Study Desk

Jada, the brother of Shammai, had two sons, Jether and Jonathan, but Jether died without having any sons.

But Jabez prayed to the God of Israel, "Bless me, God, and give me much land. Be with me and keep me from anything evil that might cause me pain." And God gave him what he prayed for.

Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his relatives had fewer children, and the tribe of Simeon did not grow as much as the tribe of Judah did.

But the people were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and deserted him to worship the gods of the nations whom God had driven out of the land.

The descendants of Ehud were Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera. They were heads of families that lived in Geba, but which were forced out and went to live in Manahath. Gera, the father of Uzza and Ahihud, led them in this move.

But the responsibility for mixing the spices belonged to the priests.

But the Philistines caught up with them and killed three of Saul's sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

He said to the young man carrying his weapons, "Draw your sword and kill me, to keep these godless Philistines from gloating over me." But the young man was too terrified to do it. So Saul took his own sword and threw himself on it.

The Jebusites told David he would never get inside the city, but David captured their fortress of Zion, and it became known as "David's City."

The three famous soldiers forced their way through the Philistine camp, drew some water from the well, and brought it back to David. But he would not drink it; instead he poured it out as an offering to the Lord

He was the most famous of "The Thirty" and became their leader, but he was not as famous as "The Three."

He was outstanding among "The Thirty," but not as famous as "The Three." David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

David went to meet them and said, "If you are coming as friends to help me, you are welcome here. Join us! But if you intend to betray me to my enemies, even though I have not tried to hurt you, the God of our ancestors will know it and punish you."

Once more David consulted God, who answered, "Don't attack them from here, but go around and get ready to attack them from the other side, near the balsam trees.

But God let no one oppress them; to protect them, he warned the kings:

The gods of all other nations are only idols, but the Lord created the heavens.

King David was now living in his palace. One day he sent for the prophet Nathan and said to him, "Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but the Lord 's Covenant Box is kept in a tent!"

But that night God said to Nathan,

I have chosen a place for my people Israel and have settled them there, where they will live without being oppressed any more. Ever since they entered this land they have been attacked by violent people, but this will not happen again. I promise to defeat all your enemies and to give you descendants.

But the king made Joab obey the order. Joab went out, traveled through the whole country of Israel, and then returned to Jerusalem.