2 Samuel 19:43

And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more [right] in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

And the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} answered {H6030} the men {H376} of Judah {H3063}, and said {H559}, We have ten {H6235} parts {H3027} in the king {H4428}, and we {H589} have also more right in David {H1732} than ye: why then did ye despise {H7043} us, that our advice {H1697} should not be first {H7223} had in bringing back {H7725} our king {H4428}? And the words {H1697} of the men {H376} of Judah {H3063} were fiercer {H7185} than the words {H1697} of the men {H376} of Israel {H3478}.

The men of Isra'el answered the men of Y'hudah, "We have ten shares in the king; also we have more right in David than you. So why did you despise us? Weren't we the first to suggest bringing our king back?" But the men of Y'hudah spoke more vehemently than the men of Isra'el.

“We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah pressed even harder than the men of Israel.

And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

Commentary

2 Samuel 19:43 captures a significant moment of tribal tension following King David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. This verse highlights the deep-seated rivalries between the northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribe of Judah, David's own tribe.

Context

After the tragic end of Absalom's revolt and the subsequent death of Absalom, King David was making his way back to Jerusalem. A dispute arose between the men of Israel (representing the ten northern tribes) and the men of Judah concerning who had the primary right and honor in bringing the king back. The men of Israel felt slighted because Judah had taken the initiative without their consultation, perceiving it as a disregard for their significance and their historical claim to the king. This verse records their indignant protest and Judah's equally strong, even "fiercer," retort, foreshadowing future divisions within the kingdom of ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Tribal Rivalry and Disunity: The verse vividly illustrates the underlying friction between Israel and Judah. Despite being united under King David, deep-seated regional loyalties and perceived slights easily ignited conflict. The "ten parts in the king" refers to the northern tribes asserting their numerical superiority and shared stake in the monarchy, a claim that echoes their role in making David king over all Israel (see 2 Samuel 5:3).
  • Pride and Honor: Both sides were driven by a desire for honor and recognition in welcoming back the king. The men of Israel felt their dignity was "despised" by Judah's unilateral action, while Judah's "fiercer" words suggest a defense of their perceived privilege as David's home tribe. This quest for preeminence often leads to division rather than unity.
  • Leadership and Consultation: The complaint from the men of Israel underscores the importance of inclusive leadership and consultation, especially in matters of national significance. Their grievance, "that our advice should not be first had," points to a failure in communication and collaboration among the leaders.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fiercer" (Hebrew: qasheh) used to describe the words of the men of Judah, indicates a harsh, severe, or even stubborn response. It suggests that Judah's reply was not merely a rebuttal but an aggressive escalation of the argument, demonstrating their strong sense of territoriality and pride concerning David. The phrase "ten parts in the king" (Hebrew: eser yadot) literally means "ten hands" or "ten portions," emphasizing their numerical and territorial claim to David as their shared monarch, distinct from Judah's singular portion.

Practical Application

This ancient dispute offers timeless lessons for modern relationships and communities:

  • Beware of Pride and Favoritism: Just as the rivalry between Israel and Judah escalated due to pride and perceived favoritism, unchecked pride can sow discord in any group, whether families, churches, or organizations.
  • Value Inclusivity and Communication: Effective leadership and healthy relationships require open communication and valuing the input of all parties. Dismissing or "despising" the advice of others, as the men of Israel felt, inevitably leads to resentment and division.
  • The Dangers of Disunity: The seeds of disunity seen here eventually blossomed into the split of the kingdom after Solomon's reign. This serves as a powerful reminder of how unresolved conflicts and tribalism can fracture even strong bonds. The Bible consistently calls for unity, as seen in Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 5:20 (5 votes)

    Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

  • 2 Samuel 5:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.

  • 1 Kings 11:30 (3 votes)

    And Ahijah caught the new garment that [was] on him, and rent it [in] twelve pieces:

  • 1 Kings 11:31 (3 votes)

    And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:

  • 2 Samuel 20:6 (2 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.

  • Romans 12:21 (2 votes)

    Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • 2 Samuel 19:14 (2 votes)

    And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as [the heart of] one man; so that they sent [this word] unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.