the king would give him He desired that the king would give him his opinion in the following case. his opinion in the following case. his opinion in the following case. "There were," said he, "There were," said he, "There were," said he, "two men inhabiting the same city.

"two men inhabiting the same city. "two men inhabiting the same city. The one of them was rich, and the other The one of them was rich, and the other The one of them was rich, and the other poor. poor. poor. The rich man had a great many flocks of The rich man had a great many flocks of The rich man had a great many flocks of cattle, of sheep, and of kind. cattle, of sheep, and of kind. cattle, of sheep, and of kind. But the poor man had but one ewe lamb. But the poor man had but one ewe lamb. But the poor man had but one ewe lamb. This he brought up with his children, This he brought up with his children, This he brought up with his children, and let her eat her food with them, and and let her eat her food with them, and and let her eat her food with them, and he had the same natural affection for he had the same natural affection for he had the same natural affection for her which anyone might have for a her which anyone might have for a her which anyone might have for a daughter. daughter. daughter. Now, upon the coming of a stranger to Now, upon the coming of a stranger to Now, upon the coming of a stranger to the rich man, the rich man, the rich man, he would not vouchsafe to kill any of he would not vouchsafe to kill any of he would not vouchsafe to kill any of his own flocks, and thence feed his his own flocks, and thence feed his his own flocks, and thence feed his friend. friend. friend. But he sent for to poor man's lamb, and But he sent for to poor man's lamb, and But he sent for to poor man's lamb, and took her away from him took her away from him took her away from him and made her ready for food and made her ready for food and made her ready for food and then feasted the stranger. and then feasted the stranger. and then feasted the stranger. This discourse troubled the king This discourse troubled the king This discourse troubled the king exceedingly exceedingly exceedingly and he denounced to Nathan that this man and he denounced to Nathan that this man and he denounced to Nathan that this man was a wicked man who could dare to do was a wicked man who could dare to do was a wicked man who could dare to do such a thing such a thing such a thing and that it was but just that he should and that it was but just that he should and that it was but just that he should restore the lamb fourfold and be restore the lamb fourfold and be restore the lamb fourfold and be punished with death for it also. punished with death for it also. punished with death for it also. Upon this, Nathan immediately said that Upon this, Nathan immediately said that Upon this, Nathan immediately said that he was himself he was himself he was himself the man who ought to suffer those the man who ought to suffer those the man who ought to suffer those punishments punishments punishments and that by his own sentence and that it and that by his own sentence and that it and that by his own sentence and that it was he who had perpetrated this great was he who had perpetrated this great was he who had perpetrated this great and horrid crime.

and horrid crime. and horrid crime. He also revealed to him and laid before He also revealed to him and laid before He also revealed to him and laid before him the anger of God against him him the anger of God against him him the anger of God against him who had made him king over the army of who had made him king over the army of who had made him king over the army of the Hebrews and lord of all the nations the Hebrews and lord of all the nations the Hebrews and lord of all the nations and those many and great nations round and those many and great nations round and those many and great nations round about him about him about him who had formerly delivered him out of who had formerly delivered him out of who had formerly delivered him out of the hands of Saul the hands of Saul the hands of Saul and had given him such wives as he and had given him such wives as he and had given him such wives as he justly and legally married. justly and legally married. justly and legally married. And now this God was despised by him And now this God was despised by him And now this God was despised by him and affronted by his impiety and affronted by his impiety and affronted by his impiety when he had married and now had another when he had married and now had another when he had married and now had another man's wife man's wife man's wife and by exposing her husband to the enemy and by exposing her husband to the enemy and by exposing her husband to the enemy had really slain him had really slain him had really slain him that God would inflict punishments upon that God would inflict punishments upon that God would inflict punishments upon him on account of those instances of him on account of those instances of him on account of those instances of wickedness wickedness wickedness that his own wife should be forced by that his own wife should be forced by that his own wife should be forced by one of his sons one of his sons one of his sons and that he should be treacherously and that he should be treacherously and that he should be treacherously supplanted by the same son supplanted by the same son supplanted by the same son and that although he had perpetrated his and that although he had perpetrated his and that although he had perpetrated his wickedness in secret wickedness in secret wickedness in secret yet should that punishment which he had yet should that punishment which he had yet should that punishment which he had to undergo be inflicted publicly upon to undergo be inflicted publicly upon to undergo be inflicted publicly upon him him him that moreover, said he, the child which that moreover, said he, the child which that moreover, said he, the child which was born to thee of her shall soon die.

