2 Samuel 19 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues the story of what David did as the king of Israel and specifically how the Israelites restored him to his position as their king. It first tells how Joab warned David not to stay away from his army, shaming them by mourning for the commander of the army they had defeated. It then describes how the people of Israel discussed among themselves how they should bring David back, and how David sent messengers to encourage the leaders of the tribe of Judah to take the lead in doing this. The chapter tells how David met various people on his way back to cross the Jordan River, including Shimei, who had cursed him; Mephibosheth, who had been unable to join him because Ziba deceived him; and Barzillai, who had provided for him. The chapter concludes by describing how the leaders of Judah escorted David across the Jordan River before all the leaders of the other tribes had arrived, causing a dispute between them.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“your servant,” “my lord the king,” “the king”

In several places in this chapter, people speak of themselves to King David in the third person as your servant to show humility. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in a humble form in the first person. In several other places, even though people are addressing David directly, they speak of him in the third person as “my lord the king” to show respect. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in a respectful form in the second person. Finally, in 19:11–12, in his message to the leaders of Judah, David refers to himself regally in the third person as “the king.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in a regal form in the first person, if your language has one. (For example, in some cultures, kings and queens refer to themselves with a plural form.) (See: figs-123person)