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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse marks a significant shift in King David's emotional state, revealing his profound yearning for his exiled son, Absalom. Following a period of intense mourning for Amnon, who was murdered by Absalom, David's grief has subsided sufficiently for a new, deep longing to emerge for the son who fled. This transition highlights the complex interplay of parental love, the process of grief, and the enduring desire for family reconciliation, even amidst profound tragedy and the devastating consequences of sin within the royal household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a deeply tragic and tumultuous chapter in David's family life. Immediately preceding it, David's daughter, Tamar, was brutally raped by her half-brother Amnon, an act of profound betrayal and sin ([2 Samuel 13:14](/2_samuel/13-14 "2 Samuel 13:14 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar")). Two years later, Tamar's full brother, Absalom, exacted his revenge by orchestrating Amnon's murder during a sheep-shearing feast ([2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom's Vengeance for Tamar")). Following this act, Absalom fled to Geshur, his mother's homeland, where he remained in exile for three years ([2 Samuel 13:37-38](/2_samuel/13-37 "2 Samuel 13:37-38 - Absalom Flees to Geshur")). David had been in deep and prolonged mourning for Amnon, weeping bitterly for many days ([2 Samuel 13:36](/2_samuel/13-36 "2 Samuel 13:36 - David's Grief for Amnon")). Our verse signifies a crucial turning point, indicating that David's acute grief for Amnon has begun to abate, allowing his heart to turn towards his other estranged son, Absalom, setting the stage for future attempts at reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold within the context of ancient Israelite monarchy, where the king's family life was inextricably linked to the stability and perception of the kingdom. Royal succession, honor, and justice were paramount. Amnon's act was not merely a private sin but a public disgrace that violated both familial and societal norms, demanding a response. Absalom's flight to Geshur, a foreign land, was a common practice for those guilty of blood vengeance, offering a temporary refuge from the consequences of their actions. The king, as the ultimate arbiter of justice, faced a profound dilemma: pursuing justice for Amnon's murder while grappling with the loss of two sons—one dead, one exiled. The cultural understanding of grief involved a period of intense mourning, often with public displays, but also a natural progression towards a degree of comfort and acceptance, though never forgetting the loss.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several significant themes prominent throughout the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **parental grief and longing**, showcasing David's complex and enduring love for his children, even in the face of their grievous sins and the tragic consequences. Secondly, it speaks to the **process of comfort and acceptance** in mourning, demonstrating that time can mitigate the acute pain of loss, allowing for emotional space to address other pressing matters or relationships. Thirdly, the entire narrative arc underscores the **devastating consequences of sin**, particularly within a family, echoing the divine judgment pronounced upon David's house for his own sin with Bathsheba and Uriah ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - The Sword Will Never Depart from David's House")). Finally, David's yearning for Absalom foreshadows the theme of **reconciliation**, however fraught and ultimately tragic, that will dominate the subsequent chapters, highlighting the human desire for restoration even in broken relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Longed (Hebrew, _kalah'_):** The Hebrew verb כָּלָה (kalah) is deeply significant here. It means "to be completed," "to be finished," "to pine away," or "to be consumed." When used in the context of desire, as it is here, it conveys an overwhelming, almost agonizing yearning. It's not a casual wish but a deep, internal ache that consumes David's very being. This indicates a profound shift from his previous state of mourning for Amnon, suggesting that the initial, acute phase of grief had "finished" or "completed" its course, allowing this new, powerful desire to emerge.
* **Comforted (Hebrew, _nacham'_):** The Hebrew verb נָחַם (nacham) means "to be sorry," "to repent," "to be comforted," or "to console oneself." In this context, it signifies that David had found a measure of relief or consolation concerning Amnon's death. This does not imply a lack of love or memory for Amnon, nor does it suggest that David was "over" his son's death. Rather, it indicates that the initial, overwhelming sorrow had subsided, allowing him to move from a state of acute grief to a more settled acceptance of the reality. This emotional shift freed his heart to focus on his other estranged son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [the soul of] king David longed to go forth unto Absalom":** This clause reveals the depth of David's desire. While "soul" is an interpretive addition in the KJV (the Hebrew subject is simply "King David"), the verb "longed" (kalah) inherently conveys an intense, internal, and consuming desire. David's heart, mind, and entire being were now focused on Absalom. "To go forth unto Absalom" implies not just a desire to see him, but to initiate contact, to bring him back, or at least to bridge the chasm of their separation. It suggests an active yearning for reunion, a move beyond passive grief.
* **"for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead":** This explanatory clause provides the reason for David's shift in focus. The "comfort" David experienced regarding Amnon's death was not a sudden forgetting or a lack of sorrow, but rather the natural progression of grief. The initial shock and acute pain had lessened, allowing for a degree of acceptance that Amnon's fate was sealed and irreversible. This acceptance, however painful, freed David's emotional capacity to turn his attention to the living, albeit exiled, son, Absalom. It highlights the human capacity to process loss and, over time, redirect emotional energy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Psychological Realism**, offering a nuanced portrayal of David's complex emotional landscape. It captures the ebb and flow of human grief, demonstrating that sorrow, while profound, is not static but evolves over time. The shift from mourning Amnon to longing for Absalom is a deeply human response, illustrating how the mind and heart grapple with loss and seek resolution. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful piece of **Foreshadowing**. David's longing for Absalom sets the stage for the subsequent attempts at reconciliation and Absalom's eventual return to Jerusalem. This seemingly hopeful development, however, tragically foreshadows the even greater rebellion and heartbreak that Absalom will inflict upon David and the kingdom, revealing the bitter irony that David's deepest paternal longing will lead to his greatest political and personal anguish.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers profound theological insights into the nature of human grief, the consequences of sin, and the enduring, yet often complex, path to reconciliation. David's experience mirrors the universal human journey through loss, where time, while not erasing pain, can bring a measure of comfort and allow for new desires and priorities to emerge. Theologically, it reminds us that God works within the messy realities of human families and their brokenness, often allowing the natural consequences of sin to unfold while also providing opportunities for grace and restoration. David's longing for his son, despite Absalom's heinous act, reflects a divine echo of God's own persistent love and desire for reconciliation with His estranged children, even when they have deeply sinned against Him. This narrative also underscores the truth that while comfort can come, the scars of sin, particularly within families, often remain, requiring ongoing efforts towards healing and forgiveness.

