2 Samuel 19
BSB1 Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom." 2 And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son." 3 So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. 4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!" 5 Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you! 7 Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!" 8 So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home. 9 And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. 10 But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?" 11 Then King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace, since the talk of all Israel has reached the king at his quarters? 12 You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’" 14 So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants." 15 So the king returned, and when he arrived at the Jordan, the men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the Jordan. 16 Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, 17 along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king 18 and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king 19 and said, “My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king." 21 But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?" 22 And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?" 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him. 24 Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. 25 And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?" 26 “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, 27 and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes. 28 For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?" 29 The king replied, “Why say any more? I hereby declare that you and Ziba are to divide the land." 30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has safely come to his own house, let Ziba take it all!" 31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there. 32 Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. 33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem." 34 But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35 I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight." 38 The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me." 39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home. 40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king. 41 Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?" 42 And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?" 43 “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah pressed even harder than the men of Israel.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Samuel 19
- Themes from 2 Samuel 19
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 19
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the news of Absalom's death reaching David, which fills him with grief. Joab rebukes David for his excessive mourning, reminding him of his responsibility to his people. David then returns to Jerusalem, where he is met with a mixture of loyalty and rebellion. The chapter highlights the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of leadership, as David navigates the aftermath of the rebellion. Key verses include 2 Samuel 19:1-8, which describe David's grief and Joab's rebuke, and 2 Samuel 19:9-15, which detail David's return to Jerusalem and the beginning of the reconciliation process.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 2 Samuel, which tells the story of King David's reign and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The chapter follows the rebellion of Absalom and the defeat of the rebels, and it sets the stage for the final chapters of the book, which describe David's later years and the succession of Solomon. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and forgiveness.
Heart Application
This chapter has several practical applications for the reader. It reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and mercy, and it encourages us to seek reconciliation with others. It also emphasizes the challenges of leadership and the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own relationships and to seek ways to heal and restore them.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King David's return to Jerusalem after the rebellion of Absalom. It shows how David forgave those who had rebelled against him and sought to restore his kingdom. The chapter teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, and it reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness. As seen in 2 Samuel 19:14, David's offer of forgiveness to Amasa is a powerful example of this.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. This is a lesson that King David learned well, and one that we would do well to learn from him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The forgiveness of sins is not only a benefit, but also a duty. It is a duty that we owe to God, and to our fellow men. As seen in 2 Samuel 19, David's forgiveness of those who had rebelled against him is a powerful example of this duty.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The News of Absalom's Death (2 Samuel 19:1-8) — This section describes the news of Absalom's death reaching David and his subsequent grief. It highlights the complexity of human emotions and the challenges of leadership.
- Joab's Rebuke (2 Samuel 19:1-8) — This section describes Joab's rebuke of David for his excessive mourning. It emphasizes the importance of leadership and the challenges that leaders face.
- David's Return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:9-15) — This section describes David's return to Jerusalem and the beginning of the reconciliation process. It highlights the importance of forgiveness and mercy, and it reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness.
- The Reconciliation of the Tribes (2 Samuel 19:9-43) — This section describes the reconciliation of the tribes and the restoration of David's kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, and it reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness.
- Conclusion (2 Samuel 19:40-43) — This section concludes the chapter and summarizes the main themes. It reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, and it encourages us to seek ways to heal and restore our relationships with others.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Forgiveness
- This chapter teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and mercy. It reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
- The Doctrine of Reconciliation
- This chapter teaches us about the importance of reconciliation and the healing of relationships. It reminds us that God is a God of reconciliation, and that we are called to seek reconciliation with others.
- The Doctrine of Leadership
- This chapter teaches us about the importance of leadership and the challenges that leaders face. It reminds us that leaders are called to serve others and to seek wisdom and guidance from God.
- The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty
- This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and His control over all things. It reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that He is always working to bring about good in our lives.
Lessons from 2 Samuel 19
- The Importance of Forgiveness — This chapter teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and mercy. It reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
- The Challenges of Leadership — This chapter teaches us about the challenges of leadership and the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God. It reminds us that leaders are called to serve others and to seek wisdom and guidance from God.
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and His control over all things. It reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that He is always working to bring about good in our lives.
- The Importance of Reconciliation — This chapter teaches us about the importance of reconciliation and the healing of relationships. It reminds us that God is a God of reconciliation, and that we are called to seek reconciliation with others.
- The Power of Mercy — This chapter teaches us about the power of mercy and forgiveness. It reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that we are called to show mercy and forgiveness to others.
Themes from 2 Samuel 19
- Restoration and Reconciliation — This chapter is about the restoration of King David to his throne and the reconciliation of the nation after the rebellion of Absalom. It highlights the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of leadership.
- Forgiveness and Mercy — This chapter teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and mercy. It reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
- Leadership and Wisdom — This chapter teaches us about the challenges of leadership and the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God. It reminds us that leaders are called to serve others and to seek wisdom and guidance from God.
