2 Samuel 19:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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!’”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Following the devastating defeat of Absalom's rebellion and the subsequent grief and political instability, King David strategically reaches out to Amasa, his nephew and former commander of Absalom's forces. This verse captures David's solemn oath to Amasa, appealing to their familial bond ("bone and flesh") and promising him the esteemed position of captain of the host, replacing the king's long-serving but increasingly disobedient general, Joab. This move is a calculated effort to reconcile with the powerful tribe of Judah, which had largely supported Absalom, and to reassert David's authority over his kingdom and military command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. The preceding chapters detail the brutal civil war, culminating in Absalom's death at the hands of Joab, against David's express command ([2 Samuel 18:9-15](/2_samuel/18-9 "2 Samuel 18:9-15 - Absalom's Death")). David's profound grief over Absalom's death ([2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom")) and Joab's harsh rebuke ([2 Samuel 19:5-7](/2_samuel/19-5 "2 Samuel 19:5-7 - Joab Rebukes David")) set the stage for David's immediate need to consolidate power and restore unity. The kingdom, particularly the tribe of Judah, was fractured, and David's offer to Amasa, a leader from Judah who had commanded the rebel army, is a direct response to the elders of Judah's reluctance to welcome David back ([2 Samuel 19:11-12](/2_samuel/19-11 "2 Samuel 19:11-12 - David's Appeal to Judah")). This act is a strategic political maneuver to win back Judah's loyalty and to sideline Joab, whose actions had increasingly challenged David's authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed immense value on kinship and tribal loyalties. The phrase "bone and flesh" was a powerful declaration of familial bond, used to establish deep connection and shared identity, as seen in [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Genesis 2:23 - Adam's Declaration of Kinship with Eve") and when the tribes of Israel affirmed David's kingship over them in [2 Samuel 5:1](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1 - The Tribes Acknowledge David's Kingship"). David's offer to Amasa, his nephew (Amasa was the son of Abigail, David's sister, as noted in [1 Chronicles 2:16-17](/1_chronicles/2-16 "1 Chronicles 2:16-17 - Amasa's Genealogy")), leveraged this cultural understanding to bridge the chasm created by the rebellion. Furthermore, solemn oaths, often accompanied by self-imprecations ("God do so to me, and more also"), were legally and religiously binding, invoking divine judgment upon the speaker if the vow was broken. This underscored the absolute seriousness and public nature of David's commitment, crucial for gaining trust from a recently rebellious faction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes within the broader narrative of David's reign. Firstly, it highlights **Reconciliation and Unification**, as David actively seeks to heal the deep divisions within Israel by extending grace and a high-ranking position to a former adversary. Secondly, it demonstrates **Political Pragmatism and Strategic Leadership**. David's decision is not merely emotional but a calculated move to stabilize his kingdom, secure Judah's loyalty, and reassert his authority over his military, particularly in light of Joab's insubordination. Thirdly, the use of a **Solemn Oath** underscores the gravity of David's promise and the importance of covenantal faithfulness, even in the midst of political turmoil. This act also sets the stage for the ongoing tension between David and Joab, a recurring theme throughout [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David") and [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Succession").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bone and Flesh (Hebrew, _‘etsem uvasar'_):** This idiomatic expression signifies the closest possible familial relationship, literally meaning "my very being" or "my own kind." It is a powerful declaration of kinship and shared identity, often used in covenantal contexts to establish an unbreakable bond. David's use of this phrase to Amasa, his nephew, emphasizes their blood relation and serves as a profound appeal for loyalty and reconciliation, elevating Amasa's status and affirming his belonging within David's family and, by extension, within the loyal kingdom.
* **God do so to me, and more also (Hebrew, _koh ya‘aseh li ‘elohim vekhoh yosif'_):** This is a common and potent oath formula in the Old Testament, a self-imprecation where the speaker invokes divine judgment upon themselves if they fail to uphold their promise. It demonstrates the speaker's absolute commitment and the binding nature of their word, placing the promise under divine witness and ensuring its solemnity in the eyes of all who hear it. Its inclusion here underscores the seriousness of David's vow to Amasa.
* **Captain of the host (Hebrew, _sar tsava’'_):** This title denotes the supreme commander of the army, second only to the king himself. It was a position of immense power, influence, and responsibility, controlling the military might of the nation. By offering this role to Amasa, David is not merely offering a job but a share in the highest echelons of power, signaling a complete change in military leadership and a direct challenge to Joab's long-held authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say ye to Amasa":** This indicates David's direct instruction to his messengers (Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, as per [2 Samuel 19:11](/2_samuel/19-11 "2 Samuel 19:11 - David's Instructions to the Priests")), bypassing traditional channels and underscoring the urgency and personal nature of his appeal to Amasa. It also highlights David's strategic communication, aiming to win over Amasa and, through him, the tribe of Judah.
* **"[Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh?":** This rhetorical question is a powerful appeal to kinship and shared heritage. David reminds Amasa of their familial bond, emphasizing that despite Amasa's leadership of the rebellion, he remains part of David's family. This is an act of profound grace and an invitation to reconciliation, designed to elicit loyalty and trust from Amasa and his supporters in Judah.
* **"God do so to me, and more also":** This is David's solemn, self-imprecatory oath, invoking divine judgment upon himself if he fails to fulfill his promise. It adds immense weight and credibility to his words, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and sincerity. In a culture where oaths were sacred, this declaration was meant to remove all doubt about David's intentions.
* **"if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.":** This is the specific content of David's promise: Amasa will be appointed the supreme commander of the army, a permanent position, replacing Joab. This not only signifies David's forgiveness and elevation of Amasa but also his decisive move to remove Joab from his powerful military command, a consequence of Joab's insubordination and the killing of Absalom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** is evident in "Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh?", which is not meant to be answered but to emphasize a self-evident truth and appeal to Amasa's sense of familial loyalty. **Metaphor** is central to "bone and flesh," which serves as a powerful symbol of deep kinship and shared identity. The inclusion of the **Oath Formula** ("God do so to me, and more also") is a form of **Dramatic Irony** when viewed in light of Amasa's eventual fate at Joab's hands ([2 Samuel 20:8-10](/2_samuel/20-8 "2 Samuel 20:8-10 - Joab Murders Amasa")), highlighting the tragic failure of David's best intentions and the persistent power struggles within his court. The verse also uses **Foreshadowing**, as David's explicit intention to replace Joab sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between the king and his general, which eventually leads to Joab's execution under Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 2:28-34](/1_kings/2-28 "1 Kings 2:28-34 - Solomon Executes Joab")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage underscores the complex interplay of divine sovereignty, human agency, and the consequences of sin within the context of leadership. David, though a man after God's own heart, operates within a fallen world, navigating political intrigue and personal betrayal. His act of extending grace and a high office to Amasa, a former enemy, reflects a profound commitment to reconciliation and the restoration of unity, echoing God's own patient dealings with His often rebellious people. It also highlights the weight and solemnity of oaths made before God, a theme consistently upheld in Scripture as a reflection of God's own covenant faithfulness. Yet, the tragic outcome for Amasa later reveals the limitations of human promises in the face of deep-seated animosities and the enduring consequences of a fractured kingdom.

