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Psalm 3
Christian Standard Bible

Psalm 3

Confidence in Troubled Times

A psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom.(A)

1 Lord, how my foes increase!
There are many who attack me.(B)
2 Many say about me,
“There is no help for him in God.”(C)Selah

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,(D)
my glory,(E) and the one who lifts up my head.(F)
4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.(G)Selah

5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again because the Lord sustains me.(H)
6 I will not be afraid of thousands of people
who have taken their stand against me on every side.(I)

7 Rise up, Lord!(J)
Save me, my God!
You strike all my enemies on the cheek;(K)
you break the teeth of the wicked.(L)
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;(M)
may your blessing be on your people.(N)Selah

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Psalm 3
New English Translation

Psalm 3[a]

A psalm of David, written when he fled from his son Absalom.[b]

3 Lord, how[c] numerous are my enemies!
Many attack me.[d]
2 Many say about me,
“God will not deliver him.”[e] (Selah)[f]
3 But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me;[g]
you are my glory[h] and the one who restores me.[i]
4 To the Lord I cried out,[j]
and he answered me from his holy hill.[k] (Selah)
5 I rested and slept;
I awoke,[l] for the Lord protects[m] me.
6 I am not afraid[n] of the multitude of people[o]
who attack me from all directions.[p]
7 Rise up,[q] Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Yes,[r] you will strike[s] all my enemies on the jaw;
you will break the teeth[t] of the wicked.[u]
8 The Lord delivers;[v]
you show favor to your people.[w] (Selah)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 3:1 sn Psalm 3. The psalmist acknowledges that he is confronted by many enemies (vv. 1-2). But, alluding to a divine oracle he has received (vv. 4-5), he affirms his confidence in God’s ability to protect him (vv. 3, 6) and requests that God make his promise a reality (vv. 7-8).
  2. Psalm 3:1 sn According to Jewish tradition, David offered this prayer when he was forced to flee from Jerusalem during his son Absalom’s attempted coup (see 2 Sam 15:13-17).
  3. Psalm 3:1 tn The Hebrew term מָה (mah, “how”) is used here as an adverbial exclamation (see BDB 553 s.v.).
  4. Psalm 3:1 tn Heb “many rise up against me.”
  5. Psalm 3:2 tn Heb “there is no deliverance for him in God.”
  6. Psalm 3:2 sn The function of the Hebrew term סֶלָה (selah), transliterated here “Selah,” is uncertain. It may be a musical direction of some kind.
  7. Psalm 3:3 tn Heb “a shield round about me.”
  8. Psalm 3:3 tn Heb “my glory,” or “my honor.” The psalmist affirms that the Lord is his source of honor, i.e., the one who gives him honor in the sight of others. According to BDB 459 s.v. II כָּבוֹד 7, the phrase refers to God as the one to whom the psalmist gives honor. But the immediate context focuses on what God does for the psalmist, not vice-versa.
  9. Psalm 3:3 tn Heb “[the one who] lifts my head.” This phrase could be understood to refer to a general strengthening of the psalmist by God during difficult circumstances. However, if one takes the suggestion of the superscription that this is a Davidic psalm written during the revolt of Absalom, the phrase “lift the head” could refer to the psalmist’s desire for restoration to his former position (cf. Gen 40:13 where the same phrase is used). Like the Hebrew text, the present translation (“who restores me”) can be understood in either sense.
  10. Psalm 3:4 tn The prefixed verbal form could be an imperfect, yielding the translation “I cry out,” but the verb form in the next line (a vav [ו] consecutive with the preterite) suggests this is a brief narrative of what has already happened. Consequently the verb form in v. 4a is better understood as a preterite, “I cried out.” (For another example of the preterite of this same verb form, see Ps 30:8.) Sometime after the crisis arose, the psalmist prayed to the Lord and received an assuring answer. Now he confidently awaits the fulfillment of the divine promise.
  11. Psalm 3:4 sn His holy hill. That is, Zion (see Pss 2:6; 48:1-2). The psalmist recognizes that the Lord dwells in his sanctuary on Mount Zion.
  12. Psalm 3:5 tn The three verbal forms that appear in succession here (perfect + vav [ו] consecutive with preterite + perfect) are most naturally taken as narrational. When the psalmist received an assuring word from the Lord, he was able to sleep calmly. Because the Lord was protecting him, he awoke safely from his sleep.
  13. Psalm 3:5 tn Or “supports”; “sustains.” In this explanatory causal clause the imperfect verbal form probably has a habitual or present progressive nuance, for the psalmist is confident of God’s continual protection (see v. 3). Another option is to take the verb as a preterite, “for the Lord protected me.” In this case, the psalmist focuses specifically on the protection God provided while he slept.
  14. Psalm 3:6 tn The imperfect verbal form here expresses the psalmist’s continuing attitude as he faces the crisis at hand.
  15. Psalm 3:6 tn Or perhaps “troops.” The Hebrew noun עָם (ʿam) sometimes refers to a military contingent or army.
  16. Psalm 3:6 tn Heb “who all around take a stand against me.”
  17. Psalm 3:7 tn In v. 1 the psalmist describes his enemies as those who “confront” him (קָמִים [qamim], literally, “rise up against him”). Now, using the same verbal root (קוּם, qum) he asks the Lord to rise up (קוּמָה, qumah) in his defense.
  18. Psalm 3:7 tn Elsewhere in the psalms the particle כִּי (ki), when collocated with a perfect verbal form and subordinated to a preceding imperative directed to God, almost always has an explanatory or causal force (“for, because”) and introduces a motivating argument for why God should respond positively to the request (see Pss 5:10; 6:2; 12:1; 16:1; 41:4; 55:9; 56:1; 57:1; 60:2; 69:1; 74:20; 119:94; 123:3; 142:6; 143:8). (On three occasions the כִּי is recitative after a verb of perception [“see/know that,” see Pss 4:3; 25:19; 119:159]). If כִּי is taken as explanatory here, then the psalmist is arguing that God should deliver him now because that is what God characteristically does. However, such a motivating argument is not used in the passages cited above. The motivating argument usually focuses on the nature of the psalmist’s dilemma or the fact that he trusts in the Lord. For this reason it is unlikely that כִּי has its normal force here. Most scholars understand the particle כִּי as having an asseverative (emphasizing) function here (“indeed, yes”; NEB leaves the particle untranslated).
  19. Psalm 3:7 tn If the particle כִּי (ki) is taken as explanatory, then the perfect verbal forms in v. 7b would describe God’s characteristic behavior. However, as pointed out in the preceding note on the word “yes,” the particle probably has an asseverative force here. If so, the perfects may be taken as indicating rhetorically the psalmist’s certitude and confidence that God will intervene. The psalmist is so confident of God’s positive response to his prayer, he can describe God’s assault on his enemies as if it had already happened. Such confidence is consistent with the mood of the psalm, as expressed before (vv. 3-6) and after this (v. 8). Another option is to take the perfects as precative, expressing a wish or request (“Strike all my enemies on the jaw, break the teeth of the wicked”). See IBHS 494-95 §30.5.4c, d. However, not all grammarians are convinced that the perfect is used as a precative in biblical Hebrew.
  20. Psalm 3:7 sn The expression break the teeth may envision violent hand-to hand combat, though it is possible that the enemies are pictured here as a dangerous animal (see Job 29:17).
  21. Psalm 3:7 tn In the psalms the Hebrew term רְשָׁעִים (reshaʿim, “wicked”) describes people who are proud, practical atheists (Ps 10:2, 4, 11) who hate God’s commands, commit sinful deeds, speak lies and slander (Ps 50:16-20), and cheat others (Ps 37:21). They oppose God and his people.
  22. Psalm 3:8 tn Heb “to the Lord [is] deliverance.”
  23. Psalm 3:8 tn Heb “upon your people [is] your blessing.” In this context God’s “blessing” includes deliverance/protection, vindication, and sustained life (see Pss 21:3, 6; 24:5).
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2 Samuel 15-19
Christian Standard Bible

Absalom’s Revolt

15 After this, Absalom got himself a chariot, horses, and fifty men to run before him.(A) 2 He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate.(B) Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for settlement, Absalom called out to him and asked, “What city are you from?” If he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” 3 Absalom said to him, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king does not have anyone to listen to you.” 4 He added, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice.” 5 When a person approached to pay homage to him, Absalom reached out his hand, took hold of him, and kissed him.(C) 6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for a settlement. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

7 When four[a] years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I made to the Lord. 8 For your servant made a vow when I lived in Geshur of Aram,(D) saying, ‘If the Lord really brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord in Hebron.’”[b](E)

9 “Go in peace,” the king said to him.(F) So he went to Hebron.