was born to thee of her shall soon die. was born to thee of her shall soon die. When the king was troubled at these When the king was troubled at these When the king was troubled at these messages and sufficiently confounded and messages and sufficiently confounded and messages and sufficiently confounded and said with tears and sorrow that he had said with tears and sorrow that he had said with tears and sorrow that he had sinned. sinned. sinned. For he was, without controversy, a pious For he was, without controversy, a pious For he was, without controversy, a pious man man man and guilty of no sin at all in his whole and guilty of no sin at all in his whole and guilty of no sin at all in his whole life life life except he knows in the matter of Uriah. except he knows in the matter of Uriah. except he knows in the matter of Uriah. God had compassion on him and was God had compassion on him and was God had compassion on him and was reconciled to him reconciled to him reconciled to him and promised that he would preserve to and promised that he would preserve to and promised that he would preserve to him him him both his life and his kingdom. both his life and his kingdom. both his life and his kingdom. For he said that For he said that For he said that seeing he repented of the things he had seeing he repented of the things he had seeing he repented of the things he had done done done he was no longer displeased with him. he was no longer displeased with him. he was no longer displeased with him. So, Nathan, when he had delivered this So, Nathan, when he had delivered this So, Nathan, when he had delivered this prophecy to the king returned home. prophecy to the king returned home. prophecy to the king returned home. However, God sent a dangerous distemper However, God sent a dangerous distemper However, God sent a dangerous distemper upon the child upon the child upon the child that was born to David of the wife of that was born to David of the wife of that was born to David of the wife of Uriah. Uriah. Uriah. At which the king was troubled At which the king was troubled At which the king was troubled and did not take any food for 7 days, and did not take any food for 7 days, and did not take any food for 7 days, although his servants almost forced him although his servants almost forced him although his servants almost forced him to take it. to take it. to take it. But the king clothed himself in black But the king clothed himself in black But the king clothed himself in black garment garment garment and fell down and lay upon the ground in and fell down and lay upon the ground in and fell down and lay upon the ground in sackcloth sackcloth sackcloth and trusting God for the recovery of the and trusting God for the recovery of the and trusting God for the recovery of the child child child for he vehemently loved the child's for he vehemently loved the child's for he vehemently loved the child's mother.

mother. mother. But when on the seventh day the child But when on the seventh day the child But when on the seventh day the child was dead was dead was dead the king's servants durst not tell him the king's servants durst not tell him the king's servants durst not tell him of it of it of it as supposing that when he knew it as supposing that when he knew it as supposing that when he knew it he would still less admit of food and he would still less admit of food and he would still less admit of food and other care of himself by reason of his other care of himself by reason of his other care of himself by reason of his grief at the death of his son. grief at the death of his son. grief at the death of his son. Since when the child was only sick Since when the child was only sick Since when the child was only sick he so greatly afflicted himself and he so greatly afflicted himself and he so greatly afflicted himself and grieved for him. But when the king grieved for him. But when the king grieved for him. But when the king perceived that his servants were in perceived that his servants were in perceived that his servants were in disorder and seemed to be affected as disorder and seemed to be affected as disorder and seemed to be affected as those who are very desirous to conceal those who are very desirous to conceal those who are very desirous to conceal something something something he understood that the child was dead. he understood that the child was dead. he understood that the child was dead. And when he had called one of his And when he had called one of his And when he had called one of his servants to him servants to him servants to him and discovered that so it was he rose up and discovered that so it was he rose up and discovered that so it was he rose up and washed himself and took a white and washed himself and took a white and washed himself and took a white garment garment garment and came into the tabernacle of God. He and came into the tabernacle of God. He and came into the tabernacle of God. He also commanded them to set supper before also commanded them to set supper before also commanded them to set supper before him him him and thereby greatly surprised his and thereby greatly surprised his and thereby greatly surprised his kindred and servants. kindred and servants. kindred and servants. While he did nothing of this when the While he did nothing of this when the While he did nothing of this when the child was sick, child was sick, child was sick, but did it all when he was dead.

but did it all when he was dead. but did it all when he was dead. Whereupon having first begged leave to Whereupon having first begged leave to Whereupon having first begged leave to ask him a question, ask him a question, ask him a question, they besought him to tell them the they besought him to tell them the they besought him to tell them the reason of this conduct. reason of this conduct. reason of this conduct. He called them unskillful people and He called them unskillful people and He called them unskillful people and instructed them how instructed them how instructed them how he had hopes of the recovery of the he had hopes of the recovery of the he had hopes of the recovery of the child when it was alive and accordingly child when it was alive and accordingly child when it was alive and accordingly did all that was proper for him to do. did all that was proper for him to do. did all that was proper for him to do. As thinking by such means to render God As thinking by such means to render God As thinking by such means to render God propitious to him. propitious to him. propitious to him. But that when the child was dead, there But that when the child was dead, there But that when the child was dead, there was no longer any occasion for grief, was no longer any occasion for grief, was no longer any occasion for grief, which was then to no purpose. which was then to no purpose. which was then to no purpose. When he had said this, they commended When he had said this, they commended When he had said this, they commended the king's wisdom and understanding. the king's wisdom and understanding. the king's wisdom and understanding. He then went in unto Bathsheba his wife He then went in unto Bathsheba his wife He then went in unto Bathsheba his wife and she conceived and bare a son. and she conceived and bare a son. and she conceived and bare a son. And by the command of Nathan the prophet And by the command of Nathan the prophet And by the command of Nathan the prophet called his name Solomon. called his name Solomon. called his name Solomon. But Joab sorely distressed the Ammonites But Joab sorely distressed the Ammonites But Joab sorely distressed the Ammonites in the siege in the siege in the siege by cutting off their waters and by cutting off their waters and by cutting off their waters and depriving them of other means of depriving them of other means of depriving them of other means of substance till they were in the greatest substance till they were in the greatest substance till they were in the greatest want of meat and drink.

