times I haue receiued at his hands For whilest I fed my fathers flocks I redeemed a lambe that was rauished out of my fold out of the lions iawes and catching the wild beast by the taile that with open mouth assaulted and sought to deuouâ—… me I bet him to the ground and slue him Neither with lesse successe inuaded I a beare that set vpon my flocke and as light doe I set by this monster also who vomiting out his slaunderous raylings both against God and men shall neither escape the diuine arme of iustice which he so wickedly prouoketh neither flie from my hands who am prepared to â—…counter him So much preuailed this forward readinesse in the yoong man that the king beseeching Gods assistance to second his courage furnished him with a royall armour a sword and a helmet and sent him forth to the battell But Dauid feeling the waight of his armour and seeming rather to be loaded then defenced with the same said vnto him Let these armes O king serue to inclose and defence thy body who art able to beare them and suffer me I beseech thee who am thy seruant to fight according to mine owne fantasie He therefore laid-by his armour tooke a staffe in his hand and fiue stones which he gathered on the bankes of the torrent which he put in his scrip his sling he bore in his right hand and being thus armed he marched forward to encounter his enemy Now when the Barbarian saw him thus furnished he so much contemned him that in way of scorne he asked him whether he thought him to be a dogge that he thus came foorth to fight with him with weapons fit to scarre dogges Nay said Dauid I esteeme thee worser then a dogge which so much peruerted Goliahs patience that he cursed the name of his God thundring out threats that he would cast out his carkasse to be deuoured by the beasts of the field and the birds of the ayre But Dauid answered Thou commest against me with thy sword thy iauelin and curets but contrariwise I march out against thee vnder the warrantise and protection of God who shall destroy thee by my hand and with thee thy whole army for this day will I take thy head from thy shoulders and cast the rest of thy body to the dogs whom thou resemblest and all men shall know that God is the Prince of the Hebrewes and that our armes and forces are the cares that it pleaseth him to haue of vs and that all other furniture of warre is vnprofitable except it be assisted by God The waight of the Philistines armes hindred him from marching readily so that he marched foote by foote towards Dauid contemning him and trusting that he should kill him easily both for that he was disarmed as also because he was yoong and tender in yeates CHAP. XI The single combate betwixt Dauid and Goliah and the slaughter of the Palestines that followed after DAuid set forward to make head against his enemy being assisted by a companion whom he saw not which was God drawing therefore one of the stones which he had gathered on the bankes of the torrent out of his scrip and hauing fitted it in his sling he forced it against Goliah and gaue him such a stroke on the forehead that he pierced him to the verie braine so that Goliah fell downe sodainly dead and he running vpon him as he lay sprawling on the earth cut off his head with his owne sword for he himselfe â—…ad none As soone as he was stroken downe discomfiture and flight seazed all the army of the Philistines for seeing the most esteemed warriour amongst them ouerthrowne and slaine they began to suspect the generall issue of their warre and resolued to retire from thence so tooke they their flight in disorder and confusion supposing by that meanes to deliuer themselues out of dangers But Saul and the whole army of the Hebrewes sallied out against them with great shoutes and cries and in the pursuit made a great slaughter of them and droue them to the borders of Geth and the gates of Ascalon In this battell there died on the Philistines side aboue thirtie thousand and the rest that were hurt and wounded were twise as many Saul returning backe into his campe pillaged and burnt their tents but Dauid bore Goliahs head into his pauillion and hung his sword in the tabernacle and consecrated the same vnto God But Saul afterward conceiued a priuie hatred against Dauid vpon this occasion which ensueth For whereas he returned triumphant like a conquerour with the army and the women and maidens singing and dauncing to their cymbals and timbrels in way of honour came out to meete him The women sung that Saul had slaine diuers thousands of the Philistines and the virgins answered that Dauid had slain diuers ten thousands Which when Saul vnderstood and saw that the lesser testimony of thousands was referred to him and that the ten thousands were attributed to Dauid he supposed that after so glorious a renowm there wanted nothing for Dauid except to be king For which cause he began to feare and suspect him so that by reason of the feare he had of him he thought that he was too neere his owne person and therefore from being one of the chiefest in authoritie about him which was to bee one of his chiefest commaunders and guard he made him captaine ouer a thousand rather respecting his owne securitie then the others honor to the intent that being often charged by incursions of the enemy hee might by some desaster be depriued of his life But Dauid hauing in all places the assistance of almightie God returned alwaies with good successe and happy issue so that for the excellencie of his valour the people intirely loued him And Sauls daughter also that was about that time mariageable began to be enamoured with him and so great and apparant was her affection towards Dauid as the certaine notice thereof came vnto her fathers eares who was sore displeased therewith yet hoping by that meanes the sooner to entrap him hee gaue eare thereto with some shew of allowance and told them who discouered their loues vnto him that he would willingly giue him his daughter to wife vnder pretence that the enioying of her might be the meanes of his vtter ouerthrow For said he I am content to giue him my daughter in mariage vnder that condition that hee bring me six hundreth enemies heads and he desirous to gette so high and famous a reward and in like sort to obtaine honour by an act both so dangerous and admirable will vndertake the execution thereof and shall be slaine by the hands of the Philistines and that intention which I haue conceiued against him shall succeede according to mine owne hearts desire for I shall be deliuered of him in sending him out of the world not by my meanes but other mens hands Further he charged his
God at such time as he slew the Philistine Dauid hauing gotten it fled out of the countrey of the Hebrewes and went vnto Geth a countrey of the Philistines wherein Achis was king There being knowne by the kings seruants hee was discouered and noted to be that Dauid that had slaine many thousand Philistines Dauid fearing to be put to death by him and suspecting least he should fall into the same daunger which hee had escaped by flying from Saul counterfeited himselfe to be foolish and mad so that the some frothed and issued out of his mouth and counterfeited in all things so cunningly that he made the king of Geth beleeue most stedfastly that he was besotted and frenzie in his sicknesse For which cause the king was wroth with his seruants in that they had brought him a madman and commanded them with all expedition that might be to driue him out of his countrey Hauing in this sort escaped out of the countrey of the Geths he transported himselfe into the tribe of Iuda and being in the caue of Adullam he sent vnto his brothers to let them vnderstand that he was there who came vnto him with all their linage and diuers others that either were in need or stood in feare of Saul resorted vnto him saying that they were ready to performe whatsoeuer he should command them all which amounted to the number of foure hundreth or thereabouts Dauid therfore being thus assured by reason of the succours and forces that come vnto him dislodged from thence went to the king of the Moabites beseeching him that he would bee pleased to entertaine his father and mother in that countrey vntill such time as he vnderstood what should be the issue or end of his affaires The king vouchsafed him this fauour and did them great honour all the time they were in his countrey And as touching Dauid he hauing receiued instructions by the commandement of the Prophet to abandon the desart to soiourne in the tribe of Iuda he obeyed him so that comming to Saron he made his aboade in that place But when Saul had vnderstood that Dauid had beene seene with a number of men he fell into an extraordinarie feare and trouble of minde for knowing both the vnderstanding and courage of the man he thought inwardly with himselfe that he would attempt no action that was not great and such a one as might not onely endanger his kingdome or at leastwise breed him much difficultie labor For which cause assembling his friends and captaines and those of his tribe in Gaba where he kept his royall court there sitting in a place called Aror where all his honourable and ciuill magistrates with the rest of his captaines and souldiers enuironed him round about hee spake vnto them after this manner Beloued friends I know that you can beare witnesse of my bountie and how I haue aduanced some of you to honours signiories and possessions and haue preferred you to the chiefest dignities and prerogatiues amongst the people Now would I know of you whether you hope or expect from the sonne of Iesse greater bountie and larger benefits then I haue bestowed vpon you I know that all of you are confederated with him and that my sonne Ionathan likewise is of the same faction and hath perswaded you to follow and fauour him For I am not ignorant both of the othes and couenants that are past twixt him and Dauid and am well assured that he is both a counseller and assister vnto him in whatsoeuer he vndertaketh against me yet are none of you touched with these cares but intending your owne quiet you expect the euent of these matters When the king had spoken thus there were none of the assistants that replied onely Doeg the Syrian master of the kings mulets arose and said That he had seene Dauid in the Citie of Nob who resorted to the high Priest Achimelech to aske counsel of him as touching his assaires that there he had receiued those things that were needfull to furnish him in his voyage and Goliahs sword likewise and how he was safely conducted towards the place whither he pretended to go Hereupon Saul sent for the high Priest and all his kinred and spake thus vnto him What wrong or displeasure haue I done thee that thou hast entertained the sonne of Iesse and hast deliuered him victuals and armes to him I say that seeketh but the meanes to possesse himselfe of my kingdome What answere hast thou made him as touching those demaunds he presented thee in regard of his future fortunes for thou hast not been ignorant that he fled from me and what hatred he beareth against both me my family The high priest denied none of these things but freely confessed that he had deliuered him such things as were reported but not with an intent to gratifie Dauid but the king for I entertained him said he not as thine enemy but as thy faithfull minister and tribune nay which is more as thy sonne in law and such a one as was tied vnto thee by neere alliance For who would haue thought that he who was intitled to so much honour by thee should be thine enemie nay rather who would not esteeme him for thy sauourite and neerest friend And where as he asked counsell of me as touching Gods will this is not the first time I haue answered him but oft many other times haue I aduised him And where as he said that he was sent by thee about some hastie and secret businesse should I haue refused him those supplies which he required at my hands I might haue bin iudged rather to haue done iniurie to thy maiestie then to him For which cause thou art not to suspect or thinke euil of me or if thou hast receiued any aduertisement that Dauid at this time intendeth some trouble innouation against thee oughtst thou to thinke that by reason of the curtesie I haue shewed him that I either fauor him or maintain him against thee for what I bestowed I imployed as on thy friend thy sonne in law and thy tribune and whatsoeuer curtesie he receiued from me it was done vnto thee Notwithstanding all these iust allegations yet could Saul be no waies induced to beleeue them but contrariwise his vehement feare made him suspect the true iustifications of Achimelech so that he commanded certaine armed men that were about him that they should put both him and all his family to the sword But when they held it no lesse then sacriledge to violate by violent death such as were men consecrated vnto God Saul commanded Doeg the Syrian to perpetrate the slaughter who ioyning to himselfe certaine other sacrilegious and impious men he murthered Achimelech and all his race who were in number three hundreth thirtie and fiue men He further sent to Nob the citie of the Priests and put all of them vnto the sword neither sparing woman nor childe nor hauing respect vnto any
