2 Samuel 3
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The House of David Strengthened

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1The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.1There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.1Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.1Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.1The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long and drawn out, with David growing stronger and the house of Saul becoming weaker.
2Sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel;2And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel;2Sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;2And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;2Sons were born to David in Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite;
3his second, Kileab the son of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;3and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;3and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur;3And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;3his second was Chileab, by Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; the third was Absalom, son of Maacah the daughter of King Talmai of Geshur;
4the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;4and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;4and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;4And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;4the fourth was Adonijah, son of Haggith; the fifth was Shephatiah, son of Abital;
5and the sixth, Ithream the son of David's wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.5and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.5and the sixth, Ithream, by David's wife Eglah. These were born to David at Hebron.5And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.5the sixth was Ithream, by David's wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.

Abner Joins David

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6During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of Saul.6While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.6It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.6And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.6During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner kept acquiring more power in the house of Saul.
7Now Saul had had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah. And Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, "Why did you sleep with my father's concubine?"7Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”7Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?"7And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?7Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah daughter of Aiah, and Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, "Why did you sleep with my father's concubine?"
8Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said. So he answered, "Am I a dog's head--on Judah's side? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends. I haven't handed you over to David. Yet now you accuse me of an offense involving this woman!8Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman.8Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman.8Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?8Abner was very angry about Ish-bosheth's accusation. "Am I a dog's head who belongs to Judah?" he asked. "All this time I've been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends and haven't handed you over to David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!
9May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD promised him on oath9God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him,9"May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the LORD has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him,9So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;9May God punish Abner and do so severely if I dont do for David what the LORD swore to him:
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10and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba."10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba."10To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beer-sheba."
11Ish-Bosheth did not dare to say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.11And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.11And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he was afraid of him.11And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.11Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner because he was afraid of him.
12Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, "Whose land is it? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you."12And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.”12Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place, saying, "Whose is the land? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you."12And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.12Abner sent messengers as his representatives to say to David, "Whose land is it? Make your covenant with me, and you can be certain I am on your side to hand all Israel over to you."
13"Good," said David. "I will make an agreement with you. But I demand one thing of you: Do not come into my presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see me."13And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”13He said, "Good! I will make a covenant with you, but I demand one thing of you, namely, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see me."13And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.13David replied, "Good, I will make a covenant with you. However, there's one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul's daughter Michal here when you come to see me."
14Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins."14Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”14So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines."14And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.14Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, "Give me back my wife, Michal. I was engaged to her for the price of 100 Philistine foreskins."
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15So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish.15And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish.15Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish.15And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.15So Ish-bosheth sent someone to take her away from her husband, Paltiel son of Laish.
16Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go back home!" So he went back.16But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.16But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go, return." So he returned.16And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.16Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Abner said to him, "Go back." So he went back.
17Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, "For some time you have wanted to make David your king.17And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.17Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, "In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.17And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:17Abner conferred with the elders of Israel: "In the past you wanted David to be king over you.
18Now do it! For the LORD promised David, 'By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'"18Now then bring it about, for the LORD has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’”18"Now then, do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'"18Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.18Now take action, because the LORD has spoken concerning David: 'Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the power of the Philistines and the power of all Israel's enemies.'"
19Abner also spoke to the Benjamites in person. Then he went to Hebron to tell David everything that Israel and the whole tribe of Benjamin wanted to do.19Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do.19Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin; and in addition Abner went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.19And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.19Abner also informed the Benjaminites and went to Hebron to inform David about all that was agreed on by Israel and the whole house of Benjamin.
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20When Abner, who had twenty men with him, came to David at Hebron, David prepared a feast for him and his men.20When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.20Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.20So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.20When Abner and 20 men came to David at Hebron, David held a banquet for him and his men.
21Then Abner said to David, "Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.21And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.21Abner said to David, "Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.21And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.21Abner said to David, "Let me now go and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you, and you will rule over all you desire." So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

Joab Murders Abner

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22Just then David's men and Joab returned from a raid and brought with them a great deal of plunder. But Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, because David had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.22Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.22And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.22And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.22Just then David's soldiers and Joab returned from a raid and brought a large amount of plundered goods with them. Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had dismissed him, and he had gone in peace.
23When Joab and all the soldiers with him arrived, he was told that Abner son of Ner had come to the king and that the king had sent him away and that he had gone in peace.23When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.”23When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace."23When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.23When Joab and all his army arrived, Joab was informed, "Abner son of Ner came to see the king, the king dismissed him, and he went in peace."
24So Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you let him go? Now he is gone!24Then Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone?24Then Joab came to the king and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you sent him away and he is already gone?24Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?24Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Look here, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he's getting away.
25You know Abner son of Ner; he came to deceive you and observe your movements and find out everything you are doing."25You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”25"You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out all that you are doing."25Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.25You know that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to find out about your activities and everything you're doing."
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26Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern at Sirah. But David did not know it.26When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it.26When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it.26And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.26Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David was unaware of it.
27Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died.27And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.27So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the belly so that he died on account of the blood of Asahel his brother.27And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.27When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside to the middle of the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the death of Asahel, Joab's brother.
28Later, when David heard about this, he said, "I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.28Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner.28Afterward when David heard it, he said, "I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.28And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:28David heard about it later and said: "I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.
29May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab's family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food."29May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father’s house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!”29"May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father's house; and may there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who takes hold of a distaff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread."29Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.29May it hang over Joab's head and his father's whole house, and may the house of Joab never be without someone who has a discharge or a skin disease, or a man who can only work a spindle, or someone who falls by the sword or starves."
30(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)30So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.30So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.30So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.30Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.

David Mourns for Abner

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31Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, "Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner." King David himself walked behind the bier.31Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier.31Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner." And King David walked behind the bier.31And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.31David then ordered Joab and all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn over Abner." And King David walked behind the funeral procession.
32They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner's tomb. All the people wept also.32They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.32Thus they buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.32And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.32When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner's tomb. All the people wept,
33The king sang this lament for Abner: "Should Abner have died as the lawless die?33And the king lamented for Abner, saying, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?33The king chanted a lament for Abner and said, "Should Abner die as a fool dies?33And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?33and the king sang a lament for Abner: Should Abner die as a fool dies?
34Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. You fell as one falls before the wicked." And all the people wept over him again.34Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him.34"Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen." And all the people wept again over him.34Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.34Your hands were not bound, your feet not placed in bronze shackles. You fell like one who falls victim to criminals. And all the people wept over him even more.
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35Then they all came and urged David to eat something while it was still day; but David took an oath, saying, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!"35Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was yet day. But David swore, saying, “God do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down!”35Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was still day; but David vowed, saying, "May God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down."35And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.35Then they came to urge David to eat bread while it was still day, but David took an oath: "May God punish me and do so severely if I taste bread or anything else before sunset!"
36All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them.36And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.36Now all the people took note of it, and it pleased them, just as everything the king did pleased all the people.36And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.36All the people took note of this, and it pleased them. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.
37So on that day all the people there and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.37So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king’s will to put to death Abner the son of Ner.37So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.37For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.37On that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the killing of Abner son of Ner.
38Then the king said to his men, "Do you not realize that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel this day?38And the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?38Then the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?38And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?38Then the king said to his soldiers, "You must know that a great leader has fallen in Israel today.
39And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!"39And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!”39"I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too difficult for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil."39And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.39As for me, even though I am the anointed king, I have little power today. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!"



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