19. David noticed his servants whispering, and he knew the boy was dead. “Has my son died?” he asked his servants.“Yes, he has,” they answered.
20. David got up off the floor; he took a bath, combed his hair, and dressed. He went into the Lord's tent and worshipped, then he went back home. David asked for something to eat, and when his servants brought him some food, he ate it.
21. His officials said, “What are you doing? You went without eating and cried for your son while he was alive! But now that he's dead, you're up and eating.”
22. David answered:While he was still alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, “Who knows? Perhaps the Lord will have pity on me and let the child live.”
23. But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Some day I will join him in death, but he can't return to me.
24. David comforted his wife Bathsheba and slept with her. Later on, she gave birth to another son and named him Solomon. The Lord loved Solomon
25. and sent Nathan the prophet to tell David, “The Lord will call him Jedidiah.”
26. Meanwhile, Joab had been in the country of Ammon, attacking the city of Rabbah. He captured the royal fortress
27. and sent a messenger to tell David:I have attacked Rabbah and captured the fortress guarding the city water supply.