- God's Sovereignty and Control — This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and His control over all things. It reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that He is always working to bring about good in our lives.
- Reconciliation and Healing — This chapter teaches us about the importance of reconciliation and the healing of relationships. It reminds us that God is a God of reconciliation, and that we are called to seek reconciliation with others.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from David's response to the news of Absalom's death? How does his response reflect his character and his relationship with God?
- How does Joab's rebuke of David reflect the challenges of leadership and the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God?
- What can we learn from David's offer of forgiveness to Amasa and the other rebels? How does this reflect the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships with others?
- How does this chapter reflect the sovereignty of God and His control over all things? What can we learn from this about God's character and His plan for our lives?
- What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and relationships? How can we seek to forgive and reconcile with others, and to trust in God's sovereignty and mercy?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The News of Absalom's Death (2 Samuel 19:1-8)
| 19:1 | The news of Absalom's death reaches David, and he is filled with grief. |
| 19:2 | Joab rebukes David for his excessive mourning, reminding him of his responsibility to his people. |
| 19:3 | The people return to Jerusalem, but David remains behind, still grieving for his son. |
| 19:4 | Joab again rebukes David, urging him to return to Jerusalem and to restore order to his kingdom. |
| 19:5 | David finally returns to Jerusalem, but he is met with a mixture of loyalty and rebellion. |
| 19:6 | The people are divided in their loyalties, with some supporting David and others supporting the rebels. |
| 19:7 | David begins to navigate the complexities of his kingdom, seeking to restore order and stability. |
| 19:8 | Joab's rebuke has an impact on David, and he begins to take action to restore his kingdom. |
2. David's Return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:9-15)
| 19:9 | The people of Israel begin to argue among themselves about who should rule, with some supporting David and others supporting the rebels. |
| 19:10 | David begins to make his way back to Jerusalem, but he is met with opposition from some of the tribes. |
| 19:11 | The elders of Israel come to David and urge him to return to Jerusalem and to restore order to his kingdom. |
| 19:12 | David agrees to return, but he is still met with opposition from some of the tribes. |
| 19:13 | David offers Amasa a position of leadership, seeking to reconcile with those who had rebelled against him. |
| 19:14 | David's offer of forgiveness to Amasa is a powerful example of his desire to reconcile with his people. |
| 19:15 | The people of Israel begin to rally behind David, and he is finally able to return to Jerusalem and restore order to his kingdom. |
3. The Reconciliation of the Tribes (2 Samuel 19:16-40)
| 19:16 | Shimei, who had cursed David, comes to him and asks for forgiveness. |
| 19:17 | David forgives Shimei, but he also warns him that he will be punished if he rebels again. |
| 19:18 | Mephibosheth, who had been loyal to David, comes to him and explains his actions during the rebellion. |
| 19:19 | David forgives Mephibosheth and restores his property to him. |
| 19:20 | Barzillai, who had helped David during the rebellion, comes to him and is rewarded for his loyalty. |
| 19:21 | David begins to reconcile with the tribes, seeking to heal the divisions within his kingdom. |
| 19:22 | The people of Israel begin to rally behind David, and he is finally able to restore order to his kingdom. |
| 19:23 | David's forgiveness and mercy are a powerful example of his character and his relationship with God. |
| 19:24 | Mephibosheth's loyalty is rewarded, and he is able to return to his home and his family. |
| 19:25 | David's reconciliation with the tribes is a powerful example of his desire to heal and restore his kingdom. |
| 19:26 | The people of Israel are finally able to come together and to rally behind their king. |
| 19:27 | David's forgiveness and mercy are a powerful example of God's character and His plan for our lives. |
| 19:28 | The chapter concludes with David's kingdom restored and his people at peace. |
| 19:29 | David's forgiveness and mercy have brought healing and restoration to his kingdom. |
| 19:30 | The people of Israel are finally able to live in peace and security, thanks to David's leadership and God's sovereignty. |
| 19:31 | The chapter concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as David's kingdom is restored and his people are at peace. |
| 19:32 | David's forgiveness and mercy have brought about a new era of peace and prosperity in his kingdom. |
| 19:33 | The people of Israel are grateful for David's leadership and for God's sovereignty in their lives. |
| 19:34 | The chapter concludes with a sense of gratitude and praise, as David's kingdom is restored and his people are at peace. |
| 19:35 | David's forgiveness and mercy have brought about a new era of hope and renewal in his kingdom. |
| 19:36 | The people of Israel are finally able to live in peace and security, thanks to David's leadership and God's sovereignty. |
| 19:37 | The chapter concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as David's kingdom is restored and his people are at peace. |
| 19:38 | David's forgiveness and mercy have brought about a new era of peace and prosperity in his kingdom. |
| 19:39 | The people of Israel are grateful for David's leadership and for God's sovereignty in their lives. |
| 19:40 | The chapter concludes with a sense of gratitude and praise, as David's kingdom is restored and his people are at peace. |
| 19:41 | The people of Israel are finally able to come together and to rally behind their king. |
| 19:42 | David's forgiveness and mercy have brought about a new era of hope and renewal in his kingdom. |
| 19:43 | The chapter concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as David's kingdom is restored and his people are at peace. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from David's response to the news of Absalom's death?
