David

13At harvest time, three of the thirty leaders came down to David. He was at the cave of Adullam. Philistine soldiers were camped in the valley of Rephaim.

And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

NoteA cave made a good hiding place for David and his men. Harvest time is when farmers pick the crops from their fields.

14At that time David was in a strong, safe hiding place. Philistine soldiers were camped in Bethlehem.

And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

NoteA garrison is a group of enemy soldiers staying in a town. Bethlehem was David's own hometown. Enemies were living right in it.

15David was longing for water. He said, "I wish someone would bring me a drink from the well by the gate in Bethlehem!"

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!

NoteTowns had a wall around them with a gate to go in and out. The well sat right by that gate. Enemy soldiers were standing there.

16So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp. They drew water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem. They carried it back to David. But he would not drink it. He poured it out on the ground as a gift to the LORD.

And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

NotePouring a drink out on the ground was a way of giving it to God. David felt the water was too special to drink himself.

17He said, "LORD, I must never do this. These men risked their lives to get this water. Drinking it would be like drinking their blood." So he would not drink it. These are the things the three mighty men did.

And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

NoteDavid did not mean the water was really blood. He meant the men almost lost their lives getting it.

1The LORD, which is God's own name, was angry with Israel again. He stirred David up to say, "Go and count the people of Israel and Judah."

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

NoteCounting the people was like taking a big head count. Kings did it to learn how many men could fight.

2So King David said to Joab, the leader of his army, "Go through all the tribes of Israel. Start at Dan in the north and go to Beersheba in the south. Count the people, so I know how many there are."

For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

NoteA tribe was one big family group. Israel had twelve of them.

3Joab said to the king, "May the LORD your God make your people a hundred times more. And may you live to see it. But why do you want to do this?"

And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

4Still, the king would not change his mind. So Joab and the army leaders left the king and went to count the people of Israel.

Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.

5They crossed the Jordan River. They camped near Aroer, south of the town in the middle of the valley. Then they went toward Gad and Jazer.

And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

6Next they went to Gilead and to the land called Tahtim-hodshi. Then they came to Dan-jaan and around to the city of Sidon.

Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and about to Zidon,

NoteSidon and Tyre were big cities by the sea, north of Israel.

7They went to the strong walled city of Tyre. They went to all the towns of the Hivites and Canaanites. At last they went to the dry southland of Judah, to Beersheba.

And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beersheba.

NoteThe Hivites and Canaanites lived in the land before Israel came.

8They went through the whole land. Then they came back to Jerusalem. The trip took nine months and twenty days.

So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.

9Joab gave the king the total. In Israel there were 800,000 strong men who could fight with a sword. In Judah there were 500,000 men.

And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

NoteThey counted only grown men who could fight. Women and children were not counted.

10After the counting, David felt sick inside about it. He said to the LORD, "I have done a very bad thing. Please forgive me. I acted very foolishly."

And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

11David got up the next morning. Before that, a message from the LORD had come to Gad. Gad was a prophet, someone who told people what God said.

For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,

NoteThe King James calls Gad a "seer." That is another word for prophet. It means one who sees what God shows him.

12God said, "Go and tell David this. The LORD says, 'I am giving you three choices. Pick one, and I will do it to you.'"

Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

13So Gad went and told David. He said, "Do you choose seven years with no food growing in your land? Or three months running away from your enemies as they chase you? Or three days of deadly sickness in your land? Think it over. Then tell me what to say to the One who sent me."

So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

Note"Famine" means a long time when food will not grow. People go hungry.

14David said to Gad, "This is very hard for me. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, because he is very kind. Do not let me fall into the hands of people."

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

NoteTo be in someone's hands means they decide what happens to you.

15So the LORD sent a deadly sickness on Israel. It lasted from that morning until the set time. From Dan to Beersheba, seventy thousand people died.

So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

16The angel reached out his hand to destroy Jerusalem. But the LORD changed his mind about the harm. He said to the angel, "That is enough. Stop now." The angel was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. A threshing floor is a flat place where grain is beaten out.

And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

NoteAn angel is a messenger God sends to do what he says.

17David saw the angel striking the people. He said to the LORD, "Look, I am the one who sinned. I am the one who did wrong. But these people are like sheep. What did they do? Please punish me and my family instead."

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.

NoteKings were often called shepherds. So David calls his people sheep.

18That same day Gad came to David. He said, "Go up and build an altar to the LORD on Araunah's threshing floor."

And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

NoteAn altar is a table built of stones. People burned gifts to God on it.

19So David went up, just as Gad told him and just as the LORD had said.

And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.

20Araunah looked out and saw the king and his servants coming. He went out and bowed low, with his face to the ground.

And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

NoteBowing with your face down was how you showed honor to a king.

21Araunah asked, "Why has my lord the king come to me?" David said, "To buy your threshing floor. I want to build an altar to the LORD, so the sickness will stop."

And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

22Araunah said to David, "Take whatever you want and give it to God. Here are oxen for a burnt gift. Here are the heavy boards and wooden yokes to burn as firewood."

And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.

NoteOxen are big, strong cattle. They pull heavy loads on a farm.

23Araunah gave all of it to the king. He said to the king, "May the LORD your God be pleased with you."

All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.

NoteThe heavy boards are threshing sledges. Oxen dragged them over grain to knock the seeds loose.

24The king said, "No. I will pay you a fair price. I will not give the LORD my God gifts that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty pieces of silver.

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

NoteA shekel was a small weight of silver. People paid with silver instead of coins. Fifty shekels was a lot of money.

25There David built an altar to the LORD. He gave burnt gifts and friendship gifts to God. The LORD listened to the prayer for the land. The sickness in Israel stopped.

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

NoteA burnt gift was burned up on the altar for God. A friendship gift was shared in a happy meal together.

1King David was now very old. His servants piled blankets on him, but he still felt cold.

Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.

NoteLong ago there were no heaters in houses. Warm blankets and a fire were all people had.

2So his servants said to him, "Let us find a young woman for you, our king. She can wait on you and take care of you. She can lie beside you and keep you warm."

Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

NoteA servant's job was to take care of the king and do what he asked.

3So they looked all through the land of Israel for a beautiful girl. They found Abishag, from the town of Shunem, and brought her to the king.

So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

NoteShunem was a small town in the north part of Israel.

4The girl was very beautiful. She took care of the king and served him. But the king did not sleep with her.

And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

NoteThis means Abishag did not become the king's wife. She only cared for him.

5Then Adonijah decided he would make himself king. He was David's son, and his mother was Haggith. He got chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run ahead of him.

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

NoteA chariot is a small cart pulled by horses. Kings and soldiers rode in them. Men running ahead of him showed everyone that he was important.

6His father had never once corrected him or asked, "Why are you doing this?" Adonijah was very handsome. He was born right after his brother Absalom.

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.

NoteAbsalom was another son of David. He had also tried to take his father's throne.

7Adonijah talked with Joab, the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest. Both men agreed to help him.

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.

NoteA priest was a man who led people in worshiping God. Joab was the leader of David's army.

8But some men would not join Adonijah. They were Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, a man who told people what God said. Shimei, Rei, and David's best soldiers also stayed away.

But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.

NoteA prophet was a person who told others what God said. David's best soldiers were the brave men who had fought beside him for years.

9Adonijah killed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves for a feast. He did this by the stone of Zoheleth, near a spring called En-rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the king's officials from Judah.

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’s servants:

NoteKilling animals like this was a way of giving a gift to God. Then everyone ate the meat together at a big feast. En-rogel was a spring of water just outside the city. Judah was the part of Israel where David's own family came from.

10But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, or Benaiah, or the best soldiers, or his brother Solomon.

But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

11So Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. He said, "Have you heard? Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has made himself king. And our lord David does not even know.

Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?

NoteBathsheba was one of David's wives. Solomon was her son.

12Please let me tell you what to do. This way you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon.

Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.

NoteIn those days, a new king often killed anyone else who wanted the throne. That is why she and Solomon were in danger.

13Go in to King David and say to him, 'My lord the king, did you not promise me this? You said Solomon my son would be king after you and would sit on your throne. So why is Adonijah acting as king?'

Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?

NoteA throne is the special chair a king sits on. To sit on the throne means to be the king.

14While you are still talking with the king, I will come in too. I will tell him that everything you said is true."

Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words.

15So Bathsheba went in to see the king in his bedroom. The king was very old, and Abishag from Shunem was taking care of him.

And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.

16Bathsheba bowed low to show honor to the king. The king asked her, "What do you want?"

And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?

NotePeople bowed low in front of a king to show honor. It was a way of saying, "You are the ruler."

