2 Samuel 3:35
And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
Original Language Analysis
כָל
And when all
H3605
כָל
And when all
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 28
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֗ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 28
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֶ֖חֶם
bread
H3899
לֶ֖חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
7 of 28
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
בְּע֣וֹד
while it was yet
H5750
בְּע֣וֹד
while it was yet
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
8 of 28
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
הַיּ֑וֹם
day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 28
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
sware
H7650
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
10 of 28
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
כֹּ֣ה
H3541
כֹּ֣ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
13 of 28
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַֽעֲשֶׂה
So do
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂה
So do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 28
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
H430
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 28
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְכֹ֣ה
H3541
וְכֹ֣ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
17 of 28
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יֹסִ֔יף
to me and more also
H3254
יֹסִ֔יף
to me and more also
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
18 of 28
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
19 of 28
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
20 of 28
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לִפְנֵ֧י
else till
H6440
לִפְנֵ֧י
else till
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
21 of 28
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ
the sun
H8121
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ
the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
23 of 28
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
לֶ֖חֶם
bread
H3899
לֶ֖חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
25 of 28
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
א֥וֹ
H176
א֥וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
26 of 28
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
Cross References
2 Samuel 12:17And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.2 Samuel 1:12And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.Jeremiah 16:7Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.Ruth 1:17Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.Ezekiel 24:17Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men.Judges 20:26Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
Historical Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 3 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences?
- 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
And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
This verse contributes to the narrative of Abner Defects and Dies, emphasizing political maneuvering, revenge consequences. This chapter illustrates the complexity of political transition and personal revenge. Abner's defection using covenant language (brit, בְּרִית) contrasts with Joab's treacherous murder, demonstrating how personal vengeance undermines national purposes. The text develops themes of legitimate vs illegitimate authority, the corrupting power of revenge, and maintaining integrity when others act unethically.