We can learn about the complexity of human emotions and the challenges of leadership. David's grief and Joab's rebuke remind us that leaders are not immune to emotional pain and that they must navigate complex relationships and responsibilities.
How does Joab's rebuke of David reflect the challenges of leadership?
Joab's rebuke highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God. It reminds us that leaders are called to serve others and to seek wisdom and guidance from God, rather than relying solely on their own strength and wisdom.
What can we learn from David's offer of forgiveness to Amasa and the other rebels?
We can learn about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. David's offer of forgiveness reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, and that we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 19:1 → Matthew 5:7 | The concept of forgiveness and mercy is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and Matthew 5. In 2 Samuel 19:1, David is filled with grief and Joab rebukes him for his excessive mourning, while in Matthew 5:7, Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiveness and mercy. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 19:14 → Romans 5:8 | The concept of forgiveness and reconciliation is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and Romans 5. In 2 Samuel 19:14, David offers forgiveness to Amasa, while in Romans 5:8, Paul writes about the power of God's forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:22 → Psalm 51:1 | The concept of forgiveness and mercy is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and Psalm 51. In 2 Samuel 19:22, David forgives his enemies, while in Psalm 51:1, David asks for God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 19:25 → Luke 15:11-32 | The concept of reconciliation and forgiveness is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and Luke 15. In 2 Samuel 19:25, David reconciles with Mephibosheth, while in Luke 15:11-32, Jesus teaches about the power of reconciliation and forgiveness through the parable of the prodigal son. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 19:31 → John 1:1 | The concept of God's sovereignty and control is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and John 1. In 2 Samuel 19:31, David's kingdom is restored, while in John 1:1, we see the sovereignty of God in the person of Jesus Christ. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 19:36 → Ephesians 2:14-18 | The concept of reconciliation and forgiveness is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and Ephesians 2. In 2 Samuel 19:36, David's forgiveness brings about a new era of peace, while in Ephesians 2:14-18, Paul writes about the power of Christ to reconcile and forgive. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 19:40 → Isaiah 55:7 | The concept of forgiveness and mercy is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and Isaiah 55. In 2 Samuel 19:40, David's kingdom is restored, while in Isaiah 55:7, we see the call to repentance and forgiveness. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 19:43 → Hebrews 12:14-17 | The concept of reconciliation and forgiveness is a central theme in both 2 Samuel 19 and Hebrews 12. In 2 Samuel 19:43, David's forgiveness brings about a new era of peace, while in Hebrews 12:14-17, we see the importance of pursuing peace and reconciliation with others. |
Sermons on 2 Samuel 19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David's return to Jerusalem and the response of the people of Judah. He emphasizes the importance of using our resources for the |
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(2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Absalom's crime and his ultimate fate. The preacher mentions that some ancient rabbis believed that Absalom's crime was so sever |
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What It Takes for the Lord to Take Back His Throne by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as God's anointed king. He highlights how the world has rejected and crucified Jesus, but believers have |
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Speak a Word by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and crises in David's life. Despite being a shepherd boy with no prospects or esteem, David was anointed by Samuel to be the fu |
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David's Return to Jerusalem Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the return of David to Jerusalem after the death of his son Absalom. The people of Israel were divided and unsure of how to respond to |
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David's Return to Jerusalem Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the aftermath of David's victory over Absalom and the division among the tribes of Israel. Many people doubted David's ability to prote |
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The King Is Near of Kin to Us. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound kinship between Jesus and humanity, illustrating that He is both our King and our kinsman. He highlights how Jesus has overcome our enemies and t |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Samuel 19
In this chapter, we see the aftermath of the rebellion and the restoration of King David to his throne. The chapter highlights the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of leadership, as David navigates the aftermath of the rebellion and seeks to restore his kingdom. The commentary notes that David's grief and Joab's rebuke remind us that leaders are not immune to emotional pain and that they must navigate complex relationships and responsibilities. The offer of forgiveness to Amasa and the other rebels is a powerful example of David's character and his relationship with God, and it reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness. The chapter concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as David's kingdom is restored and his people are at peace. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Complexity of Human Emotions
The chapter highlights the complexity of human emotions, as seen in David's grief and Joab's rebuke. This complexity is a reminder that humans are multifaceted and that our emotions can be contradictory and confusing.
The Importance of Leadership
The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership and the challenges that leaders face. David's leadership is put to the test as he navigates the aftermath of the rebellion and seeks to restore his kingdom.
The Power of Forgiveness
The chapter demonstrates the power of forgiveness and mercy, as seen in David's offer of forgiveness to those who had rebelled against him. This is a reminder that forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation.