front:intro bs9v 0 # Introduction to 2 Samuel\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of 2 Samuel\n\n1. The first years of David’s reign (1:1–7:29)\n * Saul is killed; David is kind to Ishbosheth (1:1–4:12)\n * David defeats the Philistines (5:1–25)\n * Victories, the ark, the house of God (6:1–7:29)\n1. David extends his rule to all the Promised Land (8:1–10:19)\n1. David’s sin with Bathsheba (11:1–12:31)\n1. Amnon and Tamar; Absalom kills Amnon (13:1–14:33)\n1. The later years of David’s reign (15:1–24:25)\n * Absalom rebels and is killed (15:1–18:33)\n * David’s kingdom restored (19:1–20:26)\n * Famine and warfare (21:1–14)\n * David’s song of praise (22:1–23:7)\n * David’s mighty men (23:8–39)\n * Yahweh judges David’s sin of numbering the people; the plague stopped (24:1–25)\n\n### What is the Book of 2 Samuel about?\n\nThis book is about David ruling as king over Israel. He first ruled over the tribe of Judah for seven years. Then the other eleven tribes agreed to have him become their king. He ruled over all Israel for thirty-three years.\n\nThroughout this time, David led his army to fight foreign enemies who attacked Israel. However, he struggled the most against someone in his own family. Absalom, his son, rebelled and fought against him ([2 Samuel 13–19](../13/01.md)).\n\nThe Book of 2 Samuel also tells about when David sinned greatly. He slept with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. When she became pregnant, David arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle. David and all Israel suffered much because of David’s sin. However, the writer also tells of Yahweh repeatedly showing David grace and love after David repented of his sin.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators can use the traditional title “2 Samuel,” or “Second Samuel.” Or translators may consider a clearer title such as “The Second Book about Samuel, Saul, and David.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### What was the purpose of the Book of 2 Samuel?\n\nThe Book of 2 Samuel begins where 1 Samuel ended. The writer continues to show how the tribes of Israel unite under the first kings of Israel. The Book of 2 Samuel centers around David as the king Yahweh chose to lead Israel.\n\n### Who wrote the Book of 2 Samuel?\n\nIt is uncertain who wrote 2 Samuel. It may have been someone alive soon after King Solomon died. When Solomon died, the kingdom of Israel split into two kingdoms. The author probably lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. A descendant of David continued to rule over the southern kingdom. The author may have written 2 Samuel to defend David’s right to be king. This would prove that David’s descendant was the rightful king of God’s people.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What covenant had its beginning in the Book of 2 Samuel?\n\nIn 2 Samuel 7, Yahweh made a covenant with David. God promised to make a descendant of David rule forever over Israel. Christians believe that Jesus Christ fulfills this covenant. Jesus was a descendant of David. Jesus is the true “anointed one,” the person God chose to be king forever. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### Why does the book refer to someone being addressed indirectly?\n\nDavid frequently refers to himself as “your servant” when he speaks to King Saul. He also calls Saul “my master.” Indirectly addressing a person in this way can be difficult to translate. It is intended to show that the speaker submits to the one being addressed. English sometimes uses the address “sir” or “ma’am” in this way.\n\n### Can I translate this book before 1 Samuel?\n\nThe Book of 1 Samuel should be translated before 2 Samuel, since 2 Samuel continues from where 1 Samuel ends.\n\n### How is the name “Israel” used in the Bible?\n\nThe name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. God changed his name to Isra
1:intro la44 0 # 2 Samuel 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 1:19–27.\n\nThis chapter continues the material from 1 Samuel.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David’s funeral song\nDavid praised Saul and Jonathan as great warriors and Jonathan as his dearest friend.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Synecdoche\n\nDavid used two figures of speech to express that Jonathan and Saul were great warriors: “the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1:1 q125 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ziklag 0 This is the name of a city in the southern part of Judah.
1:2 vci9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal On the third day 0 “After three days”
1:2 v6vv rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head 0 In this culture, tearing one’s own clothes and putting dirt on one’s head was an act of mourning.
1:2 js3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction he lay facedown on the ground and prostrated himself 0 This was an act of showing submission to David, who was now the king of Israel.
1:6 g386 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism Saul was leaning on his spear 0 This could mean: (1) Saul was weak and using the spear to support himself or (2) Saul was attempting to kill himself by falling on his own spear.
1:8 x88n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations He said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 0 These direct quotations could be stated as indirect speech. Alternate translation: “He asked me who I was, and I told him that I am an Amalekite”
1:9 t8ly rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification great suffering has taken hold of me 0 Saul’s suffering is spoken of as something terrible that has grabbed hold of him. Alternate translation: “I am suffering terribly”
1:9 he7b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom life is still in me 0 This idiom means he is still alive. Alternate translation: “I am still alive”
1:11 lzf2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction David tore his clothes … the men with him did the same 0 David and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning for the death of King Saul.
1:12 j5yt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel 0 Both statements mean basically same thing. The word “house” is a metonym that represents the descendants of Israel. But, both “people” and “house” probably are a synecdoche representing the soldiers of Israel. Alternate translation: “for the Israelite soldiers” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1:12 v2al Yahweh 0 This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
1:12 h78c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism they had fallen by the sword 0 Here “fallen” is a polite way of referring to being killed. Also, “sword” represents a battle. This here means “had been killed.” Alternate translation: “they had died in battle” or “enemies had killed them in battle” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:13 tje8 Where are you from? 0 The man had already stated that he is an Amalekite in [2 Samuel 1:8](../01/08.md). David apparently asks the man to confirm this because of the serious judgment that David was going to pronounce on the man.
1:14 f3mp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why were you not afraid to kill Yahweh’s anointed … hand? 0 This rhetorical question is used to rebuke the man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have feared Yahweh and not killed his anointed … hand!”
1:14 llc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy with your own hand 0 This phrase refers to doing something yourself. Alternate translation: “yourself” or “personally”
1:15 k3ww rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom struck him down 0 This idiom means “killed him.”
1:16 sv2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Your blood is on your head 0 Here “blood” is a metonym that implies “shed blood” and is associated with death. Here “your head” is a synecdoche referring to the man and means that he is responsible. Alternate translation: “You are responsible for your own death” or “You have caused your own death” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1:16 e596 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche your own mouth has testified against you 0 Here “your own mouth” refers to the man himself. Alternate translation: “you have testified against yourself”
1:18 rz25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background which has been written in the Book of Jashar 0 This is background information added to tell the reader what happened to the song in the future.
1:18 h5m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names the Book of Jashar 0 The word “Jashar” means “upright.” Alternate translation: “the Book of the Upright”
1:19 bch8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Your glory, Israel, is dead 0 “Your glory” refers to Saul.
1:19 luf3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the mighty 0 The phrase “the mighty” refers to both Saul and Jonathan. This nominal adjective is plural, and can be stated as “the mighty ones.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1:19 v53l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism have fallen 0 The word “fallen” here means “died.”
1:20 as79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Do not tell it in Gath … do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated as part of the poetry of the song.
1:20 m8lh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism so that the daughters of the Philistines may not rejoice … so that the daughters of the uncircumcised may not celebrate 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated as part of the poetry of the song.
1:20 kk6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the daughters of the uncircumcised 0 This phrase refers to people who do not follow Yahweh, such as the Philistines.
1:21 yma7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Mountains of Gilboa 0 David speaks directly to the “Mountains of Gilboa” as if they were listening to his song.
1:21 k9a4 let there not be dew or rain on you 0 David curses the ground where King Saul died in the battle. This was out of reverence for Saul, who was God’s anointed king.
1:21 nbh3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the shield of the mighty was defiled 0 The “mighty” here refers to Saul. The shield was defiled because it fell on the ground, and because the king’s blood was shed on it.
1:21 bh3a The shield of Saul is no longer anointed with oil 0 Saul’s shield was made of leather. To care for the shield, it was rubbed with oil. Alternate translation: “No one will care for Saul’s shield anymore”
1:22 i5nk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism From the blood of those who have been killed, from the bodies of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty 0 Saul and Jonathan are shown here to have been fierce and valiant warriors.
1:22 px2s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the sword of Saul did not return empty 0 Saul’s sword is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could return on its own. Rather than return empty, it was carrying the blood of Saul’s enemies that it killed. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1:23 zvc3 in their death they were not separated 0 The phrase “were not separated” is used to emphasize that they were always together. Alternate translation: “even in death they were together”
1:23 k29g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 0 Saul and Jonathan were spoken of as if they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.
1:24 b7wi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism who clothed you in scarlet as well as jewels, and who put ornaments of gold on your clothing 0 “who provided you nice clothes and jewelry.” These two phrases share similar meanings that describe providing the women with expensive, attractive clothing.
1:25 lw46 How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle 0 This phrase is repeated in verse 27 to emphasize that Israel’s best warriors are dead. Alternate translation: “The mighty men have died in battle”
1:25 s578 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the mighty 0 Here “mighty” is plural and may refer to only Saul and Jonathan, or to all of the soldiers of Israel. Alternate translation: “the mighty warriors”
1:25 ap6l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism have fallen 0 This is a polite way to say “have died.”
1:25 l3rx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Jonathan is killed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jonathan has died in battle” or “The enemy has killed Jonathan”
1:25 i3z2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe on your high places 0 David continues to address this part of the song to the mountains of Gilboa as he started in [2 Samuel 1:21](../01/21.md).
1:26 eg6m my brother Jonathan 0 Here “brother” is used in the sense of a very close friend.
1:26 l4ln Your love to me was wonderful, exceeding the love of women 0 Here “love” is used in the sense of friendship and loyalty. Jonathan’s loyalty to David was even greater than the loyalty a woman has for her husband and children.
2:intro k322 0 # 2 Samuel 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter begins the story of the civil war between Saul’s son and David.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Civil war\n\nThere was a civil war in Israel. David was made king of Judah and Saul’s uncle (Abner) made Saul’s son (Ishbosheth) king of the rest of Israel. When they fought each other, Abner killed Joab’s brother, but David’s army was victorious.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical question\n\nAbner finally stopped the battle with a rhetorical question to David’s army. “Must the sword devour forever?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
2:1 lt47 After this 0 Alternate translation: “After David mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in battle”
2:1 ncw1 go up to one of the cities of Judah 0 At this time David was in the city of Ziklag. David used the phrase “go up” because Ziklag was lower in elevation than Judah. Alternate translation: “travel to one of the cities of Judah”
2:2 x7ln David went up with his two wives 0 At this time David was in the city of Ziklag. The narrator uses the phrase “went up” because Ziklag was lower in elevation than Hebron. Alternate translation: “David traveled to Hebron with his two wives”
2:4 jw8k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction anointed David king 0 In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David’s head to show that he was selected to be the king.
2:7 ss4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche let your hands be strong 0 Here “hands” refers to the people of Jabesh Gilead. Alternate translation: “be strong”
2:7 c3td rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction anointed me king 0 In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David’s head to show that he was selected to be the king.
2:8 m5pw rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ner … Ishbosheth 0 These are the names of men.
2:8 i3ah rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Mahanaim 0 This is the name of a place.
2:9 e9wt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gilead … Jezreel 0 These are the names of places.
2:10 fb37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the house of Judah followed David 0 Obeying David’s rule is spoken of as “following” him. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Judah obeyed David as their king”
2:12 t3hi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abner … Ner … Ishbosheth … Saul 0 These are the names of men.
2:13 n2wn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zeruiah 0 This is the name of a man.
2:16 ni8p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism they fell down together 0 This is a polite way of saying they died. Alternate translation: “they both died”
2:16 x416 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Helkath Hazzurim 0 This is a name given to remind people what happened there.
2:17 gm4c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit The battle was very severe that day 0 It may be helpful to explicitly state that this was the large battle that followed the contest of the young men. Alternate translation: “Then the others started to fight also. It was a very fierce battle that day”
2:18 smv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zeruiah … Joab … Abishai … Asahel 0 These are the names of men.
2:18 n11n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Asahel was swift in his feet like a wild gazelle 0 Here Asahel is compared to a gazelle, an animal that runs very fast. Alternate translation: “Asahel could run very fast”
2:19 j8wb followed him without turning away in any direction 0 Here “without turning away” is stated in negative form to emphasize how closely he followed Abner’s path. Alternate translation: “followed him wherever he went”
2:21 ck9f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism seize one of the young men and take his armor 0 Abner was asking Asahel to kill and plunder another younger soldier who would not be as dangerous as Abner. He did not want to kill Asahel. Alternate translation: “fight with another soldier and take his equipment as plunder”
2:22 mpv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should I strike you to the ground? 0 This rhetorical question is used to warn Asahel of the danger he faced. “Strike to the ground” is a polite way of saying “to kill.” Alternate translation: “I do not wish to kill you” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
2:22 k44v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How then could I hold up my face to Joab, your brother? 0 This rhetorical question emphasizes that Abner does not want to fight and kill Asahel because it would destroy Abner’s relationship with Joab. Here “hold up my face to Joab” is an idiom that means that he would be too ashamed to look at Joab. Alternate translation: “I would be too ashamed to look at your brother, Joab” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:23 eb53 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the blunt end of his spear 0 This refers to the handle, which is not sharp or designed to pierce anything. It can be implied that Abner was only trying to stop Asahel from following him, and did not intend to kill him.
2:24 dk79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abishai 0 This is the name of a man.
2:24 ja3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names hill of Ammah … Giah 0 These are the names of places.
2:26 bju9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Must the sword devour forever? 0 This rhetorical question emphasizes that the battle had already continued too long. Here “sword” refers to the fighting. The killing in the battle is spoken of as if a wild animal was eating the soldiers. Alternate translation: “We do not need to keep using our swords to fight and kill each other.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:26 ukm3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Do you not know it will be bitter in the end? 0 This rhetorical question is used to force Joab to acknowledge that continued fighting could only result in more suffering. Here “bitter” is a euphemism for the terrible suffering that would occur. Alternate translation: “You know very well that there will be a terrible result if this continues!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
2:26 e6un rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How long will it be before you tell your men to stop pursuing their brothers? 0 This rhetorical question is intended to convince Joab to stop fighting their fellow Israelites. Here “brother” is used to represent the members of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “Stop this now so that Israelites will not have to kill each other!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:27 gze5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo if you had not said that … pursued their brothers until the morning 0 This hypothetical statement tells what might have happened if Abner had not spoken wisely to Joab.
2:28 qt3n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit blew the trumpet 0 Trumpets were used to signal orders to the armies across great distances.
2:28 zk88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche did not pursue Israel 0 Here “Israel” refers to the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: “did not continue to chase the Israelite soldiers”
2:29 g9ir rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Arabah … Mahanaim 0 These are the names of places.
2:30 ju9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Asahel 0 This is the name of a man.
3:intro ka39 0 # 2 Samuel 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter records the first attempt to end the civil war.\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 3:33–34.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\nDavid never wanted to hurt Saul’s family. Isbosheth criticized Abner and Abner became angry. He decided to help David become king of all of Israel. Abner came and made a treaty with David. As he left, Joab arrived and told him he wanted to talk to him and he murdered Abner. David was very unhappy that Abner had been killed.
3:1 sq7q rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background Now 0 This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Samuel gives information about the war between David and the supporters of Saul.
3:1 lag1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor grew stronger and stronger 0 This metaphor means the number of people supporting David increased.
3:1 dju3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor grew weaker and weaker 0 This metaphor means the number of people supporting Saul’s family decreased.
3:2 w7d8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Sons were born to David 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David’s wives gave birth to six sons”
3:2 q2r6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahinoam 0 This is the name of a woman, a wife of David.
3:3 j96y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers second son … third 0 These two sons were born after the “firstborn” (verse 2). This is the numerical order of David’s sons.
3:3 hxl2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abigail … Maacah 0 These are women’s names. They are the wives of David.
3:3 hy1j rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Kileab … Nabal … Talmai 0 These are men’s names.
3:4 m8yp rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers fourth son … fifth son 0 This is the numerical order of David’s sons.
3:4 d5td rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Adonijah … Shephatiah 0 These are the names of David’s sons.
3:4 ai9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Haggith … Abital 0 These are names of David’s wives.
3:5 nky8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers the sixth 0 This is the numerical order of David’s sons.
3:5 n4tz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ithream 0 This is the name of one of David’s sons.
3:5 ujk6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Eglah 0 This is the name of one of David’s wives.
3:6 vrd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about 0 This introduces a new event in the story of the struggle between David’s supporters and Saul’s family.
3:6 ahk2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul 0 Abner’s increasing power over Saul’s family is spoken of as if he became physically stronger. Alternate translation: “Abner gained more power over the family and supporters of Saul”
3:7 wnw6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Rizpah … Aiah 0 These are names of women.
3:7 nvs7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ishbosheth 0 This is a male name, a son of Saul.
3:7 y6er rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine? 0 Ishbosheth asked this question to rebuke Abner who was acting like he was the king. Alternate translation: “You did not have the right to go in to father’s concubine!”
3:7 x31p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism gone in to 0 This is a euphemism for sexual relations. Alternate translation: “had sexual relations with”
3:8 jcd6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? 0 This question is used by Abner as an angry denial of Ishbosheth’s accusation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am not a traitor working for David!”
3:8 rjr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? 0 Abner speaks of himself as the head of a dog, which the Israelites considered to be loyal to anyone who fed them. Here “belongs to Judah” implies that Abner’s loyalty is to Judah, to which David belonged, and not to Saul’s house. Alternate translation: “Am I a traitor for Judah?” or “I am not a traitor working for David!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:8 jb39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy into the hand of David 0 Here “hand” represents the power to defeat. Alternate translation: “to be defeated by David”
3:8 lub9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion But now you accuse me of an offense concerning this woman? 0 Abner asks this question to rebuke Ishbosheth. It is unclear if Abner actually slept with Rizpah, or if he was falsely accused. This could mean: (1) Abner was guilty. Alternate translation: “You should not be upset that I slept with this woman!” or (2) Abner was not guilty. Alternate translation: “You should not think that I have slept with this woman!”
3:9 a45s May God do so to me … and more also, if I do not 0 This is the form of a solemn vow in that time. Abner is asking God to judge him severely if he does not keep his vow. Your language may have a way of expressing vows. Alternate translation: “I am asking God to punish me if I do not”
3:10 h7qr the house of Saul 0 Here “house” refers to Saul’s family and supporters who survived Saul’s death. Alternate translation: “the family and supporters of Saul”
3:10 m8b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy throne of David 0 This phrase refers to the authority of David as king.
3:12 y24c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants to David 0 Some versions add “when he was at Hebron” and others do not. You may want to add the phrase if it is present in your national version.
3:12 alc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Whose land is this? 0 The original text of this question is not clear. This could mean: (1) Abner had the power to give the land to David. Alternate translation: “This land is mine!” or (2) David is chosen by God to rule the land: Alternate translation: “This land rightfully belongs to you!”
3:12 mm4s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy my hand is with you 0 Here “hand” represents Abner’s assistance that he is offering to David. Alternate translation: “I will assist you”
3:13 r77z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche you cannot see my face unless you first bring Michal 0 David is stating the condition under which he will meet Abner. Here “face” refers to David himself. Alternate translation: “you cannot see me unless you bring Michal to me first”
3:13 mks3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Michal 0 This is the name of a daughter of Saul. She was David’s first wife.
3:14 x49c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers one hundred Philistine foreskins 0 This represents the number of men David killed so that Saul would allow him to marry Michal. These men are represented here by their “foreskins.” The “foreskin” is the fold of skin that covers the male reproductive organ. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3:15 ch63 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit took her from her husband 0 Paltiel was Michal’s second husband. Saul gave her to him after David fled from Saul.
3:15 z1ti rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Paltiel … Laish 0 These are the names of men.
3:16 uhj7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Bahurim 0 This is the name of a village.
3:18 iac5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy By the hand of my servant David 0 Here “hand” refers to David’s power to defeat the Philistines. Alternate translation: “I will empower my servant David and”
3:18 c3te rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the hand of the Philistines 0 Here “hand” refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: “the power of the Philistines”
3:18 d2l2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the hand of all their enemies 0 Here “hand” refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: “the power of all of their enemies”
3:19 qv92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the people of Benjamin … the whole house of Benjamin 0 Both of these statements refer to the descendants of Benjamin, who were one of the tribes of Israel.
3:20 bp1a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers twenty of his men 0 The number of men who came with Abner.
3:21 k2bu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy all Israel 0 This phrase means “all of the nation of Israel.”
3:23 d2r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ner 0 This is a man’s name. He is the grandfather of Saul.
3:24 nzs6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What have you done? 0 Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner go in peace. Alternate translation: “You should not have done this!”
3:24 ia9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why have you sent him away, and he is gone? 0 Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner escape. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Abner was here and you let him leave!”
3:25 c3xz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Do you not know … everything you are doing? 0 Joab asks this question to convince David that Abner is plotting against David. Alternate translation: “Surely you know … everything you are doing.”
3:26 v16b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names well of Sirah 0 “Sirah” is the name of a place where the well was located.
3:27 w3m9 the middle of the gate 0 This refers to one of the gates in the city wall at Hebron. As the UST implies, city gates were constructed as part of buildings set into the city walls. Inside the passageway were doors leading to side rooms, where guests could be received and business and judicial proceedings could be conducted. It was probably in one of these rooms that Joab murdered Abner.
3:27 us2y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the blood of Asahel 0 Here “blood” is associated with the death of Asahel. Alternate translation: “the death of Asahel”
3:27 fbb9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Asahel 0 This is the name of a male person.
3:28 esw1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the blood of Abner 0 Here “blood” refers to violent death. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Samuel 3:27](../03/27.md). Alternate translation: “the death of Abner” or “the murder of Abner”
3:28 kq45 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ner 0 This is the name of a man.
3:29 h3l1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house 0 This phrase means the results of the guilt will happen to Joab and his family as if something heavy had collapsed on them. Alternate translation: “always cause suffering for Joab and for all his father’s house”
3:29 vz8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy all his father’s house 0 Here “house” refers to descendants. Alternate translation: “all the descendants of Joab’s father”
3:29 l3jd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy May there never fail to be 0 This double negative emphasizes that there will always be someone with the problems listed. Alternate translation: “May there always be”
3:29 lvn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy is killed by the sword 0 Here “sword” refers to violent death. Alternate translation: “dies violently”
3:30 x1zu rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abishai … Asahel 0 These are the names of men.
3:31 g9pr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth 0 These were symbolic actions to demonstrate their grief and sadness.
3:32 d6g4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet The king wept and cried loudly 0 The words “wept” and “cried loudly” mean basically the same thing and emphasize how much David mourned for Abner.
3:33 aq3l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Should Abner die as a fool dies? 0 This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that his death was not fair. Alternate translation: “Abner should not have died in disgrace!”
3:34 b11c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Your hands were not bound. Your feet were not shackled 0 These two sentences express similar ideas. They can be combined into one sentence. Alternate translation: “You were in no way a criminal in prison” or “You were completely innocent of doing wrong”
3:34 ni42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Your hands were not bound 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one had tied your hands”
3:34 uia7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Your feet were not shackled 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one had attached your feet to chains”
3:34 im2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the sons of injustice 0 This refers to people who are unjust or wicked. Alternate translation: “wicked men”
3:35 zt2v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole All the people came 0 This deliberate exaggeration is used to show that the nation of Israel wanted to take care of David in his grief. Alternate translation: “Many people came”
3:35 s8g2 May God do so to me, and more also, if 0 This is the form of a solemn vow in that time. David is asking God to judge him severely if he eats anything before sunset. Your language many have a way of expressing vows. Alternate translation: “I am asking God to punish me if”
3:37 ax2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ner 0 This is the name of a man.
3:38 z5pr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 0 This rhetorical question is used to show how much David respected Abner. Here “fallen” is a euphemism that means “died.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is certainly true that a great prince has died today in Israel!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
3:38 wxn9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys a prince and a great man 0 These two phrases both refer to Abner. Alternate translation: “a great prince”
3:39 e6ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zeruiah 0 This is the name of a man.
4:intro hm82 0 # 2 Samuel 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nWhile the end of the civil war occurs in this chapter, David still only reigned over Judah (1–4).\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David and Ishbosheth\n\nDavid never sought revenge against Saul’s family. When two men snuck into Ishbosheth’s room, cut off his head and brought it to David, David had them killed for killing an innocent man. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/avenge]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical questions\n\nWhen two men brought Ishbosheth’s head to David and expected to get a reward for it, David condemned them with the rhetorical question: “should I not now require his blood from your hand, and remove you from the earth?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])
4:1 jmf8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ishbosheth 0 This is the name of a man.
4:1 jnb3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche his hands became weak 0 In this phrase “his hands” represents Ishbosheth himself. Alternate translation: “Ishbosheth became weak” or “Ishbosheth lost all strength”
4:2 zhe1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Baanah … Recab … Rimmon 0 These are names of men.
4:2 uag2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants Now Saul’s son had two men 0 This introduces the men Baanah and Rechab into the story.
4:2 d6gi rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin 0 Here the author begins to provide background information about Beeroth for the reader. The area of Beeroth was part of the land that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
4:2 c93q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Beeroth 0 This is the name of a place.
4:3 uyh4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been living there until this very time 0 Here the author finishes providing background information about Beeroth for the reader. The area of Beeroth was part of the land that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
4:3 qq9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gittaim 0 This is the name of a place.
4:4 th4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background 0 # General Information:\n\nThis verse pauses the main story to provide background information about Mephibosheth, a descendent of Saul through Jonathan instead of through Ishbosheth. Mephibosheth will become an important character later in the book. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
4:8 n1gd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom sought your life 0 This idiom means “was trying to kill you.”
4:9 c7l9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom As Yahweh lives 0 This is one of the strongest oaths David could swear, as Yahweh is the witness. Alternate translation: “I swear on the life of Yahweh”
4:9 qe3v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche who delivered my life 0 Here “life” refers to David himself. This means that Yahweh has kept David alive. Alternate translation: “who rescued me”
4:11 ve2r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How much more … should I not now require his blood from your hand, and remove you from the earth? 0 This question is used to show that the men had committed an especially serious crime. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are even more guilty! It is my duty to require his blood from your hand and to remove you from the earth.”
4:11 pl52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy require his blood from your hand 0 The phrase “his blood” represents the life of Ishbosheth. Here “from your hand” represents Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, introduced in [2 Samuel 4:5](./05.md). Alternate translation: “hold you responsible for the death of Ishbosheth”
4:12 b1ep rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction cut off their hands and feet and hung them up 0 These were symbolic actions to show contempt for the men.
4:12 a16g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it in the grave 0 This was a symbolic act to honor Ishbosheth. This could be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “they honored Ishbosheth by burying his head in the grave” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
5:intro jv2a 0 # 2 Samuel 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis records the beginning of the kingdom’s expansion.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David conquers Jerusalem\n\nDavid brought the combined army to Jerusalem and conquered it by going in through the water shaft. He enlarged the city and strengthened the defenses, and made it his capital. Jerusalem is an important place in the plans of God.\n\n### David consulting God\n\nDavid always consulted God before fighting a battle. The Philistines invaded Israel trying to capture David. David asked God if he should attack the Philistines, and God said yes; so he defeated them. They invaded again and God told him to attack them from the rear and he defeated them again.
5:1 qs6r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom we are your flesh and bone 0 This phrase means “a relative.” Alternate translation: “we are related to you” or “we are of the same family” -
5:2 h5dx rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background In the recent past 0 This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David.
5:2 fr5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become ruler over Israel 0 These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king.
5:2 rcd5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You will shepherd my people Israel 0 Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. Alternate translation: “You will care for my people Israel” or “You will rule over my people Israel”
5:3 ep1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction They anointed David king over Israel 0 To “anoint” is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
5:6 j73y You will not come here except to be turned away by the blind and the lame 0 This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “If you come here, even the blind and the lame will be able to turn you away”
5:6 m16b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the blind and the lame 0 Here “the blind” and “the lame” are nominal adjectives. Alternate translation: “those people who cannot see and those who cannot walk”
5:8 c5p9 David said, “Those who attack the Jebusites 0 David was speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David said to his soldiers, ‘Those who want to get rid of the Jebus people”
5:8 z3vc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The ‘blind and the lame’ 0 This could mean: (1) this refers to people who are truly lame and blind or (2) this is a metonym that speaks about the Jebusites inside the city of Jerusalem as if they were all weak and handicapped.
5:11 m9gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hiram 0 This is the name of a man.
5:13 d3s6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive more sons and daughters were born to him 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he had more sons and daughters” or “they bore him more sons and daughters”
5:14 fcd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Shammua … Shobab … Nathan … Solomon 0 These are the names of David’s sons.
5:14 lw16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive who were born to him 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that his wives bore for him” or “he had”
5:15 t2yz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ibhar … Elishua … Nepheg … Japhia 0 These are the names of David’s sons.
5:16 xzm3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Elishama … Eliada … Eliphelet 0 These are the names of David’s sons.
5:17 y7vu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive David had been anointed as king over Israel 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Israel had anointed David as king”
5:17 w75r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole they all went out looking for him 0 Here “all” is a generalization that means the Philistine army. Alternate translation: “the Philistine army went looking for him”
5:18 f39y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Valley of Rephaim 0 This is the name of a place.
5:20 sm5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Baal Perazim 0 This is the name of a place.
5:20 n37i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Yahweh has burst through my enemies before me like a bursting flood of water 0 Here David speaks of the victory that Yahweh brought as if it were a flood of water that overflowed its banks and covered the land, causing destruction. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has overwhelmed my enemies like a flood overwhelms the land”
5:22 u2gr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Valley of Rephaim 0 This is the name of a place.
5:23 lzk7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names balsam woods 0 “Balsam” here is a type of tree, and the “woods” describe many balsam trees growing together.
5:24 vp29 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person When you hear … Yahweh will have gone out before you to attack the army of the Philistines 0 This is the continuation of Yahweh’s instruction to David that began in [2 Samuel 5:23](../05/23.md). Yahweh here speaks of himself in the third person.
5:24 ccz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor When you hear the sound of marching in the wind blowing through the balsam treetops 0 This speaks of the sound of the leaves rustling as wind blows through them as if it were the sound of marching. Alternate translation: “When the wind blowing through the tops of the balsam trees sounds like men marching”
5:25 z8t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Geba … Gezer 0 These are the names of places.
6:intro aen5 0 # 2 Samuel 6 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem\n\nDavid organized a procession with many musical instruments to bring the ark to Jerusalem. They put it on a cart; but when the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady it so it would not fall. God killed him for touching the ark. David was angry at God for killing Uzzah and was afraid to bring the ark any further. Uzzah died because the ark was perfectly holy. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])\n\n### Dancing\n\nDavid danced for joy in front of the ark. His wife, Michal, criticized David for uncovering himself as he danced, but David did not care. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/joy]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Irony\n\nMichal criticized David by using irony: “How honored the king of Israel was today, who undressed himself today before the eyes of the slave girls among his servants, like one of the crude fellows who shamelessly undresses himself!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
6:1 prk3 Now 0 This word marks a new part of the story.
6:2 bci3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit from Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God 0 It is implied that they are taking the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “from Baalah in Judah to take to Jerusalem the ark of God”
6:2 vy3h to bring up from there the ark of God 0 Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.
6:2 ima6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit who sits enthroned over the cherubim 0 You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh’s footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: “who sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant”
6:3 b2eb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abinadab … Uzzah … Ahio 0 These are names of men.
6:5 h1vh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy all the house of Israel 0 This metonym represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the other Israelites with him”
6:5 g4xk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown tambourines 0 A tambourine is a musical instrument like the head of a drum with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken or hit.
6:5 tc14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown rattles 0 musical instruments with many small, hard objects inside a hard shell, making rhythmic noise when shaken
6:5 d3bq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown cymbals 0 two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound
6:6 ju6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Nakon 0 This is the name of a man.
6:7 yht6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor anger of Yahweh burned 0 Here the “anger of Yahweh” is spoken of as if it were fire.
6:7 b8dy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for his sin 0 It was a sin for Uzzah to touch the ark because Yahweh had commanded that no one should touch the ark.
6:8 e8lq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Perez Uzzah 0 This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Perez Uzzah’ means ‘the punishment of Uzzah.’”
6:9 yx34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How can the ark of Yahweh come to me? 0 David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem.”
6:10 qjd6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Obed Edom the Gittite 0 This is the name of a man.
6:12 j7ru rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive King David was told 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people told King David”
6:12 tg1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Obed Edom’s house 0 Here “house” represents a family. Alternate translation: “Obed Edom and his family”
6:12 tke4 brought up the ark of God 0 Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it. Alternate translation: “moved the ark of God” or “took the ark of God”
6:15 td5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy all the house of Israel 0 Here “house” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the other Israelites with him”
6:16 tjm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy she despised him in her heart 0 Here “heart” represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: “she looked at him with disdain” or “she sneered at him”
6:18 k4ta rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of hosts 0 To bless “in the name of Yahweh of hosts” means to bless with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative.
6:20 k14x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go came out 0 Here “came” can be translated as “went.”
6:20 jd22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony How honored the king of Israel was today 0 This is an ironic statement. Michal means the opposite of what she said, and she does not believe David acted honorably. Michal speaks disrespectfully to King David about his dancing attire and behavior.
6:20 nsq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche before the eyes of the slave girls 0 Here “eyes of the slave girls” represents the slave girls. Alternate translation: “in front of the slave girls”
6:21 pz59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you who chose me above your father 0 Here “your” refers to Michal.
6:21 a36n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet over the people of Yahweh, over Israel 0 Here “the people of Yahweh” and “Israel” mean the same thing.
6:22 run9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony I will be even more undignified than this 0 David is being ironic and means the opposite of what he said. He does not believe what he did was actually undignified or that his actions in the future will be undignified.
6:22 y1pu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will be humiliated in my own eyes 0 Here “in my own eyes” represents what a person considers or thinks about something. Alternate translation: “I will consider myself humiliated” or “I will consider myself a fool”
6:22 ifj3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive But by these slave girls you have spoken about, I will be honored 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the slave girls of whom you have spoken will honor me”
6:23 cjq6 had no children to the day of her death 0 Alternate translation: “was never able to bear any children”
7:intro c6fb 0 # 2 Samuel 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis is the finishing of a small interruption about the house of God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/houseofgod]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\nDavid wanted to honor God by building him a temple. God told David that he would not build it, but his son would build it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]])\n\n### Covenant of David\n\nGod made a covenant with David that was not conditioned upon anything David or his descendants did. God promised that one of David’s descendants would rule Israel forever. Because Israel would not have a king in the future, this promise did not begin at this time. The descendant, who would rule forever, is Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])
7:1 cu7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It happened 0 This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
7:1 r5ag rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns given him rest from all his surrounding enemies 0 “given him safety from all his surrounding enemies.” Here “rest” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “caused the enemy people groups to stop attacking Israel”
7:2 chf8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I am living in a house of cedar 0 Cedar is a kind of tree that is known for its strength. If you have an equivalent type of tree in your culture, you can use that name, otherwise you can reword this. Alternate translation: “I am living in a strong, permanent house”
7:2 uvh3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the ark of God is staying in the middle of a tent 0 Tents are temporary dwellings. If you do not have tents in your culture, you can word this differently. Alternate translation: “the ark of God is staying in a temporary place”
7:3 q2im rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy do what is in your heart 0 Here “heart” represents the mind. Alternate translation: “do what you think you should”
7:3 aw2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom for Yahweh is with you 0 Here “with you” means God is helping and blessing David.
7:4 l5r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the word of Yahweh came to Nathan, saying: 0 The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Nathan. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Nathan:”
7:5 ebh5 Go and tell David my servant, ‘This is what Yahweh says: Will you build me a house in which to live? 0 This is the beginning of a quotation that contains quotations within it.
7:5 kj3l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Will you build me a house in which to live? 0 Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that David is not the one to build a house for Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not build a house for me”
7:5 j3s5 build me a house 0 Here “house” means a temple. In 7:11 Yahweh will say that he will build a house for David. There “house” means a family. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 7:11.
7:7 t5dj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes did I ever say anything to any of Israel’s leaders whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” 0 This has a quotation within a quotation. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “did I ever ask any of Israel’s leaders, whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel, why they had not built me a house of cedar?” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
7:7 azt9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion did I ever say anything to any of Israel’s leaders 0 Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he never asked any of Israel’s leaders to build him a house. Alternate translation: “I never said anything to any of Israel’s leaders”
7:7 vnx2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel 0 Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.
7:7 kek6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why have you not built me a house of cedar? 0 If Yahweh had asked the leaders this question, he would have been using a question to scold them for not building him a house of cedar. But, Yahweh said previously that he did not ask them this question. Alternate translation: “You should have built me a house of cedar.”
7:8 xsx1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes tell my servant David, ‘This is what Yahweh of hosts says: I took you … so that you would be ruler over my people Israel. 0 This has quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate the direct quotations as indirect quotations as in the UST. Alternate translation: “tell my servant David that I took him … so that he would be ruler over my people Israel” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
7:8 dae2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I took you from the pasture 0 David’s job as a shepherd is referred to by the place he watched his sheep. Alternate translation: “I took you from your job as a shepherd”
7:9 euh7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes I have been with you wherever you went. I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the great ones of the earth 0 This continues the quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate the direct quotations as indirect quotations as in the UST. Alternate translation: “I have been with him wherever he went. I have cut off all his enemies from before him. Now I will make his name great, like the name of the great ones of the earth” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
7:9 arz6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I have been with you 0 Here “with you” means that Yahweh has helped and blessed David.
7:9 pbz4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have cut off all your enemies 0 Yahweh destroying David’s enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh cut them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.
7:9 g9f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy make your name great 0 Here “name” represents a person’s reputation.
7:10 etx1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor will plant them there 0 Yahweh causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land.
7:10 kax4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive be troubled no more 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever trouble them”
7:11 wxh3 from the days 0 Alternate translation: “from the time”
7:11 d6c8 I commanded judges 0 After the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan and before they had kings to rule them, God appointed leaders called “judges” to lead them in times of trouble.
7:11 gat9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to be over my people Israel 0 To be in authority is referred to as being over someone. Alternate translation: “to rule my people Israel”
7:11 cyy5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes Now I will give you rest from all your enemies … declare to you that I will make you a house 0 If in [2 Samuel 7:8](../07/08.md) and [2 Samuel 7:9](../07/09.md) you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then here you may need to translate “you” as “him” or “his.” Alternate translation: “Now I will give him rest from all his enemies … declare to him that I will make him a house” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
7:11 a1aw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns I will give you rest from all your enemies 0 “I will give you safety from all your enemies.” Here “rest” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “I will make all your enemies stop attacking you”
7:11 ax6w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will make you a house 0 Here the metonym “house” refers to David’s ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [2 Samuel 7:4](../07/04.md) Yahweh asked David if he would be the one to build a house for Yahweh. There “house” represented a temple. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 7:4.
7:12 bvq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers 0 These two phrases have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. They both are polite ways to refer to death and dying. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
7:12 zh5i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will raise up a descendant after you 0 Yahweh appointing David’s descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.
7:12 n1u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom one who will come out from your body 0 This is an idiom that means the person will be David’s descendant.
7:12 wn76 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will establish his kingdom 0 Here “his kingdom” represents his power to rule. Alternate translation: “I will make him to be a very powerful king”
7:13 rz89 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy a house for my name 0 Here “name” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “a permanent dwelling for me”
7:13 nmu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever 0 Here “throne” represents the person’s power to rule as king. Alternate translation: “I will make his rule over Israel to last forever”
7:14 n2sv I will be a father to him, and he will be my son 0 The prophecy in 7:12–14 refers to Solomon, David’s son. But, aspects of the prophecy will be fulfilled by Jesus. So, here it is best to translate the words “father” and “son” with your normal words for a biological father and son.
7:15 h75j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns But my covenant faithfulness will not leave him, as I took it from Saul 0 The word “faithfulness” is an abstract noun that can be stated as “faithfully loving.” Alternate translation: “I will never stop faithfully loving him as I stopped loving Saul”
7:15 a6sg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations from before you 0 If in [2 Samuel 7:8](../07/08.md) and [2 Samuel 7:9](../07/09.md) you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then here you may need to translate “you” as “David” or “him” or “his” as in the UST. Alternate translation: “from before David. David’s house … before him.”
7:16 q3bd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations Your house … before you. Your throne 0 If in [2 Samuel 7:8](../07/08.md) and [2 Samuel 7:9](../07/09.md) you translated the direct quotations as indirect quotation, then here you may need to translate “you” as “David” or “him” or “his” as in the UST. Alternate translation: “David’s house … before him. His throne”
7:16 t2rk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you. Your throne will be established forever. 0 These two sentences have similar meanings and emphasize that David’s dynasty will last forever.
7:16 y1vv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you 0 Here the word “house” represents David’s descendants, who will rule as kings. Here “kingdom” means about the same thing as “house.” This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You will live to see me establish your family and their rule over the people of Israel forever” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
7:16 bu2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Your throne will be established forever 0 Here “throne” represents the power to rule as king. Alternate translation: “I will cause your descendants to rule over Israel forever”
7:18 nf24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my family that you have brought me to this point? 0 David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh’s proclamation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God.”
7:19 tj8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor in your sight 0 Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment”
7:19 r9in rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person your servant’s family 0 Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “my family”
7:19 uvu1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for a great while to come 0 This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: “and what will happen to them in the future”
7:19 btd7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person your servant 0 Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “me”
7:20 sd87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What more can I, David, say to you? 0 David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “There is nothing more I can say to you.”
7:21 mia3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person to your servant 0 David refers to himself as “your servant.” It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “to me”
7:22 s9d3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom as we have heard with our own ears 0 The phrase “with our own ears” is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “as we ourselves have heard”
7:22 eu9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive as we have heard 0 Here “we” refers to David and the nation of Israel.
7:23 gt3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What nation is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself? 0 David uses a question emphasize that there is no other nation like Israel. Alternate translation: “There is no nation like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself.”
7:23 u6gx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy to make a name for yourself 0 Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “to make all people know who you are”
7:23 gpj6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for your land 0 Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “for your people”
7:23 y68y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy You drove out nations 0 Here “nations” represents the people groups that were living in Canaan.
7:25 wp22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive may the promise that you made concerning your servant and his family be established forever 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may you do what you promised to me and my family, and may your promise never change”
7:25 i7rz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person your servant and his family 0 David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “me and my family”
7:26 yq4v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy May your name be forever great 0 Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation.
7:26 tv8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of me, David, your servant 0 Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “my family”
7:26 r53a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive is established before you 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is secure because of you” or “continues because of you”
7:27 i375 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person to your servant that you will build him a house 0 David refers to himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “to me that you will build me a house”
7:27 l4yn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy that you will build him a house 0 Here the metonym “house” refers to David’s ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [2 Samuel 7:4](../07/04.md) Yahweh asked David if he would be the one to build a house for Yahweh. There “house” represented a temple. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 7:4.
7:27 fs5t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy house 0 Here “house” represents David’s family.
7:29 n6ik rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive with your blessing your servant’s house will be blessed forever 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will continue to bless my family forever”
7:29 k3a5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person your servant’s house 0 Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “my house” or “my family”
8:intro hc4j 0 # 2 Samuel 8 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter returns to the theme of the expansion of David’s kingdom.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### God enabled victory\n\nGod enabled David to conquer all the surrounding nations. Much of the loot and tribute David received, he saved for the temple that his son would build.
8:1 drj7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche David attacked 0 Here David represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers attacked”
8:2 xbr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Then he defeated 0 Here “he” refers to David who represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Then they defeated”
8:2 tcx6 measured their men with a line … He measured off two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive 0 Here the “line” is a “rope.” David had the soldiers lie down on the ground to be measured and sorted into three groups. The men in two groups were killed, and in the third, they were allowed to live.
8:3 r73a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche David then defeated Hadadezer 0 Here both “David” and “Hadadezer” represent their armies. Alternate translation: “David and his army then defeated the army of Hadadezer”
8:3 y7af rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hadadezer … Rehob 0 These are the names of men.
8:3 met2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zobah 0 This is the name of a region in Aram.
8:4 izr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers a hundred chariots 0 “100 chariots”
8:5 u7vw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche David killed 0 Here David represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed”
8:7 ft9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy David took 0 Here “David” is probably a metonym for his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David’s soldiers took”
8:8 qtw6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy King David took 0 Here “David” is probably a metonym for his soldiers. Alternate translation: “King David’s soldiers took”
8:8 nu2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Tebah and Berothai 0 These are the names of places.
8:9 t4en rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Tou 0 These are the names of men.
8:9 le1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hamath 0 This is the name of a place.
8:9 l3de rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche David had defeated 0 Here “David” is a metonym for his army. Alternate translation: “David’s army had defeated”
8:10 yiq3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Tou … Hadoram 0 These are the names of men.
8:13 hrc2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy David’s name was well known 0 Here “name” refers to David’s reputation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David was very famous” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:13 c9s7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Valley of Salt 0 This is the name of a place. Its exact location is unknown.
8:13 th6r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers eighteen thousand men 0 “18,000 men”
8:14 gc6u He placed garrisons throughout all of Edom 0 Alternate translation: “He ordered groups of his soldiers to remain in areas throughout all of Edom”
8:16 d81q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Ahilud was recorder 0 A recorder was a person who spoke to the people and told them the king’s announcements. Alternate translation: “Ahilud was the herald”
8:16 nig1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahilud 0 This is the name of a man.
8:17 k3p5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahitub … Ahimelech … Seraiah 0 These are names of men.
8:18 gm1f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Benaiah … Jehoiada 0 These are names of men.
8:18 xxs8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Kerethites … Pelethites 0 These are names of people-groups. These people were David’s bodyguards.
9:intro lwh6 0 # 2 Samuel 9 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is another interruption to the story of David expanding his kingdom. David is concerned with fulfilling his oath to Jonathan’s descendants.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David’s vow\nDavid determined to fulfill his vow to Jonathan to care for Jonathan’s descendants. He found Jonathan’s son and told him he would treat him as if he was one of his sons. He restored all of Saul’s property to him and had him eat every day at the king’s table. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/fulfill]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/restore]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical question and metaphor\n\nJonathan’s son expressed his surprise and feeling of unworthiness with a rhetorical question: “What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am?” and by a metaphor comparing himself to “a dead dog.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
9:1 t1g1 for Jonathan’s sake 0 Alternate translation: “because of my love for Jonathan”
9:1 cy22 Jonathan’s sake 0 Jonathan was Saul’s son and David’s best friend.
9:2 ura2 I am your servant 0 Ziba calls himself “your servant” to show great respect to David.
9:3 j5la I may show the kindness of God 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **kindness**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “kind.” Alternate translation: “I may be kind as I promised God I would be”
9:3 u7ba rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy who is lame in his feet 0 “whose feet are damaged.” The word “feet” here refers to the ability to walk. Alternate translation: “who is unable to walk”
9:4 ee6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Machir … Ammiel 0 These are names of men.
9:4 st1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Lo Debar 0 This is the name of a place.
9:5 tj7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis King David sent 0 It is understood that David sent messengers.
9:7 zy8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy you will always eat at my table 0 Here “my table” represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: “you will always eat with me”
9:8 fvp8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am? 0 This rhetorical question shows that Mephibosheth understands that he is not important enough for the king to take care of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am like a dead dog. I do not deserve for you to be kind to me.”
9:8 j13e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor such a dead dog 0 Here Mephibosheth represents the line of Saul, and he compares himself to a “dead dog.” Dogs were feral animals, not cared for, and of little importance. A dead dog would be considered even less important. Alternate translation: “such a person like me who is worthless as a dead dog”
9:10 cb8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy must always eat at my table 0 Here “my table” represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: “must always eat with me”
9:10 ae24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background Now Ziba … servants 0 Here “now” makes a break in the main story line. The narrator gives background information about Ziba.
9:10 tgt5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers fifteen sons and twenty servants 0 “15 sons and 20 servants”
9:11 fwy9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Your servant will do all that my master the king commands his servant 0 Ziba refers to himself as “your servant” and refers to David as “my master.” Alternate translation: “I, your servant will do all that you, my king, command me to do”
9:12 eu17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Mika 0 This is the name of the son of Mephibosheth.
9:12 u3qr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy All who lived in the house of Ziba 0 Here “house” represents Ziba’s family. Alternate translation: “All of Ziba’s family”
9:13 caj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he always ate at the king’s table 0 Here “table” represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: “he always ate with the king at his table”
9:13 du2g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy though he was lame in both his feet 0 “thouge both of his feet were damaged.” Here “feet” represents the ability to walk. Alternate translation: “though he was unable to walk”
10:intro abca 0 # 2 Samuel 10 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThe chapter records the last expansion of David’s kingdom. This chapter is also the beginning of a section dealing with the war between Israel and Ammon.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Shame\n\nIt was apparently the cause of shame or embarrassment in ancient Ammon to have their beards shaved off or to have their garments cut off. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThe Ammon people used a metaphor comparing themselves to a bad smell: “they had become a stench to David” when they realized they had made David very angry. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
10:1 g3zs rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hanun 0 This is the name of a man.
10:2 k9r2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hanun … Nahash 0 These are the names of men.
10:3 r4at rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Do you really think that … you? 0 The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate translation: “You are wrong to think that … you!”
10:3 gmb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Has not David … overthrow it? 0 The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate translation: “You need to know that David … overthrow it.”
10:3 d8ec rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in order to overthrow it 0 Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “in order to conquer us”
10:4 g9ma rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit shaved off half their beards 0 This act was meant as an insult to humiliate the men.
10:5 jt3x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom were deeply ashamed 0 Here “deeply” is an idiom that means “very.”
10:5 v21l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis then return 0 It is understood that they should return to Jerusalem.
10:6 v8si rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they had become a stench to David 0 The phrase “become a stench” is a metaphor for “they had become offensive.” Alternate translation: “they had become offensive like a bad smell to David”
10:6 t6tc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Beth Rehob … Zobah … Maacah … Tob 0 These are the names of places.
10:8 u7sj to their city gate 0 Here “the city” refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.
10:10 ka2a The rest of his people he put into the hand of Abishai his brother 0 Alternate translation: “He put Abishai his brother in charge of the rest of the army”
10:11 nlq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche for me, then you, Abishai, must rescue me 0 Here “me” refers to Joab. Joab and Abishai represents themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: “for us, then you, Abishai, and your army must rescue us”
10:14 q6sp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche from Abishai 0 Here Abishai represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “from Abishai and his soldiers”
10:15 rg85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive When the Arameans saw that they were being defeated by Israel 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the Arameans realized that the Israelites were defeating them”
10:16 yd3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hadarezer … Shobak 0 These are the names of men.
10:16 nik5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go They came to Helam 0 Here “came to” can be translated as “went to” or “gathered at”
10:16 rhn4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Helam 0 This is the name of a place.
10:17 pz1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive When David was told this 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When David heard about this”
10:17 vk7a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy gathered all Israel together 0 Here “Israel” represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “assembled all the army of Israel together”
10:17 ln59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche against David and fought him 0 Here David represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “against David and his soldiers and fought them”
10:18 tev3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche David killed 0 Here “David” is a synecdoche for himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed”
10:18 zwc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Shobak the commander of their army was wounded and died there 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Israelites wounded Shobak the commander of the Aramean army, and he died there”
10:19 dzd4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive saw that they were defeated by Israel 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “realized that the Israelites had defeated them”
11:intro abcb 0 # 2 Samuel 11 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter begins a new section of David’s life. God punished David by allowing his family to have many problems.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David’s adultery and the murder of Uriah\nThe army of Israel defeated the army of Ammon and then they besieged Ammon’s capital while David stayed in Jerusalem. One day, David saw a beautiful woman, named Bathsheba, bathing. He committed adultery with her. When she became pregnant, David tried to cover up his sin. When this did not work, he had her husband killed in battle. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
11:1 eqn9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about in the springtime 0 “It happened in the springtime.” This introduces a new event in the story line.
11:1 a4ds rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit David sent out Joab, his servants, and all the army of Israel 0 David sent them out to war. This can be stated clearly. Also, the word “his” refers to David. Alternate translation: “David sent Joab, his servants, and all the army of Israel to war”
11:1 myy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Rabbah 0 This is the name of a city.
11:2 wi9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent So it came about 0 “So it happened” or “So it came to pass.” The author uses this phrase to introduce the next event in the story line.
11:2 qi78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit a woman who was bathing 0 The woman was not on the roof, she would have been bathing outside in the courtyard of her house. Alternate translation: “a woman who was bathing in the courtyard of her house”
11:3 yv7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom So David sent 0 Here the word “sent” means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: “So David sent a messenger”
11:3 r92k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he asked people who would know about the woman 0 David was trying to find out who the woman was. The word “he” refers to David, but is a metonym for the messenger that David sent. The messenger was to ask the people for information about her. Alternate translation: “the messenger asked the people who knew her about who she was” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
11:3 ht5y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Is not this Bathsheba … and is she not the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 0 This question gives information and can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is Bathsheba … and she is the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”
11:4 s4dn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy took her 0 David actually sent messengers, and they took her and brought her to him. Alternate translation: “they brought her to him”
11:4 x8kf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy she came in to him 0 She came into his palace and into his bedroom. Alternate translation: “she came into the place where he was”
11:4 qka3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism he lay with her 0 This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. You may need to use a different euphemism in your language.
11:5 e4v5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom she sent and told David; she said, “I am pregnant.” 0 Here the word “sent” means that she sent a messenger to tell David that she was pregnant. Alternate translation: “she sent a messenger to David, and the messenger told David that she was pregnant”
11:6 bds8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Then David sent 0 Here the word “sent” means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: “Then David sent a messenger”
11:7 vjr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom how Joab was, how the army was doing, and how the war was going 0 David was asking if Joab and the army were well and about the progress of the war. Alternate translation: “if Joab was well, if other soldiers were well, and how the war was progressing”
11:8 qzu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Go down to your house 0 The phrase **go down** could mean: (1) Uriah’s house was located at a lower elevation than the king’s palace or (2) Uriah’s house was of lesser importance than the king’s palace. Alternate translation: “Go to your house”
11:8 f1gh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy wash your feet 0 This phrase is a metonym for returning home to rest for the night after working all day. Alternate translation: “rest for the night”
11:8 s4b9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the king sent a gift for Uriah 0 David sent someone to bring the gift to Uriah. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the king sent someone to take a gift to Uriah”
11:10 p5tg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house? 0 This rhetorical question is used to show David’s surprise that Uriah did not visit his wife. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “After coming from such a long journey, you should have gone down to your house.”
11:11 t1wr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Israel and Judah 0 This refers to their armies. Alternate translation: “the armies of Israel and Judah”
11:11 w65k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How then can I go into my house … with my wife? 0 This rhetorical question is used to emphasize Uriah’s refusal to visit his wife and can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “It would be wrong for me to go into my house … with my wife while the other soldiers in my army are in danger.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
11:11 k6b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism to lie with my wife 0 This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with my wife”
11:11 ww5l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile As sure as you are alive, I will not do this 0 Uriah swears a strong promise that he will not go home to his wife as long as the rest of the soldiers are at war. He makes this promise by comparing the truth of his promise to the certainty that the king was alive. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise that I will not do this”
11:13 xex1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom down to his house 0 Possible meanings of the word **down** are: (1) Uriah’s house was located at a lower elevation than the king’s palace or (2) Uriah’s house was of lesser importance than the king’s palace. See how you translated the similar phrase “down to your house” in [2 Samuel 11:8](../11/08.md). Alternate translation: “to his house”
11:14 c9uz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche sent it by the hand of Uriah 0 The phrase “the hand of Uriah” refers to Uriah himself. Alternate translation: “sent Uriah himself to deliver it to him”
11:16 di6w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns the siege upon the city 0 The word “siege” can be expressed with the verbs “surround” and “attack.” Alternate translation: “his army surround and attack the city”
11:17 x2mt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism some of the soldiers of David fell 0 The word “fell” is a polite way to refer to the soldiers being killed. Alternate translation: “David’s soldiers were killed” or “they killed some of David’s soldiers”
11:17 s5r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive and Uriah the Hittite was also killed there 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “including Uriah the Hittite” or “and the men of the city also killed Uriah the Hittite”
11:18 g9kw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Joab sent word to David 0 The phrase “sent word” means that he sent a messenger to give a report. Alternate translation: “Joab sent a messenger to David to give a report”
11:20 a8wj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why did you go so near … from the wall? 0 Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “You should not have gone so near to the city to fight. You should have known that they would shoot from the wall.”
11:20 n65u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit shoot from the wall 0 This refers to men of the city shooting arrows down at their enemy from the top of the city wall. Alternate translation: “shoot arrows at you from the top of the city wall”
11:21 h8q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth? 0 Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Remember how Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth was killed!”
11:21 h97r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth 0 This is the name of a man. His father is also know by the name Gideon.
11:21 uf4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Did not a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? 0 Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Remember he died at Thebez when a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the top of the wall.”
11:21 q6dz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Thebez 0 This is the name of a city.
11:21 p6i4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why did you go so near the wall? 0 Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have gone so near the wall!”
11:24 ay8n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive some of the king’s servants were killed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they killed some of the king’s servants”
11:24 bf6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive your servant Uriah the Hittite was killed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they killed your servant Uriah the Hittite”
11:25 v2pb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for the sword devours one as well as another 0 Here “the sword” refers to a person who kills someone with sword. Also, killing someone with a sword is spoken of as if the sword were “eating” the people. Alternate translation: “for one man can be killed by a sword the same as another man” or “for any man can die in battle” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:26 gx4s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor she lamented deeply 0 Here the author speaks of her lamenting very much as if it were deep inside her. Alternate translation: “she lamented very much” or “she lamented greatly”
11:27 d21w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom David sent and took her home 0 Here the word “sent” means that he sent a messenger to get her and bring her to him. Alternate translation: “David sent a messenger to her to bring her home” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
12:intro abcc 0 # 2 Samuel 12 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis is the final expansion of David’s kingdom and records the end of the war with Ammon.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David’s punishment\nGod sent a prophet to confront David. He said that because David had Uriah killed, there would always be killing in his family and that the baby conceived with Bathsheba would die. David prayed that the baby be allowed to live, but the infant died. Bathsheba then had another son, who was named Solomon. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])
12:3 wd4g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile was like a daughter to him 0 This refers to the closeness of this man and his little lamb. Alternate translation: “he loved it as much as if it were one of his daughters”
12:4 c763 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for his visitor 0 It was for his visitor to eat. Alternate translation: “for his visitor to eat”
12:5 tm95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor David was hot with anger against 0 Here the author describes how David was very angry as if his body were physically hot because of his anger. Alternate translation: “David became furious with” or “David became very angry with”
12:5 gd2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit As Yahweh lives 0 This expresses that David was swearing an oath or serious promise. Alternate translation: “I declare, as surely as Yahweh lives”
12:5 r45b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to be put to death 0 This means to be killed. Also, that can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to be killed” or “to die” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
12:6 m494 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers He must pay back the lamb four times over 0 The amount the rich man was required to pay back to the poor man was to be four times what the little lamb cost. “He must pay the poor man four times the price of the lamb” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
12:7 x85z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy out of the hand of Saul 0 Here the word “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “out of Saul’s control” or “from Saul’s control”
12:8 ty2v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor your master’s wives into your arms 0 Here Yahweh describes David having his master’s wives as his own wives, by saying that they are “in his arms.” Alternate translation: “your master’s wives as your own”
12:8 v7tc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I also gave you the house of Israel and Judah 0 Here Yahweh speaks of how he gave David his authority as king over Israel and Judah as if he gave him the houses of Israel and Judah as a gift. The phrase “the house of” means “the people of.” Alternate translation: “I also gave you authority as king over the people of Israel and Judah”
12:9 nb14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion So why have you despised … Yahweh, so as to do what is evil in his sight? 0 This rhetorical question is used to rebuke David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have despised … Yahweh and should not have done what is evil in his sight!”
12:9 ctt1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor what is evil in his sight 0 Here “sight” refers to Yahweh’s thoughts or opinion. Alternate translation: “what he considers to be evil” or “what is evil in Yahweh’s judgement”
12:9 iy29 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword 0 David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle. The phrase “with the sword” represents how Uriah died in battle. Alternate translation: “You have arranged for Uriah the Hittite to die in battle”
12:9 n595 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy You killed him with the sword of the army of Ammon 0 David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle when Israel was fighting against Ammon. The phrase “with the sword” refers to how he died in battle. Alternate translation: “You arranged for him to die in battle against the army of Ammon”
12:10 t13v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the sword will never leave your house 0 Here the word “sword” refers to people dying in war. Also, David’s “house” refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: “some of your descendants will always die in battle”
12:11 zbq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy out of your own house 0 Here David’s “house” refers to his family. Alternate translation: “from among your own family”
12:11 d9za rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Before your own eyes 0 Here David is referred to by his eyes to emphasize what he would see. Alternate translation: “While you are watching”
12:11 bc2j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism he will lie with your wives 0 This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he will have sexual relations with your wives”
12:11 br6x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor in broad daylight 0 “in full daylight.” The idea of doing something “openly” or in a way that people are fully aware of what is happening is often spoken about as being done in the “daylight.” Alternate translation: “openly” or “and everyone will see what is happening”
12:12 g9jf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy before all Israel 0 This phrase speaks of the people of Israel knowing about what has happened to his wives as if they all actually witnessed it happening. Alternate translation: “before all the people of Israel” or “and all the people of Israel will know about it” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:13 u54j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor passed over 0 Yahweh has forgiven David of his sin. This is spoken of here as Yahweh passing over his sin as if it were something that he walked by and disregarded. Alternate translation: “forgiven”
12:13 zze1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive You will not be killed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Sometimes men died because of their sins, but he will not die because of his sin with the woman. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “You will not die” or “you will not die because of this sin” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
12:14 vm9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the child who is born to you 0 The phrase “born to you” means that it is David’s baby. Alternate translation: “your child who will be born”
12:15 z3d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh attacked the child that … and he was very sick 0 Here the author speaks of Yahweh causing the baby to become sick as Yahweh attacking the child. Alternate translation: “Yahweh afflicted the child that … and he was very sick” or “Yahweh caused the baby that … to become very sick”
12:15 eh1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David 0 This means that she gave birth to a child and that David was his father. Alternate translation: “David’s child, who Uriah’s wife gave birth to”
12:16 k5zu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit went inside 0 David went into his room when he was alone. Alternate translation: “went inside his room”
12:18 f2jx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche he did not listen to our voice 0 The servants are referred to here by their voices to emphasize that they were speaking. Alternate translation: “he did not listen to us”
12:18 ueh7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the seventh day 0 “day 7.” This refers to the seventh day after the baby was born. Alternate translation: “the seventh day after he was born” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
12:18 sz9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What might he do to himself if we tell him that the boy is dead?! 0 The servants ask this rhetorical question to express their fear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We are afraid that he may harm himself if we tell him that the boy is dead!”
12:21 nx6q 0 # General Information:\n\nThese verses contain rhetorical questions that emphasize that David realizes that Yahweh has allowed this to happen.
12:22 p2za rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me, that the child may live? 0 David asked this rhetorical question to empathize that no one knew if Yahweh would let the child live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me so that the child may live.”
12:23 pf4k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion But now he is dead, so why should I fast? 0 David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that he no longer has a reason to fast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Now that he is dead it would be of no use to fast any longer.”
12:23 cc5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Can I bring him back again? 0 David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that the boy cannot come back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot bring him back to life.”
12:23 qs7p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I will go to him 0 David implies that he will go to where his child is when he dies. Alternate translation: “When I die I will go to where he is”
12:24 f8ut rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet went in to her and lay with her 0 Both the phrase “went in to her” and the phrase “lay with her” refer to David having sexual relations with Bathsheba and emphasize what they did. Alternate translation: “had sexual relations with her”
12:25 m6ce rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he sent word through Nathan the prophet 0 Here “word” refers to a message that Yahweh told Nathan to tell David. Alternate translation: “he sent Nathan to tell him”
12:25 rd3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Jedidiah 0 This is another name for David’s son Solomon, which Yahweh chose for him.
12:26 jf3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Joab fought … he captured 0 Here the author says “Joab” but he is referring to Joab and his soldiers who fought with him. Alternate translation: “Joab and his soldiers fought … they captured”
12:26 ar6m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Rabbah 0 Fighting against this city literally means to fight against the people of Rabbah. Translate the name the same as you did in [2 Samuel 11:1](../11/01.md). Alternate translation: “the people of Rabbah”
12:27 c6au rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor have taken the city’s water supply 0 “Taking” a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: “have taken control of the city’s water supply”
12:27 n5s7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I have fought … I have taken 0 Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “My soldiers and I have fought … my soldier and I have taken”
12:28 ue9d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche if I take 0 Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “if my soldiers and I take”
12:28 ej7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom camp against 0 This means to surround and attack. Alternate translation: “besiege” or “surround”
12:28 zt5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor take it … take the city 0 “Taking” a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: “take control of it … take control of the city”
12:28 gj9r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive it will be named 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will name it”
12:29 z74s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche he fought 0 Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers fought”
12:30 n7vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight a talent 0 This may be written in modern weights. Alternate translation: “about 33 kilograms”
12:30 nw9j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The crown was placed on David’s own head 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They placed the crown on David’s own head”
12:30 wz14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he brought out 0 Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David’s soldiers. Alternate translation: “they brought out”
12:31 a3vv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy He brought out the people 0 David did not bring out the people himself; he commanded his soldiers to bring them out. Alternate translation: “David commanded his soldiers to bring out the people”
12:31 ew58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy all the cities of the people of Ammon 0 This refers to the people in the cities. Alternate translation: “all the people of the cites of Ammon”
13:intro abcd 0 # 2 Samuel 13 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter begins the story about the difficulties and killings in David’s family. David’s sin caused these problems in his family. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Amnon raped Absalom’s sister\nAmnon raped Absalom’s sister, who was his own half-sister. David did nothing to punish him and David’s lack of action caused significant problems in his family and in Israel. This eventually caused Solomon to become king, even though he was not the oldest son.
13:1 e2ti rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about after this 0 “It happened after this.” This phrase is used to introduce a new event to the story line.
13:2 fmq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Amnon was so frustrated that he became sick because of his sister Tamar 0 Amnon was frustrated because he desired to sleep with his sister Tamar. Alternate translation: “Amnon was so frustrated with desire for his sister Tamar that he felt sick”
13:3 rz6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother 0 These are the names of men. Shimeah was David’s brother.
13:4 s99u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis Will you not tell me? 0 It is understood that he is asking him about his depression, which can be stated clearly. Also, this rhetorical question is a request for Jehonadab to tell him why he is depressed. It may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Will you not tell me why you are depressed?” or “Please, tell me why you are depressed.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
13:5 xjs4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom eat it from her hand 0 This is probably a request for her to serve food to him personally. He probably did not want her to put the food in his mouth. Alternate translation: “have her serve it to me herself”
13:6 tsl3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I may eat from her hand 0 This is probably a request for her to serve food to him personally. He probably did not expect her to put the food in his mouth. Alternate translation: “she may serve it to me to eat”
13:6 a3i8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for my sickness in front of me 0 The food is not for his sickness, but rather it is for him, because he is sick. The phrase “in front of me” is a request for Tamar to prepare the food in his presence. Alternate translation: “in front of me because I am sick”
13:7 we8h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy David sent word 0 This means that he sent a messenger to speak to Tamar. Alternate translation: “David sent a messenger”
13:8 l12v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom in his sight 0 This means that Tamar made the bread in front of him. Alternate translation: “in front of him” or “in his presence”
13:9 cwh1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom So everyone went out from him 0 To “go out from someone” means to leave them. Alternate translation: “So everyone left him”
13:10 y3b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom that I may eat from your hand 0 This is a request for Tamar to serve the food to him personally. Alternate translation: “and serve it to me”
13:11 c79f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism lie with me 0 This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “have sexual relations with me”
13:12 rly8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis do not force me 0 She is referring to having sexual relations with him. Alternate translation: “do not force me to have sexual relations with you”
13:13 j8jb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How could I be rid of my shame? 0 Tamar asks this rhetorical question to emphasize how much shame she would have if she slept with him. Tamar speaks of getting rid of her shame as if it were an enemy or a tormentor that she needed to escape from. Alternate translation: “If you do this, I would have to endure shame everywhere I go” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
13:14 ras3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism he lay with her 0 This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he had sexual relations with her”
13:16 zc24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Because this great evil of making me leave is even worse 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **this great evil**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “It would be very evil to make me leave! It would be even worse”
13:17 au8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit bolt the door after her 0 This means to lock the door so that she will not be able to come back in again. Alternate translation: “lock the door so that she cannot come back in”
13:18 c6te rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit bolted the door after her 0 This means to lock the door so that she will not be able to come back in again. Alternate translation: “locked the door so that she could not go back in”
13:19 i3wt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction put ashes on her head and tore her robe. She put her hands on her head 0 These are acts of mourning and grief in the Israelite culture. Alternate translation: “put ashes on her head and tore her robe to show that she was very sad. Then to show her grief, she put her hands on her head”
13:20 w3wp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism Has Amnon your brother been with you? 0 This is a polite way to ask is Amnon has had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: “Has Amnon your brother slept with you?”
13:20 ffu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom keep quiet 0 This means to not tell anyone about something. Alternate translation: “do not tell anyone about this”
13:20 ce3a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Do not take this thing to heart 0 The phrase “take something to heart” means “to worry about it.” Alternate translation: “Do not worry about what has happened”
13:23 q5hh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about after two full years 0 This explains that two whole years has passed and introduces the next event in the story line. The phrase “full years” means that they are complete years.
13:24 e8ml Look now 0 This is a phrase used to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
13:24 wmj8 your servant 0 Absalom is calling himself “your servant” to show respect.
13:24 uq3x has sheep shearers 0 It was customary for people in Israel to have a party after they had sheared their sheep.
13:24 tav8 may the king 0 Although he is talking to his father the king, he calls him “the king” instead of “you” to show respect for him.
13:26 b7e9 please let my brother Amnon go with us 0 The oldest son could often represent his father in Israelite culture. Amnon was David’s oldest son.
13:26 ep6f Why should Amnon go with you? 0 David knew that Amnon was not Absalom’s friend.
13:27 kd8k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Absalom pressed David 0 Here the author speaks of Absalom urging David to let Amnon come as if he were putting physical pressure on him. Alternate translation: “Absalom begged David for Amnon to come”
13:27 w3cs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche all the king’s sons 0 This does not include Absalom and Amnon who is dead. It includes the rest of the sons that the king allowed to go to the celebration. Alternate translation: “the rest of the king’s sons”
13:28 yfb3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Do not be afraid 0 This implies that they do not need to be afraid of the consequences for killing Amnon. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid that you will be blamed for killing the king’s son”
13:28 ev94 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Have I not commanded you? 0 Absalom asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he will be blamed for killing Amnon because he is commanding them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have commanded you to do this.” or “I will be the one guilty for killing him because I have commanded you to do this.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
13:28 fa5u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis not commanded you 0 What Absalom has commanded them to do may be stated in the question. Alternate translation: “not commanded you to kill him”
13:30 jr55 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent So it came about 0 “It happened that.” This phrase is used here to introduce the next event in the story line.
13:30 hpn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy that the news came to David saying 0 Here it says that the news came, when really someone came and told David the news. Alternate translation: “that someone came and reported the news to David saying”
13:31 a8qp rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction tore his clothes, and lay on the floor 0 He did these things to show that he was extremely sad. Alternate translation: “tore his clothes, and threw himself on the floor grieving”
13:31 a62g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction with their clothes torn 0 They did this to show their sadness and to mourn with their king. Alternate translation: “and tore their clothes, mourning with the king”
13:33 cf2y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom take this report to heart 0 The phrase “take something to heart” means “to worry about it.” Alternate translation: “worry about this report”
13:34 rh5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom keeping watch 0 This means that the servant was watching for enemies while guarding at the city wall. Alternate translation: “who was guarding” or “who was guarding at the city wall”
13:34 j8la rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor raised his eyes 0 Here the servant looking up at something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: “looked up”
13:36 r5i8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent So it came about 0 This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
13:36 r9gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor raised their voices 0 Here the sons crying out is spoken of as if their voices were something they lifted into the sky. Alternate translation: “cried out”
13:37 dqp1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Talmai … Ammihud 0 These are the names of men.
13:39 ky6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche The mind of King David longed 0 Here David is referred to by his mind to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: “King David longed”
13:39 t9kb for he was comforted concerning Amnon and his death 0 “because he was no longer grieving about Amnon being dead.” This refers to three years after Absalom fled to Geshur.
14:intro abce 0 # 2 Samuel 14 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Reconciliation\n\nDavid missed his son, Absalom, who was in exile. Joab summons a wise woman to reconcile David and Absalom. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]])\n\n## Important figures of speech used in this chapter\n\n### Parable\n\nThe wise woman uses a type of parable to convince David that his actions were wrong. He treated a stranger worse than he treated his own son. This hypothetical situation was intended to convict David of his sin. She uses David’s own words against him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
14:1 c5gz Now 0 This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells about a new person in the story.
14:1 zlp2 Zeruiah 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 2:13](../02/13.md).
14:1 nt9e perceived 0 This means Joab discerned or understood what David was thinking.
14:2 g3b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy sent word to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought 0 This means that Joab sent someone with a message to Tekoa and had him bring back a woman to him. This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “sent someone with a message to Tokoa and had him bring a wise woman back” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
14:2 t4f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Tekoa 0 This is the name of a place.
14:2 rm87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the dead 0 This refers to someone who has died, not dead people in general. Alternate translation: “someone who has died”
14:4 an12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction she lay facedown on the ground 0 She did this to show her respect and submission to the king. Alternate translation: “she showed her respect to the king by laying facedown on the ground”
14:7 fj59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom put him to death 0 This is an idiom which means to kill. Alternate translation: “kill him”
14:7 hhk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit they would also destroy the heir 0 If they put the guilty brother to death there would not be a son left to inherit the family’s possessions. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “if they did this, they would be destroying our family’s heir”
14:7 vfb2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Thus they will put out the burning coal that I have left 0 Here the woman refers to her only living son as if he were a burning piece of coal. She speaks of the men killing her son as stopping the coal’s burning. Alternate translation: “In this way they will kill the only child I have left”
14:7 vk75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives they will leave for my husband neither name nor descendant 0 This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “they will not leave for my husband name or descendant”
14:7 jl3j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy neither name nor descendant 0 This refers to a son to carry on the family’s name into the next generation. Alternate translation: “no son to preserve our family’s name”
14:7 xe94 on the surface of the earth 0 “on the earth.” This descriptive phrase emphasizes that the family line would not continue on earth after the husband died. “The surface of the earth” refers to the ground on which people walk.
14:8 w2wr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive I will command something to be done for you 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will take care of this matter for you”
14:9 gz85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit may the guilt be on me and on my father’s family 0 This means that if people say that the king was wrong for helping the woman’s family that the king should not be guilty. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “if anyone blames you for helping our family, may my family be considered guilty instead”
14:9 e186 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The king and his throne 0 Here the word “throne” refers to anyone who later becomes king in David’s place. Alternate translation: “The king and his descendants” or “The king and his family”
14:9 uik4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit are guiltless 0 “are innocent.” This implies that in the future if anyone accuses the king of wrongdoing, he will be innocent in the matter. Alternate translation: “will be innocent regarding the matter”
14:10 fz7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche says anything to you 0 Here speaking threats is spoken of as speaking in general. Alternate translation: “threatens you” or “speaks threats to you”
14:10 pq9j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he will not touch you anymore 0 Here David speaks of a person not threatening or hurting her, by saying that the person would not touch her. It is implied that David will not allow the person threatening her to bother her again. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “I will make sure he does not threaten you again” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
14:11 jfs2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Please, may the king call to mind Yahweh your God 0 This could mean: (1) The phrase “call to mind” is an idiom meaning to pray. Alternate translation: “Please, pray to Yahweh your God” or (2) Here “call to mind” means to remember and it is implied that after he remembers Yahweh he will promise in his name. Alternate translation: “Please promise in the name of Yahweh your God” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
14:11 xm1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the avenger of blood 0 This refers to the man who wants to avenge the death of the dead brother. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the man who wants to avenge my son’s brother’s death”
14:11 vgi3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile As Yahweh lives 0 Often people would make promises and compare how surely they would fulfil their promise to how surely Yahweh is alive. Alternate translation: “I promise you, as surely as Yahweh lives” or “In Yahweh’s name I promise” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
14:11 d9l6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole not one hair of your son will fall to the ground 0 The means that her son will not be harmed, which is exaggerated by saying that he will not lose even a single hair. Alternate translation: “your son will be completely safe”
14:12 mw9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Speak on 0 This is an idiom. The king was giving her permission to continue speaking. Alternate translation: “You may speak to me”
14:13 ia2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God? 0 The woman asks this rhetorical question to rebuke David for how he has treated Absalom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “What you have just said proved that you did wrong.”