* [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Genesis 2:23 - Adam's Declaration of Kinship with Eve")
* [2 Samuel 5:1](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1 - The Tribes Acknowledge David's Kingship")
* [Ruth 1:17](/ruth/1-17 "Ruth 1:17 - Ruth's Oath to Naomi")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision to forgive Amasa and offer him a position of immense power, despite Amasa's role in the rebellion, offers profound lessons in leadership, reconciliation, and the pursuit of unity. In moments of deep division and personal hurt, true leadership often requires transcending personal grievances for the greater good of the community. David's willingness to extend grace to an adversary, even one who had fought against him, demonstrates a strategic wisdom focused on healing the nation rather than perpetuating conflict. For us, this challenges us to consider our own responses to those who have wronged us or stood in opposition. Are we willing to prioritize reconciliation and unity over holding grudges or seeking retribution? Furthermore, David's solemn oath reminds us of the power and weight of our words. In an age where promises are often lightly given and easily broken, this passage calls us to integrity, to let our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no," reflecting the faithfulness of God Himself, who always keeps His covenant promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of reconciliation with Amasa challenge my own approach to conflict and forgiveness in personal or communal relationships?**
* **What does David's oath reveal about the importance of integrity and the weight of our commitments, both to others and before God?**
* **In what ways might prioritizing unity and the greater good require me to make difficult or counter-intuitive decisions, similar to David's choice regarding Amasa and Joab?**

### FAQ

**Why did David want to replace Joab with Amasa?**

Answer: David had several compelling reasons to replace Joab. Primarily, Joab had directly disobeyed David's explicit command not to harm Absalom, resulting in Absalom's death ([2 Samuel 18:5, 14-15](/2_samuel/18-5 "2 Samuel 18:5 - David's Command Regarding Absalom")). This act caused David immense personal grief and demonstrated Joab's insubordination, which had been a recurring issue (e.g., Joab's murder of Abner in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner")). Politically, by appointing Amasa, who had led Absalom's army, David aimed to reconcile with the powerful tribe of Judah, which had largely supported Absalom's rebellion and was hesitant to welcome David back ([2 Samuel 19:11-12](/2_samuel/19-11 "2 Samuel 19:11-12 - David's Appeal to Judah")). This move was a strategic attempt to unify the fractured kingdom and assert David's authority over his military, which Joab had dominated for years.

**Who was Amasa, and what was his relationship to David?**

Answer: Amasa was David's nephew, the son of Abigail (David's sister) and Ithra the Israelite (or Jether, as in [1 Chronicles 2:17](/1_chronicles/2-17 "1 Chronicles 2:17 - Amasa's Parentage")). He had served as the commander of Absalom's rebel army during the civil war against David. Despite leading the opposing forces, David appealed to their familial bond ("bone and flesh") to win him over. David's offer to make Amasa captain of the host was a strategic act of reconciliation and an attempt to integrate the rebellious faction back into the kingdom under his leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's act of extending grace and a high office to Amasa, his nephew and former enemy, provides a powerful Old Testament shadow of Christ's ultimate work of reconciliation. Just as David reached out to one who had rebelled against him, appealing to their shared "bone and flesh," so too did God, in Christ, become "flesh and dwell among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to reconcile a rebellious humanity to Himself. The ultimate "bone and flesh" connection is found in the Incarnation, where Christ fully identified with humanity, taking on our nature so that we might be saved ([Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Christ's Shared Humanity")). While David's oath to Amasa was a human promise, ultimately flawed and tragically unfulfilled due to Joab's treachery, Christ's covenant promises are eternally sure and unbreakable, secured by His own blood ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). He is the true "Captain of our salvation" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Captain of Salvation")), who, unlike Joab, perfectly executes the Father's will, leading His people not through violence and insubordination, but through self-sacrificial love and perfect obedience, bringing about a reconciliation far deeper and more lasting than any earthly king could achieve.

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 17:25

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

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

Ruth 1:17

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

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

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

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

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.