Absalom Kills Amnon and Flees
2 Samuel 13:23-39
2 S.13.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לשנתים: PREP+NOUN,f,dual,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- גזזים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאבשלום: PREP+PROPN,m,sg
- בבעל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חצור: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עם: PREP
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 13:28-29 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: at Absalom's sheepshearing the king's sons are summoned and Amnon is murdered—directly completes the event begun in 13:23.
- 2 Samuel 13:1-22 (structural): Narrative background that motivates the gathering in 13:23: Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's ensuing hatred and plotting, which culminates at the sheepshearing.
- Genesis 34:25-26 (thematic): A deceptive mass gathering (Shechem's men circumcised) is used as the occasion for a violent reprisal—parallels the use of a communal event (sheepshearing) as the setting for revenge.
- Esther 7:9-10 (thematic): A banquet/feast functions as the staged setting for a political reversal and the removal of an enemy; thematically similar to Absalom's use of a sheepshearing feast to carry out vengeance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass after two years that Absalom had his shearing at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
- And it was after two years, at the time of Absalom's shearing at Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom called all the king's sons.
2 S.13.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- נא: PART
- גזזים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לעבדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ילך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועבדיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- עם: PREP
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
Parallels
- Genesis 34:25 (thematic): Shearing/related communal occasions become the setting for a planned massacre—Simeon and Levi attack the city of Shechem after an apparently vulnerable moment, echoing the use of a social agricultural gathering as cover for revenge.
- 1 Samuel 25:2–3 (verbal): Explicit mention of a shearing feast (Nabal was shearing his sheep); parallels the social and economic context of 'guzzim' (shearers) as occasions for large gatherings and political/social interaction.
- 2 Samuel 13:28–29 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Absalom uses the shearing feast as the occasion to have Amnon killed—directly completes the intention expressed in 2 Samuel 13:24.
- Judges 14:10–12 (thematic): A wedding/feasting occasion (Samson’s wedding feast) functions as a setting for deception, challenge, and ensuing bloodshed—parallel in how celebratory gatherings become loci of conflict and vengeance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom came to the king and said, "Behold now, your servant has his shearing; let the king and his servants go with your servant."
- And Absalom came to the king and said, "Behold now, the shearing of your servant is; let the king and his servants go with your servant."
2 S.13.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אל: NEG
- נא: PART
- נלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- כלנו: PRON,1,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- נכבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- ויפרץ: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- אבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- ויברכהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.13.37 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence — Absalom flees to Geshur after the incident; verse 13:25 is part of the sequence that leads to his flight and exile (direct continuation of the episode).
- 2 Sam.14.28-33 (structural): Return and reconciliation motif — Joab engineers Absalom’s return to Jerusalem and a staged reconciliation with David, showing the later outcome of the father–son rupture begun in ch.13.
- 2 Sam.15.1-6 (thematic): Absalom’s political ambition and public appropriation of royal favor — develops the fallout of the strained relationship between David and Absalom signaled in 13:25 (path from private family rift to open rebellion).
- Gen.37.34-35 (thematic): Parental grief and family disintegration — Jacob’s reaction to Joseph’s apparent death echoes the theme of a father’s anguish and a family torn apart, similar to the David–Absalom conflict.
- 1 Sam.20.41-42 (verbal): Farewell/blessing exchange — Jonathan and David’s parting involves verbal blessings and instructions about not accompanying one another, paralleling the brief parental/royal admonition and blessing addressed to Absalom in 13:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to Absalom, "No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be a burden to you." But Absalom pressed him, and he would not go; and the king blessed him.
- And the king said to Absalom, "O my son, do not let us all go, lest we be a burden to you." But Absalom pressed him; and he would not go, and he blessed him.
2 S.13.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ילך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למה: ADV
- ילך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
Parallels
- 2 Sam.13.22 (structural): Explains Absalom’s motive—his hatred for Amnon because Amnon violated Tamar—which gives context for excluding Amnon from the gathering.
