2 Samuel 19:9

KJV

¶ And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} were at strife {H1777} throughout all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, The king {H4428} saved {H5337} us out of the hand {H3709} of our enemies {H341}, and he delivered {H4422} us out of the hand {H3709} of the Philistines {H6430}; and now he is fled {H1272} out of the land {H776} for Absalom {H53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and throughout all the tribes of Isra'el there was dissension among all the people. They were saying, "The king delivered us from the power of our enemies, and he saved us from the power of the P'lishtim; but now he has fled the land to escape Avshalom.

Berean Standard Bible

And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom.

American Standard Version

And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies, and he saved us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land from Absalom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the tragic conclusion of Absalom's rebellion and his death, 2 Samuel 19:9 vividly captures the intense national debate and widespread disunity among the tribes of Israel concerning King David's return to Jerusalem. Despite David's recent flight from the capital due to Absalom's usurpation, the people recall his past triumphs as their deliverer from enemies and the Philistines, recognizing his historical role as their divinely appointed king. This verse encapsulates the tension between David's proven leadership and his temporary vulnerability, highlighting the urgent need for stable governance and reconciliation in a fractured nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the narrative of 2 Samuel, immediately after Absalom's defeat and death (2 Samuel 18) and David's profound grief (2 Samuel 19:1-8). David, still in exile across the Jordan River, has been urged by Joab to cease mourning and resume his royal duties. The preceding verses depict David's return journey being prepared, but this verse interjects with the internal deliberations of the people. It sets the stage for David's eventual return to Jerusalem, not as a simple homecoming, but as a complex political maneuver requiring the active consent and invitation of the tribes, particularly Judah, who had been most closely aligned with Absalom. The "strife" described here underscores the lingering instability and the challenge of reunifying a kingdom deeply fractured by civil war.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the united monarchy under David was marked by both consolidation and internal strife. Tribal loyalties remained strong, often superseding national unity, a legacy from the period of the Judges. Absalom's rebellion exploited these underlying tensions, particularly the grievances of the northern tribes against David's rule, which often favored Judah. David's flight across the Jordan was not merely a personal retreat but a strategic withdrawal, leaving Jerusalem vulnerable and creating a power vacuum. The Philistines were Israel's perennial and most formidable enemies, and David's victories against them (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")) were foundational to his legitimacy and popularity. The debate in 2 Samuel 19:9 reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship, where a king's ability to provide security and deliverance was paramount, yet his personal conduct and political stability were equally scrutinized by the populace.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the Books of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **fickle nature of public opinion**, demonstrating how quickly popular sentiment can shift from adoration to questioning, and back again, based on immediate circumstances. The people remember David's past deliverances, yet also his recent flight, showcasing their pragmatic assessment of leadership. Secondly, it emphasizes the **consequences of sin and rebellion**, as Absalom's actions directly led to David's exile and the nation's disunity, even after the rebellion was quashed. The phrase "he is fled out of the land for Absalom" directly links David's predicament to his son's treachery. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **importance of legitimate authority and national unity**. The "strife" among the tribes reveals a nation yearning for stability and a clear leader, recognizing that despite the recent turmoil, David's past record as a deliverer points to his divine mandate and his capacity to restore order, as prophesied in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strife (Hebrew, _rîḇ_):** The Hebrew word רִיב (_rîḇ_), translated as "strife," denotes a contention, dispute, or even a legal controversy. It is a strong term that suggests a heated and serious disagreement, not merely a casual discussion. Its use here indicates deep divisions and arguments among the tribes of Israel regarding David's return, highlighting significant political and social tension that required resolution. This "strife" reflects the genuine struggle for consensus and the complex process of national reconciliation after a period of civil war.
* **Saved (Hebrew, _yāšaʿ_):** The verb יָשַׁע (_yāšaʿ_), meaning "to save," "to deliver," or "to help," is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's acts of deliverance. When applied to David, it attributes to him a divinely empowered role as a deliverer. The people's recollection that David "saved us out of the hand of our enemies" and "delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines" emphasizes his past role as a victorious warrior-king, whose success was seen as a sign of divine favor and legitimacy. This past deliverance serves as a powerful argument for his restoration to the throne.
* **Fled (Hebrew, _nûs_):** The verb נוּס (_nûs_), meaning "to flee," "to escape," or "to take flight," describes David's ignominious departure from Jerusalem in the face of Absalom's rebellion. This word highlights David's vulnerability and the temporary disruption of his kingship. The people's acknowledgment that "he is fled out of the land for Absalom" captures the immediate, humiliating reality of David's situation, contrasting sharply with his past image as an invincible deliverer. This juxtaposition forms the core of the "strife" among the tribes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the widespread nature of the internal conflict. "All the people" and "all the tribes of Israel" emphasize the national scope of the debate, indicating that the question of David's return was a matter of intense public contention across the entire kingdom, not merely a localized issue. The "strife" (Hebrew _rîḇ_) denotes a serious, often heated, dispute or legal argument, underscoring the deep divisions that Absalom's rebellion had created.
* **"The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines;"**: This part of the verse presents the primary argument for David's return, rooted in his past accomplishments. The people recall David's proven track record as a military leader and deliverer. His victories against "our enemies" (general adversaries) and specifically "the Philistines" (Israel's most persistent and dangerous foes) were central to his initial rise to power and his legitimacy as king. This statement acknowledges his divine appointment and the security he brought to the nation, serving as a powerful reminder of why he was chosen and why he should return.
* **"and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom."**: This clause presents the counter-point or the current reality that fuels the "strife." It acknowledges David's recent vulnerability and the direct consequence of Absalom's rebellion. David's flight was a public humiliation and a sign of his temporary loss of control. The phrase "for Absalom" directly attributes David's predicament to his son's treachery, highlighting the internal fracturing of the kingdom and the personal cost of the rebellion. This stark contrast between David's past triumphs and his present flight forms the crux of the people's debate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Juxtaposition** to highlight the central dilemma facing the tribes of Israel. It starkly contrasts David's glorious past as a "savior" and "deliverer" from external threats, particularly the Philistines, with his recent ignominious "flight" from his own son, Absalom. This creates a tension that underscores the "strife" among the people, forcing them to weigh David's proven capabilities against his current vulnerability and the chaos caused by the rebellion. Furthermore, there is an implied **Rhetorical Question** within the "strife," as the people are implicitly asking themselves and each other: "Given his past, and his present situation, should David return as king?" This internal debate reflects the complex political and emotional landscape of a nation grappling with the aftermath of civil war.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the tension between God's anointing and the shifting tides of human opinion. David, chosen by God and confirmed through mighty acts of deliverance, found himself temporarily displaced by a popular uprising. The people's "strife" reveals their struggle to reconcile David's divine mandate with his human vulnerability and the consequences of sin within his own household. It underscores the biblical truth that even divinely appointed leaders face challenges to their authority and that a nation's stability often hinges on its recognition and restoration of legitimate, God-ordained leadership. The people's memory of David's past deliverances, though momentarily overshadowed by his flight, ultimately serves as a powerful argument for his rightful place, pointing to God's enduring covenant faithfulness to David's line.

* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:30-37](/psalms/89-30 "Psalm 89:30-37 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The "strife" among the tribes of Israel in 2 Samuel 19:9 offers a timeless lesson about the complexities of leadership, public perception, and the process of reconciliation after division. It reminds us that even leaders with a proven track record of divine favor and success can face periods of rejection or vulnerability, often due to circumstances beyond their immediate control or the consequences of sin. For communities and nations today, this verse highlights the critical importance of remembering past faithfulness and deliverance, even when present circumstances are challenging. It calls us to discern true leadership not merely by immediate popularity or temporary setbacks, but by a consistent pattern of character, divine anointing, and a commitment to the well-being of the people. Furthermore, it underscores the arduous but essential work of reconciliation and reunification after periods of conflict, reminding us that healing a fractured community requires open dialogue, a reckoning with past events, and a renewed commitment to shared purpose under legitimate authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, as individuals or communities, tend to weigh a leader's past successes against their current struggles or failures?**
* **What role does memory play in our assessment of leadership, particularly in times of crisis or division?**
* **In what ways might our own "strife" or disagreements hinder the restoration of unity and legitimate authority within our families, churches, or communities?**
* **What steps are necessary for true reconciliation and healing after a period of significant conflict or division?**

### FAQ
**Why were the tribes "at strife" if David was the rightful king?**

Answer: The "strife" among the tribes of Israel in 2 Samuel 19:9 was a complex reflection of the deep political and social fractures caused by Absalom's rebellion. While David was indeed the divinely appointed and rightful king, his flight from Jerusalem in the face of Absalom's usurpation had created a power vacuum and a crisis of confidence. The people were debating not just his right to rule, but the practicalities and implications of his return. Some might have feared renewed conflict, others might have been deeply implicated in Absalom's rebellion and worried about repercussions, and still others might have genuinely questioned David's ability to restore stability after such a humiliating retreat. Their recollection of his past deliverances ("The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines;") was a strong argument for his return, but it was weighed against the recent reality that "he is fled out of the land for Absalom." This indicates a genuine, widespread debate about the best path forward for the nation, highlighting the lingering instability and the need for a clear invitation for David to reclaim his throne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "strife" among the tribes concerning David's return in 2 Samuel 19:9 powerfully foreshadows the divided responses to Jesus, the ultimate King and Deliverer. Just as David was remembered for saving Israel from their enemies, Jesus came as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivering humanity from the ultimate enemies of sin and death. Yet, despite His miraculous deeds and authoritative teaching, there was constant "strife" and division regarding His identity and authority. Some hailed Him as the [Son of David](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Hosanna to the Son of David"), the long-awaited Messiah, while others questioned His origins, accused Him of blasphemy, and ultimately demanded His crucifixion (e.g., [John 7:40-43](/john/7-40 "John 7:40-43 - Division Over Jesus' Identity")). Like David, who "fled out of the land for Absalom," Jesus, in His incarnation, emptied Himself and experienced human vulnerability, even facing rejection and a "flight" to the cross (e.g., [Philippians 2:6-8](/philipians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). However, His ultimate "return" was not from exile but from the grave, in glorious resurrection and ascension, establishing His eternal kingdom (e.g., [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")). Thus, David's temporary rejection and eventual restoration serve as a type for Christ's suffering, vindication, and ultimate reign, demonstrating that God's anointed King, though momentarily challenged, will ultimately triumph and gather His people.

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 15:14

And David said unto all his servants that [were] with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not [else] escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

Genesis 3:12

And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest [to be] with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

Genesis 3:13

And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

2 Samuel 8:1

¶ And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

2 Samuel 8:14

And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

1 Samuel 18:25

And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.