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2 Samuel 15:13

2 Samuel 15:13 in Multiple Translations

Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”

¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

And one came to David and said, The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.

A messenger came to tell David, “Absalom has the loyalty of the men of Israel.”

Then came a messenger to Dauid, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are turned after Absalom.

And he who is declaring tidings cometh in unto David, saying, 'The heart of the men of Israel hath been after Absalom.'

A messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.”

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

And there came a messenger to David, saying: All Israel with their whole heart followeth Absalom.

Soon a messenger came to David and said to him, “All [HYP] the Israeli people [SYN] are joining Absalom to rebel against you!”

After that, a messenger came to David and said, “The Israel mob are following Absalom now, they are not following you.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:13

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 15:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹא֙ הַ/מַּגִּ֔יד אֶל דָּוִ֖ד לֵ/אמֹ֑ר הָיָ֛ה לֶב אִ֥ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אַחֲרֵ֥י אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם
וַ/יָּבֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מַּגִּ֔יד nâgad H5046 to tell Art | V-Hiphil
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָיָ֛ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לֶב lêb H3820 heart N-ms
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 after Prep
אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:13

וַ/יָּבֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/מַּגִּ֔יד nâgad H5046 "to tell" Art | V-Hiphil
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), 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) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הָיָ֛ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-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.
לֶב lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם 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.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 9:3 And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”
2 Matthew 27:22 “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!”
3 2 Samuel 15:6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
4 2 Samuel 3:36 All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.
5 Psalms 62:9 Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.
6 Matthew 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

2 Samuel 15:13 Summary

In 2 Samuel 15:13, a messenger tells King David that the people of Israel are supporting his son Absalom, who is trying to take over the kingdom. This is a difficult and challenging time for King David, but he trusts in God's sovereignty and decides to flee Jerusalem, just like he trusted in God in Psalm 23:4. King David's response shows that even in hard times, we can trust in God's goodness and love for us, and that He is always in control, as seen in Romans 8:28. By trusting in God and prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can navigate difficult circumstances and find peace and hope in Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening in 2 Samuel 15:13 and why is it significant?

In 2 Samuel 15:13, a messenger informs King David that the hearts of the men of Israel are with his son Absalom, who is leading a rebellion against him, as seen in the context of 2 Samuel 15:12. This is significant because it shows how Absalom's conspiracy is gaining strength and support from the people of Israel, similar to how the Israelites turned against King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:23.

Why did the men of Israel turn against King David and support Absalom?

The men of Israel turned against King David and supported Absalom because Absalom had spent time building relationships with them and listening to their concerns, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:2-6, and they were drawn to his charisma and promises, much like the Israelites were drawn to the false prophets in Deuteronomy 13:1-5.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of King David's life and reign?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of King David's life and reign, as it marks a turning point in his relationship with his son Absalom and the people of Israel, and it ultimately leads to David's exile and the division of the kingdom, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:7 and 1 Kings 12:16.

What can we learn from King David's response to this news in 2 Samuel 15:14?

King David's response to the news that the hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom is one of humility and trust in God, as he decides to flee Jerusalem and trust in God's sovereignty, much like he did in Psalm 23:4 and Psalm 56:3-4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can build strong relationships with others, like Absalom did with the men of Israel, but without ulterior motives?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty when faced with difficult circumstances, like King David did in this verse?
  3. What are some ways that I can be a positive influence on those around me, and point them to God rather than to myself?
  4. How can I balance my desire for power and recognition with a humble and servant-hearted attitude, like King David showed in his response to this news?
  5. What are some ways that I can prioritize building my relationship with God, like King David did in the Psalms, and trust in His goodness and love for me?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:13

And there came a messenger to David,.... Perhaps one of the two hundred that went with Absalom, ignorant of his design; which, when discovered, he disapproved of, and got away from him, and came to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:13

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:13

The generality of the people are for him; which is not strange, considering either, first, David, whose many miscarriages had greatly lost him in the hearts of his people. Or, secondly, The people, whose temper is generally unstable, weary of old things, and desirous of changes, and apt to expect great benefits thereby. Or, thirdly, Absalom, whose noble birth, and singular beauty, and most obliging carriage, and ample promises, had won the people’ s hearts; considering also that he was David’ s first-born, to whom the kingdom of right belonged, and yet that David intended to give away his right to Solomon, which the people thought might prove the occasion of a civil and dreadful war, which hereby they designed to prevent. Or, fourthly, The just and holy God, who ordered and overruled all these things for David’ s chastisement, and the instruction and terror of sinners in all future ages.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:13

2 Samuel 15:13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.Ver. 13. The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.] So little trust there is to be put in the many headed multitude, a dangerous and heady water when once it is out. David had better deserved of this people: but he might now complain, as afterwards Frederick III, Emperor of Germany, did, that he found his good turns were forgotten, his favours ill placed upon those that proved treacherous. Or rather he might say, as Alphonsus, king of Arragon, since did, that he wondered not so much at his subjects’ ingratitude to him - who had raised various of them from mean to great estates - as at his own to God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:13

Verse 13. The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.] It is very difficult to account for this general defection of the people. Several reasons are given: 1. David was old or afflicted, and could not well attend to the administration of justice in the land. 2. It does appear that the king did not attend to the affairs of state, and that there were no properly appointed judges in the land; see 2 Samuel 15:3. 3. Joab's power was overgrown; he was wicked and insolent, oppressive to the people, and David was afraid to execute the laws against him. 4. There were still some partisans of the house of Saul, who thought the crown not fairly obtained by David. 5. David was under the displeasure of the Almighty, for his adultery with Bath-sheba, and his murder of Uriah; and God let his enemies loose against him. 6. There are always troublesome and disaffected men in every state, and under every government; who can never rest, and are ever hoping for something from a change. 7. Absalom appeared to be the real and was the undisputed heir to the throne; David could not, in the course of nature, live very long; and most people are more disposed to hail the beams of the rising, than exult in those of the setting, sun. No doubt some of these causes operated, and perhaps most of them exerted less or more influence in this most scandalous business.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:13

13–18. The king’s flight from Jerusalem For the Psalms written during the Flight see Introd. ch. VIII. § 6, p. 48.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:13

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Arrogance and Defeat by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher encourages listeners to take the defeat and discouragement out of their spirits and hearts. He emphasizes that failure, whether in business or any othe
Chuck Smith A Deadly Choice by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of making the right choice regarding Jesus Christ, highlighting the biblical theme of choosing between life and death. It explores the consequ
Art Katz K-028 True Ministry by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker describes a chaotic scene where people are reclining and not paying attention, surrounded by litter and disorder. The speaker questions what ministry sh
Jim Cymbala Who Put Jesus Christ to Death by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker discusses the strange case of a person who has known and experienced the Lord but is now doubting everything. The speaker highlights the pressure and in
Carl Armerding Psalm 32 by Carl Armerding In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by believers in a hostile world. Despite the outnumbering of believers by their foes, the speaker assures that victory is
Stan Ford Bristol Conference 1975-01 gal.2:16 - Yet Not I by Stan Ford In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of imitating and following the example of Christ. He encourages the audience to look to the elders and leaders in their commun
Shane Idleman I Am Barabbas and So Are You by Shane Idleman This sermon delves into the profound story of Barabbas and Jesus in Matthew 27, highlighting the choice between darkness and light, sin and salvation. It emphasizes the substitutio

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