10 Then Absalom sent agents throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the ram’s horn,(G) you are to say, ‘Absalom has become king in Hebron!’” (H)

11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Absalom. They had been invited and were going innocently, for they did not know the whole situation. 12 While he was offering the sacrifices, Absalom sent for David’s adviser Ahithophel the Gilonite,(I) from his city of Giloh. So the conspiracy grew strong, and the people supporting Absalom continued to increase.

13 Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”

14 David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Get up. We have to flee, or we will not escape from Absalom!(J) Leave quickly, or he will overtake us quickly, heap disaster on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”

15 The king’s servants said to the king, “Whatever my lord the king decides, we are your servants.” 16 Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace. 17 So the king set out, and all the people followed him. They stopped at the last house 18 while all his servants marched past him. Then all the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the people of Gath—six hundred men who came with him from there(K)—marched past the king.

19 The king said to Ittai of Gath,(L) “Why are you also going with us? Go back and stay with the new king since you’re both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. 20 Besides, you only arrived yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I go wherever I can? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the Lord show you[c] kindness and faithfulness.”

21 But in response, Ittai vowed to the king, “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there!” (M)

22 “March on,” David replied to Ittai. So Ittai of Gath marched past with all his men and the dependents who were with him. 23 Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly while all the people were marching out of the city. As the king was crossing the Kidron Valley, all the people were marching past on the road that leads to the wilderness.

24 Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set the ark of God down, and Abiathar offered sacrifices[d] until the people had finished marching past.(N) 25 Then the king instructed Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city.(O) If I find favor with the Lord, he will bring me back and allow me to see both it and its[e] dwelling place.(P) 26 However, if he should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am—he can do with me whatever pleases him.”[f](Q)

27 The king also said to the priest Zadok,(R) “Look,[g] return to the city in peace and your two sons with you: your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. 28 Remember, I’ll wait at the fords[h] of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.

30 David was climbing the slope of the Mount of Olives,(S) weeping as he ascended. His head was covered,(T) and he was walking barefoot.(U) All of the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they ascended.

31 Then someone reported to David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.”

“Lord,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” (V)

32 When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite(W) was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go away with me, you’ll be a burden to me, 34 but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, Your Majesty! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. 35 Won’t the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Report everything you hear from the palace to the priests Zadok and Abiathar. 36 Take note: their two sons are there with them—Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. Send them to tell me everything you hear.” 37 So Hushai,(X) David’s personal adviser, entered Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.

Ziba Helps David

16 When David had gone a little beyond the summit,[i] Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant,(Y) was right there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred bunches of summer fruit, and a clay jar of wine. 2 The king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?”

Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those to drink who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

3 “Where is your master’s grandson?” the king asked.

“Why, he’s staying in Jerusalem,” Ziba replied to the king, “for he said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore my grandfather’s kingdom to me.’”(Z)

4 The king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” (AA)

“I bow before you,” Ziba said. “May I find favor with you, my lord the king!”

Shimei Curses David

5 When King David got to Bahurim, a man belonging to the family of the house of Saul was just coming out.(AB) His name was Shimei son of Gera,(AC) and he was yelling curses as he approached. 6 He threw stones at David and at all the royal[j] servants, the people and the warriors on David’s right and left. 7 Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, you wicked man!(AD) 8 The Lord has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul in whose place you became king, and the Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. Look, you are in trouble because you’re a man of bloodshed!”

9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog(AE) curse my lord the king?(AF) Let me go over and remove his head!”

10 The king replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything?(AG) He curses(AH) me this way because the Lord[k] told him, ‘Curse David!’ (AI) Therefore, who can say, ‘Why did you do that?’” 11 Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood,[l] intends to take my life(AJ)—how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the Lord has told him to. 12 Perhaps the Lord will see my affliction[m] and restore goodness to me instead of Shimei’s curses today.” 13 So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei was going along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he cursed David, threw stones at him, and kicked up dust. 14 Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived[n] exhausted, so they rested there.

Absalom’s Advisers

15 Now Absalom and all the Israelites came to Jerusalem. Ahithophel was also with him. 16 When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” (AK)

17 “Is this your loyalty to your friend?” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend?”

18 “Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the Lord, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him. 19 Furthermore, whom will I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, I will also serve in yours.”(AL)

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me your advice. What should we do?”

21 Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace.(AM) When all Israel hears that you have become repulsive to your father, everyone with you will be encouraged.”[o] 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.(AN)

23 Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God(AO)—such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

17 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight. 2 I will attack him while he is weary and discouraged,[p] throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king(AP) 3 and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns except the man you’re looking for, all[q] the people will be at peace.” 4 This proposal seemed right to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

5 Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let’s hear what he has to say as well.”

6 So Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom told him, “Ahithophel offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say?”

7 Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good.” 8 Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs.(AQ) Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. 9 He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves[r] or some other place. If some of our troops fall[s] first, someone is sure to hear and say, ‘There’s been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion(AR) will lose heart[t] because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors. 11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba—as numerous as the sand by the sea(AS)—be gathered to you and that you personally go into battle. 12 Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. Not even one will be left—neither he nor any of the men with him. 13 If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its stones[u] into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” 14 Since the Lord had decreed(AT) that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined(AU) in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.”

David Informed of Absalom’s Plans

15 Hushai then told the priests Zadok and Abiathar, “This is what[v] Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what[w] I advised. 16 Now send someone quickly and tell David, ‘Don’t spend the night at the wilderness ford,[x] but be sure to cross over the Jordan,[y](AV) or the king and all the people with him will be devoured.’”

17 Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, because they dared not be seen entering the city. 18 However, a young man did see them and informed Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. 19 Then his wife took the cover, placed it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain on it so nobody would know anything.

20 Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?”

“They passed by toward the water,”[z] the woman replied to them. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.

21 After they had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed out of the well and went and informed King David. They told him, “Get up and immediately ford the river, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” 22 So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one who had not crossed the Jordan.

23 When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He set his house in order and hanged himself.(AW) So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

24 David had arrived at Mahanaim by the time Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. 25 Now Absalom had appointed Amasa(AX) over the army in Joab’s place. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra[aa] the Israelite;[ab](AY) Ithra had married Abigail daughter of Nahash.[ac] Abigail was a sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. 27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash(AZ) from Rabbah(BA) of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar,(BB) and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim(BC) 28 brought beds, basins,[ad] and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,[ae] 29 honey, curds, sheep, goats, and cheese[af] from the herd for David and the people with him to eat. They had reasoned, “The people must be hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Absalom’s Defeat

18 David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of thousands and of hundreds over them. 2 He then sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai of Gath. The king said to the troops, “I must also march out with you.”

3 “You must not go!” (BD) the people pleaded. “If we have to flee, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth[ag] ten thousand of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city.”

4 “I will do whatever you think is best,” the king replied to them. So he stood beside the city gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands. 5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the people heard the king’s orders to all the commanders about Absalom.

6 Then David’s forces marched into the field to engage Israel in battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim. 7 Israel’s army was defeated by David’s soldiers, and the slaughter there was vast that day—twenty thousand dead. 8 The battle spread over the entire area, and that day the forest claimed more people than the sword.

Absalom’s Death

9 Absalom was riding on his mule when he happened to meet David’s soldiers. When the mule went under the tangled branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so he was suspended in midair.[ah] 10 One of the men saw him and informed Joab. He said, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!”

11 “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed.[ai] “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten silver pieces[aj] and a belt!”

12 The man replied to Joab, “Even if I had the weight of a thousand pieces of silver[ak] in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you, Abishai, and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for me.’[al](BE) 13 If I had jeopardized my own[am] life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.”

14 Joab said, “I’m not going to waste time with you!” He then took three spears[an] in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s chest. While Absalom was still alive in the oak tree, 15 ten young men who were Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 16 Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and raised up a huge mound of stones over him.(BF) And all Israel fled, each to his tent.(BG)

18 When he was alive, Absalom had taken a pillar and raised it up(BH) for himself in the King’s Valley,(BI) since he thought, “I have no son(BJ) to preserve the memory of my name.” So he named the pillar after himself. It is still called Absalom’s Monument today.

19 Ahimaaz son of Zadok(BK) said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the Lord has vindicated him by freeing him from his enemies.”

20 Joab replied to him, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but today you aren’t taking good news, because the king’s son is dead.” 21 Joab then said to a Cushite, “Go tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.

22 However, Ahimaaz son of Zadok persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!”

Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to run since you won’t get a reward?” [ao]

23 “No matter what, I want to run!”

“Then run!” Joab said to him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.

24 David was sitting between the city gates(BL) when the watchman went up to the roof of the city gate and over to the wall.(BM) The watchman looked out and saw a man running alone. 25 He called out and told the king.

The king said, “If he’s alone, he bears good news.”

As the first runner came closer, 26 the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!”

“This one is also bringing good news,” said the king.

27 The watchman said, “The way the first man runs looks to me like the way Ahimaaz son of Zadok runs.”(BN)

“This is a good man; he comes with good news,”(BO) the king commented.

