King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:6 in the King James Version says “And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on hi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.”

2 Samuel 16:6 · KJV

Context

4

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king. I humbly: Heb. I do obeisance

5

And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. he came forth: or, he still came forth and cursed

6

And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.

7

And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: bloody: Heb. man of blood

8

The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. behold: Heb. behold thee in thy evil

Read 2 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Humiliation, emphasizing suffering within God's sovereignty. David's humiliation through Shimei's cursing and Ziba's deception tests his faith in God's sovereignty. His refusal to punish Shimei demonstrates trust that God controls even unjust accusations. Ahithophel's counsel and Absalom's public sin with David's concubines fulfill Nathan's prophecy (12:11-12). Theological themes include suffering within God's sovereign plan, responding to unjust accusations with faith, and the full exposure of hidden sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 16 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 suffering within God's sovereignty 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 suffering within God's sovereignty?
  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
וַיְסַקֵּ֤ל1 of 15

“And he cast”

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

בָּֽאֲבָנִים֙2 of 15

“stones”

H68

a stone

אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

דָּוִ֑ד4 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְאֶת5 of 15
H853

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

כָּל6 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַבְדֵ֖י7 of 15

“and at all the servants”

H5650

a servant

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ8 of 15

“of king”

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֑ד9 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל10 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָם֙11 of 15

“and all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְכָל12 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגִּבֹּרִ֔ים13 of 15

“and all the mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

מִֽימִינ֖וֹ14 of 15

“were on his right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּמִשְּׂמֹאלֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“and on his left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 16:6 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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