2 Samuel 19 41

2 Samuel 19:41 kjv

And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?

2 Samuel 19:41 nkjv

Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, "Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king, his household, and all David's men with him across the Jordan?"

2 Samuel 19:41 niv

Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, "Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?"

2 Samuel 19:41 esv

Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, "Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?"

2 Samuel 19:41 nlt

But all the men of Israel complained to the king, "The men of Judah stole the king and didn't give us the honor of helping take you, your household, and all your men across the Jordan."

2 Samuel 19 verses

2 Samuel 19 41 Meaning

2 Samuel 19:41 describes a crucial moment in King David's return from exile after Absalom's rebellion. It specifically highlights the actions of the people of Judah, who eagerly and actively met and accompanied the king across the Jordan River. This demonstration of loyalty from Judah was a public affirmation of David's kingship following a period of great upheaval and served to facilitate his journey back to his capital in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 19 41 Context

This verse is situated immediately after King David has forgiven Shimei, who cursed him during his flight from Absalom (2 Sam 19:16-23). David is in the process of returning from Mahanaim in Transjordan to Jerusalem, symbolizing the restoration of his kingship after a brutal civil war. The entire Chapter 19 details David's journey back, marked by a complex mix of grief, reconciliation, and the immediate emergence of fresh tribal rivalries. The eagerness of Judah in escorting the king is pivotal, as it quickly leads to resentment from the northern tribes of Israel, who feel excluded and question Judah's prominent role in restoring the king, thereby setting the stage for Sheba's rebellion in the very next chapter (2 Sam 20).

2 Samuel 19 41 Word analysis

• And just as (וְכַעֲבֹר֙ - ve’kha’avor): The conjunction "and" connects this action to the preceding events. "Just as" or "when" signifies the exact timing of this occurrence – precisely as David began his final crossing of the Jordan. The root ‘avar (עבר) means "to pass over" or "to cross."

• the king (הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ֙ - ha’melekh): Refers explicitly to David. His designation as "the king" despite his recent flight emphasizes his re-established royal authority, recognized by Judah.

• was crossing over (יִרְדֵּ֔ן - Yarden): Refers to the Jordan River. This physical crossing is deeply symbolic, often representing transitions, divine intervention (as in Joshua), or a return to the land. Here, it signifies David's journey from a place of refuge back to his royal seat, marking the end of his exile.

• a great throng (וְהִנֵּ֛ה כָּל־אִ֥ישׁ יְהוּדָ֖ה - ve’hinneh kol-ish Yehudah): The phrase ve’hinneh means "and behold," often signaling an important, perhaps sudden or emphatic, new development. Kol-ish Yehudah translates literally to "all the men of Judah" or collectively "all Judah." This indicates a unified and overwhelming representation of the entire tribe of Judah. The sense of a "great throng" conveys their substantial number and collective purpose.

• rushed out to meet him (נָבָ֣הּ אֶת־הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ - navah et-ha’melekh): The Hebrew verb navah is less common, but scholars often link it to a root conveying swift movement or an enthusiastic approach, "to reach" or "to attain." Thus, "rushed out to meet" effectively captures this sense of eagerness and proactive loyalty, implying they didn't merely wait but went forth with zeal. They met "to" (et) the king, signifying their active presence for him.

• all the people of Judah: Reinforces the comprehensive nature of the tribal welcome. It wasn't just a few; it was representative of the whole tribe.

• escorting (לְהַעֲבִ֖ירוֹ - le’ha’avir’o): This is a Hiphil infinitive construct from the root ‘avar (to cross), meaning "to cause him to cross" or "to help him cross." It signifies Judah's active role in assisting David's passage, providing protection, legitimacy, and practical help. It's a statement of service and submission to his authority.

• the king: Repeats the reference to David, emphasizing the object of their loyalty and assistance.

• "And just as the king was crossing over... escorting the king.": This entire phrase encapsulates the full sequence: the timing of David's crossing and the simultaneous, zealous action of Judah. It highlights Judah's prompt and thorough involvement in the king's re-entry, an action laden with both practical support and political messaging, meant to demonstrate their allegiance.

2 Samuel 19 41 Bonus section

The geographical detail of crossing the Jordan is important; it marks the transition from Transjordan (where David found refuge) back to Cisjordan, the main land of Israel and Judah, and specifically towards Jerusalem. The scene implies a collective effort by Judah, potentially acting as a protective escort for the vulnerable king, whose reign had just been severely threatened. This gathering of "all Judah" may also reflect their political strategy to be seen as David's primary loyal supporters, an exclusivity that later offends the other tribes.

2 Samuel 19 41 Commentary

2 Samuel 19:41 presents a scene of ardent loyalty from the tribe of Judah towards King David as he returns from the upheaval of Absalom's rebellion. This deep-seated commitment from Judah was significant because David himself hailed from this tribe, and their proactive demonstration of allegiance, manifested in their eager presence to escort him across the Jordan, was crucial for his re-establishment of royal authority. This act wasn't just symbolic; it represented a strategic re-alignment and endorsement after the recent challenge to his throne. The vivid depiction of "all Judah" rushing out underscores a widespread and enthusiastic embrace of David, perhaps eager to solidify their unique bond with the reinstated king and demonstrate their devotion after the national turmoil. However, this fervent display from Judah also inadvertently ignited the simmering tribal jealousies, particularly from the northern tribes of Israel, setting the stage for the subsequent lament over disproportionate influence, and eventually, the fresh rebellion of Sheba (2 Sam 19:42-20:2). This verse, therefore, captures a moment of triumphant return that simultaneously sows the seeds for future disunity.