28 Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well,” and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground. He continued, “Blessed be the Lord your God! He delivered up the men who rebelled against my lord the king.”

29 The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?”

Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a big disturbance, but I don’t know what it was.”

30 The king said, “Move aside and stand here.” So he stood to one side.

31 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: The Lord has vindicated you today by freeing you from all who rise against you!”

32 The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?”

The Cushite replied, “I wish that the enemies of my lord the king, along with all who rise up against you with evil intent, would become like that young man.”(BP)

33 The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber above the city gate and wept. As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!” (BQ)

David’s Kingdom Restored

19 It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.” 2 That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.” 3 So they returned to the city quietly that day like troops come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle. 4 But the king covered his face(BR) and cried loudly, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers—those who saved your life as well as your sons, your wives, and your concubines— 6 by loving your enemies and hating those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you![ap]

7 “Now get up! Go out and encourage[aq] your soldiers, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight.(BS) This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!”

8 So the king got up and sat in the city gate,(BT) and all the people were told, “Look, the king is sitting in the city gate.” Then they all came into the king’s presence.

Meanwhile, each Israelite had fled to his tent.(BU) 9 People throughout all the tribes of Israel were arguing among themselves, saying, “The king rescued us from the grasp of our enemies,(BV) and he saved us from the grasp of the Philistines,(BW) but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom.(BX) 10 But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

11 King David sent word to the priests Zadok and Abiathar:(BY) “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace? The talk of all Israel has reached the king at his house. 12 You are my brothers, my flesh and blood.[ar](BZ) So why should you be the last to restore the king?’ 13 And tell Amasa,(CA) ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood?[as] May God punish me and do so severely if you don’t become commander of my army from now on instead of Joab!’”

14 So he won over[at] all the men of Judah, and they unanimously sent word to the king: “Come back, you and all your servants.” 15 Then the king returned. When he arrived at the Jordan, Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and escort him across the Jordan.

16 Shimei son of Gera,(CB) the Benjaminite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 There were a thousand men from Benjamin with him. Ziba, an attendant from the house of Saul,(CC) with his fifteen sons and twenty servants also rushed down to the Jordan ahead of the king. 18 They forded the Jordan to bring the king’s household across and do whatever the king desired.[au]

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell facedown before the king 19 and said to him, “My lord, don’t hold me guilty, and don’t remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem.(CD) May the king not take it to heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. But look! Today I am the first one of the entire house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

21 Abishai son of Zeruiah asked, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” (CE)

22 David answered, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything?(CF) Have you become my adversary today? Should any man be killed in Israel today? Am I not aware that today I’m king over Israel?” 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” Then the king gave him his oath.(CG)

24 Mephibosheth,(CH) Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. 25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you come with me?”

26 “My lord the king,” he replied, “my servant Ziba betrayed me. Actually your servant said, ‘I’ll saddle the donkey for myself[av] so that I may ride it and go with the king’—for your servant is lame.(CI) 27 Ziba slandered your servant to my lord the king.(CJ) But my lord the king is like the angel of God,(CK) so do whatever you think best.[aw] 28 For my grandfather’s entire family deserves death from my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table.(CL) So what further right do I have to keep on making appeals to the king?”

29 The king said to him, “Why keep on speaking about these matters of yours? I hereby declare: you and Ziba are to divide the land.”(CM)

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has come to his palace safely, let Ziba take it all!”

31 Barzillai the Gileadite(CN) had come down from Rogelim and accompanied the king to the Jordan River to see him off at the Jordan. 32 Barzillai was a very old man—eighty years old—and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the needs of the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.(CO)

33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I’ll provide for you[ax] at my side in Jerusalem.”

34 Barzillai replied to the king, “How many years of my life are left that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35 I’m now eighty years old.(CP) Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?(CQ) 36 Since your servant is only going with the king a little way across the Jordan, why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return so that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham;(CR) let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him what seems good to you.”[ay]

38 The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you, and whatever you desire from me I will do for you.” 39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned to his home.

40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went with him. All the troops of Judah and half of Israel’s escorted the king. 41 Suddenly, all the men of Israel came to the king. They asked him, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and transport the king and his household across the Jordan, along with all of David’s men?”

42 All the men of Judah responded to the men of Israel, “Because the king is our relative. Why does this make you angry? Have we ever eaten anything of the king’s or been honored at all?” [az]

43 The men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king,(CS) so we have a greater claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Weren’t we the first to speak of restoring our king?” (CT) But the words of the men of Judah were harsher than those of the men of Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 15:7 Some LXX mss, Syr, Vg; other LXX mss, MT read 40
  2. 15:8 Some LXX mss; MT omits in Hebron
  3. 15:20 LXX; MT omits Lit May the Lord show you
  4. 15:24 Or Abiathar went up
  5. 15:25 Or his
  6. 15:26 Lit me what is good in his eyes
  7. 15:27 LXX; MT reads “Are you a seer?
  8. 15:28 Alt Hb tradition reads plains
  9. 16:1 = Mount of Olives
  10. 16:6 Lit all King David’s
  11. 16:10 Alt Hb tradition reads If he curses, and if the Lord
  12. 16:11 Lit son who came from my belly
  13. 16:12 Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr, Vg; one Hb tradition reads iniquity; alt Hb tradition reads eyes; another Hb tradition reads will look with his eye
  14. 16:14 LXX adds at the Jordan
  15. 16:21 Lit father, the hands of everyone with you will be strong
  16. 17:2 Lit and weak of hands
  17. 17:3 LXX reads to you as a bride returns to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all
  18. 17:9 Or pits, or ravines
  19. 17:9 Lit And it will be when a falling on them at
  20. 17:10 Lit melt
  21. 17:13 Lit drag it
  22. 17:15 Lit “Like this and like this
  23. 17:15 Lit and like this and like this
  24. 17:16 Some Hb mss; MT reads plains
  25. 17:16 the Jordan supplied for clarity
  26. 17:20 Or brook; Hb obscure
  27. 17:25 Or Jether
  28. 17:25 Some LXX mss read Ishmaelite
  29. 17:25 Some LXX mss read Jesse
  30. 17:28 LXX reads brought 10 embroidered beds with double coverings, 10 vessels
  31. 17:28 LXX, Syr; MT adds roasted grain
  32. 17:29 Hb obscure
  33. 18:3 Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg; other Hb mss read because there would now be about
  34. 18:9 Lit was between heaven and earth
  35. 18:11 Lit Joab said to the man who told him
  36. 18:11 About four ounces of silver
  37. 18:12 About 25 pounds of silver
  38. 18:12 Some Hb mss, LXX, Tg, Vg; other Hb mss read ‘Protect, whoever, the young man Absalom’; Hb obscure
  39. 18:13 Alt Hb tradition reads jeopardized his
  40. 18:14 Lit rods
  41. 18:22 Or you have no good news?
  42. 19:6 Lit be right in your eyes
  43. 19:7 Lit speak to the heart of
  44. 19:12 Lit my bone and my flesh
  45. 19:13 Lit my bone and my flesh?
  46. 19:14 Lit he turned the heart of
  47. 19:18 Lit do what is good in his eyes
  48. 19:26 LXX, Syr, Vg read said to him, ‘Saddle the donkey for me
  49. 19:27 Lit do what is good in your eyes
  50. 19:33 LXX reads for your old age; Ru 4:15
  51. 19:37 Lit what is good in your eyes, also in v. 38
  52. 19:42 LXX reads king’s or has he given us a gift or granted us a portion
Close NET

2 Samuel 15-19
New English Translation

Absalom Leads an Insurrection against David

15 Some time later Absalom managed to acquire[a] a chariot and horses, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard.[b] 2 Now Absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road that led to the city gate. Whenever anyone came by who had a complaint to bring to the king for arbitration, Absalom would call out to him, “What city are you from?” The person would answer, “I, your servant,[c] am from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Absalom would then say to him, “Look, your claims are legitimate and appropriate.[d] But there is no representative of the king who will listen to you.” 4 Absalom would then say, “If only they would make me[e] a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint[f] could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement.”

5 When someone approached to bow before him, Absalom[g] would extend his hand and embrace him and kiss him. 6 Absalom acted this way toward everyone in Israel who came to the king for justice. In this way Absalom won the loyalty[h] of the citizens[i] of Israel.

7 After four[j] years Absalom said to the king, “Let me go and repay my vow that I made to the Lord while I was in Hebron. 8 For I made this vow[k] when I was living in Geshur in Aram: ‘If the Lord really does allow me to return to Jerusalem, I will serve the Lord.’” 9 The king replied to him, “Go in peace.” So Absalom[l] got up and went to Hebron.

