2 Samuel 13:39
2 Samuel 13:39 in Multiple Translations
And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
And the heart of David was wasted with desire for Absalom: for he was comforted for the death of Amnon.
King David longed to go and see Absalom, for he had finished grieving over the death of Amnon.
And King Dauid desired to go forth vnto Absalom, because he was pacified concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
and [the soul of] king David determineth to go out unto Absalom, for he hath been comforted for Amnon, for [he is] dead.
King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.
And the soul of king David longed to go forth to Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
And king David ceased to pursue after Absalom, because he was comforted concerning the death of Amnon.
but after that, he desired very much to see Absalom, because he was no longer grieving about Amnon being dead.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:39
BAB
Word Study
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2 Samuel 13:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּכַל֙
דָּוִ֣ד
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
לָ/צֵ֖את
אֶל
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם
כִּֽי
נִחַ֥ם
עַל
אַמְנ֖וֹן
כִּֽי
מֵֽת
וַ/תְּכַל֙
kâlâh
H3615
to end
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
דָּוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לָ/צֵ֖את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִחַ֥ם
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אַמְנ֖וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
Amnon
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:39
וַ/תְּכַל֙
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
דָּוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לָ/צֵ֖את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִחַ֥ם
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אַמְנ֖וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
"Amnon"
N-proper
Amnon was a son of King David, known for his tragic story in the Bible. His name means 'faithful', but his actions were not faithful, as he committed a terrible sin against his sister Tamar.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.20; son of: Shimon (H7889); brother of: Rinnah (H7441), Ben-hanan (H1135) , Tilon (H8436) § Amnon = "faithful" 1) oldest son of David, rapist of Tamar, slain by Absalom 2) a son of Shimon (of Caleb's clan)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Amnon. See also: 2 Samuel 3:2; 2 Samuel 13:20; 1 Chronicles 4:20.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֵֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 13:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:39
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:39
Context — Absalom Flees to Geshur
37Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day.
38After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years.
39And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:67 | And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death. |
| 2 | Genesis 38:12 | After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. |
| 3 | Genesis 37:35 | All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. |
| 4 | Philippians 2:26 | For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 12:19–23 | When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he perceived that the child was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the child dead?” “He is dead,” they replied. Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate. “What is this you have done?” his servants asked. “While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate.” David answered, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” |
| 6 | Genesis 31:30 | Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?” |
| 7 | Psalms 84:2 | My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 28:32 | Your sons and daughters will be given to another nation, while your eyes grow weary looking for them day after day, with no power in your hand. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:20 | My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times. |
2 Samuel 13:39 Summary
[King David was very sad when his son Amnon died, but as time passed, he started to feel better and wanted to see his other son, Absalom. This shows that even in hard times, God can bring us comfort and peace, as seen in Philippians 4:7. King David's story teaches us that it's okay to feel sad and to grieve, but we should also look to God for healing and comfort. As it says in Psalm 30:5, weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David long to go to Absalom after his son Amnon's death?
King David longed to go to Absalom because he had been consoled over Amnon's death, indicating that his grief had begun to subside, allowing him to think about reconciling with his other son, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:39. This is a natural part of the grieving process, as noted in Ecclesiastes 3:4, where there is a time to mourn and a time to heal.
How can we, as believers, find comfort in times of grief and loss like King David?
We can find comfort in times of grief and loss by turning to God, just like King David did, as seen in Psalms 34:18, where it says that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. We can also find comfort in the knowledge that God works all things together for our good, according to Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from King David's relationship with his sons, particularly Absalom and Amnon?
We can learn that as parents, our relationships with our children are complex and multifaceted, and that we must seek God's wisdom and guidance in navigating these relationships, as seen in Proverbs 22:6, where it says to train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it. King David's experiences with his sons also show us the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:33, where David forgives Absalom and reconciles with him.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of King David's life and reign?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of King David's life and reign, as it shows how he is beginning to come to terms with the consequences of his own sin and the sin of his sons, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:10-12, where the prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin with Bathsheba. It also sets the stage for the events of 2 Samuel 14-18, where David's relationship with Absalom will continue to be a major theme.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can, like King David, allow myself to be consoled and comforted in times of grief and loss?
- How can I, as a believer, balance the need to grieve and process my emotions with the need to move forward and seek healing and reconciliation?
- What are some lessons that I can learn from King David's experiences as a parent, and how can I apply these lessons to my own relationships with my family members?
- How can I, like King David, seek to forgive and reconcile with those who have wronged me, even when it is difficult or painful?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:39
And [the soul of] King David longed to go forth unto Absalom,.... In like manner it is supplied and paraphrased in the Targum, because the word rendered "longed" is feminine; though it may be used to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:39
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. The soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
To go forth unto Absalom, to wit, to visit him, or to send for him. And thus this word the soul is here understood, partly from the Hebrew verb, which being of the feminine gender, agrees not with David, but with David’ s soul; and partly by comparing this with other places, where the same verb is used, and the soul expressed, as 119:81. But as this supplement may seem too bold, so this version seems not so well to agree with that phrase of going out to Absalom; for David neither desired nor intended to go out to Absalom, but that Absalom should come home to him. And these words may be and are otherwise rendered, by the most ancient and remarkable interpreters, to this purpose; And king David made an end of going out against (for so the Hebrew particle el is oft used, as Ezekiel 13 9,20 Amos 7:15). Absalom; i. e. having used some, though it is probable but cold and remiss, endeavours to pursue after Absalom, and to fetch him from his grandfather’ s to receive condign punishment, he now gave over thoughts of it. Thus the same verb, and that in the same conjugation, is used in the same manner, , he made an end of building. It is to be objected, That the Hebrew verb is of the feminine gender, and therefore doth not agree with king David, which is masculine. It may be answered, That enallage of genders is a most frequent figure; and as the masculine gender is sometimes applied to women when they do some manly and gallant action, , so the feminine gender is sometimes used of men when they show an effeminate tenderness in their disposition; which is the case here, as some learned Hebricians have noted.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
2 Samuel 13:39 And [the soul of] king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.Ver. 39. And the soul of king David longed to go forth.] He had many sallies and egressions of affection toward him, and could, but for stark shame, have gone himself, or sent others to fetch him home. Tbere is an ocean of love in a father’ s heart. Seeing he was dead.] And could not by any tears be recovered, though he had wept himself into a stone with Niobe, or blind, as did Faustus the son of king Vortiger, for his parent’ s incest.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
(39) The soul of King David.—The words, “the soul of,” are not in the original, and the most opposite interpretations have been given of the rest of the sentence. The sense of the English is that of the Chaldee and of the Jewish commentators—that David, after his grief for Amnon had abated, longed after Absalom and pined for his return. But it may be objected to this view, (1) that there is no ground for supplying the ellipsis in this way; (2) that the verb (which is a common one) never has elsewhere the sense given to it; and (3) that the representation thus made is contrary to fact, since David could easily have recalled Absalom had he chosen to do so, and when he actually was brought back, through Joab’s stratagem, the king refused to see him (2 Samuel 14:24), and only after two years more (2 Samuel 14:28), reluctantly admitted him to his presence. The other interpretation is better, which takes the verb impersonally, and gives the sense, David desisted from going forth against Absalom. He ought to have arrested and punished him for a murder, which was at once fratricide and high treason, as being the assassination of the heir-apparent; but the flight to Geshur made this difficult, and as time went by David “was comforted concerning Amnon,” and gradually gave up the thought of punishing Absalom.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:39
Verse 39. David longed to go forth unto Absalom] We find that he had a very strong paternal affection for this young man, who appears to have had little to commend him but the beauty of his person. David wished either to go to him, or to bring him back; for the hand of time had now wiped off his tears for the death of his son Amnon. Joab had marked this disposition, and took care to work on it, in order to procure the return of Absalom. It would have been well for all parties had Absalom ended his days at Geshur. His return brought increasing wretchedness to his unfortunate father. And it may be generally observed that those undue, unreasonable paternal attachments are thus rewarded.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:39
39. And the soul of king David, &c.] The Heb. of this verse is obscure, and has been made to bear almost opposite meanings. (1) The E. V., following the Jewish commentators, supplies the soul as the subject of the verb, which is feminine. It describes David as pining for the return of Absalom, after his sorrow for Amnon’s death had abated. To this interpretation it may be objected, (a) that the verb, in the voice used here, does not mean longed: (b) that if David had been anxious for Absalom’s return, he might have recalled him at once, whereas even when by Joab’s instrumentality he had been brought back to Jerusalem, he was not admitted to the royal presence. (2) By taking the verb impersonally we may obtain the sense, David desisted from going forth against Absalom (so the Vulg. “cessavitque rex David persequi Absalom;” and probably the Sept.), i.e. he gave up plans of pursuit and revenge; or by emending the text according to a very probable conjecture, the king’s wrath ceased to go forth against Absalom. Either of these renderings gives the general sense which seems to be required by the context, that David’s active hostility towards Absalom was mitigated by the lapse of time.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:39
Longed to go forth - Rather, “longed after Absalom,” literally, was consumed in going forth, with a sense of disappointed hope.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:39
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:58 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a scene from the Bible where a servant is sent to find a bride for Isaac, the son of Abraham. The servant tells the family about Isaac's mira |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:59-67 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Rebekah and Isaac from the Bible. Rebekah asks the servant to tell her about Isaac again, specifically about his birth and how his f |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:1 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 24, which tells the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a bride for his son Isaac. The preacher emphasizes the lead |
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Knowing God's Will by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who became paralyzed and was abandoned by his wife. Despite his anger and despair, the man turned to God and prayed fo |
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(Genesis) - Part 21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking for spiritual qualities rather than earthly qualities when seeking a partner. He highlights the problems that can a |
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God's Will for Young People by Peet Botha | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the six things that happened in the lives of Martin and Lisa. The congregation experiences the serenity of God and acknowledges that what has |
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Finding a Bride for Isaac Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the narrative of finding a bride for Isaac in Genesis 24. He highlights the role of Laban, Rebecca's brother, in providing hospitality t |