2 Samuel 13:27

KJV

But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Absalom {H53} pressed {H6555} him, that he let Amnon {H550} and all the king's {H4428} sons {H1121} go {H7971} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Avshalom kept pressing him, so he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

Berean Standard Bible

But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons.

American Standard Version

But Absalom pressed him, and he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of David's family, revealing Absalom's cunning and relentless determination to execute his long-planned revenge against his half-brother Amnon. Despite King David's initial reluctance to allow his sons, especially Amnon, to attend Absalom's sheep-shearing feast, Absalom's insistent persuasion ultimately prevails, setting the stage for the premeditated murder that will plunge the royal household into further chaos and sorrow. It underscores the culmination of festering resentment and the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin within the highest echelons of Israelite society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the tragic unfolding of consequences stemming from Amnon's rape of Tamar, Absalom's full sister, as detailed in [2 Samuel 13:1-22](/2_samuel/13-1 "2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar"). For two years, Absalom had harbored a deep, silent resentment, meticulously planning his retribution while David, despite his anger, failed to bring Amnon to justice. The preceding verses ([2 Samuel 13:23-26](/2_samuel/13-23 "2 Samuel 13:23-26 - Absalom's Feast Invitation")) describe Absalom's invitation to King David and all the king's sons to a sheep-shearing feast, a traditional occasion for celebration. David's initial refusal, likely born of a desire to avoid imposing or perhaps a nascent suspicion, is met with Absalom's persistent lobbying. Verse 27 marks the successful culmination of Absalom's manipulative efforts, securing Amnon's presence at the feast and thereby enabling the execution of his vengeful plot, which immediately follows in [2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Amnon's Murder").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sheep-shearing festivals were significant annual events in ancient Israel, marking a time of prosperity and harvest, often accompanied by feasting and merriment. Such occasions provided a natural and seemingly innocuous cover for Absalom's sinister intentions, making his invitation appear as a gesture of hospitality rather than a trap. The patriarchal structure of Israelite society meant that the king's sons held considerable status and were expected to attend important family or community events. David's initial refusal might also stem from the cultural expectation that a large retinue accompanying the king would be a burden on the host. The cultural norm of "blood revenge" (lex talionis), though often mitigated by legal processes and cities of refuge, was a powerful underlying force in this period, particularly when formal justice was perceived to be lacking, as was the case with David's inaction regarding Amnon's crime.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **destructive power of unaddressed sin and its ripple effects**, illustrating how David's failure to administer justice for Tamar's rape directly precipitates further violence and tragedy within his own family, fulfilling the prophecy of the "sword never departing from his house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **deception and manipulation**, showcasing Absalom's cunning and ruthless character as he uses a festive occasion to mask his murderous intent. His insistence is not born of filial piety but of calculated vengeance. Thirdly, the narrative continues to explore **David's parental failures and the consequences of his passive leadership**. His inability to discern Absalom's true motives or to act decisively in the face of familial strife contributes significantly to the escalating turmoil that will eventually lead to Absalom's rebellion in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pressed (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** This verb, חָזַק (chazaq), carries a range of meanings including "to be strong," "to seize," "to prevail," or "to be firm." In this context, it signifies Absalom's intense and unwavering determination. He did not merely request; he "pressed" or "urged strongly," demonstrating a resolute and unyielding insistence that overcame David's initial reluctance. This word choice emphasizes Absalom's manipulative power and the force of his will, crucial for securing Amnon's presence and facilitating his dark plan.
* **Let (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** The verb נָתַן (natan), meaning "to give" or "to permit," indicates David's eventual concession. While Absalom "pressed," David "let" or "gave permission." This highlights David's passive role and his ultimate yielding to Absalom's strong will, despite any misgivings he might have had. It underscores his failure to exercise his kingly and paternal authority to protect his sons, particularly Amnon, from the impending danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Absalom pressed him,"**: This clause immediately signals a conflict of wills and Absalom's active, forceful persuasion. The "but" indicates a contrast with David's prior refusal, highlighting Absalom's persistence. His "pressing" is not merely polite request but a determined effort to overcome David's resistance, revealing his manipulative intent beneath a veneer of hospitality.
* **"that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him."**: This clause reveals the specific outcome of Absalom's persistence: David's permission for his sons, crucially including Amnon, to attend the feast. The inclusion of "all the king's sons" serves as a strategic camouflage, making Amnon's presence seem less targeted and more natural within the larger group. This permission is the final piece of Absalom's carefully constructed trap, sealing Amnon's fate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**. The seemingly innocuous act of Absalom "pressing" David for permission to host his brothers at a feast subtly foreshadows the violent act that is about to unfold. The reader, aware of Absalom's two-year-long silent brooding over Tamar's rape, understands the true, sinister motive behind his persistence, creating a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony**. David, in his parental blindness, grants permission, unaware that he is sending Amnon to his death. This contrast between David's perception and the audience's knowledge heightens the tragic tension and underscores the depth of Absalom's calculated deception. The verse also uses **Understatement** in its simple description of Absalom's "pressing," which belies the intense, vengeful emotion and meticulous planning behind his actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin and the dangerous cycle of vengeance it can perpetuate. David's failure to administer justice for Amnon's heinous crime against Tamar created a vacuum that Absalom filled with his own distorted sense of justice and retribution. This act of personal revenge, fueled by bitterness, demonstrates how unrighteous anger, when allowed to fester, can lead to further violence and familial breakdown, echoing the broader biblical theme that sin's wages are death and destruction. The narrative here illustrates the profound truth that sin's effects are rarely confined to the initial transgression but ripple outwards, impacting families, communities, and even nations.

* [Genesis 4:7](/genesis/4-7 "Genesis 4:7 - Sin Lurking at the Door")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic events surrounding 2 Samuel 13:27 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to consider the critical importance of addressing sin righteously and promptly, both in our personal lives and within our communities. When grievances are left unaddressed or justice is delayed, bitterness and a desire for personal retribution can take root, leading to a destructive cycle of violence and pain, as vividly illustrated in David's household. This passage also challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to look beyond surface appearances and understand the true motives behind actions, even from those closest to us. It warns against the seductive appeal of taking matters into our own hands when we feel wronged, urging us instead to trust in God's ultimate justice and to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness where possible. The ongoing turmoil in David's family serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the far-reaching consequences of unchecked anger and the corrosive nature of vengeance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might unaddressed grievances or unconfessed sins be festering, potentially leading to destructive outcomes?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize manipulative intentions, even when cloaked in seemingly innocent or benevolent gestures?**
* **When faced with injustice, how can I resist the urge for personal revenge and instead trust God's timing and methods for justice?**
* **What steps can I take to promote reconciliation and healing in relationships where bitterness or unresolved conflict exists?**

### FAQ

**Why did David allow Amnon to go with Absalom, despite his initial refusal and the known tension?**

Answer: David's decision to "let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him" is a complex point in the narrative, revealing several layers of David's character and the unfolding consequences of his earlier inaction. Firstly, Absalom's "pressing" (Hebrew _ḥāzaq_) indicates a relentless and perhaps emotionally manipulative insistence that David found difficult to resist. As a father, David may have sought to maintain familial harmony, even if superficial, and avoid public confrontation with Absalom. Secondly, David had previously failed to punish Amnon for the rape of Tamar, creating a moral vacuum and a sense of unaddressed injustice. His inaction had already weakened his authority and left a festering wound. By allowing Amnon to go, David might have been attempting to appease Absalom, or perhaps he genuinely failed to perceive the depth of Absalom's vengeful intent, despite the two years of silence and known resentment. This lapse in discernment and leadership contributes significantly to the tragedy that follows, highlighting David's recurring struggles as a father and king, particularly after his own sin with Bathsheba, which brought the "sword" upon his house ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic cycle of sin, unaddressed injustice, and violent retribution in David's household, culminating in Amnon's murder, stands in stark contrast to the perfect justice and redemptive love found in Jesus Christ. While Absalom sought personal vengeance for a grievous wrong, becoming an agent of death, Christ is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering forgiveness rather than demanding retribution. The failure of human justice in David's court, which led to such devastating consequences, points to the necessity of a divine, perfect judge. Jesus, through his atoning sacrifice on the cross, addresses the root of all sin—not by perpetuating violence, but by absorbing its full penalty, offering reconciliation and peace where human vengeance only brings further division ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Unlike David, who failed to protect his son, God the Father willingly gave His only Son to suffer for the sins of humanity, thereby breaking the cycle of sin and death and offering eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The narrative of 2 Samuel 13:27, therefore, underscores humanity's desperate need for a Savior who can truly deal with sin and its consequences, a need perfectly met in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate hope and deliverer from the destructive power of sin and vengeance ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.