Leadership Verses

And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out {to battle}, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. {after...: Heb. at the return of the year}

And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and {there were} precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. {to weigh: Heb. the weight of}

These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know {it}.

And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they {be}: but, my lord the king, {are} they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.

And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders {of Israel, who were} clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

And Ornan said unto David, Take {it} to thee, and let my lord the king do {that which is} good in his eyes: lo, I give {thee} the oxen {also} for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.

And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take {that} which {is} thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I {will be} his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.