TRV
Translation
King James Version
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
Complete Jewish Bible
Once he had been removed from the road, all the troops went on after Yo'av, to pursue Sheva the son of Bikhri.
Berean Standard Bible
As soon as Amasa’s body was removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.
American Standard Version
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
World English Bible Messianic
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When hee was remoued out of the way, euerie man went after Ioab, to follow after Sheba the sonne of Bichri.
Young's Literal Translation
When he hath been removed out of the highway, every man hath passed on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 8,568 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Samuel 20 verses 4–13
4 ¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.
5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
6 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
7 And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
9 And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
11 And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.
12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
We have here Amasa's fall just as he began to rise. He was nephew to David (Sa2 17:25), had been Absalom's general and commander-in-chief of his rebellious army, but, that being routed, he came over into David's interest, upon a promise that he should be general of his forces instead of Joab. Sheba's rebellion gives David an occasion to fulfil his promise sooner than he could wish, but Joab's envy and emulation rendered its fulfillment of ill consequence both to him and David.
I. Amasa has a commission to raise forces for the suppressing of Sheba's rebellion, and is ordered to raise them with all possible expedition, Sa2 20:4. It seems, the men of Judah, though forward to attend the king's triumphs, were backward enough to fight his battles; else, when they were all in a body attending him to Jerusalem, they might immediately have pursued Sheba, and have crushed that cockatrice in the egg. But most love a loyalty, as well as a religion, that is cheap and easy. Many boast of their being akin to Christ that yet are very loth to venture for him. Amasa is sent to assemble the men of Judah within three days; but he finds them so backward and unready that he cannot do it within the time appointed (Sa2 20:5), though the promotion of Amasa, who had been their general under Absalom, was very obliging to them, and a proof of the clemency of David's government.
II. Upon Amasa's delay, Abishai, the brother of Joab, is ordered to take the guards and standing forces, and with them to pursue Sheba (Sa2 20:6, Sa2 20:7), for nothing could be of more dangerous consequence than to give him time. David gives these orders to Abishai, because he resolves to mortify Joab, and degrade him, not so much, I doubt, for the blood of Abner, which he had shed basely, as for the blood of Absalom, which he had shed justly and honourably. "Now (says bishop Hall) Joab smarteth for a loyal disobedience. How slippery are the stations of earthly honours and subject to continual mutability! Happy are those who are in favour with him in whom there is no shadow of change." Joab, without orders, though in disgrace, goes along with his brother, knowing he might be serviceable to the public, or perhaps now meditating the removal of his rival.
III. Joab, near Gibeon, meets with Amasa, and barbarously murders him, Sa2 20:8-10. It should seem, the great stone in Gibeon was the place appointed for the general rendezvous. There the rivals met; and Amasa, relying upon his commission, went before, as general both of the new-raised forces which he had got together, and of the veteran troops which Abishai had brought in; but Joab there took an opportunity to kill him with his own hand; and, 1. He did it subtilely, and with contrivance, and not upon a sudden provocation. He girded his coat about him, that it might not hang in his way, and girded his belt upon his coat, that his sword might be the readier to his hand; he also put his sword in a sheath too big for it, that, whenever he pleased, it might, upon a little shake, fall out, as if it fell by accident, and so he might take it into his hand, unsuspected, as if he were going to return it into the scabbard, when he designed to sheath it in the bowels of Amasa. The more there is of plot in a sin the worse it is. 2. He did it treacherously, and under pretence of friendship, that Amasa might not be upon his guard. He called him brother, for they were own cousins, enquired of his welfare (Art thou in health?) and took him by the beard, as one he was free with, to kiss him, while with the drawn sword in his other hand he was aiming at his heart. Was this done like a gentleman, like a soldier, like a general? No, but like a villain, like a base coward. Just thus he slew Abner, and went unpunished for it, which encouraged him to do the like again. 3. He did it impudently, not in a corner, but at the head of his troops, and in their sight, as one that was neither ashamed nor afraid to do it, that was so hardened in blood and murders that he could neither blush nor tremble. 4. He did it at one blow, gave the fatal push with a good-will, as we say, so that he needed not strike him again; with such a strong and steady hand he gave this one stroke that it was fatal. 5. He did it in contempt and defiance of David and the commission he had given to Amasa; for that commission was the only ground of his quarrel with him, so that David was struck at through the side of Amasa, and was, in effect, told to his face that Joab would be general, in spite of him. 6. He did it very unseasonably, when they were going against a common enemy and were concerned to be unanimous. This ill-timed quarrel might have scattered their forces, or engaged them one against another, and so have made them all an easy prey to Sheba. So contentedly could Joab sacrifice the interest both of king and kingdom to his personal revenge.
