2 Samuel 20:5

Authorized King James Version

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So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ H1980
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 1 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עֲמָשָׂ֖א So Amasa H6021
עֲמָשָׂ֖א So Amasa
Strong's: H6021
Word #: 2 of 10
amasa, the name of two israelites
לְהַזְעִ֣יק to assemble H2199
לְהַזְעִ֣יק to assemble
Strong's: H2199
Word #: 3 of 10
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוּדָ֑ה the men of Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה the men of Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 5 of 10
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַיּ֕יֹחֶר but he tarried longer H309
וַיּ֕יֹחֶר but he tarried longer
Strong's: H309
Word #: 6 of 10
to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate
מִן H4480
מִן
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 7 of 10
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַמּוֹעֵ֖ד than the set time H4150
הַמּוֹעֵ֖ד than the set time
Strong's: H4150
Word #: 8 of 10
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 9 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְעָדֽוֹ׃ which he had appointed H3259
יְעָדֽוֹ׃ which he had appointed
Strong's: H3259
Word #: 10 of 10
to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

Analysis & Commentary

So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Sheba's Rebellion, emphasizing ongoing challenges to authority. Sheba's rebellion demonstrates that David's troubles continue despite Absalom's defeat. The wise woman's intervention prevents unnecessary bloodshed. Theological themes include ongoing resistance to God's appointed leader, the value of wisdom in crisis resolution, the danger of divisive rhetoric, and God's provision of unexpected solutions through unlikely people.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 20 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 ongoing challenges to authority 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.

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