2 Samuel 13:24

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

And Absalom {H53} came {H935} to the king {H4428}, and said {H559}, Behold now, thy servant {H5650} hath sheepshearers {H1494}; let {H3212} the king {H4428}, I beseech thee, and his servants {H5650} go {H3212} with thy servant {H5650}.

Avshalom went to the king and said, "Your servant has sheep-shearers; please let the king and his servants come along with your servant."

And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?”

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheep-shearers; let the king, I pray thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

Commentary

2 Samuel 13:24 marks a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of King David's family, revealing Absalom's carefully laid plans for revenge.

Context

This verse takes place two years after Absalom's sister, Tamar, was raped by their half-brother Amnon (see 2 Samuel 13:1-22 for the full account). During these two years, Absalom harbored deep resentment but remained silent, observing the absence of justice from his father, King David. Sheep-shearing festivals in ancient Israel were often times of great celebration, feasting, and merriment, sometimes compared to a harvest festival. Absalom's invitation to King David and his servants to attend his sheep-shearing event appears outwardly respectful and customary, but it is a calculated move to gather his intended victim, Amnon, and other key figures in a vulnerable setting.

Key Themes

  • Deception and Manipulation: Absalom's humble address, "thy servant," and the seemingly innocent invitation to a festive occasion, mask a sinister and premeditated plot. This highlights the danger of hidden motives and calculated pretense.
  • Revenge and Justice: Absalom, feeling that David had failed to enact justice for Tamar, takes matters into his own hands. This verse sets the stage for his violent act of revenge against Amnon, which unfolds shortly after (as seen in 2 Samuel 13:28-29).
  • Family Dysfunction and Consequences: The ongoing tragic events within David's household, stemming from sin and lack of decisive leadership, continue to escalate. This invitation is a direct consequence of previous unaddressed transgressions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thy servant" (Hebrew: 'ebed) used by Absalom is a common and respectful form of address when speaking to a superior, especially a king. Its use here underscores Absalom's outward deference and cunning, contrasting sharply with his vengeful heart and true intentions.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • Discerning Motives: It encourages us to look beyond outward appearances and humble words to discern true intentions, especially when something feels amiss.
  • The Dangers of Unaddressed Resentment: Absalom's two years of silent resentment illustrate how unaddressed hurt and a desire for revenge can fester and lead to destructive actions. It underscores the importance of dealing with sin and injustice promptly and righteously.
  • Consequences of Sin: The entire narrative of David's family, from Amnon's sin to Absalom's revenge and eventual rebellion (see 2 Samuel 15:1ff), demonstrates the far-reaching and devastating consequences of sin within a family and a nation.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 41:6

    And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it came to pass, as he met them, he said unto them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.

  • Jeremiah 41:7

    And it was [so], when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, [and cast them] into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that [were] with him.

  • 2 Samuel 11:8

    And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess [of meat] from the king.

  • 2 Samuel 11:15

    And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.

  • Psalms 12:2

    They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

  • Psalms 55:21

    [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.
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