18. And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died. And the slaves of David feared to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice; how much more will it trouble him if we tell him that the child is dead?
19. But when David saw that his slaves whispered, David understood that the child was dead; therefore, David said unto his slaves, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
20. Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes and came into the house of the Lord and worshipped. Then he came to his own house; and when he asked, they set bread before him, and he ate.
21. Then his slaves said unto him, What is this that thou hast done? Thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
22. And he replied, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will have mercy on me, that the child may live?
23. But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
24. And David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and went in unto her and lay with her; and she gave birth to a son, and he called his name Solomon; {Heb. peace offering}; and the Lord loved him.