2Sam.16.15

By this time Absalom and all his men were in Jerusalem. And Ahithophel was with them.

2Sam.16.15

Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.

2Sam.16.15

Meanwhile Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and Ahithophel was with him.

2Sam.16.15

Meanwhile, Absalom and his men arrived at Jerusalem, accompanied by Ahithophel.

2Sam.16.16

Soon after, Hushai the Arkite, David's friend, came and greeted Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

2Sam.16.16

Then Hushai the Arkite, David's friend, went to Absalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

2Sam.16.16

And so it was, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

2Sam.16.16

When David's friend Hushai the Arkite arrived, he went immediately to see Absalom. "Long live the king!" he exclaimed. "Long live the king!"

2Sam.16.17

Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this the way you show devotion to your good friend? Why didn't you go with your friend David?"

2Sam.16.17

Absalom asked Hushai, "Is this the love you show your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?"

2Sam.16.17

So Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?"

2Sam.16.17

"Is this the way you treat your friend David?" Absalom asked him. "Why aren't you with him?"

2Sam.16.18

"Because," said Hushai, "I want to be with the person that GOD and this people and all Israel have chosen. And I want to stay with him.

2Sam.16.18

Hushai said to Absalom, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel-his I will be, and I will remain with him.

2Sam.16.18

And Hushai said to Absalom, "No, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with him I will remain.

2Sam.16.18

"I'm here because I work for the man who is chosen by the LORD and by Israel," Hushai replied.

2Sam.16.19

Besides, who is there to serve other than the son? Just as I served your father, I'm now ready to serve you."

2Sam.16.19

Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you."

2Sam.16.19

"Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence."

2Sam.16.19

"And anyway, why shouldn't I serve you? I helped your father, and now I will help you!"

2Sam.16.20

Then Absalom spoke to Ahithophel, "Are you ready to give counsel? What do we do next?"

2Sam.16.20

Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give us your advice. What should we do?"

2Sam.16.20

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give advice as to what we should do."

2Sam.16.20

Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and asked him, "What should I do next?"

2Sam.16.21

Ahithophel told Absalom, "Go and sleep with your father's concubines, the ones he left to tend to the palace. Everyone will hear that you have openly disgraced your father, and the morale of everyone on your side will be strengthened."

2Sam.16.21

Ahithophel answered, "Lie with your father's concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench in your father's nostrils, and the hands of everyone with you will be strengthened."

2Sam.16.21

And Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong."

2Sam.16.21

Ahithophel told him, "Go and sleep with your father's concubines, for he has left them here to keep the house. Then all Israel will know that you have insulted him beyond hope of reconciliation, and they will give you their support."

2Sam.16.22

So Absalom pitched a tent up on the roof in public view, and went in and slept with his father's concubines.

2Sam.16.22

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

2Sam.16.22

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

2Sam.16.22

So they set up a tent on the palace roof where everyone could see it, and Absalom went into the tent to sleep with his father's concubines.

2Sam.16.23

The counsel that Ahithophel gave in those days was treated as if God himself had spoken. That was the reputation of Ahithophel's counsel to David; it was the same with Absalom.

2Sam.16.23

Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice.

2Sam.16.23

Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

2Sam.16.23

Absalom followed Ahithophel's advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God.

2Sam.17.1

Next Ahithophel advised Absalom, "Let me handpick twelve thousand men and go after David tonight.

2Sam.17.1

Ahithophel said to Absalom, "I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

2Sam.17.1

Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.

2Sam.17.1

Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men to start out after David tonight.

2Sam.17.2

I'll come on him when he's bone tired and take him by complete surprise. The whole army will run off and I'll kill only David.

2Sam.17.2

I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king

2Sam.17.2

I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king.

2Sam.17.2

I will catch up to him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king,

2Sam.17.3

Then I'll bring the army back to you--a bride brought back to her husband! You're only after one man, after all. Then everyone will be together in peace!"

2Sam.17.3

and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed."

2Sam.17.3

Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace."

2Sam.17.3

and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only this man's life that you seek. Then all the people will remain unharmed and peaceful."

2Sam.17.4

Absalom thought it was an excellent strategy, and all the elders of Israel agreed.

2Sam.17.4

This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

2Sam.17.4

And the saying pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

2Sam.17.4

This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the other leaders of Israel.

2Sam.17.5

But then Absalom said, "Call in Hushai the Arkite--let's hear what he has to say."

2Sam.17.5

But Absalom said, "Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say."

2Sam.17.5

Then Absalom said, "Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he says too."

2Sam.17.5

But then Absalom said, "Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let's see what he thinks about this."