- 2 Sam.13.23-29 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Absalom’s sheep-shearing feast, his directive about Amnon, and the ambush in which Amnon is murdered—shows how the exclusion leads directly to the killing.
- Gen.34.25-26 (thematic): Sisters’ defilement followed by a calculated, violent revenge enacted through deceit and an ambush (Simeon and Levi’s slaughter of Shechem’s men)—parallels motive and method.
- Judg.19:25-30 (thematic): Brutal sexual assault of a woman in a domestic setting and the eruption of violent retribution by kin—echoes the themes of sexual violence and vengeful familial retaliation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom said, "Please let Amnon my brother go with us." And the king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"
- And Absalom said, "Let my brother Amnon go with us." And the king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"
2 S.13.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפרץ: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- את: PRT,acc
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2Sam.13.28-29 (structural): Direct continuation of the episode: these verses record Absalom's servants carrying out the killing of Amnon after Absalom's command in v.27.
- 2Sam.4:5-12 (thematic): Two men (servants) murder a member of the royal house (Ish-bosheth) — parallels the motif of assassination within the royal household and the political fallout that follows.
- 2Sam.3:27 (thematic): Abner's murder by Joab is another high-profile, internally driven killing that destabilizes David's realm—similar dynamics of treachery and intra-house violence.
- Gen.34:25-26 (thematic): Sons avenge sexual violence by slaughtering the male population of Shechem—parallels Absalom's act of violent vengeance for Tamar's rape.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Absalom urged him, so he sent Amnon and all the king's sons with him.
- But Absalom pressed him, and he sent him — Amnon and all the king's sons.
2 S.13.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- נעריו: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- נא: PART
- כטוב: PREP+ADJ,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- הכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והמתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- הלוא: PART
- כי: CONJ
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- צויתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- חזקו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לבני: PREP
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 34:25–26 (thematic): Simeon and Levi secretly massacre the men of Shechem in retaliation for Dinah’s rape—an orchestrated, intra-kin act of violent revenge carried out by trusted retainers/kin under cover of a settled plan.
- Genesis 4:8 (thematic): Cain’s murder of Abel is the paradigmatic fratricide: a brother plots and kills a sibling, highlighting the kinship‑based violence and personal motive present in Absalom’s ordering of Amnon’s death.
- Judges 9:5–6, 21–25 (structural): Abimelech’s killing of his brothers (using hired or loyal men) to eliminate rivals and secure power parallels Absalom’s use of his young men to remove a rival family member in a dynastic struggle.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (structural): Joab’s ambush and murder of Abner by means of trusted soldiers/servants resembles the tactic of directing loyal retainers to commit a politically motivated killing within the royal milieu.
- 2 Samuel 18:14–15 (thematic): Joab’s slaying of Absalom (a son/kinsman) in the context of a power struggle echoes the intra‑familial, politically charged killing and the use of violence to decide succession/conflict within David’s house.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom commanded his servants, "See, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then kill him; fear not. Behold, I have commanded you—be strong and be men of valor."
- And Absalom commanded his young men, "See now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then kill him; do not fear; have not I commanded you? Be strong and be valiant."
2 S.13.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נערי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמנון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וירכבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פרדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam 13:24 (quotation): Absalom's explicit command to his servants to kill Amnon—the immediate verbal source and instruction for the deed carried out in v.29.
- 2 Sam 13:30 (structural): Immediate aftermath of the murder: Absalom (and his household) flees—continues the narrative sequence begun in v.29.
- Gen 37:23-28 (thematic): Joseph's brothers conspire to remove a brother by deceit and send him away—parallels fraternal betrayal, plotting, and the enforced departure of the victim.
- Gen 34:25-26 (thematic): Simeon and Levi's calculated massacre of Shechem's men after treachery—parallels a planned, retaliatory killing carried out by kin and followers and the perpetrators' subsequent withdrawal.
- 1 Sam 19:11-17 (thematic): David's escape from Saul with help (Michal and allies) amid palace intrigue—shares the motif of fleeing a royal household after a life-threatening palace episode.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded; and all the king's sons arose, each mounted upon his mule, and fled.
