2 Samuel 13:38

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

Complete Jewish Bible:

So Avshalom fled, went to G'shur and stayed there three years.

Berean Standard Bible:

After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years.

American Standard Version:

So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

So Absalom^{H53} fled^{H1272}, and went^{H3212} to Geshur^{H1650}, and was there three^{H7969} years^{H8141}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Samuel 13:38

2 Samuel 13:38 is a verse set within the broader narrative of the succession crisis in the kingdom of Israel during the reign of King David. The verse specifically states, "So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years." This flight to Geshur is a direct consequence of the tension and violence within David's family, particularly the rape of Absalom's sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. Absalom's decision to have Amnon killed in revenge led to his exile from the court and his father's presence.

Geshur was a small Aramean kingdom northeast of the Sea of Galilee, ruled by King Talmai, who was Absalom's maternal grandfather. Absalom's flight to Geshur reflects the complex political landscape of the time, where family ties often extended across borders and could offer refuge in times of trouble. The three years Absalom spent in Geshur represent a significant period of estrangement and tension between Absalom and King David, setting the stage for Absalom's eventual return and his rebellion against his father, which would become one of the most significant challenges to David's rule.

The themes present in this verse include familial conflict, the consequences of violence and revenge, political exile, and the enduring impact of personal and political relationships across kingdoms. It also highlights the fragility of power and the potential for instability within a royal family, which can have far-reaching consequences for an entire nation. This period of Absalom's life is a turning point in the narrative of 2 Samuel, leading to a civil war that tests the loyalties of David's subjects and the resilience of his reign.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H53
   There are 2955 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲבִישָׁלוֹם
   Transliteration: ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
   Pronunciation: ab-ee-shaw-lome'
   Description: or (shortened) אַבְשָׁלוֹם ; from אָב and שָׁלוֹם; father of peace (i.e. friendly); Abshalom, a son of David; also (the fuller form) a later Israelite; Abishalom, Absalom.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1272
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּרַח
   Transliteration: bârach
   Pronunciation: baw-rakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly; chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3212
   There are 938 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָלַךְ
   Transliteration: yâlak
   Pronunciation: yaw-lak'
   Description: a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1650
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גְּשׁוּר
   Transliteration: Gᵉshûwr
   Pronunciation: ghesh-oor'
   Description: from an unused root (meaning to join); bridge; Geshur, a district of Syria; Geshur, Geshurite.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7969
   There are 381 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלוֹשׁ
   Transliteration: shâlôwsh
   Pronunciation: shaw-loshe'
   Description: or שָׁלֹשׁ; masculine שְׁלוֹשָׁה; or שְׁלֹשָׁה; a primitive number; three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice; [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare שָׁלִישׁ.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8141
   There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁנֶה
   Transliteration: shâneh
   Pronunciation: shaw-neh'
   Description: (in plural or (feminine) שָׁנָה; from שָׁנָה; a year (as a revolution of time); [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly).