2 Samuel

2 Samuel front

2 Samuel front:intro

Introduction to 2 Samuel

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 2 Samuel

The first years of David's reign (1:1–8:18)
- Saul's death, and David's kindness to Ish Bosheth (1:1–4:12)
- David defeats the Philistines (5:1–25)
- Victories, the ark, the house of God (6:1–7:29)
David extends his rule to all the Promised Land (8:1–10:19)
David's sin with Bathsheba (11:1–12:31)
Ammon's crime and Absalom's retribution (13:1–14:33)
The later years of David's reign (15:1–24:25)
- Absalom's rebellion and his death (15:1–18:33)
- David's kingdom restored (19:1–20:26)
- Famine and warfare (21:1–14)
- David's song of praise (22:1–23:7)
- David's mighty men (23:8–39)
- David's sin of numbering the people, and the plague at the temple (24:1–25)

What is the Book of 2 Samuel about?

This book is about David's rule as king over Israel. At first he ruled over the tribe of Judah for seven years. Then the other eleven tribes agreed to have him become their king as well. He ruled over all Israel for thirty-three years.

Throughout this time, David led his army to fight foreign enemies who attacked Israel. His most difficult struggle, however, was against someone in his own family. Absalom, his son, rebelled and fought against him (See: 2 Samuel 13-19).

The Book of 2 Samuel also tells about when David committed adultery. He slept with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. When she became pregnant, David arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. David's moral failure led to great suffering for himself and all Israel.

However, the writer also presents the divine grace and love that David repeatedly experienced when he turned to God in repentance.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators can use the traditional title "2 Samuel," or "Second Samuel." But, translators may consider a clearer title such as "The Second Book about Samuel, Saul, and David." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

What was the purpose of the Book of 2 Samuel?

The Book of 2 Samuel is a continuation of 1 Samuel. The writer continues to show how the tribes of Israel became unified under the first kings of Israel.

It is uncertain who wrote 2 Samuel. It may have been someone alive soon after king Solomon died. When Solomon died, the kingdom of Israel split into two kingdoms. The author probably lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. A descendant of David continued to rule over the southern kingdom. The author may have written 2 Samuel to defend David's right to be king. This would prove that David's descendant was the rightful king of God's people and the northern kingdom had no right to rebel against him.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What covenant has its beginning in the Book of 2 Samuel?

In 2 Samuel 7 Yahweh made a covenant with David. God promised to make descendants of David rule forever over Israel. Christians believe that Jesus Christ fulfilled this covenant. Jesus was a descendant of David. Jesus is the true "anointed one," the person God chose to be king forever. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why does the book refer to someone being addressed indirectly?

David frequently refers to himself as "your servant" when he speaks to King Saul. He also calls Saul "my master." This type of indirect reference can be difficult to translate. It is intended to show that the speaker submits to the one being addressed. English sometimes uses the address "sir" or "ma'am" in this way.

Can I translate this book before 1 Samuel?

1 Samuel should be translated before 2 Samuel, since it is a continuation of that book.

How is the name "Israel" used in the Bible?

The name "Israel" is used in many different ways in the Bible. There was a man named Jacob. God changed his name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/israel.md]])

2 Samuel speaks of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the whole nation of Israel as "Israel." However, these references appear in the narrative long before the split between the two kingdoms occurred. It seems clear that the references to Israel and Judah indicate that the author wrote at a time after the kingdoms split. (See: 2 Samuel 2:10; 2 Samuel 3:10; 2 Samuel 5:5; 2 Samuel 11:11; 2 Samuel 12:8; 2 Samuel 19:42-43; 2 Samuel 21:2; 2 Samuel 24:1).

2 Samuel 1

2 Samuel 1:intro-0

2 Samuel 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 1:19-27.

This chapter continues the material from 1 Samuel.

Special concepts in this chapter

# David's funeral song

David praised Saul and Jonathan as great warriors and Jonathan as his dearest friend.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Synecdoche

David used two figures of speech to express that Jonathan and Saul were great warriors: "the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

"he would die anyway"

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:11-13

David tore his clothes ... the men with him did the same

David and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning for the death of King Saul. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel

Both statements mean basically same thing. The word "house" is a metonym that represents the descendants of Israel. But, both "people" and "house" probably are a synecdoche representing the soldiers of Israel. AT: "for the Israelite soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

they had fallen by the sword

Here "fallen" is a polite way of referring to being killed. Also, "sword" represents a battle. This here means "had been killed." AT: "they had died in battle" or "enemies had killed them in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Where are you from?

The man had already stated that he is an Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1:8. David apparently asks the man to confirm this because of the serious judgment that David was going to pronounce on the man.

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:14-16

Why were you not afraid to kill Yahweh's anointed ... hand?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke the man. It can be translated as a statement. AT: "You should have feared Yahweh and not killed his anointed ... hand!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Yahweh's anointed king

This refers to Saul.

with your own hand

This phrase refers to doing something yourself. AT: "yourself" or "personally" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

struck him down

This idiom means "killed him." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Your blood is on your head

Here "blood" is a metonym that implies "shed blood" and is associated with death. Here "your head" is a synecdoche referring to the man and means that he is responsible. AT: "You are responsible for your own death" or "You have caused your own death" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

your own mouth has testified against you

Here "your own mouth" refers to the man himself. AT: "you have testified against yourself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:17-20

General Information:

David sings a song of mourning for Saul and Jonathan.

Song of the Bow

This was the title of the song.

which has been written in the Book of Jashar

This is background information added to tell the reader what happened to the song in the future. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

Do not tell it in Gath ... do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated as part of the poetry of the song. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Gath ... Ashkelon

Gath and Ashkelon are two of the Philistines' major cities. The Philistines killed Saul and Jonathan.

translationWords

2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 2:intro-0

2 Samuel 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of the civil war between Saul's son and David.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Civil war

There was a civil war in Israel. David was made king of Judah and Saul's uncle (Abner) made Saul's son (Ishbosheth) king of the rest of Israel. When they fought each other, Abner killed Joab's brother, but David's army was victorious.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Rhetorical question

Abner finally stopped the battle with a rhetorical question to David's army. "Must the sword devour forever?" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

2 Samuel 2:1-3

After this

"After David mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in battle"

go up to one of the cities of Judah

At this time David was in the city of Ziklag. David used the phrase "go up" because Ziklag was lower in elevation than Judah. AT: "travel to one of the cities of Judah"

David went up with his two wives

At this time David was in the city of Ziklag. The narrator uses the phrase "went up" because Ziklag was lower in elevation than Hebron. AT: "David traveled to Hebron with his two wives"

translationWords

2 Samuel 2:4-5

anointed David king

In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

the house of Judah

Here "house" is used in the sense of "tribe." AT: "the tribe of Judah"

Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 2:6-7

General Information:

David speaks to the people of Jabesh Gilead.

this thing

They buried Saul.

let your hands be strong

Here "hands" refers to the people of Jabesh Gilead. AT: "be strong" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

anointed me king

In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 2:8-9

Ner ... Ishbosheth

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Mahanaim ... Gilead ... Jezreel

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 2:10-11

the house of Judah followed David

Obeying David's rule is spoken of as "following" him. AT: "the tribe of Judah obeyed David as their king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

house of Judah

Here "house" is used to mean "tribe."

translationWords

2 Samuel 2:12-13

the day dawned on them at Hebron

"they arrived at Hebron by dawn the next morning"

translationWords

2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:intro-0

2 Samuel 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the first attempt to end the civil war.

Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 3:33-34.

Special concepts in this chapter

David never wanted to hurt Saul's family. Isbosheth criticized Abner and Abner became angry. He decided to help David become king of all of Israel. Abner came and made a treaty with David. As he left, Joab arrived and told him he wanted to talk to him and he murdered Abner. David was very unhappy that Abner had been killed.

2 Samuel 3:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Samuel gives information about the war between David and the supporters of Saul. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

house

Here "house" is used to mean "supporters."

grew stronger and stronger

This metaphor means the number of people supporting David increased. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

grew weaker and weaker

This metaphor means the number of people supporting Saul's family decreased. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 3:2-3

Sons were born to David

This can be stated in active form. AT: "David's wives gave birth to six sons" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

firstborn ... second son ... third

This is the numerical order of David's sons. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Ahinoam ... Abigail ... Maacah

These are women's names. They are the wives of David. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Kileab ... Nabal ... Talmai

These are men's names. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 3:4-5

fourth son ... fifth son ... the sixth

This is the numerical order of David's sons. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Adonijah ... Shephatiah ... Ithream

These are the names of David's sons. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Haggith ... Abital ... Eglah

These are names of David's wives. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 3:6-7

It came about

This introduces a new event in the story of the struggle between David's supporters and Saul's family. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

house of Saul

This refers to Saul's family and supporters who assumed control of his estate after he died.

house of David

This refers to the supporters of David.

Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul

Abner's increasing power over Saul's family is spoken of as if he became physically stronger. AT: "Abner gained more power over the family and supporters of Saul" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Rizpah ... Aiah

These are names of women. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ishbosheth

This is a male name, a son of Saul. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Why have you slept with my father's concubine?

Ishbosheth asked this question to rebuke Abner who was acting like he was the king. AT: "You did not have the right to sleep with my father's concubine!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

slept with

This is a euphemism for sexual relations. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 3:28-30

Ner ... Abishai ... Asahel

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the blood of Abner

Here "blood" refers to the death of Abner. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Samuel 3:27. AT: "the death of Abner" or "the murder of Abner" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

fall on the head of Joab and on all his father's house

This phrase means the results of the guilt will happen to Joab and his family as if something heavy had collapsed on them. AT: "always cause suffering for Joab and for all his father's house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

all his father's house

Here "house" refers to descendants. AT: "all the descendants of Joab's father" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

May there never fail to be

This double negative emphasizes that there will always be someone with the problems listed. AT: "May there always be" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

brutal

"without mercy"

translationWords

2 Samuel 4

2 Samuel 4:intro-0

2 Samuel 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

While the end of the civil war occurs in this chapter, David still only reigned over Judah (1-4).

Special concepts in this chapter

# David and Ishbosheth

David never sought revenge against Saul's family. When two men snuck into Ishbosheth's room, cut off his head and brought it to David, David had them killed for killing an innocent man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/avenge.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Rhetorical questions

When two men brought Ishbosheth's head to David and expected to get a reward for it, David condemned them with the rhetorical question: "should I not now require his blood from your hand, and remove you from the earth?" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/condemn.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/reward.md]])

2 Samuel 4:1-3

sought your life

This idiom means "was trying to kill you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

As Yahweh lives

This is one of the strongest oaths David could swear, as Yahweh is the witness. AT: "I swear on the life of Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

who delivered my life

Here "life" refers to David himself. This means that Yahweh has kept David alive. AT: "who rescued me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 4:11-12

How much more ... should I not now require his blood from your hand, and remove you from the earth?

This question is used to show that the men had committed an especially serious crime. It can be translated as a statement. AT: "You are even more guilty! It is my duty to require his blood from your hand and to remove you from the earth." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

require his blood from your hand

The phrase "his blood" represents the life of Ishbosheth. Here "from your hand" represents Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, introduced in 2 Samuel 4:5. AT: "hold you responsible for the death of Ishbosheth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

cut off their hands and feet and hung them up

These were symbolic actions to show contempt for the men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it in the grave

This was a symbolic act to honor Ishbosheth. This could be stated explicitly. AT: "they honored Ishbosheth by burying his head in the grave" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 5

2 Samuel 5:intro-0

2 Samuel 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This records the beginning of the kingdom's expansion.

Special concepts in this chapter

# David conquers Jerusalem

David brought the combined army to Jerusalem and conquered it by going in through the water shaft. He enlarged the city and strengthened the defenses, and made it his capital. Jerusalem is an important place in the plans of God.

# David consulting God

David always consulted God before fighting a battle. The Philistines invaded Israel trying to capture David. David asked God if he should attack the Philistines, and God said yes; so he defeated them. They invaded again and God told him to attack them from the rear and he defeated them again.

2 Samuel 5:1-2

we are your flesh and bone

This phrase means "a relative." AT: "we are related to you" or "we are of the same family" - (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

In the recent past

This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become ruler over Israel

These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

You will shepherd my people Israel

Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. AT: "You will care for my people Israel" or "You will rule over my people Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 5:3-5

They anointed David king over Israel

To "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 5:6-7

General Information:

David and the army of Israel attack Jerusalem.

You will not come here except to be turned away by the blind and the lame

This can be stated in a positive form. AT: "If you come here, even the blind and the lame will be able to turn you away"

the blind and the lame

Here "the blind" and "the lame" are nominal adjectives. AT: "those people who cannot see and those who cannot walk" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

Special concepts in this chapter

# Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem

David organized a procession with many musical instruments to bring the ark to Jerusalem. They put it on a cart; but when the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady it so it would not fall. God killed him for touching the ark. David was angry at God for killing Uzzah and was afraid to bring the ark any further. Uzzah died because the ark was perfectly holy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

# Dancing

David danced for joy in front of the ark. His wife, Michal, criticized David for uncovering himself as he danced, but David did not care. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/joy.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Irony

Michal criticized David by using irony: "How honored the king of Israel was today, who undressed himself today before the eyes of the slave girls among his servants, like one of the crude fellows who shamelessly undresses himself!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

2 Samuel 6:1-2

Now

This word marks a new part of the story.

all the chosen men of Israel

This metonym represents the army of the nation of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

thirty thousand

"30,000" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

from Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God

It is implied that they are taking the ark to Jerusalem. AT: "from Baalah in Judah to take to Jerusalem the ark of God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

to bring up from there the ark of God

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.

to bring up

The word "bring" can be translated as "take." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]])

Baalah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

which is called by the name of Yahweh of hosts

Yahweh's name was written on the ark.

who sits enthroned over the cherubim

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh's footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. AT: "who sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

enthroned

to sit on a throne

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:3-5

General Information:

David and the army of the nation of Israel move the ark of the covenant.