10 Then Absalom sent spies through all the tribes of Israel who said, “When you hear the sound of the horn, you may assume[m] that Absalom rules in Hebron.” 11 Now 200 men had gone with Absalom from Jerusalem. Since they were invited, they went naively and were unaware of what Absalom was planning.[n] 12 While he was offering sacrifices, Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s adviser,[o] to come from his city, Giloh.[p] The conspiracy was gaining momentum, and the people were starting to side with Absalom.

David Flees from Jerusalem

13 Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The men of Israel are loyal to Absalom!”[q] 14 So David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come on![r] Let’s escape![s] Otherwise no one will be delivered from Absalom! Go immediately, or else he will quickly overtake us and bring[t] disaster on us and kill the city’s residents with the sword.”[u] 15 The king’s servants replied to the king, “We will do whatever our lord the king decides.”[v]

16 So the king and all the members of his royal court[w] set out on foot, though the king left behind ten concubines[x] to attend to the palace. 17 The king and all the people set out on foot, pausing[y] at a spot[z] some distance away. 18 All his servants were leaving with him,[aa] along with all the Kerethites, all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites—some 600 men who had come on foot from Gath. They were leaving with[ab] the king.

19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come with us? Go back and stay with the new[ac] king, for you are a foreigner and an exile from your own country.[ad] 20 It seems as if you arrived just yesterday. Today should I make you wander around by going with us? I go where I must go. But as for you, go back and take your men[ae] with you. May genuine loyal love[af] protect[ag] you!”

21 But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means death or life, there I[ah] will be as well!” 22 So David said to Ittai, “Come along then.”[ai] So Ittai the Gittite went along,[aj] accompanied by all his men and all the dependents[ak] who were with him.

23 All the land was weeping loudly[al] as all these people were leaving.[am] As the king was crossing over the Kidron Valley, all the people were leaving[an] on the road that leads to the desert. 24 Zadok and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. When they positioned the ark of God, Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving[ao] the city.

25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back to the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s sight he will bring me back and enable me to see both it and his dwelling place again. 26 However, if he should say, ‘I do not take pleasure in you,’ then he will deal with me in a way that he considers appropriate.”[ap]

27 The king said to Zadok the priest, “Are you a seer?[aq] Go back to the city in peace! Your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan may go with you and Abiathar.[ar] 28 Look, I will be waiting at the fords of the desert until word from you[as] reaches me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and remained there.

30 As David was going up the Mount of Olives, he was weeping as he went; his head was covered and his feet were bare. All the people who were with him also had their heads covered and were weeping as they went up. 31 Now David[at] had been told, “Ahithophel has sided with the conspirators who are with Absalom.” So David prayed,[au] “Make the advice of Ahithophel foolish, O Lord.”

32 When David reached the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite met him with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you leave[av] with me you will be a burden to me. 34 But you will be able to counter the advice of Ahithophel if you go back to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king! Previously I was your father’s servant, and now I will be your servant.’ 35 Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there with you.[aw] Everything you hear in the king’s palace[ax] you must tell Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Furthermore, their two sons are there with them, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. You must send them to me with any information you hear.”[ay]

37 So David’s friend Hushai arrived in the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.

David Receives Gifts from Ziba

16 When David had gone a short way beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a couple of donkeys that were saddled, and on them were 200 loaves of bread, 100 raisin cakes, 100 baskets of summer fruit,[az] and a container of wine.

2 The king asked Ziba, “Why did you bring these things?”[ba] Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s family to ride on, the loaves of bread[bb] and the summer fruit are for the attendants to eat, and the wine is for those who get exhausted in the desert.”[bc] 3 The king asked, “Where is your master’s grandson?”[bd] Ziba replied to the king, “He remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give back to me my grandfather’s[be] kingdom.’” 4 The king said to Ziba, “Everything that was Mephibosheth’s now belongs to you.” Ziba replied, “I bow before you. May I find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”

Shimei Curses David and His Men

5 Then King David reached[bf] Bahurim. There a man from Saul’s extended family named Shimei son of Gera came out, yelling curses as he approached.[bg] 6 He threw stones at David and all of King David’s servants, as well as all the people and the soldiers who were on his right and on his left. 7 As he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Leave! Leave! You man of bloodshed, you wicked man![bh] 8 The Lord has punished you for[bi] all the spilled blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you rule. Now the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. Disaster has overtaken you, for you are a man of bloodshed!”

9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” 10 But the king said, “What do we have in common,[bj] you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David!,’ who can say to him, ‘Why have you done this?’” 11 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son, my very own flesh and blood,[bk] is trying to take my life. So also now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone so that he can curse, for the Lord has spoken to him. 12 Perhaps the Lord will notice my affliction[bl] and this day grant me good in place of his curse.”[bm]

13 So David and his men went on their way. But Shimei kept going along the side of the hill opposite him, yelling curses as he threw stones and dirt at them.[bn] 14 The king and all the people who were with him arrived exhausted at their destination, where David[bo] refreshed himself.

The Advice of Ahithophel

15 Now when Absalom and all the men[bp] of Israel arrived in Jerusalem, Ahithophel was with him. 16 When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him,[bq] “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

17 Absalom said to Hushai, “Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?” 18 Hushai replied to Absalom, “No, I will be loyal to the one whom the Lord, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen.[br] 19 Moreover, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”[bs]

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?” 21 Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Sleep with[bt] your father’s concubines whom he left to care for the palace. All Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. Then your followers will be motivated to support you.”[bu] 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof,[bv] and Absalom slept with[bw] his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23 In those days Ahithophel’s advice was considered as valuable as a prophetic revelation.[bx] Both David and Absalom highly regarded the advice of Ahithophel.[by]

The Death of Ahithophel

17 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me pick out 12,000 men. Then I will go and pursue David this very night. 2 When I catch up with[bz] him he will be exhausted and worn out.[ca] I will rout him, and the entire army that is with him will flee. I will kill only the king 3 and will bring the entire army back to you. In exchange for the life of the man you are seeking, you will get back everyone.[cb] The entire army will return unharmed.”[cc]

4 This seemed like a good idea to Absalom and to all the leaders[cd] of Israel. 5 But Absalom said, “Call for[ce] Hushai the Arkite, and let’s hear what he has to say.”[cf] 6 So Hushai came to Absalom. Absalom said to him, “Here is what Ahithophel has advised. Should we follow his advice? If not, what would you recommend?”

7 Hushai replied to Absalom, “Ahithophel’s advice is not sound this time.”[cg] 8 Hushai went on to say, “You know your father and his men—they are soldiers and are as dangerous as a bear out in the wild that has been robbed of her cubs.[ch] Your father is an experienced soldier; he will not stay overnight with the army. 9 At this very moment he is hiding out in one of the caves or in some other similar place. If it should turn out that he attacks our troops first,[ci] whoever hears about it will say, ‘Absalom’s army has been slaughtered!’ 10 If that happens even the bravest soldier—one who is lion-hearted—will virtually melt away. For all Israel knows that your father is a warrior and that those who are with him are brave. 11 My advice therefore is this: Let all Israel from Dan to Beer Sheba—in number like the sand by the sea—be mustered to you, and you lead them personally into battle. 12 We will come against him wherever he happens to be found. We will descend on him like the dew falls on the ground. Neither he nor any of the men who are with him will be spared alive—not one of them! 13 If he regroups in a city, all Israel will take up ropes to that city and drag it down to the valley, so that not a single pebble will be left there!”

14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite sounds better than the advice of Ahithophel.” Now the Lord had decided[cj] to frustrate the sound advice of Ahithophel, so that the Lord could bring disaster on Absalom.

15 Then Hushai reported to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Here is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the leaders[ck] of Israel to do, and here is what I have advised. 16 Now send word quickly to David and warn him,[cl] “Don’t spend the night at the fords[cm] of the wilderness tonight. Instead, be sure you cross over,[cn] or else the king and everyone who is with him may be overwhelmed.”[co]

17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying in En Rogel. A female servant would go and inform them, and they would then go and inform King David. It was not advisable for them to be seen going into the city. 18 But a young man saw them on one occasion and informed Absalom. So the two of them quickly departed and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. There was a well in his courtyard, and they got down in it. 19 His wife then took the covering and spread it over the top of the well and scattered some grain over it. No one was aware of what she had done.

20 When the servants of Absalom approached the woman at her home, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman replied to them, “They crossed over the stream.” Absalom’s men[cp] searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.

21 After the men had left, Ahimaaz and Jonathan[cq] climbed out of the well. Then they left and informed King David. They advised David, “Get up and cross the stream[cr] quickly, for Ahithophel has devised a plan to catch you.”[cs] 22 So David and all the people who were with him got up and crossed the Jordan River.[ct] By dawn there was not one person left who had not crossed the Jordan.

23 When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and returned to his house in his hometown. After setting his household in order, he hanged himself. So he died and was buried in the grave[cu] of his father.

