Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal Hazor near the border of Ephraim, he invited all the king’s sons to come there. New Living Translation Two years later, when Absalom’s sheep were being sheared at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, Absalom invited all the king’s sons to come to a feast. English Standard Version After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Berean Standard Bible Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. King James Bible And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. New King James Version And it came to pass, after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom invited all the king’s sons. New American Standard Bible Now it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons to celebrate. NASB 1995 Now it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. NASB 1977 Now it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Amplified Bible Now it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons [to a party]. Christian Standard Bible Two years later, Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Holman Christian Standard Bible Two years later, Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. American Standard Version And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. Contemporary English Version Two years later, Absalom's servants were cutting wool from his sheep in Baal-Hazor near the town of Ephraim, and Absalom invited all of the king's sons to be there. English Revised Version And it came to pass after two years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. GOD'S WORD® Translation Two years later Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal Hazor near Ephraim. He invited all the king's sons. Good News Translation Two years later Absalom was having his sheep sheared at Baal Hazor, near the town of Ephraim, and he invited all the king's sons to be there. International Standard Version Two full years later, Absalom took some men to Baal-hazor near Ephraim to shear his sheep. He also invited all of the king's sons to come. NET Bible Two years later Absalom's sheepshearers were in Baal Hazor, near Ephraim. Absalom invited all the king's sons. New Heart English Bible It happened after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTwo years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. World English Bible After two full years, Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass, after two years of days, that Absalom has shearers in Ba‘al-Hazor, which [is] near Ephraim, and Absalom calls for all the sons of the king. Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, after two years of days, that Absalom hath shearers in Baal-Hazor, which is with Ephraim, and Absalom calleth for all the sons of the king. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be for two years of days, and shearers will be to Absalom in Baal-Hazor, which is with Ephraim: and Absalom will call for all the king's sons. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd it came to pass after two years, that the sheep of Absalom were shorn in Baalhasor, which is near Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons: Catholic Public Domain Version Then, after the time of two years, it happened that the sheep of Absalom were being shorn in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim. And Absalom invited all the sons of the king. New American Bible Two years went by. It was sheep-shearing time for Absalom in Baal-hazor near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. New Revised Standard Version After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow from season to season, Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king's sons. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And from time to time Abishlum had Shearers in Baal Khatsur which is with Aphrim, and Abishlum invited all the sons of the King OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king's sons. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass at the end of two whole years, that they were shearing sheep for Abessalom in Belasor near Ephraim: and Abessalom invited all the king's sons. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Revenge on Amnon23Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. 24And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?”… Cross References Genesis 37:12-14 Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem. / Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied. / Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem, 1 Samuel 25:2-3 Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. / His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings. 2 Samuel 14:30-31 Then Absalom said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. / Then Joab came to Absalom’s house and demanded, “Why did your servants set my field on fire?” 1 Kings 4:23 ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. Genesis 38:12-13 After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. / When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,” 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” 2 Samuel 3:2-5 And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; / his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; / his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; ... 2 Samuel 15:7-10 After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD. / For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’” / “Go in peace,” said the king. So Absalom got up and went to Hebron. ... 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king. 2 Samuel 12:11 This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. 2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 18:18 During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. 1 Chronicles 27:27 Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards. Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine vats. Matthew 21:33-41 Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. / But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. ... Luke 15:11-32 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ... Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep shearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. A. Genesis 38:12,13 And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite… 1 Samuel 25:2,4,36 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel… 2 Kings 3:4 And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool. invited 1 Kings 1:9,19,25 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants: … Jump to Previous Absalom Ab'salom Absalom's Baal Border Cutting Ephraim E'phraim Feast Full Hazor Invited King's Later Shearers Sheep Sheepshearers Sheep-Shearers WoolJump to Next Absalom Ab'salom Absalom's Baal Border Cutting Ephraim E'phraim Feast Full Hazor Invited King's Later Shearers Sheep Sheepshearers Sheep-Shearers Wool2 Samuel 13 1. Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.15. He hates her, and shamefully turns her away 19. Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose 23. At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon 31. David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab 37. Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur Two years later This phrase indicates a significant passage of time since the events of 2 Samuel 13:1-22, where Amnon, David's son, violated his half-sister Tamar. The two-year gap suggests a period of unresolved tension and bitterness, particularly for Absalom, Tamar's full brother, who has been harboring a desire for revenge. This delay in action reflects the cultural and familial complexities of ancient Israel, where family honor and retribution were deeply intertwined. when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim he invited all the sons of the king Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and later rebellion against his father. In this context, he is orchestrating a plan following the events involving his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon. 2. Sheepshearers This event was a time of celebration and festivity in ancient Israel, often involving a feast. It provided Absalom with the opportunity to gather the king's sons under the guise of a celebration. 