What does 2 Samuel 13:34 mean?
"But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him." - 2 Samuel 13:34
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 13:34 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him."
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the betrayal and subsequent rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David. The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its meaning and significance. In the preceding verses, Absalom has just murdered his half-brother Amnon in retaliation for the rape of their sister Tamar. After committing this heinous act, Absalom flees from the scene and goes into hiding. King David, upon hearing of the murder, is grief-stricken and mourns for his son Amnon. Absalom remains on the run, fearing retribution from his father and others who may seek justice for Amnon's death.
The verse reveals that Absalom fled after committing the murder, and as he fled, a young man keeping watch observed a large crowd approaching from the hillside. This turn of events hints at the growing unrest and division within David's kingdom. Absalom's act of vengeance has set off a chain reaction that will ultimately lead to a rebellion against King David and a civil war within the kingdom. The much people approaching symbolizes the gathering of support and followers for Absalom's rebellion.
One of the central themes in this verse is the consequences of sin and the breakdown of relationships. The story of Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's subsequent murder of Amnon highlights the destructive effects of sin within David's family. The tragic events that unfold further demonstrate the ripple effect of sin and how it can lead to further chaos and heartache. Absalom's actions not only result in the murder of his brother but also pave the way for a devastating rebellion that will tear apart the kingdom and lead to further bloodshed.
Additionally, the verse also speaks to the theme of justice and retribution. Absalom's flight from the scene of the crime reflects his fear of facing the consequences of his actions. While his act may have been motivated by a desire for justice for his sister Tamar, his own actions ultimately lead to further injustice and bloodshed. The young man keeping watch serves as a witness to these events and symbolizes the watchful eyes of God and the inevitability of facing the consequences of one's actions.
The rebellion of Absalom against his father also foreshadows the broader theme of rebellion against God's appointed authority. Absalom's actions mirror the rebellion of humanity against God's rule and authority, leading to further discord and separation from God. This theme serves as a warning against the destructive nature of rebellion and the importance of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness.
In conclusion, the Bible verse 2 Samuel 13:34 in the King James Version serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion and the consequences of sin within David's family. It speaks to the themes of justice, retribution, and the destructive nature of rebellion. The verse also holds deeper symbolism in its portrayal of the consequences of sin and the breakdown of relationships within the kingdom. Ultimately, the verse serves as a powerful reminder of the far-reaching effects of sin and the importance of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness.
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2 Samuel 13:34 - "But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him."
"But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him." - 2 Samuel 13:34
2 Samuel 23:34 - "Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,"
2 Samuel 22:34 - "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
2 Samuel 19:34 - "And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?"
1 Samuel 15:34 - "¶ Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul."
1 Samuel 2:34 - "And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them."
2 Samuel 13:38 - "So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years."
2 Samuel 22:13 - "Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled."
2 Chronicles 34:13 - "Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters."
"Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite," - 2 Samuel 23:34
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
1 Samuel 17:34-35
2 Samuel 3:34 - "Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him."
2 Samuel 13:27 - "But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him."
2 Samuel 13:35 - "And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is."
2 Samuel 7:13 - "He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."
2 Samuel 10:13 - "And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 13:31 - "Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 13:7 - "Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat."
2 Samuel 13:37 - "¶ But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day."
2 Samuel 13:3 - "But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man."
2 Samuel 9:13 - "So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet."
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."
2 Samuel 2:13 - "And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool."