King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:23 in the King James Version says “And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.”

2 Samuel 11:23 · KJV

Context

21

Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

22

So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for.

23

And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

24

And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

25

Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him. displease: Heb. be evil in thine eyes one: Heb. so and such

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David and Bathsheba, emphasizing devastating consequences of sin. David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah represent the nadir of his reign. The Hebrew narrative's sparse, matter-of-fact reporting heightens the horror. The phrase "but the thing that David had done displeased the LORD" (v. 27) marks divine displeasure. This chapter demonstrates that even "a man after God's own heart" can fall catastrophically when neglecting spiritual disciplines and succumbing to temptation. Cross-references to Psalm 51 reveal David's repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 11 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding devastating consequences of sin provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of devastating consequences of sin?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמַּלְאָךְ֙2 of 16

“And the messenger”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔ד4 of 16

“unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כִּֽי5 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גָבְר֤וּ6 of 16

“prevailed”

H1396

to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently

עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים8 of 16
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַיֵּֽצְא֥וּ9 of 16

“against us and came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֵלֵ֖ינוּ10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה11 of 16

“unto us into the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וַנִּֽהְיֶ֥ה12 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם13 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַד14 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

פֶּ֥תַח15 of 16

“and we were upon them even unto the entering”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַשָּֽׁעַר׃16 of 16

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 11:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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