2 Samuel 13:23
2 Samuel 13:23 in Multiple Translations
Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king.
¶ And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
Now after two full years, Absalom had men cutting the wool of his sheep in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim: and he sent for all the king's sons to come to his feast.
Some two years later, when his sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, Absalom invited all the king's sons to join the celebrations.
And after the time of two yeeres, Absalom had sheepesherers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim, and Absalom called all the Kings sonnes.
And it cometh to pass, after two years of days, that Absalom hath shearers in Baal-Hazor, which [is] with Ephraim, and Absalom calleth for all the sons of the king.
After two full years, Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
And it came to pass after two years, that the sheep of Absalom were shorn in Baalhasor, which is near Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons:
Two years later, Absalom’s servants were shearing sheep at Baal-Hazor, which is near a town named Ephraim. When they finished shearing the sheep, they celebrated, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons to come and celebrate.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 13:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
לִ/שְׁנָתַ֣יִם
יָמִ֔ים
וַ/יִּהְי֤וּ
גֹֽזְזִים֙
לְ/אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
בְּ/בַ֥עַל
חָצ֖וֹר
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עִם
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
לְ/כָל
בְּנֵ֥י
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/שְׁנָתַ֣יִם
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fd
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
וַ/יִּהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
גֹֽזְזִים֙
gazâz
H1494
to shear
V-Qal
לְ/אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/בַ֥עַל
Baʻal Châtsôwr
H1178
Baal-hazor
Prep | N-proper
חָצ֖וֹר
Baʻal Châtsôwr
H1178
Baal-hazor
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:23
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ/שְׁנָתַ֣יִם
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | N-fd
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וַ/יִּהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
גֹֽזְזִים֙
gazâz
H1494
"to shear"
V-Qal
This verb means to shear or cut something, like sheep or hair. It can also mean to destroy an enemy, as seen in some psalms. The KJV Bible translates it as 'cut off' or 'shear'.
Definition: 1) to shear, mow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shear 1a2) shearer (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be cut off, be destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cut off (down), poll, shave, (sheep-) shear(-er). See also: Genesis 31:19; 1 Samuel 25:11; Isaiah 53:7.
לְ/אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
Prep | N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
בְּ/בַ֥עַל
Baʻal Châtsôwr
H1178
"Baal-hazor"
Prep | N-proper
Baal-hazor means 'lord of the village', a town on the border of Ephraim and Benjamin, where Absalom had a sheep farm and Amnon was murdered. It's mentioned in the context of King David's family.
Definition: § Baal-hazor = "lord of the village" a town on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin, apparent location of a sheep farm of Absalom and location of Amnon's murder
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Baal-hazor. See also: 2 Samuel 13:23.
חָצ֖וֹר
Baʻal Châtsôwr
H1178
"Baal-hazor"
N-proper
Baal-hazor means 'lord of the village', a town on the border of Ephraim and Benjamin, where Absalom had a sheep farm and Amnon was murdered. It's mentioned in the context of King David's family.
Definition: § Baal-hazor = "lord of the village" a town on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin, apparent location of a sheep farm of Absalom and location of Amnon's murder
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Baal-hazor. See also: 2 Samuel 13:23.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 13:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:23
Context — Absalom’s Revenge on Amnon
21When King David heard all this, he was furious.
22And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon for violating his sister Tamar.
23Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king.
24And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?” 25“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 38:12–13 | After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 25:4 | While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 26:10 | Since he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 25:36 | When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 1:25 | For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ |
| 6 | 1 Kings 1:19 | And he has sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the other sons of the king, as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:7 | Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 3:4 | Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 25:2 | Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 1:9 | And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king. |
2 Samuel 13:23 Summary
This verse tells us that two years after Amnon disgraced his sister Tamar, Absalom invited all of his brothers to a gathering at his sheepshearers' location, as part of his plan to get revenge against Amnon. This shows that Absalom had been waiting and planning for a long time, and that he was determined to take matters into his own hands, rather than forgiving Amnon and seeking reconciliation, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32. This verse can serve as a reminder to us to examine our own hearts and motivations, and to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our relationships and decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, and how to cultivate a spirit of love and compassion in our relationships, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two-year time frame mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:23?
