2 Samuel 13:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:24 marks a chilling point in the unfolding tragedy of King David's house, revealing Absalom's calculated and deceptive move to orchestrate revenge. Two years after his sister Tamar's rape by their half-brother Amnon, Absalom, having silently harbored deep resentment over David's inaction, extends a seemingly innocent invitation for the king and his court to attend his sheep-shearing festival, a festive occasion Absalom intends to turn into a scene of premeditated murder.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed two years after the traumatic events of [2 Samuel 13:1-22](/2_samuel/13-1 "2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar"), where Amnon, David's firstborn, raped his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's full sister. The narrative highlights David's failure to administer justice, leaving Absalom to nurse a silent but intense grievance. Absalom's silence for two full years (2 Samuel 13:23) is not a sign of forgiveness or forgetfulness, but of simmering resentment and careful planning. This seemingly innocuous invitation to a sheep-shearing festival is the culmination of his hidden plot, leading directly to the violent execution of his revenge against Amnon in [2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom Murders Amnon"). The verse sets the stage for the dramatic escalation of conflict within David's family, fulfilling the prophetic judgment pronounced by Nathan in [2 Samuel 12:10-12](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Nathan's Prophecy of Trouble in David's House") that "the sword shall never depart from your house."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sheep-shearing festivals in ancient Israel were significant annual events, akin to harvest festivals. They were typically times of great celebration, feasting, and merriment, often accompanied by abundant food and wine. Such gatherings provided a setting where inhibitions might be lowered, and guests could become vulnerable due to revelry. For a king's son like Absalom to host such an event was customary, and inviting the king and his court would be a sign of respect and honor. However, this cultural norm becomes a tool for Absalom's deception. In a patriarchal society, the king was the ultimate dispenser of justice, and David's failure to act decisively against Amnon would have been seen as a severe dereliction of duty, particularly by Absalom, who felt his sister's honor and his family's reputation had been gravely violated.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. **Deception and Manipulation** are central, as Absalom's outwardly respectful and customary invitation masks a sinister, premeditated plot for vengeance. His humble address, "thy servant," is a calculated pretense designed to disarm David and ensure Amnon's presence. This highlights the danger of hidden motives and the cunning nature of evil. The theme of **Revenge vs. Justice** is also prominent; Absalom, perceiving David's failure to enact justice for Tamar, takes matters into his own hands, leading to a cycle of violence rather than true reconciliation or divine justice. Finally, the verse underscores the tragic theme of **Family Dysfunction and the Consequences of Sin**. The ongoing tragic events within David's household, stemming from unaddressed sin and a lack of decisive leadership, continue to escalate, illustrating how the sins of the father (David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah, as detailed in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin with Bathsheba")) reverberate through generations, bringing chaos and sorrow to his family, as prophesied in [2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - The Sword Shall Not Depart from Your House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Hebrew, _'ebed'_):** Absalom's self-designation as "thy servant" when addressing the king is a standard and respectful form of address for a subordinate speaking to a superior. Its use here by Absalom is deeply ironic and highlights his cunning. On the surface, it conveys humility and deference, masking his true intentions of vengeance and rebellion. This outward display of submission stands in stark contrast to the murderous plot he has meticulously planned.
* **sheepshearers (Hebrew, _gōz'zəzîm'_):** This term refers to the people engaged in the act of shearing sheep, but by extension, it signifies the occasion itself—the sheep-shearing festival. Such events were communal, joyous, and often involved significant feasting and drinking. The mention of "sheepshearers" immediately signals a celebratory atmosphere, which Absalom exploits as a cover for his sinister design. It implies a setting where vigilance might be relaxed, making it an ideal environment for his plot.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now":** This opening establishes Absalom's direct and seemingly respectful approach to his father, King David. The phrase "Behold now" (הִנֵּה־נָא, _hinneh-na'_) is an attention-getting particle, adding a sense of urgency and importance to his request, further enhancing the facade of a legitimate and earnest petition.
* **"thy servant hath sheepshearers":** Absalom presents the reason for his visit—he is hosting a sheep-shearing festival. This is a common and culturally appropriate event for a wealthy prince, making his subsequent invitation appear entirely innocent and within the bounds of expected social custom. It provides a plausible and disarming context for his true, hidden agenda.
* **"let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant":** This is Absalom's specific request. The phrase "I beseech thee" (נָא, _na'_) again conveys a tone of polite entreaty and humility, reinforcing his feigned deference. By inviting "the king, and his servants," Absalom ensures that Amnon, as one of the king's sons and thus a prominent "servant" of the court, would naturally be expected to attend. This broad invitation serves to mask his specific target, making Amnon's presence seem incidental to a larger royal gathering.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Irony** is paramount, as Absalom's humble address ("thy servant," "I beseech thee") and the celebratory context of the sheep-shearing festival starkly **Contrast** with his true, murderous intentions. This creates a dramatic tension between appearance and reality. The seemingly innocuous invitation functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the impending violence without explicitly stating it. The reader, aware of Absalom's two years of silent resentment, recognizes the sinister undertones beneath the polite facade, anticipating the tragic events that are about to unfold. The entire scene is a masterclass in **Deception**, where Absalom's words and actions are carefully crafted to manipulate David and lure Amnon into a vulnerable position, highlighting the treacherous nature of hidden malice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that arise when sin is left unaddressed and when individuals take justice into their own hands. Absalom's actions, born out of a desire for vengeance rather than a pursuit of righteous justice, perpetuate a cycle of violence within David's family, fulfilling the prophetic judgment against David's house. It highlights the deceptive nature of evil, which often cloaks itself in polite words and seemingly innocent intentions to achieve its destructive ends. The narrative underscores the biblical principle that human vengeance, no matter how justified it may feel, ultimately leads to further chaos and suffering, contrasting sharply with God's perfect justice and call for reconciliation.

