2 Samuel 13:28
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
Original Language Analysis
אַבְשָׁל֨וֹם
Now Absalom
H53
אַבְשָׁל֨וֹם
Now Absalom
Strong's:
H53
Word #:
2 of 29
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְעָרָ֜יו
his servants
H5288
נְעָרָ֜יו
his servants
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
4 of 29
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
רְא֣וּ
Mark
H7200
רְא֣וּ
Mark
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 29
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נָ֠א
H4994
נָ֠א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
7 of 29
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
כְּט֨וֹב
is merry
H2896
כְּט֨וֹב
is merry
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
8 of 29
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
לֵב
heart
H3820
לֵב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
9 of 29
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בַּיַּ֙יִן֙
with wine
H3196
בַּיַּ֙יִן֙
with wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
11 of 29
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
הַכּ֧וּ
unto you Smite
H5221
הַכּ֧וּ
unto you Smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 29
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַֽהֲמִתֶּ֥ם
then kill
H4191
וַֽהֲמִתֶּ֥ם
then kill
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
17 of 29
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
19 of 29
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּירָ֑אוּ
him fear
H3372
תִּירָ֑אוּ
him fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
20 of 29
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
הֲל֗וֹא
H3808
הֲל֗וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 29
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
22 of 29
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
25 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חִזְק֖וּ
you be courageous
H2388
חִזְק֖וּ
you be courageous
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
26 of 29
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וִֽהְי֥וּ
H1961
וִֽהְי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
27 of 29
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Judges 19:6And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.Judges 19:22Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.Judges 19:9And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.Ruth 3:7And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
Historical Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 13 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding unresolved sin, family breakdown provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of unresolved sin, family breakdown?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt over his own sexual sin) enabled further tragedy. Hebrew terminology emphasizes Tamar's desolation and Absalom's calculated hatred. The narrative demonstrates intergenerational sin consequences and the necessity of proper justice administration.