Abinadab ... Uzzah ... Ahio

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

all the house of Israel

This metonym represents the people of Israel. AT: "all the other Israelites with him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

tambourines

A tambourine is a musical instrument like the head of a drum with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken or hit. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

rattles

musical instruments with many small, hard objects inside a hard shell, making rhythmic noise when shaken (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:6-7

Nakon

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

anger of Yahweh burned

Here the "anger of Yahweh" is spoken of as if it were fire. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for his sin

It was a sin for Uzzah to touch the ark because Yahweh had commanded that no one should touch the ark. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:8-9

Perez Uzzah

This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, "The name 'Perez Uzzah' means 'the punishment of Uzzah.'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

to this day

This means to the time when this was being written, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.

How can the ark of Yahweh come to me?

David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. AT: "I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:10-11

Obed Edom the Gittite

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

blessed him

Here "him" refers to Obed Edom the Gittite.

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:12-13

Now

This word starts a new part of the story.

King David was told

This can be stated in active form. AT: "people told King David" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Obed Edom's house

Here "house" represents a family. AT: "Obed Edom and his family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

brought up the ark of God

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it. AT: "moved the ark of God" or "took the ark of God"

brought up

The word "brought" can be translated as "took." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:14-15

David danced before Yahweh with all his might

Dancing here is a form of joyfully worshiping Yahweh.

linen

a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant

all the house of Israel

Here "house" represents the people of Israel. AT: "all the other Israelites with him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:16-17

Now ... in her heart

The word "Now" marks a break in the story line. Here the narrator gives information about Michal.

Michal

Michal was the daughter of King Saul and also David's first wife. See how you translated this name in 2 Samuel 3:13.

she despised him in her heart

Here "heart" represents thoughts or emotions. AT: "she looked at him with disdain" or "she sneered at him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

before Yahweh

"to Yahweh"

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:18-19

he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of hosts

To bless "in the name of Yahweh of hosts" means to bless with Yahweh's power and authority or as his representative. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

cake of raisins

a baked sweet bread made with dried grapes

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:20

came out

Here "came" can be translated as "went." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]])

How honored the king of Israel was today

This is an ironic statement. Michal means the opposite of what she said, and she does not believe David acted honorably. Michal speaks disrespectfully to King David about his dancing attire and behavior. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

before the eyes of the slave girls

Here "eyes of the slave girls" represents the slave girls. AT: "in front of the slave girls" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

crude fellows

Michal is comparing David to vulgar and foolish men.

translationWords

2 Samuel 6:21-23

who chose me above your father

Here "your" refers to Michal. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

over the people of Yahweh, over Israel

Here "the people of Yahweh" and "Israel" mean the same thing. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

I will be even more undignified than this

David is being ironic and means the opposite of what he said. He does not believe what he did was actually undignified or that his actions in the future will be undignified. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

I will be humiliated in my own eyes

Here "in my own eyes" represents what a person considers or thinks about something. AT: "I will consider myself humiliated" or "I will consider myself a fool" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

But by these slave girls you have spoken about, I will be honored

This can be stated in active form. AT: "But the slave girls of whom you have spoken will honor me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

had no children to the day of her death

"was never able to bear any children"

translationWords

2 Samuel 7

2 Samuel 7:intro-0

2 Samuel 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the finishing of a small interruption about the house of God. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/houseofgod.md]])

Special concepts in this chapter

David wanted to honor God by building him a temple. God told David that he would not build it, but his son would build it. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/temple.md]])

# Covenant of David

God made a covenant with David that was not conditioned upon anything David or his descendants did. God promised that one of David's descendants would rule Israel forever. Because Israel would not have a king in the future, this promise did not begin at this time. The descendant, who would rule forever, is Jesus. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/forever.md]])

2 Samuel 7:1-2

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

given him rest from all his surrounding enemies

"given him safety from all his surrounding enemies." Here "rest" is an abstract noun. AT: "caused the enemy people groups to stop attacking Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

I am living in a house of cedar

Cedar is a kind of tree that is known for its strength. If you have an equivalent type of tree in your culture, you can use that name, otherwise you can reword this. AT: "I am living in a strong, permanent house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

make your name great

Here "name" represents a person's reputation. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the great ones

The phrase "great ones" means famous persons.

translationWords

2 Samuel 7:10-11

General Information:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

I will appoint a place

"I will choose a place"

will plant them there

Yahweh causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

be troubled no more

This can be stated in active form. AT: "no one will ever trouble them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

from the days

"from the time"

I commanded judges

After the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan and before they had kings to rule them, God appointed leaders called "judges" to lead them in times of trouble.

to be over my people Israel

To be in authority is referred to as being over someone. AT: "to rule my people Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Now I will give you rest from all your enemies ... declare to you that I will make you a house

If in 2 Samuel 7:8-9 you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then here you may need to translate "you" as "him" or "his." AT: "Now I will give him rest from all his enemies ... declare to him that I will make him a house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotesinquotes/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

I will give you rest from all your enemies

"I will give you safety from all your enemies." Here "rest" is an abstract noun. AT: "I will make all your enemies stop attacking you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

I will make you a house

Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In 2 Samuel 7:4 Yahweh asked David if he would be the one to build a house for Yahweh. There "house" represented a temple. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 7:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 7:12-14

General Information:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers

These two phrases have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. They both are polite ways to refer to death and dying. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

I will raise up a descendant after you

Yahweh appointing David's descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

one who will come out from your body

This is an idiom that means the person will be David's descendant. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I will establish his kingdom

Here "his kingdom" represents his power to rule. AT: "I will make him to be a very powerful king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

a house for my name

Here "name" refers to Yahweh. AT: "a permanent dwelling for me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever

Here "throne" represents the person's power to rule as king. AT: "I will make his rule over Israel to last forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I will be a father to him, and he will be my son

The prophecy in 7:12-14 refers to Solomon, David's son. But, aspects of the prophecy will be fulfilled by Jesus. So, here it is best to translate the words "father" and "son" with your normal words for a biological father and son.

translationWords

2 Samuel 7:15-17

General Information:

Yahweh finishes describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

But my covenant faithfulness will not leave him, as I took it from Saul

The word "faithfulness" is an abstract noun that can be stated as "faithfully loving." AT: "I will never stop faithfully loving him as I stopped loving Saul" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

from before you. Your house ... before you. Your throne

If in 2 Samuel 7:8-9 you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then here you may need to translate "you" as "David" or "him" or "his" as in the UDB. AT: "from before David. David's house ... before him. His throne" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.

These two sentences have similar meanings and emphasize that David's dynasty will last forever. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you

Here the word "house" represents David's descendants, who will rule as kings. Here "kingdom" means about the same thing as "house." This can also be stated in active form. AT: "You will live to see me establish your family and their rule over the people of Israel forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Your throne will be established forever

Here "throne" represents the power to rule as king. AT: "I will cause your descendants to rule over Israel forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

all these words

"all these things." This refers to what Yahweh had said.

he told him about the entire vision

"he told him about everything Yahweh revealed to him"

translationWords

2 Samuel 7:18-20

Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my family that you have brought me to this point?

David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh's proclamation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. AT: "in your judgment" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

your servant's family

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. AT: "my family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

for a great while to come

This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. AT: "and what will happen to them in the future" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

What more can I, David, say to you?

David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. AT: "There is nothing more I can say to you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

your servant

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. AT: "me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 7:21-23

For your word's sake

"Because of what you promised to do"

to fulfill your own purpose

"to accomplish what you planned to do"

to your servant

David refers to himself as "your servant." It can be stated in first person. AT: "to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

as we have heard with our own ears

The phrase "with our own ears" is used for emphasis. AT: "as we ourselves have heard" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

as we have heard

Here "we" refers to David and the nation of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

What nation is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself?

David uses a question emphasize that there is no other nation like Israel. AT: "There is no nation like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

to make a name for yourself

Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation. AT: "to make all people know who you are" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

for your land

Here "land" represents the people. AT: "for your people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

You drove out nations

Here "nations" represents the people groups that were living in Canaan. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 7:24-26

General Information:

David continues to talk to Yahweh.

So now

Here "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

may the promise that you made concerning your servant and his family be established forever

This can be stated in active form. AT: "may you do what you promised to me and my family, and may your promise never change" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

your servant and his family

David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. AT: "me and my family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

May your name be forever great

Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of me, David, your servant

Here "house" represents family. AT: "my family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

is established before you

This can be stated in active form. AT: "is secure because of you" or "continues because of you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 7:27-29

to your servant that you will build him a house

David refers to himself as "your servant." AT: "to me that you will build me a house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

that you will build him a house

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

your words are trustworthy

"I trust what you say"

with your blessing your servant's house will be blessed forever

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you will continue to bless my family forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

your servant's house

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." AT: "my house" or "my family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

house

Here "house" represents David's family. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 8

2 Samuel 8:intro-0

2 Samuel 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter returns to the theme of the expansion of David's kingdom.

Special concepts in this chapter

# God enabled victory

God enabled David to conquer all the surrounding nations. Much of the loot and tribute David received, he saved for the temple that his son would build.

2 Samuel 8:1

David attacked

Here David represents his soldiers. AT: "David and his soldiers attacked" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 8:2

Then he defeated

Here "he" refers to David who represents his soldiers. AT: "Then they defeated" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

measured their men with a line ... He measured off two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive

Here the "line" is a "rope." David had the soldiers lie down on the ground to be measured and sorted into three groups. The men in two groups were killed, and in the third, they were allowed to live.

translationWords

2 Samuel 8:3-4

David then defeated Hadadezer

Here both "David" and "Hadadezer" represent their armies. AT: "David and his army then defeated the army of Hadadezer" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Hadadezer ... Rehob

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Zobah

This is the name of a region in Aram. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

to recover his rule

"to regain control over a region" or "to recapture a region"

1,700 chariots

"one thousand seven hundred chariots" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

twenty thousand footmen

"20,000 footmen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

David hamstrung

This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot run.

reserved enough

"set aside enough" or "saved enough"

a hundred chariots

"100 chariots" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 8:5-6

David killed

Here David represents his soldiers. AT: "David and his soldiers killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

twenty-two thousand Aramean men

"22,000 Aramean men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

put garrisons in Aram

"ordered large groups of his soldiers to remain in Aram"

David's name was well known

Here "name" refers to David's reputation. This can be stated in active form. AT: "David was very famous" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Valley of Salt

This is the name of a place. Its exact location is unknown. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

eighteen thousand men

"18,000 men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

He placed garrisons throughout all of Edom

"He ordered groups of his soldiers to remain in areas throughout all of Edom"

translationWords

2 Samuel 8:15-18

Joab son of Zeruiah

See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:13.

Ahilud ... Ahitub ... Ahimelech ... Seraiah ... Jehoiada

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ahilud was recorder

A recorder was a person who spoke to the people and told them the king's announcements. AT: "Ahilud was the herald" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Kerethites ... Pelethites

These are names of people-groups. These people were David's bodyguards. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 9

2 Samuel 9:intro-0

2 Samuel 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is another interruption to the story of David expanding his kingdom. David is concerned with fulfilling his oath to Jonathan's descendants.

Special concepts in this chapter

# David's vow

David determined to fulfill his vow to Jonathan to care for Jonathan's descendants. He found Jonathan's son and told him he would treat him as if he was one of his sons. He restored all of Saul's property to him and had him eat every day at the king's table. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/fulfill.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/vow.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/restore.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Rhetorical question and metaphor

Jonathan's son expressed his surprise and feeling of unworthiness with a rhetorical question: "What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am?" and by a metaphor comparing himself to "a dead dog." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

2 Samuel 9:1-2

for Jonathan's sake

"because of my love for Jonathan"

Jonathan's sake

Jonathan was Saul's son and David's best friend.

Ziba

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

I am your servant

Ziba calls himself "your servant" to show great respect to David.

translationWords

2 Samuel 9:3-4

I may show the kindness of God

The abstract noun "kindness" can be stated as "kind." AT: "I may be kind as I promised God I would be"

who is lame in his feet

"whose feet are damaged." The word "feet" here refers to the ability to walk. AT: "who is unable to walk" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Machir ... Ammiel

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Lo Debar

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 9:5-6

King David sent

It is understood that David sent messengers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 4:4.

came to David

The word "came" can be translated as "went." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]])

I am your servant

Mephibosheth refers to himself as "your servant" to show great honor to David.

translationWords

2 Samuel 9:7-8

for Jonathan your father's sake

"because I loved your father, Jonathan"

you will always eat at my table

Here "my table" represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. AT: "you will always eat with me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am?

This rhetorical question shows that Mephibosheth understands that he is not important enough for the king to take care of him. This can be translated as a statement. AT: "I am like a dead dog. I do not deserve for you to be kind to me." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

such a dead dog

Here Mephibosheth represents the line of Saul, and he compares himself to a "dead dog." Dogs were feral animals, not cared for, and of little importance. A dead dog would be considered even less important. AT: "such a person like me who is worthless as a dead dog" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 9:9-10

must always eat at my table

Here "my table" represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. AT: "must always eat with me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Now Ziba ... servants

Here "now" makes a break in the main story line. The narrator gives background information about Ziba. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

fifteen sons and twenty servants

"15 sons and 20 servants" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 9:11-13

Your servant will do all that my master the king commands his servant

Ziba refers to himself as "your servant" and refers to David as "my master." AT: "I, your servant will do all that you, my king, command me to do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Mika

This is the name of the son of Mephibosheth. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

All who lived in the house of Ziba

Here "house" represents Ziba's family. AT: "All of Ziba's family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he always ate at the king's table

Here "table" represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. AT: "he always ate with the king at his table" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

though he was lame in both his feet

"thouge both of his feet were damaged." Here "feet" represents the ability to walk. AT: "though he was unable to walk" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 10

2 Samuel 10:intro-0

2 Samuel 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter records the last expansion of David's kingdom. This chapter is also the beginning of a section dealing with the war between Israel and Ammon.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Shame

It was apparently the cause of shame or embarrassment in ancient Ammon to have their beards shaved off or to have their garments cut off. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphor

The Ammon people used a metaphor comparing themselves to a bad smell: "they had become a stench to David" when they realized they had made David very angry. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

2 Samuel 10:1-3

Hanun ... Nahash

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Do you really think that ... you?

The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. AT: "You are wrong to think that ... you!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

to spy

to secretly learn information about someone else

Has not David ... overthrow it?

The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. AT: "You need to know that David ... overthrow it." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

in order to overthrow it

Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people who live there. AT: "in order to conquer us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the city

Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.

translationWords

2 Samuel 10:4-5

shaved off half their beards

This act was meant as an insult to humiliate the men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

were deeply ashamed

Here "deeply" is an idiom that means "very." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

then return

It is understood that they should return to Jerusalem. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/shame.md]]

2 Samuel 10:6-8

they had become a stench to David

The phrase "become a stench" is a metaphor for "they had become offensive." AT: "they had become offensive like a bad smell to David" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Beth Rehob ... Zobah ... Maacah ... Tob

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

twenty thousand ... a thousand ... twelve thousand

"20,000 ... 1,000 ... 12,000" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

to their city gate

Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.

translationWords

2 Samuel 10:9-10

General Information:

The battle with the Arameans and Ammon continues.

The rest of his people he put into the hand of Abishai his brother

"He put Abishai his brother in charge of the rest of the army"

translationWords

2 Samuel 10:11-12

General Information:

Joab gets the army ready for battle.

for me, then you, Abishai, must rescue me

Here "me" refers to Joab. Joab and Abishai represents themselves and their armies. AT: "for us, then you, Abishai, and your army must rescue us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 10:13-14

from Abishai

Here Abishai represents himself and his soldiers. AT: "from Abishai and his soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

into the city

Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.

went back to Jerusalem

"returned to Jerusalem"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/jerusalem.md]]

2 Samuel 10:15-16

When the Arameans saw that they were being defeated by Israel

This can be stated in active form. AT: "when the Arameans realized that the Israelites were defeating them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Hadarezer ... Shobak

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

from beyond the Euphrates River

This means the east side of the Euphrates River.

They came to Helam

Here "came to" can be translated as "went to" or "gathered at" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]])

Helam

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

at their head

This phrase refers to a position of authority. AT: "leading them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 10:17-19

When David was told this

This can be stated in active form. AT: "When David heard about this" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

gathered all Israel together

Here "Israel" represents the army of Israel. AT: "assembled all the army of Israel together" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Helam

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 10:16.

against David and fought him

Here David represents himself and his soldiers. AT: "against David and his soldiers and fought them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

David killed

Here David represents himself and his soldiers. AT: "David and his soldiers killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

seven hundred ... forty thousand

"700 ... 40,000" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Shobak the commander of their army was wounded and died there

This can be stated in active form. AT: "The Israelites wounded Shobak the commander of the Aramean army, and he died there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Shobak ... Hadarezer

See how you translated these men's names in 2 Samuel 10:16.

saw that they were defeated by Israel

This can be stated in active form. AT: "realized that the Israelites had defeated them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 11

2 Samuel 11:intro-0

2 Samuel 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a new section of David's life. God punished David by allowing his family to have many problems.

Special concepts in this chapter

# David's adultery and the murder of Uriah

The army of Israel defeated the army of Ammon and then they besieged Ammon's capital while David stayed in Jerusalem. One day, David saw a beautiful woman, named Bathsheba, bathing. He committed adultery with her. When she became pregnant, David tried to cover up his sin. When this did not work, he had her husband killed in battle. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

Here the word "sent" means that David sent a messenger. AT: "Then David sent a messenger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

how Joab was, how the army was doing, and how the war was going

David was asking if Joab and the army were well and about the progress of the war. AT: "if Joab was well, if other soldiers were well, and how the war was progressing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Go down to your house

Possible meanings for the phrase "go down" are 1) Uriah's house was located at a lower elevation than the king's palace or 2) Uriah's house was of lesser importance than the king's palace. AT: "Go to your house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

wash your feet

This phrase is a metonym for returning home to rest for the night after working all day. AT: "rest for the night" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the king sent a gift for Uriah

David sent someone to bring the gift to Uriah. This can be stated clearly. AT: "the king sent someone to take a gift to Uriah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:9-11

his master

The word "his" refers to Uriah and the word "master" refers to David.

Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?

This rhetorical question is used to show David's surprise that Uriah did not visit his wife. This can be written as a statement. AT: "After coming from such a long journey, you should have gone down to your house." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Israel and Judah

This refers to their armies. AT: "the armies of Israel and Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

How then can I go into my house ... with my wife?

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize Uriah's refusal to visit his wife and can be translated as a statement. AT: "It would be wrong for me to go into my house ... with my wife while the other soldiers in my army are in danger." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

As sure as you are alive, I will not do this

Uriah swears a strong promise that he will not go home to his wife as long as the rest of the soldiers are at war. He makes this promise by comparing the truth of his promise to the certainty that the king was alive. AT: "I solemnly promise that I will not do this" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:12-13

he ate and drank before him

"Uriah ate and drank with David"

down to his house

Possible meanings of the word "down" are 1) Uriah's house was located at a lower elevation than the king's palace or 2) Uriah's house was of lesser importance than the king's palace. See how you translated the similar phrase "down to your house" in 2 Samuel 11:8. AT: "to his house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:14-15

sent it by the hand of Uriah

The phrase "the hand of Uriah" refers to Uriah himself. AT: "sent Uriah himself to deliver it to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

very front of the most intense battle

"very front of the battle line where the fighting is the worst"

withdraw from him

"command the soldiers to back away from him"

he may be hit and killed

"he may be wounded and killed"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/hand.md]]

2 Samuel 11:16-17

the siege upon the city

The word "siege" can be expressed with the verbs "surround" and "attack." AT: "his army surround and attack the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

some of the soldiers of David fell

The word "fell" is a polite way to refer to the soldiers being killed. AT: "David's soldiers were killed" or "they killed some of David's soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

and Uriah the Hittite was also killed there

This can be stated in active form. AT: "including Uriah the Hittite" or "and the men of the city also killed Uriah the Hittite" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:18-20

Joab sent word to David

The phrase "sent word" means that he sent a messenger to give a report. AT: "Joab sent a messenger to David to give a report" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Why did you go so near ... from the wall?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. These questions may be written as statements. AT: "You should not have gone so near to the city to fight. You should have known that they would shoot from the wall." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

shoot from the wall

This refers to men of the city shooting arrows down at their enemy from the top of the city wall. AT: "shoot arrows at you from the top of the city wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:21

Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. AT: "Remember how Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth was killed!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth

This is the name of a man. His father is also know by the name Gideon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Did not a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. AT: "Remember he died at Thebez when a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the top of the wall." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

millstone

a heavy stone that would roll, used to crush grain for making bread

from the wall

"from the top of the city wall"

Thebez

This is the name of a city. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Why did you go so near the wall?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. AT: "You should not have gone so near the wall!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:22-23

the gate

"the city gate"

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:24-25

their shooters shot

"their shooters shot arrows"

some of the king's servants were killed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "they killed some of the king's servants" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

king's servants

Here "servants" refers to soldiers, not slaves, because soldiers were servants of the king.

your servant Uriah the Hittite was killed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "they killed your servant Uriah the Hittite" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

for the sword devours one as well as another

Here "the sword" refers to a person who kills someone with sword. Also, killing someone with a sword is spoken of as if the sword were "eating" the people. AT: "for one man can be killed by a sword the same as another man" or "for any man can die in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Make your battle even stronger

"Fight even stronger"

translationWords

2 Samuel 11:26-27

she lamented deeply

Here the author speaks of her lamenting very much as if it were deep inside her. AT: "she lamented very much" or "she lamented greatly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

sorrow

a deep feeling of sadness caused by suffering, disappointment or misfortune

David sent and took her home

Here the word "sent" means that he sent a messenger to get her and bring her to him. AT: "David sent a messenger to her to bring her home" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

displeased

"saddened" or "angered"

translationWords

2 Samuel 12

2 Samuel 12:intro-0

2 Samuel 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the final expansion of David's kingdom and records the end of the war with Ammon.

Special concepts in this chapter

# David's punishment

God sent a prophet to confront David. He said that because David had Uriah killed, there would always be killing in his family and that the baby conceived with Bathsheba would die. David prayed that the baby be allowed to live, but the infant died. Bathsheba then had another son, who was named Solomon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

2 Samuel 12:1-3

ewe lamb

a female lamb

was like a daughter to him

This refers to the closeness of this man and his little lamb. AT: "he loved it as much as if it were one of his daughters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:4-6

ewe lamb

a young, female sheep

for his visitor

It was for his visitor to eat. AT: "for his visitor to eat" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

David was hot with anger against

Here the author describes how David was very angry as if his body were physically hot because of his anger. AT: "David became furious with" or "David became very angry with" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

he raged to Nathan

This means that David spoke angrily to Nathan.

As Yahweh lives

This expresses that David was swearing an oath or serious promise. AT: "I declare, as surely as Yahweh lives" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

to be put to death

This means to be killed. Also, that can be stated in active form. AT: "to be killed" or "to die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

He must pay back the lamb four times over

The amount the rich man was required to pay back to the poor man was to be four times what the little lamb cost. "He must pay the poor man four times the price of the lamb" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

pity

to feel sadness and love for someone who is suffering or hurt or not loved

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:7-8

out of the hand of Saul

Here the word "hand" refers to control. AT: "out of Saul's control" or "from Saul's control" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

your master's wives into your arms

Here Yahweh describes David having his master's wives as his own wives, by saying that they are "in his arms." AT: "your master's wives as your own" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I also gave you the house of Israel and Judah

Here Yahweh speaks of how he gave David his authority as king over Israel and Judah as if he gave him the houses of Israel and Judah as a gift. The phrase "the house of" means "the people of." AT: "I also gave you authority as king over the people of Israel and Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

if that had been too little

"if I had not given you enough"

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:9-10

So why have you despised ... Yahweh, so as to do what is evil in his sight?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke David. This can be written as a statement. AT: "You should not have despised ... Yahweh and should not have done what is evil in his sight!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

what is evil in his sight

Here "sight" refers to Yahweh's thoughts or opinion. AT: "what he considers to be evil" or "what is evil in Yahweh's judgement" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword

David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle. The phrase "with the sword" represents how Uriah died in battle. AT: "You have arranged for Uriah the Hittite to die in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

You killed him with the sword of the army of Ammon

David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle when Israel was fighting against Ammon. The phrase "with the sword" refers to how he died in battle. AT: "You arranged for him to die in battle against the army of Ammon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the sword will never leave your house

Here the word "sword" refers to people dying in war. Also, David's "house" refers to his descendants. AT: "some of your descendants will always die in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:11-13

out of your own house

Here David's "house" refers to his family. AT: "from among your own family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Before your own eyes

Here David is referred to by his eyes to emphasize what he would see. AT: "While you are watching" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

in broad daylight

"in full daylight." The idea of doing something "openly" or in a way that people are fully aware of what is happening is often spoken about as being done in the "daylight." AT: "openly" or "and everyone will see what is happening" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

committed your sin

"sinned"

before all Israel

This phrase speaks of the people of Israel knowing about what has happened to his wives as if they all actually witnessed it happening. AT: "before all the people of Israel" or "and all the people of Israel will know about it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

passed over

Yahweh has forgiven David of his sin. This is spoken of here as Yahweh passing over his sin as if it were something that he walked by and disregarded. AT: "forgiven" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You will not be killed

This can be stated in active form. Sometimes men died because of their sins, but he will not die because of his sin with the woman. This can be stated clearly. AT: "You will not die" or "you will not die because of this sin" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:14-15

despised

to strongly dislike or hate someone or something

the child who is born to you

The phrase "born to you" means that it is David's baby. AT: "your child who will be born" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Yahweh attacked the child that ... and he was very sick

Here the author speaks of Yahweh causing the baby to become sick as Yahweh attacking the child. AT: "Yahweh afflicted the child that ... and he was very sick" or "Yahweh caused the baby that ... to become very sick" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the child that Uriah's wife bore to David

This means that she gave birth to a child and that David was his father. AT: "David's child, who Uriah's wife gave birth to" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:16-18

implored

to beg or pray with strong desire

went inside

David went into his room when he was alone. AT: "went inside his room" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

to raise him up from the floor

"and urged him to get up from the floor"

It came about

"It happened"

he did not listen to our voice

The servants are referred to here by their voices to emphasize that they were speaking. AT: "he did not listen to us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

the seventh day

"day 7." This refers to the seventh day after the baby was born. AT: "the seventh day after he was born" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Look

This is used to get people's attention. AT: "Listen"

What might he do to himself if we tell him that the boy is dead?!

