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2 Samuel 13:37

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But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And [David] mourned for his son every day.

But Absalom {H53} fled {H1272}, and went {H3212} to Talmai {H8526}, the son {H1121} of Ammihud {H5991}{H5989}, king {H4428} of Geshur {H1650}. And David mourned {H56} for his son {H1121} every day {H3117}.

Avshalom fled and went to Talmai the son of 'Ammihud, king of G'shur. David mourned for his son every day.

Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day.

But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai the son of Ammihur, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

Commentary

Context

This verse follows the tragic climax of a deeply troubled period in King David's family. Absalom, David's third son, had orchestrated the murder of his half-brother Amnon, in revenge for Amnon's rape of Absalom's sister, Tamar (see 2 Samuel 13:1-20). After this calculated act of vengeance, Absalom flees to Geshur, the kingdom of his maternal grandfather, Talmai, son of Ammihud. This flight marks a significant rupture in David's household and kingdom, as his son is now a fugitive. David's subsequent and continuous mourning highlights the profound sorrow and brokenness within the royal family.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Sin: This verse vividly illustrates the devastating ripple effects of sin, particularly the unfolding of God's judgment prophesied by Nathan concerning David's own sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:10-11). The "sword" had indeed not departed from David's house, leading to incest, murder, and exile among his children.
  • Parental Grief: Despite Absalom's heinous act of fratricide, David's heart is broken. His continuous mourning ("every day") highlights the profound and complex nature of parental love and sorrow, even for a rebellious or violent child. David grieves not only for Amnon's death but also for Absalom's banishment and the shattered state of his family.
  • Exile and Separation: Absalom's flight to Geshur signifies a period of self-imposed exile, separating him from his father and the royal court. This separation sets the stage for future political and familial conflicts that will further destabilize David's reign.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mourned" is 'abal (אָבַל), which conveys deep sorrow, grief, and lamentation, often associated with mourning the dead. The phrase "every day" (כָּל הַיָּמִים, kol hayyamim) emphasizes the continuous and pervasive nature of David's sorrow. It was not a fleeting sadness but a persistent, daily burden, indicating a profound and lasting emotional wound that consumed him.

Practical Application

This passage offers a stark reminder of how unresolved sin and family dysfunction can lead to profound pain and division. It underscores the importance of addressing issues within families and seeking reconciliation and healing. David's enduring grief also speaks to the complex and often unconditional nature of parental love, even in the face of deep disappointment and betrayal. It challenges us to consider the long-term impact of our actions on those we love and the importance of seeking God's wisdom in navigating complex family dynamics and the painful consequences of sin.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 (5 votes)

    And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

  • 2 Samuel 14:32 (3 votes)

    And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? [it had been] good for me [to have been] there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be [any] iniquity in me, let him kill me.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:2 (3 votes)

    The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

  • 2 Samuel 13:34 (3 votes)

    But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

  • 2 Samuel 14:23 (3 votes)

    So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.