King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:24 in the King James Version says “And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uria...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 11:24 · KJV

Context

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

26

And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
הַמּוֹרִ֤אים1 of 14

“And the shooters”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

הַמּוֹרִ֤אים2 of 14

“And the shooters”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

אֶל3 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַבְדְּךָ֛4 of 14

“and thy servant”

H5650

a servant

מֵעַ֣ל5 of 14
H5921

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

הַֽחוֹמָ֔ה6 of 14

“from off the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

מֵֽת׃7 of 14

“be dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עַבְדְּךָ֛8 of 14

“and thy servant”

H5650

a servant

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ9 of 14

“and some of the king's”

H4428

a king

וְגַ֗ם10 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עַבְדְּךָ֛11 of 14

“and thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֽוּרִיָּ֥ה12 of 14

“Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַֽחִתִּ֖י13 of 14

“the Hittite”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

מֵֽת׃14 of 14

“be dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 11:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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