King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:30 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:30 in the King James Version says “Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. An...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire. near: Heb. near my place”

2 Samuel 14:30 · KJV

Context

28

So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

29

Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.

30

Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire. near: Heb. near my place

31

Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

32

And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Return, emphasizing incomplete reconciliation. Joab's elaborate scheme to restore Absalom demonstrates human wisdom that undermines divine purposes. The partial reconciliation (Absalom returns but doesn't see David's face) proves insufficient for genuine restoration. Theological themes include the inadequacy of human reconciliation methods apart from genuine repentance, the danger of manipulation even for apparently good ends, and the necessity of complete rather than partial restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 14 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 incomplete reconciliation 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 incomplete reconciliation?
  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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 20

“Therefore he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 20

“is near”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַבְדֵ֧י3 of 20

“servants”

H5650

a servant

רְאוּ֩4 of 20

“See”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הַחֶלְקָ֖ה5 of 20

“field”

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

יוֹאָ֤ב6 of 20

“Joab's”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל7 of 20

“is near”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יָדִי֙8 of 20

“mine”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְלוֹ9 of 20
H0
שָׁ֣ם10 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שְׂעֹרִ֔ים11 of 20

“and he hath barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

לְכ֖וּ12 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיַּצִּ֜תוּ13 of 20

“and set”

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃14 of 20

“it on fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וַיַּצִּ֜תוּ15 of 20

“and set”

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

עַבְדֵ֧י16 of 20

“servants”

H5650

a servant

אַבְשָׁל֛וֹם17 of 20

“And Absalom's”

H53

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

אֶת18 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֶלְקָ֖ה19 of 20

“field”

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃20 of 20

“it on fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 15:4-52 Kings 10:6-71 Kings 21:9-142 Kings 9:332 Samuel 13:28-29

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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