and incensed the one against the other That their brother Azael was in the fault because that although he had exhorted him to cease from running after him yet could he not perswade him and that for the same cause he had both stroken and slaine him Ioab wisely disgesting these his sayings and accepting of them as of holesome and friendly aduertisements and counsailes he commanded the trumpet to sound retreat and surceased to pursue them any more and encamped for that night in the same place during which time Abner trauelled without ceasing and hauing past ouer Iordan returned to his campe to Isboseth Sauls sonne The next day Ioab suruaied the dead and caused them to be buried Those that were found dead on Abners side were about three hundreth and sixtie men and on Dauids side nineteene ouer and besides Azael whose body Ioab and Abisai tooke with them and carried it vnto Bethleem and after they had enterred it in the toomb of their auncestors they repaired to Hebron vnto Dauid From that time forward there arose a ciuill warre amongst the Hebrewes that endured a long time in which Dauids followers had alwaies the vpper hand and neuer aduentured the hazard of the field without returning with some aduentage whereas the sonne of Saul and his partakers had almost euerie day the worse Dauid at that time had sixe sons by so many wiues the eldest of them was called Ammon the sonne of Achimaas the second was Daniel the sonne of Abigal the third was called Absolon the sonne of Machama the daughter of Ptolomey king of Gessur the fourth was Adomas the sonne of his wife called Aggite the fift and the sixt were called Gerthessa and Gala. But after this ciuill warre was begunne and that the kings on both sides had oftentimes encountred and fought togither Abner generall of the armie for king Sauls sonne a prudentman and one that was beloued by the people endeuored all that in him lay that the whole country might be commanded by Isboseth and in effect they all submitted vnto him for a certaine time but when as it afterwards fell out that Abner was charged and accused to haue kept company with Rispa Sauls concubine the daughter of Sibath and that Isboseth likewise had reproued him for the same cause he conceiued a great griefe and despite supposing that he had great iniury done vnto him considering how carefull he had beene and was of the kings estate for which cause he threatned him to establish the kingdome to Dauid and to make him know that it was neither his vertue nor prudence that made him soueraigne ouer the tribes on that side Iordan but that his faith and warlike conduct was the cause thereof For which cause he sent vnto Hebron to Dauid requiring him by an oth to accept of him as his confederate and friend promising him to perswade the people to forsake Sauls sonne and to proclaime him king of the whole region Dauid sware vnto him according as he had required and was verie glad of that embassage that Abner had sent vnto him and the rather for that vnder assured testimonie of their accords he had preserued Michol Dauids wife whom he had purchased with the price of diuers great daungers and with sixe hundreth heads of the Philistines presented to his father Saul to the end he might enioy her which Michol Abner had sent him backe hauing taken her from Phalti who had since that time espoused her whereunto Isboseth also was assistant to whom Dauid had written that it was reason that he should recouer his wife Abner therfore assembled all the elders and gouernours of the people and told them that at such time as heretofore they were readie to forsake Isboseth to submit themselues to Dauid he had disswaded them from that intent but at this present if they had the will hee vvould condescend vnto them because he was assured that God had chosen Dauid by the mouth of Samuel the Prophet to be king ouer all the Hebrewes and had foretold that he should punish the Philistines and should ouercome them and bring them vnder his subiection Which when the elders and gouernours vnderstood and were assured likewise that Abner would subscribe to their resolution as touching the estate they all of them determined to submit themselues to Dauid Abner seeing them thus resolued did afterwards assemble all the tribe of Beniamin out of which the archers of Isboseths guard were chosen and told them the like and perceiuing that they contradicted him no waies but submitted themselues vnto his pleasure he gathered about twentie of his familiar friends and resorted vnto Dauid to receiue in his owne person Dauids oth Both for that each man in his owne affaires reposeth greatest confidence in himselfe as also to giue him intelligence what speech he had held with the elders and the whole tribe Dauid receiued and entertained him very kindly and magnificently and sumptuously feasted him at his table for many daies praying him that he would depart and returne and bring the people with him to the end that in their presence and sight he might deliuer him the gouernment When Dauid had dismissed Abner some little time after his departure Ioab the generall of Dauids armie came to Hebron and knowing that Abner had beene with Dauid and that but some little time before he was departed from him with accords and promises made vnto him that he should be gouernour he feared least that if Dauid should place him in honour and dignitie and should make Abner who was a man otherwaies exercised in affaires and politique to preuent occasions as it were his companion in the kingdome that the said Ioab should be degraded and depriued of his office he tooke vpon him a cursed and froward resolution For first of all he laboured to detract and make him odious in the kings eare counselling him to stand on his guard and not to giue eare vnto Abners promises who vnder colour subtiltie sought to establish the kingdome vnto Sauls sonne alledging that he came vnto him vnder colour and caâ—…tele intending then to leaue him when his hopes were satisfied and affaires disposed But perceiuing that these his subtilties tooke little effect with Dauid and considering with himselfe likewise that he moued him in no sort he attempted a more perilous exploit then the former For resoluing with himselfe to kill Abner he sent out certaine men after him whom he gaue in commission that as soone as they should ouertake him they should vrge their interparlee in the name of Dauid alledging that they had something to communicate with him as touching the estate which he had forgot to certifie him of When Abner had heard the words of these messengers who ouertooke him in a place called Besira some twentie furlongs off of Hebron he strooke out of the way without suspition of his future desaster Ioab going before him embraced him with great loue and like an
or that I wil countenance them as if these actes of yours who are murtherers of your Master were laudable in you in you I say who haue slaine a good man on his bed that iniured no man but was your benefactor and who had both cherished and honoured you nay rather assure your selues that you shall be punished in his behalfe and shall yeeld me satisfaction by the losse of your liues because you haue thought that Isboseths death would worke my contentment for you could not in any sort dishonour me more then by conceiuing such an opinion of me Which said he adiudged them to die by the most cruell torments that might be imagined and with all the honour that he might he caused Isboseths head to be interred in Abners tombe These murtherers being thus done to death all the chiefest of the people repaired to Dauid vnto Hebron both they that commanded ouer thousands as such also as were gouernours and submitted themselues vnto him reckoning vp the good affection they had borne him both during Sauls life time as also the honour which they had neuer discontinued to beare him since the first time that he was Coronell ouer a thousand especially for that he had beene chosen by God thorowe the mediation of the Prophâ—… Samuel to be their king and his children after him declaring vnto him that God had giuen him the countrey of the Hebrewes to defend the same and discomfit the Philistines Dauid accepted their promptitude and affection exhorting them to persist assuring them that they should neuer repent themselues of their obedience and after he had banquetted and entertained them he sent them to assemble all the people Of the tribe of Iuda there came togither about six thousand eight hundreth men of war bearing for their armes a buckler and a iauelin who before that time had followed Sauls sonnes and besides whom the tribe of Iuda had assigned the kingdom to Dauid Of the tribe of Simeon seuen thousand a hundreth or somewhat more of that of Leui 4700. whose chiefetaine was Iodam with whom was Sadoc the high priest accompanied with 20. two gouernors of the same linage Of the tribe of Beniamin 4000. men of warre for this tribe were as yet of opinion that some of the heires of Saul should raigne Of that of Ephraim 20800. both strong and stout men Of that of Manasses almost the halfe as many namely 8000. Of that of Issachar 200. who were skilfull in diuination and 20000. men of warre Of that of Zabulon 20000. chosen fighting men For onely this intire tribe was wholy at Dauids commaund who were armed in like manner as they of Gad were Of the tribe of Nepthali there were 1000. chiefetaines famous for their valour and armed with shield and iauelin attended by an infinite number of their tribe Of the tribe of Dan there were 27000. chosen men Of that of Aser 40000. Of the two tribes on the other side of Iordan and of the halfe tribe of Manasses six score thousand armed men with buckler iauelin murrion and sword The rest of the other tribes also wore swords All this multitude was assembled togither in Hebron before Dauid with great prouision of victuals and wine sufficient to sustaine them all who all of them with one consent appointed Dauid to be their King Now when the people had mustred and banquetted for three daies space in Hebron Dauid dislodged from thence with his whole host and repaired to Ierusalem But the Iebusites who at that time inhabited the citie and were of the race of the Chanaanites shutting vp their gates against his comming and placing on their wals as many as were blind and lame or maimed in any other sort in contempt of him scoffingly iested and said that these were sufficient to keepe out the enemy so much trusted they to their fortifications Wherewith Dauid being sore displeased began to besiege Ierusalem and vsing all diligence and industrie to surprise the same he incontinently expressed how strong he was checking thereby other mens pride who perhaps would haue done the like vnto him and afterwards tooke the lower towne And for that the higher towne was as yet vnsurprised the king resolued to encourage his men of warre to shew themselues valiant promising them honors and recompence proclaiming that he would make him Generall ouer all the people that should first of all scale ascend and seaze the wall Whilest thus they inforced themselues to mount without refusing any trauell thorow the desire they had to obtaine the gouernment that was promised Ioab the sonne of Saruia was the forwardest amongst the rest and hauing got vpon the wall cried vnto the king requiring him to grant him the generall gouernment CHAP. III. Dauid hauing taken Ierusalem by force casteth out all the Chanaanites from thence and deliuereth the Citie to be inhabited by the Iewes AFter therefore he had cast out the Iebusites out of the higher Citie and repaired Ierusalem he called it the Citie of Dauid and remained therein all the time of his raigne so that the whole time that he ruled in Hebron ouer the sole tribe of Iuda was seuen yeares and six moneths But after he had establâ—…shed Ierusalem for his royall Citie his fortunes daily more and more increased because God both furthered and bettered them Hiram also King of Tire sent vnto him and made a league of amitie with him he presented him likewise with presents of Cedar wood and workemen and masons to build him a royall house in Ierusalem Now when the king had seazed the higher Citie he annexed the rocke thereunto and made one body of twaine and hauing walled it in he gaue the gouernment thereof to Ioab This king was the first that droue the Iebusites out of Ierusalem and called the same by his name For from the time of Abraham our forefather it was called Solyma neither want there some that inferre that Homer vnder that name intended Ierusalem For in the Hebrew toong Solyma is as much to say as Securitie All the time from the exploit of warre made by Iosuah against the Chanaanites and since the diuision of the countrey during all which time the Israelites could not driue the Chanaanites out of Ierusalem vntill such time as Dauid tooke the same by force were fiue hundreth and fifteene yeares But in this place I will not forget one Orphon a rich man amongst the Iebusites who for that he was well affected towards the Hebrewes was not put to death in the surprisall which Dauid made of Ierusalem but as I will shortly hereafter declare was graced and greatly honoured by the king Dauid espoused other wiues besides those which he had besides many other concubines By them he had eleuen sonnes whose names are these which follow Amnas Emma Ebamatha Salomon Iebar Eliel Phalna Ennapha Ienaah Eliphal besides these he had a daughter called Thamar Nine of these were begotten on noble mothers but the