want of meat and drink. want of meat and drink. For they defended only one small well of For they defended only one small well of For they defended only one small well of water and this they durst not drink of water and this they durst not drink of water and this they durst not drink of too freely lest the fountain should too freely lest the fountain should too freely lest the fountain should entirely fail them. entirely fail them. entirely fail them. So he wrote to the king and informed him So he wrote to the king and informed him So he wrote to the king and informed him thereof thereof thereof and persuaded him to come himself to and persuaded him to come himself to and persuaded him to come himself to take the city that he might have the take the city that he might have the take the city that he might have the honor of the victory. honor of the victory. honor of the victory. Upon this letter of Joab's, Upon this letter of Joab's, Upon this letter of Joab's, the king accepted of his goodwill and the king accepted of his goodwill and the king accepted of his goodwill and fidelity fidelity fidelity and took with him his army and came to and took with him his army and came to and took with him his army and came to the destruction of Rabbah. the destruction of Rabbah. the destruction of Rabbah. And when he had taken it by force, And when he had taken it by force, And when he had taken it by force, he gave it to his soldiers to plunder he gave it to his soldiers to plunder he gave it to his soldiers to plunder it. it. it. But he himself took the king of the But he himself took the king of the But he himself took the king of the Ammonites crown Ammonites crown Ammonites crown whose weight was a talent of gold and it whose weight was a talent of gold and it whose weight was a talent of gold and it had in its middle a precious stone had in its middle a precious stone had in its middle a precious stone called a sardonyx, called a sardonyx, called a sardonyx, which crowned David ever after wore on which crowned David ever after wore on which crowned David ever after wore on his own head. his own head. his own head. He also found many other vessels in the He also found many other vessels in the He also found many other vessels in the city, and those both splendid and of city, and those both splendid and of city, and those both splendid and of great price. great price. great price. But as for the men of the city, he But as for the men of the city, he But as for the men of the city, he tormented them and then destroyed them.

tormented them and then destroyed them. tormented them and then destroyed them. And when he had taken the other cities And when he had taken the other cities And when he had taken the other cities of the Ammonites by force, of the Ammonites by force, of the Ammonites by force, he treated them after the same manner. End of Book 7, Chapter 7. End of Book 7, Chapter 7. Recording by Kenneth Sargent Gegan, Recording by Kenneth Sargent Gegan, Recording by Kenneth Sargent Gegan, Auburn, California. Book 7, Chapter 8 of The Antiquities of Book 7, Chapter 8 of The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. the Jews, Volume 2. the Jews, Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or public domain. For more information or public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2 The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2 by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. Book 7, Book 7, Book 7, Chapter 8.

Chapter 8. Chapter 8. How Absalom murdered Amnon, who had How Absalom murdered Amnon, who had How Absalom murdered Amnon, who had forced his own sister, forced his own sister, forced his own sister, and how he was banished and afterwards and how he was banished and afterwards and how he was banished and afterwards recalled by David. When the king was returned to Jerusalem, When the king was returned to Jerusalem, a sad misfortune be fell his house on a sad misfortune be fell his house on a sad misfortune be fell his house on the occasion following. the occasion following. the occasion following. He had a daughter who was yet a virgin He had a daughter who was yet a virgin He had a daughter who was yet a virgin and very handsome, inasmuch that she and very handsome, inasmuch that she and very handsome, inasmuch that she surpassed all the most beautiful women. surpassed all the most beautiful women. surpassed all the most beautiful women. Her name was Tamar. Her name was Tamar. Her name was Tamar. She had the same mother with Absalom. She had the same mother with Absalom. She had the same mother with Absalom. Now, Amnon, David's eldest son, fell in Now, Amnon, David's eldest son, fell in Now, Amnon, David's eldest son, fell in love with her, and being not able to love with her, and being not able to love with her, and being not able to obtain his desires on account of her obtain his desires on account of her obtain his desires on account of her virginity and the custody she was under, virginity and the custody she was under, virginity and the custody she was under, was so much out of order, nay, his grief was so much out of order, nay, his grief was so much out of order, nay, his grief so eat up his body that he grew lean. so eat up his body that he grew lean. so eat up his body that he grew lean. And his color was changed. And his color was changed. And his color was changed. Now, there was one Jonadab, a kinsman Now, there was one Jonadab, a kinsman Now, there was one Jonadab, a kinsman and friend of his, who discovered this and friend of his, who discovered this and friend of his, who discovered this his passion, for he was an extraordinary his passion, for he was an extraordinary his passion, for he was an extraordinary wise man and of great sagacity of mind.

wise man and of great sagacity of mind. wise man and of great sagacity of mind. When therefore he saw that every morning When therefore he saw that every morning When therefore he saw that every morning Amnon was not in body as he ought to be, Amnon was not in body as he ought to be, Amnon was not in body as he ought to be, he came to him and desired him to tell he came to him and desired him to tell he came to him and desired him to tell him what was the cause of it. him what was the cause of it. him what was the cause of it. However, he said that he guessed that it However, he said that he guessed that it However, he said that he guessed that it rose from the passion of love. rose from the passion of love. rose from the passion of love. Amnon confessed his passion, that he was Amnon confessed his passion, that he was Amnon confessed his passion, that he was in love with the sister of his, who had in love with the sister of his, who had in love with the sister of his, who had the same father with himself. the same father with himself. the same father with himself. So, Jonadab suggested to him by what So, Jonadab suggested to him by what So, Jonadab suggested to him by what method and contrivance he might obtain method and contrivance he might obtain method and contrivance he might obtain his desires. his desires. his desires. For he persuaded him to pretend sickness For he persuaded him to pretend sickness For he persuaded him to pretend sickness and bade him, when his father should and bade him, when his father should and bade him, when his father should come to him, to beg of him that his come to him, to beg of him that his come to him, to beg of him that his sister might come and minister to him. sister might come and minister to him. sister might come and minister to him. For if that were done, he should be For if that were done, he should be For if that were done, he should be better better better and should quickly recover from his and should quickly recover from his and should quickly recover from his distemper. distemper. distemper. So, Amnon lay down on his bed and So, Amnon lay down on his bed and So, Amnon lay down on his bed and pretended to be sick as Jonadab has had pretended to be sick as Jonadab has had pretended to be sick as Jonadab has had suggested. suggested. suggested. When his father came and inquired how he When his father came and inquired how he When his father came and inquired how he did, he begged of him to send his sister did, he begged of him to send his sister did, he begged of him to send his sister to him. to him. to him. Accordingly, he presently ordered her to Accordingly, he presently ordered her to Accordingly, he presently ordered her to be brought to him.

be brought to him. be brought to him. And when she was come, Amnon bade her And when she was come, Amnon bade her And when she was come, Amnon bade her make cakes for him and fry them in a pan make cakes for him and fry them in a pan make cakes for him and fry them in a pan and do it all with her own hands, and do it all with her own hands, and do it all with her own hands, because he should take them better from because he should take them better from because he should take them better from her hand than from anyone else's. her hand than from anyone else's. her hand than from anyone else's. So, she kneaded the flour in the sight So, she kneaded the flour in the sight So, she kneaded the flour in the sight of her brother and made him cakes and of her brother and made him cakes and of her brother and made him cakes and baked them in a pan and brought them to baked them in a pan and brought them to baked them in a pan and brought them to him. him. him. But at that time he would not taste But at that time he would not taste But at that time he would not taste them, but gave order to his servants to them, but gave order to his servants to them, but gave order to his servants to send all that were there out of his send all that were there out of his send all that were there out of his chamber, because he had a mind to repose chamber, because he had a mind to repose chamber, because he had a mind to repose himself himself himself free from tumult and disturbance. free from tumult and disturbance. free from tumult and disturbance. As soon as what he had commanded was As soon as what he had commanded was As soon as what he had commanded was done, he desired his sister to bring his done, he desired his sister to bring his done, he desired his sister to bring his supper to him into the inner parlor. supper to him into the inner parlor. supper to him into the inner parlor. Which, when the damsel had done, he took Which, when the damsel had done, he took Which, when the damsel had done, he took hold of her and endeavored to persuade hold of her and endeavored to persuade hold of her and endeavored to persuade her to lie with him. her to lie with him. her to lie with him. Whereupon the damsel cried out and said, Whereupon the damsel cried out and said, Whereupon the damsel cried out and said, "Nay, brother, do not force me, nor be "Nay, brother, do not force me, nor be "Nay, brother, do not force me, nor be so wicked as to transgress the laws and so wicked as to transgress the laws and so wicked as to transgress the laws and bring upon thyself the utmost confusion. bring upon thyself the utmost confusion. bring upon thyself the utmost confusion. Curb this thy unrighteous and impure Curb this thy unrighteous and impure Curb this thy unrighteous and impure lust, from which our house will get lust, from which our house will get lust, from which our house will get nothing but reproach and disgrace."

nothing but reproach and disgrace." nothing but reproach and disgrace." She also advised him to speak to his She also advised him to speak to his She also advised him to speak to his father about this affair, for he would father about this affair, for he would father about this affair, for he would permit him to marry her. permit him to marry her. permit him to marry her. This she said as desirous to avoid her This she said as desirous to avoid her This she said as desirous to avoid her brother's violent passion at present. brother's violent passion at present. brother's violent passion at present. But he would not yield to her, but But he would not yield to her, but But he would not yield to her, but inflamed with love and blinded with the inflamed with love and blinded with the inflamed with love and blinded with the vehemency of his passion, he forced his vehemency of his passion, he forced his vehemency of his passion, he forced his sister. sister. sister. But as soon as Amnon had satisfied his But as soon as Amnon had satisfied his But as soon as Amnon had satisfied his lust, he hated her immediately, and lust, he hated her immediately, and lust, he hated her immediately, and giving her reproachful words, made her giving her reproachful words, made her giving her reproachful words, made her rise up and be gone. rise up and be gone. rise up and be gone. And when she said that this was a more And when she said that this was a more And when she said that this was a more injurious treatment than the former, if injurious treatment than the former, if injurious treatment than the former, if now he had forced her, he would not let now he had forced her, he would not let now he had forced her, he would not let her stay with him till the evening, but her stay with him till the evening, but her stay with him till the evening, but bid her go away in the daytime, and bid her go away in the daytime, and bid her go away in the daytime, and while it was light, that she might meet while it was light, that she might meet while it was light, that she might meet with people that would be witnesses of with people that would be witnesses of with people that would be witnesses of her shame. her shame. her shame. He commanded his servant to turn her out He commanded his servant to turn her out He commanded his servant to turn her out of his house. of his house. of his house. Whereupon she was sorely grieved at the Whereupon she was sorely grieved at the Whereupon she was sorely grieved at the injury and violence that had been injury and violence that had been injury and violence that had been offered to her, and rent her loose coat. offered to her, and rent her loose coat. offered to her, and rent her loose coat. For the virgins of old time wore such For the virgins of old time wore such For the virgins of old time wore such loose coats tied at the hands and let loose coats tied at the hands and let loose coats tied at the hands and let down to the ankles that the inner coats down to the ankles that the inner coats down to the ankles that the inner coats might not be seen.

might not be seen. might not be seen. And sprinkled ashes on her head and went And sprinkled ashes on her head and went And sprinkled ashes on her head and went up the middle of the city crying out and up the middle of the city crying out and up the middle of the city crying out and lamenting for the violence that had been lamenting for the violence that had been lamenting for the violence that had been offered her. offered her. offered her. Now, Absalom, her brother, happened to Now, Absalom, her brother, happened to Now, Absalom, her brother, happened to meet her and asked her what sad thing meet her and asked her what sad thing meet her and asked her what sad thing had befallen her had befallen her had befallen her that she was in that plight. that she was in that plight. that she was in that plight. And when she had told him what injury And when she had told him what injury And when she had told him what injury had been offered her, he comforted her had been offered her, he comforted her had been offered her, he comforted her and desired her to be quiet and take all and desired her to be quiet and take all and desired her to be quiet and take all patiently and not to esteem her being patiently and not to esteem her being patiently and not to esteem her being corrupted by her brother as an injury. corrupted by her brother as an injury. corrupted by her brother as an injury. So, she yielded to his advice and left So, she yielded to his advice and left So, she yielded to his advice and left off her crying out and discovering the off her crying out and discovering the off her crying out and discovering the force offered her to the multitude. And she continued as a widow with her And she continued as a widow with her brother Absalom a long time. When David, his father, knew this, he When David, his father, knew this, he was grieved at the actions of Amnon, but was grieved at the actions of Amnon, but was grieved at the actions of Amnon, but because he had an extraordinary because he had an extraordinary because he had an extraordinary affection for him, for he was his eldest affection for him, for he was his eldest affection for him, for he was his eldest son, son, son, he was compelled not to afflict him. he was compelled not to afflict him. he was compelled not to afflict him. But Absalom watched for a fit But Absalom watched for a fit But Absalom watched for a fit opportunity of revenging this crime upon opportunity of revenging this crime upon opportunity of revenging this crime upon him, for he thoroughly hated him.

him, for he thoroughly hated him. him, for he thoroughly hated him. Now, the second year after this wicked Now, the second year after this wicked Now, the second year after this wicked affair about his sister was over and affair about his sister was over and affair about his sister was over and Absalom was about to go to shear his own Absalom was about to go to shear his own Absalom was about to go to shear his own sheep at Baal-hazor, which is a city in sheep at Baal-hazor, which is a city in sheep at Baal-hazor, which is a city in the portion of Ephraim, he besought his the portion of Ephraim, he besought his the portion of Ephraim, he besought his father as well as his brethren to come father as well as his brethren to come father as well as his brethren to come and feast with him. and feast with him. and feast with him. But when David excused himself as not But when David excused himself as not But when David excused himself as not being willing to be burdensome to him, being willing to be burdensome to him, being willing to be burdensome to him, Absalom desired he would, however, send Absalom desired he would, however, send Absalom desired he would, however, send his brethren, his brethren, his brethren, whom he did send accordingly. whom he did send accordingly. whom he did send accordingly. Then Absalom charged his own servants Then Absalom charged his own servants Then Absalom charged his own servants that when they should see Amnon that when they should see Amnon that when they should see Amnon disordered and drowsy with wine and he disordered and drowsy with wine and he disordered and drowsy with wine and he should give them a signal, they should should give them a signal, they should should give them a signal, they should fear nobody but kill him. When they had done as they were When they had done as they were commanded, the rest of his brethren were commanded, the rest of his brethren were commanded, the rest of his brethren were astonished and disturbed and were afraid astonished and disturbed and were afraid astonished and disturbed and were afraid for themselves. for themselves. for themselves. So, they immediately got on horseback So, they immediately got on horseback So, they immediately got on horseback and rode away to their father. But and rode away to their father. But and rode away to their father. But somebody there was who prevented them somebody there was who prevented them somebody there was who prevented them and told their father they were all and told their father they were all and told their father they were all slain by Absalom. slain by Absalom. slain by Absalom. Whereupon he was overcome with sorrow Whereupon he was overcome with sorrow Whereupon he was overcome with sorrow as for so many of his sons that were as for so many of his sons that were as for so many of his sons that were destroyed at once and that by their destroyed at once and that by their destroyed at once and that by their brother also.

brother also. brother also. And by this consideration that it was And by this consideration that it was And by this consideration that it was their brother that appeared to have their brother that appeared to have their brother that appeared to have slain them, slain them, slain them, he aggravated his sorrow for them. he aggravated his sorrow for them. he aggravated his sorrow for them. So he neither inquired what was the So he neither inquired what was the So he neither inquired what was the cause of this slaughter cause of this slaughter cause of this slaughter nor stayed to hear anything else, which nor stayed to hear anything else, which nor stayed to hear anything else, which yet it was reasonable to have done when yet it was reasonable to have done when yet it was reasonable to have done when so very great and by that greatness so so very great and by that greatness so so very great and by that greatness so incredible and misfortune was related to incredible and misfortune was related to incredible and misfortune was related to him. him. him. He rent his clothes and threw himself He rent his clothes and threw himself He rent his clothes and threw himself upon the ground and there lay lamenting upon the ground and there lay lamenting upon the ground and there lay lamenting the loss of all his sons, both those who the loss of all his sons, both those who the loss of all his sons, both those who as he was informed were slain as he was informed were slain as he was informed were slain and of him who slew them. and of him who slew them. and of him who slew them. But Jonadab, the son of his brother But Jonadab, the son of his brother But Jonadab, the son of his brother Shimeah, entreated him not to indulge Shimeah, entreated him not to indulge Shimeah, entreated him not to indulge his sorrow so far for as to the rest of his sorrow so far for as to the rest of his sorrow so far for as to the rest of his sons he did not believe that they his sons he did not believe that they his sons he did not believe that they were slain for he found no cause for were slain for he found no cause for were slain for he found no cause for such a suspicion. such a suspicion. such a suspicion. But he said it might deserve But he said it might deserve But he said it might deserve inquiry as to Amnon, for it was not inquiry as to Amnon, for it was not inquiry as to Amnon, for it was not unlikely that Absalom might venture to unlikely that Absalom might venture to unlikely that Absalom might venture to kill him on account of the injury he had kill him on account of the injury he had kill him on account of the injury he had offered to Tamar.

offered to Tamar. offered to Tamar. In the meantime, a great noise of horses In the meantime, a great noise of horses In the meantime, a great noise of horses and a tumult of some people that were and a tumult of some people that were and a tumult of some people that were coming turned their attention to them. coming turned their attention to them. coming turned their attention to them. They were the king's sons who were fled They were the king's sons who were fled They were the king's sons who were fled away from the feast. away from the feast. away from the feast. So their father met them as they were in So their father met them as they were in So their father met them as they were in their grief and he himself grieved with their grief and he himself grieved with their grief and he himself grieved with them. them. them. But it was more than he expected to see But it was more than he expected to see But it was more than he expected to see those his sons again those his sons again those his sons again whom he had a little before heard to whom he had a little before heard to whom he had a little before heard to have perished. have perished. have perished. However, there were tears on both sides, However, there were tears on both sides, However, there were tears on both sides, they lamenting their brother who was they lamenting their brother who was they lamenting their brother who was killed and the king lamenting his son killed and the king lamenting his son killed and the king lamenting his son who was killed also. who was killed also. who was killed also. But Absalom fled to Geshur to his But Absalom fled to Geshur to his But Absalom fled to Geshur to his grandfather by his mother's side, who grandfather by his mother's side, who grandfather by his mother's side, who was king of that country, and he was king of that country, and he was king of that country, and he remained with him three whole years. Now, David had a design to send to Now, David had a design to send to Absalom, not that he should come to be Absalom, not that he should come to be Absalom, not that he should come to be punished, but that he might be with him, punished, but that he might be with him, punished, but that he might be with him, for the effects of his anger were abated for the effects of his anger were abated for the effects of his anger were abated by length of time. by length of time. by length of time. It was Joab, the captain of his host, It was Joab, the captain of his host, It was Joab, the captain of his host, that chiefly persuaded him so to do.