IV. Joab immediately resumes his general's place, and takes care to lead the army on in pursuit of Sheba, that, if possible, he might prevent any prejudice to the common cause by what he had done. 1. He leaves one of his men to make proclamation to the forces that were coming up that they were still engaged in David's cause, but under Joab's command, Sa2 20:11. He knew what an interest he had in the soldiery, and how many favoured him rather than Amasa, who had been a traitor, was now a turn-coat, and had never been successful; on this he boldly relied, and called them all to follow him. What man of Judah would not be for his old king and his old general? But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a heavy load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger. Surely his conscience was seared with a hot iron. 2. care is taken to remove the dead body out of the way, because at that they made a stand (as Sa2 2:23), and to cover it with a cloth, Sa2 20:12, Sa2 20:13. Wicked men think themselves safe in their wickedness if they can but conceal it from the eye of the world: if it be hidden, it is with them as if it were never done. But the covering of blood with a cloth cannot stop its cry in God's ear for vengeance, or make it the less loud. However, since this was no time to arraign Joab for what he had done, and the common safety called for expedition, it was prudent to remove that which retarded the march of the army; and then they all went on after Joab, while David, who no doubt had notice soon brought him of this tragedy, could not but reflect upon it with regret that he had not formerly done justice upon Joab for the death of Abner, and that he now had exposed Amasa by preferring him. And perhaps his conscience reminded him of his employing Joab in the murder of Uriah, which had helped to harden him in cruelty.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 4–13. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Samuel 20:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Second Samuel 20:13 marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of Sheba's rebellion, immediately following Joab's treacherous assassination of Amasa, David's newly appointed army commander. The verse details the swift and pragmatic removal of Amasa's body from the main thoroughfare, which had halted the advancing Israelite troops. With this gruesome obstruction cleared, the army promptly resumed its march under Joab's de facto leadership, continuing their urgent mission to apprehend Sheba, the son of Bichri, thereby highlighting the ruthless efficiency and relentless drive characteristic of military operations in ancient Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Samuel 20:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. There is a strong sense of Irony at play: Joab's murderous act, which should have alienated the troops and sparked outrage, instead serves to consolidate his power and allows the army to resume its mission under his command. His ruthless efficiency, rather than his moral standing, dictates the immediate outcome and the army's pragmatic response. Symbolism is also evident, with Amasa's body serving as a powerful symbol of an obstacle – both a literal physical impediment to the army's movement and a moral impediment, representing the internal corruption and treachery within David's own ranks. Its swift removal signifies the army's pragmatic decision to overlook the moral implications for the sake of immediate military objectives. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates effective Pacing, as the sudden halt caused by the body is quickly resolved, leading to an immediate resumption of the narrative's forward momentum, mirroring the army's renewed pursuit. This rapid shift emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the army's single-minded focus on its mission.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 20:13, while describing a seemingly mundane logistical action, is deeply embedded in the larger theological narrative of leadership, sin, and divine sovereignty within the Davidic kingdom. It starkly illustrates the consequences of unchecked ambition and the moral compromises that arise in the pursuit of power. Joab's repeated acts of treachery (compare his murder of Abner in 2 Samuel 3:27) highlight the pervasive nature of sin, even among those ostensibly serving God's anointed king. Yet, even amidst such human depravity and political chaos, God's overarching purpose for David's kingdom continues to unfold. The removal of the obstacle, while driven by human expediency, allows the narrative to progress towards the quelling of the rebellion, which ultimately serves to stabilize David's throne, a throne established by divine promise (2 Samuel 7:12). The passage implicitly raises profound questions about the nature of leadership, loyalty, and the difficult choices made in times of crisis, reminding us that God often works through imperfect instruments and amidst deeply flawed human actions to achieve His sovereign will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound insights into human nature, the complexities of leadership, and the challenges of pursuing a mission in the face of obstacles, both literal and metaphorical. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the morally compromising decisions that can arise in power struggles. Joab's actions compel us to examine our own motivations: are we willing to sacrifice ethical standards for the sake of efficiency, personal gain, or the perceived greater good? The army's immediate resumption of the pursuit after the obstacle was removed highlights the pragmatic focus on objectives, but it also challenges us to consider whether our singular pursuit of goals ever blinds us to the moral cost or the human impact. In our own lives, we often encounter "Amasas" – unexpected obstacles, emotional baggage, unresolved conflicts, or even our own sinful tendencies – that halt our progress. The verse implicitly asks us: What "bodies" do we need to "remove from the highway" of our lives to move forward in our spiritual journey, our relationships, or our callings? This story prompts a deep reflection on the choices we make when faced with difficult circumstances and the critical balance between achieving desired outcomes and upholding ethical and godly standards.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Amasa's body such a hindrance to the army's progress?
Answer: Amasa's body was a significant hindrance for both practical and psychological reasons. Practically, it lay "in the highway" (2 Samuel 20:12), meaning it was directly in the path of the advancing army, forcing them to stop, divert, or slow down. Psychologically, the sight of the murdered commander, especially one who had only recently been appointed by King David (2 Samuel 19:13), was shocking and deeply disturbing. The text notes that "every one that came by him stood still" (2 Samuel 20:12), indicating that the gruesome scene was causing a literal bottleneck and a demoralizing effect on the troops. It served as a stark, public reminder of Joab's brutality and the instability within David's kingdom, diverting the soldiers' attention from their primary mission of pursuing Sheba. Its removal was therefore essential to restore focus, morale, and momentum to the military campaign.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 20:13 describes a moment of human treachery and pragmatic violence, it subtly points to the ultimate, perfect leadership and obstacle-removing work of Jesus Christ. Joab, through ruthless ambition, clears a physical impediment to pursue a human enemy, reasserting his flawed and violent authority. In stark contrast, Christ, the true King and perfect Commander, came not to assert power through violence, but through self-sacrifice, clearing the ultimate spiritual obstacle: sin and death. Whereas Amasa's body was a literal stumbling block, Christ's body, broken on the cross, became the very means by which the greatest impediment between humanity and God was removed, blotting out the record of our debt (Colossians 2:14). His glorious resurrection ensures that the "way" to God is now clear and open for all who believe, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Joab's pursuit of Sheba was a temporary quelling of a human rebellion, but Christ's pursuit is the eternal establishment of His kingdom, overcoming all spiritual rebellion and bringing true peace and reconciliation through His blood (Ephesians 2:16). The swiftness with which the army resumed its march after the obstacle was removed foreshadows the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom under Christ's leadership, where no obstacle, not even the gates of hell, can ultimately hinder His redemptive plan and the building of His church (Matthew 16:18).