2 Samuel 14:30
New International Version
Then he said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

New Living Translation
So Absalom said to his servants, “Go and set fire to Joab’s barley field, the field next to mine.” So they set his field on fire, as Absalom had commanded.

English Standard Version
Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

New King James Version
So he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s plot is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the plot on fire.

NASB 1995
Therefore he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

NASB 1977
Therefore he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s portion of land is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the portion of land on fire.

Amplified Bible
Therefore Absalom said to his servants, “See, Joab’s property is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Absalom said to his servants, “See, Joab has a field right next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set fire to it! ” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Absalom said to his servants, “See, Joab has a field right next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set fire to it!” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

American Standard Version
Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

Contemporary English Version
Finally, Absalom told his servants, "Joab's barley field is right next to mine. Go set it on fire!" And they did.

English Revised Version
Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Absalom said to his servants, "Look, Joab's field is next to mine. He has barley in it. Go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set it on fire. Joab's servants came to him [in grief] and said, "Absalom's servants have set [your] field on fire."

Good News Translation
So Absalom said to his servants, "Look, Joab's field is next to mine, and it has barley growing in it. Go and set fire to it." So they went and set the field on fire.

International Standard Version
So Absalom told his servants, "Observe that Joab's grain field lies next to mine. He has barley planted there. Go set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
So he said to his servants, "Look, Joab has a portion of field adjacent to mine and he has some barley there. Go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set Joab's portion of the field on fire.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore he said to his servants, "Look, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire." Absalom's servants set the field on fire. And the servants of Joab came to him with their clothes rent, and they said to him, "The servants of Absalom have set the field on fire."

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore he said to his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

World English Bible
Therefore he said to his servants, “Behold, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says to his servants, “See, the portion of Joab [is] by the side of mine, and he has barley there; go and burn it with fire”; and the servants of Absalom burn the portion with fire.

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith unto his servants, 'See, the portion of Joab is by the side of mine, and he hath barley there; go, and burn it with fire;' and the servants of Absalom burn the portion with fire.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to his servants, See, Joab's portion to my hand, and barley to him there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the portion on fire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He said to his servants: You know the field of Joab near my field, that hath a crop of barley: go now and set it on fire. So the servants of Absalom set the corn on fire. And Joab's servants coming with their garments rent, said: The servants of Absalom have set part of the field on fire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
he said to his servants: “You know that the field of Joab, the one that is near my field, has a harvest of barley. Therefore, go and set it on fire.” And so, the servants of Absalom set fire to the grain field. And the servants of Joab, arriving with their garments torn, said, “The servants of Absalom have set fire to part of the field!”

New American Bible
He therefore instructed his servants: “You see Joab’s field that borders mine, where he has barley. Go, set it on fire.” And so Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. Joab’s farmhands came to him with torn garments and told him, “Absalom’s servants set your field on fire.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then he said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Absalom said to his servants, See, there is a field belonging to Joab near mine; whether it be of wheat or barley, go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set Joab's field on fire.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abishlum said to his Servants: “See the field that Yuab has at my side of the wheat or of the barley? Go burn it with fire!” And the Servants of Abishlum burned the field of Yuab
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore he said unto his servants: 'See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire.' And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abessalom said to his servants, Behold, Joab's portion in the field is next to mine, and he has in it barley; go and set it on fire. And the servants of Abessalom set the field on fire: and the servants of Joab come to him with their clothes rent, and they said to him, The servants of Abessalom have set the field on fire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom Reconciled to David
29Then he sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So Absalom sent a second time, but Joab still would not come. 30Then 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. 31Then Joab came to Absalom’s house and demanded, “Why did your servants set my field on fire?”…

Cross References
Judges 15:4-5
Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes. And he took torches, turned the foxes tail-to-tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails. / Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the piles of grain and the standing grain, as well as the vineyards and olive groves.

2 Samuel 13:28-29
Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” / So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule.

2 Samuel 18:14-15
But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree. / And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him.

1 Samuel 14:30-31
How much better it would have been if the troops had eaten freely today from the plunder they took from their enemies! Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been much greater?” / That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were very faint.