17She said, "My lord, you made a promise to me before the LORD your God. You said that my son Solomon would be king after you. You said he would sit on your throne.

And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.

18But now Adonijah is acting as king. And you, my lord the king, do not even know it.

And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:

19He has killed many oxen, fattened calves, and sheep for a feast. He invited all your other sons, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the leader of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon.

And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.

20My lord the king, everyone in Israel is watching you. They are waiting for you to say who will sit on your throne after you.

And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

21If you do not, something bad will happen. When you die and rest with your ancestors, people will treat my son Solomon and me as criminals."

Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.

NoteTo "rest with your ancestors" is a gentle way of saying to die. Ancestors are family members who lived long before you.

22While she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived.

And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in.

23The king was told, "Nathan the prophet is here." Nathan came in and bowed with his face to the ground.

And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.

24Nathan said, "My lord the king, did you say that Adonijah would be king after you? Did you say he would sit on your throne?

And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?

25Today he went out and killed many oxen, fattened calves, and sheep for a feast. He invited all the king's sons, the army leaders, and Abiathar the priest. Right now they are eating and drinking with him. They are shouting, 'Long live King Adonijah!'

For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king’s sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.

Note"Long live the king!" was what people shouted for a new king. It meant they hoped he would rule for many years.

26But he did not invite me, your servant. He did not invite Zadok the priest, or Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, or your servant Solomon.

But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called.

27Did my lord the king order this? If so, you did not tell your servants who should sit on your throne after you."

Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?

28Then King David said, "Call Bathsheba back in." So she came in and stood before the king.

Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king.

29The king made a solemn promise. He said, "The LORD lives, and he has saved me from every trouble.

And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,

NoteSaying "the LORD lives" was a way of making a very serious promise. It meant, "I promise this as surely as God is alive."

30I promised you before the LORD, the God of Israel, that Solomon your son would be king after me. I said he would sit on my throne in my place. Today I will do exactly that."

Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.

31Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground to honor the king. She said, "May my lord King David live forever!"

Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

32King David said, "Call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada." So they came in to the king.

And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.

33The king said to them, "Take my servants with you. Put my son Solomon on my own mule. Then take him down to the spring called Gihon.

The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:

NoteA mule looks like a horse with long ears. Riding the king's own mule showed everyone that the king had chosen him. Gihon was a spring where people of the city got their water.

34There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet must pour oil on him to make him king over Israel. Then blow the ram's horn and shout, 'Long live King Solomon!'

And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

NotePouring oil on someone's head was how a person was made king. It showed that God had chosen him for the job. A ram's horn was blown like a trumpet to call people together.

35Then come back up here with him. He will sit on my throne and rule in my place. I have chosen him to be the ruler over Israel and Judah."

Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.

NoteJudah was the big southern part of the land. Israel here means the rest of the tribes.

36Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, "Yes, let it be so. May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, say the same thing.

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.

37The LORD has been with you, my lord the king. May he be with Solomon too. May he make Solomon's rule even greater than yours."

As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

38So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went down to Gihon. The Cherethites and the Pelethites went too. They put Solomon on King David's mule and led him there.

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.

NoteThe Cherethites and Pelethites were soldiers from another land. They guarded the king and obeyed only him.

39Zadok the priest took the horn full of oil from the holy tent. He poured it on Solomon to make him king. They blew the ram's horn, and all the people shouted, "Long live King Solomon!"

And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

NoteThe holy tent was a special tent where people came to worship God. The oil was kept inside a hollow animal horn, used like a bottle.

40All the people followed him up from the spring. They played flutes and were so happy that the ground seemed to shake with the noise.

And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.

NoteThese pipes were simple flutes made from reeds. People played them at happy times.

41Adonijah and all his guests heard it as they finished eating. When Joab heard the ram's horn, he asked, "Why is the city making all that noise?"

And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

42While he was still speaking, Jonathan arrived. He was the son of Abiathar the priest. Adonijah said, "Come in. You are a good man, so you must bring good news."

And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

43Jonathan answered, "No. Our lord King David has made Solomon king.

And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.

44The king sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada with him. The Cherethites and the Pelethites went too. They put Solomon on the king's own mule.

And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king’s mule:

45Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet poured oil on him at Gihon to make him king. They came back up cheering, and the whole city is ringing with the sound. That is the noise you heard.

And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.

46And Solomon is now sitting on the royal throne.