2Sam.17.6

So Hushai came and Absalom put it to him, "This is what Ahithophel advised. Should we do it? What do you say?"

2Sam.17.6

When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, "Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion."

2Sam.17.6

And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as he says? If not, speak up."

2Sam.17.6

When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him what Ahithophel had said. Then he asked, "What is your opinion? Should we follow Ahithophel's advice? If not, speak up."

2Sam.17.7

Hushai said, "The counsel that Ahithophel has given in this instance is not good.

2Sam.17.7

Hushai replied to Absalom, "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.

2Sam.17.7

So Hushai said to Absalom: "The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time.

2Sam.17.7

"Well," Hushai replied, "this time I think Ahithophel has made a mistake.

2Sam.17.8

You know your father and his men, brave and bitterly angry--like a bear robbed of her cubs. And your father is an experienced fighter; you can be sure he won't be caught napping at a time like this.

2Sam.17.8

You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops.

2Sam.17.8

For," said Hushai, "you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people.

2Sam.17.8

You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. Right now they are probably as enraged as a mother bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced soldier. He won't be spending the night among the troops.

2Sam.17.9

Even while we're talking, he's probably holed up in some cave or other. If he jumps your men from ambush, word will soon get back, "A slaughter of Absalom's army!'

2Sam.17.9

Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, 'There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.'

2Sam.17.9

Surely by now he is hidden in some pit, or in some other place. And it will be, when some of them are overthrown at the first, that whoever hears it will say, "There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.'

2Sam.17.9

He has probably already hidden in some pit or cave. And when he comes out and attacks and a few of your men fall, there will be panic among your troops, and everyone will start shouting that your men are being slaughtered.

2Sam.17.10

Even if your men are valiant with hearts of lions, they'll fall apart at such news, for everyone in Israel knows the kind of fighting stuff your father's made of, and also the men with him.

2Sam.17.10

Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.

2Sam.17.10

And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt completely. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men.

2Sam.17.10

Then even the bravest of them, though they have the heart of a lion, will be paralyzed with fear. For all Israel knows what a mighty man your father is and how courageous his warriors are.

2Sam.17.11

"Here's what I'd advise: Muster the whole country, from Dan to Beersheba, an army like the sand of the sea, and you personally lead them.

2Sam.17.11

"So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba-as numerous as the sand on the seashore-be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle.

2Sam.17.11

Therefore I advise that all Israel be fully gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, like the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person.

2Sam.17.11

"I suggest that you mobilize the entire army of Israel, bringing them from as far away as Dan and Beersheba. That way you will have an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And I think that you should personally lead the troops.

2Sam.17.12

We'll smoke him out wherever he is, fall on him like dew falls on the earth, and, believe me, there won't be a single survivor.

2Sam.17.12

Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive.

2Sam.17.12

So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground. And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

2Sam.17.12

When we find David, we can descend on him like the dew that falls to the ground, so that not one of his men is left alive.

2Sam.17.13

If he hides out in a city, then the whole army will bring ropes to that city and pull it down and into a gully--not so much as a pebble left of it!"

2Sam.17.13

If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a piece of it can be found."

2Sam.17.13

Moreover, if he has withdrawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city; and we will pull it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there."

2Sam.17.13

And if David has escaped into some city, you will have the entire army of Israel there at your command. Then we can take ropes and drag the walls of the city into the nearest valley until every stone is torn down."

2Sam.17.14

Absalom and all his company agreed that the counsel of Hushai the Arkite was better than the counsel of Ahithophel. (GOD had determined to discredit the counsel of Ahithophel so as to bring ruin on Absalom.)

2Sam.17.14

Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

2Sam.17.14

So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel." For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom.

2Sam.17.14

Then Absalom and all the leaders of Israel said, "Hushai's advice is better than Ahithophel's." For the LORD had arranged to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster upon Absalom!

2Sam.17.15

Then Hushai told the priests Zadok and Abiathar, "Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel thus and thus, and I advised them thus and thus.

2Sam.17.15

Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so.

2Sam.17.15

Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, "Thus and so Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so I have advised.

2Sam.17.15

Then Hushai reported to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, what Ahithophel had said and what he himself had suggested instead.

2Sam.17.16

Now send this message as quickly as possible to David: "Don't spend the night on this side of the river; cross immediately or the king and everyone with him will be swallowed up alive.'"

2Sam.17.16

Now send a message immediately and tell David, 'Do not spend the night at the fords in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.'"

2Sam.17.16

Now therefore, send quickly and tell David, saying, "Do not spend this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily cross over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up."'

2Sam.17.16

"Quick!" he told them. "Find David and urge him not to stay at the shallows of the Jordan River tonight. He must go across at once into the wilderness beyond. Otherwise he will die and his entire army with him."