- And the young men of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded; then all the king's sons arose and each mounted his mule and fled.
2 S.13.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והשמעה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- באה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- נותר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 37:31-35 (thematic): Brothers give Jacob a false report of a son's death (Joseph) — parallel motif of a father being told that one or more sons have been killed.
- 2 Samuel 12:15-18 (thematic): A messenger reports the death of David’s child — similar scene of news of a son’s death reaching David and provoking grief/response.
- 2 Samuel 13:21-22 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter: earlier verses note that the word of Amnon’s wrongdoing and its aftermath was told to David, showing recurring reports about his sons and David’s delayed response.
- 2 Samuel 18:19-33 (verbal): Later sequences of messengers (Ahimaaz, Cushi) bring news about Absalom and the battle; parallels include messenger-report motif and David’s intense emotional reaction to reported fate of his son.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass, as they were going, that a report came to David, saying, "Absalom has struck down all the king's sons; there is not one of them left."
- And as they were on the way, a report came to David, saying, "Absalom has struck down all the king's sons; there is not one of them left."
2 S.13.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקרע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בגדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- נצבים: ADJ,masc,pl,abs
- קרעי: NOUN,m,pl,constr
- בגדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 1:11-12 (structural): David and his men tear their clothes in public mourning for Saul and Jonathan — a close, intra-book instance of royal/public tearing of garments as lamentation.
- 2 Samuel 3:31 (structural): David commands the people to rend their clothes and mourn over Abner — another immediate narrative parallel in 2 Samuel using the same ritual expression of grief.
- Genesis 37:34-35 (verbal): Jacob rends his garments on hearing of Joseph’s supposed death — a near-verbal parallel (tearing clothes) that links private/familial grief with the larger Old Testament mourning motif.
- Job 1:20 (thematic): Job rends his robe and shaves his head on hearing his losses — the same ancient gesture of tearing clothing to express profound personal calamity and lament.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the ground; and all his servants stood by with their garments torn.
- Then the king rose, and tore his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their garments torn.
2 S.13.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונדב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמעה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הנערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המיתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מיום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ענתו: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- תמר: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- אחתו: NOUN,f,sg,cons,3,m
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 13:28–29 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Absalom orders his servants to kill Amnon, accomplishing the vengeance Jonadab proposes here.
- 2 Samuel 13:21 (verbal): Uses nearly identical rationale—Absalom's hatred of Amnon 'because he had humbled/violated Tamar'—echoing the motive cited by Jonadab.
- 2 Samuel 13:1–14 (thematic): Background account of Amnon's rape of Tamar that creates the offense and motive for the proposed and enacted revenge; verse 13:14 especially describes the act of humiliation/violation.
- Genesis 34:25–26 (thematic): Earlier pattern of intrafamilial vengeance for the sexual violation of a sister (Dinah): Simeon and Levi massacre Shechem’s men in retribution, a close thematic antecedent to Amnon’s killing.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered and said, "Let not my lord suppose that all the young men, the king's sons, are dead; only Amnon is dead; for by the counsel of Absalom this thing was determined from the day he violated his sister Tamar."
- Now Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered and said, "Do not let my lord suppose that all the king's sons are dead; only Amnon is dead.
2 S.13.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- אל: NEG
- ישם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 37:31-35 (thematic): Joseph’s brothers present his bloodied coat to Jacob and tell him his son is dead—deceptive news about a son’s death and the father’s resulting grief, paralleling the theme of reporting or managing a king’s response to a son’s death.
- 2 Samuel 18:31-33 (thematic): After Absalom’s death David laments deeply (‘O my son Absalom’); this later royal grief contrasts with Absalom’s earlier effort (2 Sam 13:33) to minimize the impact of Amnon’s death on the king.
- 2 Samuel 12:15-23 (thematic): David’s reaction to the illness and death of Bathsheba’s infant—intense royal mourning over the loss of a child—parallels the motif of a king’s emotional response when a child/son dies.
- 2 Samuel 13:34-39 (structural): Immediate context: the events following Absalom’s murder of Amnon and David’s reaction; these verses show how the attempted calming of the king’s heart plays out and illuminate the purpose of the message in v.33.
- 1 Samuel 25:18-35 (allusion): Abigail’s intercession to avert David’s wrath (bringing a conciliatory message and gifts) parallels the tactic of sending a message to the king to prevent an extreme reaction—both are attempts to shape a king’s heart and response to violent events.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore let not my lord the king put the thing into his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead; only Amnon is dead.
- And now, my lord the king, let not your heart be troubled to say that all the king's sons are dead, for only Amnon is dead."
2 S.13.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויברח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- עם: PREP
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- הלכים: VERB,qal,ptc,.,m,pl
- מדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- מצד: PREP
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 37:25 (verbal): Both verses use the same narrative formula — 'lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold a great company' — Joseph's brothers see a caravan, as here the fleeing man sees a company approaching.
- 2 Samuel 13:36–37 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: these verses report Absalom's actual flight and exile to Geshur, directly linked to the sighting of the company in v.34.
- 2 Samuel 18:9–15 (thematic): Later episode of Absalom fleeing and being overtaken/pursued on the hillside/among trees; both scenes center on Absalom's flight, a pursual, and a watchman/observer reporting a lone runner.
- 2 Samuel 15:30 (thematic): Another royal flight to the hillside/Olives where David and others move on a mountain road; parallels the motif of urgent escape and movement along a mountain path with onlookers.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom fled. And the young man on lookout lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, a great company was coming from the road behind him, from the hill country.
- And Absalom fled, and the man who kept watch lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, there was a great company coming from the road behind him from the hill side.
2 S.13.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונדב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנה: PART
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- כן: ADV
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 13:5 (verbal): Same speaker (Jonadab) and earlier counsel: Jonadab advised Amnon to feign illness and invite the king’s sons—'as thy servant said' in 13:35 explicitly refers back to this prior advice.
- 2 Samuel 13:28–29 (structural): These verses narrate the arrival and gathering of the king’s sons at Amnon’s house for the feast; 13:35’s report ('the king’s sons are come') points directly to this scene that sets up the violence.
- 2 Samuel 13:30–31 (thematic): The immediate outcome of the assembled king’s sons: Amnon is murdered and the ensuing chaos—13:35 functions as the moment that precipitates these violent consequences.
- 2 Samuel 13:37–39 (thematic): The aftermath (David’s reaction, Absalom’s flight and exile) follows the events announced in 13:35; the verse marks the turning point leading to Absalom’s separation from the king and long-term family rupture.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jonadab said to the king, "Behold, the king's sons have come, as your servant said."
- And Jonadab said to the king, "Behold, the king's sons have come, as your servant spoke."
2 S.13.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ככלתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדבר: INF,qal
- והנה: ADV
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וגם: CONJ
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- בכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בכי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Genesis 37:34-35 (verbal): Sons lift up their voice and weep and a father’s deep, inconsolable mourning (Jacob over Joseph) — similar language and motif of communal lament.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (thematic): David’s intense public weeping for Absalom — king’s lamentation over a son and the visible, overwhelming sorrow of the court.
- 2 Samuel 12:16-20 (structural): Royal mourning and the household’s response when the child of David is ill and dies — sequence of report, grief, and servants’ involvement parallels the chapter’s treatment of royal sorrow.
- Jeremiah 31:15 (allusion): Image of loud weeping and lamentation for lost/killed children (Rachel weeping at Ramah) echoes the motif of communal, anguished crying on hearing tragic news.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass, as he had finished speaking, behold, the king's sons came; they lifted up their voices and wept, and the king and all his servants wept with a very great and sore lamentation.
- And it came to pass, as he finished speaking, behold, the king's sons came; and they lifted up their voice and wept; and the king and all his servants wept with a very great and bitter weeping.
