King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 19:10 Mean?
“And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? speak: Heb. are ye silent?”
2 Samuel 19:10 · KJV
Context
8
Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.
9
And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.
10
And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? speak: Heb. are ye silent?
11
And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.
12
Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?
This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Return, emphasizing restoration, leadership wisdom. David's return to Jerusalem requires political wisdom as he navigates competing factions. His restoration of enemies (Shimei) and reward of supporters demonstrates leadership discernment. Theological themes include wise leadership during restoration, the complexity of post-crisis reconciliation, balancing justice and mercy, and the necessity of moving forward despite ongoing tensions.
This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Return, emphasizing restoration, leadership wisdom. David's return to Jerusalem requires political wisdom as he navigates competing factions. His restoration of enemies (Shimei) and reward of supporters demonstrates leadership discernment. Theological themes include wise leadership during restoration, the complexity of post-crisis reconciliation, balancing justice and mercy, and the necessity of moving forward despite ongoing tensions.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 19 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 restoration, leadership wisdom 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
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of restoration, leadership wisdom?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוְאַבְשָׁלוֹם֙1 of 13
“And Absalom”
H53abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 13
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָשַׁ֣חְנוּ3 of 13
“whom we anointed”
H4886to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
עָלֵ֔ינוּ4 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה6 of 13
“in battle”
H4421a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
לָמָ֥ה8 of 13
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
מַֽחֲרִשִׁ֖ים10 of 13
“Now therefore why speak”
H2790to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
לְהָשִׁ֥יב11 of 13
“back”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת12 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 19:10 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 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge