2 Samuel 13:39

And [the soul of] king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

And the soul of king {H4428} David {H1732} longed {H3615} to go forth {H3318} unto Absalom {H53}: for he was comforted {H5162} concerning Amnon {H550}, seeing he was dead {H4191}.

But as King David became reconciled to the death of his son Amnon, he was increasingly filled with longing to see Avshalom.

And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnonโ€™s death.

And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

Commentary

2 Samuel 13:39 KJV: "And [the soul of] king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead."

Context

This verse marks a significant turning point in King David's emotional state following a period of intense family tragedy. The immediate preceding events involve the rape of David's daughter, Tamar, by her half-brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:14), and the subsequent vengeful murder of Amnon by Absalom, Tamar's full brother (2 Samuel 13:28-29). After the murder, Absalom fled to Geshur and remained in exile for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). David had been deeply grieved by Amnon's death (2 Samuel 13:36), but this verse indicates a shift from active mourning for Amnon to a growing desire for his exiled son, Absalom.

Key Themes

  • Parental Grief and Longing: David's heart, though initially consumed with sorrow for Amnon, begins to yearn for Absalom. This highlights the enduring and complex nature of parental love, even amidst profound family dysfunction and sin.
  • The Process of Comfort and Acceptance: The phrase "he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead" does not imply a lack of love or memory for Amnon, but rather the natural progression of grief where the acute pain subsides, allowing for a degree of acceptance and the capacity to focus on other matters.
  • Consequences of Sin: This entire narrative arc, from Amnon's actions to Absalom's retaliation and subsequent exile, illustrates the devastating and far-reaching consequences of sin within a family, particularly within a royal household.
  • Desire for Reconciliation: David's longing for Absalom sets the stage for future attempts at reconciliation, even if those efforts would ultimately prove tragically complex and fraught with further challenges.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "longed to go forth unto Absalom" translates the Hebrew verb ื›ึธึผืœึธื” (kalah), which means to be consumed, to pine away, or to be finished. It conveys a deep, almost overwhelming desire or yearning. David's soul was utterly consumed with the desire to see or reach out to Absalom, indicating a profound shift from his previous state of mourning.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the human experience of grief and reconciliation. It reminds us that:

  • Grief is a process, and time can bring a measure of comfort and acceptance, allowing us to move forward even after immense loss.
  • Parental love often endures even through the most challenging circumstances and heartbreaking actions of children.
  • There is a natural human desire for family unity and reconciliation, even when deep wounds have been inflicted. This longing can be a powerful motivator, though the path to true reconciliation can be arduous and uncertain.
  • The narrative serves as a sober reminder that actions have consequences, and sin within families can create lasting pain and division, requiring ongoing efforts toward healing and restoration.

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

Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:67

    And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's [death].

  • Genesis 37:35

    And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

  • Genesis 38:12

    ยถ And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.

  • Psalms 84:2

    My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

  • Philippians 2:26

    For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

  • 2 Samuel 12:19

    But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

  • 2 Samuel 12:23

    But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
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