Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

2 SAMUEL 14:31KJV
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2 Samuel 14:31 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:31 mean?

2 Samuel 14:31 describes how Joab, after discovering that his field had been set on fire, went to Absalom’s house and confronted him, asking why Absalom’s servants had done this. The verse shows Joab’s direct response to a personal loss and his demand for an explanation from Absalom.

Joab is the commander of King David’s army, and Absalom is David’s son. Absalom had been trying to get Joab’s attention, but Joab ignored him, so Absalom ordered his servants to burn Joab’s field. This act forced Joab to come and speak with Absalom, setting up a crucial conversation in the story.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:31

  • "Servants" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word refers to those who serve under someone’s authority. Here, it highlights that Absalom used his own people to carry out the act, showing intentionality.
  • "Set" (יָצַת, yatsat): This verb means to kindle or set on fire. The word points to a deliberate action, not an accident, emphasizing Absalom’s determination to get Joab’s attention.
  • "Field" (חֶלְקָה, chelqah): This term means a piece of land or property. The mention of Joab’s field makes the offense personal and costly, not just a general act of destruction.
  • "Fire" (אֵשׁ, esh): The word for fire here underlines the seriousness of the act, as fire was a destructive force and a clear message in ancient times.

Why 2 Samuel 14:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Absalom’s act was not random vandalism but a calculated move to force Joab to respond after being ignored.
  • The confrontation shows the tension and strained communication between key figures in David’s court, which is important for understanding the unfolding drama in the chapters around Absalom’s rebellion.
  • The detail about Joab’s field being burned highlights how personal interests and property could be used as leverage in ancient power struggles, adding depth to the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“field” Hebrew H2513 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 27:16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:
  • 2 Samuel 23:12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
  • Job 24:18 He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

“set” Hebrew H3341 · used in 28 verses

  • Joshua 8:8 And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.
  • Isaiah 33:12 And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
  • Jeremiah 46:19 O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.

“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.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 2 Samuel 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.