2 Samuel 14 31

2 Samuel 14:31 kjv

Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

2 Samuel 14:31 nkjv

Then Joab arose and came to Absalom's house, and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"

2 Samuel 14:31 niv

Then Joab did go to Absalom's house, and he said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"

2 Samuel 14:31 esv

Then Joab arose and went to Absalom at his house and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"

2 Samuel 14:31 nlt

Then Joab came to Absalom at his house and demanded, "Why did your servants set my field on fire?"

2 Samuel 14 verses

2 Samuel 14 31 Meaning

This verse captures the direct confrontation between Joab and Absalom, instigated by Absalom's extreme action of burning Joab's field. Absalom, having been prevented from seeing King David for two years and unable to secure an audience with Joab through conventional means, resorted to property destruction to force Joab's attention. Joab's question directly addresses this provocative act, marking the crucial turning point that finally leads to his mediation between Absalom and King David.

2 Samuel 14 31 Context

Chapter 14 of 2 Samuel details the return of Absalom, King David’s third son, from Geshur where he had fled after murdering his half-brother Amnon (2 Sam 13). After three years in exile, Joab, David's military commander and nephew, engineered Absalom's return to Jerusalem by subtly prompting David through the wise woman of Tekoa. David permitted Absalom to return but initially restricted him from seeing his face, keeping Absalom in a state of semi-banishment for two more years. This verse (2 Sam 14:31) arises from Absalom's deep frustration with this continued isolation. Desperate to fully reconcile with his father and regain his place, Absalom sent for Joab, understanding Joab's crucial role as an intermediary due to his influence with David. However, Joab, perhaps wary or strategically patient, refused Absalom's initial summons. To force Joab’s hand and gain an audience, Absalom resorted to the highly provocative and damaging act of ordering his servants to set Joab’s field on fire, thus prompting the direct confrontation depicted in this verse.

2 Samuel 14 31 Word analysis

• Then Joab arose: This marks a consequential and immediate action. In Hebrew, ויקם (way•yā•qōm) literally means "and he arose/stood up," indicating a shift from a static or inactive state to one of purposeful movement. It implies Joab was compelled by Absalom's drastic action.
• and went to Absalom: Joab's direct movement toward Absalom. ויבא אל־אבשׁלום (way•yā•vōʾ ʾel-ʾaḇšā•lōm) signifies a face-to-face encounter, which Absalom had actively sought. This meeting marks the success of Absalom's ploy.
• and said to him: Introduces the dialogue and confrontation. ויאמר (way•yōʾ•mer), "and he said," initiates the specific accusation and query.
• “Why have you sent your servants: Joab cuts straight to the reason for his visit, directly challenging Absalom. מדוע שלחתה (madduʿa šā•laḥ•tāh) "why have you sent." מדוע (madduʿa) is an interrogative emphasizing the search for a reason or justification, highlighting the problematic nature of the action. The use of "your servants" shows Absalom’s exercise of authority and implies he distanced himself from the act while still being fully responsible for it.
• to set my field on fire?”: The direct accusation, highlighting the economic damage and audacious nature of Absalom's act. לשׂרף את־שׂדי (lə•śō•rēp̄ ʾet-śā•ḏī) means "to burn my field." שׂדי (śā•ḏī), "my field," denotes personal property and livelihood. The act of arson was a grave offense, an explicit and undeniable act of provocation that forced Joab to respond, ending Absalom's isolation. It was an unmistakable signal of Absalom’s resolve.

2 Samuel 14 31 Bonus section

• The dramatic action of burning the field serves as a symbolic foreshadowing of the destructive path Absalom would eventually embark upon in his rebellion against David.
• Absalom's strategy illustrates the human tendency to resort to extreme measures when more conventional avenues for resolution or reconciliation fail, or when one feels utterly unheard.
• The incident underscores Joab's political acumen. He may have initially avoided Absalom to test his resolve or ensure David's true inclination, but the arson eliminated any ambiguity and forced a response that aligned with both his role and Absalom's urgent desire for full restoration.

2 Samuel 14 31 Commentary

This verse encapsulates Absalom's cunning, audacious, and ruthless nature, providing an early indication of his willingness to disregard moral and legal boundaries to achieve his aims. His burning of Joab's field, an act of severe economic sabotage, was not merely destructive but a calculated, desperate measure to force Joab's attention after being ignored. Joab, pragmatic as ever, understands the underlying message and immediately confronts Absalom, addressing the direct cause of his sudden appearance. This moment highlights Joab's critical role as an indispensable mediator in David's court and showcases Absalom's impatient and manipulative character, which would later culminate in his rebellion against David. The incident is a testament to Absalom's 'ends justify the means' philosophy, showing his dangerous ambition taking root.