and to that intent he sent his sonne Adoram vnto him to testifie and expresse what contentment he had receiued for that he had defeated Adarezer his enemy and to contract with him amitie and confederation He seht him presents also namely vessels of antique worke of gold of siluer and of brasse whereupon Dauid made a league with Thani for so was the king of Amath called and receiued the presents that were sent vnto him and afterwards dismissed his sonne with conuenient honor both for the one and the other and consecrated that to God which he had sent him togither with the gold and siluer which he had taken from other cities and nations that were subiect vnto him For God did not only so farre fauour him as to make him victorious and happy in his owne wars but hauing also sent Abisai Ioabs brother the lieutenant of his army against the Idumeans he likewise granted him victorie for Abisai slew in the battell about eighteene thousand of them and filled all Idumaea with garrisons challenging a tribute throughout the countrey by the pole This king loued iustice of his own nature and exercised iudgement according to veritie He had for his lieutenant generall in all his armies Ioab and appointed Iosaphat the son of Achilles chiefe ouer the Registers After Abiathar he established Sadoc of the house of Phinees for high priest who was his friend Sisa was his secretarie Banaia the sonne of Ioiada was captaine ouer his guard and all the elders were ordinarily about him to guard and attend him He remembring himselfe also of the conuentions and oathes that were past twixt him and Ionathan the sonne of Saul and of 〈◊〉 â—…itie and affection that had been betweene them for besides all other graces which he had he most freshly retained them in memorie from whom in times past he had receiued any friendship He caused a search to be made if any one of the house and family of Ionathan were left-aliue to the intent he might remunerate the friendship which he had receiued at Ionathans hands Where upon a certaine man was brought vnto him who was enfranchised by Saul that might enforme him what one of his race was aliue who asked him if he could name him any of Ionathans sons then liuing whom he might make partaker of those curteous fauors graces which in times past he had receiued by Ionathan Who answered him that he had one sonne remaining whose name was Mephiboseth who was lame of his legs for that at such time as the newes came that both his father and grandfather were slaine in the battell his nurse fearfully snatching vp the child and flying suffered him vnfortunately to fal from her shoulders and so hurt him When as then he was aduertised where and with whom he was brought vp he sent vnto the citie of Labath to Machir with whom Mephiboseth was kept commanded him to be brought vnto him Now when he came to Dauids presence he cast himselfe prostrate on his face to do him reuerence but the king exhorted him to be of good courage and to hope hereafter for better fortune and gaue him his fathers house with all the possessions that were purchased by Saul his grandfather appointing him to sit and feed with him at his owne table yea to eate of his royall prouision not letting one day slip wherein he accompanied him not at meales The yong man did him reuerence humbly thanking him for the gratious words and roiall offers be had made vnto him At that time Dauid called for Siba and certified him how he had giuen Mephiboseth his fathers house and all Sauls purchases commanding him to manure and husband his possessions and to haue care of all things and to returne the reuenew to Ierusalem for that Mephiboseth was euery day to take his refectioÌ„ at his table charging both him his 15. sons and 20. seruants to doe him seruice After the king had thus disposed of him Siba did him reuerence and after he had protested to performe whatsoeuer he had giuen him in charge he departed and Ionathans sonne remained in Ierusalem where he liued at the kings table and was entertained and tended as carefully as if he had beene his owne sonne he had a sonne also called Micha These were the honors that those children which suruiued after Ionathan and Sauls death receined at Dauids hands About the same time died Naas king of the Ammonites who during his life time was Dauids friend and his sonne succeeded him in his kingdome to whom Dauid sent embassadors to comfort him exhorting him to disgest his fathers death with patience assuring him that he would expresse no lesse loue towards him then he did vnto his father But the gouernours of the Ammonites entertained this embassage verie contumeliously and not according as Dauid had kindly intended it and murmured against their king telling him that they were but spies sent by Dauid to seeke into his forces and discouer the strength of his countrey vnder a pretext of humanitie counselling him to stand vpon his guard and not to giue eare to his protestation least being deceiued he should fall into some remedilesse inconuenient Naas king of the Ammonites supposing that his gouernors spoke nothing but truth outraged the embassadors that were sent vnto him with great iniuries for causing the halfe of their beards to be shauen close by the chin and cutting away the halfe of their vestments he sent them back againe returning their answeres not in words but in deeds Which when Dauid saw he was grieuously displeased and made it knowne that he would not suffer that mockerie and iniurie so easily to be disgested but that he would make warre on the Ammonites and reuenge those indignities that were offered to his embassadors The friends and gouernors of Naas considering how they had violated and broken the peace and how for that occasion they deserued to be punished prepared for the war and sent one thousand talents to Syrus king of Mesopotamia requiring him that he would be their consederate in that warre and receiue their pay they requested the like of Subas these kings had 20000. footmen in camp They hired also with their mony the king of the countrey called Michas and the fourth called Istob which two had with them 12000. thousand souldiers CHAP. VII How Dauid ouercame the Mesopotamians BVt Dauid was no whit amated neither with the confederacie nor force of the Ammonites but trusting in God resolued that the cause of his warre was iust for which cause he continued in reuenge of those outrages which he had receiued by them Hauing therefore mustered vnder Ioab the flower of his whole army he commanded him to depart and make warre vpon them who came and incamped himselfe before their chiefest Citie called Aramath which when the enemies perceiued they issued foorth and arranged themselues in battell not altogether but in two seuerall parts For their confederates and allies were
and families and let each of you cast your lots To this the people condescended and the lot fell on the tribe of Beniamin which being cast the second time light on the family of Metri and afterwards being approued by the people it fell to Sauls lot who was the sonne of Cis to haue the kingdome The young man who before that time knew what should happen had stept aside to the intent as I suppose that it might not seeme that he had desired this dignitie and such moderation temperance shewed he in this matter that although it so fel out that diuers cannot conceale the ioy they conceiue if any face of felicitie smile vpon them bur manifest the same vnto all men yet notwithstanding he not onely was void of vaine appearance although he were to be King and Lord of so many worthie people but that which is more he stole away from the presence of those men ouer whom he should commaund and so handled all things that he made them seeke after him and trauell to find him out Whilest therefore they carefully sought knew not what was become of Saul the Prophet praied God that he would shew them where he was that he would bring him into their presence whenas therfore he was enformed by God in what place he remained Samuel sent out certaine messengers to conduct him thither assoone as he came amongst them Samuel set and placed him in the midst of the people now was he more higher then any of the company by the shoulders and had a kingly and goodly shape and appearence then spake the Prophet after this manner God hath giuen you this man to be your King behold how he surpasseth you al and sheweth himselfe worthy to be your Prince But assoone as the people had cried God saue the King the Prophet who had reduced into writings all those mischiefes that should befall them red the same vnto them in the hearing of the King and put the booke into the Tabernacle of God for a perpetual testimonie vnto posterity of those things which in future ages should succeed according as he had foreprophecied which done Samuel dismissed the people and returned to the Citie of Ramath which was his countrey But Saul departing vnto Gabatha diuers worthy men gaue their attendance on him and did him the honour that appertained vnto a king But diuers seditious and loose companions who set him at noughts both mocked them and those things which they did neither brought they any presents vnto Saul neither seemed they either in affection or in word any waies to respect their King A moneth after his instalment there fell a warre betwixt him and Naas King of the Ammonites which was the originall of that honour which was generally attributed vnto him by the whole multitude this Naas had offered diuers outrages vnto those Iewes that dwell on the other side of Iordan For he had trauersed the riuer with a great and huge armie leuied against them had ouercome diuers of their Cities For at that time he vsed force and violence against thē to the intent that they might not rebel neither deliuer thēselues from his subiection he vsed this subtiltie and preuention to cut off all colour and occasion from them of opposition For to those that surrendred themselues subscribed to his mercy to those that were takē captiues or conquered in the warres he plucked out their right eies and this did he to that intent that when they should defend themselues they should haue their left eies couered with their bucklers and by that meanes be made vnapt to enter battell The King of the Ammonites hauing after this manner dealt with those on the other side of Iordan he led his army towards the Galaadites and encamped neere vnto their chiefe Citie called Iabes to which he sent heraulds to sommon the inhabitantes to surrender the same vnder these conditions Either to suffer their right eies to be pulled out or else by induring the siege to see the finall ouerthrow both of themselues and of their Citie wishing them to make choice of which they list whether they would lose a little part of their bodie or hazard both their fortunes and liues at once The Galaadites terrified with this so doubtfull and dreadfull an election neither durst returne an hostile or peaceable answere but asked truce for seuen daies to the end that sending their messenger to their kinsfolke they might craue their aide which if they could obtaine they would warre and otherwise they promised to submit themselues vnto the enemie vnder what condition soeuer were best pleasing vnto him Naas that neither cared for the Galaadites neither for their answere granted them that time of truce which they demaunded and permitted them likewise to craue assistance at all their hands who were their associates Wherupon they presently sent messengers from citie to Citie and certified the Israelites of all that which Naas had done vnto them and the extremitie whereunto they were reduced The Israelites hauing before time vnderstood in what estate they of Iabes were had grieuously lamented and conceiued great displeasure thereat but the feare that afflicted them suffered them to assist their friends in no other manner then by commiseration yet as soone as their messengers arriued in the Citie where Saul was and that they had recounted vnto him the daungers wherewith the Iabasites were oppressed the people were as in times past moued with compassion For they lamented the miserie of their parents but as touching Saul he returning from the fields into the Citie perceiued the inhabitants drowned in their teares and enquiring of them for what cause they were so confused and abashed he was certified of that which the messengers had reported and on the instant he was rauished by a diuine motion and sent the Embassadours backe againe to those that sent them promising that within three daies he would come and succour them and that he would haue the vpper hand of the enemie before sunne rise to the end that the rising sunne might behold them victorious and deliuered from all feare Meane while he commaunded some of them to make stay with him to the intent they might guide and direct him in his way CHAP. VI. The combate and victorie of Saul against the Ammonites SAul desirous to incite the people to issue out and make warre vpon the Ammonites to the intent vnder a penaltie he might assemble them with more readines he houghed his owne oxen and threatned all those whom he met withall to doe the like vnto theirs except the next day they presented themselues with their armes vpon the banke of Iordan to follow the King and the Prophet Samuel and march vnto the place whither by them they should be conducted The feare of this penaltie published among the tribes made them gather to head about the same time so that all the assemblies of the
Nabal for such was his name was a rude and currish person leading his life in hunting Yet had he a wife that was good wise and faire To this Nabal did Dauid send tenne of his seruants about the time of his sheepe-shearing both to salute him as also to wish him all good and to beseech God that for diuers yeares hee would grant him grace to doe the like Meane while he requested him that he would impart vnto him somewhat of that which was in his power when as his shepheards could informe him that hauing long time remained in the desart we haue said they beene so farre off from doing your flockes any harme as we haue rather seemed to be their shepheards and keepers they promised him likewise that whatsoeuer courtesie he should shew vnto Dauid he should bestowe it on a mindfull and thankfull personage Thus spake the messengers vnto Nabal but he answered them verie discourteously and rudely demaunding of them what that Dauid was and being informed that he was the sonne of Iesse Now said he these fugitiues and slaues forsaking their masters liue proudly and insolently Dauid hearing of this report was grieuously displeased and commanded fower hundreth of his men to take vp their weapons and follow him commanding two hundreth to keepe the baggage for at that time he had sixe hundreth and in this equipage marched he forward against Nabal swearing that that verie night he would vtterly exterminate roote out all his race and ransacke all his riches Neither was he onely displeased for that Nabal was ingratefull towards them without respect of that humanitie which they had shewed towards him and his but also for that without any cause or iniurie offered he had iniured outraged him in words In the meane while certaine shepheards that attended Nabals cattell told their mistresse their maisters wife that Dauid hauing sent vnto her husband to require some small courtesie had not onely obtained nothing but also receiued insupportable iniuries whereas till that day he had suffered his flocks to be vntouched telling her that that insolencie of their Lord might breede them all much woe and miserie Which when Abigal heard for so was the woman called she loded diuers Asses with all sorts of presents without making any motion to her husband who was so drunke that he was insensible and went towards Dauid As therefore she descended the streights of the mountaine Dauid encountred her marching towards Nabal accompanied with foure hundreth men As soone as Abigal perceiued him she leaped from her Steed and falling vpon her face she prostrated her selfe before him beseeching him to forget Nabals words knowing that Nabals nature was answerable to his name For in the Hebrew tongue Nabal signifieth folly she excused her selfe likewise saying that she saw none of them that were sent vnto her husband For which cause she said I beseech thee grant me pardon and giue God thankes that by my meanes he hath hindred you from polluting your hands in innocent bloud for if thou remaine pure and innocent from