And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

2 SAMUEL 13:29KJV
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2 Samuel 13:29 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:29 mean?

2 Samuel 13:29 describes how Absalom’s servants killed Amnon, following Absalom’s orders, and then all the king’s other sons quickly escaped on their mules. The verse shows the immediate and fearful reaction of the king’s sons after witnessing the violent act.

This event takes place during a family gathering organized by Absalom, King David’s son, as part of a plot to avenge his sister Tamar by killing his half-brother Amnon. The verse highlights the loyalty of Absalom’s servants to his command and the panic that spreads among David’s sons, who fear for their own safety.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:29

  • נַעַר (naʿar, H5288) — “servants”: This word often means “young men” or “servants.” Here, it emphasizes that Absalom’s followers were likely young men under his authority, carrying out his will rather than acting independently.
  • צִוָּה (tsivvah, H6680) — “commanded”: This word stresses that the action was done strictly by Absalom’s order, showing his control over the situation and the premeditated nature of Amnon’s death.
  • פֶּרֶד (pered, H6505) — “mule”: The mention of mules is notable because they were a sign of status and royal privilege in ancient Israel. The king’s sons riding mules underlines their royal identity and the urgency with which they fled.

Why 2 Samuel 13:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Amnon’s death was not a random act but a planned execution carried out by Absalom’s loyal servants, making Absalom’s role as the mastermind very clear.
  • The reaction of the king’s sons—fleeing immediately—shows the level of fear and chaos that erupted in David’s family after the murder, setting the stage for further conflict and division.
  • The detail about the mules connects the event to royal life, reminding the reader that these are not ordinary people but members of the king’s household, which heightens the drama and consequences of the act.

Where else these words appear

“mule” Hebrew H6505 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:40 Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.
  • Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

“Amnon” Hebrew H550 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
  • 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
  • 2 Samuel 13:27 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

“up” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

“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.