14:13 t35u the king is like someone who is guilty 0 The woman compares the king to someone who is guilty to suggest that he is guilty without saying it directly. Alternate translation: “the king has declared himself guilty”
14:13 f3ci his banished son 0 Alternate translation: “his son whom he banished”
14:14 ll3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile For we all must die, and we are like water spilled on the ground … up again 0 Here the woman speaks of a person dying as if they were water being spilled on the ground. Alternate translation: “We all must die, and after we die we cannot be brought back to life again”
14:14 f5lf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit God … finds a way for those who were driven away to be restored 0 The woman is implying that David should bring his son back to himself. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “God brings back someone whom he has driven away and you should do the same for your son”
14:15 hm99 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis because the people have made me afraid 0 The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “because the people have made me afraid that I have come”
14:16 x4ut rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy from the hand of the man 0 This phrase is an idiom. Also, “the hand” is a metonym referring to the man’s control. Alternate translation: “out of the control of the man”
14:17 nm7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile for as an angel of God, so is my master … from evil 0 Here David, the king, is compared to an “angel of God.” Alternate translation: “for the king is like an angel of God because they both know how to tell good from evil”
14:18 u2d4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes Please do not hide from me anything that I will ask you 0 The negative form here is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Please tell me the truth about everything I ask you”
14:19 p42h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Is not the hand of Joab with you in all this 0 Here the word “hand” refers to Joab’s influence. Alternate translation: “Has not Joab influenced you in all this” or “Did Joab send you here to speak these things”
14:19 uz25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom As you live 0 “As surely as you are alive.” Here the woman compares the certainty of what David has said to the certainty that he is alive, to emphasize how true his statement is.
14:19 q69g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor no one can escape to the right hand … the king has spoken 0 Here the woman describes the difficulty of speaking to the king and keeping him from finding out the truth by comparing it to a person not being about to escape in any direction. Alternate translation: “no one can keep you from knowing the truth”
14:19 vyl1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism to the right hand or to the left 0 The expression gives two extremes and means “anywhere.” Alternate translation: “anywhere at all” or “anywhere”
14:20 j2lm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile is wise, like the wisdom of an angel of God 0 The woman compares David’s wisdom to the wisdom of an angel to emphasize how very wise he is. Alternate translation: “you are very wise, like an angel of God”
14:21 n8az rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit So the king said to Joab 0 It is implied that the king had Joab brought before him so that he could speak to him. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Then the king summoned Joab and said to him”
14:21 r58j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit this thing 0 This refers to what Joab wants the king to do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “what you want me to do”
14:22 n6a2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction Joab lay facedown on the ground 0 Joab did this to honor the king and show his gratitude.
14:22 f6n4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I have found favor in your eyes 0 The phrase “found favor” is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, “eyes” is a metonym for sight, and sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “you are pleased with me” or “you have approved of me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:24 i98k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche but he may not see my face … the king’s face 0 Here the word “face” refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “but he may not see me … the king”
14:25 u9cd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background Now 0 This word marks a break in the main story line. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows.
14:25 fb8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive there was no one praised for his handsomeness more than Absalom 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people praised Absalom for his handsomeness more than they praised anyone else”
14:25 tiv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism From the sole of his foot to the top of his head there was no blemish in him 0 This means the whole person was without blemish. Alternate translation: “There were no blemishes on any part of his body”
14:26 j4bd rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight two hundred shekels 0 This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: “two and a half kilograms”
14:26 a94i the weight of the king’s standard 0 The king had weights that determined the standard weight of the shekel and other weights and measurements.
14:27 raf5 To Absalom were born three sons and one daughter 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Absalom had three sons and one daughter”
14:28 p8nr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the king’s face 0 Here “the king’s face” refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “the king”
14:29 nwh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Absalom sent word for Joab 0 Here “word” is a metonym for “a message.” This means that he sent a messenger to Joab with a request. Alternate translation: “Absalom sent a messenger to Joab asking him”
14:29 km4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit to send him to the king 0 It is implied that Absalom wanted Joab to come to him to see him and to intercede for him so that he would be allowed to see the king. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “to come to him and to intercede for him so that he could see the king”
14:29 f1c7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy So Absalom sent word a second time 0 Here “word” is a metonym for “a message.” This means that he sent a messenger to Joab again with the same request. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “So Absalom sent a messenger to Joab again with the same request” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
14:32 cr53 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I sent word 0 Here “word” is a metonym for “a message.” This means that he sent a messenger. Alternate translation: “I sent a messenger”
14:32 ay13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit to the king to say 0 The message here for the king is written as if Absalom were the speaker. Absalom was asking Joab to speak the message on his behalf. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “to say to the king on my behalf” or “to ask the king for me”
14:32 ehw7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the king’s face 0 Here “king’s face” refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “the king”
14:33 xix9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction bowed low to the ground before the king 0 Absalom is showing respect to the king. Alternate translation: “bowed low to the ground to honor the king”
14:33 lr12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the king kissed Absalom 0 This implies that the king forgave and restored Absalom. The full meaning of this can be made clear. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
15:intro abcf 0 # 2 Samuel 15 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter begins the story of Absalom’s attempted revolt.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Absalom’s conspiracy\nFor four years, Absalom made many allies in an attempt to make himself king. This is why he acted as a judge for the people. Since this was all done in secret, it is called a “conspiracy.” David found out and fled with those in the army who were loyal to him.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThe author used the metaphor of a thief to describe how Absalom was able to win people’s loyalty: “So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
15:1 m44b rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about 0 This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
15:1 a4qh rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction with fifty men to run before him 0 These men would run in front of the chariot to honor Absalom. Alternate translation: “with fifty men to run before him to honor him”
15:3 cl8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit So Absalom would say to him 0 It is implied that the person told his case to Absalom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Absalom would ask him what his problem was, and the man would then explain to Absalom why he sought justice. Absalom would then say to him”
15:3 yts5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet good and right 0 These words have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that his case is good.
15:3 d3e6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy to hear your case 0 “Hearing” a case means to listen to it and to make a judgement decision over it. Alternate translation: “to judge your case” or “to oversee your case”
15:5 n3n6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him 0 This action is a friendly greeting. Alternate translation: “greet him as a friend by embracing him and kissing him”
15:6 ty61 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for judgment 0 This means that they can for the king to decide their disputes. Alternate translation: “to judge over their disputes”
15:6 xc8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel 0 This sentence means Absalom convinced the men to be loyal to him rather than to David. Here the author speaks of how the people became loyal to Absalom by saying that he stole their hearts. Alternate translation: “In this way, Absalom convinced the men of Israel to be loyal to him”
15:7 k1ju rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about 0 This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
15:7 u4br rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit at the end of four years that Absalom 0 This refers to four years after he returned to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “fours years after Absalom had returned to Jerusalem, he”
15:10 k6i1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy throughout all the tribes of Israel 0 Here the places where the tribes of Israel lived are referred to as the tribes themselves. Alternate translation: “throughout the land of the tribes of Israel”
15:11 y3hm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive who were invited 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who he had invited”
15:12 p6px rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom he sent for Ahithophel 0 This means that he sent a messenger to go get Ahithophel and bring him back to him. Alternate translation: “he sent a messenger to go get Ahithophel who was”
15:12 b237 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahithophel 0 This is the name of a man.
15:12 v7wx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Giloh 0 This is the name of a place.
15:13 wjk4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche The hearts of the men of Israel are following after 0 Here the men are referred to by their “hearts” to emphasize their loyalty to Absalom. Alternate translation: “The men of Israel are loyal to” or “The men of Israel are following after”
15:14 brg3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche escape from Absalom … he will quickly … and he will bring 0 Here David speaks of Absalom and the men with him as “Absalom” himself because the men are following Absalom’s authority. Alternate translation: “escape from Absalom and his men … he and his men will quickly … and they will bring”
15:14 t8eh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy attack the city with the edge of the sword 0 The “city” is a metonym referring to the people in the city. The “edge of the sword” is a synecdoche referring to the Israelites’ swords and emphasize that they killed the people in battle. Alternate translation: “will attack the people of our city and kill them with their swords” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
15:14 s5ik rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom bring down disaster 0 This means to cause disaster to happen.
15:16 hpv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to keep the palace 0 Here the word “keep” means to care for. Alternate translation: “to care for the palace”
15:17 cv7p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit at the last house 0 This refers to the last house they would come to when leaving the city. Alternate translation: “at the last house as they were leaving the city”
15:19 k4yp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why will you come with us? 0 This rhetorical question indicates that the king does not think they should go along with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not need to go with us.”
15:20 dw1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion why should I make you wander all over with us? 0 This rhetorical question emphasizes David did not want Ittai to come. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to cause you to wander around with us.”
15:20 wfd5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole Since you just left yesterday 0 Here “yesterday” is an exaggeration that emphasizes a short amount of time. Ittai the Gittite had lived there for several years. Alternate translation: “Since you have lived here only a short time”
15:20 e3e8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit May loyalty and faithfulness go with you 0 This is a blessing that David is giving to him. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh be faithful and loyal to you always”
15:21 m7sh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile As Yahweh lives, and as my master the king lives 0 Here the speaker is making a solemn promise. He compare the certainty the he will fulfill his promise to the certainty that Yahweh and the king are alive. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise that as surely as Yahweh and the king live”
15:23 y8br rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole All the country wept with a loud voice 0 Many of the people of Israel wept loudly when they saw the king leaving. Here this is generalized by saying that the whole country wept. Alternate translation: “All the people along the road wept” or “Many of the people wept”
15:23 cpg7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor with a loud voice 0 Here the many people who were weeping are spoken of as if they shared one loud voice. Alternate translation: “loudly”
15:23 qn5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Kidron Valley 0 This is the name of a place near Jerusalem.
15:25 x2mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I find favor in the eyes of Yahweh 0 Here the “eyes of Yahweh” refer to Yahweh’s thoughts and opinion. If you “find favor” with someone it means that they are pleased with you. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is pleased with me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
15:25 cm5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy where he lives 0 “where his presence is.” The ark of the covenant symbolizes Yahweh’s presence. This refers to the place where the ark is. Alternate translation: “where it is kept”
15:27 w3ii rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahimaaz 0 This is the name of a man.
15:27 sn4s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Are you not a seer? 0 This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Zadok and can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will be able to find out what is happening.”
15:28 a6gq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy until word comes from you 0 This refers to him sending a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: “until you send a messenger to me to inform me”
15:28 g6m3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit to inform me 0 Here the king implies he is to receive a message informing him about what is happening in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to tell me what is happening in Jerusalem”
15:30 hz16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction his head covered 0 This is a sign of mourning and shame. Alternate translation: “his head covered in mourning”
15:31 e4pr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit please turn Ahithophel’s advice into foolishness 0 David is asking Yahweh to make Ahitohphel’s advice foolish and useless. Alternate translation: “please let whatever advice Ahithophel gives be foolishness and unsuccessful”
15:32 lr8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about 0 “It happened.” This phrase marks the next event in the story line.
15:32 q4pe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit at the top of the road 0 The word “top” is used here because David went up in elevation and is at the top of a hill. Alternate translation: “at the top of the hill”
15:32 kgp7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive where God used to be worshiped 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where people once worshiped God”
15:32 bxf8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hushai 0 This is the name of a man.
15:32 fmi7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Arkite 0 This is the name of a people group.
15:32 jt8s rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction with his coat torn and earth on his head 0 This is an act showing shame or repentance. Here the word “earth” means dirt. Alternate translation: “He had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head to show that he was very sad” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
15:34 xy6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit you will confuse Ahithophel’s advice for me 0 David is suggest to Hushai that he oppose whatever Ahithopel advises. Alternate translation: “you can serve me by opposing Ahithophel’s advice”
15:35 fr9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Will you not have the priests Zadok and Abiathar with you? 0 David asks this rhetorical question to tell Hushai that he will not be alone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there to help you.”
15:35 rkm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole whatever you hear 0 This is a generalization. It means all of the important and insightful things that he hears, not every single word he hears.
15:36 yg9d rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahimaaz … Jonathan 0 These are the names of men.
15:36 z36k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche by their hand 0 The phrase “their hand” refers to the sons and means that they were to serve as messengers. Alternate translation: “their sons to tell me”
16:intro abcg 0 # 2 Samuel 16 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Absalom seeks advice from David’s advisers\nDavid’s best adviser, Ahithophel, told Absalom to publicly seduce the concubines that David had left to take care of the palace. Because the concubines were the king’s property, having sexual relations with a king’s concubines implied that Absalom was now the king. This would show the people that the break with David was complete. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Simile\n\nTo show how seriously people took Ahithophel’s advice, the author used a [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] comparing his advice to God’s advice. “Now the advice of Ahithophel that he gave in those days was as if a man heard from the mouth of God himself.”
16:3 b9kv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy house of Israel 0 This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
16:3 fvn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor will restore my father’s kingdom to me 0 Having a descendant of Saul being allowed to rule is spoken of as the kingdom being restored to their family. Alternate translation: “will allow me to rule the kingdom that my grandfather ruled”
16:4 cvm5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I bow in humility to you 0 Ziba is not literally bowing before the king when he is speaking here. This means that he will serve the king with the same amount of humility he would be showing if he were literally bowing before him. Alternate translation: “I will humbly serve you”
16:4 ewk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Let me find favor in your eyes 0 The phrase “find favor” means to be approved of by someone. Also, “eyes” is a metonym for sight, and sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “I want you to be pleased with me” or “I desire you for to be pleased with me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
16:7 h2c4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy man of blood 0 Here “blood” refers to all of men he was responsible for killing in battle. Alternate translation: “murderer”
16:8 ju1y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Yahweh has repaid 0 Yahweh repays them by punishing them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has punished”
16:8 cvt3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for the blood you shed within the family of Saul 0 Here “blood” refer to people who were killed from Saul’s family. The king was responsible for them dying. Alternate translation: “for killing many of Saul’s family”
16:8 mve3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in whose place you have reigned 0 David reigned as king over the same people whom Saul had previously reigned. Alternate translation: “in whose place you have reigned as king”
16:8 uqf8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy into the hand of Absalom 0 Here “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “into the control of Absalom”
16:9 wg1j rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abishai 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 2:18](../02/18.md).
16:9 jz4r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zeruiah 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 2:13](../02/13.md).
16:9 b6wq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should this dead dog curse my master the king? 0 Abishai asked this question to express his anger at the man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “This dead dog must not speak to the king this way.”
16:9 p79k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor this dead dog 0 Here the man is being described as worthless by being compared to a dead dog. Alternate translation: “this worthless man”
16:10 i1pm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah? 0 This rhetorical question is asked to correct the sons of Zeruiah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to know what you think!”
16:10 g4rx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who then could say to him, ‘Why are you cursing the king? 0 This is said as a rhetorical question to emphasize that the answer is “no one.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one then can ask him, ‘Why are you cursing the king?’”
16:11 y6it rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit my son, who was born from my body 0 David describes his son this way to emphasize the close bond between a father and his son. Alternate translation: “my own son” or “my dear son”
16:11 l8bj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism wants to take my life 0 This is a polite way to refer to killing someone. Alternate translation: “wants to kill me”
16:11 znl2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How much more may this Benjamite now desire my ruin? 0 David uses this rhetorical question to express that he is not surprised that the man wants to kill him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Of course this Benjamite desires my ruin!” or “I am not surprised this Benjamite desires my ruin as well!”
16:11 t9uf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor desire my ruin 0 Here David describes the man’s desire to kill him as if David were something that the man wanted to ruin. Alternate translation: “desire me to be killed” or “desire to kill me”
16:11 tb7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Leave him alone and let him curse 0 Here the phrase “leave him alone” means to not stop him from what he is doing. Alternate translation: “Do not stop him from cursing me”
16:12 xk9r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom will look at 0 Here “looking” means “considering.” Alternate translation: “will consider”
16:12 smf2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the misery unleashed on me 0 Here David speaks of misery as if it were a dangerous animal that the Benjamite unleashed on him.
16:15 l6bc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahithophel 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 15:12](../15/12.md).
16:16 p1gq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hushai 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 15:32](../15/32.md).
16:16 d97z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about 0 “It happened that.” This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
16:16 gp9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Arkite 0 See how you translated the name of this people group in [2 Samuel 15:32](../15/32.md).
16:17 b4yd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with him? 0 These rhetorical questions are asked to criticize Hushai. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have been a loyal friend to David; you should have gone with him.”
16:18 k7hr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person the one whom … that is the man … with him 0 Here Hushai is referring to Absalom in the third person to take emphasize off of him and place it on Yahweh and the people who chose him. This can be written in second person. Alternate translation: “you are the one whom … you are the man … with you”
16:19 hq49 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion what man should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? 0 Hushai asks these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he wants to serve Absalom. They can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I should serve only David’s son, so I will serve in his presence.” or “I should serve you, for you are David’s son.”
16:20 f7w3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahithophel 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 15:12](../15/12.md).
16:21 d7c8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism Go into your father’s slave wives 0 This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Have sexual relations with your father’s slave wives”
16:21 sm7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to keep the palace 0 The phrase “to keep” means to take care of. Alternate translation: “to take care of the palace”
16:21 jx59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor become a stench to your father 0 Ahithophel speaks of Absalom offending his father as if he would become something that had a strong and offensive odor. Alternate translation: “become offensive to your father” or “greatly insulted father”
16:21 bu9j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong 0 Here the people who followed Absalom are referred to by their hands. The news will strengthen the peoples’ loyalty to Absalom and encourage them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “The news of this will strengthen the loyalty of all who follow you” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
16:22 gx92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism Absalom went in to his father’s slave wives 0 This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Absalom had sexual relations with his father’s slave wives”
16:22 v3ik rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole in the sight of all Israel 0 This means that people were able to see the tent and Absalom walking in and out of the tent with the women. The phrase “all of Israel” is a generalization, for only people near the palace could see it. Alternate translation: “where the Israelites could see him go into the tent”
16:23 k3y9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Now the advice of Ahithophel … was as if a man heard 0 Here the author compare how much people trusted Ahithophel’s advice with how much they would trust advice directly from God. Alternate translation: “Now people trusted the advice of Ahithophel in those days in the same way they would have trusted it if had come”
16:23 qt97 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche as if a man heard from the mouth of God himself 0 Here God’s mouth represents himself and emphasizes his speech. Alternate translation: “as if God had said it with his own mouth” or “as if a man heard it spoken by God himself” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
16:23 jqr6 all of Ahithophel’s advice was viewed by both David and Absalom 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “both David and Absalom viewed all of Ahithophel’s advice”
16:23 p2g1 was viewed 0 Alternate translation: “was thought of”
17:intro abch 0 # 2 Samuel 17 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Confusion\n\nAhithophel gives good advise to Absalom, but Hushai confuses Absalom. God is using the misleading advice to protect David, his king.