The two-year time frame indicates that Absalom has been waiting and planning his revenge against Amnon for a long time, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:22 where it is stated that Absalom hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar, and he is now ready to put his plan into action, as also seen in 2 Samuel 13:24-25.
Why did Absalom invite all the sons of the king to his sheepshearers' gathering?
Absalom invited all the sons of the king to his gathering as part of his plan to get revenge against Amnon, as seen in the context of 2 Samuel 13:22-25, and also to gain the trust of his father, King David, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:24-25.
What can we learn from Absalom's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Absalom's actions that harboring bitterness and a desire for revenge can lead to destructive behavior, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:23, and that forgiveness and reconciliation are essential, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of King David and his family?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of King David and his family, as it shows the beginning of the end of David's troubles with his sons, and it ultimately leads to the rebellion of Absalom against his father, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:1-12, and the fulfillment of the prophecy in 2 Samuel 12:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be harboring bitterness or a desire for revenge, and how can I apply the teachings of Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32 to those situations?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the need for forgiveness, as seen in the contrast between Absalom's actions and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation in my relationships, as seen in the example of Joseph in Genesis 45:1-15 and 50:15-21?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to examine my own heart and motivations, and to seek God's guidance and wisdom in my relationships and decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:23
And it came to pass after two full years,.... Two complete years after the rape was committed; so long Absalom kept it in his mind, and was contriving how to avenge it; he let it alone so long, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:23
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
After two full years: this circumstance of time is noted, partly as an aggravation of Absalom’ s malice, which was so inveterate and implacable; and partly as an act of Absalom’ s policy, that both Amnon and David might more securely comply with his desires, as being now free from all suspicion of revenge. Absalom had sheep-shearers, according to the manner of those ancient times, when princes did not give themselves up to sloth and luxury, but spent their time and pains in some honest employment. Ephraim; either, first, The city called Ephraim, or Ephrem, . Or, secondly, The tribe of Ephraim, towards or nigh unto which this place was situate.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
2 Samuel 13:23 And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which [is] beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’ s sons.Ver. 23. And it came to pass after two full years.] So long Absalom had dissembled his wrath, which is - as we use to say of Runnet - the older, the stronger: and so long Amnon had gone unpunished by the patience of God, and the fondness of his father. Now, therefore, subito tollitur qui diu toleratur, God taketh the sword in hand which David - as to Amnon - bore in vain, and executed justice upon him by such an executioner as afflicted his soul with double grief. That Absalom had sheepshearers.] At which times there used to be feasting, - see 1 Samuel 25:7, - as there is still in many places.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
(23) Absalom had sheepshearers.—Absalom had now silently nourished his revenge for “two full years.” No doubt he chose also to give full opportunity for his father to punish Amnon’s iniquity if he would; and by this long quiet waiting he so far disarmed suspicion that he was able to carry out his purpose. Sheepshearing always was, and still is, a time of feasting. (Comp. 1 Samuel 25:2.) The situation of Baalhazor and of Ephraim are quite unknown, but Absalom’s property was probably not many miles from Jerusalem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
Verse 23. Absalom had sheep-shearers] These were times in which feasts were made, to which the neighbours and relatives of the family were invited.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:23
23–29. Absalom’s vengeance 23. Absalom had sheepshearers] Sheepshearing was and still is an occasion of festivity. Cp. 1 Samuel 25:7 ff. Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim] Possibly Tell Asur, five miles north-east of Bethel, and two miles north-west of et-Taiyibeh, which is supposed to represent Ephraim. The preposition beside or near implies that Ephraim is here the name of a town not of the tribe territory. Cp. John 11:54.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:23
Sheepshearing was always a time of feasting (marginal references). Baal-hazor is not known.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:23
23. Sheepshearers — The season of sheepshearing was the occasion of a great festival. See 1 Samuel 25:4; 1 Samuel 25:8; 1 Samuel 25:36, and notes.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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(1 Samuel) How Not to Respond to an Insult by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man named Naval from the book of 1 Samuel. Naval was a wealthy man, but lacked character and was harsh and evil in his actions |