2 Samuel 13:29

KJV

And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the servants {H5288} of Absalom {H53} did {H6213} unto Amnon {H550} as Absalom {H53} had commanded {H6680}. Then all the king's {H4428} sons {H1121} arose {H6965}, and every man {H376} gat him up {H7392} upon his mule {H6505}, and fled {H5127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avshalom's servants did to Amnon as Avshalom had ordered. At this, all the king's sons jumped up, mounted their mules and fled.

Berean Standard Bible

So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule.

American Standard Version

And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:29 starkly narrates the immediate, horrifying execution of Absalom's meticulously planned vengeance against his half-brother Amnon. Following Absalom's chilling command, his servants swiftly carry out the assassination, plunging the royal sheep-shearing feast into chaos. The verse then vividly depicts the ensuing panic among the remaining royal sons, who, recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately mount their mules and flee in desperate haste from the scene of bloodshed. This moment marks a tragic turning point, escalating the internal strife within David's household and foreshadowing further turmoil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grim culmination of a deeply disturbing chapter in King David's family history, directly fulfilling Absalom's premeditated plot. The narrative preceding it details Amnon's heinous act of raping his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's full sister, as recorded in [2 Samuel 13:1-19](/2_samuel/13-19 "2 Samuel 13:1-19 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar"). Absalom, though silent for two full years, harbored a profound and seething hatred for Amnon, refusing to speak to him ([2 Samuel 13:22](/2_samuel/13-22 "2 Samuel 13:22 - Absalom's Silent Hatred")). His silence was a cover for a calculated plan. He orchestrated a seemingly innocent sheep-shearing festival in Baal-Hazor, near Ephraim, inviting all the king's sons. It was here, during a time traditionally associated with revelry and feasting, that Absalom gave his chilling, explicit command to his servants: "When Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then kill him; do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant" ([2 Samuel 13:28](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28 - Absalom's Command to Kill Amnon")). Verse 29 confirms the immediate and brutal execution of this command, triggering the chaotic flight of the other princes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sheep-shearing festivals in ancient Israel were significant annual events, often accompanied by feasting, drinking, and celebration, similar to a harvest festival. They were occasions for landowners to gather their wealth and for social interaction. For the royal family, such an event would have been a public display of prosperity and familial unity, making Absalom's choice of venue particularly insidious. The presence of "all the king's sons" underscores the public nature of the gathering and the shocking magnitude of the violence that unfolded. Mules were highly valued animals in ancient Israel, often associated with royalty and nobility for travel and status, as seen with David himself riding a mule ([1 Kings 1:33](/1_kings/1-33 "1 Kings 1:33 - David's Mule")). Their immediate mounting and flight signify not only the princes' panic but also their privileged means of swift escape, highlighting the suddenness and urgency of their departure from the scene of bloodshed and their desire to distance themselves from the regicide. The act itself reflects the cultural reality of blood revenge (lex talionis), though in this case, it was carried out by Absalom rather than through the established legal system, demonstrating a breakdown of justice within the royal household.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the destructive cycle of **retribution and revenge**, showcasing Absalom's successful, albeit brutal, execution of his long-planned vengeance for the profound dishonor brought upon his sister Tamar. This act underscores the destructive power of unchecked anger and personal vendetta. Secondly, Amnon's death is a direct, tragic **consequence of sin**, not only his own heinous act but also, implicitly, King David's failure to administer justice decisively and justly in the aftermath of Tamar's rape. This event serves as a grim fulfillment of the prophecy given by Nathan to David, declaring that "the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")). Thirdly, the swift flight of the other royal sons reveals the sudden **panic and disorder** that engulfed the royal gathering, signifying a complete breakdown of familial and social order. Finally, Absalom's decisive and ruthless act in orchestrating and executing this assassination reveals a chilling aspect of his **character: his capacity for cunning, cold calculation, and brutality**. This event serves as a significant foreshadowing of his later ambition and willingness to use force, which would eventually culminate in his full-scale rebellion against King David ([2 Samuel 15:13](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13 - Absalom's Rebellion Against David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, צָוָה, _tsawah'_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative instruction or order. Its use here emphasizes Absalom's absolute control over his servants and the premeditated, intentional nature of Amnon's murder. It highlights Absalom's role as the orchestrator and the deliberate fulfillment of his long-held plan, underscoring his calculated ruthlessness rather than a spontaneous act of rage.
* **Fled (Hebrew, נוּס, _nus'_):** This verb denotes a hurried, panicked departure, often in response to danger or fear. The immediate flight of the king's sons conveys the sudden shock and terror that gripped them upon witnessing the assassination. It signifies their desperate attempt to escape the immediate danger and potential implication, highlighting the chaos and breakdown of order that instantly followed the violent act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded."**: This clause confirms the successful execution of Absalom's chilling order from [2 Samuel 13:28](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28 - Absalom's Command to Kill Amnon"). It underscores Absalom's absolute authority over his servants and the premeditated nature of the murder. The terse statement emphasizes the swift and brutal efficiency with which the assassination was carried out, leaving no doubt about Amnon's fate.
* **"Then all the king's sons arose,"**: This indicates an immediate, collective reaction from the other royal princes present at the feast. Their rising suggests a sudden awareness of the horrific event, a break from their revelry, and a preparation for urgent action. It marks the transition from feasting to flight, signaling the onset of panic and the disruption of the gathering.
* **"and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled."**: This final phrase depicts the princes' desperate and immediate escape. "Gat him up upon his mule" means they quickly mounted their personal mules, which were prestigious and swift modes of transport. Their flight signifies their fear for their own lives, perhaps fearing Absalom's further actions or the repercussions of being associated with the murder. It underscores the chaos and urgency of the moment, as they prioritize self-preservation over any other consideration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Absalom's ruthless execution of Amnon foreshadows his later ambition and willingness to use violence to achieve his goals, culminating in his rebellion against King David. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the setting: a sheep-shearing festival, traditionally a time of joyous celebration and abundance, is transformed into a scene of fratricide and panic, subverting expectations of peace and familial harmony. The swift, desperate flight of the princes on their mules, symbols of royal status and comfort, highlights the sudden descent into chaos and fear, creating a powerful **Juxtaposition** between their privilege and their terror. The concise, direct reporting of the assassination followed by the immediate flight creates a sense of **Dramatic Pace**, conveying the shock and urgency of the moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin and the destructive cycle of violence it can unleash within families and nations. It illustrates how personal transgressions, particularly those involving sexual sin and a failure of justice, can fester and lead to further bloodshed and familial disintegration. The events in David's household, culminating in Amnon's murder, are a direct fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy concerning the "sword never departing" from David's house due to his own sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. This tragic episode underscores God's justice, even when it manifests through human sin and its consequences, demonstrating that sin, especially within leadership, has far-reaching and calamitous effects. The panic and flight of the princes also highlight the fragility of human security and the suddenness with which peace can be shattered by violence.

