King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 20:4 Mean?
“Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. Assemble: Heb. Call”
Context
2
So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.
3
And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood. ward: Heb. an house of ward shut: Heb. bound living: Heb. in widowhood of life
4
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. Assemble: Heb. Call
5
So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. Assemble: Heb. Call
6
And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. escape: Heb. deliver himself from our eyes
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **To Amasa.**—Thus David begins the fulfilment of his promise of 2Samuel 19:13. It proved an act of very doubtful expediency at this crisis.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 20:4 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 20:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge