2 Samuel 13:36

KJV

And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end {H3615} of speaking {H1696}, that, behold, the king's {H4428} sons {H1121} came {H935}, and lifted up {H5375} their voice {H6963} and wept {H1058}: and the king {H4428} also and all his servants {H5650} wept {H1058} very {H3966} sore {H1065}{H1419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The moment he finished speaking, the king's sons came, cried out and wept; and the king too, with all his servants, cried out in great pain.

Berean Standard Bible

And as he finished speaking, the sons of the king came in, wailing loudly. Then the king and all his servants also wept very bitterly.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king’s sons came, and lifted up their voice, and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:36 captures the devastating moment when King David's remaining sons return to Jerusalem, confirming the murder of their brother Amnon by Absalom's command. This scene is one of profound, collective grief, as the king, his sons, and all his servants are overcome with sorrow, weeping bitterly. It marks a tragic culmination of unaddressed sin and escalating violence within David's royal household, vividly illustrating the painful consequences of moral failure and the shattering of familial peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate aftermath of a series of horrific events. Two years prior, David's eldest son, Amnon, had raped his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's full sister ([2 Samuel 13:1-19](/2_samuel/13-1-19 "2 Samuel 13:1-19 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar")). Though David was furious, he failed to administer justice, allowing Absalom's deep-seated resentment to fester ([2 Samuel 13:21-22](/2_samuel/13-21-22 "2 Samuel 13:21-22 - David's Inaction and Absalom's Hatred")). Absalom then meticulously plotted his revenge, inviting all the king's sons to a sheep-shearing feast in Baal-hazor and commanding his servants to kill Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:23-29](/2_samuel/13-23-29 "2 Samuel 13:23-29 - Absalom's Revenge Against Amnon")). Before the truth of Amnon's death reached David, a false report arrived, claiming that all of David's sons had been killed, plunging the king into immense distress ([2 Samuel 13:30-31](/2_samuel/13-30-31 "2 Samuel 13:30-31 - David's Initial Grief Over False Report")). Jonadab, David's shrewd nephew, then clarified that only Amnon was dead, having been aware of Absalom's long-held grudge ([2 Samuel 13:32-35](/2_samuel/13-32-35 "2 Samuel 13:32-35 - Jonadab's Revelation")). Verse 36 describes the arrival of the remaining sons, which finally confirms the horrific news and brings the full weight of the tragedy crashing down upon the royal family.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the royal court of King David in Jerusalem, a period of immense political and military success for Israel, yet one marked by profound internal strife within David's own family. Ancient Near Eastern kingship often involved a large harem and many sons, leading to complex succession dynamics and rivalries. Sheep-shearing festivals were common agricultural events, often accompanied by feasting and celebration, making them ideal covers for Absalom's malicious plot. The cultural emphasis on honor and shame is critical here; Amnon's rape of Tamar brought deep shame upon her and her family, and David's failure to address this injustice was a significant breach of his kingly and paternal duty. This inaction was perceived as a weakness and a moral failing that Absalom felt compelled to redress, albeit through violent means. The public display of grief, "lifting up their voice and wept," was a common and culturally expected expression of profound sorrow in ancient Israel, often involving loud lamentation and even tearing of clothes, signifying the depth of the communal tragedy.

* **Key Themes:** 2 Samuel 13:36 vividly underscores several major themes prevalent throughout the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost among these is the **consequence of sin**, particularly within the leadership. David's own sin with Bathsheba and Uriah ([2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")) and his subsequent failure to administer justice for Amnon's crime created a vacuum that led to a cycle of violence and retribution within his family, fulfilling Nathan's 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 of the Sword")). The verse also highlights the **brokenness of the royal family**, demonstrating how internal moral decay can shatter even the most powerful households. The profound, shared **grief and sorrow** expressed by all present underscores the human cost of sin and injustice, painting a picture of a household consumed by despair rather than unity and joy. Finally, it sets the stage for Absalom's subsequent flight and eventual rebellion, illustrating the **destabilizing effect of unresolved conflict and vengeance** on the kingdom itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wept very sore (Hebrew, _bekhi gedolah me'od'_):** This phrase, literally "a very great weeping" or "a weeping greatly," emphasizes the extreme intensity and overwhelming nature of the grief. The Hebrew construction uses an infinitive absolute (`bekhi`) followed by an adjective (`gedolah`) and an intensifier (`me'od`), creating a highly emphatic expression. It signifies not merely tears, but a profound, unrestrained, and collective lamentation that consumed everyone present, indicating the immense gravity of Amnon's death and the tragic circumstances surrounding it. It's a raw, visceral display of communal anguish.
* **king's sons (Hebrew, _b'nei hammelekh'_):** This refers specifically to David's other sons who were present at Absalom's sheep-shearing feast, excluding Amnon (who was murdered) and Absalom (who fled). Their arrival confirms the horrific news and brings the tragedy home. Their presence and shared weeping underscore the familial devastation and the collective trauma experienced by David's immediate household, highlighting the deep fissure that has now opened within the royal family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking":** This refers to Jonadab, who had just finished explaining to David that only Amnon was dead, not all his sons ([2 Samuel 13:35](/2_samuel/13-35 "2 Samuel 13:35 - Jonadab's Confirmation")). This clause emphasizes the immediate, sudden confirmation of the truth, leaving no room for doubt or further speculation. The moment Jonadab's words ceased, the reality of the situation was made manifest.
* **"that, behold, the king's sons came":** This marks the physical arrival of David's surviving sons from Baal-hazor. "Behold" (Hebrew, _hinneh_) serves as an interjection, drawing attention to the sudden and dramatic appearance, underscoring the immediate impact of their presence. Their return is the irrefutable evidence that Jonadab's account was accurate, transforming David's anxiety into a concrete, devastating reality.
* **"and lifted up their voice and wept":** This describes the sons' immediate reaction upon their return. "Lifting up their voice" indicates a loud, unrestrained wailing, a common expression of deep sorrow in ancient Near Eastern culture. Their weeping is not silent tears but a public, audible lament, signifying their profound grief over their brother's murder and the trauma they had just witnessed. It is a shared expression of horror and loss.
* **"and the king also and all his servants wept very sore":** This extends the grief beyond the immediate family to the entire royal court. The king, who had already been in distress over the false report, now experiences the full, confirmed weight of the tragedy. The inclusion of "all his servants" signifies the pervasive nature of the sorrow, indicating that the impact of this familial tragedy reverberated throughout the entire royal household and beyond. The repetition of "wept very sore" (or "wept greatly") underscores the overwhelming and collective nature of the lamentation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the tragedy. **Dramatic Irony** is present in the preceding verses, where David initially believes all his sons are dead, only for the truth to be revealed as equally, if not more, devastating. The phrase "wept very sore" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the intensity and overwhelming nature of the grief, suggesting a weeping beyond measure. The **Repetition** of "wept" (both by the sons and by the king and servants) serves to underscore the pervasive and shared nature of the sorrow, creating a strong emotional resonance. The arrival of the sons acts as a **Climax** to the preceding narrative of uncertainty, bringing the horrific truth to an undeniable, visual, and auditory reality. This scene also serves as **Foreshadowing**, as the deep divisions and unresolved conflicts within David's family, highlighted by this profound grief, will ultimately lead to Absalom's rebellion and further bloodshed in the kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a stark reminder of the devastating ripple effects of sin, particularly when justice is neglected. It illustrates how personal moral failings, especially those of leaders, can unravel the fabric of a family and a nation, bringing profound sorrow and division. The collective weeping signifies not only grief for Amnon but also lament over the brokenness and moral decay that has infected David's house, a direct fulfillment of God's judgment pronounced by Nathan ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword")). This scene underscores the biblical principle that sin has consequences, often far-reaching and painful, impacting not only the perpetrator but also innocent bystanders and future generations. It calls us to recognize the gravity of unaddressed sin and the necessity of righteous judgment and repentance.

* [2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword in David's House")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confessing Sin Leads to Mercy")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The raw, collective grief depicted in 2 Samuel 13:36 serves as a powerful and sobering mirror for our own lives and communities. It compels us to confront the profound and often devastating consequences of unaddressed sin, particularly within our families and spheres of influence. David's failure to administer justice for Tamar's rape created a vacuum that Absalom filled with vengeance, leading to a cycle of violence and sorrow. This narrative urges us to be proactive in confronting injustice, seeking reconciliation, and pursuing righteousness, rather than allowing bitterness and resentment to fester. It reminds us that true leadership, whether in a household or a nation, requires moral courage and a commitment to justice, even when it is difficult or painful. Furthermore, the shared weeping highlights the human capacity for communal lament and empathy in the face of tragedy. In a world often quick to move on, this passage invites us to sit with sorrow, to acknowledge the pain caused by sin, and to allow grief to lead us toward repentance, healing, and a renewed commitment to God's ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or community have I witnessed the devastating ripple effects of unaddressed sin or injustice?**
* **How does David's inaction challenge me to be more courageous in confronting difficult truths or administering justice in my own sphere of influence?**
* **What role does communal lament and shared grief play in processing trauma and fostering healing within families or communities?**
* **How can I contribute to breaking cycles of bitterness or vengeance, and instead foster reconciliation and forgiveness?**

### FAQ
**Why did David not act sooner to punish Amnon for raping Tamar?**

Answer: David's inaction is a complex and tragic aspect of this narrative. While the text states David was "very angry" ([2 Samuel 13:21](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Anger")), he failed to take any punitive measures against Amnon. Several factors may have contributed to this: Amnon was David's firstborn son and heir apparent, making his punishment a politically sensitive issue. David himself had recently committed grievous sins (adultery and murder) and may have been compromised morally or felt unable to administer justice effectively. Some scholars suggest a parallel between David's leniency towards Amnon and God's patience with David, though this does not excuse David's failure to uphold the law. His inaction created a vacuum of justice, which Absalom felt compelled to fill with his own violent retribution, leading to the escalating tragedy seen in 2 Samuel 13:36 and beyond.

**What is the significance of "all his servants" weeping alongside the king and his sons?**

Answer: The inclusion of "all his servants" in the collective weeping ("wept very sore") highlights the pervasive nature of the tragedy and its impact beyond the immediate royal family. It signifies that the brokenness and sorrow were not confined to David's private chambers but permeated the entire royal court and household. This communal lament underscores the gravity of the events—Amnon's rape, David's inaction, and Absalom's revenge—as a national crisis, not just a family affair. It also shows the deep empathy and shared burden felt by those in service to the king, indicating that the stability and well-being of the kingdom were intimately tied to the moral and emotional state of its leadership. The widespread grief emphasizes the profound disruption and pain caused by sin at every level of society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound grief and brokenness depicted in 2 Samuel 13:36, born from sin and its devastating consequences, find their ultimate answer and healing in Jesus Christ. The tears shed by David and his household foreshadow the deep sorrow of a world alienated from God, burdened by the weight of sin and its destructive power. Jesus, the true Son of David, did not come to perpetuate cycles of vengeance or to passively observe injustice, but to confront sin head-on. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of humanity's rebellion and its painful consequences on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). While David's house was torn apart by sin, Christ's sacrifice brings reconciliation and peace, not just within families but between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The grief in 2 Samuel 13:36 is a lament for what is lost due to sin; in Christ, we find the promise of restoration, where every tear will one day be wiped away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears in the New Creation")). He is the King who truly heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds ([Psalm 147:3](/psalm/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - The Lord Heals the Brokenhearted")), offering comfort and eternal hope where human sin had brought only despair.

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

2 Samuel 13:15

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her [was] greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

2 Samuel 18:33

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

2 Samuel 12:21

Then said his servants unto him, What thing [is] this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, [while it was] alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.