bloudshed he shall exact a punishment at their hands that haue hurt thee For those misfortunes that attend on Nabal shall fall on the heads of thine enemies onely be thou fauourable vnto me in accepting these my humble presents and for my sake remit that wrath which thou hast iustly conceiued against my husband for clemencie and humanitie becommeth him whom the fates haue destinated a kingdome Dauid accepting her presents gaue her an answere after this manner Women said he God of his goodnes hath this day brought thee hither otherwise thou haddest not liued or seene the next morning For I haue sworne that this night I would ouerthrow thy house and leaue none aliue of that vngratefull mans familie who hath so contumeliously abused both me and mine but now God hath put thee in mind wisely to preuent and pacifie my wrath As touching Nabal although at this present he be exempted by thy meanes from punishment yet shall he not escape but he shall lose his life for his manners vpon an other occasion shall be the cause of his ruine This said he dismissed Abigal who returning to her house and finding her husband amidst his other companions loaden and ouerwhelmed in wine told him nothing at that time of that which had hapned but the next day when he was sober certifying him thereof he lost all his forces and his body became mortified thorow the griefe he conceiued at her words so that some ten daies after and no more he departed out of this life Which when Dauid vnderstood he said that he was deseruedly punished by God because that his owne wickednesse was the cause of his punishment and that he was afflicted and yet his hands who receiued the iniurie were vndistained with bloud and by this example he learnt that no wicked man can escape Gods iudgement and that all humane affaires are not rashly disposed as if neglected by God but that the good are rewarded with goodnesse and the wicked punished according to their wickednesse He afterwards sent messengers to his wife and caused her to come vnto him to the intent he might marrie her and take her to his wife She answered the messengers that she thought her selfe vnworthy to lie at his feete notwithstanding she repaired vnto him with all her furniture and meanes whatsoeuer and was married to Dauid hauing obtained that degree of honour both in that she was modest and iust as also for that she was beautifull Now Dauid had a wife before her whom he had married out of the Citie of Abesar As touching Michol the daughter of Saul and other-whiles his wife Saul gaue her to wife at Lissa to the sonne of Phalti of the Citie of Gethla After this certaine Ziphians comming vnto Saul told him that Dauid was returned againe into their countrey and that if it pleased him to assist them they might easily apprehend him Whereupon Saul issued with three thousand armed men and being surprised by night he encamped in a certaine place called Sicelleg When Dauid was certified that Saul was issued forth against him he sent out certaine spies whom he gaue in charge to bring him intelligence into what place at that time Saul was retired who ascertaining him that he was at Sicelleg he watched all that night without the knowledge of any of his followers and went into Sauls campe attended onely by Abisai his sister Saruias sonne and Achimelech the Chittite Now whilest Saul was a sleepe and both his generall Abner with all his souldiers wholy deuoured in drowsinesse Dauid entred into the kings campe and although he knew the kings pauilion by reason of his Iauelin that stood at the dore thereof yet slew he him not neither permitted he Abisai who was both willing and addressed to execute the slaughter to performe it But this he said that although the king were euill yet notwithstanding it were a strange and vndecent
thing for him to slay him who was Gods elected for that it was Gods right to take reuenge on him who had giuen the kingdome and thus restrained he the others vnbridled furie Yet to the intent he might certifie the king that hauing the opportunitie to slay him he had spared his life he bare away with him his Iauelin and the pitcher of water that stood by Saul whilst he slept without the witting or knowledge of any of the campe so much were they deuoured and ouerhaled with sleepe He therefore departed thence in all assurance hauing executed all that which either the time or his courage would permit him to doe But after he had passed the riuer and had attained the top of a mountaine from whence he might be easily heard he cried out to Sauls soldiers and their generall Abner so strongly that he awaked them from their sleepe and calling vpon Abner as well as the common sort of souldiers the generall asked who it was that called him to whom Dauid answered It is I the sonne of Iesse your fugitiue but said he how commeth it to passe that thou who art so great and in chiefest authoritie about the king hast so small respect and gard of his person Thy sleep is more pleasant vnto thee then thy watch for his conseruation Assuredly this act of thine deserueth a capitall punishment because thou neither hast discouered me nor any others before we entred the campe or approched the â—…ing Seeke for the kings Iauelin and his pitcher of water and thou shalt perceiue in what great danger he hath been euen in the midst of you without any notice or discouerie of yours Saul perceiuing that it was Dauids voice and conceiued how that being in his hands whom he had surprised in the depth of sleep thorow the negligence of his guard he had not slaine him but pardoned him his life although it iustly lay in his power to take his head from him he said that he gaue him thankes and acknowledged his life from him exhorting him to be assured and without suspect of any euill to returne home vnto his house because he was perswaded that he loued not himselfe so much as he was intirely affected by Dauid notwithstanding that he had pursued him and for a long time past had chased him like a fugitiue constraining him also by diuers afflictions and great torments of spirit to be abandoned from his neerest parents and friends yea from Dauid himselfe who might haue preserued him and who had giuen him diuers demonstrations of his good will towards him and by whom he had been often times preserued whom notwithstanding he ceased not to pursue vnto the death who contrariwise desired nothing more then his life Hereupon Dauid willed him to send some one of his seruants to bring backe his Iauelin and pitcher of water protesting that God should be iudge of both their natures manners actions who knew that that day also he had spared his enemy whom if he had so thought good he might haue extinguished Saul hauing this second time escaped from Dauids hands returned to his royall house But Dauid fearing least if he soiourned in that place he should bee intrapped by Saul thought good to retire himselfe into the countrey of the Philistines and soiourne there So that accompanied with six hundreth men which he had with him he transported himselfe to Achis king of Geth one of their fiue Cities who receiued him with all his people and gaue him a place to dwell in so that he aboad in Geth hauing with him his two wiues Achimaas and Abigal Which when Saul vnderstood he made no more account to send or sallie out against him because that two seuerall times he had been in danger of his life at such time as he pursued him to intrap him Dauid held it not conuenient to remaine in the Citie of Geth and therfore requested the king of the Philistines that since he had courteously entertained him it might please him likewise to do him the fauour to assigne him a certaine place in his countrey where he might make his habitation because he feared to be chargeable to him if so be he remained in the Citie Achis assigned him a village called Siceleg which Dauid after he obtained the kingdome loued and honoured holding that for his owne demaine as his owne children and heires did after him But hereof will we speake in an other place The time that Dauid liued amongst the Philistines and in the towne of Siceleg were foure moneths and twentie daies during which time by seuerall and secret excursions against the bordering Sarrites and Amalechites he spoyled their countrey and returned backe againe with a great bootie of oxen and camels yet brought he thence no bondmen least Achis by their meanes should haue intelligence of his enterprise He sent likewise a part of the pray vnto the king and when he demaunded from whom he had taken the same he answered that he had taken it from the Iewes that dwelt Southward and in the plaine perswading him that he had done no losse so that Achis conceiued an opinion that since Dauid warred against his owne nation all the time of his aboad with him hee would be a faithfull seruant vnto him About the same time the Philistines hauing determined to lead forth their army against the Israelites sent out to their allies requiring them to assist them in that warre and to make their Rendeuous at Renga to the intent that being there assembled they might dislodge and assaile the Israelites Amongst their other auxiliarie companies Achis had requested Dauid to assist him with his six hundreth souldiers which he promised him willingly to performe telling him that the opportunitie was now come wherein he might requite his curtesie and the hospitalitie he had shewed him Achis promised him that after the victory when as all things had succeeded according as he desired he would preferre Dauid to the guard of his person thinking by the promise of this honour and trust he might augment Dauids forwardnes and affection towards him CHAP. XV. The Philistines renew their warre against the Hebrewes and obtaine the victorie and Saul with his sonnes are slaine in the battell BVt Saul about this time had banished all diuiners and inchanters and in generall all such as were tellers of fortunes reseruing none within his countrey but the Prophets When as therefore hee vnderstood that the Palestines were alreadie vp in armes and strongly encamped neere to the city of Sonna sciruate in the plain he marched forward made head against them with all his forces And as soone as he drew neere to the mountain of Gelboa he encamped right ouer against the enemy Now when his army discouered their great forces they were much discomforted no sooner beheld it but were amased Being therfore sore troubled herewith he sought counsel at Gods hands as touching the euent of the battell seeing he returned him no
two last which were named by vs were the sonnes of concubines But Thamar was Absalons sister by the same father and mother CHAP. IIII. Dauid assayled by the Palestines obtaineth a famous victorie against them neere vnto Ierusalem NOw when the Palestines knew that the Hebrewes had created Dauid king they led forth their army against him towards Ierusalem where encamping themselues in the valley of the Giants which is a place not farre off from the Citie they in that place expected the encountrey But the king of the Hebrewes who was wont to do nothing inconsiderately without Gods aduise commanded the high priest to prophecie and foretell what successe and euent the warre should haue who after he had informed him that God smileth on fauoureth their attempts he presently drew out his armie against the enemie and striking the battell he sodainly assailed the enemies on their backes and partly slew them and partly put them to flight But let no man suspect that the army of the Palestines was either small in number or weake in courage which at that time assailed the Hebrewes in that he coniectureth in his mind that they were easily ouercome without either attempting or performing any noble or memorable action For he is to know that all Syria Phenicia and all other warlike nations beyond them bare armes with them and were confederates in this warre which was the onely cause that notwithstanding they were so many times ouercome and had lost diuers thousands of men that they desisted not to assaile the Hebrewes with more great force and that which is more hauing beene defeated in the battels before recited yet forbare they not to assaile Dauid a new with thrice as much power as before or to incampe in the same place For which cause Dauid tooke counsell of God once more what the issue of this battell should be and the high Priest told him that he should encampe in the forrest called Teares because it was not farre off from the enemies campe and that he should not depart from thence neither attempt them in battell before the trees did shake without any agitation or breath of wind Whereupon as soone as the trees shooke and the time which God had appointed was come without any delay he issued out to enioy a prepared and manifest victorie For the squadrons of the enemie were disarrayed and incontinently betooke them to flight and were swiftly followed and slaughtered vntill the Citie of Gerar which is a frontire towne of their countrey and their campe was thorowly ransacked wherein there were found great riches and amongst all other things their Gods were beaten to peeces The battell being brought to this end it seemed good vnto Dauid by the counsaile of the Elders and Coronels ouer thousands that all the flower of their youth should be assembled from all the parts of the countrey euery one according to his tribe Secondly that the Priests and Leuites should repaire to Cariathiarim and bring from thence the Arke of God and conueie it to Ierusalem to the end that when it should be there the seruice of God might thereafter be celebrated in that place other sacrifices and honours agreeable to the diuine maiesty might be performed And had the same beene done during the life of Saul no inconuenient had fallen vpon them When as al the people were assembled according as it was decreed by him the king came forth to transferre the Arke which the Priests carying out of Aminadabs house they laid it vpon a new waine which togither with oxen their brothers and children drewe The king marched formost and after him all the people praising God a◅d tuning all sorts of melodie then vsuall in that countrey with diuersitie of sounds of instruments of Dances and Shalmes Trumpets and Clarions and in this manner conducted he the Arke into Ierusalem But when they were come to the threshing floore of Chidō which is a certain place so called Oza died thorow the wrath of