* [Psalm 38:18](/psalms/38-18 "Psalm 38:18 - Confession of Sin and Sorrow")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Lamentations 3:31-32](/lamentations/3-31 "Lamentations 3:31-32 - God's Compassion Endures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's journey from acute grief for Amnon to a profound longing for Absalom offers a powerful and relatable illustration of the human experience of loss and the complex dynamics of family relationships. It reminds us that grief is a process, not a destination, and that true healing involves acknowledging our pain while also allowing ourselves to move forward, to find comfort, and to redirect our emotional energy towards what is still possible. For those who have experienced deep family wounds, this verse can resonate deeply, highlighting the enduring nature of parental love and the often-arduous path towards reconciliation. It challenges us to consider our own responses to loss and estrangement: Do we allow ourselves to be comforted over time? Do we hold onto bitterness, or do we, like David, eventually yearn for the restoration of broken bonds, even when the path is uncertain and fraught with risk? This narrative calls us to cultivate compassion, understanding that even those who have caused great pain are often deeply loved, and that the desire for unity, though challenging, is a powerful human impulse.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's emotional shift in this verse reflect your own experiences with grief and loss?**
* **What does David's longing for Absalom, despite Absalom's actions, teach us about the nature of unconditional love, particularly within families?**
* **In what ways might the process of "being comforted" allow us to move towards reconciliation in our own estranged relationships?**
* **What are the potential risks and rewards of pursuing reconciliation when deep wounds have been inflicted, as seen in David's situation?**

### FAQ
**Does "comforted concerning Amnon" mean David stopped grieving or loving Amnon?**

Answer: No, "comforted" (Hebrew: _nacham_) in this context does not mean David no longer cared about Amnon or had forgotten him. Instead, it signifies that the acute, overwhelming phase of his grief had subsided. The initial shock, sorrow, and perhaps anger had processed to a point where David could accept the finality of Amnon's death. This emotional shift allowed his heart and mind to turn towards his other living, though exiled, son, Absalom. It reflects the natural, albeit painful, progression of human grief, where intense sorrow eventually gives way to a degree of acceptance and the capacity to focus on other matters, including the desire for reconciliation with the living.

**Why did David wait three years to long for Absalom?**

Answer: David's initial reaction to Amnon's death was profound and prolonged mourning, as described in [2 Samuel 13:36](/2_samuel/13-36 "2 Samuel 13:36 - David's Mourning for Amnon"). The three-year period represents the time Absalom spent in exile in Geshur ([2 Samuel 13:38](/2_samuel/13-38 "2 Samuel 13:38 - Absalom's Exile")). It is during this time that David's acute grief for Amnon gradually lessened. The delay is realistic; deep emotional wounds take time to heal. It was only after the initial, consuming sorrow for Amnon began to abate that David's thoughts and desires could shift to his other son, Absalom, and the possibility of his return. This timing underscores the psychological reality of grief and the gradual nature of emotional processing.

**What does this verse tell us about David's character as a father?**

Answer: This verse reveals David as a deeply complex and profoundly human father. Despite his failures as a king and the devastating consequences of sin within his family, his parental love is undeniable and enduring. He is shown to be capable of intense grief, but also of moving through that grief to a place of longing for reconciliation. His desire for Absalom, even after Absalom committed murder, highlights a powerful, perhaps even unconditional, paternal affection. It portrays him as a man deeply affected by his family's brokenness, yearning for restoration, even if that yearning would ultimately lead to further tragedy. This vulnerability and deep emotional capacity are hallmarks of David's character throughout the biblical narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound longing for his estranged son, Absalom, after a period of grief and separation, serves as a poignant shadow of God the Father's own heart for humanity. Just as David yearned for the return of his son who had caused great pain and fled, so too does our heavenly Father long for the reconciliation of His children who are alienated from Him by sin. The consequences of sin, vividly displayed in David's household, are ultimately borne by Christ. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of our rebellion and estrangement. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bridged the chasm that sin created, making peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the one who goes out to seek the lost, much like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son who eagerly runs to embrace his returning son, even before he fully repents ([Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15-11 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son")). Our reconciliation with God is not based on our merit or our ability to "go forth" to Him, but on Christ's finished work, enabling us to be brought near to the Father by the blood of Jesus ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). In Christ, God's longing for us is fully satisfied, and our estrangement is overcome, establishing us as His beloved children, reconciled and adopted into His eternal family ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")).

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

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

¶ 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.