2 S.13.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואבשלום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תלמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמיהוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- גשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתאבל: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:3 (verbal): Gives genealogical background: Talmai king of Geshur is named as the maternal grandfather of Absalom (Absalom was son of Maacah, daughter of Talmai), directly linking Absalom to Geshur.
- 2 Samuel 14:24 (structural): Narrative resolution of the exile: Joab sends for and brings Absalom from Geshur to Jerusalem, echoing and completing the event reported in 13:37.
- 2 Samuel 14:28-33 (thematic): Describes Absalom’s life and standing after his return (his beauty, limited access to David), showing the immediate consequences of his flight and restoration.
- 2 Samuel 18:9-15 (thematic): The later climax of Absalom’s story: his death in battle and Joab’s role in killing him — thematically linked to his origin, exile, Joab’s interventions, and the political fallout of his return.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
- And Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
2 S.13.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואבשלום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.3:3 (allusion): Identifies Absalom’s mother (Maacah) as daughter of Talmai king of Geshur, explaining why Absalom fled to Geshur and found refuge there.
- 2 Sam.14:24-33 (structural): Narrates the resolution of Absalom’s three‑year exile — Joab’s scheme and the formal return of Absalom to Jerusalem — directly continuing the episode begun by the flight to Geshur.
- 2 Sam.15:7-12 (structural): Shows the later political consequences after Absalom’s return from exile (his consolidation of support and eventual rebellion against David), linking the period in Geshur to the larger narrative arc.
- Gen.45:7-8 (thematic): Parallels the wider biblical motif of enforced exile followed by an eventual return that has major family and political ramifications (Joseph’s exile to Egypt and later restoration).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
- And Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
2 S.13.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לצאת: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נחם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 37:34-35 (thematic): Jacob's prolonged refusal to be comforted over Joseph's presumed death contrasts with David's being 'comforted' over Amnon; both portray paternal grief and differing responses to a child's death.
- 2 Samuel 12:20-23 (thematic): After the death of David's infant by Bathsheba, David rises, worships and is comforted — a parallel episode of a king's mourning followed by consolation and resumption of duties.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (thematic): David's intense lament over Absalom ('O my son Absalom') contrasts with his earlier stance in 13:39 (being comforted over Amnon and not going out to Absalom), highlighting changing emotions toward his sons.
- 2 Samuel 13:21 (verbal): Earlier in the same episode David is 'very angry' but refrains from punishing Amnon; both verses show David's passive response to his sons' crimes and its consequences.
- 1 Samuel 30:6 (thematic): David 'encouraged himself in the LORD' when distressed — a parallel motif of the king finding consolation and recovering strength after traumatic loss.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king ceased to go out to Absalom, for he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead.
- And it came to pass at the end of three years, the king longed to go to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead.
And it came to pass after two years that Absalom had a sheep-shearing at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold now, there is a sheep-shearing for your servant; please let the king and his servants go with your servant.”
The king said to Absalom, “No, my son; let us not all go—would we be a burden to you?” Absalom urged him, but he would not consent to go; yet the king blessed him. And Absalom said, “Let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king asked him, “Why should he go with you?” But Absalom urged him, and the king sent with him Amnon and all the king’s sons.
Then Absalom commanded his young men, “Mark now: when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him; do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and be men of valor.” So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose and each mounted his mule and fled.
While they were on the way, tidings reached David, saying, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons; there is not one of them left.”
Then the king rose, tore his garments, and lay on the ground; and all his servants stood by with their garments torn. But Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and said to the king, “Let not my lord imagine that all the young men, the king’s sons, are dead; only Amnon is dead. It was from the day Absalom burned with anger at the thing concerning Tamar his sister that this matter was ordained. Now therefore, let not my lord the king take it to heart to say, ‘All the king’s sons are dead’; only Amnon is dead.” And Absalom fled. The attendant on lookout lifted up his eyes and saw—and behold, a great company were coming by the road from the hill country behind him. And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come, as your servant said.” And it was, as he finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came; they lifted up their voices and wept. The king and all his servants also wept with a great and bitter cry. And Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, king of Geshur; and David mourned for his son continually. And Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. But King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead.