2 Samuel 20:5

KJV

So Amasa went to assemble [the men of] Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Amasa {H6021} went {H3212} to assemble {H2199} the men of Judah {H3063}: but he tarried longer {H309}{H3186} than the set time {H4150} which he had appointed {H3259} 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.

Commentary

### 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after King David's 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 (as detailed in [2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David's Appointment of Amasa")). The narrative then swiftly transitions to a new threat: the rebellion of Sheba son of Bichri, who rallied disaffected elements of Israel against David (introduced in [2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Rebellion Begins")). David's urgent command to Amasa in [2 Samuel 20:4](/2_samuel/20-4 "2 Samuel 20:4 - David Commands Amasa") 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](/2_samuel/20-5 "2 Samuel 20:5 - Amasa's Delay") then directly reveals Amasa's failure to meet this critical deadline, setting the stage for Joab's re-entry into the narrative and the tragic events that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Absalom's rebellion (recorded in [2 Samuel 15-19](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")) was one of profound political instability and fractured loyalties within David's kingdom. The tribal divisions between Judah and the northern tribes of Israel were exacerbated, creating fertile ground for new insurrections like Sheba's. In this context, military leadership was paramount, and the ability of a general to quickly muster forces was crucial for national security. 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](/2_samuel/20-9 "2 Samuel 20:9-10 - Joab Murders Amasa")). 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
* **tarried longer (Hebrew, _yāḥal'_):** The Hebrew verb יָחַל (_yāḥal_) typically means "to wait," "to hope," or "to delay." In this context, the KJV's "tarried longer" accurately captures the negative nuance of culpable delay. It implies not merely a passive waiting, but an active failure to meet an appointed deadline, indicating a lack of urgency, competence, or perhaps even commitment. This delay is presented as a deliberate act of non-compliance, rather than an unavoidable circumstance, thereby highlighting Amasa's culpability and the gravity of his inaction in the face of a national emergency.
* **set time (Hebrew, _môʿēd'_):** The Hebrew word מוֹעֵד (_môʿēd_) refers to an appointed time, a fixed period, or a designated meeting. It often carries a sense of a specific, non-negotiable deadline or even a divinely appointed season. Here, it emphasizes that David's command was not open-ended but came with a strict, urgent three-day limit. Amasa's transgression was not just a general slowness, but a direct violation of a precisely "appointed" time, underscoring the severity of his failure to adhere to the king's explicit instructions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Amasa went to assemble [the men of] Judah":** This initial clause indicates Amasa's nominal compliance with King David's command. He did indeed set out to perform the task. The specific mention of "Judah" highlights the limited scope of his initial assignment—to gather the forces from David's own tribe, which was crucial for consolidating support after Absalom's rebellion and before confronting the broader Israelite insurgency led by Sheba.
* **"but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him."**: The conjunction "but" introduces a stark contrast to Amasa's initial action, revealing his critical failure. He did not complete the task within the specified three-day period. The phrase "which he had appointed him" underscores that the deadline was explicitly communicated and understood by Amasa, making his delay a direct act of disobedience or gross incompetence rather than a misunderstanding. This failure to meet the "set time" is the crux of the verse, immediately signaling a breakdown in leadership and trust.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence vs. Laziness")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything")
* [James 4:17](/james/4-17 "James 4:17 - Knowing What Is Good and Not Doing It")

### 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
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to "tarry longer" than the "set time" God or others have appointed?**
* **What might be the potential consequences of my delays or procrastination, both for myself and for those around me?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of diligence and promptness in my obedience to God's Word and His leading?**
* **What does Amasa's story teach me about the importance of trustworthiness and reliability in leadership, whether in the church, home, or workplace?**

### 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](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David's Promise to Amasa"). 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](/2_samuel/18-14 "2 Samuel 18:14-15 - Joab Kills Absalom")). 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](/2_samuel/20-6 "2 Samuel 20:6-7 - David Sends Abishai After Sheba"). 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](/2_samuel/20-9 "2 Samuel 20:9-10 - Joab Murders Amasa")). 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](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). 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](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), 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](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")). 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.

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

1 Samuel 13:8

¶ And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.

2 Samuel 19:13

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.