* [2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword")
* [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee When No One Pursues")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic events of 2 Samuel 13:29 serve as a profound cautionary tale for all generations. It compels us to confront the reality that sin, particularly when left unaddressed or inadequately disciplined, does not simply disappear; it metastasizes, breeding resentment, fostering bitterness, and often culminating in further acts of violence and injustice. The story of Amnon and Absalom challenges us to consider the crucial role of justice, both personal and communal. Where justice is delayed or denied, the desire for retribution can become a consuming fire, leading individuals to take matters into their own hands with devastating results. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts for simmering resentments or unaddressed grievances, urging us to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and righteous resolution rather than allowing bitterness to take root. It also highlights the immense responsibility of leaders, parents, and those in authority to address sin decisively and justly within their spheres of influence, lest their inaction contribute to a cycle of suffering and chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the failure to address sin justly, as seen in David's inaction regarding Amnon, contribute to further violence and tragedy within a family or community?**
* **What are the dangers of harboring silent resentment and planning revenge, as Absalom did for two years?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "flee" or avoid confronting difficult truths or injustices in our own lives or communities, and what are the potential consequences of such avoidance?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community, actively work to break cycles of violence and injustice, seeking righteousness and reconciliation instead of retribution?**

### FAQ
**Why did all the king's sons flee, and not just those who might have been implicated?**

Answer: The immediate flight of "all the king's sons" underscores the suddenness and profound shock of Amnon's assassination. While some might have been aware of Absalom's simmering hatred, the actual execution of a royal prince at a family gathering would have been an unprecedented and terrifying event. Their flight was likely driven by a combination of factors: pure panic and fear for their own lives, not knowing if Absalom's wrath would extend to others; a desire to distance themselves from the scene of a regicide, which carried severe legal and political ramifications; and the sheer chaos and breakdown of order that ensued. Their immediate reaction was self-preservation in the face of sudden, unexpected violence, as the "sword" had indeed entered David's house ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy")).

**What is the significance of the mules in this verse?**

Answer: Mules were highly prized animals in ancient Israel, often associated with royalty and nobility. They were known for their strength, sure-footedness, and ability to travel long distances comfortably, making them a preferred mode of transport for important figures. King David himself rode a mule ([1 Kings 1:33](/1_kings/1-33 "1 Kings 1:33 - David's Mule")). In this verse, the detail that "every man gat him up upon his mule" emphasizes the princes' privileged status and their means of swift escape. It highlights the stark contrast between their comfortable, royal lives and the sudden, terrifying need for urgent flight. The mules, typically symbols of status and dignified travel, here become instruments of panicked escape, underscoring the complete disruption of their world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic events of 2 Samuel 13:29, rooted in the cycle of sin, injustice, and vengeance within David's household, powerfully underscore humanity's desperate need for a perfect King. Amnon's murder, a consequence of his own sin and David's failure to administer justice, is a stark reminder of the brokenness of human leadership and the pervasive nature of sin's effects, echoing the prophecy that "the sword shall never depart" from David's house ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy")). This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who breaks this cycle. Unlike Absalom, who sought vengeance through murder, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, not to exact revenge for sin, but to atone for it ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). While Amnon's death brought chaos and flight, Christ's death on the cross brings reconciliation and peace, conquering sin and death itself ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). He is the righteous King who administers perfect justice and offers true forgiveness, ending the reign of sin and establishing an eternal kingdom where the sword of vengeance is replaced by the scepter of peace ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). In Him, the panic and flight caused by human sin are replaced by the security and rest found in His perfect reign ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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.