17:2 ukx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet weary and weak 0 These words mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize how weak David was. Alternate translation: “weak”
17:2 si3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns will surprise him with fear 0 Here the word “fear” can be expressed with the adjective “afraid.” Alternate translation: “will surprise him and make him afraid”
17:2 txi8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I will attack only the king 0 It is implied that he intends to kill the king. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will kill only the king”
17:3 b53b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit bring back all the people 0 This refers to all of the people who were with David. Alternate translation: “bring back all of the people who were with him”
17:3 b385 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a bride coming to her husband 0 Here Ahithophel speaks of the peoples’ happiness by comparing it to a bride’s happiness. Alternate translation: “and they will come happily, like a bride is happy when she comes to her husband” or “and they will come happily”
17:3 fwq6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom be at peace 0 This means to have peace or to live peacefully. Alternate translation: “live peacefully”
17:3 d16g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy under you 0 This refers to being under the king’s authority. Alternate translation: “under your authority”
17:8 w2fu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile they are like a bear robbed of her cubs 0 The anger of the soldiers here is being compared to that of a mother bear who cubs are taken from her. Alternate translation: “they are angry, like a mother bear whose cubs have been take from her” or “they are very angry”
17:8 q99g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit is a man of war 0 This means that his has fought in many battles and knows well the ways of war. Alternate translation: “has fought in many battles”
17:9 v2xp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis or in some other place 0 This is another place he may be hiding. Alternate translation: “or hidden in some other place”
17:9 d2wh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive when some of your men have been killed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when his soldiers kill some of your men”
17:9 f1q8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns A slaughter has taken place among the soldiers who follow Absalom 0 The noun “slaughter” means an event where many people are brutally killed. This can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “Many of the soldiers who follow Absalom have been slaughtered” or “The enemy soldiers have killed many of the soldiers who follow Absalom”
17:10 g7bl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche whose hearts are like the heart of a lion 0 Here the soldiers are refers to by their “hearts.” Also, their strong bravery is compared to that of a lion’s. Alternate translation: “who are as brave as lions” or “who are very brave” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
17:11 sm9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive that all Israel should be gathered together to you 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, here “all Israel” represents only the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: “that you should gather together all of the Israelite soldiers” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
17:11 jz3g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism from Dan to Beersheba 0 This phrase means from the northern border of Israel to the southern border. Alternate translation: “from the whole nation of Israel”
17:11 vl1f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole as numerous as the sands that are by the sea 0 This is an exaggeration where all the grains of sand on a beach are compared to the number of Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: “so many that they can barely be counted” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
17:11 lbr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom that you go to battle in person 0 The phrase “in person” means to go yourself and not send someone else instead. Alternate translation: “then lead them yourself into battle”
17:12 v92h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom come on him 0 This means to purposefully go to where he is and then to attack.
17:12 rys8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile we will cover him as the dew falls on the ground 0 Absalom’s army is described as covering David’s army like the dew covers the ground in the morning. Alternate translation: “we will overwhelm and completely defeat David’s army”
17:12 jdy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes We will not leave even one of his men … alive 0 This negative sentence is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “We will kill every one of his men”
17:12 dwr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns him himself 0 Both these words refer to David. Alternate translation: “David himself”
17:13 cez7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche then all Israel 0 This refers to Israel’s soldiers, not to all of Israel. Alternate translation: “then all of our soldiers”
17:13 v4rx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit will bring ropes to that city and we will drag it into the river 0 This means that the soldiers would tear down the city walls and drag the pieces to river. Alternate translation: “will destroy the city and drag the stones to the river with ropes”
17:13 ua57 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole until there is no longer even a small stone found there 0 This is an exaggeration to describe how completely they will destroy the city. The would not literally sweep away every small stone from the city. Alternate translation: “until the city is completely destroyed”
17:14 j39m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns the rejection of Ahithophel’s good advice 0 The word “rejection” can be expressed with the verb “reject.” Alternate translation: “for the men of Israel to reject Ahithophel’s good advice”
17:14 rwx8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to bring destruction on Absalom 0 To “bring” something on someone means to cause it to happen to them. Alternate translation: “to cause a disaster to happen to Absalom”
17:15 pp5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zadok … Abiathar 0 See how you translated these men’s names in [2 Samuel 15:24](../15/24.md).
17:15 f3gh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom in such and such a way 0 This phrase, meaning “like this,” refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom earlier beginning in [2 Samuel 17:1](../17/01.md).
17:16 b624 the fords of the Arabah 0 A ford is a shallow part of a river where people can walk across. The Arabah is the land along both sides of the Jordan River.
17:16 u94n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom by all means 0 This means to make sure that you do something. Alternate translation: “be sure to” or “make sure that you”
17:16 adt3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the king will be swallowed up 0 Here the king and his people being killed is describes as if they were “swallowed” by their enemy. Alternate translation: “the king will be killed”
17:17 u8z7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Jonathan … Ahimaaz 0 See how you translated these men’s names in [2 Samuel 15:27](../15/27.md).
17:17 q25n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy When the message came 0 Here the “message” is spoken of as coming to them, when really it is the woman who came to then bringing the message. Alternate translation: “When she brought them a message”
17:17 h5de rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names spring of Rogel 0 This is the name of a place.
17:18 r7rc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit So Jonathan and Ahimaaz went away 0 It is implied that they found out that the young man had told Absalom about them being there. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Jonathan and Ahimaaz found out what the young man had done, so they went away”
17:18 t68a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Bahurim 0 This is the name of a small town.
17:20 n16k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahimaaz … Jonathan 0 See how you translated these men’s names in [2 Samuel 15:27](../15/27.md).
17:21 kx9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about 0 “It happened.” This phrase marks the next event in the story line.
17:21 r493 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy cross quickly over the water 0 Here “the water” refers to the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “cross quickly over the river”
17:21 h17r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom has given such and such advice 0 The idiom “such and such” is used in the place of information that is already know by the reader. Here it refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom beginning in [2 Samuel 17:1](../17/01.md). This information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “has advised that Absalom send him with an army to attack you now” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
17:22 l8sk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes By morning daylight not one of them had failed to cross over the Jordan 0 This negative sentence is used to emphasize that they all crossed the river. It can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “By morning daylight every one of them had crossed over the Jordan”
17:23 x22t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive his advice had not been followed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Absalom had not followed his advice”
17:23 zw5j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom set his affairs in order 0 He prepared for his death by telling his family what to do after he died. Alternate translation: “he prepared for his death”
17:23 b2wa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive was buried 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him”
17:24 c8ze rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Mahanaim 0 Translate the name of this place the same as you did in [2 Samuel 2:8](../02/08.md).
17:25 dur7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Amasa … Joab … Jether … Nahash 0 These are the names of men. See how you translated Joab and Zeruiah (Joab’s mother) in [2 Samuel 2:13](../02/13.md).
17:25 v1vl Ishmaelite 0 This word means that the person is descended from Ishmael. Some versions say “Israelite” here. See the footnote. You may want to choose the word that is used in the majority language Bible in your area.
17:25 q7fs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism who went in to Abigail 0 This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “who had sexual relations with Abigail”
17:25 yn85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abigail … Zeruiah 0 These are the names of women.
17:26 p8z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gilead 0 Translate the name of this place the same as you did in [2 Samuel 2:9](../02/09.md).
17:27 a88x rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent It came about 0 This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story line.
17:27 ya8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Mahanaim … Rabbah … Lo Debar … Rogelim 0 These are the names of cities or places.
17:27 sb1a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Shobi … Nahash … Machir … Ammiel … Barzillai 0 These are the names of men.
17:27 g662 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ammonites … Gileadite 0 These are the names of people groups.
17:28 td28 sleeping mats and blankets 0 A mat is something soft to sleep on, and a blanket is a cloth covering for warmth.
17:28 sk67 flour 0 crushed grain made into powder and used to make bread
17:28 wym6 roasted 0 cooked with dry heat
17:28 epx5 beans 0 seeds that are cooked and eaten
17:28 s9d6 lentils 0 a kind of seed that is cooked and eaten
17:29 vx1d curds 0 milk that has soured and become solid
17:29 hpg5 thirsty 0 in need of water or some other drink
18:intro abci 0 # 2 Samuel 18 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter tells of the defeat and death of Absalom, ending this section on Absalom’s rebellion.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David’s mercy\nDavid reorganized his army and sent them out to battle, but told them to be merciful to Absalom. When David’s army defeated Absalom’s army, Absalom fled on a mule, but his hair caught in a tree limb and the mule ran on, leaving him hanging. One of David’s soldiers saw him and told Joab. Joab went and killed him. When David heard about this he mourned for his son, Absalom. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])
18:1 y2u4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy David counted the soldiers who were with him and appointed 0 David did not count all of the people himself, rather other men counted them. Alternate translation: “David commanded for the soldiers who were with him to be counted and he appointed” or “David arranged the soldiers who were with him and appointed”
18:1 qt9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers captains of thousands and captains of hundreds 0 This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these captains led. Alternate translation: “captains of 1,000 soldiers and captains of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “captains of large military divisions and captains of smaller military divisions”
18:2 x31q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction one-third … another third 0 “one-third of the army … another third of the army.” A “third” is one part out of three equal parts.
18:2 lu6k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abishai … Zeruiah 0 See how you translated these men’s names in [2 Samuel 2:18](../02/18.md).
18:2 xwu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ittai 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 15:19](../15/19.md).
18:2 zy14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gittite 0 This refers to a person from Gath, which is a Philistine city.
18:2 s8e1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I will certainly go out with you myself, too 0 This means that he will go out with them to battle. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I myself will go with you to battle” or “I personally will go with you into battle”
18:3 z3p1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers half of us 0 The word “half” refers to one out of two equal parts.
18:3 cmi5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit you are worth ten thousand of us 0 This means that the enemy army considering killing David of greater worth than killing 10,000 of the other men. The number 10,000 here is an exaggeration used to emphasize a very great number of people. Alternate translation: “they would rather kill you than to kill 10,000 of us” or “killing you is worth more to them than killing a great number of us” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
18:3 nx5a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ten thousand 0 “10,000”
18:3 r2hd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit that you be ready to help us from the city 0 David could help them from the city by advising them and sending men to help them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “that you stay here in the city and send help to us”
18:5 idy7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abishai 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 2:18](../02/18.md).
18:5 nnf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ittai 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 15:19](../15/19.md).
18:5 jbs6 Deal gently for my sake with the young man, with Absalom 0 “For my sake, do not harm the young man, Absalom.” The phrase “Deal gently” means to be kind to someone and not to harm them.
18:5 s62a my sake 0 Alternate translation: “my well-being” or “my account”
18:6 ak3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit went out into the countryside against Israel 0 This means that they went out and fought against them in battle. Alternate translation: “went out into the countryside and fought against Israel”
18:6 na7e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche against Israel 0 Here “Israel” refers to their soldiers, not all of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “against the Israelite soldiers”
18:7 xa6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The army of Israel was defeated there before the soldiers of David 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There the soldiers of David defeated the army of Israel”
18:7 qgp8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers twenty thousand men 0 “20,000 men”
18:8 ndw4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification more men were consumed by the forest than by the sword 0 Here “the forest” is described as if it were alive and could act. “The sword” refers to David’s soldiers who fought with swords. Alternate translation: “dangerous things in the forest killed more men than David’s soldiers killed with their swords” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:9 fye9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Absalom happened to meet some of David’s soldiers 0 This is an event that happened during the battle. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “During the battle, Absalom happened to meet some of David’s soldiers”
18:9 ua3f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy his head was caught up in the tree branches 0 Absalom had long hair that got caught in the tree branches. Alternate translation: “his hair was caught in the tree branches”
18:11 w13x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why did you not strike him down to the ground? 0 This rhetorical question means that he should have killed him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. The phrase “strike down” means to kill. Alternate translation: “You should have struck him down to the ground!” or “You should have killed him immediately!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
18:11 aik2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney ten silver shekels 0 This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: “ten silver coins” or “110 grams of silver”
18:12 m6ur rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney a thousand silver shekels 0 “1,000 silver shekels.” This can be stated in modern units. Alternate translation: “1,000 silver coins” or “11 kilograms of silver” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
18:12 y75l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom would not have reached out my hand against the king’s son 0 The phrase “reached out my hand” means to attack. Alternate translation: “would not have attacked the king’s son”
18:12 c6je rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom No one must touch 0 Here “touching” refers to “harming.” Alternate translation: “No none must harm” or “Do not harm”
18:13 if8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns a falsehood 0 The word “falsehood” can be expressed with a verbal phrase. Also, this refers to disobeying the king’s command. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “doing something that is wrong” or “by disobeying the king” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
18:13 b1r6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor there is nothing hidden from the king 0 Here the man speaks about how the king knows about almost everything that happens as if everything were a physical object he knew the location of. Alternate translation: “there is nothing that the king does not know” or “the king hears about everything that happens”
18:14 jl1n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I will not wait for you 0 Joab meant that he should not continue talking to the man. Alternate translation: “I will not waste anymore time talking to you”
18:14 m7ub rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche heart of Absalom 0 Here Absalom’s heart refers to his chest or upper body. Alternate translation: “chest”
18:15 va7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche armor 0 This refers to both the armor he would wear to protect himself and to his weapons. Alternate translation: “armor and weapons”
18:16 f9za rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the army returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab held back the army 0 This describes what Joab commanded by blowing the trumpet. Alternate translation: “Then Joab blew the trumpet to call back the army, and the army returned from pursuing Israel”
18:16 ji7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche returned from pursuing Israel 0 Here “Israel” refers to the Israelite army. Alternate translation: “returned from pursuing the Israelite army”
18:17 d3n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit they buried his body under a very large pile of stones 0 After putting his body in the pit they covered it with a pile of stones. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “they covered his body with a huge pile of stones”
18:17 b87l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche while all Israel fled 0 Here “all Israel” refers to the Israelite soldiers. The word “fled” means “ran away.” Alternate translation: “while all the Israelite soldiers ran away”
18:18 s18q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names the King’s Valley 0 This is the name of a place.
18:18 j9s8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy to carry along the memory of my name 0 Absalom uses the phrase “my name” to refer to himself and his family line. Alternate translation: “to carry on my family name, by which people would remember me”
18:18 tg1p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive so it is called Absalom’s Monument to this very day 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so people called it Absalom’s Monument from that day on”
18:19 md2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ahimaaz 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 15:27](../15/27.md).
18:19 qby5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor run to the king with the good news 0 Here Ahimaaz speaks of running to go and tell the king the good news as if the good news were a object that he were carrying. Alternate translation: “run to tell the king the good news”
18:19 jyg5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the hand of his enemies 0 Here “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “the control of his enemies”
18:20 v56v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit you will bear no news 0 This refers to not bearing the news to the king. Alternate translation: “you will not tell the news to the king”
18:24 t7w3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor raised his eyes 0 Here the watchman looking to see something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: “looked out beyond the city”
18:25 r6br rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor there is news in his mouth 0 Here the king speaks of the man having a message as if the news were an object sitting in his mouth. Alternate translation: “he has news to tell us”
18:27 zpr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I think the running of the man in front is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok 0 The watchman compares the way the man ran to the way Ahimaaz runs to suggest that it may be him. Alternate translation: “I think the man running in front is Ahimaaz son Zadok, because he runs like Ahimaaz”
18:28 ft3g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground 0 He did this to honor the king. Alternate translation: “He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground to honor the king”
18:28 e5ky rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the men who lifted up their hand against my master the king 0 Here Ahimaaz speaks of the men opposing the king as if they were raising their hands before him. Alternate translation: “the men who opposed and fought against my master the king”
18:31 e1tf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rose up against 0 This means to oppose. Alternate translation: “opposed”
18:32 s9h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile The enemies of my master the king, & should be as that young man is 0 The Cushite uses a comparison as a polite way to tell the king that Absalom is dead. This can be stated more directly. Alternate translation: “I would like all your enemies … to die the way that young man died” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
18:33 la2k was deeply unnerved 0 Alternate translation: “was very unhappy” or “was trembling with grief”
19:intro abcj 0 # 2 Samuel 19 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### David told to stop mourning Absalom\n\nJoab warned David that if he continued to mourn Absalom and not thank his army, they would all desert him. So David went out to encourage the soldiers. David was both a good father and a good leader.\n\n### David made king again\n\nThis chapter record the recognition that David was the true king of Israel. It is important to remember that even though Absalom had power for a while, David never stopped being the king.\n\n### The ten tribes and Judah argue over David\n\nThe ten tribes of Israel argued with the tribe of Judah about who would bring David across the river. The men of Judah answered the ten tribes very harshly. This may foreshadow, or give a glimpse of, the future civil war that would come to divide these two groups.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical questions\n\nThe people wanted David back as their king and expressed it in a rhetorical question: “So why are we not talking about bringing the king back?” David also used a question to persuade the people of Judah to bring him back: “You are my brothers, my flesh and bone. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
19:1 wl3f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Joab was told 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told Joab”
19:1 ggg6 Look, the king is weeping 0 The word “Look” is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen, the king is weeping”
19:2 jq6i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the army 0 This means that the whole army mourned instead of celebrating. AT “So instead of celebrating victory that day, the whole army mourned”
19:3 c8b8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like people who are ashamed sneak away when they run from battle 0 The author compares the way that the soldiers had to sneak back into the city to the way that soldiers sneak away when they are running away from battle. This emphasizes that they were made to feel ashamed. Alternate translation: “in the same way that people who had run away from battle would sneak away because they were ashamed”
19:4 bt57 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction The king covered his face 0 This is a way to express grief and mourning. Alternate translation: “The king showed his grief by covering his face”
19:5 ve2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche You have shamed the faces of all your soldiers today 0 Here the soldiers are referred to by their face to emphasize how they would have hid their faces because of their shame” Alternate translation: “You have caused all your soldiers to hide their faces in shame today” or “You have caused all of your soldiers to be ashamed today”
19:6 sx3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole nothing to you 0 This phrase is an exaggeration, but it expresses the very low value that David showed for the army. Alternate translation: “are worth very little to you”
19:6 si4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo if Absalom had lived, and we all had died, then that would have pleased you 0 The speaker is giving a hypothetical situation.
