2 Samuel 20:2
2 Samuel 20:2 in Multiple Translations
So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.
So all the men of Israel, turning away from David, went after Sheba, the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah were true to their king, going with him from Jordan as far as Jerusalem.
So all the men of Israel abandoned David to follow Sheba, son of Bichri. But the men of Judah accompanied their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
So euery man of Israel went from Dauid and followed Sheba the sonne of Bichri: but the men of Iudah claue fast vnto their King, from Iorden euen to Ierusalem.
And every man of Israel goeth up from after David, after Sheba son of Bichri, and the men of Judah have cleaved to their king, from the Jordan even unto Jerusalem.
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah joined with their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.
So every man of Israel, withdrawing from David, followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah adhered to their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.
And all Israel departed from David, and followed Seba the son of Bochri: but the men of Juda stuck to their king from the Jordan unto Jerusalem.
So all the men from the other Israeli tribes deserted David and went with Sheba, but the men of Judah stayed with David. They wanted him to be their king, and went with him from near the Jordan River up to Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:2
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2 Samuel 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:2
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:2
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:2
Context — Sheba’s Rebellion
2So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
3When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows. 4Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 6:66–68 | From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. |
| 2 | Acts 11:23 | When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:15 | 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. |
| 4 | Psalms 62:9 | Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:14 | To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 19:40–41 | 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. 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?” |
| 7 | Psalms 118:8–10 | It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 10:17 | but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. |
2 Samuel 20:2 Summary
This verse tells us that when a man named Sheba son of Bichri rebelled against King David, many of the men of Israel followed him, but the men of Judah stayed loyal to their king. This shows us the importance of loyalty and faithfulness, especially to God's anointed leaders, as seen in Psalms 105:15. Just like the men of Judah, we should strive to be faithful and loyal to those in authority over us, as emphasized in Romans 13:1-2 and Hebrews 13:17. By doing so, we can demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of Israel desert David to follow Sheba son of Bichri?
The men of Israel deserted David because they were swayed by Sheba's rebellious cry, which appealed to their sense of tribal loyalty and dissatisfaction with David's leadership, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:1. This highlights the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to God's anointed leaders, as emphasized in Psalms 105:15.
What is significant about the men of Judah staying by their king?
The men of Judah staying by their king demonstrates their loyalty and commitment to David, which is a testament to their faithfulness and trust in God's anointed leader, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:2. This loyalty is reminiscent of the faithfulness of the tribe of Judah in 1 Chronicles 28:4, where God chose Judah to be the tribe from which the kings of Israel would come.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of David's reign?
This verse marks a turning point in David's reign, as he faces rebellion and opposition from within his own kingdom, but ultimately finds loyalty and support from the men of Judah, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:2. This event is part of the larger narrative of David's life, which is marked by both triumph and tribulation, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13 and 2 Samuel 7:1-17.
What can we learn from the contrast between the men of Israel and the men of Judah?
The contrast between the men of Israel and the men of Judah teaches us about the importance of loyalty, faithfulness, and trust in God's anointed leaders, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:2. It also highlights the dangers of rebellion and the consequences of following self-serving leaders, as warned in Proverbs 28:2 and 1 Samuel 15:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to God's anointed leaders in my life?
- How can I discern when to stand by a leader and when to distance myself, and what role does prayer and seeking God's wisdom play in this process, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some potential consequences of following self-serving leaders or rebelling against God's anointed leaders, and how can I avoid these pitfalls, as warned in 1 Samuel 15:23 and Proverbs 28:2?
- How can I cultivate a sense of trust and loyalty in my relationships with others, and what role does forgiveness and humility play in this process, as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:2
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:2
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:2
Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Loyalty by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches on the profound friendship between David and Jonathan, emphasizing their unwavering loyalty to each other despite challenging circumstances. This loyalty exten |
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The Men of Judah Clave Unto Their King. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of steadfast loyalty to Jesus, drawing parallels between the men of Judah who clave unto their king and the biblical figures of Ruth and Naomi. |
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There's Something Missing by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the word of the Lord spread and impacted people's lives in the absence of modern communication tools. He emphasizes the importance of havi |
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(John - Part 29): From That Time, Many of His Disciples Went Back - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a disturbing message that the Lord gave to the people. He tells them that they are not morally able to believe in Him and that they will peri |
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Road to Reality - Do We Really Believe What We Say We Believe? by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother KP Johannon challenges parents and pastors to truly live out their beliefs in order to lead others to a life with God. He emphasizes the importance of givin |
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Will Ye Also Go Away (John 6) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a powerful experience he had while visiting a prison. He came across a young child who had written a note saying "God is with me" and was d |
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(John - Part 30): From That Time on Many of His Disciples Went Back - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the presence of religion in Washington and society as a whole. He emphasizes the simplicity and directness of their approach to preaching a |