that chiefly persuaded him so to do. that chiefly persuaded him so to do. For he suborned an ordinary woman that For he suborned an ordinary woman that For he suborned an ordinary woman that was stricken in age was stricken in age was stricken in age to go to the king in mourning apparel, to go to the king in mourning apparel, to go to the king in mourning apparel, who said thus to him, that two of her who said thus to him, that two of her who said thus to him, that two of her sons in a coarse way had some difference sons in a coarse way had some difference sons in a coarse way had some difference between them, and that in the progress between them, and that in the progress between them, and that in the progress of that difference they came to an open of that difference they came to an open of that difference they came to an open quarrel, and that one was smitten by the quarrel, and that one was smitten by the quarrel, and that one was smitten by the other and was dead. other and was dead. other and was dead. And she desired him to interpose in this And she desired him to interpose in this And she desired him to interpose in this case and to do her case and to do her case and to do her the favor to save this her son from her the favor to save this her son from her the favor to save this her son from her kindred, who were very zealous to have kindred, who were very zealous to have kindred, who were very zealous to have him that had slain his brother put to him that had slain his brother put to him that had slain his brother put to death, death, death, that so she might not be further that so she might not be further that so she might not be further deprived of the hopes she had of being deprived of the hopes she had of being deprived of the hopes she had of being taken care of in her old age by him. taken care of in her old age by him. taken care of in her old age by him. And that if he would hinder the And that if he would hinder the And that if he would hinder the slaughter of her son by those that slaughter of her son by those that slaughter of her son by those that wished for it, he would do her a great wished for it, he would do her a great wished for it, he would do her a great favor, because the kindred would not be favor, because the kindred would not be favor, because the kindred would not be restrained from their purpose by restrained from their purpose by restrained from their purpose by anything else than by the fear of him. anything else than by the fear of him. anything else than by the fear of him. And when the king had given his consent And when the king had given his consent And when the king had given his consent to what the woman had begged of him, she to what the woman had begged of him, she to what the woman had begged of him, she made this reply to him, made this reply to him, made this reply to him, "I owe thee thanks for thy benignity to "I owe thee thanks for thy benignity to "I owe thee thanks for thy benignity to me and pitying my old age and preventing me and pitying my old age and preventing me and pitying my old age and preventing the loss of my only remaining child.

the loss of my only remaining child. the loss of my only remaining child. But in order to assure me of this thy But in order to assure me of this thy But in order to assure me of this thy kindness, be first reconciled to thine kindness, be first reconciled to thine kindness, be first reconciled to thine own son and cease to be angry with him. own son and cease to be angry with him. own son and cease to be angry with him. For how shall I persuade myself that For how shall I persuade myself that For how shall I persuade myself that thou hast really bestowed this favor thou hast really bestowed this favor thou hast really bestowed this favor upon me, while thou thyself continuest upon me, while thou thyself continuest upon me, while thou thyself continuest after the like manner in thy wrath to after the like manner in thy wrath to after the like manner in thy wrath to thine own son? thine own son? thine own son? For it is a foolish thing to add For it is a foolish thing to add For it is a foolish thing to add willfully another to thy dead son, while willfully another to thy dead son, while willfully another to thy dead son, while the death of the other was brought about the death of the other was brought about the death of the other was brought about without thy consent." without thy consent." without thy consent." And now the king perceived that this And now the king perceived that this And now the king perceived that this pretended story was a subornation pretended story was a subornation pretended story was a subornation derived from Joab and was of his derived from Joab and was of his derived from Joab and was of his contrivance. contrivance. contrivance. And when upon inquiry of the old woman And when upon inquiry of the old woman And when upon inquiry of the old woman he understood it to be so in reality, he he understood it to be so in reality, he he understood it to be so in reality, he called for Joab and told him he had called for Joab and told him he had called for Joab and told him he had obtained what he requested according to obtained what he requested according to obtained what he requested according to his own mind. his own mind. his own mind. And he bid him bring Absalom back, for And he bid him bring Absalom back, for And he bid him bring Absalom back, for he was not now displeased, but had he was not now displeased, but had he was not now displeased, but had already ceased to be angry with him. already ceased to be angry with him. already ceased to be angry with him. So Joab bowed himself down to the king So Joab bowed himself down to the king So Joab bowed himself down to the king and took his words kindly and went and took his words kindly and went and took his words kindly and went immediately to Geshur, immediately to Geshur, immediately to Geshur, and took Absalom with him and came to and took Absalom with him and came to and took Absalom with him and came to Jerusalem.

