18. On the seventh day the child died. David’s attendants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, ‘While the child was still living, he wouldn’t listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we now tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.’
19. David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realised that the child was dead. ‘Is the child dead?’ he asked.‘Yes,’ they replied, ‘he is dead.’
20. Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
21. His attendants asked him, ‘Why are you acting in this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!’
22. He answered, ‘While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, “Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.”
23. But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.’
24. Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him;
25. and because the Lord loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.
26. Meanwhile Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal citadel.
27. Joab then sent messengers to David, saying, ‘I have fought against Rabbah and taken its water supply.
28. Now muster the rest of the troops and besiege the city and capture it. Otherwise I shall take the city, and it will be named after me.’