3. Baal-hazor A location near Ephraim, significant as the setting for Absalom's gathering. It was likely a place of strategic importance for Absalom's plan. 4. Ephraim A region in Israel, often associated with the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel. It provides geographical context to the account. 5. The Sons of the King Referring to the other sons of King David, who were invited by Absalom to the sheepshearing event, setting the stage for the unfolding of Absalom's plan. Teaching Points The Consequences of Unresolved SinAbsalom's actions are a direct result of David's failure to address Amnon's sin against Tamar. Unresolved sin can fester and lead to greater conflict and division. The Dangers of Deception Absalom's invitation under the guise of a celebration highlights the use of deception to achieve personal vendettas. Believers are called to live in truth and integrity. The Importance of Justice The account underscores the need for justice and accountability within families and communities. Ignoring injustice can lead to further harm and division. The Role of Forgiveness While Absalom sought revenge, the Christian call is to forgive as we have been forgiven. This account challenges us to consider how we handle personal grievances. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Schemes Despite human plans and schemes, God's purposes prevail. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over all situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 13:23?2. How does 2 Samuel 13:23 illustrate the consequences of unchecked anger and revenge? 3. What can we learn about family dynamics from 2 Samuel 13:23? 4. How does 2 Samuel 13:23 connect with Proverbs 15:18 on anger management? 5. How should Christians respond to personal grievances, based on 2 Samuel 13:23? 6. What steps can we take to prevent bitterness, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:23? 7. Why did Absalom wait two years to avenge Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:23? 8. What does 2 Samuel 13:23 reveal about justice in biblical times? 9. How does 2 Samuel 13:23 reflect on family dynamics in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 13? 11. Who was Ahithophel in the Bible? 12. What happened between Amnon and Tamar in the Bible? 13. How could Absalom have turned the hearts of all Israel against David so quickly (2 Samuel 15:6, 13)? 14. What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)? What Does 2 Samuel 13:23 Mean Two years later• “Two years later” (2 Samuel 13:23) shows that Absalom allowed time to pass after Amnon violated Tamar (2 Samuel 13:20–22). • The delay was not forgetfulness but calculated patience. Similar intentional waiting can be seen in Genesis 27:41, where Esau “held a grudge… and said… ‘I will kill my brother Jacob.’” • Ecclesiastes 8:11 warns that when justice is delayed “the heart of men is fully set to do evil,” underscoring how unresolved sin festers. • David, though aware of Amnon’s wrongdoing, had taken no decisive action (contrast Numbers 35:31–32, which demands justice for bloodshed). Absalom’s silence hid a slow-boiling plan for revenge. When Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim • Sheepshearing was a festive season marked by abundance and celebration (1 Samuel 25:2–8 with Nabal; Genesis 38:12–13 with Judah). • By choosing Baal-hazor—about fifteen miles north of Jerusalem—Absalom kept the gathering outside the immediate oversight of David’s court, echoing Joab’s use of a private setting to strike Abner unawares (2 Samuel 3:27). • The joyous backdrop of a sheepshearing feast masked Absalom’s murderous intent, paralleling Proverbs 26:24–26, which describes how malice can be concealed beneath cheerful words. • The location in Ephraim’s vicinity evokes earlier tribal conflicts (Judges 12:1–6) and hints at Absalom’s broader ambitions to win support beyond Judah. He invited all the sons of the king • Extending the invitation to “all the sons of the king” (2 Samuel 13:23 c) created a façade of family unity while isolating the target, Amnon. • The tactic mirrors Cain’s call to Abel, “Let us go out to the field” (Genesis 4:8), and Joab’s private conversation with Amasa before killing him (2 Samuel 20:9–10). • These princes represented potential claimants to the throne (2 Samuel 3:2–5), so gathering them under his roof also showcased Absalom’s wealth and influence, foreshadowing his later bid for kingship (2 Samuel 15:1–6). • David’s eventual reluctance to attend (2 Samuel 13:24–25) left the sons without paternal protection, illustrating how passivity can expose others to harm (cf. James 4:17). summary 2 Samuel 13:23 marks the turning point where Absalom’s long-nursed hatred moves into action. The two-year delay reveals calculated vengeance; the festive sheepshearing at remote Baal-hazor provides cover; inviting every royal son creates the perfect stage for Amnon’s assassination and displays Absalom’s rising power. The verse warns that unresolved sin, unchecked by righteous leadership, gives bitterness time to mature into deadly schemes, and it highlights how evil often cloaks itself in ordinary celebrations and polite invitations. (23) Absalom had sheepshearers.--Absalom had now silently nourished his revenge for "two full years." No doubt he chose also to give full opportunity for his father to punish Amnon's iniquity if he would; and by this long quiet waiting he so far disarmed suspicion that he was able to carry out his purpose. Sheepshearing always was, and still is, a time of feasting. (Comp. 1Samuel 25:2.) The situation of Baalhazor and of Ephraim are quite unknown, but Absalom's property was probably not many miles from Jerusalem.Verse 23. - Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal-hazor. The sheep shearing was a usual occasion for feasting and holiday keeping (see 1 Samuel 25:2, 8). Baal-hazor was apparently the name of Absalom's estate, situated near the town Ephraim (2 Chronicles 13:19), which, according to Eusebius, lay about eight miles north of Jerusalem. As Ephraim was near the wilderness of Judah, it was probably the same town as that to which our Lord withdrew (John 11:54). The phrase beside, literally, near, Ephraim, shows that it must be the town, and not the tribal territory, which is here meant. Two full years; Hebrew, years of days.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Two years later,לִשְׁנָתַ֣יִם (liš·nā·ṯa·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - fd Strong's 8141: A year when Absalom’s לְאַבְשָׁל֔וֹם (lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites sheepshearers גֹֽזְזִים֙ (ḡō·zə·zîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 1494: To cut off, to shear a, flock, shave the hair, to destroy an enemy were וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be at Baal-hazor חָצ֖וֹר (ḥā·ṣō·wr) Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1178: Baal-hazor -- 'possessor of a court', a city between Ephraim and Benjamin near עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Ephraim, אֶפְרָ֑יִם (’ep̄·rā·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory he אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites invited וַיִּקְרָ֥א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the king’s הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king sons. בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son Links 2 Samuel 13:23 NIV2 Samuel 13:23 NLT 2 Samuel 13:23 ESV 2 Samuel 13:23 NASB 2 Samuel 13:23 KJV 2 Samuel 13:23 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 13:23 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 13:23 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 13:23 French Bible 2 Samuel 13:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 13:23 It happened after two full years that (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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