Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version While they were on their way, the report came to David: “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons; not one of them is left.” New Living Translation As they were on the way back to Jerusalem, this report reached David: “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons; not one is left alive!” English Standard Version While they were on the way, news came to David, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” Berean Standard Bible While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king; not one of them is left!” Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has killed all the sons of the king, and not one of them is left.” King James Bible And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. New King James Version And it came to pass, while they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left!” New American Standard Bible Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck and killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” NASB 1995 Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” NASB 1977 Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” Legacy Standard Bible Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” Amplified Bible Now it happened while they were on the way [back home], that the [exaggerated] report came to David, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” Berean Annotated Bible While they were on the way, a report reached David (beloved): “Absalom (my father is peace) has struck down all the sons of the king; not one of them is left! Christian Standard Bible While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom struck down all the king’s sons; not even one of them survived! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom struck down all the king’s sons; not even one of them survived!” American Standard Version And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that the tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. Contemporary English Version While they were on their way to Jerusalem, someone told David, "Absalom has killed all of your sons! Not even one is left." English Revised Version And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that the tidings came to David saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. GOD'S WORD® Translation While they were on their way, David heard this rumor: "Absalom has killed all the king's sons, and not a single one is left." Good News Translation While they were on their way home, David was told: "Absalom has killed all your sons--not one of them is left!" International Standard Version While they were still on the road, this rumor came to David: "Absalom has struck down all of the king's sons and none of them has survived." NET Bible While they were still on their way, the following report reached David: "Absalom has killed all the king's sons; not one of them is left!" New Heart English Bible And it happened, while they were on the way, that the news came to David, saying, "Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left." Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that information came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhile they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king; not one of them is left!” World English Bible While they were on the way, the news came to David, saying, “Absalom has slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass—they [are] in the way—and the report has come to David, saying, “Absalom has struck all the sons of the king, and there is not left [even] one of them”; Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has killed all the sons of the king, and not one of them is left.” Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass -- they are in the way -- and the report hath come unto David, saying, 'Absalom hath smitten all the sons of the king, and there is not left of them one;' Smith's Literal Translation And it will be they in the way, and the report came to David saying, Absalom struck all the king's sons and not one remaining of them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd while they were yet in the way, a rumour came to David, saying: Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. Catholic Public Domain Version And while they were still traveling on the journey, a rumor reached David, saying, “Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king, and there is not one of them remaining.” New American Bible While they were still on the road, a report reached David: “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons and not one of them is left.” New Revised Standard Version While they were on the way, the report came to David that Absalom had killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them was left. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd while they were on the way, the news came to David that Absalom had murdered all the king's sons and there was not one of them left. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And while they were on the road, a report came to David that Abishlum had murdered all the sons of the King, and that he had not left a man of them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that the tidings came to David, saying: 'Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass, when they were in the way, that a report came to David, saying, Abessalom has slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Revenge on Amnon…29So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule. 30While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king; not one of them is left!” 31Then the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground; and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.… Cross References While they were on the way, 1 Samuel 4:12-13 That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. / When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. 2 Samuel 18:24-27 Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. / So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, / the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. … 2 Kings 7:9-10 Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.” / So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” a report reached David: 2 Samuel 18:31-32 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!” / The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.” 1 Samuel 4:17 The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” Job 1:16-19 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The fire of God fell from heaven. It burned and consumed the sheep and the servants, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” / While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” / While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, … “Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king; Job 1:18-19 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, / when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 1 Samuel 31:2-6 The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. / Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. … Genesis 37:33-35 His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. not one of them is left!” Joshua 10:20-21 So Joshua and the Israelites continued to inflict a terrible slaughter until they had finished them off, and the remaining survivors retreated to the fortified cities. / The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites. 1 Kings 15:29-30 As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire household of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone who breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite, / because of the sins Jeroboam had committed and had caused Israel to commit, and because he had provoked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger. 2 Kings 10:17 When Jehu came to Samaria, he struck down everyone belonging to Ahab who remained there, until he had destroyed them, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to Elijah. Genesis 37:31-34 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. / They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” / His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” … 1 Kings 13:26-30 When the prophet who had brought him back from his journey heard this, he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the command of the LORD. Therefore the LORD has delivered him to the lion, and it has mauled him and killed him, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to him.” / Then the old prophet instructed his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled it, / and he went and found the body lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. The lion had not eaten the body or mauled the donkey. … 2 Samuel 18:19-33 Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. … 2 Samuel 1:11-12 Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom has slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. Jump to Previous Absalom Ab'salom David Death Information King's News Report Slain Smitten Struck Tidings WayJump to Next Absalom Ab'salom David Death Information King's News Report Slain Smitten Struck Tidings Way2 Samuel 13 1. Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.15. He hates her, and shamefully turns her away 19. Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose 23. At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon 31. David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab 37. Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur While they were on the way This phrase refers to the messengers who were traveling to deliver news to King David. The context is the aftermath of Absalom's revenge against Amnon for the rape of their sister Tamar. The journey of the messengers highlights the urgency and gravity of the situation. In ancient Israel, communication was often slow, and the use of messengers was crucial for conveying important news. This reflects the tension and chaos following the events at Absalom's feast. a report reached David Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king not one of them is left! Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, father of Absalom and Amnon. He is a central figure in this account, receiving the distressing news about his sons. 2. Absalom David's son, who orchestrates the murder of his brother Amnon as revenge for the rape of their sister Tamar. 3. Amnon Another son of David, who previously committed a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar, leading to Absalom's vengeful actions. 4. Tamar The sister of Absalom and Amnon, whose tragic account of being violated by Amnon sets the stage for the events in this chapter. 5. The Report The message that reaches David, inaccurately stating that all his sons have been killed by Absalom, highlighting the chaos and misinformation in the aftermath of Absalom's actions. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinSin has a ripple effect, impacting not just the sinner but also their family and community. Amnon's sin against Tamar led to further violence and division within David's family. The Dangers of Misinformation The initial report to David was incorrect, causing unnecessary panic and grief. This highlights the importance of verifying information before reacting. The Cycle of Revenge Absalom's response to Amnon's sin was driven by revenge, which only led to more pain and suffering. As Christians, we are called to break the cycle of revenge through forgiveness and reconciliation. Parental Responsibility David's lack of decisive action in dealing with Amnon's sin may have contributed to Absalom's drastic measures. Parents are called to address sin and injustice within their families with wisdom and justice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 13:30?2. How does 2 Samuel 13:30 illustrate consequences of unchecked sin in families? 3. What role does communication play in the events of 2 Samuel 13:30? 4. How can we prevent false reports like those in 2 Samuel 13:30? 5. Compare 2 Samuel 13:30 with Proverbs 18:21 on the power of words. 6. How should Christians respond to rumors, based on 2 Samuel 13:30? 7. Why did Absalom kill all the king's sons in 2 Samuel 13:30? 8. How does 2 Samuel 13:30 reflect on God's justice and mercy? 9. What historical evidence supports the events in 2 Samuel 13:30? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 13? 11. When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14) 12. How could Absalom have turned the hearts of all Israel against David so quickly (2 Samuel 15:6, 13)? 13. God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine? Seven (2 Samuel 24:13) Three (I Chronicles 21:12) 14. Why does 1 Chronicles 2:13-15 list David as the seventh son, while 1 Samuel 16:10-11 implies he was the eighth? What Does 2 Samuel 13:30 Mean While they were on the way• The context is the royal sons hastily leaving Absalom’s sheep-shearing feast after Amnon is slain (2 Samuel 13:28-29). • Panic and confusion mark the journey; they “mounted their mules and fled” (v. 29). • This moment fulfills Nathan’s warning that “the sword shall never depart from your house” (2 Samuel 12:10) as the fallout from David’s own sin continues to unfold. • Similar scenes of urgent flight appear when Jacob’s sons deceive their father about Joseph (Genesis 37:31-33) and when Eli waits for news after sending the ark into battle (1 Samuel 4:13). God’s Word repeatedly shows how sin breeds fear and flight. A report reached David • Bad news often outruns the facts (Proverbs 18:13). The king hears the initial rumor before his sons arrive. • David’s heart had already been “consumed with grief for his son” Tamar (2 Samuel 13:21), so he is primed for the worst. • This detail exposes a leadership principle: when fathers or leaders leave conflicts unresolved—David never disciplined Amnon (v. 22)—they eventually face larger crises (1 Kings 1:6). • Later, another runner will bring David news of Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 18:24-33), showing how reports can shape a king’s emotions before he sees the facts. Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king; • The messenger’s claim is an exaggeration born of fear, not deliberate deceit. Only Amnon has been killed (2 Samuel 13:32-33). • Scripture records similar first reports that overshoot reality: the spies’ exaggerated tales of Canaan (Numbers 13:32) or the soldiers who misreport Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1:6-10). • Absalom’s calculated act of vengeance reveals his bitterness from Tamar’s assault (2 Samuel 13:1-22). His method—waiting two full years—shows how long-nursed sin erupts in violence (James 1:14-15). • Yet Absalom does not intend genocide; he targets Amnon, the firstborn, to avenge Tamar and perhaps to clear his own path to the throne (2 Samuel 15:1-6). not one of them is left! • The hyperbole underscores David’s dread that his lineage has been wiped out, echoing Job’s fear when hearing, “all your children are dead” (Job 1:18-19). • God, however, preserves the royal line; the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:16 stands firm despite Absalom’s violence. • This moment foreshadows the larger civil war Absalom will later ignite (2 Samuel 15–18). Small unchecked sins snowball into national catastrophe. • Rumor-driven despair can overwhelm faith, but later Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth and others will survive, proving that God’s covenant purposes cannot be undone by human intrigue (Psalm 89:34-37). summary 2 Samuel 13:30 records the first panicked report that reaches David after Absalom murders Amnon. The phrase captures four truths: the chaos sowed by unaddressed sin, the speed of rumor over fact, the precision of God’s judgment in contrast to human exaggeration, and the steadfastness of God’s covenant with David despite family tragedy. Though David momentarily believes every son is dead, the LORD’s promise and providence ensure that the royal line—and His redemptive plan—endure. (30) There is not one of them left.--The story of this exaggerated report, so true to the life, indicates contemporaneous authorship.Verse 30. - Tidings came. Some of the servants seem to have fled immediately that the attack was made, and in their terror reported, not what had really happened, but what they assumed was Absalom's purpose. It shows, however, how thoroughly Absalom had dissembled when thus they entirely forgot that he had a grudge against Amnon. And David, in utter misery, tears his robes, and throws himself prostrate on the ground, while his courtiers, with rent garments, stand speechless round him. But the guilty Jonadab guesses more correctly the truth. He had probably watched Absalom closely, and distrusted his silence. Nothing, perhaps, had happened to justify his suspicions, but as soon as the tidings came he divined the real meaning. And, wicked as he was, he could never have supposed that Amnon would turn upon the woman he had wronged, and insult and disgrace her. He probably imagined that Amnon really loved her, and that the matter would be patched up. But when the wretched youth acted so shamelessly, Jonadab probably felt sure that Absalom would sooner or later take his revenge.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew While theyהֵ֣מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They were וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be on the way, בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ (ḇad·de·reḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action a report וְהַשְּׁמֻעָ֣ה (wə·haš·šə·mu·‘āh) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8052: Something heard, an announcement reached בָ֔אָה (ḇā·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go David: דָּוִ֖ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “Absalom אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites has struck down הִכָּ֤ה (hik·kāh) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the king’s הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king sons; בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no one אֶחָֽד׃ (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first of them מֵהֶ֖ם (mê·hem) Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They is left!” נוֹתַ֥ר (nō·w·ṯar) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve Links 2 Samuel 13:30 NIV2 Samuel 13:30 NLT 2 Samuel 13:30 ESV 2 Samuel 13:30 NASB 2 Samuel 13:30 KJV 2 Samuel 13:30 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 13:30 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 13:30 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 13:30 French Bible 2 Samuel 13:30 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 13:30 It happened while they were (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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