2 Samuel
2 Samuel front
Introduction to 2 Samuel
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of 2 Samuel
- The first years of David’s reign (1:1–7:29)
- Saul is killed; David is kind to Ishbosheth (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)
- Amnon and Tamar; Absalom kills Amnon (13:1–14:33)
- The later years of David’s reign (15:1–24:25)
- Absalom rebels and is killed (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)
- Yahweh judges David’s sin of numbering the people; the plague stopped (24:1–25)
What is the Book of 2 Samuel about?
This book is about David ruling as king over Israel. He first ruled over the tribe of Judah for seven years. Then the other eleven tribes agreed to have him become their king. He ruled over all Israel for thirty-three years.
Throughout this time, David led his army to fight foreign enemies who attacked Israel. However, he struggled the most against someone in his own family. Absalom, his son, rebelled and fought against him (2 Samuel 13–19).
The Book of 2 Samuel also tells about when David sinned greatly. He slept with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. When she became pregnant, David arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle. David and all Israel suffered much because of David’s sin. However, the writer also tells of Yahweh repeatedly showing David grace and love after David repented of his sin.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators can use the traditional title “2 Samuel,” or “Second Samuel.” Or translators may consider a clearer title such as “The Second Book about Samuel, Saul, and David.” (See: How to Translate Names)
What was the purpose of the Book of 2 Samuel?
The Book of 2 Samuel begins where 1 Samuel ended. The writer continues to show how the tribes of Israel unite under the first kings of Israel. The Book of 2 Samuel centers around David as the king Yahweh chose to lead Israel.
Who wrote the Book of 2 Samuel?
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.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What covenant had its beginning in the Book of 2 Samuel?
In 2 Samuel 7, Yahweh made a covenant with David. God promised to make a descendant of David rule forever over Israel. Christians believe that Jesus Christ fulfills this covenant. Jesus was a descendant of David. Jesus is the true “anointed one,” the person God chose to be king forever. (See: covenant)
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.” Indirectly addressing a person in this way 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?
The Book of 1 Samuel should be translated before 2 Samuel, since 2 Samuel continues from where 1 Samuel ends.
How is the name “Israel” used in the Bible?
The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. 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: Israel, Israelites)
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 two kingdoms split apart. It seems clear that the references to Israel and Judah indicate that the author wrote 2 Samuel 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 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT 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: Synecdoche)
Parallelism
David's funeral song uses a lot of parallelism, where similar ideas are repeated for emphasis. (See: Poetry)
2 Samuel 1:1
in Ziklag
Quote: בְּצִקְלָ֖ג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city in the southern part of Judah.
2 Samuel 1:2
and his clothes were torn and dirt {was} on his head
Quote: וּבְגָדָ֣יו קְרֻעִ֔ים וַאֲדָמָ֖ה עַל־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, tearing one’s own clothes and putting dirt on one’s head was an act of mourning.
and he fell to the ground, and he prostrated himself
Quote: וַיִּפֹּ֥ל אַ֖רְצָה וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This was an act of showing submission to David, who was now the king of Israel.
2 Samuel 1:6
I surely happened to be
Quote: נִקְרֹ֤א נִקְרֵ֨יתִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
This statement emphasizes that the man did not plan to meet Saul.
Saul was leaning on his spear
Quote: שָׁא֖וּל נִשְׁעָ֣ן עַל־חֲנִית֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) Saul was weak and using the spear to support himself or (2) Saul was attempting to kill himself by falling on his own spear.
2 Samuel 1:8
And he said to me, ‘Who {are} you?’ And I said to him, ‘I {am} an Amalekite
Quote: וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לִ֖י מִי־אָ֑תָּה וָאֹמַ֣ר אֵלָ֔יו עֲמָלֵקִ֖י אָנֹֽכִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
These direct quotations could be stated as indirect speech. Alternate translation: “He asked me who I was, and I told him that I am an Amalekite”
am} an Amalekite
Quote: עֲמָלֵקִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These are the same people David just finishing attacking in 2 Samuel 1:1.
2 Samuel 1:9
agony has grabbed me
Quote: אֲחָזַ֖נִי הַשָּׁבָ֑ץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Saul’s suffering is spoken of as something terrible that has grabbed hold of him. Alternate translation: “I am suffering terribly”
all my life {is} still in me
Quote: כָל־ע֥וֹד נַפְשִׁ֖י בִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means he is still alive. Alternate translation: “I am still alive”
2 Samuel 1:10
because I knew that he would not live after his having fallen
Quote: כִּ֣י יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֛י לֹ֥א יִֽחְיֶ֖ה אַחֲרֵ֣י נִפְל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
Alternate translation: “he would die anyway”
2 Samuel 1:11
And David seized his clothes and tore them, and also all the men who were with him
Quote: וַיַּחֲזֵ֥ק דָּוִ֛ד בִּבְגָדָ֖יו וַיִּקְרָעֵ֑ם וְגַ֥ם כָּל־הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
David and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning for the death of King Saul.
2 Samuel 1:12
and for the people of Yahweh and for the house of Israel
Quote: וְעַל־עַ֤ם יְהוָה֙ וְעַל־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both statements mean basically same thing. Alternate translation: “and for the Israelites soldiers”
the house of Israel
Quote: בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym that represents the descendants of Israel.
they had fallen by the sword
Quote: נָפְל֖וּ בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here fallen is a polite way of referring to being killed. Alternate translation: “they had died”
by the sword
Quote: בֶּחָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Sword represents a battle. Alternate translation: “in battle”
2 Samuel 1:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why were you not afraid to kill Yahweh’s anointed … hand? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke the man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have feared Yahweh and not killed his anointed … hand!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s anointed king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to Saul.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with your own hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase refers to doing something yourself. Alternate translation: “yourself” or “personally”
2 Samuel 1:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: struck him down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “killed him.”
2 Samuel 1:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” is a metonym that implies “shed blood” and is associated with death. Alternate translation: “Your death”
is} on your head
Quote: עַל־רֹאשֶׁ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your head” is a synecdoche referring to the man and means that he is responsible. Alternate translation: “is your fault”
your mouth
Quote: פִ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “your own mouth” refers to the man himself. Alternate translation: “you yourself”
2 Samuel 1:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Bow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This was the title of the song.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, {it is} written on the Scroll of the Upright (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information added to tell the reader what happened to the song in the future.
2 Samuel 1:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your glory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Your glory” refers to Saul.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “the mighty” refers to both Saul and Jonathan.
the mighty
Quote: גִבּוֹרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This is plural, and can be stated as “the mighty ones.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have fallen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The word “fallen” here means “died.”
2 Samuel 1:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gath … Ashkelon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Gath and Ashkelon are two of the Philistines’ major cities. The Philistines killed Saul and Jonathan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the uncircumcised (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase refers to people who do not follow Yahweh, such as the Philistines.
2 Samuel 1:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mountains of Gilboa (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
David speaks directly to the “Mountains of Gilboa” as if they were listening to his song.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let there not be dew or rain on you (0)David curses the ground where King Saul died in the battle. This was out of reverence for Saul, who was God’s anointed king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the shield of the mighty was defiled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “mighty” here refers to Saul and Jonathan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The shield of Saul is no longer anointed with oil (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Saul’s shield was made of leather. To care for the shield, it was rubbed with oil. Alternate translation: “No one will care for Saul’s shield anymore”
2 Samuel 1:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sword of Saul did not return empty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Saul’s sword is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could return on its own. Rather than return empty, it was carrying the blood of Saul’s enemies that it killed.
2 Samuel 1:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their death they were not separated (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
The phrase “were not separated” is used to emphasize that they were always together. Alternate translation: “even in death they were together”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Saul and Jonathan were spoken of as if they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.
2 Samuel 1:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here “mighty” is plural and refers to Saul and Jonathan. Alternate translation: “the mighty warriors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have fallen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to say “have died.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jonathan is killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jonathan has died in battle” or “The enemy has killed Jonathan”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on your high places (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
David continues to address this part of the song to the mountains of Gilboa as he started in verse 21.
2 Samuel 1:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my brother Jonathan (0)Here “brother” is used in the sense of a very close friend.
2 Samuel 2
2 Samuel 2 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: Rhetorical Question)
2 Samuel 2:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: After this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Alternate translation: “After David mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: go up to one of the cities of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
At this time David was in the city of Ziklag. David used the phrase “go up” because Ziklag was lower in elevation than Judah. Alternate translation: “travel to one of the cities of Judah”
2 Samuel 2:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David went up with his two wives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
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. Alternate translation: “David traveled to Hebron with his two wives”
2 Samuel 2:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anointed David king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David’s head to show that he was selected to be the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” is used in the sense of “tribe.” Alternate translation: “the tribe of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jabesh Gilead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.
2 Samuel 2:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this thing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They buried Saul.
2 Samuel 2:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your hands be strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hands” refers to the people of Jabesh Gilead. Alternate translation: “be strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anointed me king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David’s head to show that he was selected to be the king.
2 Samuel 2:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ner … Ishbosheth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahanaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 2:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gilead … Jezreel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
2 Samuel 2:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Judah followed David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Obeying David’s rule is spoken of as “following” him. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Judah obeyed David as their king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “house” is used to mean “tribe.”
2 Samuel 2:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abner … Ner … Ishbosheth … Saul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
2 Samuel 2:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zeruiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 2:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they fell down together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of saying they died. Alternate translation: “they both died”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Helkath Hazzurim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a name given to remind people what happened there.
2 Samuel 2:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The battle was very severe that day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to explicitly state that this was the large battle that followed the contest of the young men. Alternate translation: “Then the others started to fight also. It was a very fierce battle that day”
2 Samuel 2:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zeruiah … Joab … Abishai … Asahel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asahel was swift in his feet like a wild gazelle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here Asahel is compared to a gazelle, an animal that runs very fast. Alternate translation: “Asahel could run very fast”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wild gazelle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This small, four-legged animal, with two long horns on its head, runs very fast.
2 Samuel 2:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asahel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 2:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn aside to your right or to your left … turn aside (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Alternate translation: “Stop chasing me … stop chasing Abner”
2 Samuel 2:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should I strike you to the ground? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to warn Asahel of the danger he faced. “Strike to the ground” is a polite way of saying “to kill.” Alternate translation: “I do not wish to kill you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How then could I hold up my face to Joab, your brother? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question emphasizes that Abner does not want to fight and kill Asahel because it would destroy Abner’s relationship with Joab. Alternate translation: “I would be too ashamed to look at your brother, Joab”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hold up my face to Joab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “hold up my face to Joab” is an idiom that means to look someone in the eye without guilt or negative emotions.
2 Samuel 2:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn aside (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This means to “halt” or “stop chasing.”
2 Samuel 2:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abishai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hill of Ammah … Giah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
2 Samuel 2:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Must the sword devour forever? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question emphasizes that the battle had already continued too long. The killing in the battle is spoken of as if a wild animal was eating the soldiers. Alternate translation: “We do not need to keep using our swords to fight and kill each other.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” refers to the fighting.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you not know it will be bitter in the end? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to force Joab to acknowledge that continued fighting could only result in more suffering. Alternate translation: “You know very well that there will be a terrible result if this continues!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will it be before you tell your men to stop pursuing their brothers? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is intended to convince Joab to stop fighting their fellow Israelites. Alternate translation: “Stop this now so that Israelites will not have to kill each other!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brother (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “brother” is used to represent fellow Israelites.
2 Samuel 2:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Just as God lives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
This is a very strong vow. Alternate translation: “With God as my witness” or “God will affirm that I mean what I say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if you had not said that … pursued their brothers until the morning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This hypothetical statement tells what might have happened if Abner had not spoken wisely to Joab.
2 Samuel 2:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blew the trumpet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Trumpets were used to signal orders to the armies across great distances.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” refers to the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: “the Israelite soldiers”
2 Samuel 2:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahanaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
2 Samuel 2:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asahel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 2:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men of Abner (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Alternate translation: “the men who followed Abner.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase means “the tribe of Benjamin.”
2 Samuel 2:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took up Asahel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Alternate translation: “carried Asahel’s body with them”
2 Samuel 3
2 Samuel 3 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter records the first attempt to end the civil war.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT 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
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” is used to mean “family.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grew stronger and stronger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor means the number of people supporting David increased.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grew weaker and weaker (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor means the number of people supporting Saul’s family decreased.
2 Samuel 3:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sons were born to David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David’s wives gave birth to six sons”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahinoam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman, a wife of David.
2 Samuel 3:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: second son … third (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
These two sons were born after the “firstborn” (verse 2). This is the numerical order of David’s sons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abigail … Maacah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are women’s names. They are the wives of David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kileab … Nabal … Talmai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names.
2 Samuel 3:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fourth son … fifth son (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This is the numerical order of David’s sons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Adonijah … Shephatiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of David’s sons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Haggith … Abital (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of David’s wives.
2 Samuel 3:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sixth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This is the numerical order of David’s sons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ithream (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of one of David’s sons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Eglah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of one of David’s wives.
2 Samuel 3:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: And it happened (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This introduces a new event in the story of the struggle between David’s supporters and Saul’s family.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Saul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to Saul’s family.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the supporters of David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Abner’s increasing power over Saul’s family is spoken of as if he became physically stronger. Alternate translation: “Abner gained more power over the family and supporters of Saul”
2 Samuel 3:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rizpah … Aiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of women.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ishbosheth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a male name, a son of Saul.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Ishbosheth asked this question to rebuke Abner who was acting like he was the king. Alternate translation: “You did not have the right to go in to father’s concubine!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gone in to (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism for sexual relations. Alternate translation: “had sexual relations with”
2 Samuel 3:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used by Abner as an angry denial of Ishbosheth’s accusation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am not a traitor!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Abner speaks of himself as the head of a dog, which the Israelites considered to be loyal to anyone who fed them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the hand of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents the power to defeat. Alternate translation: “to be defeated by David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But now you accuse me of an offense concerning this woman? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Abner asks this question to rebuke Ishbosheth for questioning his loyalty.
2 Samuel 3:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May God do so to me … and more also, if I do not (0)This is the form of a solemn vow in that time. Abner is asking God to judge him severely if he does not keep his vow. Your language may have a way of expressing vows. Alternate translation: “I am asking God to punish me if I do not”
2 Samuel 3:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Saul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” refers to Saul’s family.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: throne of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase refers to the authority of David as king.
2 Samuel 3:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Some versions add “when he was at Hebron” and others do not. You may want to add the phrase if it is present in your national version.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Whose land is this? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Abner asks this question to imply that he did not consider Ishbosheth to rightfully be the king, and that Israel needs a different ruler.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hand is with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents Abner’s assistance that he is offering to David. Alternate translation: “I will assist you”
2 Samuel 3:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you cannot see my face unless you first bring Michal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
David is stating the condition under which he will meet Abner. Here “face” refers to David himself. Alternate translation: “you cannot see me unless you bring Michal to me first”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Michal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a daughter of Saul. She was David’s first wife.
2 Samuel 3:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took her from her husband (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Paltiel was Michal’s second husband. Saul gave her to him after David fled from Saul.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Paltiel … Laish (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
2 Samuel 3:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bahurim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a village.
2 Samuel 3:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now do it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Alternate translation: “So now make David your king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By the hand of my servant David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to David’s power to defeat the Philistines. Alternate translation: “I will empower my servant David and”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: “the power of the Philistines”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of all their enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: “the power of all of their enemies”
2 Samuel 3:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the people of Benjamin … the whole house of Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Both of these statements refer to the descendants of Benjamin, who were one of the tribes of Israel.
2 Samuel 3:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase means “all the people of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So David sent Abner away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish
They parted as friends. David was not angry with Abner.
2 Samuel 3:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they told Joab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Alternate translation: “someone told Joab”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ner (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name. He is the grandfather of Saul.
2 Samuel 3:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What have you done? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner go in peace. Alternate translation: “You should not have done this!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why have you sent him away, and he is gone? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner escape. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Abner was here and you let him leave!”
2 Samuel 3:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you not know … everything you are doing? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joab asks this question to convince David that Abner is plotting against David. Alternate translation: “Surely you know … everything you are doing.”
2 Samuel 3:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: well of Sirah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
“Sirah” is the name of a place where the well was located.
2 Samuel 3:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the middle of the gate (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to one of the gates in the city wall at Hebron.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the blood of Asahel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” is associated with the death of Asahel. Alternate translation: “the death of Asahel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asahel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a male person.
2 Samuel 3:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the blood of Abner (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” refers to violent death. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Samuel 3:27. Alternate translation: “the death of Abner” or “the murder of Abner”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ner (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 3:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This phrase means the results of the guilt will happen to Joab and his family as if something heavy had collapsed on them. Alternate translation: “always cause suffering for Joab and for all his father’s house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all his father’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” refers to descendants. Alternate translation: “all the descendants of Joab’s father”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May there never fail to be (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This double negative emphasizes that there will always be someone with the problems listed. Alternate translation: “May there always be”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is killed by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” refers to violent death. Alternate translation: “dies violently”
2 Samuel 3:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abishai … Asahel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
2 Samuel 3:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These were symbolic actions to demonstrate their grief and sadness.
2 Samuel 3:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king wept and cried loudly (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “wept” and “cried loudly” mean basically the same thing and emphasize how much David mourned for Abner.
2 Samuel 3:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should Abner die as a fool dies? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that his death was disgraceful. Alternate translation: “Abner should not have died in disgrace!”
2 Samuel 3:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hands were not bound. Your feet were not shackled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences express similar ideas.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hands were not bound (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one had tied your hands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your feet were not shackled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one had attached your feet to chains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sons of injustice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to people who are unjust or wicked. Alternate translation: “wicked men”
2 Samuel 3:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the people came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This deliberate exaggeration is used to show that the nation of Israel wanted to take care of David in his grief. Alternate translation: “Many people came”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May God do so to me, and more also, if (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
This is the form of a solemn vow in that time. David is asking God to judge him severely if he eats anything before sunset. Your language many have a way of expressing vows. Alternate translation: “I am asking God to punish me if”
2 Samuel 3:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ner (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 3:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to show how much David respected Abner. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is certainly true that a great prince has died today in Israel!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fallen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here “fallen” is a euphemism that means “died.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a prince and a great man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
These two phrases both refer to Abner. Alternate translation: “a great prince”
2 Samuel 3:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zeruiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 4
2 Samuel 4 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: avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)
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: Rhetorical Question and condemn, condemned, condemnation and reward, prize, deserve)
2 Samuel 4:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ishbosheth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his hands became weak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
In this phrase “his hands” represents Ishbosheth himself. Alternate translation: “Ishbosheth became weak” or “Ishbosheth lost all strength”
2 Samuel 4:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baanah … Recab … Rimmon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now Saul’s son had two men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants
This introduces the men Baanah and Rechab into the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Here the author begins to provide background information about Beeroth for the reader. The area of Beeroth was part of the land that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beeroth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 4:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been living there until this very time (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Here the author finishes providing background information about Beeroth for the reader. The area of Beeroth was part of the land that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gittaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 4:4
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundThis verse provides background information about Mephibosheth, a descendent of Saul through Jonathan instead of through Ishbosheth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crippled in his feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase means “unable to walk.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the news about Saul and Jonathan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the news about their death.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nurse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This is a woman or girl who is hired to care for young children.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mephibosheth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of Jonathan’s young son, the grandson of Saul.
2 Samuel 4:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the heat of the day (0)the middle of the day, the part of the day when it is the hottest
2 Samuel 4:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sought your life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “was trying to kill you.”
2 Samuel 4:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh lives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
This is one of the strongest oaths David could swear, as Yahweh is the witness. Alternate translation: “I swear on the life of Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who delivered my life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “life” refers to David himself. This means that Yahweh has kept David alive. Alternate translation: “who rescued me”
2 Samuel 4:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How much more … should I not now require his blood from your hand, and remove you from the earth? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to show that the men had committed an especially serious crime. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are even more guilty! It is my duty to require his blood from your hand and to remove you from the earth.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: require his blood from your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “his blood” represents the life of Ishbosheth.
2 Samuel 4:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off their hands and feet and hung them up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These were symbolic actions to show contempt for the men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it in the grave (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This was a symbolic act to honor Ishbosheth. This could be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “they honored Ishbosheth by burying his head in the grave”
2 Samuel 5
2 Samuel 5 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
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we are your flesh and bone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase means “a relative.” Alternate translation: “we are related to you” or “we are of the same family” -
2 Samuel 5:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the recent past (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become ruler over Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will shepherd my people Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. Alternate translation: “You will care for my people Israel” or “You will rule over my people Israel”
2 Samuel 5:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They anointed David king over Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To “anoint” is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
2 Samuel 5:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will not come here except to be turned away by the blind and the lame (0)This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “If you come here, even the blind and the lame will be able to turn you away”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the blind and the lame (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here “the blind” and “the lame” are nominal adjectives. Alternate translation: “those people who cannot see and those who cannot walk”
2 Samuel 5:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David said, “Those who attack the Jebusites (0)David was speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David said to his soldiers, ‘Those who want to get rid of the Jebus people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The ‘blind and the lame’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) the Jebusites inside the city of Jerusalem were so weak that it was as if they were handicapped, or (2) people who are physically lame and blind.
2 Samuel 5:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hiram (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 5:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: more sons and daughters were born to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he had more sons and daughters” or “they bore him more sons and daughters”
2 Samuel 5:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shammua … Shobab … Nathan … Solomon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of David’s sons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who were born to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that his wives bore for him” or “he had”
2 Samuel 5:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ibhar … Elishua … Nepheg … Japhia (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of David’s sons.
2 Samuel 5:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elishama … Eliada … Eliphelet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of David’s sons.
2 Samuel 5:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they all went out looking for him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “all” is a generalization that means the Philistine army. Alternate translation: “the Philistine army went looking for him”
2 Samuel 5:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Valley of Rephaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 5:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baal Perazim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh has burst through my enemies before me like a bursting flood of water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here David speaks of the victory that Yahweh brought as if it were a flood of water that overflowed its banks and covered the land, causing destruction. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has overwhelmed my enemies like a flood overwhelms the land”
2 Samuel 5:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Philistines came up again (0)They “came up” because the Philistines lived at a lower elevation than David’s stronghold.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Valley of Rephaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 5:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: balsam woods (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
“Balsam” here is a type of tree.
2 Samuel 5:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When you hear … Yahweh will have gone out before you to attack the army of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh here speaks of himself in the third person.
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Quote: When you hear the sound of marching in the wind blowing through the balsam treetops (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the sound of the leaves rustling as wind blows through them as if it were the sound of marching. Alternate translation: “When the wind blowing through the tops of the balsam trees sounds like men marching”
2 Samuel 5:25
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Quote: Geba … Gezer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
2 Samuel 6
2 Samuel 6 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Holiness of the Ark
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: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)
2 Samuel 6:1
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Quote: all the chosen men of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This metonym represents the army of the nation of Israel.
2 Samuel 6:2
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Quote: from Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they are taking the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “from Baalah in Judah to take to Jerusalem the ark of God”
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Quote: to bring up from there the ark of God (0)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.
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Quote: to bring up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
The word “bring” can be translated as “take.”
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Quote: Baalah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
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Quote: which is called by the name of Yahweh of hosts (0)Yahweh’s name was written on the ark.
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Quote: who sits enthroned over the cherubim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are carved statues on the lid of the ark of the covenant.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThe 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.
2 Samuel 6:3
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Quote: Abinadab … Uzzah … Ahio (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
2 Samuel 6:5
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Quote: all the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This metonym represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the other Israelites with him”
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Quote: tambourines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
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.
2 Samuel 6:6
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Quote: Nakon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 6:7
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Quote: anger of Yahweh burned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the anger of Yahweh is spoken of as if it were fire.
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Quote: for his sin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It was a sin for Uzzah to touch the ark because Yahweh had commanded that no one should touch the ark.
2 Samuel 6:8
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Quote: Perez Uzzah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Perez Uzzah’ means ‘the punishment of Uzzah.’”
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Quote: to this day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means to the time when this was being written.
2 Samuel 6:9
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Quote: How can the ark of Yahweh come to me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem.”
2 Samuel 6:10
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Quote: Obed Edom the Gittite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 6:11
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Quote: blessed him (0)Here “him” refers to Obed Edom the Gittite.
2 Samuel 6:12
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Quote: King David was told (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people told King David”
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Quote: Obed Edom’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents a family. Alternate translation: “Obed Edom and his family”
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Quote: brought up the ark of God (0)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. Alternate translation: “moved the ark of God” or “took the ark of God”
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Quote: brought up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
The word “brought” can be translated as “took.”
2 Samuel 6:14
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Quote: David danced before Yahweh with all his might (0)Dancing here is a form of joyfully worshiping Yahweh.
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Quote: linen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant
2 Samuel 6:15
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Quote: all the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the other Israelites with him”
2 Samuel 6:16
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Quote: Michal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Michal was the daughter of King Saul and also David’s first wife. See how you translated this name in 2 Samuel 3:13.
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Quote: she despised him in her heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: “she looked at him with disdain” or “she sneered at him”
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Quote: before Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Alternate translation: “to Yahweh”
2 Samuel 6:18
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Quote: he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of hosts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
To bless “in the name of Yahweh of hosts” means to bless with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative.
2 Samuel 6:20
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Quote: came out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Here “came” can be translated as “went.”
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Quote: How honored the king of Israel was today (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
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.
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Quote: before the eyes of the slave girls (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eyes of the slave girls” represents the slave girls. Alternate translation: “in front of the slave girls”
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Quote: crude fellows (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Michal is comparing David to vulgar and foolish men.
2 Samuel 6:21
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Quote: who chose me above your father (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “your” refers to Michal.
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Quote: over the people of Yahweh, over Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here “the people of Yahweh” and “Israel” mean the same thing.
2 Samuel 6:22
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Quote: I will be even more undignified than this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
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.
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Quote: I will be humiliated in my own eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “in my own eyes” represents what a person considers or thinks about something. Alternate translation: “I will consider myself humiliated” or “I will consider myself a fool”
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Quote: But by these slave girls you have spoken about, I will be honored (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the slave girls of whom you have spoken will honor me”
2 Samuel 7
2 Samuel 7 General Notes
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: covenant and promise, promised and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)
2 Samuel 7:1
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Quote: It happened (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
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.
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Quote: given him rest from all his surrounding enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here “rest” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “caused the enemy people groups to stop attacking Israel”
2 Samuel 7:3
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Quote: do what is in your heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the mind. Alternate translation: “do what you think you should”
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Quote: for Yahweh is with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “with you” means God is helping and blessing David.
2 Samuel 7:4
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Quote: the word of Yahweh came to Nathan, saying: (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Nathan. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Nathan:”
2 Samuel 7:5
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Quote: Will you build me a house in which to live? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that David is not the one to build a house for Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not build a house for me”
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Quote: build me a house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “house” means a temple. In 7:11 Yahweh will say that he will build a house for David. There “house” means a family. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 7:11.
2 Samuel 7:7
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Quote: did I ever say anything to any of Israel’s leaders whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
This has a quotation within a quotation. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “did I ever ask any of Israel’s leaders, whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel, why they had not built me a house of cedar?”
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Quote: did I ever say anything to any of Israel’s leaders (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he never asked any of Israel’s leaders to build him a house. Alternate translation: “I never said anything to any of Israel’s leaders”
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Quote: whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.
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Quote: Why have you not built me a house of cedar? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If Yahweh had asked the leaders this question, he would have been using a question to scold them for not building him a house of cedar. Alternate translation: “You should have built me a house of cedar.”
2 Samuel 7:8
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Quote: tell my servant David, ‘This is what Yahweh of hosts says: I took you … so that you would be ruler over my people Israel. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
This has quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate the direct quotations as indirect quotations as in the UST. Alternate translation: “tell my servant David that I took him … so that he would be ruler over my people Israel”
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Quote: I took you from the pasture (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David’s job as a shepherd is referred to by the place he watched his sheep. Alternate translation: “I took you from your job as a shepherd”
2 Samuel 7:9
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Quote: I have been with you wherever you went. I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the great ones of the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
This continues the quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate the direct quotations as indirect quotations as in the UST.
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Quote: I have been with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “with you” means that Yahweh has helped and blessed David.
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Quote: I have cut off all your enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh destroying David’s enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh cut them off, as one would cut a branch from a tree.
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Quote: make your name great (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents a person’s reputation.
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Quote: the great ones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The phrase “great ones” means famous persons.
2 Samuel 7:10
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Quote: I will appoint a place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Alternate translation: “I will choose a place”
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Quote: will plant them there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land.
2 Samuel 7:11
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Quote: from the days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Alternate translation: “from the time”
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Quote: to be over my people Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To be in authority is referred to as being over someone. Alternate translation: “to rule my people Israel”
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Quote: Now I will give you rest from all your enemies … declare to you that I will make you a house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If in 2 Samuel 7:8 and 2 Samuel 7:9 you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then you may need to change the pronouns to fit.
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Quote: I will give you rest from all your enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here “rest” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “I will make all your enemies stop attacking you”
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Quote: I will make you a house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “house” refers to David’s ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel.
2 Samuel 7:12
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Quote: When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis.
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Quote: כִּ֣י ׀ יִמְלְא֣וּ יָמֶ֗יךָ וְשָֽׁכַבְתָּ֙ אֶת־אֲבֹתֶ֔יךָ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
They both are polite ways to refer to death and dying. (See also: Euphemism)
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Quote: I will raise up a descendant after you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh appointing David’s descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.
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Quote: one who will come out from your body (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means the person will be David’s descendant.
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Quote: I will establish his kingdom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his kingdom” represents his power to rule. Alternate translation: “I will make him to be a very powerful king”
2 Samuel 7:13
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Quote: a house for my name (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “for me”
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Quote: I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” represents the person’s power to rule as king. Alternate translation: “I will make his rule over Israel to last forever”
2 Samuel 7:15
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Quote: But my covenant faithfulness will not leave him, as I took it from Saul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “faithfulness” is an abstract noun that can be stated as “faithfully loving.” Alternate translation: “I will never stop faithfully loving him as I stopped loving Saul”
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Quote: from before you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
If in 2 Samuel 7:8 and 2 Samuel 7:9 you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then you may need to change the pronouns to fit.
2 Samuel 7:16
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Quote: Your house … before you. Your throne (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
If in 2 Samuel 7:8 and 2 Samuel 7:9 you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then you may need to change the pronouns to fit.
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Quote: Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you. Your throne will be established forever. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences have similar meanings and emphasize that David’s dynasty will last forever.
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Quote: Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here the word “house” represents David’s descendants, who will rule as kings.
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Quote: throne (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” represents the power to rule as king.
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Quote: Your throne will be established forever (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Alternate translation: “I will cause your descendants to rule over Israel forever”
2 Samuel 7:17
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Quote: all these words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“all these things.” This refers to what Yahweh had said.
2 Samuel 7:18
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Quote: Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my family that you have brought me to this point? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh’s proclamation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God.”
2 Samuel 7:19
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Quote: in your sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment”
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Quote: your servant’s family (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “my family”
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Quote: your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “me”
2 Samuel 7:20
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Quote: What more can I, David, say to you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “There is nothing more I can say to you.”
2 Samuel 7:21
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Quote: For your word’s sake (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Alternate translation: “Because of what you promised to do”
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Quote: to your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
David refers to himself as “your servant.” It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “to me”
2 Samuel 7:22
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Quote: as we have heard with our own ears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase “with our own ears” is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “as we ourselves have heard”
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Quote: as we have heard (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here “we” refers to David and the nation of Israel.
2 Samuel 7:23
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Quote: What nation is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses a question emphasize that there is no other nation like Israel. Alternate translation: “There is no nation like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself.”
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Quote: to make a name for yourself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “to make all people know who you are”
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Quote: for your land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “for your people”
2 Samuel 7:25
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Quote: may the promise that you made concerning your servant and his family be established forever (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may you do what you promised to me and my family, and may your promise never change”
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Quote: your servant and his family (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “me and my family”
2 Samuel 7:26
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Quote: May your name be forever great (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation.
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Quote: the house of me, David, your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “my family”
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Quote: is established before you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is secure because of you” or “continues because of you”
2 Samuel 7:27
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Quote: to your servant that you will build him a house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David refers to himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “to me that you will build me a house”
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Quote: that you will build him a house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “house” refers to David’s ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel.
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Quote: house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents David’s family.
2 Samuel 7:29
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Quote: with your blessing your servant’s house will be blessed forever (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will continue to bless my family forever”
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Quote: your servant’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “my house” or “my family”
2 Samuel 8
2 Samuel 8 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
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Quote: David attacked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here David represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers attacked”
2 Samuel 8:2
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Quote: Then he defeated (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “he” refers to David who represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Then they defeated”
2 Samuel 8:3
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Quote: David then defeated Hadadezer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here both “David” and “Hadadezer” represent their armies. Alternate translation: “David and his army then defeated the army of Hadadezer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hadadezer … Rehob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zobah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a region in Aram.
2 Samuel 8:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David hamstrung (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot run.
2 Samuel 8:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here David represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed”
2 Samuel 8:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put garrisons in Aram (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Alternate translation: “ordered large groups of his soldiers to remain in Aram”
2 Samuel 8:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David took (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “David” refers to his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David’s soldiers took”
2 Samuel 8:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: King David took (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “David” refers to him and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “King David’s soldiers took”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tebah and Berothai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
2 Samuel 8:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tou (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hamath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David had defeated (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “David” refers to him and his army. Alternate translation: “David and his army had defeated”
2 Samuel 8:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tou … Hadoram (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
2 Samuel 8:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and Amalek (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Alternate translation: “and the Amalekites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hadadezer son of Rehob, the king of Zobah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 8:3.
2 Samuel 8:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David’s name was well known (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” refers to David’s reputation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David was very famous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Valley of Salt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place. Its exact location is unknown.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighteen thousand men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“18,000 men”
2 Samuel 8:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He placed garrisons throughout all of Edom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Alternate translation: “He ordered groups of his soldiers to remain in areas throughout all of Edom”
2 Samuel 8:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joab … Zeruiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahilud (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 8:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahitub … Ahimelech … Seraiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
2 Samuel 8:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benaiah … Jehoiada (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kerethites … Pelethites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of people-groups. These people were David’s bodyguards.
2 Samuel 9
2 Samuel 9 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
David’s vow
David determined to fulfill his vow to Jonathan to care for Jonathan’s descendants. (See: fulfill, fulfilled, carried out and INVALID bible/kt/vow and restore, restoration)
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: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)
2 Samuel 9:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ziba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Ziba calls himself “your servant” to show great respect to David.
2 Samuel 9:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I may show the kindness of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word kindness, you can express the same idea with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “I may be kind as I promised God I would be”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who is lame in his feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “feet” here refers to the ability to walk. Alternate translation: “who is unable to walk”
2 Samuel 9:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Machir … Ammiel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lo Debar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 9:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: King David sent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is understood that David sent messengers.
2 Samuel 9:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came to David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
The word “came” can be translated as “went.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Mephibosheth refers to himself as “your servant” to show great honor to David.
2 Samuel 9:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will always eat at my table (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my table” represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: “you will always eat with me”
2 Samuel 9:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question shows that Mephibosheth understands that he is not important enough for the king to take care of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am like a dead dog. I do not deserve for you to be kind to me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: such a dead dog (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “such a person like me who is worthless as a dead dog”
2 Samuel 9:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: must always eat at my table (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my table” represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: “must always eat with me”
2 Samuel 9:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your servant will do all that my master the king commands his servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Ziba refers to himself as “your servant” and refers to David as “my master.” Alternate translation: “I, your servant will do all that you, my king, command me to do”
2 Samuel 9:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mika (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the son of Mephibosheth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All who lived in the house of Ziba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents Ziba’s family. Alternate translation: “All of Ziba’s family”
2 Samuel 9:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he always ate at the king’s table (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “table” represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: “he always ate with the king at his table”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: though he was lame in both his feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “feet” represents the ability to walk. Alternate translation: “though he was unable to walk”
2 Samuel 10
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
2 Samuel 10:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hanun (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 10:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hanun … Nahash (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
2 Samuel 10:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you really think that … you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate translation: “You are wrong to think that … you!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Has not David … overthrow it? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate translation: “You need to know that David … overthrow it.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in order to overthrow it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “in order to conquer us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city (0)Here “the city” refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.
2 Samuel 10:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shaved off half their beards (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This act was meant as an insult to humiliate the men.
2 Samuel 10:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then return (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is understood that they should return to Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 10:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had become a stench to David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “become a stench” is a metaphor for “they had become offensive.” Alternate translation: “they had become offensive like a bad smell to David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Rehob … Zobah … Maacah … Tob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
2 Samuel 10:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to their city gate (0)Here “the city” refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.
2 Samuel 10:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The rest of his people he put into the hand of Abishai his brother (0)Alternate translation: “He put Abishai his brother in charge of the rest of the army”
2 Samuel 10:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for me, then you, Abishai, must rescue me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Joab and Abishai represents themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: “for us, then you, Abishai, and your army must rescue us”
2 Samuel 10:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from Abishai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Abishai represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “from Abishai and his soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the city (0)Here “the city” refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went back to Jerusalem (0)Alternate translation: “returned to Jerusalem”
2 Samuel 10:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When the Arameans saw that they were being defeated by Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the Arameans realized that the Israelites were defeating them”
2 Samuel 10:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hadarezer … Shobak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from beyond the Euphrates River (0)This means the east side of the Euphrates River.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They came to Helam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Here “came to” can be translated as “went to” or “gathered at”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Helam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 10:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When David was told this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When David heard about this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gathered all Israel together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “assembled all the army of Israel together”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Helam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 10:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against David and fought him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here David represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “against David and his soldiers and fought them”
2 Samuel 10:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “David” is a synecdoche for himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shobak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 10:16.
2 Samuel 10:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hadarezer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 10:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: saw that they were defeated by Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “realized that the Israelites had defeated them”
2 Samuel 11
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
2 Samuel 11:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about in the springtime (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This introduces a new event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the time (0)Alternate translation: “at the time of year”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David sent out Joab, his servants, and all the army of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David sent them out to war. This can be stated clearly. Also, the word “his” refers to David. Alternate translation: “David sent Joab, his servants, and all the army of Israel to war”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the army of Ammon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Alternate translation: “the Ammonite army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rabbah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
2 Samuel 11:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So it came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The author uses this phrase to introduce the next event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a woman who was bathing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The woman was not on the roof, she would have been bathing outside in the courtyard of her house. Alternate translation: “a woman who was bathing in the courtyard of her house”
2 Samuel 11:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So David sent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “sent” means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: “So David sent a messenger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is not this Bathsheba … and is she not the wife of Uriah the Hittite? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question gives information and can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is Bathsheba … and she is the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”
2 Samuel 11:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David sent messengers, and they took her and brought her to him. Alternate translation: “they brought her to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he lay with her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. You may need to use a different euphemism in your language.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: menstruation (0)the time when a woman bleeds from her womb
2 Samuel 11:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she sent and told David; she said, “I am pregnant.” (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “sent” means that she sent a messenger to tell David that she was pregnant. Alternate translation: “she sent a messenger to David, and the messenger told David that she was pregnant”
2 Samuel 11:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then David sent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “sent” means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: “Then David sent a messenger”
2 Samuel 11:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how Joab was, how the army was doing, and how the war was going (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
David was asking if Joab and the army were well and about the progress of the war. Alternate translation: “if Joab was well, if other soldiers were well, and how the war was progressing”
2 Samuel 11:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wash your feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase is a metonym for returning home to rest for the night after working all day. Alternate translation: “rest for the night”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king sent a gift for Uriah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David sent someone to bring the gift to Uriah. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the king sent someone to take a gift to Uriah”
2 Samuel 11:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his master (0)The word “his” refers to Uriah and the word “master” refers to David.
2 Samuel 11:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to show David’s surprise that Uriah did not visit his wife. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “After coming from such a long journey, you should have gone down to your house.”
2 Samuel 11:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel and Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to their armies. Alternate translation: “the armies of Israel and Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How then can I go into my house … with my wife? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize Uriah’s refusal to visit his wife and can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “It would be wrong for me to go into my house … with my wife while the other soldiers in my army are in danger.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to lie with my wife (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with my wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As sure as you are alive, I will not do this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
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. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise that I will not do this”
2 Samuel 11:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he ate and drank before him (0)Alternate translation: “Uriah ate and drank with David”
2 Samuel 11:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sent it by the hand of Uriah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase “the hand of Uriah” refers to Uriah himself. Alternate translation: “sent Uriah himself to deliver it to him”
2 Samuel 11:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: very front of the most intense battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Alternate translation: “very front of the battle line where the fighting is the worst”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: withdraw from him (0)Alternate translation: “command the soldiers to back away from him”
2 Samuel 11:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: some of the soldiers of David fell (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The word “fell” is a polite way to refer to the soldiers being killed. Alternate translation: “David’s soldiers were killed” or “they killed some of David’s soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and Uriah the Hittite was also killed there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “including Uriah the Hittite” or “and the men of the city also killed Uriah the Hittite”
2 Samuel 11:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joab sent word to David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “sent word” means that he sent a messenger to give a report. Alternate translation: “Joab sent a messenger to David to give a report”
2 Samuel 11:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why did you go so near … from the wall? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “You should not have gone so near to the city to fight. You should have known that they would shoot from the wall.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shoot from the wall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to men of the city shooting arrows down at their enemy from the top of the city wall. Alternate translation: “shoot arrows at you from the top of the city wall”
2 Samuel 11:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Remember how Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth was killed!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. His father is also know by the name Gideon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Did not a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Remember he died at Thebez when a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the top of the wall.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: millstone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a heavy stone that would roll, used to crush grain for making bread
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the wall (0)Alternate translation: “from the top of the city wall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Thebez (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why did you go so near the wall? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have gone so near the wall!”
2 Samuel 11:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gate (0)Alternate translation: “the city gate”
2 Samuel 11:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their shooters shot (0)Alternate translation: “their shooters shot arrows”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: king’s servants (0)Here “servants” refers to soldiers, not slaves, because soldiers were servants of the king.
2 Samuel 11:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the sword devours one as well as another (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
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. Alternate translation: “for one man can be killed by a sword the same as another man” or “for any man can die in battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Make your battle even stronger (0)Alternate translation: “Fight even stronger”
2 Samuel 11:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David sent and took her home (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “sent” means that he sent a messenger to get her and bring her to him. Alternate translation: “David sent a messenger to her to bring her home”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: displeased Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “saddened Yahweh” or “angered Yahweh”
2 Samuel 12
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
2 Samuel 12:3
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Quote: ewe lamb (0)a female lamb
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Quote: was like a daughter to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This refers to the closeness of this man and his little lamb. Alternate translation: “he loved it as much as if it were one of his daughters”
2 Samuel 12:4
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Quote: ewe lamb (0)a young, female sheep
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Quote: for his visitor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It was for his visitor to eat. Alternate translation: “for his visitor to eat”
2 Samuel 12:5
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Quote: David was hot with anger against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author describes how David was very angry as if his body were physically hot because of his anger. Alternate translation: “David became furious with” or “David became very angry with”
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Quote: As Yahweh lives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
This expresses that David was swearing an oath or serious promise. Alternate translation: “I declare, as surely as Yahweh lives”
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Quote: to be put to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to be killed.
2 Samuel 12:7
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Quote: out of the hand of Saul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “out of Saul’s control” or “from Saul’s control”
2 Samuel 12:8
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Quote: your master’s wives into your arms (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh describes David having his master’s wives as his own wives, by saying that they are “in his lap.” Alternate translation: “your master’s wives as your own”
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Quote: I also gave you the house of Israel and Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThe phrase “the house of” means “the people of.”
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Quote: if that had been too little (0)Alternate translation: “if I had not given you enough”
2 Samuel 12:9
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Quote: So why have you despised … Yahweh, so as to do what is evil in his sight? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement, as modeled by the UST.
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Quote: what is evil in his sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “sight” refers to Yahweh’s thoughts or opinion. Alternate translation: “what he considers to be evil” or “what is evil in Yahweh’s judgement”
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Quote: You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle.
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Quote: You killed him with the sword of the army of Ammon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle when Israel was fighting against Ammon.
2 Samuel 12:10
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Quote: the sword will never leave your house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “sword” refers to people dying in war.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyDavid’s “house” refers to his descendants.
2 Samuel 12:11
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Quote: out of your own house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here David’s “house” refers to his family. Alternate translation: “from among your own family”
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Quote: Before your own eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here David is referred to by his eyes to emphasize what he would see. Alternate translation: “While you are watching”
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Quote: he will lie with your wives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he will have sexual relations with your wives”
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Quote: in broad daylight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“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.” Alternate translation: “openly” or “and everyone will see what is happening”
2 Samuel 12:12
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Quote: committed your sin (0)Alternate translation: “sinned”
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Quote: before all Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase speaks of the people of Israel knowing about what has happened to his wives as if they all actually witnessed it happening. Alternate translation: “before all the people of Israel”
2 Samuel 12:13
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Quote: passed over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “forgiven”
2 Samuel 12:14
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Quote: the child who is born to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “born to you” means that it is David’s baby. Alternate translation: “your child who will be born”
2 Samuel 12:15
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Quote: the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that she gave birth to a child and that David was his father. Alternate translation: “David’s child, who Uriah’s wife gave birth to”
2 Samuel 12:17
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Quote: to raise him up from the floor (0)Alternate translation: “and urged him to get up from the floor”
2 Samuel 12:18
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Quote: he did not listen to our voice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The servants are referred to here by their voices to emphasize that they were speaking. Alternate translation: “he did not listen to us”
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Quote: the seventh day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This refers to the seventh day after the baby was born. Alternate translation: “the seventh day after he was born”
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Quote: Look (0)This is used to get people’s attention. Alternate translation: “Listen”
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Quote: What might he do to himself if we tell him that the boy is dead?! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The servants ask this rhetorical question to express their fear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We are afraid that he may harm himself if we tell him that the boy is dead!”
2 Samuel 12:22
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Quote: Who knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me, that the child may live? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David asked this rhetorical question to empathize that no one knew if Yahweh would let the child live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me so that the child may live.”
2 Samuel 12:23
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Quote: But now he is dead, so why should I fast? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that he no longer has a reason to fast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Now that he is dead it would be of no use to fast any longer.”
