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2 Samuel 19

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1Joab was told, “Behold, the king weeps and mourns for Absalom.” 2The victory that day was turned into mourning among all the people; for the people heard it said that day, “The king grieves for his son.” 3The people sneaked into the city that day, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 4The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!” 5Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have shamed the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life, and the lives of your sons and of your daughters, and the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines; 6in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared today, that princes and servants are nothing to you. For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died today, then it would have pleased you well. 7Now therefore arise, go out, and speak to comfort your servants; for I swear by Yahweh, if you don’t go out, not a man will stay with you this night. That would be worse to you than all the evil that has happened to you from your youth until now.” 8Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. They told to all the people, saying, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” All the people came before the king. Now Israel had fled every man to his tent. 9All the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies, and he saved us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he has fled out of the land from Absalom. 10Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why don’t you speak a word of bringing the king back?” 11King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house? Since the speech of all Israel has come to the king, to return him to his house. 12You are my brothers. You are my bone and my flesh. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?’ 13Say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you aren’t captain of the army before me continually instead of Joab.’” 14He bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as one man; so that they sent to the king, saying, “Return, you and all your servants.” 15So the king returned, and came to the Jordan. Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. 16Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite, who was of Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David. 17There were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of Saul’s house, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went through the Jordan in the presence of the king. 18A ferry boat went to bring over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good. Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he had come over the Jordan. 19He said to the king, “Don’t let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember that which your servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. 20For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore behold, I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” 21But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Yahweh’s anointed?” 22David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For don’t I know that I am king over Israel today?” 23The king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” The king swore to him. 24Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king; and he had neither groomed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came home in peace. 25When he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, I will saddle me a donkey, that I may ride on it, and go with the king; because your servant is lame. 27He has slandered your servant to my lord the king, but my lord the king is as an angel of God. Do therefore what is good in your eyes. 28For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king; yet you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. What right therefore have I yet that I should cry any more to the king?” 29The king said to him, “Why do you speak any more of your matters? I say, you and Ziba divide the land.” 30Mephibosheth said to the king, “Yes, let him take all, because my lord the king has come in peace to his own house.” 31Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; and he went over the Jordan with the king, to conduct him over the Jordan. 32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even eighty years old. He had provided the king with sustenance while he stayed at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man. 33The king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will sustain you with me in Jerusalem.” 34Barzillai said to the king, “How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35I am eighty years old, today. Can I discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear the voice of singing men and singing women any more? Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king? 36Your servant would but just go over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.” 38The king answered, “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good to you. Whatever you request of me, that I will do for you.” 39All the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. Then the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place. 40So the king went over to Gilgal, and Chimham went over with him. All the people of Judah brought the king over, and also half the people of Israel. 41Behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away, and brought the king, and his household, over the Jordan, and all David’s men with him?” 42All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s cost? Or has he given us any gift?” 43The men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, “We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more claim to David than you. Why then did you despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king?” The words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

World English Bible (public domain)

“But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, "O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!"”

2 Samuel 19:4

Summary

In 2 Samuel chapter 19, King David mourns the death of his son Absalom, despite Absalom's rebellion against him. David's overwhelming grief is palpable as he processes the loss of his son, showing that even a king is susceptible to profound sorrow. Joab, the commander of David's army, confronts David, urging him to recognize the loyalty and sacrifice of his soldiers who fought to protect his throne. Joab's rebuke leads David to return to Jerusalem and resume his role as king, which highlights the theme of leadership and the necessity of balance between personal grief and public duty. As David returns, he begins to reconcile with those who had been loyal to him and addresses his previous followers, bringing unity to a fractured kingdom. Additionally, individuals such as Mephibosheth and Shimei come to express their loyalty, indicating themes of grace and forgiveness. David's interactions with these characters provide a narrative backdrop for God's redemptive work within the community of Israel, showcasing divine mercy amid human failures. The chapter emphasizes the complexities of leadership, the importance of community support during times of mourning, and the grace found in reconciliation, symbolizing a deeper theological truth about the nature of God's love and forgiveness. As David navigates personal loss and political restoration, the chapter invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of grief and the possibility of healing through relationships with others.

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Chapter outline

How 2 Samuel 19 unfolds

  1. 2 Samuel 19:1–2 David's Grief Over Absalom

    King David mourns deeply for Absalom, causing the victory celebration to turn into mourning among the people.

  2. 2 Samuel 19:3–7 Joab Confronts David

    Joab confronts David, urging him to acknowledge the loyalty of his soldiers and return to his public duties.

  3. 2 Samuel 19:8–15 David Returns to the Gate

    David rises and sits at the city gate, prompting the people to gather as he prepares to reclaim his role as king.

  4. 2 Samuel 19:16–23 Reconciliation with Shimei

    Shimei, who cursed David, seeks forgiveness, and David spares his life, demonstrating grace and mercy.

  5. 2 Samuel 19:24–30 Mephibosheth's Loyalty

    Mephibosheth meets David, who learns of his loyalty despite being deceived, leading to a decision about land.

  6. 2 Samuel 19:31–39 Barzillai's Humility

    Barzillai, an elderly supporter, declines to accompany David to Jerusalem but recommends his servant Chimham.

  7. 2 Samuel 19:40–43 Conflict Between Judah and Israel

    Tension arises as the men of Israel challenge Judah's claim on David, revealing divisions within the kingdom.

Key verses

  • 2 Samuel 19:4The key verse encapsulates David's deep sorrow, highlighting the personal impact of leadership and loss within the chapter.

Main themes in 2 Samuel 19

grief and loss

David's profound grief over Absalom's death surfaces in verses 1-4, where he mourns openly and deeply. This intense sorrow complicates his duties as king, affecting not only his leadership but also the morale of his people who observe his lament. Ultimately, this theme illustrates the depth of human emotion that accompanies leadership, emphasizing the personal toll that political strife can impose on those in power, including their ability to govern effectively.

leadership and duty

The theme of leadership is prominent when Joab confronts David in verses 5-7, urging him to prioritize his responsibilities. David's eventual return to the gate in verse 8 marks a turning point in his leadership, balancing personal sorrow with the needs of his kingdom. This highlights the necessity for leaders to navigate personal and public realms effectively.

forgiveness and reconciliation

In verses 16-23, David's interaction with Shimei reveals the theme of forgiveness, as David chooses to spare him despite Shimei's earlier betrayal. The chapter further develops this theme through Mephibosheth's loyalty and his eagerness to reconcile with David, highlighting the complexities of relationships after conflict. This reflects the broader narrative of God's grace, emphasizing the significance of restoring relationships and seeking peace in the aftermath of strife.

community support

Community support is evident as David's return garners the attention of the people in verses 8-15, showcasing their need for leadership. The tensions between the tribes in verses 40-43 highlight the divided loyalties within the community. This underscores the importance of unity and mutual support, especially in times of leadership transition.

Cross-references

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 19

Study questions

Questions for studying 2 Samuel 19

  1. What was David's reaction to Absalom's death in verses 1-4?
  2. How does Joab challenge David's mourning in verses 5-7?
  3. What actions does David take to restore his kingship in verses 8-15?
  4. Why does Shimei seek David's forgiveness, and how does David respond in verses 16-23?
  5. What is Mephibosheth's situation when he meets David in verses 24-30?
  6. How does Barzillai express his loyalty and humility in verses 31-39?
  7. What conflict emerges between the tribes of Judah and Israel in verses 40-43?

2 Samuel 19: frequently asked questions

What is 2 Samuel 19 about?+
In 2 Samuel chapter 19, King David mourns the death of his son Absalom, despite Absalom's rebellion against him. David's overwhelming grief is palpable as he processes the loss of his son, showing that even a king is susceptible to profound sorrow. Joab, the commander of David's army, confronts David, urging him to recognize the loyalty and sacrifice of his soldiers who fought to protect his throne. Joab's rebuke leads David to return to Jerusalem and resume his role as king, which highlights the theme of leadership and the necessity of balance between personal grief and public duty. As David returns, he begins to reconcile with those who had been loyal to him and addresses his previous followers, bringing unity to a fractured kingdom. Additionally, individuals such as Mephibosheth and Shimei come to express their loyalty, indicating themes of grace and forgiveness. David's interactions with these characters provide a narrative backdrop for God's redemptive work within the community of Israel, showcasing divine mercy amid human failures. The chapter emphasizes the complexities of leadership, the importance of community support during times of mourning, and the grace found in reconciliation, symbolizing a deeper theological truth about the nature of God's love and forgiveness. As David navigates personal loss and political restoration, the chapter invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of grief and the possibility of healing through relationships with others.
What is the key verse in 2 Samuel 19?+
2 Samuel 19:4: "The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!”"
What are the main themes of 2 Samuel 19?+
The main themes of 2 Samuel 19 are grief and loss, leadership and duty, forgiveness and reconciliation, community support.

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with 2 Samuel 19

Study Notes

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