The servants ask this rhetorical question to express their fear. This can be written as a statement. AT: "We are afraid that he may harm himself if we tell him that the boy is dead!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:19-20

whispering

"speaking very quietly"

perceived

"understood"

arose

"got up"

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:21-23

General Information:

These verses contain rhetorical questions that emphasize that David realizes that Yahweh has allowed this to happen.

Who knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

David asked this rhetorical question to empathize that no one knew if Yahweh would let the child live. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "No one knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me so that the child may live." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

But now he is dead, so why should I fast?

David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that he no longer has a reason to fast. This can be written as a statement. AT: "Now that he is dead it would be of no use to fast any longer." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Can I bring him back again?

David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that the boy cannot come back to life. This can be written as a statement. AT: "I cannot bring him back to life." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

I will go to him

David implies that he will go to where his child is when he dies. AT: "When I die I will go to where he is" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:24-25

went in to her, and slept with her

The phrase "went in to her" is a graphic description of David having sex with his wife. These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that they slept together. AT: "slept with her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

he sent word through Nathan the prophet

Here "word" refers to a message that Yahweh told Nathan to tell David. AT: "he sent Nathan to tell him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jedidiah

This is another name for David's son Solomon, which Yahweh chose for him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:26-28

Joab fought ... he captured

Here the author says "Joab" but he is referring to Joab and his soldiers who fought with him. AT: "Joab and his soldiers fought ... they captured" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Rabbah

Fighting against this city literally means to fight against the people of Rabbah. Translate the name the same as you did in 2 Samuel 11:1. AT: "the people of Rabbah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

So Joab sent messengers to David and said

"So Joab sent messengers to David to say to him"

have taken the city's water supply

"Taking" a place or landmark means to take control of it. AT: "have taken control of the city's water supply" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I have fought ... I have taken ... if I take

Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. AT: "My soldiers and I have fought ... my soldier and I have taken ... if my soldiers and I take" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

camp against

This means to surround and attack. AT: "besiege" or "surround" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

take it ... take the city

"Taking" a place or landmark means to take control of it. AT: "take control of it ... take control of the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

it will be named

This can be stated in active form. AT: "people will name it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:29-30

he fought

Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David and his soldiers. AT: "David and his soldiers fought" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

a talent

This may be written in modern weights. AT: "about 33 kilograms" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]])

a precious stone

a rare gemstone such as a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, or opal

The crown was placed on David's own head

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They placed the crown on David's own head" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

he brought out

Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David's soldiers. AT: "they brought out" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

plunder

valuable things taken from a defeated enemy

quantities

"amounts" or "numbers"

translationWords

2 Samuel 12:31

He brought out the people

David did not bring out the people himself; he commanded his soldiers to bring them out. AT: "David commanded his soldiers to bring out the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

saws, iron picks, and axes

These are tools to cut wood or break up the ground.

brick kilns

ovens where bricks are dried and hardened

all the cities of the people of Ammon

This refers to the people in the cities. AT: "all the people of the cites of Ammon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13

2 Samuel 13:intro-0

2 Samuel 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story about the difficulties and killings in David's family. David's sin caused these problems in his family. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

Special concepts in this chapter

# Amnon raped Absalom's sister

Amnon raped Absalom's sister, who was his own half-sister. David did nothing to punish him and David's lack of action caused significant problems in his family and in Israel. This eventually caused Solomon to become king, even though he was not the oldest son.

2 Samuel 13:1-2

It came about after this

"It happened after this." This phrase is used to introduce a new event to the story line. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

half-sister

Amnon and Tamar shared the same father but not the same mother.

full sister

Absalom and Tamar shared the same father and mother.

Amnon was so frustrated that he became sick because of his sister Tamar

Amnon was frustrated because he desired to sleep with his sister Tamar. AT: "Amnon was so frustrated with desire for his sister Tamar that he felt sick" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:3-4

Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother

These are the names of men. Shimeah was David's brother. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

shrewd

crafty or deceptive

depressed

in an emotional state of extreme unhappiness

Will you not tell me?

It is understood that he is asking him about his depression, which can be stated clearly. Also, this rhetorical question is a request for Jehonadab to tell him why he is depressed. It may be written as a statement. AT: "Will you not tell me why you are depressed?" or "Please, tell me why you are depressed." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:5-6

Jonadab

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 13:03.

eat it from her hand ... I may eat from her hand

This is a request for her to serve food to him personally. AT: "have her serve it to me herself ... she may serve it to me to eat" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

pretended to be sick

This means he gave a false appearance of being ill.

for my sickness in front of me

The food is not for his sickness, but rather it is for him, because he is sick. The phrase "in front of me" is a request for Tamar to prepare the food in his presence. AT: "in front of me because I am sick" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:7-9

David sent word

This means that he sent a messenger to speak to Tamar. AT: "David sent a messenger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

dough

a thick mixture of flour and liquid used for baking

kneaded

used her hands to mix the dough

in his sight

This means that Tamar made the bread in front of him. AT: "in front of him" or "in his presence" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

So everyone went out from him

To "go out from someone" means to leave them. AT: "So everyone left him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:10-12

that I may eat from your hand

This is a request for Tamar to serve the food to him personally. AT: "and serve it to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

do not force me

She is referring to sleeping with him. AT: "do not force me to sleep with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

appalling

very shameful

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:13-14

General Information:

Tamar continues to talk to Amnon.

How could I be rid of my shame?

Tamar asks this rhetorical question to emphasize how much shame she would have if she slept with him. Tamar speaks of getting rid of her shame as if it were an enemy or a tormentor that she needed to escape from. AT: "If you do this, I would have to endure shame everywhere I go" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:15-17

Because this great evil of making me leave is even worse

The abstract noun "this great evil" can be expressed as a verb. AT: "It would be very evil to make me leave! It would be even worse" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

bolt the door after her

This means to lock the door so that she will not be able to come back in again. AT: "lock the door so that she cannot come back in" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:18-19

bolted the door after her

This means to lock the door so that she will not be able to come back in again. AT: "locked the door so that she could not go back in" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

put ashes on her head and tore her robe. She put her hands on her head

These are acts of mourning and grief in the Israelite culture. AT: "put ashes on her head and tore her robe to show that she was very sad. Then to show her grief, she put her hands on her head" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/robe.md]]

2 Samuel 13:20-22

Has Amnon your brother been with you?

This is a polite way to ask is Amnon has had sexual relations with her. AT: "Has Amnon your brother slept with you?" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

keep quiet

This means to not tell anyone about something. AT: "do not tell anyone about this" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Do not take this thing to heart

The phrase "take something to heart" means "to worry about it." AT: "Do not worry about what has happened" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

So Tamar remained alone

This means that she did not marry.

said nothing

"did not speak"

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:23-24

It came about after two full years

This explains that two whole years has passed and introduces the next event in the story line. The phrase "full years" means that they are complete years. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

shearers

These are people who cut the wool from sheep.

Baal Hazor

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Look now

This is a phrase used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen"

keeping watch

This means that the servant was watching for enemies while guarding at the city wall. AT: "who was guarding" or "who was guarding at the city wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

raised his eyes

Here the servant looking up at something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. AT: "looked up" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

So it came about

This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

raised their voices

Here the sons crying out is spoken of as if their voices were something they lifted into the sky. AT: "cried out" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 13:37-39

Talmai ... Ammihud

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

for his son

"for his son Amnon"

where he was for three years

"where he stayed for three years"

The mind of King David longed

Here David is referred to by his mind to emphasize his thoughts. AT: "King David longed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

for he was comforted concerning Amnon and his death

"because he was no longer grieving about Amnon being dead." This refers to three years after Absalom fled to Geshur.

translationWords

2 Samuel 14

2 Samuel 14:intro-0

2 Samuel 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# Reconciliation

David missed his son, Absalom, who was in exile. Joab summons a wise woman to reconcile David and Absalom. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reconcile.md]])

Important figures of speech used in this chapter

# Parable

The wise woman uses a type of parable to convince David that his actions were wrong. He treated a stranger worse than he treated his own son. This hypothetical situation was intended to convict David of his sin. She uses David's own words against him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

2 Samuel 14:1-3

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells about a new person in the story.

Zeruiah

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:13.

perceived

This means Joab discerned or understood what David was thinking.

sent word to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought

This means that Joab sent someone with a message to Tekoa and had him bring back a woman to him. This can be written in active form. AT: "sent someone with a message to Tokoa and had him bring a wise woman back" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Tekoa

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the dead

This refers to someone who has died, not dead people in general. AT: "someone who has died" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:4-6

she lay facedown on the ground

She did this to show her respect and submission to the king. AT: "she showed her respect to the king by laying facedown on the ground" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

One struck the other

"One of my sons hit the other son with something"

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:7

the whole clan

"my entire family"

your servant

To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant."

put him to death

This is an idiom which means to kill. AT: "kill him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

they would also destroy the heir

If they put the guilty brother to death there would not be a son left to inherit the family's possessions. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. AT: "if they did this, they would be destroying our family's heir" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Thus they will put out the burning coal that I have left

Here the woman refers to her only living son as if he were a burning piece of coal. She speaks of the men killing her son as stopping the coal's burning. AT: "In this way they will kill the only child I have left" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they will leave for my husband neither name nor descendant

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "they will not leave for my husband name or descendant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

neither name nor descendant

This refers to a son to carry on the family's name into the next generation. AT: "no son to preserve our family's name" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

on the surface of the earth

"on the earth." This descriptive phrase emphasizes that the family line would not continue on earth after the husband died. "The surface of the earth" refers to the ground on which people walk.

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:8-9

I will command something to be done for you

This can be stated in active form. AT: "I will take care of this matter for you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Tekoa

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 14:2.

may the guilt be on me and on my father's family

This means that if people say that the king was wrong for helping the woman's family that the king should not be guilty. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. AT: "if anyone blames you for helping our family, may my family be considered guilty instead" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

The king and his throne

Here the word "throne" refers to anyone who later becomes king in David's place. AT: "The king and his descendants" or "The king and his family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

are guiltless

"are innocent." This implies that in the future if anyone accuses the king of wrongdoing, he will be innocent in the matter. AT: "will be innocent regarding the matter" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:10-11

says anything to you

Here speaking threats is spoken of as speaking in general. AT: "threatens you" or "speaks threats to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

he will not touch you anymore

Here David speaks of a person not threatening or hurting her, by saying that the person would not touch her. It is implied that David will not allow the person threatening her to bother her again. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. AT: "I will make sure he does not threaten you again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Please, may the king call to mind Yahweh your God

Possible meanings are 1) The phrase "call to mind" is an idiom meaning to pray. AT: "Please, pray to Yahweh your God" or 2) Here "call to mind" means to remember and it is implied that after he remembers Yahweh he will promise in his name. AT: "Please promise in the name of Yahweh your God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the avenger of blood

This refers to the man who wants to avenge the death of the dead brother. This can be stated clearly. AT: "the man who wants to avenge my son's brother's death" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

destroy anyone further

"cause anyone else to die." This is in addition to the brother who already died.

that they will not destroy my son

"that they will not kill my son" or "that they will not execute my son"

As Yahweh lives

Often people would make promises and compare how surely they would fulfil their promise to how surely Yahweh is alive. AT: "I promise you, as surely as Yahweh lives" or "In Yahweh's name I promise" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

not one hair of your son will fall to the ground

The means that her son will not be harmed, which is exaggerated by saying that he will not lose even a single hair. AT: "your son will be completely safe" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:12-14

your servant

To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant."

speak a further word to

"talk about something else to." The woman is requesting to speak to the king about another topic.

Speak on

This is an idiom. The king was giving her permission to continue speaking. AT: "You may speak to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God?

