King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:13 in the King James Version says “And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.”

2 Samuel 15:13 · KJV

Context

11

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

13

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

14

And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. bring: Heb. thrust

15

And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. appoint: Heb. choose

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Rebellion, emphasizing betrayal, trusting God in exile. Absalom's conspiracy demonstrates calculating betrayal and political manipulation. David's flight from Jerusalem parallels later exile experiences, developing themes of trusting God during devastating reversals. The Hebrew emphasizes Absalom's patient, methodical undermining of David's authority. Cross-references to Psalms written during this period (Psalms 3, 63) reveal David's spiritual responses to political catastrophe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 15 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 betrayal, trusting God in exile 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 betrayal, trusting God in exile?
  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 · 11 words
וַיָּבֹא֙1 of 11

“And there came”

H935

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

הַמַּגִּ֔יד2 of 11

“a messenger”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

אֶל3 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֖ד4 of 11

“to David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 11

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָיָ֛ה6 of 11
H1961

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

לֶב7 of 11

“The hearts”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אִ֥ישׁ8 of 11

“of the men”

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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י10 of 11

“are after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃11 of 11

“Absalom”

H53

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

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 15:13 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 15:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 9:32 Samuel 15:6Matthew 27:22Psalms 62:92 Samuel 3:36Matthew 21:9

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

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