* [Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24 "Proverbs 26:24-26 - Deceptive Words")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Absalom's deceptive invitation challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and to cultivate spiritual discernment. In a world often characterized by hidden agendas and veiled motives, we are called to be wise, discerning the spirits and intentions behind words and actions, whether in personal relationships, communal settings, or public discourse. More profoundly, this passage serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of unaddressed resentment and the dangers of seeking personal vengeance. Absalom's two years of simmering anger illustrate how bitterness, when not dealt with righteously, can fester and lead to destructive, sinful acts. It compels us to confront our own hurts and desires for revenge, urging us instead to trust in God's ultimate justice and to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness, even when it is difficult. This narrative reminds us that while injustice is grievous, our response must align with God's character, seeking His righteous pathways rather than perpetuating cycles of hurt through our own flawed attempts at retribution.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we cultivate discernment to recognize hidden motives and deceptive intentions in others, and perhaps even in ourselves?**
* **What are the spiritual dangers of allowing resentment or unaddressed hurt to fester in our hearts, as seen in Absalom's prolonged silence?**
* **When we perceive injustice, how can we respond in a way that honors God's call for justice and reconciliation, rather than resorting to personal vengeance?**

### FAQ
**Why did Absalom wait two years before acting on his revenge?**

Answer: Absalom's two-year waiting period was a strategic and calculated move. It allowed time for David's initial anger and the immediate emotional fallout from Tamar's rape to subside, making his subsequent actions seem less like an impulsive act of rage and more like a carefully planned execution of justice (in his own eyes). It also gave him time to observe David's continued inaction regarding Amnon's crime, solidifying his conviction that he would have to take matters into his own hands. Furthermore, it provided the opportunity to meticulously plan the setting and circumstances for his vengeance, choosing a sheep-shearing festival for its celebratory atmosphere and the potential for lowered inhibitions, which would make Amnon more vulnerable.

**What was the typical significance of a sheep-shearing festival in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Sheep-shearing festivals were significant annual events in ancient Israel, marking a time of prosperity and abundance following the sheep-shearing season. They were typically joyous, communal celebrations, often involving lavish feasting, drinking, and merriment, sometimes lasting for several days. These events were opportunities for social gathering and hospitality, much like a harvest festival. However, the celebratory atmosphere, particularly the consumption of wine, could also lead to a relaxation of vigilance and an increase in vulnerability, which Absalom shrewdly exploited for his murderous plot.

**Why did Absalom invite King David and "his servants" rather than just Amnon?**

Answer: Absalom's invitation to King David and "his servants" (which would include all the king's sons and prominent court officials) was a clever tactic to mask his true intentions and ensure Amnon's presence. By extending a broad, customary invitation, Absalom made his request appear entirely innocent and respectful, a typical gesture from a loyal son to his father. Had he invited only Amnon, it might have raised suspicion. The inclusion of the entire royal entourage made Amnon's attendance seem natural and incidental to a larger, legitimate celebration, thereby lulling both David and Amnon into a false sense of security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of Absalom's deceptive invitation and subsequent vengeance stands in stark contrast to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Absalom's "invitation" was a trap, a feigned gesture of peace designed to lead his victim to slaughter for personal retribution. This mirrors the world's deceptive offers of fulfillment that ultimately lead to death and destruction. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ extends a genuine invitation to all humanity, not to a feast of vengeance, but to a banquet of grace and reconciliation. He is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who, unlike Amnon, was truly innocent yet willingly went to the slaughter, not as a victim of human vengeance, but as a voluntary sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. While Absalom's act perpetuated a cycle of violence, Christ's sacrifice on the cross broke that cycle, offering forgiveness and true peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He did not come to bring a sword of personal retribution ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus, Not Peace But a Sword") speaks of division for the sake of truth, not personal vengeance), but to offer His life as a ransom. Where Absalom sought to avenge an injustice through further bloodshed, Christ, when reviled, "did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His kingdom is built on love, forgiveness, and divine justice, not on human schemes or vengeful acts, offering true healing where Absalom's path only brought deeper pain and division to David's house.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.