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Quote: Can I bring him back again? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that the boy cannot come back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot bring him back to life.”
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Quote: I will go to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David implies that he will go to where his child is when he dies. Alternate translation: “When I die I will go to where he is”
2 Samuel 12:24
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Quote: went in to her and lay with her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both the phrase “went in to her” and the phrase “lay with her” refer to David having sexual relations with Bathsheba and emphasize what they did. Alternate translation: “had sexual relations with her”
2 Samuel 12:25
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Quote: he sent word through Nathan the prophet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “word” refers to a message that Yahweh told Nathan to tell David. Alternate translation: “he sent Nathan to tell him”
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Quote: Jedidiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is another name for David’s son Solomon, which Yahweh chose for him.
2 Samuel 12:26
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Quote: Joab fought … he captured (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the author says “Joab” but he is referring to Joab and his soldiers who fought with him. Alternate translation: “Joab and his soldiers fought … they captured”
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Quote: Rabbah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Fighting against this city literally means to fight against the people of Rabbah. Alternate translation: “the people of Rabbah”
2 Samuel 12:27
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Quote: So Joab sent messengers to David and said (0)Alternate translation: “So Joab sent messengers to David to say to him”
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Quote: have taken the city’s water supply (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Taking” a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: “have taken control of the city’s water supply”
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Quote: I have fought … I have taken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “My soldiers and I have fought … my soldier and I have taken”
2 Samuel 12:28
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Quote: if I take (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “if my soldiers and I take”
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Quote: camp against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to surround and attack. Alternate translation: “besiege” or “surround”
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Quote: take it … take the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Taking” a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: “take control of it … take control of the city”
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Quote: it will be named (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will name it”
2 Samuel 12:29
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Quote: he fought (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers fought”
2 Samuel 12:30
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Quote: a talent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
This may be written in modern weights. Alternate translation: “about 33 kilograms”
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Quote: a precious stone (0)a rare gemstone such as a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, or opal
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Quote: The crown was placed on David’s own head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They placed the crown on David’s own head”
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Quote: he brought out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David’s soldiers. Alternate translation: “they brought out”
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Quote: plunder (0)valuable things taken from a defeated enemy
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Quote: large quantities (0)Alternate translation: “large amounts”
2 Samuel 12:31
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Quote: He brought out the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David did not bring out the people himself; he commanded his soldiers to bring them out. Alternate translation: “David commanded his soldiers to bring out the people”
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Quote: saws, iron picks, and axes (0)These are tools to cut wood or break up the ground.
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Quote: brick kilns (0)ovens where bricks are dried and hardened
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Quote: all the cities of the people of Ammon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people in the cities. Alternate translation: “all the people of the cites of Ammon”
2 Samuel 13
2 Samuel 13 General Notes
2 Samuel 13:1
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Quote: It came about after this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
“It happened after this.” This phrase is used to introduce a new event to the story line.
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Quote: half-sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Amnon and Tamar shared the same father but not the same mother.
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Quote: full sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Absalom and Tamar shared the same father and mother.
2 Samuel 13:2
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Quote: Amnon was so frustrated that he became sick because of his sister Tamar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Amnon was frustrated because he desired to sleep with his sister Tamar. Alternate translation: “Amnon was so frustrated with desire for his sister Tamar that he felt sick”
2 Samuel 13:3
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Quote: Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
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Quote: shrewd (0)crafty or deceptive
2 Samuel 13:4
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Quote: depressed (0)in an emotional state of extreme unhappiness
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Quote: Will you not tell me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is a request for Jehonadab to tell him why he is depressed. It may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Please, tell me why you are depressed.”
2 Samuel 13:5
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Quote: eat it from her hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is probably a request for her to serve food to him personally. He probably did not want her to put the food in his mouth. Alternate translation: “have her serve it to me herself”
2 Samuel 13:6
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Quote: I may eat from her hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is probably a request for her to serve food to him personally. He probably did not expect her to put the food in his mouth. Alternate translation: “she may serve it to me to eat”
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Quote: pretended to be sick (0)This means he gave a false appearance of being ill.
2 Samuel 13:7
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Quote: David sent word (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means that he sent a messenger to speak to Tamar. Alternate translation: “David sent a messenger”
2 Samuel 13:8
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Quote: kneaded (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
used her hands to mix the dough
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Quote: in his sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means that Tamar made the bread in front of him. Alternate translation: “in front of him” or “in his presence”
2 Samuel 13:9
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Quote: So everyone went out from him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “go out from someone” means to leave them. Alternate translation: “So everyone left him”
2 Samuel 13:10
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Quote: that I may eat from your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a request for Tamar to serve the food to him personally. Alternate translation: “and serve it to me”
2 Samuel 13:11
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Quote: lie with me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “have sexual relations with me”
2 Samuel 13:12
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Quote: do not force me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
She is referring to having sexual relations with him. Alternate translation: “do not force me to have sexual relations with you”
2 Samuel 13:13
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Quote: How could I be rid of my shame? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Tamar asks this rhetorical question to emphasize how much shame she would have if she slept with him.Alternate translation: “But I will not be able to bring my shame anywhere.”
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Quote: וַאֲנִ֗י אָ֤נָה אוֹלִיךְ֙ אֶת־חֶרְפָּתִ֔ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Tamar speaks of getting rid of her shame as if it were an enemy or a tormentor that she needed to escape from.
2 Samuel 13:14
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Quote: he lay with her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he had sexual relations with her”
2 Samuel 13:16
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Quote: Because this great evil of making me leave is even worse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word this great evil, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “It would be very evil to make me leave! It would be even worse”
2 Samuel 13:19
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Quote: put ashes on her head and tore her robe. She put her hands on her head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These are acts of mourning and grief in the Israelite culture. Alternate translation: “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”
2 Samuel 13:20
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Quote: Has Amnon your brother been with you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to ask is Amnon has had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: “Has Amnon your brother slept with you?”
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Quote: keep quiet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to not tell anyone about something. Alternate translation: “do not tell anyone about this”
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Quote: Do not take this thing to heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “take something to heart” means “to worry about it.” Alternate translation: “Do not worry about what has happened”
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Quote: So Tamar remained alone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that she did not marry.
2 Samuel 13:23
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Quote: It came about after two full years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
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.
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Quote: Baal Hazor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 13:24
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Quote: Look (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a phrase used to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
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Quote: your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Absalom is calling himself “your servant” to show respect.
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Quote: Please, let the king and his servants go with your servant. (0)It was customary for people in Israel to have a party after they had sheared their sheep.
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Quote: may the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Although he is talking to his father the king, he calls him “the king” instead of “you” to show respect for him.
2 Samuel 13:26
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Quote: Why should Amnon go with you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David knew that Amnon was not Absalom’s friend.
2 Samuel 13:27
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Quote: all the king's sons (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish
This does not include Absalom and Amnon who is dead. It includes the rest of the sons that the king allowed to go to the celebration. Alternate translation: “the rest of the king’s sons”
2 Samuel 13:28
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Quote: Have I not commanded you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Absalom asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he will be blamed for killing Amnon because he is commanding them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will be the one guilty for killing him because I have commanded you to do this.”
2 Samuel 13:30
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Quote: So it came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
“It happened that.” This phrase is used here to introduce the next event in the story line.
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Quote: on the road (0)Alternate translation: “travelling along the road”
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Quote: that the news came to David saying (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here it says that the news came, when really someone came and told David the news. Alternate translation: “that someone came and reported the news to David saying”
2 Samuel 13:31
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Quote: tore his clothes, and lay on the floor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
He did these things to show that he was extremely sad. Alternate translation: “tore his clothes, and threw himself on the floor grieving”
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Quote: with their clothes torn (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
They did this to show their sadness and to mourn with their king. Alternate translation: “and tore their clothes, mourning with the king”
2 Samuel 13:32
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Quote: Jonadab … Shimeah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these men’s names in 2 Samuel 13:3.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorAlternate translation: “My master, do not believe”
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Quote: my master (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Jonadab calls David “my master” to show respect.
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Quote: Amnon violated his sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of saying that Amnon raped his sister.
2 Samuel 13:33
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Quote: take this report to heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “take something to heart” means “to worry about it.” Alternate translation: “worry about this report”
2 Samuel 13:34
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Quote: raised his eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the servant looking up at something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: “looked up”
2 Samuel 13:36
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Quote: So it came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
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Quote: raised their voices (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the sons crying out is spoken of as if their voices were something they lifted into the sky. Alternate translation: “cried out”
2 Samuel 13:37
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Quote: Talmai … Ammihud (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
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Quote: for his son (0)Alternate translation: “for his son Amnon”
2 Samuel 14
2 Samuel 14 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
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: Hypothetical Situations and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
2 Samuel 14:1
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Quote: Zeruiah (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 2:13.
2 Samuel 14:2
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Quote: sent word to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means that Joab sent someone with a message to Tekoa and had him bring back a woman to him. Alternate translation: “sent someone with a message to Tokoa and had him bring a wise woman back”
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Quote: Tekoa (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
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Quote: the dead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to someone who has died, not dead people in general. Alternate translation: “someone who has died”
2 Samuel 14:4
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Quote: she lay facedown on the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
She did this to show her respect and submission to the king. Alternate translation: “she showed her respect to the king by laying facedown on the ground”
2 Samuel 14:6
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Quote: One struck the other (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Alternate translation: “One of my sons hit the other son with something”
2 Samuel 14:7
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Quote: your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as “your servant.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they would also destroy the heir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
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. Alternate translation: “if they did this, they would be destroying our family’s heir”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Thus they will put out the burning coal that I have left (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “In this way they will kill the only child I have left”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: neither name nor descendant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to a son to carry on the family’s name into the next generation. Alternate translation: “no son to preserve our family’s name”
2 Samuel 14:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tekoa (0)Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 14:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may the guilt be on me and on my father’s family (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
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. Alternate translation: “if anyone blames you for helping our family, may my family be considered guilty instead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king and his throne (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “throne” refers to anyone who later becomes king in David’s place. Alternate translation: “The king and his descendants” or “The king and his family”
2 Samuel 14:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: says anything to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here speaking threats is spoken of as speaking in general. Alternate translation: “threatens you” or “speaks threats to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will not touch you anymore (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “I will make sure he does not threaten you again”
2 Samuel 14:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh lives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Often people would make promises and compare how surely they would fulfil their promise to how surely Yahweh is alive. Alternate translation: “I promise you, as surely as Yahweh lives” or “In Yahweh’s name I promise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not one hair of your son will fall to the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The means that her son will not be harmed, which is exaggerated by saying that he will not lose even a single hair. Alternate translation: “your son will be completely safe”
2 Samuel 14:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as “your servant.”
2 Samuel 14:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The woman asks this rhetorical question to rebuke David for how he has treated Absalom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “What you have just said proved that you did wrong.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king is like someone who is guilty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The woman compares the king to someone who is guilty to suggest that he is guilty without saying it directly. Alternate translation: “the king has declared himself guilty”
2 Samuel 14:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For we all must die, and we are like water spilled on the ground … up again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the woman speaks of a person dying as if they were water being spilled on the ground. Alternate translation: “We all must die, and after we die we cannot be brought back to life again”
2 Samuel 14:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (0)To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as “your servant”
2 Samuel 14:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand of the man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The hand refers to the man’s control. Alternate translation: “out of the control of the man”
2 Samuel 14:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of my master the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Alternate translation: “the message of my master the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for as an angel of God, so is my master … from evil (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here David, the king, is compared to an “angel of God.” Alternate translation: “for the king is like an angel of God because they both know how to tell good from evil”
2 Samuel 14:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Please do not hide from me anything that I will ask you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
The negative form here is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Please tell me the truth about everything I ask you”
2 Samuel 14:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is not the hand of Joab with you in all this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to Joab’s influence. Alternate translation: “Has not Joab influenced you in all this” or “Did Joab send you here to speak these things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As you live (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“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.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no one can escape to the right hand … the king has spoken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “no one can keep you from knowing the truth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the right hand or to the left (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The expression gives two extremes and means “anywhere.” Alternate translation: “anywhere at all” or “anywhere”
2 Samuel 14:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is wise, like the wisdom of an angel of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The woman compares David’s wisdom to the wisdom of an angel to emphasize how very wise he is. Alternate translation: “you are very wise, like an angel of God”
2 Samuel 14:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So the king said to Joab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
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. Alternate translation: “Then the king summoned Joab and said to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look now (0)This phrase is used to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this thing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to what Joab wants the king to do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “what you want me to do”
2 Samuel 14:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joab lay facedown on the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Joab did this to honor the king and show his gratitude.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (0)To show respect for the king Joab refers to himself as “your servant.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have found favor in your eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “eyes” represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “you are pleased with me” or “you have approved of me”
Alternate translation: “you have done what I asked you to do”
2 Samuel 14:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but he may not see my face … the king’s face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “face” refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “but he may not see me … the king”
2 Samuel 14:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From the sole of his foot to the top of his head there was no blemish in him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This means the whole person was without blemish. Alternate translation: “There were no blemishes on any part of his body”
2 Samuel 14:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two hundred shekels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: “two and a half kilograms”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the weight of the king’s standard (0)The king had weights that determined the standard weight of the shekel and other weights and measurements.
2 Samuel 14:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: To Absalom were born three sons and one daughter (0)If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Absalom had three sons and one daughter”
2 Samuel 14:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king’s face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “the king’s face” refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “the king”
2 Samuel 14:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Absalom sent word for Joab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “word” is a metonym for “a message.” This means that he sent a messenger to Joab with a request. Alternate translation: “Absalom sent a messenger to Joab asking him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to send him to the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that Absalom wanted Joab to come to him to see him and to intercede for him so that he would be allowed to see the king. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “to come to him and to intercede for him so that he could see the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Absalom sent word a second time (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “word” is a metonym for “a message.” This means that he sent a messenger to Joab again with the same request. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “So Absalom sent a messenger to Joab again with the same request”
2 Samuel 14:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Here this word is used to remind people of something. Alternate translation: “As you know”
2 Samuel 14:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I sent word (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “word” is a metonym for “a message.” This means that he sent a messenger. Alternate translation: “I sent a messenger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the king to say (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The message here for the king is written as if Absalom were the speaker. Absalom was asking Joab to speak the message on his behalf. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “to say to the king on my behalf” or “to ask the king for me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king’s face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “king’s face” refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “the king”
2 Samuel 14:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bowed low to the ground before the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Absalom is showing respect to the king. Alternate translation: “bowed low to the ground to honor the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king kissed Absalom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This implies that the king forgave and restored Absalom. The full meaning of this can be made clear.
2 Samuel 15
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: Metaphor)
2 Samuel 15:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with fifty men to run before him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These men would run in front of the chariot to honor Absalom. Alternate translation: “with fifty men to run before him to honor him”
2 Samuel 15:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your servant (0)When a man would respond to Absalom’s question he would refer to himself as “your servant” to honor Absalom.
2 Samuel 15:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Absalom would say to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the person told his case to Absalom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “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”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: good and right (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that his case is good.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to hear your case (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Hearing” a case means to listen to it and to make a judgement decision over it. Alternate translation: “to judge your case” or “to oversee your case”
2 Samuel 15:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This action is a friendly greeting. Alternate translation: “greet him as a friend by embracing him and kissing him”
2 Samuel 15:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for judgment (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they can for the king to decide their disputes. Alternate translation: “to judge over their disputes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “In this way, Absalom convinced the men of Israel to be loyal to him”
2 Samuel 15:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the end of four years that Absalom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to four years after he returned to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “fours years after Absalom had returned to Jerusalem, he”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and pay a vow that I have made to Yahweh in Hebron (0)Alternate translation: “to Hebron and there fulfill a vow that I have made to Yahweh”
2 Samuel 15:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For your servant (0)Here Absalom refers to himself this way to honor the king.
2 Samuel 15:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Absalom arose (0)Alternate translation: “So Absalom left”
2 Samuel 15:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: throughout all the tribes of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the places where the tribes of Israel lived are referred to as the tribes themselves. Alternate translation: “throughout the land of the tribes of Israel”
2 Samuel 15:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who were invited (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who he had invited”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went in their innocence (0)Alternate translation: “went innocently”
2 Samuel 15:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he sent for Ahithophel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he sent a messenger to go get Ahithophel and bring him back to him. Alternate translation: “he sent a messenger to go get Ahithophel who was”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahithophel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Giloh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 15:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: escape from Absalom … he will quickly … and he will bring (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here David speaks of Absalom and the men with him as “Absalom” himself because the men are following Absalom’s authority. Alternate translation: “escape from Absalom and his men … he and his men will quickly … and they will bring”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: attack the city with the edge of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “city” is a metonym referring to the people in the city. Alternate translation: “will attack the people of our city and kill them with their swords”
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThe “edge of the sword” is a synecdoche referring to the Israelites’ swords and emphasize that they killed the people in battle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bring down disaster (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to cause disaster to happen.
2 Samuel 15:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the last house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the last house they would come to when leaving the city. Alternate translation: “at the last house as they were leaving the city”
2 Samuel 15:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kerethites … Pelethites (0)Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gittites (0)Translate the name of this people group the same as you did in 2 Samuel 6:10.
2 Samuel 15:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ittai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gittite (0)Translate the name of this people group the same as you did in 2 Samuel 6:10.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why will you come with us? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question indicates that the king does not think they should go along with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not need to go with us.”
2 Samuel 15:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: why should I make you wander all over with us? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question emphasizes David did not want Ittai to come. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to cause you to wander around with us.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Since you just left yesterday (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “yesterday” is an exaggeration that emphasizes a short amount of time. Ittai the Gittite had lived there for several years. Alternate translation: “Since you have lived here only a short time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May loyalty and faithfulness go with you (0)This is a blessing that David is giving to him. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh be faithful and loyal to you always”
2 Samuel 15:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh lives, and as my master the king lives (0)Here the speaker is making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise that as surely as Yahweh and the king live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (0)Ittai refers to himself this way to honor the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whether that means living or dying (0)Alternate translation: “even if I get killed supporting you”
2 Samuel 15:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the country wept with a loud voice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Many of the people of Israel wept loudly when they saw the king leaving. Here this is generalized by saying that the whole country wept. Alternate translation: “All the people along the road wept” or “Many of the people wept”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with a loud voice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the many people who were weeping are spoken of as if they shared one loud voice. Alternate translation: “loudly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kidron Valley (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place near Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 15:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I find favor in the eyes of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “eyes of Yahweh” refer to Yahweh’s thoughts and opinion. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is pleased with me” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where he lives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“where his presence is.” The ark of the covenant symbolizes Yahweh’s presence. This refers to the place where the ark is. Alternate translation: “where it is kept”
2 Samuel 15:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahimaaz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abiathar (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 8:17.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are you not a seer? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Zadok. Alternate translation: “You will be able to find out what is happening.”
2 Samuel 15:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Here this word means for the listener to pay attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until word comes from you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to him sending a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: “until you send a messenger to me to inform me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to inform me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the king implies he is to receive a message informing him about what is happening in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to tell me what is happening in Jerusalem”
2 Samuel 15:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his head covered (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a sign of mourning and shame. Alternate translation: “his head covered in mourning”
2 Samuel 15:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahithophel (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: please turn Ahithophel’s advice into foolishness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David is asking Yahweh to make Ahitohphel’s advice foolish and useless. Alternate translation: “please let whatever advice Ahithophel gives be foolishness and unsuccessful”
2 Samuel 15:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
“It happened.” This phrase marks the next event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the top of the road (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “top” is used here because David went up in elevation and is at the top of a hill. Alternate translation: “at the top of the hill”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hushai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arkite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with his coat torn and earth on his head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is an act showing shame or repentance. Alternate translation: “He had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head to show that he was very sad”
2 Samuel 15:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will confuse Ahithophel’s advice for me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David is suggest to Hushai that he oppose whatever Ahithopel advises. Alternate translation: “you can serve me by opposing Ahithophel’s advice”
2 Samuel 15:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you not have the priests Zadok and Abiathar with you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David asks this rhetorical question to tell Hushai that he will not be alone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there to help you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whatever you hear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization. It means all of the important and insightful things that he hears, not every single word he hears.
2 Samuel 15:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahimaaz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by their hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase “their hand” refers to the sons and means that they were to serve as messengers. Alternate translation: “their sons to tell me”
2 Samuel 16
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Samuel 16:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ziba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mephibosheth (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 4:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: clusters of raisins … bunches of figs (0)These phrases refer to raisins or figs pressed together.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raisins (0)dried grapes
2 Samuel 16:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your master’s grandson (0)Alternate translation: “Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson”
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Quote: Look (0)Here this word is used to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
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Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
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Quote: will restore my father’s kingdom to me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Having a descendant of Saul being allowed to rule is spoken of as the kingdom being restored to their family. Alternate translation: “will allow me to rule the kingdom that my grandfather ruled”
2 Samuel 16:4
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Quote: Mephibosheth (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 4:4.
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Quote: I bow in humility to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “I will humbly serve you”
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Quote: Let me find favor in your eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “find favor” means to be approved of by someone. Also, “eyes” is a metonym for sight, and sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “I want you to be pleased with me” or “I desire you for to be pleased with me” (See also: Metonymy and Metaphor)
2 Samuel 16:5
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Quote: Bahurim (0)Translate the name of this city the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16.
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Quote: Shimei … Gera (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
2 Samuel 16:7
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Quote: man of blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” refers to all of men he was responsible for killing in battle. Alternate translation: “murderer”
2 Samuel 16:8
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Quote: Yahweh has repaid (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh repays them by punishing them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has punished”
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Quote: for the blood you shed within the family of Saul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” refer to people who were killed from Saul’s family. The king was responsible for them dying. Alternate translation: “for killing many of Saul’s family”
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Quote: in whose place you have reigned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David reigned as king over the same people whom Saul had previously reigned. Alternate translation: “in whose place you have reigned as king”
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Quote: into the hand of Absalom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “into the control of Absalom”
2 Samuel 16:9
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Quote: Abishai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 2:18.
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Quote: Zeruiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 2:13.
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Quote: Why should this dead dog curse my master the king? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Abishai asked this question to express his anger at the man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “This dead dog must not speak to the king this way.”
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Quote: this dead dog (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the man is being described as worthless by being compared to a dead dog. Alternate translation: “this worthless man”
2 Samuel 16:10
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Quote: What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is asked to correct the sons of Zeruiah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to know what you think!”
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Quote: Who then could say to him, ‘Why are you cursing the king? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is said as a rhetorical question to emphasize that the answer is “no one.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one then can ask him, ‘Why are you cursing the king?’”
2 Samuel 16:11
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Quote: my son, who was born from my body (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David describes his son this way to emphasize the close bond between a father and his son. Alternate translation: “my own son” or “my dear son”
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Quote: wants to take my life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to refer to killing someone. Alternate translation: “wants to kill me”
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Quote: How much more may this Benjamite now desire my ruin? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this rhetorical question to express that he is not surprised that the man wants to kill him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Of course this Benjamite desires my ruin!” or “I am not surprised this Benjamite desires my ruin as well!”
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Quote: desire my ruin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes the man’s desire to kill him as if David were something that the man wanted to ruin. Alternate translation: “desire me to be killed” or “desire to kill me”
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Quote: Leave him alone and let him curse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the phrase “leave him alone” means to not stop him from what he is doing. Alternate translation: “Do not stop him from cursing me”
2 Samuel 16:12
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Quote: will look at (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “looking” means “considering.” Alternate translation: “will consider”
2 Samuel 16:13
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Quote: Shimei went beside him up on the hillside (0)Shimei was walking parallel to David and his men, though Shimei was up higher on the hillside.
2 Samuel 16:15
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Quote: Ahithophel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:12.
2 Samuel 16:16
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Quote: Hushai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:32.
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Quote: It came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
“It happened that.” This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
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Quote: Arkite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the name of this people group in 2 Samuel 15:32.
2 Samuel 16:17
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Quote: Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These rhetorical questions are asked to criticize Hushai. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have been a loyal friend to David; you should have gone with him.”
2 Samuel 16:18
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Quote: the one whom Yahweh (0)Hushai is referring to Absalom.
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Quote: the one whom … that is the man … with him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
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. Alternate translation: “you are the one whom … you are the man … with you”
2 Samuel 16:19
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Quote: what man should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Hushai asks these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he wants to serve Absalom. They can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “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.”
2 Samuel 16:20
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Quote: Ahithophel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:12.
2 Samuel 16:21
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Quote: Go into your father’s slave wives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Have sexual relations with your father’s slave wives”
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Quote: become a stench to your father (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ahithophel speaks of Absalom offending his father as if he would become something that had a strong and offensive odor. Alternate translation: “become offensive to your father” or “greatly insulted father”
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Quote: Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
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. Alternate translation: “The news of this will strengthen the loyalty of all who follow you”
2 Samuel 16:22
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Quote: they spread (0)Alternate translation: “they set up”
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Quote: Absalom went in to his father’s slave wives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Absalom had sexual relations with his father’s slave wives”
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Quote: in the sight of all Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The phrase “all of Israel” is a generalization, for only people near the palace could see it. Alternate translation: “where the Israelites could see him go into the tent”
2 Samuel 16:23
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Quote: Now the advice of Ahithophel … was as if a man heard (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the author compare how much people trusted Ahithophel’s advice with how much they would trust advice directly from God. Alternate translation: “Now people trusted the advice of Ahithophel in those days in the same way they would have trusted it if had come”
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Quote: as if a man heard from the mouth of God himself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here God’s mouth represents himself and emphasizes his speech. Alternate translation: “as if God had said it with his own mouth” or “as if a man heard it spoken by God himself” (See also: Reflexive Pronouns)
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Quote: all of Ahithophel’s advice was viewed by both David and Absalom (0)This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “both David and Absalom viewed all of Ahithophel’s advice”
2 Samuel 17
2 Samuel 17 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
2 Samuel 17:1
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Quote: Ahithophel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:12.
2 Samuel 17:2
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Quote: weary and weak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize how weak David was. Alternate translation: “weak”
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Quote: I will attack only the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that he intends to kill the king. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will kill only the king”
2 Samuel 17:3
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Quote: bring back all the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to all of the people who were with David. Alternate translation: “bring back all of the people who were with him”
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Quote: like a bride coming to her husband (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here Ahithophel speaks of the peoples’ happiness by comparing it to a bride’s happiness. Alternate translation: “and they will come happily, like a bride is happy when she comes to her husband” or “and they will come happily”
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Quote: under you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to being under the king’s authority. Alternate translation: “under your authority”
2 Samuel 17:5
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Quote: Hushai the Arkite (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:32.
2 Samuel 17:6
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Quote: Ahithophel (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:12.
2 Samuel 17:8
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Quote: they are like a bear robbed of her cubs (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The anger of the soldiers here is being compared to that of a mother bear who cubs are taken from her. Alternate translation: “they are angry, like a mother bear whose cubs have been take from her” or “they are very angry”
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Quote: a bear (0)a large furry animal that walks on four legs and has sharp claws and teeth
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Quote: is a man of war (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that his has fought in many battles and knows well the ways of war. Alternate translation: “has fought in many battles”
2 Samuel 17:9
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Quote: Look (0)Here this word is used to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
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Quote: or in some other place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This is another place he may be hiding. Alternate translation: “or hidden in some other place”
2 Samuel 17:10
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Quote: whose hearts are like the heart of a lion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the soldiers are refers to by their “hearts.” Also, their strong bravery is compared to that of a lion’s. Alternate translation: “who are as brave as lions” or “who are very brave” (See also: Simile)
2 Samuel 17:11
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Quote: that all Israel should be gathered together to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you should gather together all of the Israelite soldiers
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitHere “all Israel” represents only the Israelite soldiers
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Quote: from Dan to Beersheba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This phrase means from the northern border of Israel to the southern border. Alternate translation: “from the whole nation of Israel”
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Quote: as numerous as the sands that are by the sea (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration where all the grains of sand on a beach are compared to the number of Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: “so many that they can barely be counted”
2 Samuel 17:12
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Quote: come on him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to purposefully go to where he is and then to attack.
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Quote: we will cover him as the dew falls on the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Absalom’s army is described as covering David’s army like the dew covers the ground in the morning. Alternate translation: “we will overwhelm and completely defeat David’s army”
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Quote: We will not leave even one of his men … alive (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This negative sentence is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “We will kill every one of his men”
2 Samuel 17:13
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Quote: then all Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to Israel’s soldiers, not to all of Israel. Alternate translation: “then all of our soldiers”
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Quote: will bring ropes to that city and we will drag it into the river (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the soldiers would tear down the city walls and drag the pieces to river. Alternate translation: “will destroy the city and drag the stones to the river with ropes”
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Quote: until there is no longer even a small stone found there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
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. Alternate translation: “until the city is completely destroyed”
2 Samuel 17:14
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Quote: Hushai the Arkite (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:32. Arkite is the name of a people group.
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Quote: Ahithophel (0)See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:12.
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Quote: the rejection of Ahithophel’s good advice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “rejection” can be expressed with the verb “reject.” Alternate translation: “for the men of Israel to reject Ahithophel’s good advice”
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Quote: to bring destruction on Absalom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “bring” something on someone means to cause it to happen to them. Alternate translation: “to cause a disaster to happen to Absalom”
2 Samuel 17:15
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Quote: Zadok … Abiathar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these men’s names in 2 Samuel 15:24.
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Quote: in such and such a way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase, meaning “like this,” refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom earlier beginning in 2 Samuel 17:1.
2 Samuel 17:16
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Quote: the king will be swallowed up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the king and his people being killed is describes as if they were “swallowed” by their enemy. Alternate translation: “the king will be killed”
2 Samuel 17:17
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Quote: Jonathan … Ahimaaz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these men’s names in 2 Samuel 15:27.
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Quote: When the message came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “message” is spoken of as coming to them, when really it is the woman who came to then bringing the message. Alternate translation: “When she brought them a message”
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Quote: spring of Rogel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
2 Samuel 17:18
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Quote: So Jonathan and Ahimaaz went away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they found out that the young man had told Absalom about them being there. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Jonathan and Ahimaaz found out what the young man had done, so they went away”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bahurim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a small town.
2 Samuel 17:19
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Quote: Jonathan … Ahimaaz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these men’s names in 2 Samuel 15:27.
2 Samuel 17:20
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Quote: the woman of the house (0)Alternate translation: “the man’s wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahimaaz … Jonathan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these men’s names in 2 Samuel 15:27.
2 Samuel 17:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
“It happened.” This phrase marks the next event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cross quickly over the water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the water” refers to the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “cross quickly over the river”
2 Samuel 17:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By morning daylight not one of them had failed to cross over the Jordan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This negative sentence is used to emphasize that they all crossed the river. It can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “By morning daylight every one of them had crossed over the Jordan”
2 Samuel 17:23
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Quote: Ahithophel saw (0)Alternate translation: “Ahithophel knew” or “Ahithophel realized”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his advice had not been followed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Absalom had not followed his advice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set his affairs in order (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
He prepared for his death by telling his family what to do after he died. Alternate translation: “he prepared for his death”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him”
2 Samuel 17:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahanaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 2:8.
