2 Samuel 3:39
2 Samuel 3:39 in Multiple Translations
And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!”
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me: Jehovah reward the evil-doer according to his wickedness.
While I, though I am crowned king, have little strength, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are out of my control: may the Lord give to the evil-doer the reward of his evil-doing!
I am weak right now, even though I'm anointed as king and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too powerful for me. But may the Lord repay the evil man according to the evil he has done.”
And I am this day weake and newly anoynted King: and these men the sonnes of Zeruiah be too harde for me: the Lord rewarde the doer of euill according to his wickednesse.
and I to-day [am] tender, and an anointed king: and these men, sons of Zeruiah, [are] too hard for me; Jehovah doth recompense to the doer of the evil according to his evil.'
I am weak today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May the LORD reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.”
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. The LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
But I as yet am tender, though anointed king. And these men the sons of Sarvia are too hard for me: the Lord reward him that doth evil according to his wickedness.
Even though Yahweh appointed me to be the king, today I feel weak. These two sons of Zeruiah, Joab and Abishai, are very violent; I cannot control them. So I hope/desire that Yahweh will punish them severely in return for this wicked thing that they have done!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:39
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 3:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
רַךְ֙
וּ/מָשׁ֣וּחַ
מֶ֔לֶךְ
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
הָ/אֵ֛לֶּה
בְּנֵ֥י
צְרוּיָ֖ה
קָשִׁ֣ים
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
יְשַׁלֵּ֧ם
יְהוָ֛ה
לְ/עֹשֵׂ֥ה
הָ/רָעָ֖ה
כְּ/רָעָתֽ/וֹ
וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Conj | Pron
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
רַךְ֙
rak
H7390
tender
Adj
וּ/מָשׁ֣וּחַ
mâshach
H4886
to anoint
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
מֶ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
צְרוּיָ֖ה
Tsᵉrûwyâh
H6870
Zeruiah
N-proper
קָשִׁ֣ים
qâsheh
H7186
severe
Adj
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
יְשַׁלֵּ֧ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Juss-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/עֹשֵׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal
הָ/רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fs
כְּ/רָעָתֽ/וֹ
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:39
וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Conj | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
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.
רַךְ֙
rak
H7390
"tender"
Adj
This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.
Definition: 1) tender, soft, delicate, weak 1a) tender, delicate (of flesh) 1b) weak of heart, timid 1c) soft (of words) 1c1) gentle words (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak. See also: Genesis 18:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Proverbs 4:3.
וּ/מָשׁ֣וּחַ
mâshach
H4886
"to anoint"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
To anoint means to rub oil on someone or something, often to set them apart for a special purpose, like when Samuel anointed David as king in 1 Samuel 16:13. It's a way of showing respect and consecrating someone or something.
Definition: 1) to smear, anoint, spread a liquid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smear 1a2) to anoint (as consecration) 1a3) to anoint, consecrate 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: anoint, paint. See also: Genesis 31:13; 1 Samuel 16:3; Psalms 45:8.
מֶ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
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.
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Art | N-mp
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.
הָ/אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
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.
צְרוּיָ֖ה
Tsᵉrûwyâh
H6870
"Zeruiah"
N-proper
Zeruiah was an Israelite woman, sister of David, and mother of three leading heroes in his army. Her name means balsam and she is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6. Zeruiah was the daughter of Jesse and Nahash.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6; daughter of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); sister of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J), Shimeah (H8093) § Zeruiah = "balsam" sister of David and mother of the 3 leading heroes of David's army-Abishai, Joab, and Asahel
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Zeruiah. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 21:17; 1 Chronicles 27:24.
קָשִׁ֣ים
qâsheh
H7186
"severe"
Adj
This word describes something or someone as severe or cruel, like the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in Judges.
Definition: 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate 1a) hard, difficult 1b) severe 1c) fierce, intense, vehement 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked 1e) rigorous (of battle)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. See also: Genesis 42:7; 2 Samuel 2:17; Psalms 60:5.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
יְשַׁלֵּ֧ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Juss-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/עֹשֵׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הָ/רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
כְּ/רָעָתֽ/וֹ
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 3:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:39
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:39
Context — David Mourns for Abner
37So on that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.
38Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel?
39And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 2:33–34 | Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. |
| 2 | Psalms 101:8 | Every morning I will remove all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 28:4 | Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil. Repay them for what their hands have done; bring back on them what they deserve. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 4:14 | Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. |
| 5 | Proverbs 25:5 | Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. |
| 6 | Psalms 62:12 | and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 2:5–6 | Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. |
| 8 | Romans 13:4 | For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 19:13 | And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 22:5 | And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent—famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death. |
2 Samuel 3:39 Summary
In 2 Samuel 3:39, King David is saying that even though he is the king, he feels weak and unable to deal with the sons of Zeruiah, who are being too harsh. He is trusting that God will take care of the situation and bring justice, as we see in Psalm 37:7-8. This verse teaches us to trust in God's power and justice, even when we feel weak or overwhelmed, and to leave room for Him to work, just like it says in Romans 12:19. By doing so, we can find peace and confidence in His sovereignty, just as King David did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does King David mean by saying he is 'weak this day' in 2 Samuel 3:39?
King David is expressing his inability to take action against the sons of Zeruiah, who are too fierce for him, despite being anointed as king, and is instead leaving judgment to the Lord, as seen in Psalm 37:7-8, where it says to wait for the Lord and refrain from anger.
Why does King David ask the Lord to repay the evildoer according to his evil in 2 Samuel 3:39?
King David is seeking justice and asking the Lord to deal with the sons of Zeruiah according to their actions, trusting in God's sovereignty and righteousness, as expressed in Romans 12:19, which says to leave room for God's wrath.
What can we learn from King David's response to the situation with the sons of Zeruiah in 2 Samuel 3:39?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, even when faced with difficult situations, and leaving room for God to work, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trusting in the Lord with all our heart.
How does King David's statement in 2 Samuel 3:39 relate to his previous actions in 2 Samuel 3:37-38?
King David's statement in 2 Samuel 3:39 is a continuation of his expression of sorrow and regret over the death of Abner, and his recognition of the gravity of the situation, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:37-38, where he clears himself of any involvement in the murder and laments the loss of a great prince in Israel.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel 'weak' and need to trust in God's strength and sovereignty?
- How can I, like King David, learn to leave room for God's justice and wrath in difficult situations, rather than taking matters into my own hands?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:39, to my daily life and relationships?
- In what ways can I, like King David, express my trust in God's justice and righteousness, even when faced with challenging circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:39
And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king,.... Which seems to be given as a reason, or for an excuse why he did not inflict just punishment upon the murderer, according to the law of God,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
Weak, or tender, in the infancy of my kingdom, not well rooted and settled in it. The metaphor is taken from a young and tender child or plant. The sons of Zeruiah; Joab and Abishai, the sons of my sister Zeruiah. To hard for me, i.e. two powerful. They have so great a command over all the soldiers, and so great favour with the people, that I cannot punish them without apparent hazard to my person and kingdom; especially now when all the tribes, except Judah, are yet in a state of opposition against me. But this, although it might give some colour to the delay of their punishment for a season, yet it may seem to have been one of David’ s infirmities, that he did not do it within some reasonable time, both because this indulgence proceeded from a distrust of God’ s power and faithfulness; as if God could not, or would not, make good his promise of the kingdom to him, without and against Joab and all his confederates; and because it was contrary to God’ s law, which severely requires the punishment of wilful murderers, , which David had no power to dispense with. And David might and should have remembered how dear Saul paid for this very thing, that he dispensed with God’ s command, and spared these whom God commanded him to slay, 1 Samuel 15. And it seems David’ s conscience oft smote him for this; which made him watch for a fit opportunity to remove, and then punish him, and having neglected it till death, he declareth his sorrow for that neglect, by giving Solomon a charge to execute it after his death, ,6,34.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
2 Samuel 3:39 And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.Ver. 39. And I am this day weak.] Heb., Tender; weak he was in force, but weaker in faith, for he had God’ s promise: and as Hezekiah afterwards trusted in God, and pulled down the brazen serpent, so should David have done justice upon Joab whatever had come of it. Fiat iustitia, ruat caelum. Be too hard for me.] If I provoke them, being so potent with the army, they may serve me as Abner did Ishbosheth in a displeasure, - thus carnal reason argued, - I shall with the right hand cut off the left, as Honorius did when he destroyed Stillico: and as the Lord Protector did when he cut off his brother the admiral here in King Edward VI’ s reign. Metaph. a puero tenero et imbelli: or from a young plant easily plucked up. - Jun. Mussitanda igitur ad tempus haec iniuria est. - Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
(39) I am this day weak.—David’s high appreciation of the importance and value of Abner shows that Joab’s jealousy was not without ground, and there is a tone of deep sadness in his words, “these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me.” He knew their ungoverned passions, their bold lawlessness, and at the same time their great power and popularity with the army, and he dared not punish them. He leaves their judgment to God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
Verse 39. I am this day weak] Had Abner lived, all the tribes of Israel would have been brought under my government. Though anointed king] I have little else than the title: first, having only one tribe under my government; and secondly, the sons of Zeruiah, Joab and his brethren, having usurped all the power, and reduced me to the shadow of royalty. The Lord shall reward the doer of evil] That is, Joab, whom he appears afraid to name. WE talk much of ancient manners, their simplicity and ingenuousness; and say that the former days were better than these. But who says this who is a judge of the times? In those days of celebrated simplicity, c., there were not so many crimes as at present I grant: but what they wanted in number they made up in degree: deceit, cruelty, rapine, murder, and wrong of almost every kind, then flourished. We are refined in our vices they were gross and barbarous in theirs: they had neither so many ways nor so many means of sinning; but the sum of their moral turpitude was greater than ours. We have a sort of decency and good breeding, which lay a certain restraint on our passions, they were boorish and beastly, and their bad passions were ever in full play. Civilization prevents barbarity and atrocity; mental cultivation induces decency of manners: those primitive times were generally without these.
Who that knows them would wish such ages to return?
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:39
38, 39. To his confidential servants David speaks his whole mind freely. He feels that some apology is needed for leaving the authors of this heinous crime unpunished. As an excuse for doing so he pleads his youth and weakness. Though he had been anointed king, his kingdom was as yet far from being securely established. He could not dispense with his warlike nephews’ help. He dared not order the execution of his best general. Probably the army would have interfered to prevent it. But he protests against their hardness and cruelty, and declares that Joab will not escape the divine judgment for his crime. “It was one of those moments in which a king, even with the best intentions, must feel to his own heavy cost the weakness of everything human and the limits of human supremacy.” Ewald, Hist of Israel, III. 117. weak] The same epithet is applied to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 29:1, and to Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 13:7 (E. V. tender).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39
39. Weak though anointed king — I needed the co-operation and influence of Abner to strengthen me in the kingdom.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:39
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Design or Intention Constitutes Character by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that a person's moral character is defined by their ultimate intention rather than their actions or subordinate intentions. He explains the distinction be |
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2 Timothy 4:9-13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of seizing spiritual riches with violence and fortitude, urging believers to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly possessions. He emp |
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Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up? by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the |
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The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne! by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge an |
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 5 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for expansion and enlargement in the spiritual lives of believers. God uses tests and trials to bring about this growth and to fulfi |
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Covenant Mercy by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound subject of God's mercy, emphasizing that it is not by human will or effort but by God's sovereign choice to show mercy and compassion. He d |
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Prayer - 2 Peter 1:2, 3 by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of impartiality, explaining that God does not show favoritism based on outward appearances or worldly standards. Various Bible verses are explo |