King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 3:35 Mean?
“And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.”
Context
33
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
34
Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him. wicked: Heb. children of iniquity
35
And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
36
And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. pleased them: Heb. was good in their eyes
37
For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(35) **To eat meat.**—The fasting of David in his grief had already attracted attention, so that the people came to urge him to take food; but he utterly refused “till the sun be down,” the usual time of ending a fast. David’s conduct had a good effect upon the people, and, indeed, they were generally disposed to look favourably upon whatever the king did.
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 3:35 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 3:35
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge