And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

2 SAMUEL 13:24KJV
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2 Samuel 13:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:24 mean?

2 Samuel 13:24 describes Absalom inviting his father, King David, and David’s servants to join him for a sheepshearing celebration. Absalom respectfully asks the king to come to this event, which was a traditional time of feasting and gathering.

In this verse, Absalom is speaking directly to King David. The occasion is the annual sheepshearing, a significant event in ancient Israel that often involved festivities. Absalom’s invitation seems polite and formal, but in the wider story, this request is part of a larger plan Absalom has in mind, which will unfold in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:24

  • עֶבֶד (ʿeved, transliterated as "servant"): This word appears several times in the verse, both as Absalom referring to himself and to David’s attendants. It highlights the respectful and formal tone Absalom uses, even though he is the king’s son.
  • גֹּזֵז (gozez, transliterated as "sheepshearers"): This word refers to those who shear sheep, marking a time of agricultural importance and celebration. The mention of sheepshearers signals that this is not just a casual invitation but a significant social event.

Why 2 Samuel 13:24 matters

  • The verse shows Absalom’s outward respect and proper approach to King David, which contrasts with his hidden intentions revealed later in the chapter.
  • Understanding the cultural importance of sheepshearing helps explain why such an invitation would be extended to the king and his court, making it more than just a family gathering.
  • This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, giving insight into Absalom’s character and the careful planning behind his actions.

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.