King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:9 in the King James Version says “And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 19:9 · KJV


Context

7

Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now. comfortably: Heb. to the heart of thy servants

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of restoration, leadership wisdom?
  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 · 22 words
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 22
H1961

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

כָל2 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָם֙3 of 22

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

נָד֔וֹן4 of 22

were at strife

H1777

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

בְּכָל5 of 22
H3605

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

שִׁבְטֵ֥י6 of 22

throughout all the tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל7 of 22

of Israel

H3478

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר8 of 22

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ9 of 22

The king

H4428

a king

הִצִּילָ֣נוּ׀10 of 22

saved

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִכַּ֣ף11 of 22

us out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

אֹֽיְבֵ֗ינוּ12 of 22

of our enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

וְה֤וּא13 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִלְּטָ֙נוּ֙14 of 22

and he delivered

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

מִכַּ֣ף15 of 22

us out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים16 of 22

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְעַתָּ֛ה17 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

בָּרַ֥ח18 of 22

and now he is fled

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

מִן19 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָ֖רֶץ20 of 22

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מֵעַ֥ל21 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃22 of 22

for 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 19:9 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 19:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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