2 Samuel 19:13

And say ye to Amasa, [Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

And say {H559} ye to Amasa {H6021}, Art thou not of my bone {H6106}, and of my flesh {H1320}? God {H430} do {H6213} so to me, and more {H3254} also, if thou be not captain {H8269} of the host {H6635} before {H6440} me continually {H3117} in the room {H8478} of Joab {H3097}.

Also tell 'Amasa, 'You are my flesh and bone. May God bring terrible curses on me and worse ones yet if from now on you are not permanent commander of my army instead of Yo'av."

And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”

And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

Commentary

Context

This verse occurs at a critical juncture in King David's reign, immediately following the crushing defeat of Absalom's rebellion. David is making his way back to Jerusalem, but the kingdom is fractured, particularly with the powerful tribe of Judah, which had largely supported Absalom. David's long-serving general, Joab, had killed Absalom against David's explicit orders, causing deep personal grief and anger to the king. In this strategic move, David sends a message to Amasa, who had been Absalom's commander, to win over the tribe of Judah and consolidate his rule, while also signaling his intent to replace Joab.

Key Themes

  • Reconciliation and Unification: David's offer to Amasa, formerly the commander of his enemy's army, is a significant act of reconciliation aimed at healing the deep divisions within Israel and specifically securing the loyalty of Judah.
  • Political Pragmatism: Beyond personal feelings, David's decision is a calculated political maneuver to stabilize his kingdom. By promoting Amasa, his nephew, he appeases the rebellious southern tribes and asserts his authority over Joab.
  • Solemn Oaths and Promises: The phrase "God do so to me, and more also" underscores the absolute seriousness and binding nature of David's promise to Amasa, invoking divine judgment if the vow were broken.

Linguistic Insights

The declaration "Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh?" (Hebrew: `etzmi uvesari`) is a powerful expression of kinship and solidarity. This phrase signifies a profound familial bond, used similarly when Adam recognized Eve as his equal in Genesis 2:23, and when the tribes of Israel affirmed David's kingship over them in 2 Samuel 5:1. Amasa was indeed David's nephew, the son of Abigail, David's sister (1 Chronicles 2:16-17).

The accompanying oath, "God do so to me, and more also," is a common biblical formula (e.g., Ruth 1:17, 1 Samuel 3:17) that emphasizes the speaker's unwavering commitment to their word, often implying a severe curse or penalty if the promise is not fulfilled.

Practical Application

This passage offers profound insights into leadership, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. David, despite his personal grief and the betrayal he experienced, demonstrates a willingness to extend grace and make strategic decisions for the greater good of his kingdom. It highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation and unity, even with those who have opposed us, and the power of a solemn promise to bridge divides. For believers, it also serves as a reminder of the weight of our own words and commitments, reflecting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

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

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 17:25 (5 votes)

    And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa [was] a man's son, whose name [was] Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 (4 votes)

    And Joab the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder;

  • Ruth 1:17 (4 votes)

    Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part thee and me.

  • 1 Kings 19:2 (4 votes)

    Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

  • 2 Samuel 19:5 (3 votes)

    And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;

  • 2 Samuel 19:7 (3 votes)

    Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

  • 2 Samuel 3:29 (3 votes)

    Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.