And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

2 SAMUEL 13:23KJV
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2 Samuel 13:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:23 mean?

2 Samuel 13:23 describes how, after two years had passed, Absalom organized a sheep-shearing event at Baalhazor near Ephraim and invited all the sons of King David to attend. This sets the stage for a significant gathering among David’s family.

The verse is part of a larger story involving Absalom, one of King David’s sons, and his brothers. Sheep-shearing was a major event in ancient Israel, often celebrated with a feast. Absalom’s invitation to all the king’s sons hints at a plan or motive beyond just a family celebration, especially given the tension from earlier events in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:23

  • "full" (יָמִים, yamim): This word, translated as "full," emphasizes that a complete period of two years had passed, not just a general span of time.
  • "sheepshearers" (גֹּזְזִים, gozzim): Sheep-shearing was a festive and important agricultural occasion, often involving large gatherings and celebrations, which helps explain why Absalom could use it as a pretext for inviting his brothers.
  • "invited" (קָרָא, qara): This word means to call or invite, showing that Absalom took the initiative to gather all the king’s sons, which was a deliberate and purposeful action.

Why 2 Samuel 13:23 matters

  • The verse marks a turning point in the narrative, signaling that Absalom has been waiting and planning for two years since the previous conflict involving his family.
  • Understanding the cultural importance of sheep-shearing helps clarify why this event could serve as a believable reason for a family gathering, making Absalom’s invitation seem natural to those involved.
  • This verse connects directly to the unfolding drama in David’s household, setting up the events that follow and highlighting the ongoing tension and unresolved issues among David’s sons.

Where else these words appear

“sheepshearers” Hebrew H1494 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 31:19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
  • 1 Samuel 25:2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
  • Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
  • 2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.