2 Samuel 13:25

KJV

And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} to Absalom {H53}, Nay, my son {H1121}, let us not all now go {H3212}, lest we be chargeable {H3513} unto thee. And he pressed {H6555} him: howbeit he would {H14} not go {H3212}, but blessed {H1288} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king replied to Avshalom, "No, my son, let's not all go - we don't want to be a burden to you."Avshalom pressed him, but he wouldn't go; however he gave him his blessing.

Berean Standard Bible

“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing.

American Standard Version

And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 13:25 captures a pivotal moment in Absalom's calculated plot against his half-brother Amnon, revealing King David's initial caution and Absalom's manipulative persistence. David, citing the logistical and financial burden of hosting the entire royal retinue, declines Absalom's invitation to a sheep-shearing feast. Despite David's refusal to attend personally, Absalom's unwavering insistence and David's subsequent blessing set the stage for the tragic events that would soon unfold, highlighting the king's continued lack of discernment regarding the deep-seated malice festering within his own family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the tragic narrative of David's family, specifically following the heinous rape of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon in [2 Samuel 13:1-19](/2_samuel/13-1-19 "2 Samuel 13:1-19 - The Rape of Tamar"). David's passive and inadequate response to Amnon's sin ([2 Samuel 13:21](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Inaction")) left Tamar's full brother, Absalom, seething with silent, burning hatred for two full years ([2 Samuel 13:22](/2_samuel/13-22 "2 Samuel 13:22 - Absalom's Silent Hatred")). Absalom's invitation to the sheep-shearing feast, extended to all the king's sons including Amnon, is not a gesture of hospitality but a carefully orchestrated trap. David's initial refusal in this verse, followed by Absalom's relentless pressing, builds intense dramatic tension, directly preceding the violent climax where Absalom executes his premeditated revenge against Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28-29 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Amnon's Murder")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sheep-shearing feasts in ancient Israel were significant annual events, often marking a time of prosperity and celebration. They were typically large, boisterous gatherings, sometimes extending over several days, involving feasting, drinking, and revelry. Such occasions provided a natural and unsuspecting cover for Absalom's sinister intentions, as the presence of many guests and the general atmosphere of indulgence would make a violent act less conspicuous. David's concern about being "chargeable" (a burden) reflects the substantial cost and logistical effort involved in hosting the king and his large retinue, which would include numerous servants, guards, and provisions. This practical consideration was a common aspect of ancient Near Eastern royal hospitality, where the host bore a significant financial and resource strain.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Samuel and David's reign. It underscores the devastating [consequences of unaddressed sin](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - The Sword Will Never Depart From Your House"), as David's failure to justly punish Amnon directly fuels Absalom's vengeful plot. The passage also highlights Absalom's [calculated manipulation and deceptive nature](/2_samuel/15-2-6 "2 Samuel 15:2-6 - Absalom Steals the Hearts of Israel"), as he uses a seemingly innocent social custom to achieve his murderous aims. Furthermore, David's [parental blindness and lack of full discernment](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Passive Reaction to Amnon's Sin"), despite his initial caution, is a recurring motif, demonstrating how his personal failings lead to profound tragedy within his own household, fulfilling the prophetic judgment against him ([2 Samuel 12:10-11](/2_samuel/12-10-11 "2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Trouble")). The fragility and internal strife of the royal family are vividly portrayed, revealing the deep fissures tearing apart David's kingdom from within.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chargeable (Hebrew, _kābēd'_):** This word literally means "heavy" or "weighty." While it can refer to honor, glory, or severity, in this context, David uses it to express concern about the significant financial and logistical burden his and his sons' presence would place on Absalom. It implies a substantial imposition of resources and effort.
* **Pressed (Hebrew, _pātsar'_):** This verb signifies to urge strongly, insistently, or even to compel. Absalom's use of this word reveals his unwavering determination and manipulative intent. He is not merely suggesting but actively pushing, demonstrating his calculated resolve to ensure Amnon's presence at the feast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee."**: David's initial response is one of refusal, grounded in a practical concern about the burden (financial and logistical) that hosting the entire royal entourage would impose on Absalom. His address, "my son," reflects a paternal affection that stands in stark contrast to the dark intentions Absalom harbors. This shows David's limited understanding of the true nature of the invitation.
* **"And he pressed him:"**: This short clause powerfully conveys Absalom's relentless insistence. It highlights his manipulative nature and his single-minded focus on his hidden agenda. His persistence is not out of genuine hospitality but a strategic move to ensure his plot unfolds as planned.
* **"howbeit he would not go, but blessed him."**: Despite Absalom's strong urging, David remains firm in his decision not to attend personally. However, his subsequent action of "blessing him" (Absalom) might have been an attempt to appease his son or express goodwill, inadvertently making it easier for Absalom to press for Amnon's attendance. This blessing, while seemingly benign, tragically facilitates Absalom's murderous scheme by removing David's protective presence.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the audience is privy to Absalom's murderous plot, while David remains largely oblivious, citing a mundane concern about being "chargeable." This creates a chilling contrast between David's paternal affection and Absalom's cold calculation. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the tense exchange, hinting at the impending tragedy. Absalom's insistent "pressing" builds **suspense**, signaling that his intentions are far from innocent. The **contrast** between David's cautious prudence and Absalom's relentless, manipulative determination underscores the profound dysfunction within the royal family and the dark path Absalom has chosen.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple exchange between father and son is fraught with theological significance, serving as a powerful illustration of the insidious nature of unaddressed sin and its devastating consequences. David's failure to act decisively against Amnon's heinous crime created a vacuum of justice that Absalom filled with his own vengeful agenda. The passage underscores the biblical principle that sin, when left unpunished or unrepented, festers and produces bitter fruit, often extending its destructive reach far beyond the initial transgression. It also highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment, especially for those in leadership, as David's inability to perceive the true depth of Absalom's malice ultimately contributes to the unfolding tragedy. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that evil often operates under a veil of normalcy, using social customs and familial ties as a cover for its destructive schemes.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else")
* [Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic events surrounding 2 Samuel 13:25 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly regarding the critical need for discernment and the imperative to address sin and conflict biblically. David's well-intentioned but ultimately misguided caution, coupled with his inability to grasp the true depth of Absalom's vengeful heart, serves as a sobering cautionary tale. We are called to cultivate spiritual sensitivity, praying for wisdom to discern not only the obvious dangers but also the subtle undercurrents of malice, manipulation, or unresolved bitterness that might exist in our relationships, families, or communities. This passage reminds us that unresolved sin, whether our own or that of others, does not simply disappear; it festers and can erupt in devastating ways. It compels us to be proactive in seeking reconciliation, pursuing justice, and confronting sin with grace and truth, rather than allowing resentment to take root and lead to destructive outcomes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be lacking discernment in my relationships or circumstances, potentially missing deeper issues beneath the surface?**
* **What unresolved conflicts or bitterness, if any, might be festering in my own life or family, and how can I address them biblically and proactively?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to pray for wisdom and insight in understanding others' motives, especially when dealing with complex or tense situations?**

### FAQ
**Why was David seemingly so blind to Absalom's true intentions, despite his initial caution?**

Answer: David's apparent blindness can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, his own past failures, particularly the Bathsheba affair and the subsequent murder of Uriah, may have dulled his spiritual sensitivity and moral authority, making him less capable of discerning and confronting sin within his own household. The prophet Nathan's declaration that "the sword shall never depart from your house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy")) was already at work, and David might have been emotionally exhausted or overwhelmed by the consequences of his own actions. Secondly, it is difficult for a parent to imagine such extreme treachery from their own child; David's paternal love, though flawed, may have clouded his judgment. He might have interpreted Absalom's persistence as mere youthful enthusiasm or respect, rather than a calculated plot. Finally, the narrative itself highlights David's struggle with effective leadership and discipline within his family, a recurring theme that culminates in the tragic events involving Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom.

**What was the significance of a "sheep-shearing feast" in this context, beyond being a social gathering?**

Answer: A sheep-shearing feast was a significant annual event in ancient Israel, marking the culmination of a prosperous season for shepherds. It was a time of great celebration, feasting, and often revelry, similar to a harvest festival. In this context, its significance is twofold: First, it provided a natural and unsuspecting cover for Absalom's murderous plot. The large gathering, the consumption of food and wine, and the general atmosphere of celebration would make it easier to isolate Amnon and carry out the assassination without immediate suspicion. Second, it was an occasion where all the king's sons would naturally be expected to attend, making Absalom's invitation seem innocuous and even customary. This allowed Absalom to gather his intended victim and the other princes in one place, under the guise of a festive occasion, thereby facilitating his premeditated act of revenge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of David's family, encapsulated in 2 Samuel 13:25, profoundly underscores the devastating consequences of sin and the profound brokenness of humanity, ultimately pointing to the perfect Kingship and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, despite being a man after God's own heart, was a flawed king whose personal sins and failures to exercise justice led to deep-seated family dysfunction and division, fulfilling the prophecy that "the sword shall never depart from your house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy")). His inability to discern Absalom's true intentions and his passive handling of Amnon's sin stand in stark contrast to Christ, the perfect Son and King, who possesses absolute discernment ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")) and whose reign brings perfect justice and peace ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prince of Peace")). The manipulative plot of Absalom, leading to the murder of his brother, foreshadows the ultimate rebellion against God and the destructive power of sin that separates humanity from its Creator. However, unlike Amnon, who was a wicked man, the ultimate "Lamb of God" is Jesus Christ ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who, though innocent, was sacrificed not by a vengeful brother but by the will of God to take away the sin of the world. Through Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrection, the cycle of sin, vengeance, and family brokenness, so evident in David's house, is decisively broken, offering true reconciliation and restoration for all who believe ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Genesis 19:2

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

Genesis 19:3

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Luke 14:23

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

Luke 24:29

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

Judges 19:7

And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.

Judges 19:10

But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which [is] Jerusalem; and [there were] with him two asses saddled, his concubine also [was] with him.

2 Samuel 14:22

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.