God for the oxen stumbling that drewe the chariot and the Arke somwhat shaken he stretched out his hand with intent to sustaine the same and because he was no Priest God stroke him till he died The king and the people were sore aggrieued at the death of Oza and the place where he died is called to this day Ozas Striking Dauid fearing least if he should retire the Arke with him into the Citie the like happe should attend him that had befallen Oza who was in that sort done to death for that he had onely thus stretched out his hand he placed it not with him in his owne house within the Citie but commaunded that it should be left in the possession of one called Obed by descent a Leuite and in behauiour a man good and vertuous where it remained for three months space during which time his house was blessed with al worldly goods and goodnes The king being ascertained what aduantages had befallen Obed who of a poore and needie man was sodainly become verie rich so that all men had their eies fixed on him they that heard speake of his house enuied him he assured himselfe that no inconuenient would befall him for which cause he retired the Arke into his own house which was caried by the Priests and seuen quires of singing men disposed by the king went before the same The king himselfe likewise touched and plaied vpon the Harpe so that Michol Dauids wife and Sauls daughter seeing him entertaining himselfe after that manner mocked at him The Arke then being thus caried was placed in a Tabernacle orected and dressed by Dauid who offered most magnificent sacrifices of all sorts and forgot not the sacrifices for prosperities he feasted all the people likewise both men women and children distributing vnto euery one a cake a morsell of rosted meat a cake fried in the pan and a portion of the sacrifice and after he had thus feasted the people he dismissed them and retreated himselfe into his owne house But Michol his wife and daughter to king Saul drawing neere vnto him vpon his returne besought God for him that it might please him in all other things she might expresse vnto her husband all that which became her intire and vnequald loue towards him but in this she blamed him because that being so great and mightie a king as he was he had dishonoured himselfe in dauncing despoiling himselfe and discouering partly that which became him not doing all this in companie of his seruants and handmaids To whom Dauid answered that he was not ashamed in performing a thing so acceptable vnto God as that was who had honoured him more then her father placed him aboue all others assuring her that he would play dance oftentimes after that sort without care whether his demeanor pleased either her or her chambermaids This Michol of whom we intreat had no children by Dauid but being maried againe to another to whom her father had
sound of instruments wherein they who converse in Kings Courtes doe most vsually take such delight To this Dauid replied since said hee thou doest so instantly request me to giue thee leaue to depart from me I dismisse thee but leaue thou thy sonne Achimaas with me who shall be master of my many fauours Hereupon Berzillai left his sonne with him and taking leaue of the king with praier that God would grant him the fulnes of all his desires he returned to his owne house But Dauid went vnto Galgal hauing alreadie the halfe part of the people with him and the whole tribe of Iuda Thither resorted then vnto him the chiefe gouernours of that countrey attended by a great multitude of people complaining vpon the tribe of Iuda for that vnwitting to the rest they had resorted to him when as by a mutual consent they should all of them haue met him together But the Princes of the tribe of Iuda requested them in no sort to misconstrue their preuention of them For that by reason of alliance they had done this office whereby being tied vnto him they were bound with more feruent studie to doe him seruice for neither in respect of that diligence of theirs receiued they any rewards whereby they that came after should thinke themselues preiudizde in profit This answere of theirs the Princes of the tribes tooke not in good part but thus they spake vnto their brethren We wonder said they that you onely challenge the king to be your kinsman as if he were not to be accounted an allie vnto vs all whom God hath equally placed to be gouernour ouer vs all whenas therefore the whole people consisteth of eleuen parts you onely are but one besides we are your elders so that you haue not delt vprightly in that you haue secretly and couertly sought out the King Whilest the gouernors in this sort debated the matter with them a certaine wicked and seditious person called Siba the sonne of Bochri of the tribe of Beniamin standing vp in the midst of the people began to crie out with a loud voyce and to exclaime after this manner We haue no part with Dauid nor inheritance with the sonne of Iesse This said he sounded a trumpet and proclaimed warre against the king so that all men followed him and forsooke Dauid Onely the tribe of Iuda remained with him and established him in the royall throne in Ierusalem where remouing his concubines which his son Absalon had knowen out of his pallace he neuer after that time had any company with them After this he declared Amasa generall of the armie and placed him in the same degree which Ioab had neere vnto the person of the King commanding him that he should assemble the greatest forces that he might out of the tribe of Iuda that within three daies he should return vnto him to the end that hauing deliuered him both the armie the place of generall he might send him to make warre vpon the son of Bochri After that Amasa was departed and employed his time in gathering vp his army the king seeing that he failed to returne vpon the third day told Ioab that it was not good to permit Siba to gather a greater head by delay thereby breede vs more trouble and molestation then Absalon had done For which cause said he stay thou not but take vnto thee those forces which thou hast in a readines and my sixe hundreth men with thy brother Abisai and pursue thou the enemie and in what place soeuer thou meetest him by all meanes indeuour thy selfe to giue him the battell Hast thee therefore and ouertake him for feare least he seaze some of our strongest Cities and thereby procure vs much trauell and labour Ioab with all expedition obeyed his commaundement and tooke with him the aforesaid sixe hundreth with his brother Abisai and commaunded all the forces that were in Ierusalem to follow after him and in this array issued he after Siba Now when he came vnto Gabaon a burrow some fortie furlongs distant from Ierusalem Amasa came met with him brought with him great forces Ioab hauing his sword girt by his side and his curets on his backe whilest Amasa came onward to salute him subtilly and of set purpose let his sword slip out of his sheath and taking it vp from the ground with one hand he drew neere vnto Amasa vnder pretence to kisse him on the chin and sodainly thrust the sword that was in his other hand into his belly and slew him Which action of his was both hainous and detestable proceeding from a iealousie he had conceiued against a good young man his cousen who had in no sort offended him and onely by reason of the estate of generall which the king had giuen him and because Dauid had equalled him in honour with him for which very cause before that he had slaine Abner Notwithstanding this act of his seemed in some sort pardonable by reason of the pretext which he pretended of the wrong done vnto his brother Azael yet was not this a sufficient colour to excuse the murther of Amasa When this was done he pursued Siba and left a certaine man to wait vpon the bodie of Amasa who had commaundement giuen him to proclaime with a loud voice thorow the whole armie that he was iustly and deseruedly slaine commaunding those that bare any fauour to the kings title to follow their generall Ioab and his brother Abisai Now whilest his body lay thus in the way al the multitude as it is vsual in such like accidēts flocked round about it he that had the charge of the bodie took it vp bare it into a certain place farre out of the way couered it with a garment which done all the people followed Ioab Now whilest he pursued Siba thorow all the region of the Israelites a certaine man told him that he had retired himself into a certaine strong citie called Abelmacha where he no sooner arriued but that he begirt the Citie and entrenched it round about commanding his souldiers to vndermine and ouerthrow the walles for he was sore displeased because they had shut the gates against him But a certaine honest and prudent woman seeing her countrey in extreme perill ascended the walles and called Ioab and his souldiers to a parlee who comming forth to conferre with him she spake after this manner God saith she ordained kings and generals of armies to the end they might destroy the enemies of the Hebrewes and plant amongst them an vniuersall and perpetuall peace but you inforce your selues to destroy one of the mother Cities of Israell that hath in no sort offended you Ioab praied God to be fauourable vnto them and said that for his owne part it was not his meaning that any one of the Citie should die neither his pretence to race and deface so famous a Citie his intent was only that if Siba the sonne of Bochri
said Dauid he annointed him and told him in his eare how God had chosen him to be king and exhorted him to studie iustice and to be obedient to that which should be commaunded him assuring him by that meanes that his kingdome should be of long continuance his family and stocke should be famous and renowmed that he should ouercome the Philistines and conquer those nations against whom he should fight obtaine glorious renowne in his life time and leaue the same to his successors as an inheritance Samuel hauing made this exhortation departed from him and the spirit of God abandoned Saul and entred into Dauid so as he began to prophecie by meanes of a diuine spirit whereiwth he was seased whereas on the other side Saul was tormented with straunge passions of the euill spirit whereby he fell into straunge suffocations and straunglings so as his Phisitions could not inuent any remedie for him but gaue counsell that search should be made if a man might be found that were expert and cunning in singing playing on the harpe to the end that when the euil spirit should assault trouble him he might stand at his head and both with voice and instrument sing sacred hymnes before him And when as the king had giuen present and speedie command that such a one should be sought after one of those that were assistant tolde him that he had seene in Bethleem a sonne of Iesses a young man of excellent feature and besides his other good parts and bringing vp verie cunning both in song and playing on the harpe and besides that addrest enough and toward in feates of armes He therefore sent messengers to Iesse to commaund him to withdraw Dauid from the folds and to send him vnto him because that hauing heard report of his beautie and valour he was desirous to see him This commaund of his did Iesse obey and sent his sonne with presents vnto Saul the king who greatly reioyced vpon his arriuall and made him his pentioner and honoured him diuers waies For he was refreshed by him and was his onely phisition against the vexation of euill spirits at such time as they seased and possessed him for by reciting and singing Psalmes vpon his Harpe he restored the king to his right mind he therefore requested Iesse that he would suffer him to liue with him and attend vpon him because he was so much delighted with his presence whereunto he condescended permitting him to dwell with the king CHAP. X. A second expedition of the Palestines against the Hebrewes NOt long time after this the Philistines assembled themselues and gathered together great companies of men of warre with whom they assailed the Israelites and subdued all that which is betweene Sucoth and Azeca where they incamped Saul on the other side led forth his army against them and encamping himselfe vpon a certaine mountaine he constrained the Philistines to dislodge from their first campe and entrench themselues vpon an other mountaine right ouer against that where he pitched his tents The campes being thus separated the one from the other there was a valley that extended it selfe betweene both the armies Into this there descended a certaine man called Goliah a Gittite of huge stature being foure cubits and a span length in height hauing his limmes couered with huge and mightie armour for his curets which he bare on his backe waighed fiue thousand sicles his helmet and pouldrons were of brasse made fit to couer his massie mēbers his speare which he bare in his hand was no light lance but he bare it on his shoulder the head therof waighed 600. sicles and after him there followed diuers men bearing armes Now when he came betwixt both the armies he stood vp cried with a loud voice addressing his speach to Saul and the Hebrewes in these termes Hebrewes what need you to hazard the doubtfull fortune of warre single me out an aduersary and let vs determine by our two hazards on whose side the victorie and conquest shal fall so that whosoeuers soldiour shall be ouer come let his partie be adiudged subiect to their sides who haue the victorie for it were better that some one among you then the whole armie should be brought in hazard When he had spoken thus he returned backe to his owne camp The next day he came forth againe and vsed the same words and thus for fortie daies space ceased he not to defie the Hebrewes in such like words and vnder the same conditions so that both Saul and all his army were displeased and kept themselues alwaies readie and arraunged in battell although the fight was begunne on neither side During the time that Saul addressed himselfe to this expedition he sent Dauid backe againe to Iesse his father contenting himselfe with his other three brothers who at that time serued vnder his royall standard whereas he intended his intermitted care of keeping his flocks But whilst the warre was rather protracted then performed whether his father had sent him to carie victuals to his brothers and to know how their affaires went in the armie and whilest that Dauid deuized with his brothers as touching those things which his father had committed to his charge he heard the Philistine blaspheming and rayling vpon the Hebrew armie and was therewith so greatly moued that turning himselfe vnto his brothers he told them that he was readie and addrest to fight hand to hand against that enemie But Eliab the elder brother reproued him for so speaking telling him that he was more hardie then became his age and that he knew not what concerned those matters willing him to returne vnto his father and intend his flocks Dauid for the reuerence he bare vnto his brother departed from thence and meeting with certaine soldiers said vnto them that he had a wil to encounter that proud challenger which they presently signified vnto Saul who incontinently sent to seeke him out Now when he came before his presence he asked him what he intended to doe O king said he let not thy courage be abated nor thy feare ouermaster thee For I am he that will abate the pride of this enemie and encounter and enter combate with him and how great and high soeuer he be how clate and fierce soeuer he shew himselfe I will subdue him and turne his terrour to derision and so much the more shall thy glorie and the honour of thy army be enhanced by how much so great and expert a man at armes shall be subdued by a young man and an vnexperienced souldier Saul amased at his hardines and great courage yet notwithstanding suspecting him by reason of his yeares told him that he was too feeble to encounter a man so expert in feats of armes whereunto Dauid made this answere That which I promise you my soueraigne is vnder the assurance which I haue in God which heretofore I haue proued and the succours which at other
Courtiers to sound and seeke out Dauids resolution and how he was affectioned towardes marriage who began to deuize with him telling him that the king bare him a most intire fauour and that the people admired him and how they would procure him the mariage of the kings daughter Whereunto Dauid replied Thinke you it to be a small matter to be son in law vnto the king for my selfe I esteeme otherwise considering in especial mine own base condition who haue neither reputation nor any honorable qualitie When Sauls seruants had related vnto him what answere Dauid had made them Tell him said he that I neither want goods nor presents for that were to expose my daughter to sale and not to match her with a husband I seeke for a sonne in law that hath valour and that is adorned with all vertue such as is manifest and apparant in thee and my desire is that for the dower of my daughter thou giue me neither gold nor siluer nor any other valuable wealth out of thy fathers house but the punishment of the Philistines and six hundreth of their heads which shall be the most desired and accepted dower thou canst present me with My daughter also requesteth aboue all the dowers that may accrew vnto her by order of law to be married to such a man that is so enobled and famous by the ouerthrow of his enemies When these words were reported vnto Dauid he was verie ioyfull thinking that Saul spake sincerely of this affinitie and without delay or taking counsaile or deliberation whether the thing were easie or impossible for him to execute hee incontinently departed with his company to go and finde out the enemy and execute the condition vnder which the marriage was promised him For it was God that made all things easie and possible to Dauid for after he had slaine diuers of them and cut off six hundreth of their heads he returned and presented them to the king and in consideration thereof required the performance of his marriage CHAP. XII Saul admiring Dauids fortitude giueth him his daughter to wife BVt Saul that could not flie from his promise for feare least it should be a great dishonour for him to be found a lier or to haue promised Dauid his daughter vnder colour either to murther him or to draw him to the execution of things that were impossible deliuered his daughter Michol vnto him But his intention was not to continue long in that mind For perceiuing that Dauid was gracious in Gods sight and in good reputation amongst the people he was affraid of him and being vnable to conceale his feare he had conceiued to be depriued of two things of such consequence as were his kingdome and life he resolued to kill Dauid giuing commission to his sonne Ionathan and diuers other of his seruants to execute the same But Ionathan amased to see this change in his father in steed of the singular good liking he had of Dauid in times past sought to hurt Dauid not in any slight sort but by indangering his life and on the other side being singularly affected towards him and respecting of his vertue he communicated the secret and deliberation of his father with him counselling him to haue care of himselfe and to flie vpon the next morrow and that in the meane time he would go and salute his father and as soone as the occasion presented it selfe hee would speake and conferre with him to know the cause of his conceiued displeasure against him to the intent he might pacifie the same supposing it to bee a matter vnreasonable that he should be depriued of life to whom the people were so much indebted and who in particular was his esteemed and vowed friend yea in respect of his former merits although he were found guiltie of many hainous offences yet ought he to obtaine a deserued pardon I will tell thee afterward said he what my fathers resolution is Dauid gaue credit to his holesome counsaile and retired himselfe from the presence of the king CHAP. XIII How the King practised to murther Dauid THe next day after Ionathan came vnto Saul and finding him merrie and well disposed he began to speake vnto him to this effect as concerning Dauid In what fault O Father either great or small haue you found Dauid guiltie that you haue ordained commanded him to be done to death who is such a man as for the conseruation of your own person hath been very profitable and besides that hath preiudiced the estate of the Philistines and inhaunced the honour of the people of the Hebrewes and hath deliuered them from that disgrace and mockerie wherewith they haue been curbed for the space of fortie yeares so that he onely hath dared and opposed himselfe against the proud defies of the enemy and since that time hath brought so many of the Philistines heads as was commanded him in recompence whereof he hath had my sister to wife so that his death should be a great displeasure vnto vs not onely by reason of the vertue wherwith he is endowed but also thorow occasion of his alliance with vs in bloud and consanguinitie For by his death your daughter shall partake part of the iniurie by reason that she shall suffer the incommoditie of widowhood before she hath tasted the fruites and commodities of marriage Way these things and pacifie your displeasure and do no wrong vnto such a man who first of all hath beene the author of your so good and great fortunes as is the conseruation of your person at such time as you were possessed and tormented with euil spirits and hath brought to passe that your furies are alayed and secondly hath reuenged you of your enemies For it is a thing vnworthy either your maiestie or the name of a man to forget good deserts With these words was Saul pacified so that he swore vnto his sonne that he would not iniure Dauid for his iust perswasions and arguments were more stronger then the choler and feare of the king Ionathan sent to seeke out Dauid and told him these good and happy tidings from his father and brought him vnto him where he liued and remained in sort as he did before time CHAP. XIIII How hardly Dauid escaped the ambushes that were often layd for him by the king yet hauing him twice at aduantage and in his power would not murther him ABout the same time whilest the Philistines led forth their army anew against the Hebrewes Saul sent out Dauid against them accompanied with his forces who encountring them slew a great number of them returned vnto the king with a great victorie But Saul entertained him not both as he deserued and the happy exploit atchieued by him did merit but despited and enuied his good actions honorable deserts as if Dauids happy successe had bin Sauls disaduantage and preiudice But at such time as the euill spirit returned anew and both seased and vexed him he lodged
affectionate friend for such as enterprise any wicked action do often and subtilly dissemble and make shew of honestie to the end to expell out of the innocents mind all iealousie or euill suspition where singling him from his other company and making a shew to informe him of certaine secrets and hauing drawne him into a by-way besides the wall accompanied only with his brother Abisai he drew his rapier and thrust it into his short ribbes Of which wound Abner died surprised by the treason of Ioab who pretended and coloured that act of his with the reuenge and death of his brother Azael whom Abner had slaine vpon the chase in the first warre at Hebron but in truth it was but the suspition of his greatnesse and honour fearing least he should be depriued and Abner inseated by obtaining the next degree of honour vnto Dauid Hereby may a man conceiue how many and how mightie things men attempt and hazard for their auarice and ambition sake and to the end they may not be inferiour vnto any others in those matters For when as they desire to attaine riches and honours they atchieue it by ten thousand mischiefes and at such time as they feare to be dispossest they striue to continue their estates by meanes more pernicious because they thinke it to be the lesse sinne and that the calamitie is lesse actiue rather not to haue obtained to any greatnesse and power then after the possession thereof to fall into disgrace Thence it commeth that all of them intend and practise many hazards and difficult encountries thorow the feare they haue to lose their degree But it sufficeth to haue briefly touched this point Dauid hauing notice of the murther of Abner conceiued a great griefe in his heart and called all his assistants to witnesse lifting vp his hands vnto God and protesting that he was no partaker of the murther and that Abner had beene slaine without his commandement or will He likewise vttered most grieuous curses against the murtherer his house and accomplices by which he wished them to be subiect to the fatal penalty of murther for he greatly suspected least he should be held in suspition to be a party in that which had hapned vnto Abner contrarie to his faith oth and promise which he had past vnto him Moreouer he commanded that all the people should weep and lament for him and that the funerals of his bodie should be honored according to the accustomed fashion in renting of garments and putting on sackcloth and that the same should be done the coffin being carried before which both he and the chiefest gouernours of the Israelites followed beating on their breasts and shedding teares and testifying the loue which they bare vnto him during his life and their displeasure to see him dead who had bin murthered contrary to their wil and intention He was entombed in Hebron with great magnificence and Epitaphs composed in his praise by Dauid himselfe who setting himselfe on the tombe first of all lamented and gaue others cause of lamentation And so much was hee confused at the death of this Abner that he swore to forbeare all kind of meat vntill the sunne-set notwithstanding all the instances of his friends who vrged him to take refection which act of his purchased him much good will and loue amongst the people For they that loued Abner were verie glad to be witnesses of that honour which he did him in his death and that faith which he maintained in honouring him euerie way according to the custome as if he had been his kinsman or friend and not embasing him with a vilde and contemptible tombe as if he had beene his enemie And in generall all of them were so glad of the curtesie sweetnesse and royall nature of king Dauid that they esteemed in the like case that he would haue the like estimate of them as they saw him haue of deceased Abner And by this means Dauid happely maintained his credit and increased the peoples good opinion of him escaping thereby the suspition and conceit that he might in some sort haue bin accessarie to his death He protested also vnto the people that he conceiued no small griefe at the losse of so good a man declaring thereby that it was no small staine vnto the state of the Hebrewes to be depriued of him who had the meanes to maintaine their peace by his good aduise and to ratifie the same by his executions and warlike valour But God said he who hath care of all things shall not suffer him to die vnreuenged And he it is that shall beare me witnesse that it lieth not in my power to punish Ioab and Abisai who haue greater credit in the armie then my selfe yet shall they not escape Gods iustice for this fault Thus ended the life of Abner CHAP. II. Isboseth is slaine thorow the treason of his friends and followers the whole kingdome descendeth to Dauid WHen Isboseth Sauls sonne had notice of Abners death he was sore displeased not onely for that he perceiuing himselfe to be depriued of his neere kinsman but also of so great a personage as had setled the crowne on his head Neither did he himselfe long time remaine aliue after him but by the sonnes of Ieremon Banaoth and Thannus he was traiterously done to death These two being Beniamites and of the chiefest nobilitie amongst them made their reckoning that they would make away Isboseth and thereby obtaine great recompence at Dauids hands supposing that such an act of theirs would get them the chiefest place and dignitie in the army or some other credit For which cause finding Isboseth alone in his house about mid-day laide on his bed and asleepe and vnassisted by any of his guard and perciuing likewise that the porter was fast who thorow his trauaile and other businesse by reason of the extreme heate was laid downe to rest they entred into his lodging whereas Isboseth was a sleepe and slew him and hauing cut off his head they trauelled all the night and day long as if they fled from those whom they had offended and sought their rescues from them who would succour and assure them from perill and when they came to Hebron they presented Dauid with Isboseths head offering themselues as his most dutifull liegemen to doe him seruice who had deliuered him of an enemy and made away an aduersarie against his royaltie But Dauid allowed not their act in such sort as they hoped but spake thus vnto them O cursed men said he on whom I intend presently to execute iustice haue you not heard how I punished him that murthered Saul and brought his royall crowne vnto me Yea although he slew him vpon his owne instant request and to the intent the enemy should not surprise him aliue Were you of that opinion that I was changed and that I am not the same that I was but that I take delight to be partakers with you in your mischiefes
