2 Samuel 21:17

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

But Abishai {H52} the son {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870} succoured {H5826} him, and smote {H5221} the Philistine {H6430}, and killed {H4191} him. Then the men {H582} of David {H1732} sware {H7650} unto him, saying {H559}, Thou shalt go {H3318} no more out with us to battle {H4421}, that thou quench {H3518} not the light {H5216} of Israel {H3478}.

But Avishai the son of Tz'ruyah came to David's rescue by striking the P'lishti and killing him. Then David's men swore to him, "You must no longer go out with us to battle, in order not to quench the lamp of Isra'el."

But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel.

Commentary

Context

This verse appears in an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel, detailing further battles between Israel and the Philistines during King David's later reign. Specifically, David had gone out to battle against Ishbi-Benob, a giant Philistine, and found himself exhausted and in mortal danger. His strength was waning with age, and he was close to being killed by the giant. It is in this critical moment that Abishai, David's nephew and one of his most trusted and formidable mighty men, intervened heroically.

Key Themes

  • Loyalty and Protection: Abishai's swift action to "succour" (aid) David demonstrates profound loyalty and courage. This highlights the vital role of faithful companions and subordinates in supporting leadership, especially in times of vulnerability.
  • The Indispensability of Godly Leadership: The men's declaration, "Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel," underscores David's immense importance to the nation. His life was seen as essential for Israel's well-being, stability, and spiritual guidance.
  • Vulnerability and Succession: The event implicitly acknowledges David's advancing age and diminishing physical strength. It serves as a reminder that even the strongest leaders are mortal and eventually need to be protected or succeeded, ensuring the continuity of the kingdom. The men's oath reflects a deep concern for the future of the monarchy and the nation.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "the light of Israel" (Hebrew: נֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל, ner Yisrael) is a powerful metaphor. A "lamp" or "light" in ancient times symbolized life, guidance, prosperity, and the presence of God. To "quench" this light would mean to extinguish hope, leadership, and the divine blessing associated with David's reign. David was not merely a king but the embodiment of God's covenant with Israel, and his demise would be a profound loss, akin to plunging the nation into darkness. This concept is further developed in passages where God promises to maintain a lamp for David's descendants, ensuring the continuity of his royal line.

Significance and Application

This verse offers several enduring lessons:

  • Value of Support Systems: It highlights the critical need for leaders, whether in the church, family, or community, to have loyal and capable individuals who can step in during moments of weakness or crisis. No leader is meant to carry the burden alone.
  • Protecting Core Strengths: The men of Israel recognized David's unique value and sought to protect it. Similarly, communities and organizations should identify and safeguard their most vital assets and leaders, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness.
  • The Impact of Leadership: David's role as the "light of Israel" reminds us of the profound influence leaders have. Their character, decisions, and very presence can illuminate or darken the path for those they lead. This reinforces the importance of godly leadership and the collective responsibility to pray for and support those in authority. The men's concern highlights the immense importance of David's life, not just personally, but because of God's covenant promise to establish his house and kingdom forever.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:36 (7 votes)

    And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

  • 2 Samuel 18:3 (6 votes)

    But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now [thou art] worth ten thousand of us: therefore now [it is] better that thou succour us out of the city.

  • 1 Kings 15:4 (4 votes)

    Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

  • Psalms 132:17 (4 votes)

    There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

  • 2 Samuel 20:6 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 20:10 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 144:10 (2 votes)

    [It is he] that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.