The woman asks this rhetorical question to rebuke David for how he has treated Absalom. This question can be written as a statement. AT: "What you have just said proved that you did wrong." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the king is like someone who is guilty

The woman compares the king to someone who is guilty to suggest that he is guilty without saying it directly. AT: "the king has declared himself guilty"

his banished son

"his son whom he banished"

For we all must die, and we are like water spilled on the ground ... up again

Here the woman speaks of a person dying as if they were water being spilled on the ground. AT: "We all must die, and after we die we cannot be brought back to life again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

God ... finds a way for those who were driven away to be restored

The woman is implying that David should bring his son back to himself. This can be stated clearly. AT: "God brings back someone whom he has driven away and you should do the same for your son" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/peopleofgod.md]]

2 Samuel 14:15-17

because the people have made me afraid

The understood information may be supplied. AT: "because the people have made me afraid that I have come" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

your servant

To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant"

from the hand of the man

This phrase is an idiom. Also, "the hand" is a metonym referring to the man's control. AT: "out of the control of the man" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the word of my master the king

"the message of my master the king"

for as an angel of God, so is my master ... from evil

Here David, the king, is compared to an "angel of God." AT: "for the king is like an angel of God because they both know how to tell good from evil" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:18-20

Please do not hide from me anything that I will ask you

The negative form here is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. AT: "Please tell me the truth about everything I ask you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-litotes/01.md]])

Is not the hand of Joab with you in all this

Here the word "hand" refers to Joab's influence. AT: "Has not Joab influenced you in all this" or "Did Joab send you here to speak these things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

As you live

"As surely as you are alive." Here the woman compares the certainty of what David has said to the certainty that he is alive, to emphasize how true his statement is. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

no one can escape to the right hand ... the king has spoken

Here the woman describes the difficulty of speaking to the king and keeping him from finding out the truth by comparing it to a person not being about to escape in any direction. AT: "no one can keep you from knowing the truth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

to the right hand or to the left

The expression gives two extremes and means "anywhere." AT: "anywhere at all" or "anywhere" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

My master is wise

"My master the king is wise"

is wise, like the wisdom of an angel of God

The woman compares David's wisdom to the wisdom of an angel to emphasize how very wise he is. AT: "you are very wise, like an angel of God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/know.md]]

2 Samuel 14:21-22

So the king said to Joab

It is implied that the king had Joab brought before him so that he could speak to him. The full meaning of this can be made clear. AT: "Then the king summoned Joab and said to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Look now

This phrase is used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen"

this thing

This refers to what Joab wants the king to do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. AT: "what you want me to do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Joab lay facedown on the ground

Joab did this to honor the king and show his gratitude. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

your servant

To show respect for the king Joab refers to himself as "your servant."

I have found favor in your eyes

The phrase "found favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, "eyes" is a metonym for sight, and sight represents judgment or evaluation. AT: "you are pleased with me" or "you have approved of me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

in that the king

"because the king"

the king has performed the request of his servant

"you have done what I asked you to do"

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:23-24

but he may not see my face ... the king's face

Here the word "face" refers to the king himself. AT: "but he may not see me ... the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 14:25-27

Now

This word marks a break in the main story line. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

2 Samuel 15:intro-0

2 Samuel 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of Absalom's attempted revolt.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Absalom's conspiracy

For four years, Absalom made many allies in an attempt to make himself king. This is why he acted as a judge for the people. Since this was all done in secret, it is called a "conspiracy." David found out and fled with those in the army who were loyal to him.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphor

The author used the metaphor of a thief to describe how Absalom was able to win people's loyalty: "So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

2 Samuel 15:1-2

It came about

This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

with fifty men to run before him

These men would run in front of the chariot to honor Absalom. AT: "with fifty men to run before him to honor him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Your servant

When a man would respond to Absalom's question he would refer to himself as "your servant" to honor Absalom.

translationWords

2 Samuel 15:3-4

So Absalom would say to him

It is implied that the person told his case to Absalom. This can be stated clearly. AT: "Absalom would ask him what his problem was, and the man would then explain to Absalom why he sought justice. Absalom would then say to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

good and right

These words have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that his case is good. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

to hear your case

"Hearing" a case means to listen to it and to make a judgement decision over it. AT: "to judge your case" or "to oversee your case" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 15:5-6

put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him

This action is a friendly greeting. AT: "greet him as a friend by embracing him and kissing him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

for judgment

This means that they can for the king to decide their disputes. AT: "to judge over their disputes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel

This sentence means Absalom convinced the men to be loyal to him rather than to David. Here the author speaks of how the people became loyal to Absalom by saying that he stole their hearts. AT: "In this way, Absalom convinced the men of Israel to be loyal to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Are you not a seer?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Zadok and can be translated as a statement. AT: "You will be able to find out what is happening." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

See

Here this word means for the listener to pay attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen"

until word comes from you

This refers to him sending a messenger to the king. AT: "until you send a messenger to me to inform me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to inform me

Here the king implies he is to receive a message informing him about what is happening in Jerusalem. AT: "to tell me what is happening in Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 15:30-31

barefoot

wearing no shoes or sandals

his head covered

This is a sign of mourning and shame. AT: "his head covered in mourning" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:11.

conspirators

people who join together against someone else

please turn Ahithophel's advice into foolishness

David is asking Yahweh to make Ahitohphel's advice foolish and useless. AT: "please let whatever advice Ahithophel gives be foolishness and unsuccessful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 15:32-34

It came about

"It happened." This phrase marks the next event in the story line. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

at the top of the road

The word "top" is used here because David went up in elevation and is at the top of a hill. AT: "at the top of the hill" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

where God used to be worshiped

This can be stated in active form. AT: "where people once worshiped God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Hushai

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Arkite

This is the name of a people group. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

with his coat torn and earth on his head

This is an act showing shame or repentance. Here the word "earth" means dirt. AT: "He had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head to show that he was very sad" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

you will confuse Ahithophel's advice for me

David is suggest to Hushai that he oppose whatever Ahithopel advises. AT: "you can serve me by by opposing Ahithophel's advice" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 15:35-37

Will you not have the priests Zadok and Abiathar with you?

David asks this rhetorical question to tell Hushai that he will not be alone. This can be written as a statement. AT: "Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there to help you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

whatever you hear

This is a generalization. It means all of the important and insightful things that he hears, not every single word he hears. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Ahimaaz ... Jonathan

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

by their hand

The phrase "their hand" refers to the sons and means that they were to serve as messengers. AT: "their sons to tell me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16

2 Samuel 16:intro-0

2 Samuel 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# Absalom seeks advice from David's advisers

David's best adviser, Ahithophel, told Absalom to publicly seduce the concubines that David had left to take care of the palace. Because the concubines were the king's property, having sexual relations with a king's concubines implied that Absalom was now the king. This would show the people that the break with David was complete. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Simile

To show how seriously people took Ahithophel's advice, the author used a [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] comparing his advice to God's advice. "Now the advice of Ahithophel that he gave in those days was as if a man heard from the mouth of God himself."

2 Samuel 16:1-2

Ziba

This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 4:4.

two hundred loaves ... one hundred clusters ... one hundred bunches

"200 loaves ... 100 clusters ... 100 bunches" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

loaves of bread

"cakes of bread"

clusters of raisins ... bunches of figs

These phrases refer to raisins or figs pressed together.

raisins

"dried grapes"

a skin of wine

"a wineskin full of wine"

faint

"very, very tired"

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:3-4

your master's grandson

"Mephibosheth, your master's grandson"

grandson

the son of one's son or daughter

Look

Here this word is used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen"

house of Israel

This refers to the people of Israel. AT: "the people of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

will restore my father's kingdom to me

Having a descendant of Saul being allowed to rule is spoken of as the kingdom being restored to their family. AT: "will allow me to rule the kingdom that my grandfather ruled" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 4:4.

I bow in humility to you

Ziba is not literally bowing before the king when he is speaking here. This means that he will serve the king with the same amount of humility he would be showing if he were literally bowing before him. AT: "I will humbly serve you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Let me find favor in your eyes

The phrase "find favor" means to be approved of by someone. Also, "eyes" is a metonym for sight, and sight represents judgment or evaluation. AT: "I want you to be pleased with me" or "I desire you for to be pleased with me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:5-6

Bahurim

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16.

Shimei ... Gera

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in spite of

"even though there was"

bodyguards

These are men who protect an important person.

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:7-8

villain

someone who is evil, a criminal or lawbreaker

man of blood

Here "blood" refers to all of men he was responsible for killing in battle. AT: "murderer" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Yahweh has repaid

Yahweh repays them by punishing them. This can be stated clearly. AT: "Yahweh has punished" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

for the blood you shed within the family of Saul

Here "blood" refer to people who were killed from Saul's family. The king was responsible for them dying. AT: "for killing many of Saul's family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in whose place you have reigned

David reigned as king over the same people whom Saul had previously reigned. AT: "in whose place you have reigned as king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

into the hand of Absalom

Here "hand" refers to control. AT: "into the control of Absalom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:9-10

Abishai

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:18. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Zeruiah

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:13. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Why should this dead dog curse my master the king?

Abishai asked this question to express his anger at the man. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "This dead dog must not speak to the king this way." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this dead dog

Here the man is being described as worthless by being compared to a dead dog. AT: "this worthless man" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah?

This rhetorical question is asked to correct the sons of Zeruiah. It can be translated as a statement. AT: "I do not want to know what you think!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Perhaps he is cursing me because

"He may be cursing me because"

Who then could say to him, 'Why are you cursing the king?

This is said as a rhetorical question to emphasize that the answer is "no one." This can be written as a statement. AT: "No one then can ask him, 'Why are you cursing the king?'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:11-12

my son, who was born from my body

David describes his son this way to emphasize the close bond between a father and his son. AT: "my own son" or "my dear son" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

wants to take my life

This is a polite way to refer to killing someone. AT: "wants to kill me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

How much more may this Benjamite now desire my ruin?

David uses this rhetorical question to express that he is not surprised that the man wants to kill him. This can be written as a statement. AT: "Of course this Benjamite desires my ruin!" or "I am not surprised this Benjamite desires my ruin as well!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

desire my ruin

Here David describes the man's desire to kill him as if David were something that the man wanted to ruin. AT: "desire me to be killed" or "desire to kill me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Leave him alone and let him curse

Here the phrase "leave him alone" means to not stop him from what he is doing. AT: "Do not stop him from cursing me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

will look at

Here "looking" means "considering." AT: "will consider" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the misery unleashed on me

Here David speaks of misery as if it were a dangerous animal that the Benjamite unleashed on him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:13-14

Shimei went beside him up on the hillside

Shimei was walking parallel to David and his men, though Shimei was up higher on the hillside.

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:15-16

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hushai

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:32. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

It came about

"It happened that." This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

Arkite

See how you translated the name of this people group in 2 Samuel 15:32. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:17-18

loyalty

a strong feeling of support and love

Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with him?

These rhetorical questions are asked to criticize Hushai. They can be translated as a statement. AT: "You have been a loyal friend to David; you should have gone with him." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the one whom Yahweh

Hushai is referring to Absalom.

the one whom ... that is the man ... with him

Here Hushai is referring to Absalom in the third person to take emphasize off of him and place it on Yahweh and the people who chose him. This can be written in second person. AT: "you are the one whom ... you are the man ... with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/peoplegroup.md]]

2 Samuel 16:19

what man should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son?

Hushai asks these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he wants to serve Absalom. They can be written as a statement. AT: "I should serve only David's son, so I will serve in his presence." or "I should serve you, for you are David's son." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:20-21

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

to keep the palace

The phrase "to keep" means to take care of. AT: "to take care of the palace" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

become a stench to your father

Ahithophel speaks of Absalom offending his father as if he would become something that had a strong and offensive odor. AT: "become offensive to your father" or "greatly insulted father" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong

Here the people who followed Absalom are referred to by their hands. The news will strengthen the peoples' loyalty to Absalom and encourage them. This can be stated clearly. AT: "The news of this will strengthen the loyalty of all who follow you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 16:22-23

spread

"set up"

in the sight of all Israel

This means that people were able to see the tent and Absalom walking in and out of the tent with the women. The phrase "all of Israel" is a generalization, for only people near the palace could see it. AT: "where the Israelites could see him go into the tent" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Now the advice of Ahithophel ... was as if a man heard

Here the author compare how much people trusted Ahithophel's advice with how much they would trust advice directly from God. AT: "Now people trusted the advice of Ahithophel in those days in the same way they would have trusted it if had come" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

as if a man heard from the mouth of God himself

Here God's mouth represents himself and emphasizes his speech. AT: "as if God had said it with his own mouth" or "as if a man heard it spoken by God himself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

viewed

"understood" or "accepted"

translationWords

2 Samuel 17

2 Samuel 17:intro-0

2 Samuel 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# Confusion

Ahithophel gives good advise to Absalom, but Hushai confuses Absalom. God is using the misleading advice to protect David, his king.

2 Samuel 17:1-4

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

twelve thousand men

"12,000 men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

arise and

"begin to"

come on

"come to"

weary and weak

These words mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize how weak David was. AT: "weak" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

will surprise him with fear

Here the word "fear" can be expressed with the adjective "afraid." AT: "will surprise him and make him afraid" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

I will attack only the king

It is implied that he intends to kill the king. This can be stated clearly. AT: "I will kill only the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

bring back all the people

This refers to all of the people who were with David. AT: "bring back all of the people who were with him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

like a bride coming to her husband

Here Ahithophel speaks of the peoples' happiness by comparing it to a bride's happiness. AT: "and they will come happily, like a bride is happy when she comes to her husband" or "and they will come happily" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

be at peace

This means to have peace or to live peacefully. AT: "live peacefully" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

under you

This refers to being under the king's authority. AT: "under your authority" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:5-7

Hushai the Arkite

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:32.

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12.

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:8-10

they are like a bear robbed of her cubs

The anger of the soldiers here is being compared to that of a mother bear who cubs are taken from her. AT: "they are angry, like a mother bear whose cubs have been take from her" or "they are very angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

a bear

a large furry animal that walks on four legs and has sharp claws and teeth

is a man of war

This means that his has fought in many battles and knows well the ways of war. AT: "has fought in many battles" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Look

Here this word is used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen"

pit

a deep hole in the ground

or in some other place

This is another place he may be hiding. AT: "or hidden in some other place" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

when some of your men have been killed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "when his soldiers kill some of your men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

A slaughter has taken place among the soldiers who follow Absalom

The noun "slaughter" means an event where many people are brutally killed. This can be expressed as a verb. AT: "Many of the soldiers who follow Absalom have been slaughtered" or "The enemy soldiers have killed many of the soldiers who follow Absalom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

whose hearts are like the heart of a lion

Here the soldiers are refers to by their "hearts." Also, their strong bravery is compared to that of a lion's. AT: "who are as brave as lions" or "who are very brave" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:11-12

that all Israel should be gathered together to you

This can be stated in active form. Also, here "all Israel" represents only the Israelite soldiers. AT: "that you should gather together all of the Israelite soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

from Dan to Beersheba

This phrase means from the northern border of Israel to the southern border. AT: "from the whole nation of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

as numerous as the sands that are by the sea

This is an exaggeration where all the grains of sand on a beach are compared to the number of Israelite soldiers. AT: "so many that they can barely be counted" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

that you go to battle in person

The phrase "in person" means to go yourself and not send someone else instead. AT: "then lead them yourself into battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

come on him

This means to purposefully go to where he is and then to attack. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

we will cover him as the dew falls on the ground

Absalom's army is described as covering David's army like the dew covers the ground in the morning. AT: "we will overwhelm and completely defeat David's army" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

dew

the fog or misty cloud of water that can fall onto the ground during the night, covering the ground and leaving it wet in the morning

We will not leave even one of his men ... alive

This negative sentence is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. AT: "We will kill every one of his men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-litotes/01.md]])

him himself

Both these words refer to David. AT: "David himself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:13-14

then all Israel

This refers to Israel's soldiers, not to all of Israel. AT: "then all of our soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

will bring ropes to that city and we will drag it into the river

This means that the soldiers would tear down the city walls and drag the pieces to river. AT: "will destroy the city and drag the stones to the river with ropes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

until there is no longer even a small stone found there

This is an exaggeration to describe how completely they will destroy the city. The would not literally sweep away every small stone from the city. AT: "until the city is completely destroyed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Hushai the Arkite

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:32. Arkite is the name of a people group.

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12.

the rejection of Ahithophel's good advice

The word "rejection" can be expressed with the verb "reject." AT: "for the men of Israel to reject Ahithophel's good advice" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

to bring destruction on Absalom

To "bring" something on someone means to cause it to happen to them. AT: "to cause a disaster to happen to Absalom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:15-16

Zadok ... Abiathar

See how you translated these men's names in 2 Samuel 15:24-25. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in such and such a way

This phrase, meaning "like this," refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom earlier in 2 Samuel 17:1-3. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the fords of the Arabah

A ford is a shallow part of a river where people can walk across. The Arabah is the land along both sides of the Jordan River.

by all means

This means to make sure that you do something. AT: "be sure to" or "make sure that you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the king will be swallowed up

Here the king and his people being killed is describes as if they were "swallowed" by their enemy. AT: "the king will be killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:17-18

Jonathan ... Ahimaaz

See how you translated these men's names in 2 Samuel 15:27. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

When the message came

Here the "message" is spoken of as coming to them, when really it is the woman who came to then bringing the message. AT: "When she brought them a message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this time

"one time"

So Jonathan and Ahimaaz went away

It is implied that they found out that the young man had told Absalom about them being there. This can be stated clearly. AT: "Jonathan and Ahimaaz found out what the young man had done, so they went away" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

spring of Rogel ... Bahurim

These are the name of places, both near Jerusalem. Bahurim is a small town. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

they descended

"they lowered themselves and hid"

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:19-20

the woman of the house

"the man's wife"

Ahimaaz ... Jonathan

See how you translated these men's names in 2 Samuel 15:27. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 17:21-22

It came about

"It happened." This phrase marks the next event in the story line. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

cross quickly over the water

Here "the water" refers to the Jordan River. AT: "cross quickly over the river" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

has given such and such advice

The idiom "such and such" is used in the place of information that is already know by the reader. Here it refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom in 2 Samuel 17:1-3. This information can be stated clearly. AT: "has advised that Absalom send him with an army to attack you now" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

beans

seeds that are cooked and eaten

lentils

a kind of seed that is cooked and eaten

curds

milk that has soured and become solid

thirsty

in need of water or some other drink

translationWords

2 Samuel 18

2 Samuel 18:intro-0

2 Samuel 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter tells of the defeat and death of Absalom, ending this section on Absalom's rebellion.

Special concepts in this chapter

# David's mercy

David reorganized his army and sent them out to battle, but told them to be merciful to Absalom. When David's army defeated Absalom's army, Absalom fled on a mule, but his hair caught in a tree limb and the mule ran on, leaving him hanging. One of David's soldiers saw him and told Joab. Joab went and killed him. When David heard about this he mourned for his son, Absalom. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/mercy.md]])

2 Samuel 18:1-2

David counted the soldiers who were with him and appointed

David did not count all of the people himself, rather other men counted them. AT: "David commanded for the soldiers who were with him to be counted and he appointed" or "David arranged the soldiers who were with him and appointed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

captains of thousands and captains of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these captains led. AT: "captains of 1,000 soldiers and captains of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. AT: "captains of large military divisions and captains of smaller military divisions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

captains

A captain is a person who is in authority over a group of soldiers.

one-third ... another third

"one-third of the army ... another third of the army." A "third" is one part out of three equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

Abishai ... Zeruiah

See how you translated these men's names in 2 Samuel 2:18. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ittai

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:19. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gittite

This refers to a person from Gath, which is a Philistine city. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

I will certainly go out with you myself, too

This means that he will go out with them to battle. This can be stated clearly. AT: "I myself will go with you to battle" or "I personally will go with you into battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:3-4

half of us

The word "half" refers to one out of two equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

you are worth ten thousand of us

This means that the enemy army considering killing David of greater worth than killing 10,000 of the other men. The number 10,000 here is an exaggeration used to emphasize a very great number of people. AT: "they would rather kill you than to kill 10,000 of us" or "killing you is worth more to them than killing a great number of us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

ten thousand

"10,000" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

that you be ready to help us from the city

David could help them from the city by advising them and sending men to help them. This can be stated clearly. AT: "that you stay here in the city and send help to us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:5

Abishai

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:18. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ittai

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:19. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Deal gently for my sake with the young man, with Absalom

"For my sake, do not harm the young man, Absalom." The phrase "Deal gently" means to be kind to someone and not to harm them.

my sake

"my well-being" or "my account"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/absalom.md]]

2 Samuel 18:6-8

went out into the countryside against Israel

This means that they went out and fought against them in battle. AT: "went out into the countryside and fought against Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

against Israel

Here "Israel" refers to their soldiers, not all of the Israelites. AT: "against the Israelite soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

The army of Israel was defeated there before the soldiers of David

This can be stated in active form. AT: "There the soldiers of David defeated the army of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

a great slaughter

an event where many people are brutally killed

twenty thousand men

"20,000 men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

more men were consumed by the forest than by the sword

Here "the forest" is described as if it were alive and could act. "The sword" refers to David's soldiers who fought with swords. AT: "dangerous things in the forest killed more men than David's soldiers killed with their swords" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:9-11

Absalom happened to meet some of David's soldiers

This is an event that happened during the battle. This can be stated clearly. AT: "During the battle, Absalom happened to meet some of David's soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

his head was caught up in the tree branches

Absalom had long hair that got caught in the tree branches. AT: "his hair was caught in the tree branches" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

dangling

hanging or swinging loosely

between the ground and the sky

"in the air"

Look

Here this word is used to draw a person's attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen"

Why did you not strike him down to the ground?

This rhetorical question means that he should have killed him. This question can be written as a statement. The phrase "strike down" means to kill. AT: "You should have struck him down to the ground!" or "You should have killed him immediately!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

ten silver shekels

This can be written in modern units. AT: "ten silver coins" or "110 grams of silver" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]])

belt

This is a special belt that shows people that someone is a great soldier and should be honored.

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:12-13

a thousand silver shekels

"1,000 silver shekels." This can be stated in modern units. AT: "1,000 silver coins" or "11 kilograms of silver" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

would not have reached out my hand against the king's son

The phrase "reached out my hand" means to attack. AT: "would not have attacked the king's son" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

No one must touch

Here "touching" refers to "harming." AT: "No none must harm" or "Do not harm" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

a falsehood

The word "falsehood" can be expressed with a verb phrase. Also, this refers to disobeying the king's command. This can be stated clearly. AT: "doing something that is wrong" or "by disobeying the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

there is nothing hidden from the king

Here the man speaks about how the king knows about almost everything that happens as if everything were a physical object he knew the location of. AT: "there is nothing that the king does not know" or "the king hears about everything that happens" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:14-15

I will not wait for you

Joab meant that he should not continue talking to the man. AT: "I will not waste anymore time talking to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

heart of Absalom

Here Absalom's heart refers to his chest or upper body. AT: "chest" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

armor

This refers to both the armor he would wear to protect himself and to his weapons. AT: "armor and weapons" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:16-17

Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the army returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab held back the army

This describes what Joab commanded by blowing the trumpet. AT: "Then Joab blew the trumpet to call back the army, and the army returned from pursuing Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

returned from pursuing Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the Israelite army. AT: "returned from pursuing the Israelite army" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

They took Absalom and threw him

"They took Absalom's body and threw it"

they buried his body under a very large pile of stones

After putting his body in the pit they covered it with a pile of stones. This can be stated more clearly. AT: "they covered his body with a huge pile of stones" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

while all Israel fled

Here "all Israel" refers to the Israelite soldiers. The word "fled" means "ran away." AT: "while all the Israelite soldiers ran away" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:18

the King's Valley

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

to carry along the memory of my name

Absalom uses the phrase "my name" to refer to himself and his family line. AT: "to carry on my family name, by which people would remember me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

so it is called Absalom's Monument to this very day

This can be stated in active form. AT: "so people called it Absalom's Monument from that day on" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

to this very day

This refers to the present time when this book of the Bible was written.

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:19-20

Ahimaaz

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:27. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

run to the king with the good news

Here Ahimaaz speaks of running to go and tell the king the good news as if the good news were a object that he were carrying. AT: "run to tell the king the good news" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the hand of his enemies

Here "hand" refers to control. AT: "the control of his enemies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the bearer of news

"the one who tells the news"

you will bear no news

This refers to not bearing the news to the king. AT: "you will not tell the news to the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:21-23

tell the king what you have seen

Joab is telling him to go and tell the king about the news of the battle.

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:24-25

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line and the beginning of a new part of the story.

raised his eyes

Here the watchman looking to see something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. AT: "looked out beyond the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

there is news in his mouth

Here the king speaks of the man having a message as if the news were an object sitting in his mouth. AT: "he has news to tell us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:26-27

I think the running of the man in front is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok

The watchman compares the way the man ran to the way Ahimaaz runs to suggest that it may be him. AT: "I think the man running in front is Ahimaaz son Zadok, because he runs like Ahimaaz" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/king.md]]

2 Samuel 18:28-30

He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground

He did this to honor the king. AT: "He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground to honor the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Blessed be Yahweh

"Praise Yahweh." Here "bless" means to praise.

the men who lifted up their hand against my master the king

Here Ahimaaz speaks of the men opposing the king as if they were were raising their hands before him. AT: "the men who opposed and fought against my master the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a great disturbance

This means that people were acting as though things were not right.

Turn aside and stand here

"Move out of the way" or "Stand aside"

translationWords

2 Samuel 18:31-33

rose up against

This means to oppose. AT: "opposed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

The enemies of my master the king, ... should be as that young man is

The Cushite uses a comparison as a polite way to tell the king that Absalom is dead. This can be stated more directly. AT: "I would like all your enemies ... to die the way that young man died" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

unnerved

"upset"

translationWords

2 Samuel 19

2 Samuel 19:intro-0

2 Samuel 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# David told to stop mourning Absalom

Joab warned David that if he continued to mourn Absalom and not thank his army, they would all desert him. So David went out to encourage the soldiers. David was both a good father and a good leader.

# David made king again

This chapter record the recognition that David was the true king of Israel. It is important to remember that even though Absalom had power for a while, David never stopped being the king.

# The ten tribes and Judah argue over David

The ten tribes of Israel argued with the tribe of Judah about who would bring David across the river. The men of Judah answered the ten tribes very harshly. This may foreshadow, or give a glimpse of, the future civil war that would come to divide these two groups.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Rhetorical questions

The people wanted David back as their king and expressed it in a rhetorical question: "So why are we not talking about bringing the king back?" David also used a question to persuade the people of Judah to bring him back: "You are my brothers, my flesh and bone. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

2 Samuel 19:1-2

Joab was told

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Someone told Joab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Look, the king is weeping

The word "Look" is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen, the king is weeping"

So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the army

This means that the whole army mourned instead of celebrating. AT "So instead of celebrating victory that day, the whole army mourned" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:3-4

like people who are ashamed sneak away when they run from battle

The author compares the way that the soldiers had to sneak back into the city to the way that soldiers sneak away when they are running away from battle. This emphasizes that they were made to feel ashamed. AT: "in the same way that people who had run away from battle would sneak away because they were ashamed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

sneak

move without being seen by others

The king covered his face

This is a way to express grief and mourning. AT: "The king showed his grief by covering his face" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:5-6

You have shamed the faces of all your soldiers today

Here the soldiers are referred to by their face to emphasize how they would have hid their faces because of their shame" AT: "You have caused all your soldiers to hide their faces in shame today" or "You have caused all of your soldiers to be ashamed today" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

nothing to you

This phrase is an exaggeration, but it expresses the very low value that David showed for the army. AT: "are worth very little to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

if Absalom had lived, and we all had died, then that would have pleased you

The speaker is giving a hypothetical situation. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:7-8

I swear by Yahweh

Joab is making a very strong oath. AT: "I swear, as surely as Yahweh is alive" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

if you do not go, not one man will remain with you

This means that only if David went would his soldiers remain with him. AT: "only if you go will any of your men remain with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

not one man will remain with you

This refers to them remaining loyal to him. AT: "not one man will remain loyal to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

all the people were told

This is a generalization. It means most of the men. It can be stated in active form. AT: "many of the men who were there heard others saying" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Look, the king is sitting

The word "Look" is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. AT: "Listen, the king is sitting"

all the people

Here "the people" refer to the people who followed David. Here "all" is an generalization. It means a large number came and gathered around him. AT: "many of the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

So Israel fled, every man to his home

Here "Israel" refers to the Israelite soldiers who followed Absalom. AT: "And every Israelite soldier fled to his own home" or "And all of the Israelite soldiers fled to their homes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:9-10

out of the hand of our enemies

Here "hand" means control. AT: "from under the control of our enemies" or "from our enemies' control" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

out of the hand of the Philistines

Here "hand" means control. AT: "from under the control of the Philistines" or "from the Philistines' control" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

out of the land because of Absalom

This means that he had left the country fleeing from Absalom. This can be stated clearly. AT: "out of the country fleeing from Absalom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?

This means they should consider bringing David back now that Absalom was dead. The question may be written as a statement. AT: "we should be talking about bringing the king back." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the king

This refers to David.

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:11-12

sent to Zadok and to Abiathar

This means that David sent a messenger to Zadok and Abiathar. AT: "sent a messenger to Zadok and to Abiathar" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Why are you the last to bring the king back ... to bring him back to his palace?

This rhetorical question is asked to rebuke the elders in Judah. This can be written as a statement. AT: "You should have been the first to favor the king and bring him back to the palace, not the people of the nation of Israel." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

since the talk of all Israel favors the king, to bring

The noun "talk" can be expressed with the verb "talk" or "speak." AT: "since all Israel speaks favorably about the king and desires to bring" or "since what the people of Israel are saying is in the king's favor, to bring" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

to bring the king back to his palace

Here restoring the king's authority to rule is spoken of as bringing him back to his palace. AT: "to restore the king's authority as king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You are my brothers, my flesh and bone

The king uses these to phrases to emphasize that they are closely related. Being or having the same flesh is a metaphor for belonging to the same family or tribe. AT: "You are my brothers, and we have the same flesh and bone" or "You are my brothers, my close relatives" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Why then are you the last to bring back the king?

This is the second rhetorical question here and it is also a rebuke for the elders of Judah. This can be written as a statement. AT: "You should have been the first, not the last, to bring back the king." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:13-15

Amasa

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 17:25. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Are you not my flesh and my bone?

David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that they are related. This can be written as a statement. AT: "You are my flesh and my bones." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

my flesh and my bone

Here David speaks of them being related by saying that they have the same flesh and bones. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Samuel 19:12. AT: "my relative" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

God do so to me

This is an idiom that means for God to kill him. AT: "May God kill me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

he won the hearts

Here the mens' loyalty is referred to as their "hearts." AT: "he won the loyalty" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

as one man

This speaks of the men being united in their loyalty to the king as if they were one man with the same mind. AT: "and they were united together" or "they were united in their loyalty to the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They sent to the king

This means that they sent a messenger to the king. AT: "They sent a messenger to the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:16-18

Gera ... Ziba

These are the names of men. Translate the name "Ziba" the same as you did in 2 Samuel 9:2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Bahurim

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

one thousand men ... fifteen sons ... twenty servants

"1,000 men ... 15 sons ... 20 servants" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

in the presence of the king

This means that the king was there and was aware of what was happening. AT: "at the place where the king was" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:19-20

call to mind

This means "to remember." AT: "remember" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

your servant

Here Shimei refers to himself this way to humble himself before the king and honor the king.

not take it to heart

"To take something to heart" means to think about something seriously or to be bothered by it. AT: "not be bothered by it" or "forget about it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:21-23

Abishai

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:18. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Zeruiah

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:13. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Yahweh's anointed?

Abishai was angry at Shimei for cursing David and is suggesting that he should be killed. This question can be written as a statement. AT: "Shimei should be put to death because he cursed Yahweh's anointed." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Yahweh's anointed

This refers to David. It means that he is the man that Yahweh had anointed as king. AT: "the man that Yahweh has anointed as king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

What have I to do with you ... that you should today be adversaries to me?

David uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Abishai. This can be written as a statement. AT: "We have nothing in common with you, you sons of Zeruiah! You have no good reason to become my adversaries today." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Will any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?

David uses these rhetorical questions to continue rebuking Abishai. These questions can be written as statements. AT: "No person will be executed today in the nation of Israel, because today I am the one who is king over all of Israel." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Will any man be put to death

This phrase "put to death" means to be killed or executed. AT: "Will any man be killed" or "Will I order any man to die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?

Possible meanings of this rhetorical question are 1) "I know that I am still king of Israel." or 2) "Today I am the one who is king over Israel!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:24-25

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 4:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

He had not dressed his feet

"He had not cared for his feet." Mephibosheth's feet were crippled. This phrase means that he had not taken proper care of his feet.

Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?

David is asking Mephibosheth why he did not go with David when David and all the people who followed him left Jerusalem. AT: "Why did you not go with me when I left Jerusalem, Mephibosheth?" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:26-28

Ziba

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 9:2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

my master the king is like an angel of God

Here David's wisdom is compared to the wisdom of an angel. AT: "my master the king is as wise as an angel of God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

do what is good in your eyes

This means to do what you think is right. AT: "do what you believe to be the right thing to do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

all my father's house were dead men before my master the king

Mephibosheth speaks of how his relatives had deserved to be executed as if they had already been executed and were dead. AT: "all my father's house deserved for my master the king to order them to be executed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

my father's house

This refers to his father's relatives. AT: "my father's relatives" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

What right therefore have I that I should still cry any more to the king?

Mephibosheth uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he has no right to request anything from the king. This can be written as a statement. AT: "Therefore, I have no right to ask the king to do anything else for me." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:29-30

Why explain anything further?

David uses this rhetorical question to tell him that he does not need to continue talking about his conflict with Ziba. This can be written as a statement. AT: "You do not need to explain this any further." or "You certainly do not need to say any more." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:31-33

Barzillai

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 17:27. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gileadite

See how you translated the name of this people group in 2 Samuel 17:27. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Rogelim ... Mahanaim

See how you translated the names of these places in 2 Samuel 17:27. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the Jordan

the Jordan River

eighty years old

"80 years old" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

furnished

"provided"

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:34-36

How many days are left in the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

Here Barzillai means that he is old and that there is no reason for him to accompany David. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "I am certainly not going to live many more years. There is no good reason for me to go up with the king to Jerusalem." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 19:42-43

Why then are you angry about this?

The men of Judah ask this rhetorical question to rebuke the men of Israel. This can be written as a statement. AT: "But you have no reason to be upset about this." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Have we eaten anything that the king had to pay for? Has he given us any gifts?

The men of Judah ask the question to express that they have not taken anything from the king. This can be written as a statement. AT: "The king has never paid for our food, and he has never given us any gifts." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

we have even more right to David than you

"we have a greater claim to David than you do." It may be helpful to state clearly what having "more right" means. AT: "we have more right to serve the king and to be with the king than you do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Why then did you despise us?

The men of Israel ask this rhetorical question to express their anger. This can be written as a statement. AT: "You should not have despised us!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Was not our proposal to bring back our king the first to be heard?

The men of Israel ask this question to remind and rebuke the people of Judah. This can be written as a statement. AT: "We were the first to suggest that we bring back the king!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the words of the men of Judah were even more harsh than the words of the men of Israel

"the men of Judah spoke even more harshly than the men of Israel did"

translationWords

2 Samuel 20

2 Samuel 20:intro-0

2 Samuel 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# Sheba's revolt

A man named Sheba told the people of the ten tribes that David was Judah's king, but not their king. David worked hard to preserve unity in Israel after this time of division.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Idiom

Joab used an idiom "has lifted up his hand against the king, against David" meaning "revolted against David," to explain why his army was attacking the city of Able. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

2 Samuel 20:1-2

to be at the same place

This refers to the town of Gilgal.

took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him

This was a common way for men to greet one another.

dagger

a short sword that is easy to hide and was often used for close-in fighting and assassinations

bowels spilled

"intestines spilled"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/kiss.md]]

2 Samuel 20:11-13

he who is for David

To be "for" someone means to support them. AT: "he who supports David" or "he who is loyal to David" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Amasa lay wallowing in his blood

"Amasa lay squirming in his blood." Amasa may have still been alive and rolling in his blood, but he was probably dead by this time. It is described this way to show how gruesome his body looked. AT: "Amasa lay dead in his blood" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

all the people stood still ... came by him stood still

This means they stopped walking and were staring at Amasa's dead body. AT: "all the people stood still staring at the dead body ... came by him stood still, staring at his dead body" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

he carried Amasa

"he carried Amasa's body"

After Amasa was taken off the road

This may be stated in active form. AT: "After the man took Amasa off the road" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

in pursuit of

This abstract noun can be stated as a verb. AT: "pursuing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 20:14-16

Sheba passed through

Here "Sheba" refers to both him and his army. AT: "Sheba and his army" or "Sheba and his men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Abel of Beth Maacah

"Abel Beth Maacah." Both names refer to the same place and may be combined. It is a city near the tribe of Dan. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

of the Bikrites

This is the name of a people group. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

also pursued Sheba

"also followed Sheba"

They caught up with him

"Joab and the soldiers caught up with him"

against the city against the wall

"against the city wall"

battered the wall to knock it down

This means that they used a battering ram to knock down the wall. A battering ram was a cut tree or large log with a sharpened end or an end covered in metal. It was held by several men who would pound the end against a wall. AT: "used a battering ram to knock down the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Listen, please listen

The repetition of "Listen" strengthens the woman's plea.

translationWords

2 Samuel 20:17-19

Listen to the words of your servant

The woman refers to herself as "your servant." This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.

that advice would end the matter

"that advice would solve the problem"

most peaceful and faithful in Israel

This describes the cities. AT: "most peaceful and faithful cities in Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

city that is a mother in Israel

This speaks of the importance of this city among the nation of Israel as if it were a well respected mother. AT: "city that everyone in Israel respects like they would their mother" or "city that is very important and that Israel respects" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Why do you want to swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh?

Here the woman uses a rhetorical question to suggest to Joab what they should not do. This question can be written as a statement. AT: "You should not destroy the city that is Yahweh's inheritance!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

swallow up

Here the woman speaks of the army destroying the city as if the city were food to be swallowed. AT: "destroy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the inheritance of Yahweh

Here the city is referred to as Yahweh's inheritance to emphasize that it belongs to Yahweh. AT: "a city that belongs to Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 20:20-22

Far be it, far be it from me, that I should

He repeats this phrase to emphasize that this is something he would never do. AT: "Truly, truly, I would never" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

that I should swallow up or destroy

This refers to destroying the city. This may be stated clearly. AT: "that I should swallow up or destroy your city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

swallow up or destroy

Both of these phrases means to destroy. In the first phrase "destroying" is spoken of as if it were "swallowing." These may be combined. AT: "ruin or destroy the city" or "destroy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

has lifted up his hand against

This means to rebel and fight against someone. AT: "has opposed" or "is rebelling against" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Give up him alone

Joab is asking for the people of the city to release Sheba to him. AT: "Hand this man over to us" or "Give this man to us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I will withdraw from the city

Here the "I" refers to both Joab and his soldiers. AT: "We will withdraw from the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

His head will be thrown

This can be stated in active form. AT: "We will throw his head" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom

This means that the woman acted wisely and spoke to her people about what they should do. AT: "Then the wise woman spoke to all the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

every man to his home

"every man went to his own home"

translationWords

2 Samuel 20:23-26

Now

"Now" marks a break in the main story line. This new section gives background information about the men who served King David. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

Joab was over ... Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over ... Adoniram was over

The phrase "was over" refers to having authority over a group of people. AT: "Joab had authority over ... Benaiah son of Jehoiada had authority over ... Adoniram had authority over" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jehoiada ... Jehoshaphat ... Ahilud

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:16-18. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Kerethites ... Pelethites

Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:16-18. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the men who did forced labor

"the slave workers"

Adoniram ... Sheva ... Ira

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jairite

This is the name of a people group. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21

2 Samuel 21:intro-0

2 Samuel 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

# Famine caused by a broken oath

When Israel first conquered the land, they promised not to kill the people of Gibeon. When Saul tried to kill them all, God caused a famine in Israel. David made amends with the people of Gideon and the famine ended. David also kept his vow to Jonathan's sons. This helps to show the wisdom of king David. Although these people were not Israelites, they believed in Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/vow.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/wise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]])

# Wisdom, grace and justice

David is seen to have many great qualities in this chapter. These were qualities important for a king of Israel: wisdom, grace and justice. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/wise.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/grace.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]])

2 Samuel 21:1

sought the face of Yahweh

Here "face" is a synecdoche for Yahweh's presence. This means David prayed to Yahweh for an answer about the famine. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

because of Saul and his murderous family

Saul had killed many Gibeonites, and Saul's descendants are guilty because of this sin.

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:2-3

Now

Here "Now" marks a break in the main story line. This gives background information about the Gibeonites. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

What should I do for you? How can I make atonement ... promises?

These two sentences have similar meanings. AT: "What can I do to remove this sin, so that you may bless the people of Yahweh, who inherit his goodness and promises?" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:4

It is not a matter of silver or gold

"Money will not solve the problem"

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:5-6

who schemed against us

"who made plans against us"

let seven men from his descendants be handed over to us

This can be stated in active form. AT: "allow your men to give seven of his descendants to us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

we will hang them

"we will execute them by hanging"

in Gibeah of Saul

Saul was from the town of Gibeah.

the one chosen by Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. AT: "the one whom Yahweh chose" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:7-9

Mephibosheth

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan. See how you translated his name in 2 Samuel 4:4.

Rizpah ... Aiah

Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.

Armoni and Mephibosheth ... Adriel ... Barzillai

These are names of men. This is not the same Mephibosheth as the son of Jonathan. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Merab

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated it in 2 Samuel 3:13.

Meholathite

This is the name of a people group. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

He handed them over into the hands of the Gibeonites

Here "the hands of the Gibeonites" represents the Gibeonite people's control. AT: "He gave them to the Gibeonites" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

They were put to death

This can be translated in active form. AT: "The Gibeonites put them to death" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:10-11

Rizpah ... Aiah

Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.

It was told to David

This can be translated in active form. AT: "Someone told David" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:12-13

Jabesh Gilead

Jabesh is a town in the region of Gilead. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 2:4.

the public square

This is an area near the city gate where people did various kinds of business.

Beth Shan

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gilboa

See how you translated the name of this place in 2 Samuel 1:6.

who had been hanged

This can be translated in active form. AT: "whom the Gibeonites executed by hanging" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:14

Zela

This is the name of a town in Benjamin. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Kish

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

his father

"Saul's father"

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:15-17

Ishbi-Benob

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

three hundred shekels

"300 shekels." This is about 3.4 kilograms. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Abishai son of Zeruiah

Abishai and Zeruiah are names of men. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:18.

you do not put out the lamp of Israel

The "lamp of Israel" is a metaphor that refers to David's leadership and the idea that if David were to die, the people of Israel would have no clear direction. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:18-19

It came about after this that

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Gob

This is the name of a town. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Sibbekai ... Saph ... Elhanan son of Jair ... Goliath

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hushathite ... Rephaim ... Bethlehemite ... Gittite

These are names of people groups. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Rephaim

This people group was known for its giant warriors. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

whose spear was like a weaver's beam

When a person was weaving a cloth he would run the threads through hooks attached to large sticks called a "weaver's beam." This means Goliath's spear was larger than a normal spear. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 21:20-22

twenty-four in number

"24 fingers and toes altogether" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Rephaim

This people group was known for its giant warriors. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jonathan son of Shimeah

These are names of men. Shimeah was David's brother. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

they were killed by the hand of David and by the hand of his soldiers

Here "by the hand of" means "through" or "by." This can be stated in active form. AT: "David and his soldiers killed them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 22

2 Samuel 22:intro-0

2 Samuel 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 22:2-51.

Special concepts in this chapter

# God rescued David

God rescued David when he thought he would die. He protected David, fought against his enemies, and enabled him to defeat his enemies.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphor

his ears

David speaks of Yahweh as if he had ears. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 22:8-9

translationWords

2 Samuel 22:17-18

General Information:

This continues David's song to Yahweh. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

out of the surging water

David compares his enemies to a flood that threatens to drown him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

He rescued me from my strong enemy

David's enemies were overwhelming. He praises God for delivering him from all his enemies.

2 Samuel 22:19-21

I annihilated

"I completely destroyed"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/strength.md]]

David concludes his song to Yahweh.

to your name

Here the metonym "name" refers to Yahweh's reputation. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he shows his covenant loyalty to his anointed one

Here David may be referring to the promises Yahweh made in 2 Samuel 7:8

translationWords

2 Samuel 23

2 Samuel 23:intro-0

2 Samuel 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 23:2-7.

2 Samuel 23:8-39 is a list of the famous people in David's army along with some of the special deeds some of them did. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/works.md]])

Special concepts in this chapter

# Everlasting covenant

This is a reference to the covenant God previously made with David. (See: 2 Samuel 7, [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/eternity.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]]).

2 Samuel 23:1-2

Now

This marks the beginning of a new section of the book.

these are the last words

This refers to what David will say in 2 Samuel 23:2-7.

the man who was highly honored, the one anointed by the God of Jacob

This can be stated in active form. AT: "the man whom the God of Jacob highly honored and anointed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

anointed by the God of Jacob

Anointing was done by pouring oil on a person's head. This was done to choose who would serve God as king or priest. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

psalmist

This is a person who writes psalms or songs.

by me

by David

and his word was on my tongue

Here "on my tongue" is a metonym for David speaking. AT: "he gave me a message to speak" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 23:3-4

General Information:

This continues David's last words.

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel ... me

Here the "God of Israel" is the same as the "Rock of Israel." The two phrases say essentially the same thing. David compares God to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The one who rules righteously over men, who rules in the fear of God

These two sentences both say that the king will respect God and do what God wants him to do. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

in the fear of God

"respecting God"

He will be like the morning light ... sunshine after rain

Here God is comparing the king to the morning light and sunshine after the rain. These are all ways of saying this king would be a delight to God and a blessing for the people. These two phrases have a similar meaning and are used for emphasis. AT: "He will be a delight to all" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 23:5

General Information:

This continues David's last words.

Indeed, is my family not like this before God?

Here David is saying that he agrees with God. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "My family is indeed like this before God!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Has he not made ... way?

David acknowledges that God has made a covenant with him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "He has indeed made ... way." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

ordered and sure

This means God's covenant is properly organized and will not change so David's family can trust it.

Does he not increase my salvation ... desire?

David believes that God will always help him and cause him to prosper. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "He increases my salvation and gives me my every desire." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 23:6-7

General Information:

This concludes David's last words.

But the worthless will all be like thorns to be thrown away

Here the wicked person is compared to useless thorns. This can be stated in active form. AT: "But the wicked person is worthless and dangerous like thorns we throw away" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

because they cannot be gathered by one's hands

"because no one can pick them up with his hands without the thorns hurting him"

They must be burned up where they lie

"Where thorns are found, that is where they must be burned." This means God will destroy wicked people.

translationWords

2 Samuel 23:8

Jeshbaal

This is the name of a man. Other versions read Josheb Basshebeth, Jashobeam, Ishbaal, or Ishbosheth because various ancient copies have these variations. Translators may choose to say this in a footnote to their translation (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hachmonite

This is the name of a people group. AT: "son of Hachmon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

eight hundred

"800" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/name.md]]

2 Samuel 23:9-10

General Information:

This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

The army returned after Eleazar

This means that the army returned after Eleazar returned from battle. AT: "The Israeli army returned to the battle field after Eleazer had already won the battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

only to strip the bodies

"only to take what they wanted from the dead bodies of the enemies"

translationWords

2 Samuel 23:11-12

General Information:

This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

a field of lentils

"a field where someone had planted lentils"

lentils

a flat seed, eaten like beans (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

the army fled

"the Israelite army ran away"

translationWords

2 Samuel 23:13-14

Three of the thirty

These are not the same three soldiers mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:8-12.

the thirty

"the 30" or "the thirty bravest Israelite soldiers." The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

cave of Adullam

"cave near the town of Adullam." Adullam is near Bethlehem. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

2 Samuel 24:intro-0

2 Samuel 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# Counting soldiers

David ordered the leaders of his army to count how many men of fighting age there were. He was not supposed to do this because it showed he did not trust God. God was displeased and offered David three punishments. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/trust.md]])

2 Samuel 24:1-2

the anger of Yahweh was ignited against Israel

The word "ignite" means start a fire. Here Yahweh's anger is compared to that of a fire. AT: "the anger of Yahweh started to burn like a fire" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

he moved David against them

"he caused David to oppose them"

Go, count Israel and Judah

In the law of Moses, God prohibited the kings of Israel from taking a census of fighting men. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Dan to Beersheba

This phrase uses two place names Dan, in the far north, and Beersheba, in the far south, to represent the entire country. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

count all the people ... fit for battle

This means to count all the men except those men who are either too young, too old, or physically unable to fight.

translationWords

2 Samuel 24:3-4

multiply ... hundred times

This means "produce 100 more people for every one person there is now." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

the king's word was final against Joab

Joab and the other commanders of King David's army were not able to convince David to not take a census.

the king's word

This phrase represents the king's command to them. AT: "what the king had commanded" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 24:5-7

They crossed

"Joab and the commanders of the army crossed"

Aroer

This was a city on the northern edge of the Arnon River. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jazer

This is a town in Gad. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Tahtim Hodshi

This may refer to the town of Kadesh in the land of the Hittite people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 24:8-9

they had gone

"Joab and the commanders had gone"

nine months and twenty days

"9 months and 20 days" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Then Joab reported the total of the count of the fighting men to the king

"Then Joab told the king the total number of men ready for battle"

in Israel

This refers to the northern tribes of Israel.

800,000 ... 500,000

"eight hundred thousand ... five hundred thousand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

who drew the sword

This metonym refers to the men who were ready to fight in the army. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

of Judah

This refers to the southern tribe of Judah.

translationWords

2 Samuel 24:10

I have sinned, and I have acted perversely

These phrases mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. AT: "I have sinned terribly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

But these sheep, what have they done?

David uses a question and compares the people to sheep to emphasize that they have done nothing wrong. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "These ordinary people have done nothing wrong." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Please let your hand punish me

Here the metonym "hand" refers to power. AT: "Please punish me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 24:18-20

bowed to the king with his face to the ground

He was showing deep respect and honor to the king. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

translationWords

2 Samuel 24:21-23

so that the plague may be removed from the people

This can be stated in active form. AT: "so that Yahweh will remove this plague from the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

what is good in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. AT: "what you think is good" or "what is good in your judgement" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

threshing sledges

heavy boards used to separate grain from the rest of the wheat plant

translationWords

2 Samuel 24:24-25

I will not offer ... anything that costs me nothing

This can be stated in a positive form. AT: "I will only offer ... something that I have paid for" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

fifty shekels

"50 shekels." A shekel is 11 grams. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]])

on behalf of the land

Here the metonym "land" stands for the people of Israel. AT: "on behalf of the people of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

caused the plague to be contained

"caused the plague to end"

open-licensed biblical content

2 Samuel

2 Samuel front

2 Samuel front:intro

Introduction to 2 Samuel

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 2 Samuel

What is the Book of 2 Samuel about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

What was the purpose of the Book of 2 Samuel?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What covenant has its beginning in the Book of 2 Samuel?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why does the book refer to someone being addressed indirectly?

Can I translate this book before 1 Samuel?

How is the name "Israel" used in the Bible?

2 Samuel 1

2 Samuel 1:intro-0

2 Samuel 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

# David's funeral song

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Synecdoche

Links:

2 Samuel 1:1-2

Ziklag

On the third day

with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head

he lay facedown on the ground and prostrated himself

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:3-5

Many have fallen and many are dead

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:6-7

By chance I happened to be

Saul was leaning on his spear

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:8-10

He said to me, 'Who are you?' I answered him, 'I am an Amalekite.'

I am an Amalekite

great suffering has taken hold of me

life is still in me

he would not live after he had fallen

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:11-13

David tore his clothes ... the men with him did the same

for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel

Yahweh

they had fallen by the sword

Where are you from?

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:14-16

Why were you not afraid to kill Yahweh's anointed ... hand?

Yahweh's anointed king

with your own hand

struck him down

Your blood is on your head

your own mouth has testified against you

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:17-20

General Information:

Song of the Bow

which has been written in the Book of Jashar

the Book of Jashar

Your glory, Israel, is dead

the mighty

have fallen

Do not tell it in Gath ... do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon

Gath ... Ashkelon

so that the daughters of the Philistines may not rejoice ... so that the daughters of the uncircumcised may not celebrate

the daughters of the uncircumcised

translationWords

2 Samuel 1:21-22

Mountains of Gilboa

let there not be dew or rain on you

the shield of the mighty was defiled

The shield of Saul is no longer anointed with oil

From the blood of those who have been killed, from the bodies of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty

the sword of Saul did not return empty