2Sam.17.17

Jonathan and Ahimaaz were waiting around at En Rogel. A servant girl would come and give them messages and then they would go and tell King David, for it wasn't safe to be seen coming into the city.

2Sam.17.17

Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel. A servant girl was to go and inform them, and they were to go and tell King David, for they could not risk being seen entering the city.

2Sam.17.17

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed at En Rogel, for they dared not be seen coming into the city; so a female servant would come and tell them, and they would go and tell King David.

2Sam.17.17

Jonathan and Ahimaaz had been staying at En-rogel so as not to be seen entering and leaving the city. Arrangements had been made for a servant girl to bring them the message they were to take to King David.

2Sam.17.18

But a soldier spotted them and told Absalom, so the two of them got out of there fast and went to a man's house in Bahurim. He had a well in his yard and they climbed into it.

2Sam.17.18

But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.

2Sam.17.18

Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom. But both of them went away quickly and came to a man's house in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down into it.

2Sam.17.18

But a boy saw them leaving En-rogel to go to David, and he told Absalom about it. Meanwhile, they escaped to Bahurim, where a man hid them inside a well in his courtyard.

2Sam.17.19

The wife took a rug and covered the well, then spread grain on it so no one would notice anything out of the ordinary.

2Sam.17.19

His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything about it.

2Sam.17.19

Then the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground grain on it; and the thing was not known.

2Sam.17.19

The man's wife put a cloth over the top of the well with grain on it to dry in the sun; so no one suspected they were there.

2Sam.17.20

Shortly, Absalom's servants came to the woman's house and asked her, "Have you seen Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman said, "They were headed toward the river." They looked but didn't find them, and then went back to Jerusalem.

2Sam.17.20

When Absalom's men came to the woman at the house, they asked, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman answered them, "They crossed over the brook." The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem.

2Sam.17.20

And when Absalom's servants came to the woman at the house, they said, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" So the woman said to them, "They have gone over the water brook." And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

2Sam.17.20

When Absalom's men arrived, they asked her, "Have you seen Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" She replied, "They were here, but they crossed the brook." Absalom's men looked for them without success and returned to Jerusalem.

2Sam.17.21

When the coast was clear, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed out of the well and went on to make their report to King David, "Get up and cross the river quickly; Ahithophel has given counsel against you!"

2Sam.17.21

After the men had gone, the two climbed out of the well and went to inform King David. They said to him, "Set out and cross the river at once; Ahithophel has advised such and such against you."

2Sam.17.21

Now it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well and went and told King David, and said to David, "Arise and cross over the water quickly. For thus has Ahithophel advised against you."

2Sam.17.21

Then the two men crawled out of the well and hurried on to King David. "Quick!" they told him, "cross the Jordan tonight!" And they told him how Ahithophel had advised that he be captured and killed.

2Sam.17.22

David and his whole army were soon up and moving and crossed the Jordan. As morning broke there was not a single person who had not made it across the Jordan.

2Sam.17.22

So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan.

2Sam.17.22

So David and all the people who were with him arose and crossed over the Jordan. By morning light not one of them was left who had not gone over the Jordan.

2Sam.17.22

So David and all the people with him went across the Jordan River during the night, and they were all on the other bank before dawn.

2Sam.17.23

When Ahithophel realized that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and left for his hometown. After making out his will and putting his house in order, he hanged himself and died. He was buried in the family tomb.

2Sam.17.23

When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father's tomb.

2Sam.17.23

Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father's tomb.

2Sam.17.23

Meanwhile, Ahithophel was publicly disgraced when Absalom refused his advice. So he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself. He died there and was buried beside his father.

2Sam.17.24

About the time David arrived at Mahanaim, Absalom crossed the Jordan, and the whole army of Israel with him.

2Sam.17.24

David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.

2Sam.17.24

Then David went to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.

2Sam.17.24

David soon arrived at Mahanaim. By now, Absalom had mobilized the entire army of Israel and was leading his troops across the Jordan River.

2Sam.17.25

Absalom had made Amasa head of the army, replacing Joab. (Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, an Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab.)

2Sam.17.25

Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether, an Israelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.

2Sam.17.25

And Absalom made Amasa captain of the army instead of Joab. This Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Jithra, an Israelite, who had gone in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother.

2Sam.17.25

Absalom had appointed Amasa as commander of his army, replacing Joab, who had been commander under David. (Amasa was Joab's cousin. His father was Jether, an Ishmaelite. His mother, Abigail daughter of Nahash, was the sister of Joab's mother, Zeruiah.)

2Sam.17.26

Israel and Absalom set camp in Gilead.

2Sam.17.26

The Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.

2Sam.17.26

So Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.

2Sam.17.26

Absalom and the Israelite army set up camp in the land of Gilead.

2Sam.17.27

When David arrived at Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Ammonite Rabbah, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim

2Sam.17.27

When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim

2Sam.17.27

Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim,

2Sam.17.27

When David arrived at Mahanaim, he was warmly greeted by Shobi son of Nahash of Rabbah, an Ammonite, and by Makir son of Ammiel of Lo-debar, and by Barzillai of Gilead from Rogelim.

2Sam.17.28

brought beds and blankets, bowls and jugs filled with wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans and lentils,

2Sam.17.28

brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,

2Sam.17.28

brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds,

2Sam.17.28

They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,

2Sam.17.29

honey, and curds and cheese from the flocks and herds. They presented all this to David and his army to eat, "because," they said, "the army must be starved and exhausted and thirsty out in this wilderness."

2Sam.17.29

honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows' milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, "The people have become hungry and tired and thirsty in the desert."

2Sam.17.29

honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, "The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness."

2Sam.17.29

honey, butter, sheep, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, "You must all be very tired and hungry and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness."

2Sam.18.1

David organized his forces. He appointed captains of thousands and captains of hundreds.

2Sam.18.1

David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.

2Sam.18.1

And David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

2Sam.18.1

David now appointed generals and captains to lead his troops.

2Sam.18.2

Then David deployed his troops, a third under Joab, a third under Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king then announced, "I'm marching with you."

2Sam.18.2

David sent the troops out-a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, "I myself will surely march out with you."

2Sam.18.2

Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, "I also will surely go out with you myself."

2Sam.18.2

One-third were placed under Joab, one-third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one-third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told his troops, "I am going out with you."

2Sam.18.3

They said, "No, you mustn't march with us. If we're forced to retreat, the enemy won't give it a second thought. And if half of us die, they won't do so either. But you are worth ten thousand of us. It will be better for us if you stay in the city and help from there."

2Sam.18.3

But the men said, "You must not go out; if we are forced to flee, they won't care about us. Even if half of us die, they won't care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city."

2Sam.18.3

But the people answered, "You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city."

2Sam.18.3

But his men objected strongly. "You must not go," they urged. "If we have to turn and run--and even if half of us die--it will make no difference to Absalom's troops; they will be looking only for you. You are worth ten thousand of us, and it is better that you stay here in the city and send us help if we need it."

2Sam.18.4

"If you say so," said the king. "I'll do what you think is best." And so he stood beside the city gate as the whole army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

2Sam.18.4

The king answered, "I will do whatever seems best to you." So the king stood beside the gate while all the men marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands.

2Sam.18.4

Then the king said to them, "Whatever seems best to you I will do." So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

2Sam.18.4

"If you think that's the best plan, I'll do it," the king finally agreed. So he stood at the gate of the city as all the divisions of troops passed by.

2Sam.18.5

Then the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." The whole army heard what the king commanded the three captains regarding Absalom.

2Sam.18.5

The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.

2Sam.18.5

Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom.

2Sam.18.5

And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom." And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders.

2Sam.18.6

The army took the field to meet Israel. It turned out that the battle was joined in the Forest of Ephraim.

2Sam.18.6

The army marched into the field to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.

2Sam.18.6

So the people went out into the field of battle against Israel. And the battle was in the woods of Ephraim.

2Sam.18.6

So the battle began in the forest of Ephraim,

2Sam.18.7

The army of Israel was beaten badly there that day by David's men, a terrific slaughter--twenty thousand men!

2Sam.18.7

There the army of Israel was defeated by David's men, and the casualties that day were great-twenty thousand men.

2Sam.18.7

The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David, and a great slaughter of twenty thousand took place there that day.

2Sam.18.7

and the Israelite troops were beaten back by David's men. There was a great slaughter, and twenty thousand men laid down their lives that day.

2Sam.18.8

There was fighting helter-skelter all over the place--the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword!

2Sam.18.8

The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword.

2Sam.18.8

For the battle there was scattered over the face of the whole countryside, and the woods devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

2Sam.18.8

The battle raged all across the countryside, and more men died because of the forest than were killed by the sword.

2Sam.18.9

Absalom ran into David's men, but was out in front of them riding his mule, when the mule ran under the branches of a huge oak tree. Absalom's head was caught in the oak and he was left dangling between heaven and earth, the mule running right out from under him.

2Sam.18.9

Now Absalom happened to meet David's men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.

