TRV
Translation
King James Version
So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
Complete Jewish Bible
'Amasa went to summon the men of Y'hudah but took longer than the time he had been given.
Berean Standard Bible
So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him.
American Standard Version
So Amasa went to call the men of Judah together; but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
World English Bible Messianic
So Amasa went to call the men of Judah together; but he stayed longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Amasa went to assemble Iudah, but hee taried longer then the time which he had appoynted him.
Young's Literal Translation
and Amasa goeth to call Judah, and tarrieth beyond the appointed time that he had appointed him;
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In the KJVVerse 8,560 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.
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SUMMARY
Second Samuel 20:5 records a critical moment of failed leadership during King David's tumultuous reign, specifically highlighting the inaction of Amasa, whom David had recently appointed as commander of Judah's forces. Tasked with swiftly assembling the men of Judah to quell the burgeoning rebellion of Sheba son of Bichri, Amasa instead "tarried longer than the set time," failing to meet the urgent three-day deadline imposed by the king. This delay proved to be a significant misstep, demonstrating a lack of diligence and ultimately setting in motion a chain of events with severe consequences for Amasa and the stability of David's kingdom, showcasing the perils of procrastination in times of crisis.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated immediately after King David's precarious return to Jerusalem following the suppression of Absalom's rebellion and the subsequent political maneuvering to restore unity between Israel and Judah. David, seeking to reconcile with Judah and perhaps to punish Joab for killing Absalom, had controversially appointed Amasa—his nephew and former commander of Absalom's rebel army—as his new chief general over the loyal Joab, a decision detailed in 2 Samuel 19:13. The narrative then swiftly transitions to a new, immediate threat: the rebellion of Sheba son of Bichri, who rallied disaffected elements of Israel against David, as introduced in 2 Samuel 20:1. David's urgent command to Amasa in 2 Samuel 20:4 for a swift mobilization within three days underscores the immediate danger and the king's desperate need for decisive action. Verse 2 Samuel 20:5 then directly reveals Amasa's critical failure to meet this deadline, setting the stage for Joab's re-entry into the narrative and the tragic events that follow, including Amasa's demise.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period immediately following Absalom's rebellion (recorded in 2 Samuel 15-19) was one of profound political instability and fractured loyalties within David's kingdom. The deep-seated tribal divisions between Judah and the northern tribes of Israel were exacerbated, creating fertile ground for new insurrections like Sheba's. In this context, effective military leadership was paramount, and the ability of a general to quickly muster forces was crucial for national security and the preservation of the monarchy. David's appointment of Amasa, a figure who had recently led an army against him, was a politically risky move intended to heal the rift with Judah but also alienated Joab, David's long-standing and fiercely loyal (though often ruthless) general. The "set time" for mobilization was not merely a suggestion but a royal command, the failure of which could be interpreted as incompetence, disloyalty, or a critical lapse in judgment, with potentially dire consequences for the kingdom's stability and the king's authority.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Timeliness and Obedience, emphasizing that in matters of leadership and divine calling, prompt and faithful execution of commands is vital. Amasa's failure to act within the king's appointed timeframe directly contravenes the principle of diligent obedience, a virtue highly valued in biblical wisdom literature. Secondly, the verse underscores the Consequences of Delay and Inaction. Amasa's procrastination had immediate and severe repercussions, demonstrating how a lack of diligence can escalate crises and lead to further instability, ultimately contributing to his tragic demise at Joab's hand, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:9-10. Finally, it speaks to the theme of Leadership and Trust. King David's trust in Amasa, a calculated political gamble, was immediately tested and found wanting. Effective leadership requires not only strategic vision and skill but also unwavering reliability and the ability to execute commands faithfully and on schedule, especially when the security of a nation hangs in the balance.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Contrast and Foreshadowing. The Contrast is evident between King David's urgent command for swift action and Amasa's subsequent culpable delay. David's expectation of immediate mobilization within a "set time" is sharply juxtaposed with Amasa's failure to meet that deadline, highlighting the chasm between royal directive and a general's execution. Furthermore, this delay serves as significant Foreshadowing. Amasa's inability to perform his first critical task for David immediately signals his unsuitability for the demanding role of commander and hints at the tragic fate that awaits him. His tardiness sets the stage for Joab's reassertion of power and Amasa's eventual assassination, as the narrative must find a more decisive leader to address the rebellion.