24 Meanwhile David had gone to Mahanaim, while Absalom and all the men of Israel had crossed the Jordan River. 25 Absalom had made Amasa general in command of the army in place of Joab. (Now Amasa was the son of an Israelite man named Jether, who had married[cv] Abigail the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother.) 26 The army of Israel[cw] and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.

27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Makir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim 28 brought bedding, basins, and pottery utensils. They also brought food for David and all who were with him, including wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,[cx] 29 honey, curds, flocks, and cheese.[cy] For they said, “The people are no doubt hungry, tired, and thirsty there in the desert.”[cz]

The Death of Absalom

18 David assembled the army that was with him. He appointed leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds. 2 David then sent out the army—a third under the leadership of Joab, a third under the leadership of Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under the leadership of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, “I too will indeed march out with you.”

3 But the soldiers replied,[da] “You should not do this![db] For if we should have to make a rapid retreat, they won’t be concerned about us.[dc] Even if half of us should die, they won’t be concerned. But you[dd] are like 10,000 of us! So it is better if you remain in the city for support.” 4 Then the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems best to you.”

So the king stayed beside the city gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 The king gave this order to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “For my sake deal gently with the young man Absalom.” Now the entire army was listening when the king gave all the leaders this order concerning Absalom.

6 Then the army marched out to the field to fight against Israel. The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. 7 The army of Israel was defeated there by David’s men.[de] The slaughter there was great that day—20,000 soldiers were killed. 8 The battle there was spread out over the whole area, and the forest consumed more soldiers than the sword devoured that day.

9 Then Absalom happened to come across David’s men. Now as Absalom was riding on his[df] mule, it[dg] went under the branches of a large oak tree. His head got caught in the oak and he was suspended in midair,[dh] while the mule he had been riding kept going.

10 When one[di] of the men saw this, he reported it to Joab saying, “I saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.” 11 Joab replied to the man who was telling him this, “What! You saw this? Why didn’t you strike him down right on the spot?[dj] I would have given you ten pieces of silver[dk] and a commemorative belt!”[dl]

12 The man replied to Joab, “Even if[dm] I were receiving[dn] 1,000 pieces of silver,[do] I would not strike[dp] the king’s son! In our very presence[dq] the king gave this order to you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’[dr] 13 If I had acted at risk of my own life[ds]—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.”[dt]

14 Joab replied, “I will not wait around like this for you!” He took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the middle of Absalom while he was still alive in the middle of the oak tree.[du] 15 Then ten soldiers who were Joab’s armor-bearers struck Absalom and finished him off.

16 Then Joab blew the trumpet[dv] and the army turned back from chasing Israel, for Joab had called for the army to halt. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and stacked a huge pile of stones over him. In the meantime all the Israelite soldiers fled to their homes.[dw]

18 Before this[dx] Absalom[dy] had set up a monument[dz] and dedicated it to himself in the King’s Valley, reasoning, “I have no son who will carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and to this day it is known as Absalom’s Memorial.

David Learns of Absalom’s Death

19 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run and give the king the good news that the Lord has vindicated him before his enemies.”[ea] 20 But Joab said to him, “You will not be a bearer of good news today. You will bear good news some other day, but not today,[eb] for the king’s son is dead.”

21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go and tell the king what you have seen.” After bowing to Joab, the Cushite ran off. 22 Ahimaaz the son of Zadok again spoke to Joab, “Whatever happens, let me go after the Cushite.” But Joab said, “Why is it that you want to go, my son? You have no good news that will bring you a reward.” 23 But he said,[ec] “Whatever happens, I want to go!” So Joab[ed] said to him, “Then go!” So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Jordan plain, and he passed the Cushite.

24 Now David was sitting between the inner and outer gates,[ee] and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate at the wall. When he looked, he saw a man running by himself. 25 So the watchman called out and informed the king. The king said, “If he is by himself, he brings good news.”[ef] The runner[eg] came ever closer.

26 Then the watchman saw another man running. The watchman called out to the gatekeeper, “There is another man running by himself.” The king said, “This one also is bringing good news.” 27 The watchman said, “It appears to me that the first runner is Ahimaaz[eh] son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man, and he comes with good news.”

28 Then Ahimaaz called out and said to the king, “Greetings!”[ei] He bowed down before the king with his face toward the ground and said, “May the Lord your God be praised because he has defeated[ej] the men who opposed[ek] my lord the king!”

29 The king replied, “How is the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz replied, “I saw a great deal of confusion when Joab was sending the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was all about.” 30 The king said, “Turn aside and take your place here.” So he turned aside and waited.

31 Then the Cushite arrived and said,[el] “May my lord the king now receive the good news! The Lord has vindicated you today and delivered you from the hand of all who have rebelled against you!”[em] 32 The king asked the Cushite, “How is the young man Absalom?” The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who have plotted against you[en] be like that young man!”

33 (19:1)[eo] The king then became very upset. He went up to the upper room over the gate and wept. As he went he said, “My son, Absalom! My son, my son,[ep] Absalom! If only I could have died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!”[eq]

19 (19:2) Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” 2 So the victory of that day was turned to mourning as far as all the people were concerned. For the people heard on that day, “The king is grieved over his son.” 3 That day the people stole away to go to the city the way people who are embarrassed steal away in fleeing from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried out loudly,[er] “My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 So Joab visited[es] the king at his home. He said, “Today you have embarrassed all your servants who have saved your life this day, as well as the lives of your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your concubines. 6 You seem to love your enemies and hate your friends! For you have as much as declared today that leaders and servants don’t matter to you. I realize now[et] that if[eu] Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today,[ev] it would be all right with you. 7 So get up now and go out and give some encouragement to[ew] your servants. For I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out there, not a single man will stay here with you tonight! This disaster will be worse for you than any disaster that has overtaken you from your youth right to the present time!”

8 So the king got up and sat at the city gate. When all the people were informed that the king was sitting at the city gate, they[ex] all came before him.

David Goes Back to Jerusalem

But the Israelite soldiers[ey] had all fled to their own homes.[ez] 9 All the people throughout all the tribes of Israel were arguing among themselves saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies. He rescued us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed as our king,[fa] has died in battle. So now why do you hesitate to bring the king back?”[fb]

11 Then King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests saying, “Tell the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back to his palace,[fc] when everything Israel is saying has come to the king’s attention.[fd] 12 You are my brothers—my very own flesh and blood![fe] Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back?’ 13 Say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my flesh and blood?[ff] God will punish me severely,[fg] if from this time on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”

14 He[fh] won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. Then they sent word to the king saying, “Return, you and all your servants as well.” 15 So the king returned and came to the Jordan River.[fi]

Now the people of Judah[fj] had come to Gilgal to meet the king and to help him[fk] cross the Jordan. 16 Shimei son of Gera the Benjaminite from Bahurim came down quickly with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 There were 1,000 men from Benjamin with him, along with Ziba the servant[fl] of Saul’s household, and with him his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They hurriedly crossed[fm] the Jordan within sight of the king. 18 They crossed at the ford in order to help the king’s household cross and to do whatever he thought appropriate.

Now after he had crossed the Jordan, Shimei son of Gera threw himself down before the king. 19 He said to the king, “Don’t think badly of me, my lord, and don’t recall the sin of your servant on the day when you, my lord the king, left[fn] Jerusalem! Please don’t call it to mind! 20 For I, your servant,[fo] know that I sinned, and I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

21 Abishai son of Zeruiah replied, “For this should not Shimei be put to death? After all, he cursed the Lord’s anointed!” 22 But David said, “What do we have in common,[fp] you sons of Zeruiah? You are like my enemy today! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 The king said to Shimei, “You won’t die.” The king vowed an oath[fq] concerning this.

24 Now Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson,[fr] came down to meet the king. From the day the king had left until the day he safely[fs] returned, Mephibosheth[ft] had not cared for his feet[fu] nor trimmed[fv] his mustache nor washed his clothes.

25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He replied, “My lord the king, my servant deceived me! I[fw] said, ‘Let me get my donkey saddled so that I can ride on it and go with the king,’ for I[fx] am lame. 27 But my servant[fy] has slandered me[fz] to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like an angel of God. Do whatever seems appropriate to you. 28 After all, there was no one in the entire house of my grandfather[ga] who did not deserve death from my lord the king. But instead you allowed me to eat at your own table![gb] What further claim do I have to ask[gc] the king for anything?”

29 Then the king replied to him, “Why should you continue speaking like this? You and Ziba will inherit the field together.” 30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him have[gd] the whole thing! My lord the king has returned safely[ge] to his house!”

31 Now when Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, he crossed the Jordan with the king so he could send him on his way from there.[gf] 32 But Barzillai was very old—eighty years old, in fact—and he had taken care of the king when he stayed in Mahanaim, for he was a very rich[gg] man. 33 So the king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will take care of you while you are with me in Jerusalem.”

