DAVID'S GRIEF FOR ABSALOM 277 CHAPTER XXV. THE RESTORATION 289 CHAPTER XXVI. DAVID AND BARZILLAI 301 CHAPTER XXVII. THE INSURRECTION OF SHEBA 314 CHAPTER XXVIII. THE FAMINE 326 CHAPTER XXIX. LAST BATTLES AND THE MIGHTY MEN 338 CHAPTER XXX. THE SONG OF THANKSGIVING 350 CHAPTER XXXI. THE LAST WORDS OF DAVID 363 CHAPTER XXXII. THE NUMBERING OF ISRAEL 376 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE TWO BOOKS OF SAMUEL 388 CHAPTER I. _DAVID'S LAMENT FOR SAUL AND JONATHAN._ 2 SAMUEL i. David had returned to Ziklag from the slaughter of the Amalekites only two days before he heard of the death of Saul. He had returned weary enough, we may believe, in body, though refreshed in spirit by the recovery of all that had been taken away, and by the possession of a vast store of booty besides. But in the midst of his success, it was discouraging to see nothing but ruin and confusion where the homes of himself and his people had recently been; and it must have needed no small effort even to plan, and much more to execute, the reconstruction of the city. But besides this, a still heavier feeling must have oppressed him. What had been the issue of that great battle at Mount Gilboa? Which army had conquered? If the Israelites were defeated, what would be the fate of Saul and Jonathan? Would they be prisoners now in the hands of the Philistines? And if so, what would be his duty in regard to them? And what course would it be best for him to take for the welfare of his ruined and distracted country?