2 Samuel 17:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amasa … Joab … Jether … Nahash (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men. See how you translated Joab and Zeruiah (Joab’s mother) in 2 Samuel 2:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who went in to Abigail (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “who had sexual relations with Abigail”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abigail … Zeruiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of women.
2 Samuel 17:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gilead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 2:9.
2 Samuel 17:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahanaim … Rabbah … Lo Debar … Rogelim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities or places.
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Quote: Shobi … Nahash … Machir … Ammiel … Barzillai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ammonites … Gileadite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of people groups.
2 Samuel 17:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lentils (0)a kind of seed that is cooked and eaten
2 Samuel 18
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
2 Samuel 18:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David counted the soldiers who were with him and appointed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David did not count all of the people himself, rather other men counted them. Alternate translation: “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”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: captains (0)A captain is a person who is in authority over a group of soldiers.
2 Samuel 18:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abishai … Zeruiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated these men’s names in 2 Samuel 2:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ittai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gittite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This refers to a person from Gath, which is a Philistine city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will certainly go out with you myself, too (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he will go out with them to battle. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I myself will go with you to battle” or “I personally will go with you into battle”
2 Samuel 18:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are worth ten thousand of us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
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. Alternate translation: “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”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that you be ready to help us from the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David could help them from the city by advising them and sending men to help them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “that you stay here in the city and send help to us”
2 Samuel 18:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abishai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 2:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ittai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Deal gently for my sake with the young man, with Absalom (0)The phrase “Deal gently” means to be kind to someone and not to harm them.
2 Samuel 18:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went out into the countryside against Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they went out and fought against them in battle. Alternate translation: “went out into the countryside and fought against Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Israel” refers to their soldiers, not all of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “against the Israelite soldiers”
2 Samuel 18:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The army of Israel was defeated there before the soldiers of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There the soldiers of David defeated the army of Israel”
2 Samuel 18:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: more men were consumed by the forest than by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “the forest” is described as if it were alive and could act. Alternate translation: “dangerous things in the forest killed more men than David’s soldiers killed with their swords”
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy“The sword” refers to David’s soldiers who fought with swords.
2 Samuel 18:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his head was caught up in the tree branches (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Absalom had long hair that got caught in the tree branches. Alternate translation: “his hair was caught in the tree branches”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: between the ground and the sky (0)Alternate translation: “in the air”
2 Samuel 18:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (0)Here this word is used to draw a person’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
2 Samuel 18:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why did you not strike him down to the ground? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question means that he should have killed him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have struck him down to the ground!” or “You should have killed him immediately!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten silver shekels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney
This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: “ten silver coins” or “110 grams of silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: belt (0)This is a special belt that shows people that someone is a great soldier and should be honored.
2 Samuel 18:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a thousand silver shekels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney
“1,000 silver shekels.” This can be stated in modern units. Alternate translation: “1,000 silver coins” or “11 kilograms of silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: would not have reached out my hand against the king’s son (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “reached out my hand” means to attack. Alternate translation: “would not have attacked the king’s son”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No one must touch (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “touching” refers to “harming.” Alternate translation: “No none must harm” or “Do not harm”
2 Samuel 18:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a falsehood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “falsehood” can be expressed with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “doing something that is wrong” or “by disobeying the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is nothing hidden from the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “there is nothing that the king does not know” or “the king hears about everything that happens”
2 Samuel 18:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not wait for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joab meant that he should not continue talking to the man. Alternate translation: “I will not waste anymore time talking to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heart of Absalom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Absalom’s heart refers to his chest or upper body. Alternate translation: “chest”
2 Samuel 18:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the army returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab held back the army (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This describes what Joab commanded by blowing the trumpet. Alternate translation: “Then Joab blew the trumpet to call back the army, and the army returned from pursuing Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: returned from pursuing Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Israel” refers to the Israelite army. Alternate translation: “returned from pursuing the Israelite army”
2 Samuel 18:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they buried his body under a very large pile of stones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
After putting his body in the pit they covered it with a pile of stones. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “they covered his body with a huge pile of stones”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: while all Israel fled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “all Israel” refers to the Israelite soldiers. The word “fled” means “ran away.” Alternate translation: “while all the Israelite soldiers ran away”
2 Samuel 18:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the King’s Valley (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to carry along the memory of my name (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Absalom uses the phrase “my name” to refer to himself and his family line. Alternate translation: “to carry on my family name, by which people would remember me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it is called Absalom’s Monument to this very day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so people called it Absalom’s Monument from that day on”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to this very day (0)This refers to the present time when this book of the Bible was written.
2 Samuel 18:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ahimaaz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 15:27.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: run to the king with the good news (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “run to tell the king the good news”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of his enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “the control of his enemies”
2 Samuel 18:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bearer of news (0)Alternate translation: “the one who tells the news”
2 Samuel 18:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tell the king what you have seen (0)Joab is telling him to go and tell the king about the news of the battle.
2 Samuel 18:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line and the beginning of a new part of the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raised his eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the watchman looking to see something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: “looked out beyond the city”
2 Samuel 18:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is news in his mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the king speaks of the man having a message as if the news were an object sitting in his mouth. Alternate translation: “he has news to tell us”
2 Samuel 18:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I think the running of the man in front is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The watchman compares the way the man ran to the way Ahimaaz runs to suggest that it may be him. Alternate translation: “I think the man running in front is Ahimaaz son Zadok, because he runs like Ahimaaz”
2 Samuel 18:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
He did this to honor the king. Alternate translation: “He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground to honor the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men who lifted up their hand against my master the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Ahimaaz speaks of the men opposing the king as if they were raising their hands before him. Alternate translation: “the men who opposed and fought against my master the king”
2 Samuel 18:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a great disturbance (0)This means that people were acting as though things were not right.
2 Samuel 18:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn aside and stand here (0)Alternate translation: “Move out of the way” or “Stand aside”
2 Samuel 18:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rose up against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to oppose. Alternate translation: “opposed”
2 Samuel 18:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The enemies of my master the king, & should be as that young man is (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The Cushite uses a comparison as a polite way to tell the king that Absalom is dead. This can be stated more directly. Alternate translation: “I would like all your enemies … to die the way that young man died”
2 Samuel 18:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was deeply unnerved (0)Alternate translation: “was very unhappy” or “was trembling with grief”
2 Samuel 19
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: Rhetorical Question)
2 Samuel 19:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joab was told (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told Joab”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, the king is weeping (0)The word “Look” is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen, the king is weeping”
2 Samuel 19:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the army (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the whole army mourned instead of celebrating. AT “So instead of celebrating victory that day, the whole army mourned”
2 Samuel 19:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like people who are ashamed sneak away when they run from battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
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. Alternate translation: “in the same way that people who had run away from battle would sneak away because they were ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sneak (0)move without being seen by others
2 Samuel 19:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king covered his face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a way to express grief and mourning. Alternate translation: “The king showed his grief by covering his face”
2 Samuel 19:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have shamed the faces of all your soldiers today (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the soldiers are referred to by their face to emphasize how they would have hid their faces because of their shame” Alternate translation: “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”
2 Samuel 19:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nothing to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This phrase is an exaggeration, but it expresses the very low value that David showed for the army. Alternate translation: “are worth very little to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if Absalom had lived, and we all had died, then that would have pleased you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The speaker is giving a hypothetical situation.
2 Samuel 19:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I swear by Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joab is making a very strong oath. Alternate translation: “I swear, as surely as Yahweh is alive”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if you do not go, not one man will remain with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This means that only if David went would his soldiers remain with him. Alternate translation: “only if you go will any of your men remain with you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not one man will remain with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to them remaining loyal to him. Alternate translation: “not one man will remain loyal to you”
2 Samuel 19:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the people were told (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization. It means most of the men. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “many of the men who were there heard others saying” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, the king is sitting (0)The word “Look” is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen, the king is sitting”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
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. Alternate translation: “many of the people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Israel fled, every man to his home (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Israel” refers to the Israelite soldiers who followed Absalom. Alternate translation: “And every Israelite soldier fled to his own home” or “And all of the Israelite soldiers fled to their homes”
2 Samuel 19:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the hand of our enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” means control. Alternate translation: “from under the control of our enemies” or “from our enemies’ control”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the hand of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” means control. Alternate translation: “from under the control of the Philistines” or “from the Philistines’ control”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the land because of Absalom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he had left the country fleeing from Absalom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “out of the country fleeing from Absalom”
2 Samuel 19:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: why do you say nothing about bringing the king back? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This means they should consider bringing David back now that Absalom was dead. The question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “we should be talking about bringing the king back.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king (0)This refers to David.
2 Samuel 19:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sent to Zadok and to Abiathar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that David sent a messenger to Zadok and Abiathar. Alternate translation: “sent a messenger to Zadok and to Abiathar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why are you the last to bring the king back … to bring him back to his palace? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is asked to rebuke the elders in Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “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.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: since the talk of all Israel favors the king, to bring (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The noun “talk” can be expressed with the verb “talk” or “speak.” Alternate translation: “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”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to bring the king back to his palace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here restoring the king’s authority to rule is spoken of as bringing him back to his palace. Alternate translation: “to restore the king’s authority as king”
2 Samuel 19:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are my brothers, my flesh and bone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “You are my brothers, and we have the same flesh and bone” or “You are my brothers, my close relatives”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why then are you the last to bring back the king? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the second rhetorical question here and it is also a rebuke for the elders of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have been the first, not the last, to bring back the king.”
2 Samuel 19:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amasa (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 17:25.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are you not my flesh and my bone? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that they are related. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are my flesh and my bones.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my flesh and my bone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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. Alternate translation: “my relative”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God do so to me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means for God to kill him. Alternate translation: “May God kill me”
2 Samuel 19:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he won the hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the mens’ loyalty is referred to as their “hearts.” Alternate translation: “he won the loyalty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as one man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the men being united in their loyalty to the king as if they were one man with the same mind. Alternate translation: “and they were united together” or “they were united in their loyalty to the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They sent to the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that they sent a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: “They sent a messenger to the king”
2 Samuel 19:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gera (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bahurim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16.
2 Samuel 19:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ziba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. Translate as you did in 2 Samuel 9:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one thousand men … fifteen sons … twenty servants (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000 men … 15 sons … 20 servants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the presence of the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the king was there and was aware of what was happening. Alternate translation: “at the place where the king was”
2 Samuel 19:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means “to remember.” Alternate translation: “remember”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (0)Here Shimei refers to himself this way to humble himself before the king and honor the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not take it to heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“To take something to heart” means to think about something seriously or to be bothered by it. Alternate translation: “not be bothered by it” or “forget about it”
2 Samuel 19:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abishai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 2:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zeruiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 2:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Yahweh’s anointed? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Abishai was angry at Shimei for cursing David and is suggesting that he should be killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Shimei should be put to death because he cursed Yahweh’s anointed.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s anointed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to David. It means that he is the man that Yahweh had anointed as king. Alternate translation: “the man that Yahweh has anointed as king”
2 Samuel 19:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What have I to do with you … that you should today be adversaries to me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Abishai. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have nothing in common with you, you sons of Zeruiah! You have no good reason to become my adversaries today.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses these rhetorical questions to continue rebuking Abishai. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “No person will be executed today in the nation of Israel, because today I am the one who is king over all of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will any man be put to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase “put to death” means to be killed or executed. Alternate translation: “Will any man be killed” or “Will I order any man to die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For do I not know that today I am king over Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
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!”
2 Samuel 19:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mephibosheth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 4:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He had not dressed his feet (0)“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.
2 Samuel 19:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David is asking Mephibosheth why he did not go with David when David and all the people who followed him left Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Why did you not go with me when I left Jerusalem, Mephibosheth?”
2 Samuel 19:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ziba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 9:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my master the king is like an angel of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here David’s wisdom is compared to the wisdom of an angel. Alternate translation: “my master the king is as wise as an angel of God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do what is good in your eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to do what you think is right. Alternate translation: “do what you believe to be the right thing to do”
2 Samuel 19:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all my father’s house were dead men before my master the king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Mephibosheth speaks of how his relatives had deserved to be executed as if they had already been executed and were dead. Alternate translation: “all my father’s house deserved for my master the king to order them to be executed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my father’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to his father’s relatives. Alternate translation: “my father’s relatives”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What right therefore have I that I should still cry any more to the king? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Mephibosheth uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he has no right to request anything from the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Therefore, I have no right to ask the king to do anything else for me.”
2 Samuel 19:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why explain anything further? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this rhetorical question to tell him that he does not need to continue talking about his conflict with Ziba. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not need to explain this any further.” or “You certainly do not need to say any more.”
2 Samuel 19:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barzillai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 17:27.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gileadite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the name of this people group in 2 Samuel 17:27.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rogelim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the name of this place in 2 Samuel 17:27.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Jordan (0)the Jordan River
2 Samuel 19:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahanaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the name of this place in 2 Samuel 17:27.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighty years old (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“80 years old”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had furnished the king with provisions (0)Alternate translation: “had provided what the king needed”
2 Samuel 19:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How many days are left in the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here Barzillai means that he is old and that there is no reason for him to accompany David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “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.”
2 Samuel 19:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighty years old (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“80 years old”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can I distinguish between good and bad? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. Here “good” and “bad” refer to what is desirable and what is not. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot distinguish between what is desirable and what is not.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot enjoy the taste of what I eat and drink.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot hear well the voices of singing men and singing women.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why then should your servant be a burden to my master the king? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not want to be a burden to the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your servant should not go with you and be a burden to you.”
2 Samuel 19:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should the king repay me with such a reward? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not know why the king would reward him this way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not know why the king would repay me with such a great reward”
2 Samuel 19:37
General Information:
Barzillai asks that Kimham be allowed to take his place instead with David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kimham (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the grave of my father and my mother (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This does not mean that he wants to die right next to their graves, but rather, that he wants to die in the city where they are buried. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “where my father’s and my mother’s graves are” or “where my father and my mother are buried”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let him cross over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This refers to crossing the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “Let him cross over the Jordan”
2 Samuel 19:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kimham will go over with me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to crossing the Jordan River. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Kimham will cross the river with me”
2 Samuel 19:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crossed over to Gilgal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
They crossed over the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “crossed over the river to Gilgal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kimham (0)See how you translated this name in 2 Samuel 19:37.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the army of Judah brought the king over, and also half the army of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “All the army of Judah and half the army of Israel brought the king over”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought the king over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
They crossed over the Jordan River with the king. Alternate translation: “escorted the king over the river”
2 Samuel 19:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why have our brothers, the men of Judah … and all David’s men with him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The men of Israel use this question to express that they feel betrayed by the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is not right that our brothers, the men of Judah, who did not support you as king, had the privilege of bringing you and your family back across the Jordan River.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stolen you away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The men of Israel speak of how the men of Judah escorted the king across the river as if the king were something they stole that did not belong to them. Alternate translation: “taken you away from us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Jordan (0)the Jordan River
2 Samuel 19:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why then are you angry about this? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The men of Judah ask this rhetorical question to rebuke the men of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “But you have no reason to be upset about this.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have we eaten anything that the king had to pay for? Has he given us any gifts? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The men of Judah ask the question to express that they have not taken anything from the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The king has never paid for our food, and he has never given us any gifts.”
2 Samuel 19:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we have even more right to David than you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“we have a greater claim to David than you do.” It may be helpful to state clearly what having “more right” means. Alternate translation: “we have more right to serve the king and to be with the king than you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why then did you despise us? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The men of Israel ask this rhetorical question to express their anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have despised us!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Was not our proposal to bring back our king the first to be heard? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The men of Israel ask this question to remind and rebuke the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We were the first to suggest that we bring back the king!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words of the men of Judah were even more harsh than the words of the men of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “the men of Judah spoke even more harshly than the men of Israel did”
2 Samuel 20
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: Idiom)
2 Samuel 20:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be at the same place (0)This refers to the town of Gilgal.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sheba … Bikri (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We have no part in David, neither have we any inheritance in the son of Jesse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Sheba is emphasizing that he and the tribes of Israel have no relationship with David. Alternate translation: “The inheritance of David and his father’s family does not belong to us” or “We are not a part of David and his father’s family” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Samuel 20:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to keep the palace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the phrase “to keep” means to take care of. Alternate translation: “to take care of the palace”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in a house under guard (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
If a house is “under guard” it means that a guard is posted at the house. Alternate translation: “in a house and put a guard there”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he did not lie with them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he did not have sexual relations with them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were shut up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that they were not allowed to leave the house. Alternate translation: “they were shut inside the house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: widows (0)These are women whose husbands have died.
2 Samuel 20:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amasa (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the commander of David’s army. See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 17:25.
2 Samuel 20:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abishai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is another commander of David’s army. See how you translated his name in 2 Samuel 2:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do us more harm (0)Alternate translation: “hurt us more”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your master’s servants, my soldiers (0)The phrase “my soldiers” clarifies which “servants.” David refers to himself as “your master” as a formal way of speaking to someone with less authority.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pursue after (0)Alternate translation: “chase after”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will find fortified cities (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that Sheba and his men will enter these cities to hide from David’s army. The word “he” represents Sheba but refers to both him and his men. Alternate translation: “he and his men will hide in fortified cities” or “he and his men will take refuge in fortified cities” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of our sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here David refers to his army by their sight to emphasize that Sheba and his men would be hidden and David’s army would be unable to capture them. Alternate translation: “from us”
2 Samuel 20:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kerethites … Pelethites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of people groups who helped to protect King David. See how you translated this man’s name in 2 Samuel 8:18.
2 Samuel 20:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When they were (0)Alternate translation: “When Joab and the men of Judah were”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: belt (0)a strip of leather or other material used to hold clothing or weapons in place
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sheathed sword (0)This means the sword was in its protective covering.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sword fell out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joab let the sword fall out to fool Amasa into thinking that he Joab was unarmed, so that Amasa would allow him to walk closer to him. Alternate translation: “he allowed the sword to fall on the ground so Amasa would think he was unarmed”
2 Samuel 20:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my cousin (0)Amasa was the son of the sister of Joab’s mother.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him (0)This was a common way for men to greet one another.
2 Samuel 20:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dagger (0)a short sword that is easy to hide and was often used for close-in fighting and assassinations
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bowels spilled (0)Alternate translation: “intestines spilled”
2 Samuel 20:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he who is for David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To be “for” someone means to support them. Alternate translation: “he who supports David” or “he who is loyal to David”
2 Samuel 20:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amasa lay wallowing in his blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“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. Alternate translation: “Amasa lay dead in his blood”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the people stood still … came by him stood still (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means they stopped walking and were staring at Amasa’s dead body. Alternate translation: “all the people stood still staring at the dead body … came by him stood still, staring at his dead body”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he carried Amasa (0)Alternate translation: “he carried Amasa’s body”
2 Samuel 20:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: After Amasa was taken off the road (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After the man took Amasa off the road”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in pursuit of (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This abstract noun can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “pursuing”
2 Samuel 20:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sheba passed through (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Sheba” refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: “Sheba and his army” or “Sheba and his men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abel Beth Maacah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Both Abel and Beth Maacah names refer to the same place and may be combined. It is a city near the tribe of Dan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of the Bikrites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: also pursued Sheba (0)Alternate translation: “also followed Sheba”
2 Samuel 20:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They caught up with him (0)Alternate translation: “Joab and the soldiers caught up with him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against the city against the wall (0)Alternate translation: “against the city wall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: battered the wall to knock it down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
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. Alternate translation: “used a battering ram to knock down the wall”
2 Samuel 20:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen, please listen (0)The repetition of “Listen” strengthens the woman’s plea.
2 Samuel 20:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen to the words of your servant (0)The woman refers to herself as “your servant.” This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.
2 Samuel 20:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that advice would end the matter (0)Alternate translation: “that advice would solve the problem”
2 Samuel 20:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: most peaceful and faithful in Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This describes the cities. Alternate translation: “most peaceful and faithful cities in Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: city that is a mother in Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the importance of this city among the nation of Israel as if it were a well respected mother. Alternate translation: “city that everyone in Israel respects like they would their mother” or “city that is very important and that Israel respects”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you want to swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here the woman uses a rhetorical question to suggest to Joab what they should not do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not destroy the city that is Yahweh’s inheritance!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swallow up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the woman speaks of the army destroying the city as if the city were food to be swallowed. Alternate translation: “destroy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the inheritance of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the city is referred to as Yahweh’s inheritance to emphasize that it belongs to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “a city that belongs to Yahweh”
2 Samuel 20:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Far be it, far be it from me, that I should (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
He repeats this phrase to emphasize that this is something he would never do. Alternate translation: “Truly, truly, I would never”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that I should swallow up or destroy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This refers to destroying the city. This may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “that I should swallow up or destroy your city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swallow up or destroy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these phrases means to destroy. In the first phrase “destroying” is spoken of as if it were “swallowing.” These may be combined. Alternate translation: “ruin or destroy the city” or “destroy” (See also: Metaphor)
2 Samuel 20:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has lifted up his hand against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to rebel and fight against someone. Alternate translation: “has opposed” or “is rebelling against”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give up him alone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Joab is asking for the people of the city to release Sheba to him. Alternate translation: “Hand this man over to us” or “Give this man to us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will withdraw from the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the “I” refers to both Joab and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “We will withdraw from the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His head will be thrown (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We will throw his head”
2 Samuel 20:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the woman acted wisely and spoke to her people about what they should do. Alternate translation: “Then the wise woman spoke to all the people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every man to his home (0)Alternate translation: “every man went to his own home”
2 Samuel 20:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
“Now” marks a break in the main story line. This new section gives background information about the men who served King David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joab was over … Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “was over” refers to having authority over a group of people. Alternate translation: “Joab had authority over … Benaiah son of Jehoiada had authority over”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benaiah … Jehoiada (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kerethites … Pelethites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:18.
2 Samuel 20:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Adoniram was over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “was over” refers to having authority over a group of people. Alternate translation: “Adoniram had authority over”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Adoniram (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men who did forced labor (0)Alternate translation: “the slave workers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jehoshaphat … Ahilud (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:16.
2 Samuel 20:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sheva (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 20:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ira (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jairite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
2 Samuel 21
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: promise, promised, INVALID bible/kt/vow and wise, wisdom and believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)
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: wise, wisdom and grace, gracious and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)
2 Samuel 21:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sought the face of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “face” is a synecdoche for Yahweh’s presence. This means David prayed to Yahweh for an answer about the famine.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of Saul and his murderous family (0)Saul had killed many Gibeonites, and Saul’s descendants are guilty because of this sin.
2 Samuel 21:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Here “Now” marks a break in the main story line. This gives background information about the Gibeonites.
2 Samuel 21:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What should I do for you? How can I make atonement … promises? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences have similar meanings. Alternate translation: “What can I do to remove this sin, so that you may bless the people of Yahweh, who inherit his goodness and promises?”
2 Samuel 21:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is not a matter of silver or gold (0)Alternate translation: “Money will not solve the problem”
2 Samuel 21:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who schemed against us (0)Alternate translation: “who made plans against us”
2 Samuel 21:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let seven men from his descendants be handed over to us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “allow your men to give seven of his descendants to us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will hang them (0)Alternate translation: “we will execute them by hanging”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Gibeah of Saul (0)Saul was from the town of Gibeah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the one chosen by Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one whom Yahweh chose”
2 Samuel 21:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mephibosheth (0)Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan. See how you translated his name in 2 Samuel 4:4.
2 Samuel 21:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rizpah … Aiah (0)Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Armoni and Mephibosheth … Adriel … Barzillai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men. This is not the same Mephibosheth as the son of Jonathan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Merab (0)This is the name of a woman. See how you translated it in 2 Samuel 3:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Meholathite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
2 Samuel 21:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He handed them over into the hands of the Gibeonites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the hands of the Gibeonites” represents the Gibeonite people’s control. Alternate translation: “He gave them to the Gibeonites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were put to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Gibeonites put them to death”
2 Samuel 21:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rizpah … Aiah (0)Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.
2 Samuel 21:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was told to David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told David”
2 Samuel 21:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jabesh Gilead (0)Jabesh is a town in the region of Gilead. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the public square (0)This is an area near the city gate where people did various kinds of business.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Shan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gilboa (0)See how you translated the name of this place in 2 Samuel 1:6.
2 Samuel 21:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who had been hanged (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the Gibeonites executed by hanging”
2 Samuel 21:14
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Quote: Zela (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town in Benjamin.
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Quote: Kish (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
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Quote: his father (0)Alternate translation: “Saul’s father”
2 Samuel 21:16
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Quote: Ishbi-Benob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
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Quote: three hundred shekels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
“300 shekels.” This is about 3.4 kilograms. (See also: Numbers)
2 Samuel 21:17
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Quote: Abishai son of Zeruiah (0)Abishai and Zeruiah are names of men. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:18.
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Quote: you do not put out the lamp of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
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.
2 Samuel 21:18
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Quote: It came about after this that (0)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.
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Quote: Gob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town.
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Quote: Sibbekai … Saph (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
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Quote: Hushathite … Rephaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of people groups.
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Quote: Rephaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This people group was known for its giant warriors.
2 Samuel 21:19
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Quote: Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Some versions translate this as “Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite.”
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Quote: Elhanan son of Jair … Goliath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
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Quote: Bethlehemite … Gittite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of people groups.
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Quote: whose spear was like a weaver’s beam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
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.
2 Samuel 21:20
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Quote: twenty-four in number (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“24 fingers and toes altogether”
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Quote: Rephaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This people group was known for its giant warriors.
2 Samuel 21:21
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Quote: Jonathan son of Shimeah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men. Shimeah was David’s brother.
2 Samuel 21:22
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Quote: they were killed by the hand of David and by the hand of his soldiers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “by the hand of” means “through” or “by.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed them” (See also: Active or Passive)
2 Samuel 22
2 Samuel 22 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT 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
David uses many metaphors to express his trust in God’s protection: “my rock, my fortress, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge.” He used other metaphors to express his hopelessness: “the waves of death surrounded me,” “the rushing waters of worthlessness overwhelmed me,” “the cords of sheol surrounded me;” “the snares of death trapped me,” and “the surging water.” He also used metaphors for the victory God gave him: “I can run over a barricade” and “by my God I can leap over a wall.” (See: Metaphor and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
2 Samuel 22:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismGeneral Information:
David’s song to Yahweh starts. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
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Quote: out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul (0)This is a progression from enemies in general to one specific enemy of David, King Saul.
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Quote: out of the hand of (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This metonym means “out of the power of.”
2 Samuel 22:2
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Quote: Yahweh is my rock, my fortress (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor shows a progression from a part, “rock,” to the whole, “fortress.” A fortress is built of many large rocks. This means Yahweh has the strength to protect his people from harm.
2 Samuel 22:3
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Quote: God is my rock … He is my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
All of these metaphors are symbols of God’s strength and power. They emphasize God’s ability to protect and save his people.
2 Samuel 22:4
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Quote: who is worthy to be praised (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who is worthy to receive praise”
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Quote: I will be saved from my enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will save me from my enemies”
2 Samuel 22:5
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Quote: For the waves of death surrounded me, the rushing waters of destruction overwhelmed me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David compares the wicked men who wanted to kill him to flood waters that are about to drown him. These sentences have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: the rushing waters of destruction (0)This is a picture of fast-flowing flood waters that destroy everything in their path.
2 Samuel 22:6
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Quote: The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death trapped me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David speaks about death and Sheol as if they are people who are trying to trap him as a hunter traps an animal. These phrases have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. (See also: Parallelism)
2 Samuel 22:7
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Quote: In my distress (0)Alternate translation: “In my great trouble”
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Quote: he heard my voice from his temple (0)David is referring to the heavenly temple where Yahweh dwells. The earthly temple has not yet been built.
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Quote: my call for help went into his ears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “his ears” refers to Yahweh and his hearing of David’s call for help. Alternate translation: “he heard my prayer for help”
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Quote: his ears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David speaks of Yahweh as if he had ears.
2 Samuel 22:8
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Quote: Then the earth shook (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is Yahweh’s response to David’s cry for help from his enemies (1 Samuel 22:7). David uses the imagery of the earth shaking to emphasize Yahweh’s terrible anger.
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Quote: earth shook … heavens trembled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
David speaks of the two extremes to include everything in creation.
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Quote: and were shaken, because God was angry (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because God’s anger shook them”
2 Samuel 22:9
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Quote: were ignited by it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is Yahweh’s response to David’s cry for help from his enemies (1 Samuel 22:7). David uses the imagery of fire coming from Yahweh to emphasize Yahweh’s terrible anger.
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Quote: his nostrils … his mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David speaks of Yahweh as if he had these humans parts.
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Quote: Coals were ignited by it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh’s anger is compared to fire, which causes coals to ignite and burn. Alternate translation: “The flame from his mouth set coals on fire” or “He also sent burning coals from his mouth”
2 Samuel 22:10
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Quote: He opened the heavens (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David describes Yahweh’s way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God’s power and his anger.
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Quote: under his feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David speaks of God as having feet like humans.
2 Samuel 22:11
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Quote: He was seen on the wings of the wind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “He appeared on the wings of the wind”
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Quote: the wings of the wind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This expression speaks of the wind as if it were a bird.
2 Samuel 22:12
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Quote: rain clouds in the skies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David describes Yahweh’s way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God’s power and his anger.
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Quote: He made darkness a tent around him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the darkness Yahweh creates is compared to a tent which hides him completely. Alternate translation: “He hid himself in the darkness”
2 Samuel 22:13
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Quote: From the lightning before him coals of fire fell (0)This could mean: (1) “Out of his bright light he sent burning coals” or (2) “From his brightness he sent lightning”
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Quote: From the lightning before him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God’s power and anger towards David’s enemies.
2 Samuel 22:14
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Quote: The Most High shouted. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
2 Samuel 22:15
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Quote: He shot arrows (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
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Quote: He shot arrows … lightning bolts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David compares the lightning from Yahweh’s storm to arrows that a soldier would use.
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Quote: lightning bolts and dispersed them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God’s power and anger towards David’s enemies.
2 Samuel 22:16
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Quote: Then the channels of the sea were seen … breath of his nostrils (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
When Yahweh shouted in his attack against David’s enemies, it is compared to his power to create upheaval in the deepest parts of the ocean and the earth. This shows his great power and fierce anger. (See also: Personification)
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Quote: the channels of the sea were seen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This means that the sea water moved and the ocean floor was visible. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “People could see the channels of the sea”
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Quote: the channels of the sea (0)the deepest part of the sea, from which the Hebrews believed was where the water in the sea came
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Quote: the foundations of the world were laid bare at the rebuke of Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
David compares Yahweh’s anger to turbulent movements of the ground. “If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s rebuke, the breath of his nostrils, laid bare the foundations of the world”
2 Samuel 22:17
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Quote: out of the surging water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David compares his enemies to a flood that threatens to drown him.
2 Samuel 22:18
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Quote: He rescued me from my strong enemy (0)David’s enemies were overwhelming. He praises God for delivering him from all his enemies.
2 Samuel 22:19
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Quote: They came against me on the day of my distress (0)Alternate translation: “My enemies fought against me when I was in great trouble”
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Quote: the day of my distress (0)Alternate translation: “the time of my distress”
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Quote: but Yahweh was my support (0)Alternate translation: “but Yahweh supported me” or “but Yahweh helped me”
2 Samuel 22:20
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Quote: a wide open place (0)This refers to a place where there was no danger and his enemies could not trap him.
2 Samuel 22:21
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Quote: to the measure of the cleanness of my hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “cleanness of my hands” means the same as “righteousness.” Alternate translation: “because I obey his commands” (See also: Metaphor)
2 Samuel 22:22
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Quote: I have kept the ways of Yahweh (0)Here “the ways of Yahweh” refers to how Yahweh wants his people to act. This means David has done what Yahweh commands.
2 Samuel 22:23
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Quote: have been before me (0)This means David constantly reads and thinks about God’s decrees.
2 Samuel 22:24
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Quote: I have kept myself from sin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to choosing not to sin against Yahweh.
2 Samuel 22:25
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Quote: to the degree of my cleanness in his sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “my cleanness” means the same as “my righteousness.” Alternate translation: “because he knows that I have done what he commands” (See also: Metaphor)
2 Samuel 22:27
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Quote: you are perverse to the twisted (0)Here “perverse” means to be cunning or crafty, and “twisted” means to turn away from what is good and right. This means God is wise in how he deals with wicked people.
2 Samuel 22:28
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Quote: your eyes are against the proud (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the metonym “your eyes” refers to what Yahweh sees. This means Yahweh watches the proud person.
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Quote: you bring them down (0)Alternate translation: “you destroy their pride”
2 Samuel 22:29
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Quote: you are my lamp, Yahweh. Yahweh lights up my darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor compares Yahweh to a lamp, which means he gives David light and helps him to see when things seem hopeless.
2 Samuel 22:30
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Quote: I can run over a barricade (0)Here “barricade” may refer to a group of soldiers or to a stone wall. Either way it means God enables David to defeat his enemies.
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Quote: I can leap over a wall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
David is exaggerating to emphasize Yahweh’s help. Alternate translation: “I can climb over the wall that surrounds their city”
2 Samuel 22:31
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Quote: The word of Yahweh is pure (0)Alternate translation: “Everything Yahweh says is true”
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Quote: He is a shield (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The metaphor “a shield” emphasizes God’s power to protect his people.
2 Samuel 22:32
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Quote: For who is God except Yahweh, and who is a rock except our God? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this question to emphasize that there is no God apart from Yahweh. These may be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Yahweh alone is God. Our God alone is a rock.”
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Quote: who is a rock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his strength and ability to protect his people.
2 Samuel 22:33
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Quote: he leads the blameless person on his path (0)Yahweh keeps the blameless person safe and removes anything that may harm him.
2 Samuel 22:34
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Quote: He makes my feet swift like a deer and places me on the high hills (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here David’s feet are compared to those of a deer using exaggeration. Yahweh gives David the strength to move quickly and provides secure places for protection and rest. (See also: Hyperbole)
2 Samuel 22:35
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Quote: my hands … and my arms (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Both of these refer to David.
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Quote: to bend a bow of bronze (0)Only a very strong man could use a bow made from metal.
2 Samuel 22:36
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Quote: the shield of your salvation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David compares Yahweh’s power to save him to a shield that protects a soldier from his enemy.
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Quote: your favor (0)God answered David’s prayers and granted him blessings and success over his enemies.
2 Samuel 22:37
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Quote: You have made a wide place for my feet beneath me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh has put David in a safe place where his enemies cannot trap him. Here he refers to himself by his “feet” to emphasize his ability to stand securely.
2 Samuel 22:38
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Quote: pursued my enemies (0)Alternate translation: “chased my enemies”
2 Samuel 22:39
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Quote: I devoured them and smashed them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David compares himself to a wild animal. Alternate translation: “I completely destroyed them like a wild animal devouring its prey”
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Quote: under my feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “feet” refers to the power and control of victory over his enemies.
2 Samuel 22:40
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Quote: You put strength on me like a belt for battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the strength that Yahweh gives is compared to a belt for battle that allowed David to do mighty things.
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Quote: you put under me those who rise up against me (0)Alternate translation: “you helped me defeat those who fought against me”
2 Samuel 22:41
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Quote: the back of my enemies’ necks (0)This could mean: (1) David seeing the backs of the enemy as they run away or (2) David putting his foot on the back of his enemy’s neck after he defeats him.
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Quote: I annihilated (0)Alternate translation: “I completely destroyed”
2 Samuel 22:42
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Quote: They cried (0)Alternate translation: “My enemies cried”
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Quote: they cried out to Yahweh, but he did not answer them (0)The time for Yahweh’s judgment had come upon them.
2 Samuel 22:43
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Quote: like dust on the ground … like mud in the streets (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means that David completely destroyed his enemies. These two phrases “like dust on the ground” and “like mud on the streets” have a similar meaning and are used for emphasis. (See also: Parallelism)
2 Samuel 22:44
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Quote: from the disputes of my own people (0)This refers to those among the Israelites who rebelled against King David.
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Quote: You have kept me as the head of nations (0)“You placed me as ruler over the nations.” Here “nations” refers to other nations besides Israel.
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Quote: A people that I have not known (0)Alternate translation: “A foreign people”
2 Samuel 22:45
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Quote: Foreigners were forced to bow to me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Foreigners bowed down to me”
2 Samuel 22:47
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Quote: May my rock be praised. May God be exalted (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These sentences have similar meaning and are used for emphasis. These may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May everyone praise my rock. May everyone exalt God” (See also: Active or Passive)
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Quote: my rock … the rock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people.
2 Samuel 22:48
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Quote: the one who brings down peoples under me (0)Alternate translation: “the one who puts the people of other nations under my rule”
2 Samuel 22:49
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Quote: you lifted me up above those who rose up against me (0)Alternate translation: “you saved me from my enemies and gave me honor”
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Quote: from violent men (0)Alternate translation: “from those who want to harm me”
2 Samuel 22:50
General Information:
David concludes his song to Yahweh.
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Quote: to your name (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “name” refers to Yahweh’s reputation.
2 Samuel 22:51
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Quote: he shows his covenant loyalty to his anointed one (0)Here David may be referring to the promises Yahweh made in 2 Samuel 7:8
2 Samuel 23
2 Samuel 23 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT 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: INVALID bible/kt/works)
Special concepts in this chapter
Everlasting covenant
This is a reference to the covenant God previously made with David. (See: 2 Samuel 7, eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever and covenant).
2 Samuel 23:1
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Quote: Now (0)This marks the beginning of a new section of the book.
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Quote: these are the last words (0)This refers to what David will say in 2 Samuel 23:2–7.
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Quote: the man who was highly honored, the one anointed by the God of Jacob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the man whom the God of Jacob highly honored and anointed”
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Quote: anointed by the God of Jacob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Anointing was done by pouring oil on a person’s head. This was done to choose who would serve God as king or priest.
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Quote: psalmist (0)This is a person who writes psalms or songs.
2 Samuel 23:2
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Quote: by me (0)by David
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Quote: and his word was on my tongue (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “on my tongue” is a metonym for David speaking. Alternate translation: “he gave me a message to speak”
2 Samuel 23:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel … me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
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 also: Metaphor)
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Quote: The one who rules righteously over men, who rules in the fear of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences both say that the king will respect God and do what God wants him to do.
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Quote: in the fear of God (0)Alternate translation: “respecting God”
2 Samuel 23:4
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Quote: He will be like the morning light … sunshine after rain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
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. Alternate translation: “He will be a delight to all” (See also: Parallelism)
2 Samuel 23:5
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Quote: Indeed, is my family not like this before God? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here David is saying that he agrees with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “My family is indeed like this before God!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Has he not made … way? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David acknowledges that God has made a covenant with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He has indeed made … way.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ordered and sure (0)This means God’s covenant is properly organized and will not change so David’s family can trust it.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Does he not increase my salvation … desire? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David believes that God will always help him and cause him to prosper. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He increases my salvation and gives me my every desire.”
2 Samuel 23:6
General Information:
This concludes David’s last words.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But the worthless will all be like thorns to be thrown away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the wicked person is compared to useless thorns. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the wicked person is worthless and dangerous like thorns we throw away” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because they cannot be gathered by one’s hands (0)Alternate translation: “because no one can pick them up with his hands without the thorns hurting him”
2 Samuel 23:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They must be burned up where they lie (0)“Where thorns are found, that is where they must be burned.” This means God will destroy wicked people.
2 Samuel 23:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jeshbaal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
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
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hachmonite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group. Alternate translation: “son of Hachmon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eight hundred (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“800”
2 Samuel 23:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The army returned after Eleazar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the army returned after Eleazar returned from battle. Alternate translation: “The Israeli army returned to the battle field after Eleazer had already won the battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: only to strip the bodies (0)Alternate translation: “only to take what they wanted from the dead bodies of the enemies”
2 Samuel 23:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a field of lentils (0)Alternate translation: “a field where someone had planted lentils”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lentils (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a flat seed, eaten like beans
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the army fled (0)Alternate translation: “the Israelite army ran away”
2 Samuel 23:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Three of the thirty (0)These are not the same three soldiers mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:8–12.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the thirty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“the 30” or “the thirty bravest Israelite soldiers.” The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cave of Adullam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
“cave near the town of Adullam.” Adullam is near Bethlehem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Valley of Rephaim (0)This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 5:18.
2 Samuel 23:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his stronghold (0)Alternate translation: “in his protected place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Philistines had established at Bethlehem (0)Alternate translation: “some Philistines soldiers were controlling the village of Bethlehem”
2 Samuel 23:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: broke through the army (0)Alternate translation: “fought their way through the enemy army”
2 Samuel 23:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should I drink the blood of men who have risked their lives? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David compares the water to blood because the men risked their lives to bring the water to him. He uses a question to emphasize this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Drinking this water would be like drinking the blood of those men who have risked their lives to bring it to me.” (See also: Metaphor)
2 Samuel 23:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abishai … Zeruiah (0)These are the names of men. Translate them as in 2 Samuel 2:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: captain over the three (0)This means Abishai was the leader of the three who went and got water for David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He was often mentioned along with the three soldiers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People often mentioned him when they spoke about the three bravest men”
2 Samuel 23:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Was he not even more famous than the three? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to emphasize how famous he was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He was even more famous than the three.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three most famous soldiers (0)This refers to Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shimeah. Abishai was not as famous as these soldiers.
2 Samuel 23:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kabzeel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jehoiada (0)This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 8:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ariel (0)This is the name of a man.
2 Samuel 23:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did these feats (0)Alternate translation: “did these mighty deeds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he was named alongside the three mighty men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people praise him like they praised the three mighty men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three mighty men (0)This refers to Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shimeah.
2 Samuel 23:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He was more highly regarded than the thirty soldiers in general, but he was not regarded quite as highly as the three mighty men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“He was more famous than the other 30 soldiers except for the three best soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his bodyguard (0)a group of soldiers in charge of guarding David
2 Samuel 23:24
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesGeneral Information:
This is a list of David’s greatest soldiers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The thirty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“The 30 very famous soldiers” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Samuel 23:37
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesGeneral Information:
This concludes the list of David’s greatest soldiers.
2 Samuel 23:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty-seven in all (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“there were 37 total”
2 Samuel 24
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: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
2 Samuel 24:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the anger of Yahweh was ignited against Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “ignite” means start a fire. Here Yahweh’s anger is compared to that of a fire. Alternate translation: “the anger of Yahweh started to burn like a fire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he moved David against them (0)Alternate translation: “he caused David to oppose them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Go, count Israel and Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
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.
2 Samuel 24:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dan to Beersheba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This phrase uses two place names Dan, in the far north, and Beersheba, in the far south, to represent the entire country.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: count all the people … fit for battle (0)This means to count all the men except those men who are either too young, too old, or physically unable to fight.
2 Samuel 24:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: multiply … hundred times (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
This means “produce 100 more people for every one person there is now.”
2 Samuel 24:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king’s word was final against Joab (0)Joab and the other commanders of King David’s army were not able to convince David to not take a census.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king’s word (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This phrase represents the king’s command to them. Alternate translation: “what the king had commanded”
2 Samuel 24:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They crossed (0)Alternate translation: “Joab and the commanders of the army crossed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aroer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This was a city on the northern edge of the Arnon River.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jazer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a town in Gad.
2 Samuel 24:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tahtim Hodshi (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This may refer to the town of Kadesh in the land of the Hittite people.
2 Samuel 24:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had gone (0)Alternate translation: “Joab and the commanders had gone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nine months and twenty days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“9 months and 20 days”
2 Samuel 24:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then Joab reported the total of the count of the fighting men to the king (0)Alternate translation: “Then Joab told the king the total number of men ready for battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Israel (0)This refers to the northern tribes of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 800,000 & 500,000 (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“eight hundred thousand … five hundred thousand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who drew the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This metonym refers to the men who were ready to fight in the army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of Judah (0)This refers to the southern tribe of Judah.
2 Samuel 24:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David’s heart afflicted him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “heart” here is a metonym for David’s emotions and conscience. Alternate translation: “David felt guilty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now, Yahweh, take away your servant’s guilt (0)David refers to himself as “your servant.” This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.
2 Samuel 24:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this idiom in 2 Samuel 7:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to the prophet Gad, David’s seer. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to the prophet Gad, David’s seer:”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David’s seer (0)This means Gad was the official prophet in the royal palace.
2 Samuel 24:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am in deep trouble (0)Alternate translation: “I am in terrible trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let us fall into Yahweh’s hands rather than into the hand of man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” refer to power or control. Alternate translation: “Let Yahweh and not people punish us”
2 Samuel 24:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a fixed time (0)This is the time God decided he would stop the plague.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from Dan to Beersheba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Here mentioning the city of Dan in the extreme north and the city Beersheba in the extreme south means the entire nation of Israel.
2 Samuel 24:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the angel reached out with his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “hand” stands for the angel’s power. Alternate translation: “the angel was about to destroy the people in Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh changed his mind because of the harm (0)This means that Yahweh stopped the evil that he was allowing the angel to do. Alternate translation: “Yahweh felt grieved about the harm”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now draw back your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The metonym “hand” stands for the angel’s power. Alternate translation: “Do not harm them any longer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Araunah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the threshing floor (0)A threshing floor was a hard, flat surface where edible grain was separated from chaff.
2 Samuel 24:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have sinned, and I have acted perversely (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I have sinned terribly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But these sheep, what have they done? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses a question and compares the people to sheep to emphasize that they have done nothing wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “These ordinary people have done nothing wrong.” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Please let your hand punish me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “Please punish me”
2 Samuel 24:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bowed to the king with his face to the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
He was showing deep respect and honor to the king.
2 Samuel 24:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that the plague may be removed from the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh will remove this plague from the people”
2 Samuel 24:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what is good in your sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what you think is good” or “what is good in your judgement”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: threshing sledges (0)heavy boards used to separate grain from the rest of the wheat plant
2 Samuel 24:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not offer … anything that costs me nothing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “I will only offer … something that I have paid for”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty shekels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“50 shekels.” A shekel is 11 grams. (See also: Biblical Money)
2 Samuel 24:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on behalf of the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “land” stands for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “on behalf of the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the plague on Israel was confined (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God confined the plague that had been on Israel” or “God took the plague away from Israel”