April 25: 2 Samuel 8:15–18; 1 Chronicles 18:14–17; 1 Chronicles 6:16–30; 1 Chronicles 6:50–53; 1 Chronicles 6:31–48; 2 Samuel 9:1–13; 2 Samuel 10:1–19; 1 Chronicles 19:1–19

David's Officials – 2 Samuel 8:15–18 & 1 Chronicles 18:14–17

• David reigns over all Israel and does what is right for the people.
• Joab is his commander; Jehoshaphat is recorder; Zadok and Ahimelech are priests; Seraiah was secretary; Benaiah is in charge of David's bodyguards; and David's sons are priests. 

The Sons of Levi – 1 Chronicles 6:16–30; 1 Chronicles 6:50–53; 1 Chronicles 6:31–48

• The descendants of Levi are given.
• Aaron's descendants are given.
• The genealogy of David's temple musicians (Heman, Asaph, and Ethan) are given.

David's Kindness to Mephibosheth – 2 Samuel 9:1–13

• David summons Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants, and asks him if anyone still remains from Saul's family. Ziba tells him that one of Jonathan's sons, Mephibosheth, is still living. David has Ziba bring him Mephibosheth, who is lame in his feet.
• Mephibosheth comes to David and falls at his feet. David tells him not to fear, and that he will show him kindness for the sake of his father, Jonathan. David calls for Ziba and tells him that everything that once belonged to Saul now belongs to Mephibosheth, his grandson, and that Mephibosheth will always eat at his table. All who live in Ziba's household become Mephibosheth's servvants.

David Defeats Ammon and Syria – 2 Samuel 10:1–19 & 1 Chronicles 19:1–19

• The king of the Ammonites dies, and Hanun his son reigns in his place. David sends his servants to Hanun to console him (because his father Nahash dealt loyally with him), but the Ammonite princes tell Hanun that David has sent the servants to spy out their city and overthrow it. Hanun shaves off half the beard of the servants, cuts off their garments at the hips, and sends them away. When David learns of what has happened, he meets them because they are ashamed, and tells them to stay in Jericho until their beards have grown in.
• The Ammonites see that they have become a stench to David, so they hire Syrian soldiers. David sends Joab and his men against them. Joab takes on the Syrians, while his brother Abishai takes on the Ammonites, and they agree to help each other if needed.
• The Ammonites flee. The defeated Syrians send for more soldiers, and David gathers all of Israel to fight. The Syrian kings realize they have been defeated and make peace with Israel, becoming subject to them.