May you, his people, always be faithful to the LORD our God, obeying all his laws and commands as you do today."

and by the time he was old they had led him into the worship of foreign gods. He was not faithful to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

"Remember, LORD, that I have served you faithfully and loyally and that I have always tried to do what you wanted me to." And he began to cry bitterly.

My conduct will be faultless. When will you come to me? I will live a pure life in my house

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

God's spirit took control of one of them, Amasai, who later became the commander of "The Thirty," and he called out, "David son of Jesse, we are yours! Success to you and those who help you! God is on your side." David welcomed them and made them officers in his army.

"Judah, your brothers will praise you. You hold your enemies by the neck. Your brothers will bow down before you.

Judah will hold the royal scepter, And his descendants will always rule. Nations will bring him tribute And bow in obedience before him.

God was also at work in Judah and united the people in their determination to obey his will by following the commands of the king and his officials.

On the day you fight your enemies, your people will volunteer. Like the dew of early morning your young men will come to you on the sacred hills.

I will give them a new heart and a new mind. I will take away their stubborn heart of stone and will give them an obedient heart.