King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:24 in the King James Version says “And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and hi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.”

2 Samuel 13:24 · KJV

Context

22

And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

23

And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

24

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

25

And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

26

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt over his own sexual sin) enabled further tragedy. Hebrew terminology emphasizes Tamar's desolation and Absalom's calculated hatred. The narrative demonstrates intergenerational sin consequences and the necessity of proper justice administration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 13 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 unresolved sin, family breakdown 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 unresolved sin, family breakdown?
  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 · 15 words
וַיָּבֹ֤א1 of 15

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙2 of 15

“And Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ4 of 15

“the king”

H4428

a king

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר5 of 15

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּה6 of 15
H2009

lo!

נָ֥א7 of 15
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

גֹֽזְזִ֖ים8 of 15

“hath sheepshearers”

H1494

to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃9 of 15

“Behold now thy servant”

H5650

a servant

יֵֽלֶךְ10 of 15

“go”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

נָ֥א11 of 15
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ12 of 15

“the king”

H4428

a king

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃13 of 15

“Behold now thy servant”

H5650

a servant

עִם14 of 15
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃15 of 15

“Behold now thy servant”

H5650

a servant

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 13:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 13:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 55:21Psalms 12:22 Samuel 11:8-15Jeremiah 41:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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