However, the king sent a message to his However, the king sent a message to his son beforehand as he was coming and son beforehand as he was coming and son beforehand as he was coming and commanded him to retire to his own commanded him to retire to his own commanded him to retire to his own house, for he was not yet in such a house, for he was not yet in such a house, for he was not yet in such a disposition as to think fit to present disposition as to think fit to present disposition as to think fit to present to see him. to see him. to see him. Accordingly, upon the father's command, Accordingly, upon the father's command, Accordingly, upon the father's command, he avoided coming into his presence and he avoided coming into his presence and he avoided coming into his presence and contented himself with the respects paid contented himself with the respects paid contented himself with the respects paid him by his own family only. him by his own family only. him by his own family only. Now, his beauty was not impaired either Now, his beauty was not impaired either Now, his beauty was not impaired either by the grief he had been under by the grief he had been under by the grief he had been under or by the want of such care as was or by the want of such care as was or by the want of such care as was proper to be taken of a king's son, for proper to be taken of a king's son, for proper to be taken of a king's son, for he still surpassed and excelled all men he still surpassed and excelled all men he still surpassed and excelled all men in the tallness of his body in the tallness of his body in the tallness of his body and was more eminent in a fine and was more eminent in a fine and was more eminent in a fine appearance than those that dieted the appearance than those that dieted the appearance than those that dieted the most luxuriously. most luxuriously. most luxuriously. And indeed, such was the thickness of And indeed, such was the thickness of And indeed, such was the thickness of the hair of his head that it was with the hair of his head that it was with the hair of his head that it was with difficulty that he was pulled every difficulty that he was pulled every difficulty that he was pulled every eighth day. eighth day. eighth day. And his hair weighed 200 shekels, which And his hair weighed 200 shekels, which And his hair weighed 200 shekels, which are 5 lbs. are 5 lbs. are 5 lbs. However, he dwelt in Jerusalem 2 years However, he dwelt in Jerusalem 2 years However, he dwelt in Jerusalem 2 years and became the father of three sons and and became the father of three sons and and became the father of three sons and one daughter, which daughter was of very one daughter, which daughter was of very one daughter, which daughter was of very great beauty and which Rehoboam, the son great beauty and which Rehoboam, the son great beauty and which Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, took to wife afterward and of Solomon, took to wife afterward and of Solomon, took to wife afterward and had by her a son named Abijah.

had by her a son named Abijah. had by her a son named Abijah. But Absalom sent to Joab and desired him But Absalom sent to Joab and desired him But Absalom sent to Joab and desired him to pacify his father entirely towards to pacify his father entirely towards to pacify his father entirely towards him him him and to beseech him to give him leave to and to beseech him to give him leave to and to beseech him to give him leave to come to him to see him and speak with come to him to see him and speak with come to him to see him and speak with him. him. him. But when Joab neglected so to do, he But when Joab neglected so to do, he But when Joab neglected so to do, he sent some of his own servants and set sent some of his own servants and set sent some of his own servants and set fire to the field adjoining him. Which fire to the field adjoining him. Which fire to the field adjoining him. Which when Joab understood, he came to Absalom when Joab understood, he came to Absalom when Joab understood, he came to Absalom and accused him of what he had done and and accused him of what he had done and and accused him of what he had done and asked him the reason why he had did so. asked him the reason why he had did so. asked him the reason why he had did so. To which Absalom replied that I have To which Absalom replied that I have To which Absalom replied that I have found out this stratagem that might found out this stratagem that might found out this stratagem that might bring thee to us bring thee to us bring thee to us while thou has taken no care to perform while thou has taken no care to perform while thou has taken no care to perform the injunction I laid upon thee, which the injunction I laid upon thee, which the injunction I laid upon thee, which was this, to reconcile my father to me. was this, to reconcile my father to me. was this, to reconcile my father to me. And I really beg it of thee now thou art And I really beg it of thee now thou art And I really beg it of thee now thou art here to pacify my father as to me since here to pacify my father as to me since here to pacify my father as to me since I esteem my coming hither to be more I esteem my coming hither to be more I esteem my coming hither to be more grievous than my banishment while my grievous than my banishment while my grievous than my banishment while my father's wrath against me continues. Hereby Joab was persuaded and pitied the Hereby Joab was persuaded and pitied the distress that Absalom was in distress that Absalom was in distress that Absalom was in and became an intercessor with the king and became an intercessor with the king and became an intercessor with the king for him.

for him. for him. And when he had discoursed with his And when he had discoursed with his And when he had discoursed with his father, he soon brought him to that father, he soon brought him to that father, he soon brought him to that amicable disposition towards Absalom amicable disposition towards Absalom amicable disposition towards Absalom that he presently sent for him to come that he presently sent for him to come that he presently sent for him to come to him. And when he had cast himself to him. And when he had cast himself to him. And when he had cast himself down upon the ground and had begged for down upon the ground and had begged for down upon the ground and had begged for the forgiveness of his offenses the king the forgiveness of his offenses the king the forgiveness of his offenses the king raised him up and promised him to forget raised him up and promised him to forget raised him up and promised him to forget what he had formerly done. what he had formerly done. what he had formerly done. End of Book 7, Chapter 8. Recording by End of Book 7, Chapter 8. Recording by End of Book 7, Chapter 8. Recording by Nicole Akai.