And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom.

47The king's servants also came to bless our lord King David. They said, 'May your God make Solomon's name even greater than yours. May he make his throne greater than your throne.' And the king bowed low on his bed to worship.

And moreover the king’s servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.

NoteDavid was too old and weak to get out of bed. So he bowed where he lay to thank God.

48The king also said, 'Praise the LORD, the God of Israel! Today he has given someone to sit on my throne, and my own eyes have seen it.'"

And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.

49Then all of Adonijah's guests were afraid. They jumped up and hurried away, each man going home.

And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way.

50Adonijah was afraid of Solomon. He got up and ran to the altar and held on to its horns.

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

NoteAn altar was a stone table where gifts to God were burned. Its top corners stuck up like little horns. Someone in trouble could hold on to them and ask to be kept safe.

51Solomon was told, "Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon. He is holding on to the horns of the altar. He says, 'Let King Solomon promise me today that he will not kill me.'"

And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me today that he will not slay his servant with the sword.

52Solomon said, "If he shows he is a good man, not one hair on his head will be harmed. But if he does wrong, he will die."

And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

Note"Not one hair on his head will be harmed" was a way of saying he will not be hurt at all.

53So King Solomon sent men to bring Adonijah down from the altar. Adonijah came and bowed low before King Solomon. Solomon said to him, "Go home."

So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.

Note"Go home" meant Adonijah could live. But he had to stop trying to be king.

1David was almost ready to die. He told his son Solomon what to do.

Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

NoteDavid was the king of Israel. When a king died, his son usually became king next. So David told Solomon how to rule.

2"I am going to die, the way everyone does. Be strong. Act like a man.

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

Note"Act like a man" means be brave and do what is right.

3Do what the LORD your God tells you. Walk in his ways. Keep his rules, his commands, and his laws written in the law of Moses. Then things will go well for you in all you do, wherever you go.

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

Note"The LORD" in capital letters is God's own special name. The law of Moses was the set of rules God gave Israel long ago. Moses was their leader back then.

4Then the LORD will keep the promise he made me. He said, 'If your children live carefully before me, with all their heart and soul, someone from your family will always sit on Israel's throne.'

That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

NoteA throne is the special chair a king sits on. To sit on the throne means to be king.

5"You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me. He killed two leaders of Israel's armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them in peacetime, as if there were a war. Their blood got on his belt and on his sandals.

Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.

NoteJoab was the leader of David's army. In a battle, killing an enemy was allowed. Joab killed these two men when there was no war. That was murder.

6So use your good sense. Do not let him die peacefully as an old man.

Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.

NoteThe King James says "his hoar head." That means his gray hair. It is a way of saying an old man.

7But be kind to the sons of Barzillai from Gilead. Let them eat at your table. They helped me when I ran away from your brother Absalom.

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

NoteEating at the king's table meant the king fed you and took care of you. It was a big honor. Gilead was a land east of the Jordan River. Absalom was David's son who once tried to take his throne.

8"Shimei son of Gera is near you. He is from the family of Benjamin, from the town of Bahurim. He said hard, hateful things about me the day I went to Mahanaim. Later he came to meet me at the Jordan River. I promised the LORD I would not kill him with a sword.

And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.

NoteBenjamin was one of the twelve families of Israel. To curse someone meant to ask out loud for bad things to happen to them. People took that very seriously. To promise "by the LORD" was the strongest promise there was.

9But do not treat him as if he did nothing wrong. You are wise. You know what you should do to him. See that he dies, old as he is."

Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.

NoteDavid had promised not to kill Shimei himself. Solomon had never made that promise.

10Then David died, like his family before him. He was buried in the City of David.

So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

NoteThe King James says David "slept with his fathers." That is a gentle way of saying he died. The City of David was the oldest part of Jerusalem.

11David was king of Israel for forty years. He ruled seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

NoteHebron is a town south of Jerusalem. David ruled there first, before he moved.

12Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David. His kingdom was strong and safe.

Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

1Then all the people of Israel came to David at the town of Hebron. They said, "Look, we are your own family."

Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

NoteHebron was a town in the hills south of Jerusalem. Saying "we are your own family" meant David came from the same big family they did.

2"Even when Saul was king, you led our army out and brought it home. And the LORD your God said to you, 'You will take care of my people Israel, the way a shepherd takes care of sheep. You will be their ruler.'"

And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

NoteThe LORD, printed in capital letters, is God's own special name. Kings were often called shepherds because they cared for people like sheep.

3So all the leaders of Israel came to David at Hebron. There David made a solemn promise with them before the LORD. Then they poured olive oil on his head to make him king. This happened just as the LORD had said through Samuel.

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

NoteThe leaders were the older men who spoke for each family group. Pouring olive oil on a man's head showed God had chosen him. People called this anointing. Samuel was a prophet, someone who told people what God said.

4David and all Israel marched to Jerusalem, which was also called Jebus. The Jebusites lived in that land.

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

NoteJerusalem had an older name, Jebus. The Jebusites were the people who lived there before Israel took the city.

5The people of Jebus told David, "You will never get in here." But David captured their strong fort called Zion. It became the City of David.

And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.

NoteA fort is a strong place with thick, high walls. Zion was the name of the hill this fort stood on. Soldiers inside could keep enemies out.

6David had said, "The first man to strike down a Jebusite will be my chief commander." Joab son of Zeruiah went up first. So he became the chief.

And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

NoteA commander is the leader who tells the soldiers what to do. Joab was David's nephew, because Zeruiah was David's sister.

7David moved into the fort and lived there. That is why people called it the City of David.

And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.

8He built up the city all around, from the stone terraces out to the wall. Joab repaired the rest of the city.

And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

NoteStone terraces were flat steps built into the side of the hill. They held the ground up so buildings would not slide down.

9David grew stronger and stronger. The LORD, who rules over all the armies of heaven, was with him.

So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.

NoteThe armies of heaven means God's angels. Saying this told everyone that God was very strong.

1David talked with his army leaders. These were the men in charge of thousands and hundreds of soldiers.

And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.

2David spoke to all the people of Israel who had come together. He said, "If this seems good to you, and if the LORD our God wants it, let us send word to all our people everywhere in Israel. Let us also send word to the priests and Levites, the men who do God's work, in their towns and open fields. Then they can all come and join us."

And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:

NoteLevites were one big family group in Israel. Their job was to help care for God's holy things. Priests were the men who led people in worship.

3"Let us bring the ark of our God back to us. In the days of King Saul, we did not go to it to ask God what he wanted."

And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

NoteThe ark was a special golden box. Inside were the flat stones with God's rules written on them. It was the most holy thing Israel owned. It showed people that God was with them. Saul was the king of Israel before David.

4All the people said they would do this. It seemed right to every one of them.

And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

5So David gathered all Israel together. They came from the Shihor River in Egypt all the way north to Lebo-hamath. They came to bring the ark of God from the town of Kirjath-jearim.

So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

NoteThese two places were the far ends of the land. Shihor was way down south by Egypt. Lebo-hamath was far up north. So the writer means people came from everywhere.

6David and all Israel went up to Baalah, which is the town of Kirjath-jearim in Judah. They went to bring back the ark of God the LORD. He sits like a king above the winged figures. The ark is called by his own name.

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

NoteThe lid of the ark had two gold figures with wings. They were called cherubim. People pictured God sitting above them like a king on his throne. Saying the ark carried God's name means the ark belonged to him.

7They brought the ark of God out of Abinadab's house. They put it on a new cart. Uzza and Ahio led the cart along the road.

And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

NoteA cart is a wagon with wheels, pulled by animals. God's rules said the ark should not ride on a cart. It was meant to be carried on long poles, on men's shoulders.

8David and all Israel celebrated in front of God with all their strength. They sang songs. They played harps and lyres, and shook tambourines. They clashed cymbals and blew trumpets.

And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

NoteA lyre is a small harp with strings you pluck. A tambourine is a little drum with metal jingles. Cymbals are round metal plates you crash together.

9They came to the threshing floor of Chidon. The oxen pulling the cart stumbled. So Uzza reached out his hand to hold the ark steady.

And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

NoteA threshing floor was a flat, hard patch of ground. Farmers beat piles of grain there. That knocked the seeds loose from the dry stalks. Oxen are big strong cattle used to pull heavy loads.

10The LORD became angry at Uzza. God struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. Uzza died there in front of God.

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

NoteGod's rules said no one was allowed to touch the ark. Not even good men like Uzza. That is why the poles were there for carrying it.

11David was upset because the LORD had burst out against Uzza. So David named that place Perez-uzza. People still call it that today.

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

NoteThe name Perez-uzza means "bursting out against Uzza." People in those days often named a place after what happened there.

12That day David was afraid of God. He asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God home to me?"

And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13So David did not take the ark home to his own city. He turned aside and left it at the house of Obed-edom, a man from the town of Gath.

So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

NoteThe city of David is another name for Jerusalem. Gath was a town of the Philistines, a people who lived near Israel.

14The ark of God stayed with Obed-edom and his family for three months. The LORD blessed Obed-edom's household and everything he owned.

And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.

NoteTo bless someone means to be very good to them. While the ark was there, good things happened to Obed-edom and his family.

1Hiram was the king of Tyre. He sent men to David with cedar logs. He also sent workers who cut stone and workers who built with wood. They came to build a palace for David.

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

NoteCedar is a tall tree. Its wood smells good and lasts a long time. Kings paid a lot for it. A palace is a very big house where a king lives.

2David knew that the LORD had made him king over Israel for sure. God had made his kingdom great. God did this because he loved his people Israel.

And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

NoteThe LORD in capital letters is God's special name. A kingdom is the land and people a king takes care of.

3In Jerusalem, David married more wives. He had more sons and daughters.

And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.

NoteLong ago, kings often married many wives. It showed they were powerful. A big family meant the king's line would go on.

4Here are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem. They were Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon.

Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

NoteLists of names like this were how families remembered who came first. Solomon in this list became king after David.

5Then came Ibhar, Elishua, and Elpalet.

And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,

6Then came Nogah, Nepheg, and Japhia.

And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

7Then came Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

8The Philistines heard that David was now king over all Israel. Oil had been poured on his head to show he was chosen. So all the Philistines went out to look for him. David heard they were coming, and he went out to meet them.

And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.

NoteThe Philistines were people who lived near Israel by the sea. They and Israel fought each other many times. Pouring oil on a man's head was how a new king was chosen. It was a sign that God picked him.

9The Philistines came and spread out in the valley of Rephaim.

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

NoteA valley is low flat ground between hills. Rephaim was a valley near Jerusalem. Armies liked to spread out there.

10David asked God, "Should I go up and fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD said, "Go. I will hand them over to you."

And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? And wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

NoteDavid had a way to ask God questions and get a yes or no. A priest, a helper at God's tent, used special stones to ask.

11So they went up to a place called Baal-perazim. David beat the Philistines there. David said, "God has burst through my enemies. He used me to do it. It was like water bursting through a wall." That is why they named the place Baal-perazim.

So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.

NoteBaal-perazim means "the place of bursting through." People named places after things that happened there.

12The Philistines left their idols behind. Idols are statues that people pray to. David gave an order, and the statues were burned in a fire.

And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

NoteArmies carried statues of their gods into battle. They hoped the statues would help them win. These soldiers ran so fast they left the statues behind.

13The Philistines came back again. They spread out in the valley one more time.

And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

14So David asked God what to do again. God told him, "Do not go straight up after them. Go around behind them instead. Attack them near the balsam trees."

Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

NoteBalsam trees are small trees with sticky, sweet-smelling sap. A group of them grew near the valley.

15"Listen at the tops of the balsam trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet, go out and fight. That sound means God has gone ahead of you. He will strike down the Philistine army."

And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

16David did just what God told him to do. They beat the Philistine army. They chased them all the way from Gibeon to Gazer.

David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.

NoteGibeon and Gazer were two towns far apart. Chasing an army that far means it was a big win.

17People in every land heard about David. The LORD made all the nations afraid of him.

And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

NoteFame means lots of people knew his name. Travelers carried stories from town to town.

1David built houses for himself in the city of David. He also got a place ready for the ark of God. Then he put up a tent for it.

And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

NoteThe ark was a special gold box. It held the stone rules God gave Moses. It showed that God was with his people. The city of David was the part of Jerusalem David had taken. A tent was used because there was no temple building yet.

2David said, "Only the Levites may carry the ark of God. The LORD picked them to carry it. He also picked them to serve him always."

Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

NoteThe Levites were one big family group in Israel. God chose them to help with worship. Only they were allowed to carry the ark.

3David called all Israel to come to Jerusalem. He wanted to bring the ark of the LORD to the place he had made ready.

And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

4David gathered the family of Aaron and the Levites together.

And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:

NoteAaron was Moses' brother, long before David's time. His family became the priests. A priest was a man whose job was to serve God for the people.

5From the family of Kohath came Uriel the leader, with 120 of his relatives.

Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:

NoteKohath was a grandson of Levi, who lived long before. Families were named after a grandfather from long ago. So "the family of Kohath" means all the people who came from him.

6From the family of Merari came Asaiah the leader, with 220 of his relatives.

Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:

7From the family of Gershom came Joel the leader, with 130 of his relatives.

Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:

8From the family of Elizaphan came Shemaiah the leader, with 200 of his relatives.

Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:

9From the family of Hebron came Eliel the leader, with 80 of his relatives.

Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

NoteHebron here is a man's name, not the town called Hebron.

10From the family of Uzziel came Amminadab the leader, with 112 of his relatives.

Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.

11David called for the priests Zadok and Abiathar. He also called the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

NoteZadok and Abiathar were priests, men who served God at worship. They led the gifts and prayers the people brought.

12David said, "You are the leaders of the Levite families. Make yourselves clean and ready for God's work. Then bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. Bring it to the place I made ready for it."

And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

NoteGetting clean and ready meant washing and putting on fresh clothes. People did this before doing anything for God. It showed they were taking it seriously.

13"The first time, you Levites did not carry it. So the LORD our God broke out against us in anger. We did not ask him how it should be done."

For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

NoteThis looks back at an earlier day. The ark was carried on a cart instead of on shoulders. A man reached out to touch it and died.

14So the priests and the Levites made themselves clean and ready. Then they could bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.

So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

15The Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders. They used the long poles made for carrying it. They did just what Moses had said, following the LORD's word.

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

NoteThe ark had metal rings on its sides. Long poles slid through the rings. Men lifted the poles so nobody had to touch the box itself.

16David told the Levite leaders to choose their relatives to be singers. They would sing loudly and with joy. They would play harps, lyres, and cymbals as they sang.

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

NoteA harp and a lyre are wooden instruments with strings you pluck. Cymbals are round metal plates you crash together.

17So the Levites chose Heman son of Joel. From his relatives they chose Asaph son of Berechiah. From the family of Merari they chose Ethan son of Kushaiah.

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

18With them were the helpers who came next in rank. They were Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Elipheleh, and Mikneiah. Obed-edom and Jeiel were the gatekeepers.

And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

NoteGatekeepers were guards. They watched the doors and kept people from coming in.

19The singers Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to play the bronze cymbals.

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

NoteBronze is a hard, shiny metal. Bronze cymbals made a loud, ringing crash.

20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps. They played them in the style called Alamoth.

And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

NoteAlamoth was a way of playing music. It may have meant playing in high notes. Nobody today knows for sure.

21Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music. They played lyres in the style called Sheminith.

And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

NoteSheminith was another way of playing. It may have meant playing in low notes.

22Chenaniah, a Levite leader, was in charge of the singing. He taught the others how to sing, because he was very good at it.

And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.

23Berechiah and Elkanah were guards for the ark.

And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

24The priests Shebaniah, Jehoshaphat, Nethaneel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer blew the trumpets in front of the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also guards for the ark.

And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

NoteThese trumpets were long, straight horns made of silver. Priests blew them at big moments so everyone would notice.

25So David went with the leaders of Israel and the army commanders. They were full of joy. They went to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom.

So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

NoteA covenant is a promise between two sides. God made a promise to be with Israel. The ark reminded everyone of that promise. The army commanders each led about a thousand soldiers.

26God helped the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD. So the people gave God an offering of seven bulls and seven rams.

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

NoteAn offering was a gift given to God. An animal was killed and burned on a stone table called an altar. Giving seven bulls and seven rams was a very big gift, for a very happy day.

27David wore a robe of fine linen cloth. So did the Levites who carried the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah, who led the singing. David also wore a linen ephod, a special vest worn for serving God.

And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

NoteLinen is soft cloth made from a plant. It was cool, clean and light, and people wore it for special days. An ephod was a plain vest worn over the clothes when serving God.

28So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD. They shouted for joy. They blew rams' horns and trumpets. They played cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

NoteA ram is a male sheep. Its curved horn was hollowed out and blown like a trumpet.

29The ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the city of David. Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from a window. She saw King David dancing and celebrating. Deep inside, she thought less of him for it.

And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal, the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

NoteMichal was David's wife. Her father Saul had been king before David. Looking down from a window means she stayed inside and did not join in.