19:7 h9b9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I swear by Yahweh 0 Joab is making a very strong oath. Alternate translation: “I swear, as surely as Yahweh is alive”
19:7 p34h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives if you do not go, not one man will remain with you 0 This means that only if David went would his soldiers remain with him. Alternate translation: “only if you go will any of your men remain with you”
19:7 m2uc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom not one man will remain with you 0 This refers to them remaining loyal to him. Alternate translation: “not one man will remain loyal to you”
19:8 e6vs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole all the people were told 0 This is a generalization. It means most of the men. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “many of the men who were there heard others saying” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:8 msv7 Look, the king is sitting 0 The word “Look” is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen, the king is sitting”
19:8 q8cd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole all the people 0 Here “the people” refer to the people who followed David. Here “all” is an generalization. It means a large number came and gathered around him. Alternate translation: “many of the people”
19:8 k5ue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche So Israel fled, every man to his home 0 Here “Israel” refers to the Israelite soldiers who followed Absalom. Alternate translation: “And every Israelite soldier fled to his own home” or “And all of the Israelite soldiers fled to their homes”
19:9 ypj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy out of the hand of our enemies 0 Here “hand” means control. Alternate translation: “from under the control of our enemies” or “from our enemies’ control”
19:9 wn5a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy out of the hand of the Philistines 0 Here “hand” means control. Alternate translation: “from under the control of the Philistines” or “from the Philistines’ control”
19:9 w56d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit out of the land because of Absalom 0 This means that he had left the country fleeing from Absalom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “out of the country fleeing from Absalom”
19:10 h2rq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion why do you say nothing about bringing the king back? 0 This means they should consider bringing David back now that Absalom was dead. The question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “we should be talking about bringing the king back.”
19:11 ywv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom sent to Zadok and to Abiathar 0 This means that David sent a messenger to Zadok and Abiathar. Alternate translation: “sent a messenger to Zadok and to Abiathar”
19:11 jd6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why are you the last to bring the king back … to bring him back to his palace? 0 This rhetorical question is asked to rebuke the elders in Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have been the first to favor the king and bring him back to the palace, not the people of the nation of Israel.”
19:11 d4d9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns since the talk of all Israel favors the king, to bring 0 The noun “talk” can be expressed with the verb “talk” or “speak.” Alternate translation: “since all Israel speaks favorably about the king and desires to bring” or “since what the people of Israel are saying is in the king’s favor, to bring”
19:11 v8mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor to bring the king back to his palace 0 Here restoring the king’s authority to rule is spoken of as bringing him back to his palace. Alternate translation: “to restore the king’s authority as king”
19:12 si3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You are my brothers, my flesh and bone 0 The king uses these to phrases to emphasize that they are closely related. Being or having the same flesh is a metaphor for belonging to the same family or tribe. Alternate translation: “You are my brothers, and we have the same flesh and bone” or “You are my brothers, my close relatives”
19:12 n4pu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why then are you the last to bring back the king? 0 This is the second rhetorical question here and it is also a rebuke for the elders of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have been the first, not the last, to bring back the king.”
19:13 uf92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Amasa 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 17:25](../17/25.md).
19:13 h28k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Are you not my flesh and my bone? 0 David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that they are related. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are my flesh and my bones.”
19:13 f88h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my flesh and my bone 0 Here David speaks of them being related by saying that they have the same flesh and bones. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Samuel 19:12](../19/12.md). Alternate translation: “my relative”
19:13 gk6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom God do so to me 0 This is an idiom that means for God to kill him. Alternate translation: “May God kill me”
19:14 g6z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he won the hearts 0 Here the mens’ loyalty is referred to as their “hearts.” Alternate translation: “he won the loyalty”
19:14 w82p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor as one man 0 This speaks of the men being united in their loyalty to the king as if they were one man with the same mind. Alternate translation: “and they were united together” or “they were united in their loyalty to the king”
19:14 a3id rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom They sent to the king 0 This means that they sent a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: “They sent a messenger to the king”
19:16 p33r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gera 0 This is the name of a man.
19:16 ke2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Bahurim 0 Translate the name of this place the same as you did in [2 Samuel 3:16](../03/16.md).
19:17 kj6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ziba 0 This is the name of a man. Translate as you did in [2 Samuel 9:2](../09/02.md).
19:17 e34y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers one thousand men … fifteen sons … twenty servants 0 “1,000 men … 15 sons … 20 servants”
19:17 s7u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in the presence of the king 0 This means that the king was there and was aware of what was happening. Alternate translation: “at the place where the king was”
19:19 tx71 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom call to mind 0 This means “to remember.” Alternate translation: “remember”
19:19 s3zc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom not take it to heart 0 “To take something to heart” means to think about something seriously or to be bothered by it. Alternate translation: “not be bothered by it” or “forget about it”
19:21 w2c6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abishai 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 2:18](../02/18.md).
19:21 p13v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zeruiah 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 2:13](../02/13.md).
19:21 yth5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Yahweh’s anointed? 0 Abishai was angry at Shimei for cursing David and is suggesting that he should be killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Shimei should be put to death because he cursed Yahweh’s anointed.”
19:21 spv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Yahweh’s anointed 0 This refers to David. It means that he is the man that Yahweh had anointed as king. Alternate translation: “the man that Yahweh has anointed as king”
19:22 dn85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What have I to do with you … that you should today be adversaries to me? 0 David uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Abishai. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have nothing in common with you, you sons of Zeruiah! You have no good reason to become my adversaries today.”
19:22 s4fe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Will any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel? 0 David uses these rhetorical questions to continue rebuking Abishai. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “No person will be executed today in the nation of Israel, because today I am the one who is king over all of Israel.”
19:22 f3ky rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Will any man be put to death 0 This phrase “put to death” means to be killed or executed. Alternate translation: “Will any man be killed” or “Will I order any man to die”
19:22 t2u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For do I not know that today I am king over Israel? 0 Possible meanings of this rhetorical question are: (1) “I know that I am still king of Israel.” or (2) “Today I am the one who is king over Israel!”
19:24 kg79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Mephibosheth 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 4:4](../04/04.md).
19:24 sc2i He had not dressed his feet 0 “He had not cared for his feet.” Mephibosheth’s feet were crippled. This phrase means that he had not taken proper care of his feet.
19:25 zrh9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth? 0 David is asking Mephibosheth why he did not go with David when David and all the people who followed him left Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Why did you not go with me when I left Jerusalem, Mephibosheth?”
19:27 vh2u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ziba 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 9:2](../09/02.md).
19:27 bk18 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile my master the king is like an angel of God 0 Here David’s wisdom is compared to the wisdom of an angel. Alternate translation: “my master the king is as wise as an angel of God”
19:27 jn77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom do what is good in your eyes 0 This means to do what you think is right. Alternate translation: “do what you believe to be the right thing to do”
19:28 rll4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor all my father’s house were dead men before my master the king 0 Mephibosheth speaks of how his relatives had deserved to be executed as if they had already been executed and were dead. Alternate translation: “all my father’s house deserved for my master the king to order them to be executed”
19:28 ww9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy my father’s house 0 This refers to his father’s relatives. Alternate translation: “my father’s relatives”
19:28 fa5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What right therefore have I that I should still cry any more to the king? 0 Mephibosheth uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he has no right to request anything from the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Therefore, I have no right to ask the king to do anything else for me.”
19:29 wt65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why explain anything further? 0 David uses this rhetorical question to tell him that he does not need to continue talking about his conflict with Ziba. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not need to explain this any further.” or “You certainly do not need to say any more.”
19:31 yk1p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Barzillai 0 See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 17:27](../17/27.md).
19:31 zak8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gileadite 0 See how you translated the name of this people group in [2 Samuel 17:27](../17/27.md).
19:31 w1ce rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Rogelim 0 See how you translated the name of this place in [2 Samuel 17:27](../17/27.md).
19:34 y2r5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How many days are left in the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 0 Here Barzillai means that he is old and that there is no reason for him to accompany David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am certainly not going to live many more years. There is no good reason for me to go up with the king to Jerusalem.”
19:35 sy7w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers eighty years old 0 “80 years old”
19:35 n8fn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Can I distinguish between good and bad? 0 Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. Here “good” and “bad” refer to what is desirable and what is not. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot distinguish between what is desirable and what is not.”
19:35 d6qd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? 0 Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot enjoy the taste of what I eat and drink.”
19:35 dgv2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? 0 Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot hear well the voices of singing men and singing women.”
19:35 f2zi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why then should your servant be a burden to my master the king? 0 Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not want to be a burden to the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your servant should not go with you and be a burden to you.”
19:36 x8m1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should the king repay me with such a reward? 0 Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not know why the king would reward him this way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not know why the king would repay me with such a great reward”
19:37 lt2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Kimham 0 This is the name of a man.
19:37 wef7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit by the grave of my father and my mother 0 This does not mean that he wants to die right next to their graves, but rather, that he wants to die in the city where they are buried. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “where my father’s and my mother’s graves are” or “where my father and my mother are buried”
19:37 sn5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis Let him cross over 0 This refers to crossing the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “Let him cross over the Jordan”
19:38 sm6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Kimham will go over with me 0 This refers to crossing the Jordan River. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Kimham will cross the river with me”
19:40 v221 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis crossed over to Gilgal 0 They crossed over the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “crossed over the river to Gilgal”
19:40 hzp4 Kimham 0 See how you translated this name in [2 Samuel 19:37](../19/37.md).
19:40 jw3n All the army of Judah brought the king over, and also half the army of Israel 0 Alternate translation: “All the army of Judah and half the army of Israel brought the king over”
19:40 t9rb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis brought the king over 0 They crossed over the Jordan River with the king. Alternate translation: “escorted the king over the river”
19:41 sbd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why have our brothers, the men of Judah … and all David’s men with him? 0 The men of Israel use this question to express that they feel betrayed by the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is not right that our brothers, the men of Judah, who did not support you as king, had the privilege of bringing you and your family back across the Jordan River.”
19:41 r7ae rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor stolen you away 0 The men of Israel speak of how the men of Judah escorted the king across the river as if the king were something they stole that did not belong to them. Alternate translation: “taken you away from us”
19:42 nu1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why then are you angry about this? 0 The men of Judah ask this rhetorical question to rebuke the men of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “But you have no reason to be upset about this.”
19:42 u3wj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Have we eaten anything that the king had to pay for? Has he given us any gifts? 0 The men of Judah ask the question to express that they have not taken anything from the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The king has never paid for our food, and he has never given us any gifts.”
19:43 nbt3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit we have even more right to David than you 0 “we have a greater claim to David than you do.” It may be helpful to state clearly what having “more right” means. Alternate translation: “we have more right to serve the king and to be with the king than you do”
19:43 vc2s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why then did you despise us? 0 The men of Israel ask this rhetorical question to express their anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have despised us!”
19:43 vlb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Was not our proposal to bring back our king the first to be heard? 0 The men of Israel ask this question to remind and rebuke the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We were the first to suggest that we bring back the king!”
19:43 el5k the words of the men of Judah were even more harsh than the words of the men of Israel 0 Alternate translation: “the men of Judah spoke even more harshly than the men of Israel did”
20:intro abck 0 # 2 Samuel 20 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Sheba’s revolt\nA man named Sheba told the people of the ten tribes that David was Judah’s king, but not their king. David worked hard to preserve unity in Israel after this time of division.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Idiom\n\nJoab used an idiom “has lifted up his hand against the king, against David” meaning “revolted against David,” to explain why his army was attacking the city of Able. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
20:1 fz8c to be at the same place 0 This refers to the town of Gilgal.
20:1 a6ci rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Sheba … Bikri 0 These are names of men.
20:1 l45i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism We have no part in David, neither have we any inheritance in the son of Jesse 0 Both of these statements mean the same thing. Sheba is emphasizing that he and the tribes of Israel have no relationship with David. Alternate translation: “The inheritance of David and his father’s family does not belong to us” or “We are not a part of David and his father’s family” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
20:3 j97w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to keep the palace 0 Here the phrase “to keep” means to take care of. Alternate translation: “to take care of the palace”
20:3 e4kn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom in a house under guard 0 If a house is “under guard” it means that a guard is posted at the house. Alternate translation: “in a house and put a guard there”
20:3 ymh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism he did not lie with them 0 This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he did not have sexual relations with them”
20:3 b16i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom they were shut up 0 This means that they were not allowed to leave the house. Alternate translation: “they were shut inside the house”
20:4 zm4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Amasa 0 This is the commander of David’s army. See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 17:25](../17/25.md).
20:6 ai94 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abishai 0 This is another commander of David’s army. See how you translated his name in [2 Samuel 2:18](../02/18.md).
20:6 qm7j do us more harm 0 Alternate translation: “hurt us more”
20:6 gm22 your master’s servants, my soldiers 0 The phrase “my soldiers” clarifies which “servants.” David refers to himself as “your master” as a formal way of speaking to someone with less authority.
20:6 q3jp pursue after 0 Alternate translation: “chase after”
20:6 g2i6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit he will find fortified cities 0 This means that Sheba and his men will enter these cities to hide from David’s army. The word “he” represents Sheba but refers to both him and his men. Alternate translation: “he and his men will hide in fortified cities” or “he and his men will take refuge in fortified cities” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
20:6 lm43 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy out of our sight 0 Here David refers to his army by their sight to emphasize that Sheba and his men would be hidden and David’s army would be unable to capture them. Alternate translation: “from us”
20:7 x1ai rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Kerethites … Pelethites 0 These are the names of people groups who helped to protect King David. See how you translated this man’s name in [2 Samuel 8:18](../08/18.md).
20:8 mw2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the sword fell out 0 Joab let the sword fall out to fool Amasa into thinking that he Joab was unarmed, so that Amasa would allow him to walk closer to him. Alternate translation: “he allowed the sword to fall on the ground so Amasa would think he was unarmed”
20:11 m94g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom he who is for David 0 To be “for” someone means to support them. Alternate translation: “he who supports David” or “he who is loyal to David”
20:12 dp5t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Amasa lay wallowing in his blood 0 “Amasa lay squirming in his blood.” Amasa may have still been alive and rolling in his blood, but he was probably dead by this time. It is described this way to show how gruesome his body looked. Alternate translation: “Amasa lay dead in his blood”
20:12 r75k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit all the people stood still … came by him stood still 0 This means they stopped walking and were staring at Amasa’s dead body. Alternate translation: “all the people stood still staring at the dead body … came by him stood still, staring at his dead body”
20:13 y3pd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive After Amasa was taken off the road 0 This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After the man took Amasa off the road”
20:13 x48e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns in pursuit of 0 This abstract noun can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “pursuing”
20:14 ppx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Sheba passed through 0 Here “Sheba” refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: “Sheba and his army” or “Sheba and his men”
20:14 b6n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Abel Beth Maacah 0 Both Abel and Beth Maacah names refer to the same place and may be combined. It is a city near the tribe of Dan.
20:14 k4pw rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names of the Bikrites 0 This is the name of a people group.
20:15 n7h9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit battered the wall to knock it down 0 This means that they used a battering ram to knock down the wall. A battering ram was a cut tree or large log with a sharpened end or an end covered in metal. It was held by several men who would pound the end against a wall. Alternate translation: “used a battering ram to knock down the wall”
20:16 k1s4 Listen, please listen 0 The repetition of “Listen” strengthens the woman’s plea.
20:17 a5x5 Listen to the words of your servant 0 The woman refers to herself as “your servant.” This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.
20:18 xv3v that advice would end the matter 0 Alternate translation: “that advice would solve the problem”
20:19 l2yb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis most peaceful and faithful in Israel 0 This describes the cities. Alternate translation: “most peaceful and faithful cities in Israel”
20:19 vb6k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor city that is a mother in Israel 0 This speaks of the importance of this city among the nation of Israel as if it were a well respected mother. Alternate translation: “city that everyone in Israel respects like they would their mother” or “city that is very important and that Israel respects”
20:19 f7wf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why do you want to swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh? 0 Here the woman uses a rhetorical question to suggest to Joab what they should not do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not destroy the city that is Yahweh’s inheritance!”
20:19 h83g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor swallow up 0 Here the woman speaks of the army destroying the city as if the city were food to be swallowed. Alternate translation: “destroy”
20:19 v31s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the inheritance of Yahweh 0 Here the city is referred to as Yahweh’s inheritance to emphasize that it belongs to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “a city that belongs to Yahweh”
20:20 kn3j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Far be it, far be it from me, that I should 0 He repeats this phrase to emphasize that this is something he would never do. Alternate translation: “Truly, truly, I would never”
20:20 u14u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis that I should swallow up or destroy 0 This refers to destroying the city. This may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “that I should swallow up or destroy your city”
20:20 lh3j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet swallow up or destroy 0 Both of these phrases means to destroy. In the first phrase “destroying” is spoken of as if it were “swallowing.” These may be combined. Alternate translation: “ruin or destroy the city” or “destroy” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
20:21 bq5h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom has lifted up his hand against 0 This means to rebel and fight against someone. Alternate translation: “has opposed” or “is rebelling against”
20:21 vu8h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Give up him alone 0 Joab is asking for the people of the city to release Sheba to him. Alternate translation: “Hand this man over to us” or “Give this man to us”
20:21 rt99 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I will withdraw from the city 0 Here the “I” refers to both Joab and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “We will withdraw from the city”
20:21 tda3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive His head will be thrown 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We will throw his head”
20:22 p855 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom 0 This means that the woman acted wisely and spoke to her people about what they should do. Alternate translation: “Then the wise woman spoke to all the people”
20:23 ail7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background Now 0 “Now” marks a break in the main story line. This new section gives background information about the men who served King David.
20:23 bu9z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Joab was over … Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over 0 The phrase “was over” refers to having authority over a group of people. Alternate translation: “Joab had authority over … Benaiah son of Jehoiada had authority over”
20:23 di2d rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Benaiah … Jehoiada 0 Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [2 Samuel 8:18](../08/18.md).
20:23 s3i1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Kerethites … Pelethites 0 Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in [2 Samuel 8:18](../08/18.md).
20:24 hw6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Adoniram was over 0 The phrase “was over” refers to having authority over a group of people. Alternate translation: “Adoniram had authority over”
20:24 qv95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Adoniram 0 This is the name of a man.
20:24 hbx2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Jehoshaphat … Ahilud 0 Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [2 Samuel 8:16](../08/16.md).
20:25 pjz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Sheva 0 This is the name of a man.
20:26 w67i rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ira 0 This is the name of a man.
20:26 qk9a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Jairite 0 This is the name of a people group.
21:intro abcl 0 # 2 Samuel 21 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Famine caused by a broken oath\n\nWhen Israel first conquered the land, they promised not to kill the people of Gibeon. When Saul tried to kill them all, God caused a famine in Israel. David made amends with the people of Gideon and the famine ended. David also kept his vow to Jonathan’s sons. This helps to show the wisdom of king David. Although these people were not Israelites, they believed in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])\n\n### Wisdom, grace and justice\nDavid is seen to have many great qualities in this chapter. These were qualities important for a king of Israel: wisdom, grace and justice. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])
21:1 yc9z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche sought the face of Yahweh 0 Here “face” is a synecdoche for Yahweh’s presence. This means David prayed to Yahweh for an answer about the famine.
21:2 j82w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background Now 0 Here “Now” marks a break in the main story line. This gives background information about the Gibeonites.
21:3 r66c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism What should I do for you? How can I make atonement … promises? 0 These two sentences have similar meanings. Alternate translation: “What can I do to remove this sin, so that you may bless the people of Yahweh, who inherit his goodness and promises?”
21:6 hce6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive let seven men from his descendants be handed over to us 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “allow your men to give seven of his descendants to us”
21:6 s77u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the one chosen by Yahweh 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one whom Yahweh chose”
21:8 vnv4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Armoni and Mephibosheth … Adriel … Barzillai 0 These are names of men. This is not the same Mephibosheth as the son of Jonathan.
21:8 p5t5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Meholathite 0 This is the name of a people group.
21:9 ji6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy He handed them over into the hands of the Gibeonites 0 Here “the hands of the Gibeonites” represents the Gibeonite people’s control. Alternate translation: “He gave them to the Gibeonites”
21:9 uyb2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive They were put to death 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Gibeonites put them to death”
21:11 hs9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive It was told to David 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told David”
21:13 n7ji rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive who had been hanged 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the Gibeonites executed by hanging”
21:14 ai2f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Zela 0 This is the name of a town in Benjamin.
21:14 bga5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Kish 0 This is the name of a man.
21:16 d7sb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ishbi-Benob 0 This is the name of a man.
21:16 b31k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight three hundred shekels 0 “300 shekels.” This is about 3.4 kilograms. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
21:17 d893 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor you do not put out the lamp of Israel 0 The “lamp of Israel” is a metaphor that refers to David’s leadership and the idea that if David were to die, the people of Israel would have no clear direction.
21:18 i8h8 It came about after this that 0 This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
21:18 ei1h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gob 0 This is the name of a town.
21:18 zih5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Sibbekai … Saph 0 These are names of men.
21:18 zz7e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hushathite … Rephaim 0 These are names of people groups.
21:18 g7p1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Rephaim 0 This people group was known for its giant warriors.
21:19 pv8s rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite 0 Some versions translate this as “Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite.”
21:19 xl44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Elhanan son of Jair … Goliath 0 These are names of men.
21:19 x5yp rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Bethlehemite … Gittite 0 These are names of people groups.
21:19 b7w9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile whose spear was like a weaver’s beam 0 When a person was weaving a cloth he would run the threads through hooks attached to large sticks called a “weaver’s beam.” This means Goliath’s spear was larger than a normal spear.
21:20 nqr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers twenty-four in number 0 “24 fingers and toes altogether”
21:20 cka4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Rephaim 0 This people group was known for its giant warriors.
21:21 j56u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Jonathan son of Shimeah 0 These are names of men. Shimeah was David’s brother.
21:22 mqg8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom they were killed by the hand of David and by the hand of his soldiers 0 Here “by the hand of” means “through” or “by.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed them” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
22:intro abcm 0 # 2 Samuel 22 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 22:2–51.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### God rescued David\n\nGod rescued David when he thought he would die. He protected David, fought against his enemies, and enabled him to defeat his enemies.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nDavid uses many metaphors to express his trust in God’s protection: “my rock, my fortress, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge.” He used other metaphors to express his hopelessness: “the waves of death surrounded me,” “the rushing waters of worthlessness overwhelmed me,” “the cords of sheol surrounded me;” “the snares of death trapped me,” and “the surging water.” He also used metaphors for the victory God gave him: “I can run over a barricade” and “by my God I can leap over a wall.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])
22:1 vx4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism 0 # General Information:\n\nDavid’s song to Yahweh starts. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
22:1 sh9l out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul 0 This is a progression from enemies in general to one specific enemy of David, King Saul.
22:1 gzu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy out of the hand of 0 This metonym means “out of the power of.”
22:2 t5y8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh is my rock, my fortress 0 This metaphor shows a progression from a part, “rock,” to the whole, “fortress.” A fortress is built of many large rocks. This means Yahweh has the strength to protect his people from harm.
22:3 h8pd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor God is my rock … He is my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold 0 All of these metaphors are symbols of God’s strength and power. They emphasize God’s ability to protect and save his people.
22:4 v4up rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive who is worthy to be praised 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who is worthy to receive praise”
22:4 p1jc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive I will be saved from my enemies 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will save me from my enemies”
22:5 xvj7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor For the waves of death surrounded me, the rushing waters of destruction overwhelmed me 0 David compares the wicked men who wanted to kill him to flood waters that are about to drown him. These sentences have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
22:6 d6ka rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death trapped me 0 David speaks about death and Sheol as if they are people who are trying to trap him as a hunter traps an animal. These phrases have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
22:7 m7xw In my distress 0 Alternate translation: “In my great trouble”
22:7 dv16 he heard my voice from his temple 0 David is referring to the heavenly temple where Yahweh dwells. The earthly temple has not yet been built.
22:7 v2zx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy my call for help went into his ears 0 Here the metonym “his ears” refers to Yahweh and his hearing of David’s call for help. Alternate translation: “he heard my prayer for help”
22:7 w8ts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification his ears 0 David speaks of Yahweh as if he had ears.
22:8 ai6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Then the earth shook 0 This is Yahweh’s response to David’s cry for help from his enemies ([1 Samuel 22:7](./07.md)). David uses the imagery of the earth shaking to emphasize Yahweh’s terrible anger.
22:8 gxt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism earth shook … heavens trembled 0 David speaks of the two extremes to include everything in creation.
22:8 x6xl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive and were shaken, because God was angry 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because God’s anger shook them”
22:9 qf19 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor were ignited by it 0 This is Yahweh’s response to David’s cry for help from his enemies ([1 Samuel 22:7](./07.md)). David uses the imagery of fire coming from Yahweh to emphasize Yahweh’s terrible anger.
22:9 c8xq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification his nostrils … his mouth 0 David speaks of Yahweh as if he had these humans parts.
22:9 cq54 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Coals were ignited by it 0 Here Yahweh’s anger is compared to fire, which causes coals to ignite and burn. Alternate translation: “The flame from his mouth set coals on fire” or “He also sent burning coals from his mouth”
22:10 f5ym rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He opened the heavens 0 David describes Yahweh’s way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God’s power and his anger.
22:10 pg86 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification under his feet 0 David speaks of God as having feet like humans.
22:11 r4l7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive He was seen on the wings of the wind 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “He appeared on the wings of the wind”
22:11 gmc9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the wings of the wind 0 This expression speaks of the wind as if it were a bird.
22:12 mit5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rain clouds in the skies 0 David describes Yahweh’s way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God’s power and his anger.
22:12 ee39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He made darkness a tent around him 0 Here the darkness Yahweh creates is compared to a tent which hides him completely. Alternate translation: “He hid himself in the darkness”
22:13 t957 From the lightning before him coals of fire fell 0 This could mean: (1) “Out of his bright light he sent burning coals” or (2) “From his brightness he sent lightning”
22:13 g4lk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor From the lightning before him 0 David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God’s power and anger towards David’s enemies.
22:14 d4ht rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification The Most High shouted. 0 David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
22:15 h783 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification He shot arrows 0 David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
22:15 i235 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He shot arrows … lightning bolts 0 David compares the lightning from Yahweh’s storm to arrows that a soldier would use.
22:15 rg2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor lightning bolts and dispersed them 0 David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God’s power and anger towards David’s enemies.
22:16 za11 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Then the channels of the sea were seen … breath of his nostrils 0 When Yahweh shouted in his attack against David’s enemies, it is compared to his power to create upheaval in the deepest parts of the ocean and the earth. This shows his great power and fierce anger. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
22:16 dcq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the channels of the sea were seen 0 This means that the sea water moved and the ocean floor was visible. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “People could see the channels of the sea”
22:16 kcr5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the foundations of the world were laid bare at the rebuke of Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils 0 David compares Yahweh’s anger to turbulent movements of the ground. “If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s rebuke, the breath of his nostrils, laid bare the foundations of the world”
22:17 kw87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor out of the surging water 0 David compares his enemies to a flood that threatens to drown him.
22:21 en85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to the measure of the cleanness of my hands 0 Here “cleanness of my hands” means the same as “righteousness.” Alternate translation: “because I obey his commands” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:22 s787 I have kept the ways of Yahweh 0 Here “the ways of Yahweh” refers to how Yahweh wants his people to act. This means David has done what Yahweh commands.
22:23 ze3e have been before me 0 This means David constantly reads and thinks about God’s decrees.
22:24 j1e5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I have kept myself from sin 0 This refers to choosing not to sin against Yahweh.
22:25 qdu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to the degree of my cleanness in his sight 0 Here “my cleanness” means the same as “my righteousness.” Alternate translation: “because he knows that I have done what he commands” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:27 b64p you are perverse to the twisted 0 Here “perverse” means to be cunning or crafty, and “twisted” means to turn away from what is good and right. This means God is wise in how he deals with wicked people.
22:28 yma2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification your eyes are against the proud 0 Here the metonym “your eyes” refers to what Yahweh sees. This means Yahweh watches the proud person.
22:29 h2zr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor you are my lamp, Yahweh. Yahweh lights up my darkness 0 This metaphor compares Yahweh to a lamp, which means he gives David light and helps him to see when things seem hopeless.
22:30 l2yd I can run over a barricade 0 Here “barricade” may refer to a group of soldiers or to a stone wall. Either way it means God enables David to defeat his enemies.
22:30 ul6k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole I can leap over a wall 0 David is exaggerating to emphasize Yahweh’s help. Alternate translation: “I can climb over the wall that surrounds their city”
22:31 udr8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy He is a shield 0 The metaphor “a shield” emphasizes God’s power to protect his people.
22:32 p5ua rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For who is God except Yahweh, and who is a rock except our God? 0 David uses this question to emphasize that there is no God apart from Yahweh. These may be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Yahweh alone is God. Our God alone is a rock.”
22:32 d37f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor who is a rock 0 David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his strength and ability to protect his people.
22:34 wm3b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile He makes my feet swift like a deer and places me on the high hills 0 Here David’s feet are compared to those of a deer using exaggeration. Yahweh gives David the strength to move quickly and provides secure places for protection and rest. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
22:35 n5gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche my hands … and my arms 0 Both of these refer to David.
22:36 ly9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the shield of your salvation 0 David compares Yahweh’s power to save him to a shield that protects a soldier from his enemy.
22:37 p573 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche You have made a wide place for my feet beneath me 0 Yahweh has put David in a safe place where his enemies cannot trap him. Here he refers to himself by his “feet” to emphasize his ability to stand securely.
22:39 ax1n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I devoured them and smashed them 0 Here David compares himself to a wild animal. Alternate translation: “I completely destroyed them like a wild animal devouring its prey”
22:39 e2qk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy under my feet 0 Here “feet” refers to the power and control of victory over his enemies.
22:40 k5cg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile You put strength on me like a belt for battle 0 Here the strength that Yahweh gives is compared to a belt for battle that allowed David to do mighty things.
22:40 ea24 you put under me those who rise up against me 0 Alternate translation: “you helped me defeat those who fought against me”
22:41 p97v the back of my enemies’ necks 0 This could mean: (1) David seeing the backs of the enemy as they run away or (2) David putting his foot on the back of his enemy’s neck after he defeats him.
22:41 ip4h I annihilated 0 Alternate translation: “I completely destroyed”
22:42 h32w They cried 0 Alternate translation: “My enemies cried”
22:42 c9qg they cried out to Yahweh, but he did not answer them 0 The time for Yahweh’s judgment had come upon them.
22:43 fum1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like dust on the ground … like mud in the streets 0 This means that David completely destroyed his enemies. These two phrases “like dust on the ground” and “like mud on the streets” have a similar meaning and are used for emphasis. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
22:45 t5y6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Foreigners were forced to bow to me 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Foreigners bowed down to me”
22:47 u5bd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism May my rock be praised. May God be exalted 0 These sentences have similar meaning and are used for emphasis. These may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May everyone praise my rock. May everyone exalt God” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
22:47 xr9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my rock … the rock 0 David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people.
23:intro abcn 0 # 2 Samuel 23 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 23:2–7.\n\n2 Samuel 23:8–39 is a list of the famous people in David’s army along with some of the special deeds some of them did. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/works]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Everlasting covenant\n\nThis is a reference to the covenant God previously made with David. (See: [2 Samuel 7](../07/01.md), [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]]).
23:1 hvt1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the man who was highly honored, the one anointed by the God of Jacob 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the man whom the God of Jacob highly honored and anointed”
23:1 y2lz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction anointed by the God of Jacob 0 Anointing was done by pouring oil on a person’s head. This was done to choose who would serve God as king or priest.
23:2 r3yy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy and his word was on my tongue 0 Here “on my tongue” is a metonym for David speaking. Alternate translation: “he gave me a message to speak”
23:3 c9yd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel … me 0 Here the “God of Israel” is the same as the “Rock of Israel.” The two phrases say essentially the same thing. David compares God to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
23:3 w218 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism The one who rules righteously over men, who rules in the fear of God 0 These two sentences both say that the king will respect God and do what God wants him to do.
23:4 er3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile He will be like the morning light … sunshine after rain 0 Here God is comparing the king to the morning light and sunshine after the rain. These are all ways of saying this king would be a delight to God and a blessing for the people. These two phrases have a similar meaning and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “He will be a delight to all” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
23:5 hef3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Indeed, is my family not like this before God? 0 Here David is saying that he agrees with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “My family is indeed like this before God!”
23:5 n1tt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Has he not made … way? 0 David acknowledges that God has made a covenant with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He has indeed made … way.”
23:5 r8xz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Does he not increase my salvation … desire? 0 David believes that God will always help him and cause him to prosper. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He increases my salvation and gives me my every desire.”
23:6 ic15 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile But the worthless will all be like thorns to be thrown away 0 Here the wicked person is compared to useless thorns. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the wicked person is worthless and dangerous like thorns we throw away” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
23:6 dgn8 because they cannot be gathered by one’s hands 0 Alternate translation: “because no one can pick them up with his hands without the thorns hurting him”
23:7 api5 They must be burned up where they lie 0 “Where thorns are found, that is where they must be burned.” This means God will destroy wicked people.
23:8 ck79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Jeshbaal 0 This is the name of a man. Other versions read Josheb Basshebeth, Jashobeam, Ishbaal, or Ishbosheth because various ancient copies have these variations. Translators may choose to say this in a footnote to their translation
23:8 pka9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Hachmonite 0 This is the name of a people group. Alternate translation: “son of Hachmon”
23:10 lw96 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit The army returned after Eleazar 0 This means that the army returned after Eleazar returned from battle. Alternate translation: “The Israeli army returned to the battle field after Eleazer had already won the battle”
23:13 de7l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers the thirty 0 “the 30” or “the thirty bravest Israelite soldiers.” The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
23:13 y5db rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names cave of Adullam 0 “cave near the town of Adullam.” Adullam is near Bethlehem.
23:17 nz91 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Should I drink the blood of men who have risked their lives? 0 David compares the water to blood because the men risked their lives to bring the water to him. He uses a question to emphasize this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Drinking this water would be like drinking the blood of those men who have risked their lives to bring it to me.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
23:18 cs6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers three hundred men 0 “300 men”
23:18 gxa6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive He was often mentioned along with the three soldiers 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People often mentioned him when they spoke about the three bravest men”
23:19 ir5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Was he not even more famous than the three? 0 This question is used to emphasize how famous he was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He was even more famous than the three.”
23:22 y87l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive he was named alongside the three mighty men 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people praise him like they praised the three mighty men”
23:23 b1df rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers He was more highly regarded than the thirty soldiers in general, but he was not regarded quite as highly as the three mighty men 0 “He was more famous than the other 30 soldiers except for the three best soldiers”
24:intro abco 0 # 2 Samuel 24 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Counting soldiers\n\nDavid ordered the leaders of his army to count how many men of fighting age there were. He was not supposed to do this because it showed he did not trust God. God was displeased and offered David three punishments. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])
24:1 c86d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the anger of Yahweh was ignited against Israel 0 The word “ignite” means start a fire. Here Yahweh’s anger is compared to that of a fire. Alternate translation: “the anger of Yahweh started to burn like a fire”
24:1 x6eq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Go, count Israel and Judah 0 In the law of Moses, God prohibited the kings of Israel from taking a census of fighting men. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.
24:2 u7bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism Dan to Beersheba 0 This phrase uses two place names Dan, in the far north, and Beersheba, in the far south, to represent the entire country.
24:2 fu4s count all the people … fit for battle 0 This means to count all the men except those men who are either too young, too old, or physically unable to fight.
24:4 b9zy the king’s word was final against Joab 0 Joab and the other commanders of King David’s army were not able to convince David to not take a census.
24:4 c8cv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the king’s word 0 This phrase represents the king’s command to them. Alternate translation: “what the king had commanded”
24:9 qq68 Then Joab reported the total of the count of the fighting men to the king 0 Alternate translation: “Then Joab told the king the total number of men ready for battle”
24:9 b91x in Israel 0 This refers to the northern tribes of Israel.
24:10 cb8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy David’s heart afflicted him 0 The “heart” here is a metonym for David’s emotions and conscience. Alternate translation: “David felt guilty”
24:10 bvb3 Now, Yahweh, take away your servant’s guilt 0 David refers to himself as “your servant.” This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.
24:11 h1gv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, 0 The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this idiom in [2 Samuel 7:4](../07/04.md). Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to the prophet Gad, David’s seer. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to the prophet Gad, David’s seer:”
24:14 d6ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Let us fall into Yahweh’s hands rather than into the hand of man 0 Here “hands” refer to power or control. Alternate translation: “Let Yahweh and not people punish us”
24:15 gt1z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism from Dan to Beersheba 0 Here mentioning the city of Dan in the extreme north and the city Beersheba in the extreme south means the entire nation of Israel.
24:16 tl5x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the angel reached out with his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it 0 Here the metonym “hand” stands for the angel’s power. Alternate translation: “the angel was about to destroy the people in Jerusalem”
24:16 ap2v Yahweh changed his mind because of the harm 0 This means that Yahweh stopped the evil that he was allowing the angel to do. Alternate translation: “Yahweh felt grieved about the harm”
24:16 x95i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Now draw back your hand 0 The metonym “hand” stands for the angel’s power. Alternate translation: “Do not harm them any longer”
24:16 y4es rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Araunah 0 This is the name of a man.
24:17 c2r6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism I have sinned, and I have acted perversely 0 These phrases mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I have sinned terribly”
24:17 b9vn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion But these sheep, what have they done? 0 David uses a question and compares the people to sheep to emphasize that they have done nothing wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “These ordinary people have done nothing wrong.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
24:17 e2dt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Please let your hand punish me 0 Here the metonym “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “Please punish me”
24:20 q15a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction bowed to the king with his face to the ground 0 He was showing deep respect and honor to the king.
24:21 r7k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive so that the plague may be removed from the people 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh will remove this plague from the people”
24:22 bwm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor what is good in your sight 0 Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what you think is good” or “what is good in your judgement”
24:24 m1m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives I will not offer … anything that costs me nothing 0 This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “I will only offer … something that I have paid for”
24:24 w2n6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers fifty shekels 0 “50 shekels.” A shekel is 11 grams. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
24:25 xl51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy on behalf of the land 0 Here the metonym “land” stands for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “on behalf of the people of Israel”
24:25 lp9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the plague on Israel was confined 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God confined the plague that had been on Israel” or “God took the plague away from Israel”
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