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2 Samuel 19

43 verses

TL;DR

King David mourns the death of his son Absalom, prompting a return from exile and a mix of reconciliation and inter-tribal tension as Judah and Israel debate who should bring the king home.

Summary

The chapter opens with David weeping for his slain son Absalom, a sorrow that Joab condemns as shameful for the king and his servants. Joab urges the king to come out from his seclusion, and David obeys, sitting in the city gate while the people gather to mourn. The king then receives messages from priests and elders, calling the men of Judah to escort him across the Jordan at Gilgal. Along the way, Shimei, a Benjamite, pleads for mercy after cursing the king, and David spares him. Mephibosheth and Barzillai, both aged, also travel to meet the king, and the king offers them assistance. The chapter ends with conflict between the tribes of Judah and Israel over the king’s return, with Judah claiming kinship and Israel asserting that they too have rights to the king’s favor.

Outline
  1. David’s mourning and Joab’s admonition
  2. Return from exile with Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai
  3. Tension between Judah and Israel over the king’s homeward journey
Themes
grief and mourningreconciliation and returnkinship and loyalty
Keywords
griefmourningexilereturnreconciliationkinshiployaltypenancetribes
People
DavidJoabAbsalomShimei son of GeraMephiboshethZibaBarzillaiChimhamZadokAbiatharAmasaAbishai son of Zeruiahthe men of Judahthe men of Israel
Places
JerusalemJordanGilgalRogelimMahanaimIsraelJudahBahurim
Things
ferry boatking’s householdking’s gateking’s crossingking’s kissking’s household
Key Verses
  • 2 Samuel 19:1: Shows David’s profound grief for Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 19:19: Shimei’s penitential appeal and David’s mercy.
  • 2 Samuel 19:30: Barzillai’s humble request to accompany the king.
  • 2 Samuel 19:41: Illustrates the quarrel between Judah and Israel over the king’s return.
Questions
  • What does David’s lament reveal about his relationship with Absalom?
  • Why does Joab criticize the king’s mourning and how does he propose the king should behave?
  • How does Shimei’s apology and David’s response illustrate the theme of mercy?
  • In what way does the conflict between Judah and Israel reflect differing views on kinship and loyalty?
  • How does Barzillai’s old age affect his interaction with the king?
  • What does the chapter suggest about the role of the king’s household in restoring unity?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage mixes sorrow, conflict, and eventual reconciliation.