New International Version And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you are not the commander of my army for life in place of Joab.’” New Living Translation And David told them to tell Amasa, “Since you are my own flesh and blood, like Joab, may God strike me and even kill me if I do not appoint you as commander of my army in his place.” English Standard Version And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if you are not commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’” Berean Standard Bible And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” Berean Literal Bible And say to Amasa, ‘Is it not that you are my bone and my flesh? So may God do to me, and even may He add, if you are not the commander of the army before me all the days in place of Joab.’” King James Bible And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. New King James Version And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.’ ” New American Standard Bible And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God do so to me, and more so, if you will not be commander of the army for me continually, in place of Joab.’” NASB 1995 “Say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God do so to me, and more also, if you will not be commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.’” NASB 1977 “And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God do so to me, and more also, if you will not be commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.’” Legacy Standard Bible And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God do so to me, and more also, if you will not be commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.’” Amplified Bible Say to Amasa [the commander of Absalom’s troops], ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God do so to me, and more also, if you will not be commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’” Berean Annotated Bible And say to Amasa (burden), ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God {Elohim} punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab (YHWH is father)! Christian Standard Bible And tell Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me and do so severely if you don’t become commander of my army from now on instead of Joab! ’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible And tell Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me and do so severely if you don’t become commander of the army from now on instead of Joab!’” American Standard Version And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. Contemporary English Version And tell Amasa, "You're my nephew, and with God as a witness, I swear I'll make you commander of my army instead of Joab." English Revised Version And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. GOD'S WORD® Translation And tell Amasa, 'Aren't you my flesh and blood? May God strike me dead unless you are given Joab's place to serve me always as the commander of the army.'" Good News Translation David also told them to say to Amasa, "You are my relative. From now on I am putting you in charge of the army in place of Joab. May God strike me dead if I don't!" International Standard Version Then ask Amasa, 'Aren't you my own flesh and blood? So may God deal with me, no matter how severely, if from this day forward you don't take Joab's place as commander of my army.' NET Bible Say to Amasa, 'Are you not my flesh and blood? God will punish me severely, if from this time on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!'" New Heart English Bible Say to Amasa, 'Aren't you my bone and my flesh? Now then, God do so to me, and more also, if you aren't commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.'" Webster's Bible Translation And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” World English Bible Say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you aren’t captain of the army before me continually instead of Joab.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd say to Amasa, Are you not my bone and my flesh? Thus God does to me, and thus He adds, if you are not head of the host before me instead of Joab [for] all the days.” Berean Literal Bible And say to Amasa, ‘Is it not that you are my bone and my flesh? So may God do to me, and even may He add, if you are not the commander of the army before me all the days in place of Joab.’” Young's Literal Translation And to Amasa say ye, Art not thou my bone and my flesh? Thus doth God do to me, and thus He doth add, if thou art not head of the host before me all the days instead of Joab.' Smith's Literal Translation And to Amasa ye shall say, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? thus will God do to me and thus will he add, if thou shalt not be chief of the army before me all the days, instead of Joab. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd say ye to Amasa: Art not thou my bone, and my flesh? So do God to me and add more, if thou be not the chief captain of the army before me always in the place of Joab. Catholic Public Domain Version And say to Amasa: ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God do these things, and may he add these other things, if you will not be the leader of the military in my sight, for all time, in the place of Joab.’ ” New American Bible Also say to Amasa: ‘Are you not my bone and flesh? May God do thus to me, and more, if you do not become commander of my army permanently in place of Joab.’ ” New Revised Standard Version And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? So may God do to me, and more, if you are not the commander of my army from now on, in place of Joab.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to Amasa, Behold, you are my flesh and my bone. God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of my army permanently instead of Joab. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to Amasa: “Behold, you are my flesh and my bones. So God shall do to me and thus he will add to me unless you will be the General of the army before me all the days in the place of Yuab!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And say ye to Amasa: Art thou not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And ye shall say to Amessai, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? and now God do so to me, and more also, if thou shalt not be commander of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context David Restored as King…12You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king?’ 13And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” 14So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.”… Cross References And say to Amasa, 2 Samuel 20:4 Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” 2 Samuel 17:25 Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. 1 Chronicles 2:17 Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite. ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? 2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Genesis 29:14 Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, Judges 9:2 “Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” May God punish me, and ever so severely, 1 Kings 2:23 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. Ruth 1:17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” 1 Samuel 3:17 “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.” if from now on you are not the commander of my army 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 1 Chronicles 18:15 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; in place of Joab!’” 1 Kings 2:35 And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place. 1 Kings 2:34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. 1 Kings 2:29 It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” 1 Kings 2:5-6 Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. Treasury of Scripture And say you to Amasa, Are you not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. Amasa 2 Samuel 17:25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. 1 Chronicles 2:16,17 Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three… 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band. God Ruth 1:17 Where 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. 1 Kings 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. room of Joab 2 Samuel 19:5-7 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; … 2 Samuel 3:29,30 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread… 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Jump to Previous Add Amasa Ama'sa Army Blood Bone Captain Commander Continually Deal Flesh God's Head Henceforth Host Instead Joab Jo'ab Punishment Room SeverelyJump to Next Add Amasa Ama'sa Army Blood Bone Captain Commander Continually Deal Flesh God's Head Henceforth Host Instead Joab Jo'ab Punishment Room Severely2 Samuel 19 1. Joab causes the king to cease his mourning9. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back 11. David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah 18. Shimei is pardoned 24. Mephibosheth excused 32. Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family 41. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them And say to Amasa, Amasa was David’s nephew through his sister Abigail and had commanded Absalom’s forces during the rebellion. David’s message addressed both a family relationship and a recent political division. 2Sa 20:4 Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah… ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? David appealed to their shared family bond as he sought to restore unity among the tribes that had followed Absalom. 2Sa 5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron… May God punish me, and ever so severely, David sealed his promise with a solemn oath before God, showing the seriousness of his commitment. 1Ki 2:23 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me,… if from now on you are not the commander of my army He offered Amasa command of the army, seeking to bring former supporters of Absalom back under his rule. 2Sa 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army;… in place of Joab!’” Joab had long served David effectively but had also acted against David’s wishes, especially in killing Absalom. Replacing him with Amasa asserted David’s authority and supported reconciliation after the rebellion. 1Ki 2:35 And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is seeking to restore unity in his kingdom after the rebellion of Absalom. 2. Amasa A relative of David and former commander of Absalom's army, whom David appoints as commander of his own army. 3. Joab The current commander of David's army, known for his military prowess but also for his ruthless actions. 4. Absalom's Rebellion A significant event where David's son, Absalom, led a revolt against his father, causing division in the kingdom. 5. Hebron The place where Absalom initially declared himself king, and a significant city in the history of Israel. Teaching Points Reconciliation and ForgivenessDavid's decision to appoint Amasa demonstrates a willingness to forgive and reconcile, even with those who were once against him. This teaches us the importance of forgiveness in restoring relationships. Leadership and Change By replacing Joab with Amasa, David shows that leadership requires adaptability and sometimes difficult decisions to promote unity and peace. Divine Justice and Oaths David's oath, "May God punish me, and ever so severely," reflects the seriousness with which he approaches his promises and decisions, reminding us of the weight of our words before God. Family and Loyalty The phrase "my own flesh and blood" underscores the importance of family ties and loyalty, which can be a powerful force for unity and healing. God's Sovereignty in Leadership Despite human plans and actions, God's sovereignty is evident in the unfolding of events, reminding us to trust in His ultimate plan for leadership and governance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 19:13?2. Why did David appoint Amasa over Joab in 2 Samuel 19:13? 3. How does David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:13 demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation? 4. What leadership qualities does David exhibit in 2 Samuel 19:13? 5. How can we apply David's approach to resolving conflicts in our lives? 6. What other biblical examples show leaders replacing others for the greater good? 7. Why did David choose Amasa over Joab in 2 Samuel 19:13? 8. What does 2 Samuel 19:13 reveal about David's leadership qualities? 9. How does 2 Samuel 19:13 reflect on themes of forgiveness and reconciliation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 19? (13) Say ye to Amasa.--Amasa, like Joab, was David's nephew, although possibly his mother may have been only half-sister to David. In this offer of the command-in-chief to the rebel general, David adopted a bold, but a rash and unjust policy. Amasa should have been punished, not rewarded for his treason. He had given no evidence of loyalty, nor was there proof that he would be trustworthy. Moreover, this appointment would be sure to provoke the jealousy and hostility of Joab. But David had long been restless under the overbearing influence of Joab (see 2Samuel 19:22; 2Samuel 16:10; 2Samuel 3:39), and now since he had murdered Absalom, was determined to be rid of him. He therefore took advantage of the opportunity by this means to win over to himself what remained of the military organisation of Absalom.Verse 13. - Of my bone, and of my flesh; Hebrew, art thou not my bone and my flesh? - a most near and dear relative. It is difficult to understand why in the Authorized Version this common metaphor in the Hebrew has been so meddled with, Ewald thinks that this purposed degradation of Joab and the substitution of Amasa in his stead was a wise and politic act. It was to some extent just, for Joab was a man stained with many murders; but politic it was not. Passing over the fact that Amasa had actually taken the command of the rebel army, he was an ambitious and selfish man, and could lay no claim to that sturdy fidelity which had characterized Joab throughout his long service. For all he had done had been for David's good, and his advice, however roughly given, had averted grave misfortunes. Joab's murder of Absalom was an act of wilful disobedience; but David had used Joab for a far meaner murder, committed, not for reasons of statesmanship; but for purposes of lust. The guilt of slaying Absalom was as nothing compared with that of slaying Uriah, nor was it so base as the assassination of Abner, which David had tolerated, though made angry by it. The dismissal of Joab could have been effected only by putting him to death, and this certainly he did not deserve at David's hands; and the attempt, unless carried out secretly, would have led to tumult and insurrection. Joab, too, was a far more skilful general than Amasa, who, with larger forces, had just suffered a disastrous defeat; and if Joab was removed secretly, his brother Abishai remained to avenge him. David was, in fact, blinded by love for the son whom for so many years he had treated with coldness. There was a strong reaction now in the father's mind, and under its influence he was prepared to sacrifice the nephew who had been faithful to him and saved him, for the nephew who had joined in Absalom's rebellion. But possibly it had an immediate good effect, as Amasa, assured of forgiveness and promotion, now took David's side. David’s message to Amasa joins personal reconciliation, solemn oath, and strategic leadership change. The verse teaches that: • Grace bridges even the deepest estrangements when rooted in covenant love. • True forgiveness offers tangible trust, not mere words. • God oversees both vows and leadership transitions, holding all parties accountable. Believers today can extend the same proactive, costly mercy David demonstrated, confident that God can turn former adversaries into fellow servants for His purposes. Hebrew And sayתֹּֽמְר֔וּ (tō·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say to Amasa, וְלַֽעֲמָשָׂא֙ (wə·la·‘ă·mā·śā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6021: Amasa -- two Israelites ‘Aren’t הֲל֛וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no you אָ֑תָּה (’āt·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you my flesh וּבְשָׂרִ֖י (ū·ḇə·śā·rî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man and blood? עַצְמִ֥י (‘aṣ·mî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame May God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative punish כֹּ֣ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now me, לִּ֤י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew and ever so וְכֹ֣ה (wə·ḵōh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now severely, יוֹסִ֔יף (yō·w·sîp̄) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3254: To add, augment if אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not from this time כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every you are תִּהְיֶ֧ה (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be not לֹ֠א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no the commander שַׂר־ (śar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of my לְפָנַ֛י (lə·p̄ā·nay) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 6440: The face army צָבָ֞א (ṣā·ḇā) Noun - common singular Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign in place תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of of Joab!’” יוֹאָֽב׃ (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 19:13 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 19:13 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 19:13 Bible.com 2 Samuel 19:13 NIV |
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