34 Barzillai replied to the king, “How many days do I have left to my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am now eighty years old. Am I able to discern good and bad? Can I[gh] taste what I eat and drink? Am I still able to hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should I[gi] continue to be a burden to my lord the king? 36 I will cross the Jordan with the king and go a short distance.[gj] Why should the king reward me in this way? 37 Let me[gk] return so that I may die in my own town near the grave of my father and my mother. But look, here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever seems appropriate to you.”

38 The king replied, “Kimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever I deem appropriate. And whatever you choose, I will do for you.”

39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, as did the king. After the king had kissed him and blessed him, Barzillai returned to his home.[gl] 40 When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham[gm] crossed over with him. Now all the soldiers[gn] of Judah along with half the soldiers of Israel had helped the king cross over.[go]

41 Then all the men of Israel began coming to the king. They asked the king, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, sneak the king[gp] away and help the king and his household cross the Jordan—and not only him but all of David’s men as well?” 42 All the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative! Why are you so upset about this? Have we eaten at the king’s expense?[gq] Or have we misappropriated anything for our own use?” 43 The men of Israel replied to the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and we have a greater claim on David than you do! Why do you want[gr] to curse us? Weren’t we the first to suggest bringing back our king?” But the comments of the men of Judah were more severe than those of the men of Israel.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 15:1 tn Heb “acquired for himself.”
  2. 2 Samuel 15:1 tn Heb “to run ahead of him.”
  3. 2 Samuel 15:2 tn Heb “your servant.” So also in vv. 8, 15, 21.
  4. 2 Samuel 15:3 tn Heb “good and straight.”
  5. 2 Samuel 15:4 tn Heb “Who will make me?”
  6. 2 Samuel 15:4 tn Heb “a complaint and a judgment.” The expression is a hendiadys.
  7. 2 Samuel 15:5 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Absalom) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  8. 2 Samuel 15:6 tn Heb “stole the heart.”
  9. 2 Samuel 15:6 tn Heb “the men.”
  10. 2 Samuel 15:7 tc The MT has here “forty,” but this is presumably a scribal error for “four.” The context will not tolerate a period of forty years prior to the rebellion of Absalom. The Lucianic Greek recension (τέσσαρα ἔτη, tessara etē), the Syriac Peshitta (ʾarbaʿ sanin), and Vulgate (post quattuor autem annos) in fact have the expected reading “four years.” Most English translations follow the versions in reading “four” here, although some (e.g. KJV, ASV, NASB, NKJV), following the MT, read “forty.”
  11. 2 Samuel 15:8 tn Heb “for your servant vowed a vow.” The formal court style of referring to one’s self in third person (“your servant”) has been translated here as first person for clarity.
  12. 2 Samuel 15:9 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Absalom) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  13. 2 Samuel 15:10 tn Heb “say.”
  14. 2 Samuel 15:11 tn Heb “being invited and going naively and they did not know anything.”
  15. 2 Samuel 15:12 tn Traditionally, “counselor,” but this term is more often associated with psychological counseling today, so “adviser” was used in the translation instead.
  16. 2 Samuel 15:12 tn Heb “Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, the adviser of David, from his city, from Giloh, while he was sacrificing.” It is not entirely clear who (Absalom or Ahithophel) was offering the sacrifices.
  17. 2 Samuel 15:13 tn Heb “the heart of the men of Israel is with Absalom.”
  18. 2 Samuel 15:14 tn Heb “Arise!”
  19. 2 Samuel 15:14 tn Heb “let’s flee.”
  20. 2 Samuel 15:14 tn Heb “thrust.”
  21. 2 Samuel 15:14 tn Heb “and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”
  22. 2 Samuel 15:15 tn Heb “according to all that my lord the king will choose, behold your servants!”
  23. 2 Samuel 15:16 tn Heb “and all his house.”
  24. 2 Samuel 15:16 tn Heb “women, concubines.”
  25. 2 Samuel 15:17 tn Heb “and they stood.”
  26. 2 Samuel 15:17 tn Heb “house.”
  27. 2 Samuel 15:18 tn Heb “crossing over near his hand.”
  28. 2 Samuel 15:18 tn Heb “crossing over near the face of.”
  29. 2 Samuel 15:19 tn The word “new” is not in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation to make it clear that David refers to Absalom, not himself.
  30. 2 Samuel 15:19 tn Heb “place.”
  31. 2 Samuel 15:20 tn Heb “brothers,” but see v. 22.
  32. 2 Samuel 15:20 tn Heb “loyal love and truth.” The expression is a hendiadys.
  33. 2 Samuel 15:20 tn Heb “be with.”
  34. 2 Samuel 15:21 tn Heb “your servant.”
  35. 2 Samuel 15:22 tn Heb “Come and cross over.”
  36. 2 Samuel 15:22 tn Heb “crossed over.”
  37. 2 Samuel 15:22 tn Heb “all the little ones.”
  38. 2 Samuel 15:23 tn Heb “with a great voice.”
  39. 2 Samuel 15:23 tn Heb “crossing over.”
  40. 2 Samuel 15:23 tn Heb “crossing near the face of.”
  41. 2 Samuel 15:24 tn Heb “crossing from.”
  42. 2 Samuel 15:26 tn Heb “as [is] good in his eyes.”
  43. 2 Samuel 15:27 tn The Greek tradition understands the Hebrew word as an imperative (“see”). Most Greek mss have ἴδετε (idete); the Lucianic recension has βλέπε (blepe). It could just as well be taken as a question: “Don’t you see what is happening?” The present translation takes the word as a question, with the implication that Zadok is a priest and not a prophet (i.e., “seer”) and therefore unable to know what the future holds.
  44. 2 Samuel 15:27 tn Heb “And Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar, two of your sons, with you.” The pronominal suffix on the last word is plural, referring to Zadok and Abiathar.
  45. 2 Samuel 15:28 tn The pronoun is plural, referring to Zadok and Abiathar.
  46. 2 Samuel 15:31 tc The translation follows 4QSama, part of the Greek tradition, the Syriac Peshitta, Targum, and Vulgate in reading “and to David,” rather than MT וְדָוִד (vedavid, “and David”). As Driver points out, the Hebrew verb הִגִּיד (higgid, “he related”) never uses the accusative for the person to whom something is told (S. R. Driver, Notes on the Hebrew Text and the Topography of the Books of Samuel, 316).
  47. 2 Samuel 15:31 tn Heb “said.”
  48. 2 Samuel 15:33 tn Heb “cross over.”
  49. 2 Samuel 15:35 tn Heb “Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you?” The rhetorical question draws attention to the fact that Hushai will not be alone.
  50. 2 Samuel 15:35 tn Heb “from the house of the king.”
  51. 2 Samuel 15:36 tn Heb “and you must send by their hand to me every word which you hear.” Both of the second person verb forms are plural with Zadok, Abiathar, and Hushai being the understood subjects.
  52. 2 Samuel 16:1 tn Heb “a hundred summer fruit.”
  53. 2 Samuel 16:2 tn Heb “What are these to you?”
  54. 2 Samuel 16:2 tc The translation follows the Qere and many medieval Hebrew mss in reading וְהַלֶּחֶם (vehallekhem, “and the bread”) rather than וּלְהַלֶּחֶם (ulehallekhem, “and to the bread”) of the Kethib. The syntax of the MT is confused here by the needless repetition of the preposition, probably taken from the preceding word.
  55. 2 Samuel 16:2 tn The Hebrew text adds “to drink.”
  56. 2 Samuel 16:3 tn Heb “son.”
  57. 2 Samuel 16:3 tn Heb “my father’s.”
  58. 2 Samuel 16:5 tn Heb “came to.” The form of the verb in the MT is odd. Some prefer to read וַיַּבֹא (vayyavoʾ, preterite with vav consecutive) rather than וּבָא (uvaʾ, apparently perfect with vav), but this is probably an instance where the narrative offline veqatal construction introduces a new scene.
  59. 2 Samuel 16:5 tn Heb “And look, from there a man was coming out from the clan of the house of Saul and his name was Shimei son of Gera, continually going out and cursing.”
  60. 2 Samuel 16:7 tn Heb “man of worthlessness.”