2Sam.18.9

Then Absalom met the servants of David. Absalom rode on a mule. The mule went under the thick boughs of a great terebinth tree, and his head caught in the terebinth; so he was left hanging between heaven and earth. And the mule which was under him went on.

2Sam.18.9

During the battle, Absalom came unexpectedly upon some of David's men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great oak, his head got caught. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air.

2Sam.18.10

A solitary soldier saw him and reported it to Joab, "I just saw Absalom hanging from an oak tree!"

2Sam.18.10

When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, "I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree."

2Sam.18.10

Now a certain man saw it and told Joab, and said, "I just saw Absalom hanging in a terebinth tree!"

2Sam.18.10

One of David's men saw what had happened and told Joab, "I saw Absalom dangling in a tree."

2Sam.18.11

Joab said to the man who told him, "If you saw him, why didn't you kill him then and there? I'd have rewarded you with ten pieces of silver and a fancy belt."

2Sam.18.11

Joab said to the man who had told him this, "What! You saw him? Why didn't you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior's belt."

2Sam.18.11

So Joab said to the man who told him, "You just saw him! And why did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a belt."

2Sam.18.11

"What?" Joab demanded. "You saw him there and didn't kill him? I would have rewarded you with ten pieces of silver and a hero's belt!"

2Sam.18.12

The man told Joab, "Even if I'd had a chance at a thousand pieces of silver, I wouldn't have laid a hand on the king's son. We all heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, "For my sake, protect the young man Absalom.'

2Sam.18.12

But the man replied, "Even if a thousand shekels were weighed out into my hands, I would not lift my hand against the king's son. In our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, 'Protect the young man Absalom for my sake. '

2Sam.18.12

But the man said to Joab, "Though I were to receive a thousand shekels of silver in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king's son. For in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Beware lest anyone touch the young man Absalom!'

2Sam.18.12

"I wouldn't do it for a thousand pieces of silver, "the man replied. "We all heard the king say to you and Abishai and Ittai, `For my sake, please don't harm young Absalom.'

2Sam.18.13

Why, I'd be risking my life, for nothing is hidden from the king. And you would have just stood there!"

2Sam.18.13

And if I had put my life in jeopardy -and nothing is hidden from the king-you would have kept your distance from me."

2Sam.18.13

Otherwise I would have dealt falsely against my own life. For there is nothing hidden from the king, and you yourself would have set yourself against me."

2Sam.18.13

And if I had betrayed the king by killing his son--and the king would certainly find out who did it--you yourself would be the first to abandon me."

2Sam.18.14

Joab said, "I can't waste my time with you." He then grabbed three knives and stabbed Absalom in the heart while he was still alive in the tree;

2Sam.18.14

Joab said, "I'm not going to wait like this for you." So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree.

2Sam.18.14

Then Joab said, "I cannot linger with you." And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom's heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree.

2Sam.18.14

"Enough of this nonsense," Joab said. Then he took three daggers and plunged them into Absalom's heart as he dangled from the oak still alive.

2Sam.18.15

by then Absalom was surrounded by ten of Joab's armor bearers; they hacked away at him and killed him.

2Sam.18.15

And ten of Joab's armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.

2Sam.18.15

And ten young men who bore Joab's armor surrounded Absalom, and struck and killed him.

2Sam.18.15

Ten of Joab's young armor bearers then surrounded Absalom and killed him.

2Sam.18.16

Joab then blew the ram's horn trumpet, calling off the army in its pursuit of Israel.

2Sam.18.16

Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them.

2Sam.18.16

So Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel. For Joab held back the people.

2Sam.18.16

Then Joab blew the trumpet, and his men returned from chasing the army of Israel.

2Sam.18.17

They took Absalom, dumped him into a huge pit in the forest, and piled an immense mound of rocks over him. Meanwhile the whole army of Israel was in flight, each man making his own way home.

2Sam.18.17

They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes.

2Sam.18.17

And they took Absalom and cast him into a large pit in the woods, and laid a very large heap of stones over him. Then all Israel fled, everyone to his tent.

2Sam.18.17

They threw Absalom's body into a deep pit in the forest and piled a great heap of stones over it. And the army of Israel fled to their homes.

2Sam.18.18

While alive, Absalom had erected for himself a pillar in the Valley of the King, "because," he said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He inscribed the pillar with his own name. To this day it is called "The Absalom Memorial."

2Sam.18.18

During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King's Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, "I have no son to carry on the memory of my name." He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom's Monument to this day.

2Sam.18.18

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up a pillar for himself, which is in the King's Valley. For he said, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance." He called the pillar after his own name. And to this day it is called Absalom's Monument.

2Sam.18.18

During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day.