TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.
Complete Jewish Bible
The king said to 'Amasa, "Summon the men of Y'hudah to come to me within three days; and you, be here too."
Berean Standard Bible
Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.”
American Standard Version
Then said the king to Amasa, Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.
World English Bible Messianic
Then the king said to Amasa, “Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be here present.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then sayde the King to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Iudah within three dayes, and be thou here present.
Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith unto Amasa, `Call for me the men of Judah in three days, and thou, stand here,'
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In the KJVVerse 8,559 of 31,102
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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.
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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.
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SUMMARY
Following the tumultuous rebellion of Absalom, King David, still consolidating his reign, faces a new and immediate threat from Sheba, a Benjamite who incites further division within the kingdom. In this precarious moment, David issues a critical directive to Amasa, his newly appointed commander, entrusting him with the urgent task of assembling the men of Judah within a strict three-day deadline to quash the burgeoning revolt, thereby testing Amasa's loyalty and competence in his new role.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and dramatic tension. Command is the primary device, as David issues a direct, imperative order to Amasa, highlighting his absolute authority as king and the urgency of the situation. The specific timeframe, "within three days," functions as a device of Urgency, creating a palpable sense of immediate crisis and emphasizing the critical need for swift action before the new rebellion can fully consolidate. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses Foreshadowing. Given Amasa's later failure to meet this stringent deadline (as detailed in the subsequent verses) and his subsequent demise, David's urgent command here subtly foreshadows the tragic outcome of Amasa's incompetence or disloyalty, building narrative tension. There is also an element of Irony in David entrusting such a critical mission to Amasa, who had previously led Absalom's rebel army, rather than to the consistently loyal, albeit ruthless, Joab. This politically motivated choice sets up a dramatic contrast between David's hopeful trust and Amasa's eventual failure, highlighting the complexities of leadership and loyalty in a fractured kingdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple military order, resonates with profound theological and thematic implications regarding leadership, responsibility, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience. David, as God's anointed king, operates under divine mandate, and his commands, while human, reflect the principles of effective governance and the necessity of swift action in the face of threats to order and justice. The urgency of the command highlights that in times of crisis, prompt and decisive action is not merely efficient but often morally imperative to prevent greater chaos and suffering. Amasa's test, therefore, becomes a microcosm of the broader human responsibility to respond faithfully and diligently to the call of duty, whether from an earthly king or, by extension, from God. Failure to act promptly, as seen in Amasa's case, can have dire consequences, underscoring the biblical principle that much is required from those to whom much is given.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's urgent command to Amasa serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of decisive leadership and prompt obedience, both in secular and spiritual realms. In moments of crisis or when a clear directive is given, hesitation or delay can have far-reaching and detrimental consequences. For leaders, this verse underscores the need for clear communication of expectations, the setting of realistic yet firm deadlines, and the careful selection of those entrusted with critical responsibilities. It also highlights the courage required to make difficult decisions and delegate authority, even to those with a questionable past, in pursuit of a greater good. For those under authority, it emphasizes the virtue of diligence, responsiveness, and the understanding that fulfilling one's duties promptly and faithfully is paramount, not just for personal integrity but for the well-being of the entire community or mission. This narrative challenges us to consider our own responses to calls for action, whether from earthly authorities, our conscience, or, most profoundly, from God. Do we respond with the urgency that the situation demands, or do we allow procrastination and self-interest to hinder our effectiveness, potentially leading to missed opportunities or negative outcomes?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did David appoint Amasa as commander instead of Joab, who had been loyal?
Answer: David's decision to appoint Amasa over Joab was a complex political maneuver aimed at reconciliation and consolidation of power after Absalom's rebellion. Amasa had led Absalom's army, which was largely comprised of men from Judah. By appointing Amasa, David sought to win back the loyalty of Judah, his home tribe, and heal the divisions caused by the civil war, as promised in 2 Samuel 19:13. It was also likely an attempt to curb Joab's increasingly independent and ruthless power, as Joab had recently defied David's direct orders by killing Absalom, as described in 2 Samuel 18:14-15, and had shown little deference to the king's grief. David likely hoped Amasa would be a more pliable and loyal commander, but this proved to be a critical miscalculation.
What was the nature of Sheba's rebellion, and why was it so urgent for David to address?
Answer: Sheba's rebellion, described in 2 Samuel 20:1-2, was a tribal uprising led by Sheba, a Benjamite, who exploited the lingering discontent among the northern tribes against David's rule. His cry, "We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel," was a direct challenge to David's authority and an attempt to fracture the newly reunited kingdom. It was urgent for David to address because the kingdom was still recovering from Absalom's rebellion, and another widespread revolt could have permanently destabilized his reign, leading to further bloodshed and the potential disintegration of the united monarchy. Swift action was necessary to prevent the rebellion from gaining momentum and drawing more tribes away from David's control, thus preserving the fragile peace and unity of Israel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The urgency and imperative nature of King David's command to Amasa, and the subsequent failure of Amasa to meet the king's expectation, powerfully foreshadow the perfect obedience and divine authority embodied in Jesus Christ. Unlike Amasa, who delayed and ultimately failed in his mission, leading to his demise, Christ perfectly fulfilled every command of His Heavenly Father, even to the point of death on a cross, as highlighted in Philippians 2:8. David's reliance on a flawed human commander points to the need for a perfect King and Commander, one who is fully capable of executing God's will without hesitation or failure. Jesus is the ultimate leader, the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), who perfectly assembled not an earthly army, but a spiritual kingdom, drawing all people to Himself through His sacrifice and resurrection, as He declared in John 12:32. The "three days" urgency in David's command also echoes the critical three-day period of Christ's burial and resurrection, a divine timeline that culminated in the ultimate victory over sin and death, demonstrating God's perfect plan executed with perfect timing and power, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Thus, 2 Samuel 20:4, with its narrative of human fallibility and the need for swift action, ultimately points to the flawless and triumphant leadership of our Savior, Jesus Christ.