What does 2 Samuel 2:6 mean?
"And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing." - 2 Samuel 2:6
2 Samuel 2:6 (KJV) - "And now the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing."
This verse comes from the Old Testament, specifically the Book of 2 Samuel, which details the reign of King David. In this particular verse, David is speaking to the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had shown kindness to Saul, the previous king of Israel.
The verse begins with David acknowledging the kindness and truth that the Lord has shown to the men of Jabesh-gilead. This sets the tone for the rest of the verse, as David expresses his desire to also reciprocate this kindness. The language used here is significant, as it highlights the values of kindness and truth, which are central themes in the Bible.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. Prior to this, Saul, the first king of Israel, had been killed in battle. His body was then hung on the walls of Beth-shan by the Philistines. The men of Jabesh-gilead, in a brave and compassionate act, risked their lives by rescuing the body of Saul and giving him a proper burial. They showed kindness and loyalty to their former king, despite the dangers involved. This act of kindness did not go unnoticed by David, who commends them for their courageous and honorable behavior.
In this verse, David is not only acknowledging the men of Jabesh-gilead's kindness but is also making a commitment to repay their kindness in the future. This demonstrates David's gratitude and sense of justice, as he seeks to show his appreciation for their loyalty. This theme of reciprocity and the importance of honoring kindness is a central theme in the Bible and is echoed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
The verse also speaks to the concept of God's faithfulness and kindness. David attributes the kindness and truth shown to the men of Jabesh-gilead as coming from the Lord. This reflects the importance of acknowledging God's hand in all acts of kindness and highlights the belief that all good things come from God. It is a reminder to the readers that acts of kindness are not only important to human relationships but also to one's relationship with God.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The kindness shown by the men of Jabesh-gilead can be seen as a symbol of loyalty, honor, and compassion. It serves as an example of how individuals should treat one another, and it also reflects the type of behavior that is pleasing to God. The mention of truth in the verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity and integrity in the relationships between individuals and with God.
Overall, 2 Samuel 2:6 is a reflection of the biblical values of kindness, gratitude, and faithfulness. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of reciprocating acts of kindness and showing appreciation for the good deeds of others. The verse encourages readers to emulate the virtues displayed by the men of Jabesh-gilead and to recognize the importance of God's kindness and faithfulness in our lives.
Have questions about 2 Samuel 2:6?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Samuel 2:6 Artwork
2 Samuel 2:6 - "And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing."
"And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing." - 2 Samuel 2:6
2 Samuel 6:14
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Samuel 6:23 - "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death."
2 Samuel 22:6 - "The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;"
2 Samuel 6:6 - "¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it."
2 Samuel 6:1 - "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand."
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."
2 Samuel 24:6 - "Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,"
2 Samuel 6:9 - "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?"
2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 11:6 - "¶ And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David."
2 Samuel 23:6 - "¶ But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:"
2 Samuel 6:15 - "So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet."
2 Samuel 6:4 - "And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark."
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 12:6 - "And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."
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 3:6 - "¶ And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul."
2 Samuel 15:6 - "And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."
2 Samuel 6:7 - "And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God."
2 Samuel 6:2 - "And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims."
2 Samuel 6:11 - "And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household."
2 Samuel 6:18 - "And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts."
2 Samuel 6:8 - "And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day."
2 Samuel 8:6 - "Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went."
2 Samuel 6:10 - "So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite."