2 Samuel 16

All 23 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

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1. 1When David had just passed the summit of the hill, Ziba — the servant of Mephibosheth — came to meet him with 2 saddled donkeys loaded with 200 loaves of bread, 100 clusters of raisins, 100 pieces of summer fruit, and a container of wine.
2. 2The king asked Ziba, "What's all this for?" Ziba answered, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride. The bread and fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is for anyone who gets exhausted in the wilderness."
3. 3The king asked, 'And where is your master's son?' Ziba told the king, 'He stayed behind in Jerusalem. He said, 'Today the house of Israel will give me back my father's kingdom.''
4. 4The king said to Ziba, "Then everything that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours." Ziba bowed and said, "I humbly ask that I may find favor with you, my lord the king."
5. 5When King David reached Bahurim, a man from Saul's family came out to meet him — his name was Shimei son of Gera. He came out cursing nonstop as he walked.
6. 6He threw stones at David and all the servants of King David, while all the people and mighty men were on his right and left.
7. 7Shimei shouted as he cursed, "Get out! Get out, you murderer, you man of Belial!"
8. 8The LORD has brought back upon you all the bloodshed of Saul's house, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. Now, see, you are caught in your own mischief because you are a man of blood.
9. 9Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over there and cut off his head."
10. 10But the king replied, "This is none of your business, sons of Zeruiah. Let him curse. If the LORD told him, 'Curse David,' then who has the right to question it?"
11. 11David said to Abishai and all his servants, "Look, my son, who came from my body, seeks my life. How much more may this Benjamite do it? Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has commanded him."
12. 12Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.
13. 13So David and his men continued down the road while Shimei walked along the hillside across from them, cursing as he went, throwing stones and kicking up dust at them.
14. 14The king and everyone with him arrived weary, and they refreshed themselves there.
15. 15Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel arrived in Jerusalem, with Ahithophel at his side.
16. 16When Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, he said, 'God save the king, God save the king.'
17. 17Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this how you show loyalty to your friend? Why didn't you go with him?"
18. 18Hushai answered Absalom, "No — whoever the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, that's who I'll serve. I'll stay with him.
19. 19Besides, who should I serve if not the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you."
20. 20Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said, "Advise us — what should we do?"
21. 21Ahithophel told Absalom, "Go in to your father's concubines, the ones he left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you are detested by your father, everyone who supports you will be strengthened."
22. 22So they set up a tent for Absalom on the palace roof, and Absalom slept with his father's concubines in full view of all Israel.
23. 23In those days, the advice Ahithophel gave was regarded as if someone had inquired at the oracle of God. That's how highly both David and Absalom valued all his counsel.