2 Samuel 14 30

2 Samuel 14:30 kjv

Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

2 Samuel 14:30 nkjv

So he said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire." And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

2 Samuel 14:30 niv

Then he said to his servants, "Look, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

2 Samuel 14:30 esv

Then he said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

2 Samuel 14:30 nlt

So Absalom said to his servants, "Go and set fire to Joab's barley field, the field next to mine." So they set his field on fire, as Absalom had commanded.

2 Samuel 14 verses

2 Samuel 14 30 Meaning

Absalom, having been in Jerusalem for two years without being granted an audience with King David, and having been rebuffed by Joab (who had initially facilitated Absalom's return), resorts to extreme measures to gain Joab's attention. This verse captures his command to his servants to set fire to Joab's barley field which was conveniently located near Absalom's own property. This calculated act of destruction was a deliberate provocation, aimed at forcing Joab, the powerful commander of David's army, to come and speak with Absalom, thus providing a conduit to the King.

2 Samuel 14 30 Context

This verse is situated in 2 Samuel chapter 14, following Absalom's three-year exile for murdering Amnon. Through Joab's intercession and a shrewd parable by a wise woman of Tekoa, King David had allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem (2 Sam 14:1-20). However, upon his return, Absalom was not permitted to see David face-to-face (2 Sam 14:24). Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two full years without seeing his father's face (2 Sam 14:28), and Joab, despite being instrumental in his return, also withheld from visiting him or interceding further. This isolation and frustration drive Absalom to his drastic action. He had already attempted twice to summon Joab, who refused to come (2 Sam 14:29). This command to burn Joab's field is Absalom's desperate and aggressive strategy to force a meeting with Joab and ultimately with his father, David. It highlights Absalom's volatile and manipulative character, setting the stage for his eventual rebellion.

2 Samuel 14 30 Word analysis

• Therefore (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyōmer): Literally "and he said". This serves as a consequential link, indicating that Absalom's action is a direct result of Joab's prior refusal to visit him, even after two summonses. It signals a shift to a more forceful strategy.
• he said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyōmer): Simple past, singular verb. Emphasizes Absalom as the direct initiator and commander.
• to his servants (לַעֲבָדָיו - laʿăḇādāw): 'Avadim' (עֲבָדִים) meaning "servants" or "slaves". This highlights Absalom's existing retinue and authority over them. The fact that he has servants who readily obey such a destructive command shows his power and influence growing even in his isolated state, and perhaps their own moral laxity or fear.
• "See (רְא֗וּ - rəʾû)": Plural imperative. It's a direct command to observe something specific. It conveys an immediacy and points out the target with clarity and emphasis, ensuring his servants identify the correct field. It also suggests that the field's proximity was a known or easily observable fact.
• Joab's field (שְׂדֵ֣ה יוֹאָ֔ב - śəḏēh yôʾāḇ): 'Sadeh' (שָׂדֶה) refers to an open field or agricultural land. Targeting "Joab's field" is a highly personal attack against a specific and powerful individual. Fields represented wealth, sustenance, and stability in an agrarian society.
• is near mine (אֵ֣צֶל יָדִ֔י - ʾēṣel yāḏî): This idiomatic phrase literally means "beside my hand" or "within my reach/control." It implies very close proximity, likely adjacent or in close view of Absalom's own property or residence. This makes the act more provocative, as it’s an easily identifiable target and a blatant act against his powerful neighbor. It highlights a sense of familiarity, yet betrayal by Absalom.
• and he has barley there (וְשָׁם֙ שְׂעֹרִ֔ים - wəšām śəʿōrîm): 'Se'orim' (שְׂעֹרִים) is barley. Barley was a staple crop, commonly harvested in the spring. Burning barley that is "there" suggests it's a ripe or newly harvested crop, thus incurring significant economic loss. This isn't random destruction but targeting Joab's economic livelihood and resource.
• go and set it on fire (לְכוּ֩ וְהַצִּיתֻ֨הוּ - ləḵū wəhaṣṣîtuhu): 'Lekhu' (לְכוּ) is the plural imperative "Go!" 'Haṣṣîtuhu' (וְהַצִּיתֻ֨הוּ) is the Hiphil imperative form of the verb 'yaṣat' (יָצַת), meaning "to set on fire" or "to kindle." The Hiphil stem indicates causing something to happen. This is an explicit and decisive command for arson, a destructive and unlawful act under Israelite law (Ex 22:6), revealing Absalom's desperate and ruthless character.

Words-group analysis:

• "Therefore he said to his servants": Shows Absalom's direct authority and control over his personnel. This immediate, top-down command without apparent internal deliberation indicates a quick temper or firm resolve in action.
• ""See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there;": This phrase lays out Absalom's strategic rationale. He has identified a specific target, its proximity for convenience, and the opportune moment (ripe barley) for maximum impact. It highlights his cunning and observational skills turned towards destructive ends.
• "go and set it on fire.": A clear, unambiguous command for a destructive act. This isn't a veiled threat but a direct order for physical harm to property, demonstrating Absalom's readiness to cross moral and legal boundaries to achieve his aims.

2 Samuel 14 30 Bonus section

The phrase "is near mine" (אֵ֣צֶל יָדִ֔י - ʾēṣel yāḏî) can be interpreted to mean "under my control" or "within my power/reach" as well, implying that Joab's property might have fallen somewhat under Absalom's purview since Absalom had returned to Jerusalem. This subtle nuance adds to the brazenness of Absalom's act, suggesting he felt entitled to exert his will, even destructively, on land implicitly tied to his family's royal domain or directly adjacent to it. The public nature of the act—a large field ablaze—would ensure that Joab (and by extension, the entire court) would take notice. It functions as a declaration: Absalom is not to be ignored, and he is willing to employ significant means to assert his presence and demands. This mirrors his later tactics in stealing the hearts of the people through public displays of concern and promises.

2 Samuel 14 30 Commentary

Absalom's command to burn Joab's barley field is a pivotal moment that vividly reveals his ruthless and self-serving character. Having exhausted diplomatic means to gain audience with David, he resorts to coercion and destruction. This act is not born of a sudden fit of rage, but appears to be a calculated maneuver: he identifies the target (Joab's field), observes its vulnerability (ripe barley, near his own land), and issues a direct, unhesitating command. Such deliberate arson of crops, particularly a staple like barley, represented significant economic damage and was a clear violation of Israelite law (Ex 22:6). It showcases Absalom's escalating disregard for proper conduct and foreshadows his later, larger rebellion against his own father. The immediate obedience of his servants underscores the precarious nature of leadership and allegiance in the court, as well as Absalom's growing sway even without full royal power. This incident marks Absalom’s full transformation into a manipulative and destructive force, unwilling to accept limits or wait patiently, laying the groundwork for greater societal upheaval.