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Amasa's delay serves as a profound theological lesson on the importance of diligence, faithfulness, and the stewardship of time and responsibility. In the biblical worldview, obedience is not merely about performing an action, but often about performing it at the right time and with the right spirit. Amasa's failure to meet the "set time" for mobilization, though seemingly a practical lapse, carries theological weight, reflecting a deeper lack of diligence or commitment. It illustrates that even when given a clear command and a specific timeframe, human weakness, procrastination, or incompetence can hinder divine or kingly purposes. This resonates with broader biblical principles that emphasize the value of promptness in duty and the serious consequences of neglecting responsibilities, especially those entrusted by authority. It underscores that opportunities, particularly in times of crisis, are often time-sensitive, and delay can lead to compounding problems and missed blessings.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amasa's failure to act promptly in 2 Samuel 20:5 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. In a world that often celebrates busyness over diligence, and where procrastination can be a common struggle, this verse reminds us that obedience often includes the element of timeliness. Whether in our personal commitments, professional duties, or spiritual callings, delays can have far-reaching negative consequences, not just for ourselves but for those we serve and for the broader purposes of God. Amasa's inaction jeopardized David's kingdom; similarly, our own delays in responding to God's call, fulfilling our responsibilities, or acting on opportunities for service can hinder the progress of His kingdom, erode trust in our character, and cause us to miss critical moments for impact. This narrative challenges us to cultivate a spirit of diligence, faithfulness, and decisiveness, recognizing that our actions (or inactions) have tangible effects on the spiritual and practical landscapes around us. It calls us to be good stewards of the time and opportunities God entrusts to us, acting with wisdom and urgency when the moment demands it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Amasa appointed general over Joab, and what were the implications of this decision?
Answer: David appointed Amasa as general of Judah's forces (and effectively, his chief general) over Joab primarily for political reasons, as detailed in 2 Samuel 19:13. After Absalom's rebellion, David sought to reconcile with the tribe of Judah, who had largely supported Absalom. Amasa, being David's nephew and having led Absalom's army, was a strategic choice to win back Judah's loyalty. This decision also served as a way for David to punish Joab, who had defied David's direct order by killing Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14-15). The implication of this appointment was immediate instability; Joab, a seasoned and powerful general, was deeply resentful, and Amasa, despite his lineage, proved to be an incompetent or unreliable leader in a crisis, leading directly to his tragic downfall.
What were the immediate consequences of Amasa's delay in assembling the men of Judah?
Answer: Amasa's failure to meet the three-day deadline had immediate and severe consequences. King David, recognizing the urgency of the Sheba rebellion and Amasa's critical failure, could not afford further delay. He was forced to dispatch Abishai (and by extension, Joab, who was likely with him or quickly joined) to pursue Sheba, as recorded in 2 Samuel 20:6-7. This effectively reinstated Joab as the de facto military commander. The most tragic and direct consequence for Amasa was his assassination by Joab. As Joab pursued Sheba, he encountered Amasa, feigned a greeting, and then brutally murdered him, likely out of a combination of personal ambition, resentment, and a desire to eliminate a rival who had proven himself unfit for command (described in 2 Samuel 20:9-10). Amasa's delay thus directly led to his death and Joab's reassertion of military dominance.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 20:5 highlights the failure of human leadership and the perils of delay, it implicitly points to the perfect and decisive leadership of Jesus Christ. Unlike Amasa, who "tarried longer than the set time," Christ always acted in perfect obedience to the Father's will and in the "fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4). His earthly ministry was characterized by an unwavering commitment to His mission, never delaying or procrastinating in fulfilling the divine mandate to seek and save the lost. When the time came for His ultimate sacrifice, He did not hesitate but resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), demonstrating perfect promptness in His obedience, even unto death on the cross. Furthermore, while Amasa failed to gather the men of Judah for an earthly king, Christ is the ultimate Shepherd who perfectly gathers His sheep, calling them from every tribe and nation into His eternal kingdom (John 10:16). His leadership is characterized by absolute trustworthiness and reliability, offering a stark contrast to Amasa's unreliability. Believers are called to emulate Christ's diligence and obedience, serving Him faithfully and without delay, knowing that He is the perfectly reliable Commander of our salvation.