  61. 2 Samuel 16:8 tn Heb “has brought back upon you.”
  62. 2 Samuel 16:10 tn Heb “What to me and to you?”
  63. 2 Samuel 16:11 tn Heb “who came out from my entrails.” David’s point is that is his own son, his child whom he himself had fathered, was now wanting to kill him.
  64. 2 Samuel 16:12 tc The Hebrew text is difficult here. It is probably preferable to read with the LXX, the Syriac Peshitta, and Vulgate בְּעוֹנִי (beʿonyi, “on my affliction”) rather than the Kethib of the MT בָּעַוֹנִי (baʿavoni, “on my wrongdoing”). While this Kethib reading is understandable as an objective genitive (i.e., “the wrong perpetrated upon me”), it does not conform to normal Hebrew idiom for this idea. The Qere of the MT בְּעֵינֵי (beʿeni, “on my eyes”), usually taken as synecdoche to mean “my tears,” does not commend itself as a likely meaning. The Hebrew word is one of the so-called tiqqune sopherim, or “emendations of the scribes.”
  65. 2 Samuel 16:12 tn Heb “and the Lord will restore to me good in place of his curse this day.”
  66. 2 Samuel 16:13 tn Heb “and he cursed and threw stones, opposite him, pelting [them] with dirt.” The offline veqatal construction in the last clause indicates an action that was complementary to the action described in the preceding clause. He simultaneously threw stones and dirt.
  67. 2 Samuel 16:14 tn Heb “he”; the referent (David) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  68. 2 Samuel 16:15 tn Heb “and all the people, the men of Israel.”
  69. 2 Samuel 16:16 tn Heb “to Absalom.” The proper name has been replaced by the pronoun “him” in the translation for stylistic reasons.
  70. 2 Samuel 16:18 tn Heb “No for with the one whom the Lord has chosen, and this people, and all the men of Israel, I will be and with him I will stay.” The translation follows the Qere and several medieval Hebrew mss in reading לוֹ (lo, “[I will be] to him”) rather than the MT לֹא (loʾ, “[I will] not be”), which makes very little sense here.
  71. 2 Samuel 16:19 tn Heb “Just as I served before your father, so I will be before you.”
  72. 2 Samuel 16:21 tn Heb “approach,” The verb בּוֹא (boʾ) with the preposition אֶל (ʾel) means “come to” or “approach,” but is also used as a euphemism for sexual relations.
  73. 2 Samuel 16:21 tn Heb “and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”
  74. 2 Samuel 16:22 sn That is, on top of the flat roof of the palace, so it would be visible to the public.
  75. 2 Samuel 16:22 tn Heb “approached.” See note at v. 21.
  76. 2 Samuel 16:23 tn Heb “And the advice of Ahithophel which he advised in those days was as when one inquires of the word of God.”
  77. 2 Samuel 16:23 tn Heb “So was all the advice of Ahithophel, also to David, also to Absalom.”
  78. 2 Samuel 17:2 tn Heb “and I will come upon him.”
  79. 2 Samuel 17:2 tn Heb “exhausted and slack of hands.”
  80. 2 Samuel 17:3 tc Heb “like the returning of all, the man whom you are seeking.” The LXX reads differently: “And I will return all the people to you the way a bride returns to her husband, except for the life of the one man whom you are seeking.” The other early versions also struggled with this verse. Modern translations are divided as well: the NAB, NRSV, REB, and NLT follow the LXX, while the NASB and NIV follow the Hebrew text.
  81. 2 Samuel 17:3 tn Heb “all of the people will be safe.”
  82. 2 Samuel 17:4 tn Heb “elders.”
  83. 2 Samuel 17:5 tc In the MT the verb is singular, but in the LXX, the Syriac Peshitta, and Vulgate it is plural.
  84. 2 Samuel 17:5 tn Heb “what is in his mouth.”
  85. 2 Samuel 17:7 tn Heb “Not good is the advice which Ahithophel has advised at this time.”
  86. 2 Samuel 17:8 tc The LXX (with the exception of the recensions of Origen and Lucian) repeats the description as follows: “Just as a female bear bereft of cubs in a field.”
  87. 2 Samuel 17:9 tn Heb “that he falls on them [i.e., Absalom’s troops] at the first [encounter]; or “that some of them [i.e., Absalom’s troops] fall at the first [encounter].”
  88. 2 Samuel 17:14 tn Heb “commanded.”
  89. 2 Samuel 17:15 tn Heb “elders.”
  90. 2 Samuel 17:16 tn Heb “send quickly and tell David saying.”
  91. 2 Samuel 17:16 tc The MT reads “the rift valleys (עֲרָבוֹת, ʿaravot) of the wilderness.” The plural form typically refers to the gently sloping plains at the basin of the rift valley just north of the Dead Sea (while the larger rift valley extends from Galilee to the Gulf of Aqaba). Many translations render as the “fords” (NASB, ESV, NIV, NRSV) assuming the reversal of two letters as עֲבָרוֹת (ʿavarot, “fords, crossing”).
  92. 2 Samuel 17:16 tn That is, “cross over the Jordan River.”
  93. 2 Samuel 17:16 tn Heb “swallowed up.”
  94. 2 Samuel 17:20 tn Heb “they”; the referents (Absalom’s men) have been specified in the translation for clarity.
  95. 2 Samuel 17:21 tn Heb “they”; the referents (Ahimaaz and Jonathan) have been specified in the translation for clarity.
  96. 2 Samuel 17:21 tn Heb “the water.”
  97. 2 Samuel 17:21 tn Heb “for thus Ahithophel has devised against you.” The expression “thus” is narrative shorthand, referring to the plan outlined by Ahithophel (see vv. 1-3). The men would surely have outlined the plan in as much detail as they had been given by the messenger.
  98. 2 Samuel 17:22 tn The word “River” is not in the Hebrew text here or in v. 24, but has been supplied in the translation for clarity.
  99. 2 Samuel 17:23 tc The Greek recensions of Origen and Lucian have here “house” for “grave.”
  100. 2 Samuel 17:25 tn Heb “come to.”
  101. 2 Samuel 17:26 tn Heb “and Israel.”
  102. 2 Samuel 17:28 tc The MT adds “roasted grain” וְקָלִי (veqali) at the end of v. 28, apparently accidentally repeating the word from its earlier occurrence in this verse. With the LXX, the Syriac Peshitta, and an Old Latin ms the translation deletes this second occurrence of the word.
  103. 2 Samuel 17:29 tn Heb “cheese of the herd,” probably referring to cheese from cow’s milk (rather than goat’s milk).
  104. 2 Samuel 17:29 tn Or “wilderness” (so KJV, NASB, NRSV, TEV, NLT).
  105. 2 Samuel 18:3 tn Heb “the people said.”
  106. 2 Samuel 18:3 tn Heb “march out.”
  107. 2 Samuel 18:3 tn Heb “they will not place to us heart.”
  108. 2 Samuel 18:3 tc The translation follows the LXX (except for the Lucianic recension), Symmachus, and Vulgate in reading אָתָּה (ʾattah, “you”) rather than MT עָתָּה (ʿattah, “now”).
  109. 2 Samuel 18:7 tn Heb “servants” (also in v. 9).
  110. 2 Samuel 18:9 tn Heb “the.”
  111. 2 Samuel 18:9 tn Heb “the donkey.”
  112. 2 Samuel 18:9 tn Heb “between the sky and the ground.”
  113. 2 Samuel 18:10 tc 4QSama lacks the word “one.”
  114. 2 Samuel 18:11 tn Heb “Why did you not strike him down there to the ground.”
  115. 2 Samuel 18:11 tn Heb “ten [shekels] of silver.” This would have been about 4 ounces (114 grams) of silver by weight.
  116. 2 Samuel 18:11 tn Heb “and a girdle” (so KJV); NIV “a warrior’s belt”; CEV “a special belt”; NLT “a hero’s belt.”
  117. 2 Samuel 18:12 tc The translation follows the Qere and many medieval Hebrew mss in reading וְלוּ (velu, “and if”) rather than MT וְלֹא (velo’, “and not”).
  118. 2 Samuel 18:12 tn Heb “weighing out in my hand.”
  119. 2 Samuel 18:12 tn Heb “a thousand [shekels] of silver.” This would have been about 25 pounds (11.4 kg) of silver by weight.
  120. 2 Samuel 18:12 tn Heb “extend my hand against.”
  121. 2 Samuel 18:12 tn Heb “in our ears.”
  122. 2 Samuel 18:12 tc The Hebrew text is very difficult here. The MT reads מִי (mi, “who”), apparently yielding the following sense: “Show care, whoever you might be, for the youth Absalom.” The Syriac Peshitta reads li (“for me”), the Hebrew counterpart of which may also lie behind the LXX rendering μοι (moi, “for me”). This reading seems preferable here, since it restores sense to the passage and most easily explains the rise of the variant.
  123. 2 Samuel 18:13 tc The translation follows the Qere, many medieval Hebrew mss, and a number of the ancient versions in reading בְנַפְשִׁי (venafshi, “against my life”) rather than the MT בְנַפְשׁוֹ (venafsho, “against his life”).
  124. 2 Samuel 18:13 tn Heb “stood aloof.”
  125. 2 Samuel 18:14 tn There is a play on the word “heart” here that is difficult to reproduce in English. Literally the Hebrew text says “he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the heart of the oak tree.” This figure of speech involves the use of the same word in different senses and is known as antanaclasis. It is illustrated in the familiar saying from the time of the American Revolution: “If we don’t hang together, we will all hang separately.” The present translation understands “heart” to be used somewhat figuratively for “chest” (cf. TEV, CEV), which explains why Joab’s armor-bearers could still “kill” Absalom after he had been stabbed with three spears through the “heart.” Since trees do not have “chests” either, the translation uses “middle.”
  126. 2 Samuel 18:16 tn Heb “the shofar” (the ram’s horn trumpet).
  127. 2 Samuel 18:17 tn Heb “and all Israel fled, each to his tent.” In this context this refers to the supporters of Absalom (see vv. 6-7, 16).
  128. 2 Samuel 18:18 tn Heb “and in his life.”
  129. 2 Samuel 18:18 tn This disjunctive clause (conjunction + subject + verb) describes an occurrence that preceded the events just narrated.
  130. 2 Samuel 18:18 tn Heb “a pillar.”
  131. 2 Samuel 18:19 tn Heb “that the Lord has vindicated him from the hand of his enemies.”
  132. 2 Samuel 18:20 tn Heb “but this day you will not bear good news.”
  133. 2 Samuel 18:23 tn The words “but he said” are not in the Hebrew text. They are supplied in the translation for clarity.
  134. 2 Samuel 18:23 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Joab) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  135. 2 Samuel 18:24 tn Heb “the two gates.”
  136. 2 Samuel 18:25 tn Heb “good news is in his mouth.”
  137. 2 Samuel 18:25 tn Heb “he”; the referent (the runner) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  138. 2 Samuel 18:27 tn Heb “I am seeing the running of the first one like the running of Ahimaaz.”
  139. 2 Samuel 18:28 tn Heb “Peace.”
  140. 2 Samuel 18:28 tn Heb “delivered over.”
  141. 2 Samuel 18:28 tn Heb “lifted their hand against.”
  142. 2 Samuel 18:31 tn Heb “And look, the Cushite came and the Cushite said.”
  143. 2 Samuel 18:31 tn Heb “for the Lord has vindicated you today from the hand of all those rising against you.”
  144. 2 Samuel 18:32 tn Heb “and all those rising against you for evil.”
  145. 2 Samuel 18:33 sn This marks the beginning of ch. 19 in the Hebrew text. Beginning with 18:33, the verse numbers through 19:43 in the English Bible differ from the verse numbers in the Hebrew text (BHS), with 18:33 ET = 19:1 HT, 19:1 ET = 19:2 HT, 19:2 ET = 19:3 HT, etc., through 19:43 ET = 19:44 HT. From 20:1 the versification in the English Bible and the Hebrew Bible is again the same.
  146. 2 Samuel 18:33 tc One medieval Hebrew ms, some mss of the LXX, and the Vulgate lack this repeated occurrence of “my son” due to haplography.
  147. 2 Samuel 18:33 tc The Lucianic Greek recension and Syriac Peshitta lack this repeated occurrence of “my son” due to haplography.
  148. 2 Samuel 19:4 tn Heb “with a great voice.”
  149. 2 Samuel 19:5 tn Heb “came to.”
  150. 2 Samuel 19:6 tn Heb “today.”
  151. 2 Samuel 19:6 tc The translation follows the Qere, 4QSama, and many medieval Hebrew mss in reading לוּ (lu, “if”) rather than MT לֹא (loʾ, “not”).
  152. 2 Samuel 19:6 tc The Lucianic Greek recension and Syriac Peshitta lack “today.”
  153. 2 Samuel 19:7 tn Heb “and speak to the heart of.”
  154. 2 Samuel 19:8 tn Heb “all the people.”
  155. 2 Samuel 19:8 tn The Hebrew text has simply “Israel” (see 18:16-17).
  156. 2 Samuel 19:8 tn Heb “had fled, each to his tent.”
  157. 2 Samuel 19:10 tn Heb “over us.”
  158. 2 Samuel 19:10 tc The LXX includes the following words at the end of v. 11: “And what all Israel was saying came to the king’s attention.” The words are misplaced in the LXX from v. 12 (although the same statement appears there in the LXX as well).
  159. 2 Samuel 19:11 tn Heb “his house.”
  160. 2 Samuel 19:11 tc The Hebrew text adds “to his house” (= palace), but the phrase, which also appears earlier in the verse, is probably accidentally repeated here.
  161. 2 Samuel 19:12 tn Heb “my bone and my flesh.”
  162. 2 Samuel 19:13 tn Heb “my bone and my flesh.”
  163. 2 Samuel 19:13 tn Heb “Thus God will do to me and thus he will add.”
  164. 2 Samuel 19:14 tn The referent of “he” is not entirely clear: cf. NCV “David”; TEV “David’s words”; NRSV, NLT “Amasa.”
  165. 2 Samuel 19:15 tn The word “River” is not in the Hebrew text, but has been supplied in the translation for clarity.
  166. 2 Samuel 19:15 tn The Hebrew text has simply “Judah.”
  167. 2 Samuel 19:15 tn Heb “the king.” The pronoun (“him”) has been used in the translation to avoid redundancy.
  168. 2 Samuel 19:17 tn Heb “youth.”
  169. 2 Samuel 19:17 tn Heb “rushed into.”
  170. 2 Samuel 19:19 tn Though this verb in the MT is third person masculine singular, it should probably be read as second person masculine singular. It is one of fifteen places where the Masoretes placed a dot over each of the letters of the word in question in order to call attention to their suspicion of the word. Their concern in this case apparently had to do with the fact that this verb and the two preceding verbs alternate from third person to second and back again to third. Words marked in this way in Hebrew manuscripts or printed editions are said to have puncta extrordinaria, or “extraordinary points.”
  171. 2 Samuel 19:20 tn The Hebrew text has simply “your servant.” The word "I" has been supplied for English style.
  172. 2 Samuel 19:22 tn Heb “what to me and to you.”
  173. 2 Samuel 19:23 tn Heb “swore to him.”
  174. 2 Samuel 19:24 tn Heb “son.”
  175. 2 Samuel 19:24 tn Heb “in peace.” So also in v. 31.
  176. 2 Samuel 19:24 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Mephibosheth) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  177. 2 Samuel 19:24 tn Heb “done his feet.”
  178. 2 Samuel 19:24 tn Heb “done.”
  179. 2 Samuel 19:26 tn Heb “your servant.”
  180. 2 Samuel 19:26 tn Heb “your servant.”
  181. 2 Samuel 19:27 tn Heb “and he”; the referent (the servant) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  182. 2 Samuel 19:27 tn Heb “your servant.”
  183. 2 Samuel 19:28 tn Heb “father.”
  184. 2 Samuel 19:28 tn Heb “and you placed your servant among those who eat at your table.”
  185. 2 Samuel 19:28 tn Heb “to cry out to.”
  186. 2 Samuel 19:30 tn Heb “take.”
  187. 2 Samuel 19:30 tn Heb “in peace.”
  188. 2 Samuel 19:31 tc The MT reading אֶת־בַיַּרְדֵּן (ʾet vayyarden, “in the Jordan”) is odd syntactically. The use of the preposition after the object marker אֶת (ʾet) is difficult to explain. Graphic confusion is likely in the MT; the translation assumes the reading מִיַּרְדֵּן (miyyarden, “from the Jordan”). Another possibility is to read the definite article on the front of “Jordan” (הַיַּרְדֵּן, hayyarden; “the Jordan”).
  189. 2 Samuel 19:32 tn Heb “great.”
  190. 2 Samuel 19:35 tn Heb “your servant.”
  191. 2 Samuel 19:35 tn Heb “your servant.”
  192. 2 Samuel 19:36 tn Heb “Like a little your servant will cross the Jordan with the king.”
  193. 2 Samuel 19:37 tn Heb “your servant.”
  194. 2 Samuel 19:39 tn Heb “to his place.”
  195. 2 Samuel 19:40 tn The MT in this instance alone spells the name with final ן (nun, “Kimhan”) rather than as elsewhere with final ם (mem, “Kimham”). As in most other translations, the conventional spelling (with ם) has been used here to avoid confusion.
  196. 2 Samuel 19:40 tn Heb “people.”
  197. 2 Samuel 19:40 tc The translation follows the Qere and many medieval Hebrew mss in reading the Hiphil verb הֶעֱבִירוּ (heʿeviru, “they caused to pass over”) rather than the Qal verb וַיְעֱבִרוּ (vayeʿeviru, “they crossed over”) of the MT.
  198. 2 Samuel 19:41 tn Heb “sneak you.”
  199. 2 Samuel 19:42 tn Heb “from the king.”
  200. 2 Samuel 19:43 tn The translation understands the verb in a desiderative sense, indicating the desire but not necessarily the completed action of the party in question. It is possible, however, that the verb should be given the more common sense of accomplished action, in which case it means here “Why have you cursed us?”
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