2 Samuel 13:34

But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

But Absalom {H53} fled {H1272}. And the young man {H5288} that kept the watch {H6822} lifted up {H5375} his eyes {H5869}, and looked {H7200}, and, behold, there came {H1980} much {H7227} people {H5971} by the way {H1870} of the hill {H2022} side {H6654} behind {H310} him.

However, Avshalom took flight. The young man keeping watch looked up and saw many people coming along the road behind him on the hillside.

Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, β€œI see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”

But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill-side behind him.

Commentary

2 Samuel 13:34 marks a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of King David's family, immediately following the revenge-killing of his firstborn son, Amnon, by Absalom. This verse sets the scene for the dramatic revelation of who survived the feast.

Context

The events leading up to this verse are deeply disturbing. Amnon, David's son, had raped his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's full sister. Absalom harbored a silent, seething hatred for Amnon for two full years (2 Samuel 13:22), patiently waiting for an opportunity for vengeance. He finally orchestrated Amnon's murder at a sheep-shearing feast, a seemingly festive occasion turned deadly. After the assassination, Absalom fled, knowing the severe consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, King David and his court were in turmoil, having received a false report that all of David's sons had been killed (2 Samuel 13:30).

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Sin and Vengeance: Absalom's flight underscores the immediate aftermath of his violent act. His vengeance, though perhaps understandable given the horrific crime against Tamar, leads to further division and sorrow within the royal family, foreshadowing the later rebellion against David.
  • Dramatic Tension and Anticipation: The watchman's report of "much people" approaching from the hillside creates intense suspense. Initially, this sight reinforces David's fears that all his sons are dead. The slow, visual confirmation adds to the dramatic unfolding of events in the royal court.
  • Unraveling of David's Household: This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the deep fractures and tragic events within David's family, often seen as a consequence of his own sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:10-11).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fled" (Χ Χ•Χ‘ - nus) implies a rapid and desperate escape, highlighting the urgency of Absalom's situation as he sought refuge. The "watch" (Χ¦Χ€Χ” - tsaphah) refers to a lookout post, emphasizing the duty of a watchman to observe and report, which is precisely what the young man does, setting the stage for the next turn of events.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, illustrates the immediate and far-reaching consequences of sin and unchecked vengeance. Absalom's flight signals not an end, but a new beginning of troubles for David's house. It reminds us that actions, especially those born of anger and a desire for retribution, have ripple effects that can impact many lives. The watchman's diligent observation also serves as a subtle reminder of the importance of vigilance and truth in reporting, even amidst chaos and fear.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 13:37

    But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And [David] mourned for his son every day.

  • 2 Samuel 13:38

    So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

  • Genesis 4:8

    ΒΆ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

  • Genesis 4:14

    Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, [that] every one that findeth me shall slay me.

  • Amos 5:19

    As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

  • Proverbs 28:17

    ΒΆ A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
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