and the kings aduersarie were deliuered into his hands to doe iustice on him to leuy the siege and to cause his army to retire from thence When the woman had heard what Ioab had said she praied him to stay a little while promising him incontinently to cast his head ouer vnto him Wherupon she came downe amongst the assembly of the Citizens to whom she spake after this manner Wretched men that you are will you miserably suffer your wiues and children to be slaine for a wicked mans cause and a stranger whom ye know not will you admit him in place of Dauid your king from whose hands you haue receiued so many benefits thinke you that one only Citie can resist so huge an army After this manner perswaded she them to cut off Sibas head and to cast it into Ioabs campe which done Ioab commanded the retreat to be sounded and leuied the siege and returning backe into Ierusalem was once more declared generall of all the people The king also appointed Banaia captaine of his guards and of six hundreth souldiers Adoram was made treasurer to gather in the tributes Sabath and Achilaus had the charge of remembrancers Susa was made secretarie Sadoc and Abiathar were made the high priests After this it hapned that the conntrey was afflicted with a famine For which cause Dauid besought God that he would haue compassion on his people and that it might please him to manifest not onely the cause but also the remedie of that maladie The Prophets answered him that God would be reuenged of the wrong done vnto the Gabeonites whom king Saul had deceiued and traiterously slaine without respect of the oath which the gouernor Iosuah and the elders made vnto them If therefore he would suffer the Gabeonites to reuenge the death of their slaughtered friends according to their desire God had promised to be appeased and to deliuer the people from their imminent presenteuils As soone as he vnderstood by the prophets what God required he sent for the Gabeonites and asked them what it was which they required who wished him to deliuer into their hands seuen of Sauls sonnes to take their reuenge on them whereupon the king made search after them onely sparing and protecting Mephiboseth the sonne of Ionathan When the Gabeonites had laid hold on these seuen they executed them according to their pleasures and thereupon God incontinently sent downe raine and disposed the earth to beare fruit moistning and alaying the drouth forepassed so that the land of the Hebrewes recouered againe his pristine fruitfulnesse Not long after the king made warre vpon the Philistines and at such time as the battell was striken and the enemies turned their backes it chanced that the king hotly pursuing the chase was left alone and discouered in his wearinesse by one of the enemies called Acmon the sonne of Araph of the race of the Giants who beside his sword had a iauelin the point whereof waied three hundreth sicles and a corselet tissued with chaines who returning backe charged Dauid very violently with an intent to kill the king of his enemies by reason that he saw him spent with trauell But about the same instant Abisai Ioabs brother arriued in the place who stept betweene them and rescued the king and slew his enemy The whole army for a little space were grieuously discomforted in regard of the danger wherein the king had been and the gouernors swore that he should neuer afterwards enter into battel with them for feare least he might fall into some distaster by reason of his readinesse and valour and by that meanes should depriue the people of those gifts which were in him which he had already made them feele and whereof hereafter they should be made partakers if God should vouchsafe him a long and blessed life The king hauing intelligence that the Philistines were assembled in the citie of Gazara sent out an army against them in which Sabach the Hittite one of Dauids redoubted and picked souldiers behaued himselfe very valiantly and gate great reputation for he slew diuers of them that vaunted themselues to be of the race of the Giants and that were verie proud and puffed vp with presumption of their valour and was chiefe authour of that victorie which the Hebrewes had After this last receiued losse the Philistines once more hazarded their fortunes in warre against whō when Dauid had sent out an army Nephanus his kinsman shewed himself very valiant For fighting hand to hand against him that was accounted the most valiant champion amongst all the Philistines he slew him and put the rest to flight of whom verie many died in that battell also In processe of time they reincamped neere vnto a Citie not farre from the frontiers of the countrey of the Hebrewes In which army of theirs there was a man six cubits hie who had on either foote and either hand a finger more then the accustomed bequest of nature affoorded him Against him Ionathan the son of Sama one of those that were sent by Dauid in this army fought hand to hand slew him so that approuing himselfe to be the meanes of that victorie he bare away the honor of the battell and praise of his valour for this Philistine boasted likewise that he was descended from the race of the Giants After this battell they warred no more on the Israelites Hereupon Dauid deliuered from war and danger and euer after enioying a perfect peace composed Odes and hymnes in praise of God in diuers kindes of verse for some are of three other some are of fiue measures He made instruments also and taught the Leuites to praise God vpon them on the Saboth daies and other feasts The forme of these instruments was after this manner The Cinnare is composed of ten strings and is plaid vpon with a bow The Nable containeth twelue sounds or cords and is striken with the fingers The Cimbals were large and great and made of brasse of which it sufficeth in this sort to make some mention least the nature of those instruments should wholy be vnknowne Now all those that were about the king were valiant men but amongst all the rest there were eight most notable and heroick men The noble actions of fiue of which I will declare because they might suffice to exemplifie the vertues that were in the other that remained for they were capable to gouerne a countrey and to conquer diuers nations The first of them was Issemus the sonne of Achemaeus who hauing verie oftentimes thrust himselfe into the midst of his disordered enemies neuer gaue ouer fighting till he had slain nine hundreth of them After him was Eleazar the sonne of Dodeias who had accompanied the king in Sarphat He in a certaine battell wherein thorow the huge multitude of the enemies the Israelites were affrighted and put to flight onely kept his place and affronted the enemy and
king of the Amalechites is slaine by Samuels commaund 1. Reg. 16. God sendeth Samuel to Bethleem to annoint Dauid king The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. God respecteth not the beauties of the bodie but the perfections of the mind Iesses sonnes being goodly in personage were not to be perferred to the souerainty Samuel annointeth Dauid king Gods spirit forsaking Saul descendeth on Dauid who beginneth to prophecie Saul maketh Dauid one of his pentioner or guard The yeare of the world 2883. before Christes Natiuity 1081. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. 1. Reg. 17. Another expedition of the Palestines against the Hebrewes Goliah a man of prodigious statute amongst the Palestines Goliah challeÌ„geth a single combate at the Hebrewes hands Saul sendeth Dauid backe againe to his father Dauid desireth to fight with Goliah Dauid redeemed a lambe from the lawes of a lion and slew him Dauid killed a beare The yeare of the world 1883. before Christs birth 1081. Dauid laying aside those armes wherewith he was furnished to fight with Goliah marcheth forward with his sling against the enemie Dauid drawing neere his enemie is contemned Dauids talke with Goliah before the combate Dauids victory against Goliah The I alestines fly and are discomfited Thirtie thousand of the Palestines slaine 1. Reg. 18. Saul priuily hateth Dauid Saul from one of his chiefe nobles maketh Dauid a tribune to the end that being often drawen out by the enemie he might be slain The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. Sauls daughter in loue with Dauid Saul subtilly obiecteth Dauid to slaughter vnder a colourable coÌ„ditioÌ„ of slaughtering the Palestines Saul vnder couenant of 600. Philistines heads promiseth Dauid his daughter 1. Reg. 19. Saul marieth Michol to Dauid Hedio Ruffinus chap. 〈◊〉 Saul resolueth to kill Dauid IonathaÌ„ loueth Dauid and sheweth him his fathers determination and counselleth him to haue care of his safety and stand on his guard The yeare of the world 2883. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1081. Ionathan reckoneth vp vnto his father the good deserts of Dauid praying him to pacific his displeasure conceiued against him Ionathan certifieth Dauid how he hath pacified his father Dauid hath a great victorie against the Palestines Saul darteth his Iauclin at Dauid The yeare of the world 2883 before Christs birth 1081. Michol perswadeth the kings seruants that Dauid is sicke Michol excufeth her selfe for deliuering Dauid Dauid expresseth to Samuel how the â—…ing was affected towards him Saul sent armed soldiers to apprehend Dauid who began to prophecie and he himselfe likewise comming thither prophecieth 〈◊〉 Reg. 20. Dauid complaineth vnto Ionathan of his fathers iniuries IonathaÌ„ exculeth his father Dauid desired Ionathan to sound his father how he was affected towards him The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. Ionathan confirmeth his friendship towards Dauid with an oth IonathaÌ„ giueth Dauid certaine signes whereby he should know whether his father were displeased with him Saul questioneth about Dauids absence Ionathan by his answer asâ—…eth to know his fathers mind Saul discouereth his 〈◊〉 hate against Dauid Ionathan â—…cusing Dauid to his father is almost slaine with a Iauelin by him Ionathan flieth from the banquet Ionathan and Dauid meete in the field He dio Ruffinus chap. 13. 1. Reg 21. The yeare of the world 1883 before Christes Natiuity 108â—… Dauid coÌ„meth to Naban or Nob to Achimelech the high Priest Dauid receiuing Goliahs sword flieth to Geth to Achis king of the Palestines Dauid couÌ„terseits madnes to escape the furie of Achis 1. Reg. 22. Dauid repairing to the king of the Moabits committeth his father and mother to his protection Dauid commeth to SaroÌ„ Saul feareth Dauid Sauls oration to his captains friends and estates against Dauid The yeare of the world 2883. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1081. Doeg telleth Saul how he saw Dauid in Noba with Achimelech Saul reproueth Achimelech for furnishing Dauid with victuals and armes Achimelechâ—… Apologie to Sauls accusation of treason The vniust slaughter of Achimelech with his whole family Noba the citie of the priests it burnt and all the inhabitaÌ„ts slaine Sup li. 5. ca. 11. 1. Reg. 2. 3. A manifest exemplification of that proueth Honours chaungeth maners Note diâ—…gerly The yeare of the world 2883 before Christs birth 1081. Abiathar escaping from Sauls hands telleth Dauid of the slaughter of Achimelech his father and of the priests Dauid defendeth Cilla against the incursions of the Palestines 1. Reg 23. Saul seeketh to besiege Dauid in Cilla Dauid admonished by God flieth from his daunger Dauid came with his army to Caena or Ziphia where Ionathan commeth vnto him coÌ„forteth him and renueth his couenant The Ziphians certifie Saul of Dauids abode in their countrey Dauid hearing of the kings comming flieth to saue himselfe The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs birth 1081. Saul pursueth Dauid and hauing circumueÌ„ted him had taken him had not he receiued newes that renoked him Dauid cut off the lap of Sauls garmeÌ„t Dauid vpbraideth Saul for his subtilties to seeke his death who was innocent Saul acknowledgeth his malice Dauids innocency and requesteth him that when he hath obtained the kingdom he would be fauourable to his family Samuels death and buriall 1. Reg. 25. The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. Nabals flocks spared by Dauid Dauids embassage to Nabal to require reliefe and his currish answer Dauid sallieth out against Nabal with 400. armed men Abigal Nabals wife appeaseth Dauid with presents Nabla signifieth a â—…oole Dauids prophecy of Nabal The yeare of the world 2889. before Christs Natiuitie 1075. Nabal conceiueth so much sorrow and feaâ—…e for his immodesty against Dauid that he dieth Apoplecâ—…ique An example of Gods prouidence that no sin can escape vnpunished Dauid marieth Abigal Nabals wife Saul marieth his daughter Michol to an other husband 1. Râ—… 26. The Ziphians once more labour to betray Dauid in their countrey Dauid once more attended by two entring into Sauls campe stole away his dart his pitcher of water Dauid vpâ—…deth â—…ner 〈◊〉 Sauâ—… general for suffering his kings Iauelin and pitcher of water to be taken from him Saul praiseth Dauid and willeth him to be of good courage and exhorteth him to returne to his own house The yeare of the world 2889. before Christes Natiuity 1075. Dauid declareth his innocencie to Saul 1. Reg. 27. Saul desisteth to persecute Dauid Dauid with six hundreth men and his two wines went into Palestine to Achis king of Gitta Dauid requireth a certaine place at the kings hands to make his habitation in The king giueth him Siceleg Dauid spoyled the Sarrâ—…es Amalechites and giueth part of the pray to the king perswading him that he tooke it froÌ„ the Iewes that inhabited the South plaine The yeare of the world 2890. before Christs birth 1074. Saul banisheth all diuiners enchanters out of his kingdome Saul hearing the Philistines made head against him
asked counsel of God The yeare of the world 2890. before Christs birth 1074. Saul repaireth to Endor to aske counsaile of a 〈◊〉 Saul commandeth the witch to raise Samuels ghost Saul complaineth him of his miseries to Samuel and asketh his aduise Samuels ghost certifieth Saul of the euent of his battell against the Philistines Saul through sodain sorrow sel in a swoun The enchantres intreateth him to refresh himselfe and take some refection An example of courtesie and liberalitie in the enchantresse The yeare of the world 2890. before Christs Natiuitie 1074. Iosephus praiseth Saul for a worthy and valiant king in that foreknowing his daunger and death he exposed himselfe to assuredperil 1. Reg. 29. Achis leadeth out Dauid with him against the Hebrewes and is reproued by the chiâ—…taines of the Palestines for so doing Achis dismisseth Dauid The yeare of the world 2890. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1074. The Amalechites in Dauids absence spoile and burne Siceleg and cary away the pray Dauid taketh counsell of God whether he will assist him to recouer his wiues and goods out of the hands of the Amalechites Dauid guided by an Egyptian slaue ouertaketh the Amalechites Dauid assaileth the Amalechites and maketh a great slaughter of them and recouereth the whole pray Dauid compâ—…mitteth the debate betwixt those that pursued the chace and those that keptt he baggage touching the pillage 1. Reg. 31. Saul and his sons seeing their army ouercome by the Philistines are desperately dismaid and slaine The yeare of the world 2890. before Christes Natiuity 1074. Saul striueth to kil himselfe and being vnable vseth the assistance of a young Amalechite The Hebrewes that inhabit the valley beyond Iordan leauing their townes fly to defenced cities The Palestines hung vp the bodies of Saul and his sons The Citizens of Iabes rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons and both bury and lament them The yeare of the world 2891. before Christs birth 1073. 2. Reg. 1. An Amalechite certifieth Dauid of Sauls death and in testimony thereof presenteth his bracelets and crowne Dauid lamenteth Saul and Ionathans death Dauid commandeth the Amalechite to be slaine that killed Saul The yeare of the world 2891 before Christs birth 1073. Dauid by Gods commaundement commeth and dwelleth at Hebron and is declared king of the tribe of Iuda Dauid praiseth the Iabesines for burying Saul and his sonnes Abner the son of Neâ—… crowneth Isboseth Sauls sonne Abner leadeth out his army against the tribe of Iuda Ioab with all Dauids army issueth out to meet him Twelue soldiers fight and kill one another and Abners side are ouerthrowne Azael Ioabs brother pursueth Abner Abner in his flight killeth Azael Ioab Abisai pursued Abner till sunne set Ioab sounding a retreat restraineth his soldiers How many on each side died in the battell 2 Reg 3. The beginning of ciuill warre amongst the Hebrewes The yeare of the world 2891. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1073. Dauid had sixe sonnes borne in Hebron Abner bridled and gouerned the multitude so that along time they were subiect to Isboseth Abner sendeth embassadours to Dauid in Hebron to â—…e a couenant with him Dauid requireth his wife Michol at Abners hands Abner consulteth with the â—…lders and gouerners of the army to reuolt to Dauid The elders captaines perswaded by Abner â—…llow Dauid The Beniamites accord with Abner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Dauid and certifieth him there oâ—… Abner being kindly intertained by Dauid is friendly ly dismissed The yeare of the â—…orld 2899. before Christs Natiuity 1065. Men inclined to ambition and auarice date al things Dauid with the whole people bewaile Abner and honour his funerals Dauid salueth his honour and auoideth the suspition of Abners death The yeare of the world 2899. before Christs Natiuitie 106 5. Hedio Ruffinus â—…hap 〈◊〉 2 Reg 4. Isboseth hand is brought to Dauid Dauids sharpe inuectiue against then urtherers of Isboseth and their punishment 2. Reg. 5. The nobles of the Hebrewes retaire to Dauid to Hebron and declate him king Dauid entertained the nobles kindly The armed soldiers that came to Dauid The yeare of the world 1899. before Christs Natiuitie 1065. Hediâ—… Ruffinus chap. 3. The siege of Ierusalem vndertaken by Dauid Dauid surpriseth the lower towne Dauid gettâ—…th the vâ—…per towne The valour of Dauids soldiers in especiall of Ioab Daâ—…id expelleth the Iebusâ—…tes out of the towne and citie of Ierusalem The league of â—…hip betwâ—…â—…iram Daâ—…id How Ierusalem was called Solyma and what mention Homâ—… made therof The years since Ioâ—…uaâ—…s conquest to this time 515. Oâ—…phon a Iebusite friend to Dauid 2. Reg. 24. Dauids sonnes borne in Ierusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. The yeare of the world 2899. before Christâ—…â—…rth 1065. The Palestines mouing warre against Dauid are partly staine or put to â—…light The Palestines inuaded the Hebrewes with a mightie army gathered out of sundry nations The Palestines flight 2. Reg. 6. Dauids commaund as touching the traÌ„sportation of the Arke Oza stretching out his hand to stay the Arke is sodainly stroken dead Dauid placeth the Arke in Obed. Edomes house who prospereth there through in all felicitie The Arke transported into Dauids house and placed in a tabernacle Dauid is mocked by his wife Michol The â—…re of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beâ—… Chriâ—… bâ—… 10â—…4 2. Reg. 7. Dauid decree eth to build a temâ—…le vnto God God certifieth Dauid by Nathan that Salomon should build the teÌ„ple Dâ—…uid giueth Gâ—…d thanks â—…or the blessings which were promised him by NathaÌ„ Hedio Ruffâ—…us chap. 5. Dauid warreth against the Palestines and â—…keth a great part of the inâ—…eritance from them 2. Reg 8. A greate slaughter of the Moabites Dauid ouercommeth the king of Sophona The yeare of the world 2904. before Christs Natiuitie 1064. Adad king of Damasco and Syria is ouercome by Dauid in battell Nicholaus the historiographer maketh meÌ„tion of king Adads warre with Dauid Of an other king of Syria that spoyled Samaria 3. King 20. Dauid imposeth tribute on the Syrians whom he subdued 2. Reg. 8. Ierusalem spoiled by Syâ—…ac king of Egypt 3. Reg. 14. The pray thaâ—… was made in the warre 2. Reg. 8. The king of the Amatheâ—… requireth a league at Dauids hands Dauid â—…ompelled the Idumeans to pay tribute by the pole The distribution of offices 2. Reg. 9. The yeare of the world 2900. before Christs Natiuitie 1064. Dauid maketh an enquirie if any of Ionathans kinred were left aliue Dauid giueth Mephiboseth his father Ionatâ—…ans house Sauls inheritance Dauid committeds the disposing of Mephiboserhs lands to Siba and commaundeth him to make the returne of his reuenues in Ierusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. 2. Reg. 10. Dauid sendeth embassadors to comfort the sonne of the king of the Ammonites who are basely abused Dauid is sore displeased with the iniury offered to his embassadors intending reuenge The Ammonites hire their confederates and prepare for the warre against Dauid Dauid sendeth out Ioab with the choisest flower
of the Israelites that were numbred Dauid hauing election of three sorts of punishment chose the plague A huge slaughter of those that died of the pastâ—…lence that was iâ—…flicted by God Dauid prayed for the innocent people A commaundement to â—…ld an Altar The yeare of the world 2930. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1034. Oronna the Iebusite supra lib. 7. ch 3 called Orphona Oronna giueth Dauid his floore The summe that was paied for the threshing floore The place of the Altar that was built Gen 22. Supra li. 1. ch 13 Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. The workmen allotted for the building of the Temple 1 Paral. 22. Dauid gathereth great store of iron brasse wood The building of Salomons Temple is commaunded Dauid counâ—…elleth Salomon â—…o honour God The yeare of the world 2930. before Christs Natiuity 1034. The treasure that was gathered towards the building of the Temple The assistants that Salomon had in building the teÌ„ple The commandement as touching the Arke and laying vp al other sacred vtensils within the Temple Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. Dauid groweth old and numbe Abisace warmeth him 3. Reg. 1. Adonias affecteth the kingdome The yeare of the world 2931. before Christ birth 1033. Bethsabe by NathaÌ„s perswa sion certifieth Daiud of Adonias vsurpatioÌ„ The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs Natiuitie 1033. The kingdome is confirmed to Salomon by an oth Salomon is annointed king and placed in his fathers throne Adonias for feare of the kings displeasure flieth from his banquet and taketh hold of the hornes of the Altar Dauid numbreth the Leuites and distribuith their offices 1. Paral 13. The diuision of the Priests into 24. kinreds 2. Paral. 24. The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs Natiuitie 1033. He deuided the Leuites into 24. parts Moses posteritie appointed to keepe the diuine treasure 1 Paral. 26. The army deuided into 12 parts 1. Paral. 27. Dauid assembling the gouernors of the tribes commendeth his son Salomon to theÌ„ 1. Paral. 28. Dauid giueth his sonne the modle of the Temple The princes of the people gaue a huge summe of gold siluer brasse precious stones towards the building of the Temple The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs birth 1033. 1 Par. 29. The â—…fices and â—…stiuall solemâ—…ed vpon Salomons coronation Hedio Ruffinus ch 16. 3. Reg. 2. Dauids last counsaile to Salomon Dauid willeth Salomon to punish Ioab Dauid coÌ„mendeth Berzillai sonnes to Salomon How Simei should be punished The yeares of the age and raigne togither with the vertues of Dauid The yeare of the world 2923 before Christs birth 10â—… The sumptuous sepulchre of Dauid Hircanus taâ—…th a huge summe of money out of Dauids tombe Herode spoyleth Dauids sepulcher The reare of the world 2931. before Christ birth 1033. 3. Reg. 2. Salomon king of Israel after Dauids death The yeare of the world 2931. before Christi Natiuitie 1033. Adonias requireth Abisace to wife Adonias is slaine Abiathar is dispossessed of the priesthood The genealogy of the high Priest Sadoc Ioab is slaine Banaia is substituted in his place The yeare of the world 29â—…1 before Christs Natiuitie 1033. Sadoc obtaineth Abiathars place in the Priesthood Simeies punishment and death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. 3. Reg 3. Salomon marieth the king of Egypts daughter and establisheth the kingdome God appeareth to Salomon by night in a dreame and willeth him to â—…ke that which most of all he desired Salomon requireth wisedome at Gods hands who with it giueth him riches and honours also The yeare of the world 2931. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1033. Two women accuse one an other for â—…chaunge of their children Salomon coÌ„mandeth both the children to be deuided into two parts Salomon by the speech and gesture of the women discouereth the true mother Salomons gouernours and captaines 3. Reg 4. The happy peace of the Israelites in Salomons time Salomons daily expences Salomons chariots and horsemen The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs Natiuity 1033. Salomons prudence and wisedome Salomons methode in coniuration whereby he cast out diuels The author in this place abuseth the giftes of God bestowed on Salomon in extending them to those artes which are sorbidden by the expresse word of God A Iew casteth out diuels Hirams embassadours to Salomon 3. Reg 5. Salomon requireth carpenters and workemen from Hiram Hiram promiseth Salomon wood and in steed thereof requireth corne The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs birth 1033. The truth of Iosephs history The king sendeth Hâ—… great quantity of wheat oyle and wine The order of the carpenters in Libanus The order of the malons and other workmen Hedio Ruffinus ch 9. 3. Reg. 6. When the building of the temple began The depth of the foundatioÌ„s of the temple The height length and breadth of the temple The porch before the teÌ„ple The cels which were builded in the circuit of the temple The beames and wals beautified with gold The yeare of the 〈◊〉 2933 before Christs birth 1031. Winding staires The temple deuided into two parts Two cherubims The pauement gates and all other things in the temple beautified with gold Salomon sendeth to Hiram for Vram a cunning workman 3. Reg. 7. A vessel called the brasen sea Ten brasen bases of the lauer Ten round lauers The yeare of the world 2933. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1031. The vse of the sea and the other ten lauers The Altar and vessels appertaining to the same The Table of sacâ—…ed bread The candlesticke The cuppes and vials The bowles The censors Priestâ—… garmeÌ„â—… Instruments of musicke The inclosure before the temple The Fanâ—… The huge treÌ„ches where in the foundation of the temple was laid filled Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4 3. Reg 8. Salomons temple was consecrated in the moneth of October The Arke is caried into the temple The yeare of the world 2941. before Christs Natiuity 1023. The Priests place the arke of God in the sanctuarie and in it the tables of stone wherin the tenne commaundements were written The candlesticke table and altar of gold The bâ—…asen altar A cloud in the tabeinacle Salomons praier vnto God Godimmeasurable The cause why the temple was builded God is true in his promises Salomons praier wherein he thanketh God for his benefits and beseecheth his future protection The yeare of the world 2941. before Christs Natiuitie 1023. Salomon humbly beleecheth God that he will protect this temple as his own house He prâ—…ieth that â—…angers may be heard aâ—… 〈◊〉 this place A 〈◊〉 from heauen consumeth Salomons sacrifies 3. Reg. 8. Salomon exhorteth the people to praise God and to giue him thanke and to pray vnto him 3. Reg. 8. Salomons sacrifices in the dedication of the Temple The feast of Tabernacles The king dismisseth the people 3. Reg. 9. God appeareth againe to Salomon and promiseth him all blessings if he swarued not from his fathers precepts A grieuous commination against the Israelites if they fall from the way