1 Kings 21:15-16
When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to give it to you for silver. For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.” / And when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

Genesis 4:8
Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 37:19-20
“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”

Exodus 22:6
If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make full restitution.

Proverbs 6:27-28
Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned? / Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Luke 15:28-30
The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. / But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. / But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Acts 7:27-28
But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? / Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore he said to his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

near mine Heb.

2 Samuel 13:28,29
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant…

Judges 15:4,5
And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails…

And Abolom's

1 Kings 21:9-14
And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: …

2 Kings 9:33
And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.

2 Kings 10:6,7
Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up…

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Absalom Absalom's Ab'salom's Allotment Barley Burn Field Fire Joab Joab's Jo'ab's Portion Servants Side
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Absalom Absalom's Ab'salom's Allotment Barley Burn Field Fire Joab Joab's Jo'ab's Portion Servants Side
2 Samuel 14
1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,
21. brings him home to Jerusalem
25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children
28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab














So he said to his servants
This phrase introduces Absalom's direct command to his servants, highlighting his authority and influence. In the Hebrew context, the word for "servants" (עֲבָדִים, 'avadim) often refers to those who are bound to serve, indicating a hierarchical relationship. This reflects the societal norms of ancient Israel, where servants were expected to obey their master's commands without question. Absalom's use of his servants to carry out his will demonstrates his assertive and sometimes manipulative character, which is a recurring theme in his narrative.

Look, Joab’s field is next to mine
Absalom's reference to "Joab’s field" indicates a personal and geographical proximity that is significant. Joab, the commander of King David's army, was a powerful and influential figure. The mention of the fields being adjacent suggests a close relationship or at least a significant interaction between Absalom and Joab. In the historical context, land ownership was a sign of wealth and status, and the proximity of their fields could imply a shared interest or rivalry. This phrase sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and highlights the tension between Absalom and Joab.

and he has barley there
Barley was a staple crop in ancient Israel, often used for food and trade. The mention of "barley" (שְׂעֹרָה, se'orah) signifies the economic value of the field. In the agrarian society of the time, the destruction of a barley field would have been a significant financial loss. This detail underscores the severity of Absalom's intended action and his willingness to cause harm to achieve his goals. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.

Go and set it on fire!
Absalom's command to "set it on fire" (שִׂרְפוּ, sirfu) is an act of aggression and defiance. Fire, in biblical symbolism, often represents judgment, destruction, and purification. By choosing to destroy Joab's field, Absalom is not only retaliating against Joab's inaction but also making a bold statement of his own power and determination. This act of arson is a pivotal moment in the narrative, illustrating Absalom's willingness to resort to extreme measures to achieve his ends. It serves as a reminder of the destructive potential of anger and the importance of seeking reconciliation and peace.

And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire
The obedience of Absalom's servants in carrying out his command reflects the loyalty and fear that he commanded. This action completes the narrative arc of the verse, showing the fulfillment of Absalom's will. The burning of the field serves as a catalyst for the events that follow, highlighting the consequences of Absalom's actions. In a broader theological context, this verse can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of seeking God's guidance in resolving conflicts. It challenges believers to consider the impact of their actions on others and to strive for justice and mercy in their relationships.

(30) Set it on fire.--Absalom's stratagem for obtaining an interview with Joab was perfectly successful, but would only have been resorted to by a lawless and unscrupulous character.

Verse 30. - Go, and set it on fire. The Hebrew has, Go, and I will set it on fire. Absalom represents himself as doing in his own person what his servants were to be his instruments in accomplishing. The versions, however, agree with the Massorites in substituting the easy phrase in the text. But few languages are so indifferent to persons and numbers as the Hebrew.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Absalom said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his servants,
עֲבָדָ֜יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

“Look,
רְאוּ֩ (rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

Joab's
יוֹאָ֤ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

field is
חֶלְקַ֨ת (ḥel·qaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2513: Smoothness, flattery, an allotment

next to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

mine,
יָדִי֙ (yā·ḏî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

and he has
וְלוֹ־ (wə·lōw-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

barley
שְׂעֹרִ֔ים (śə·‘ō·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8184: Barley

there.
שָׁ֣ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

Go
לְכ֖וּ (lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and set fire
וְהַצִּית֣וּהָ (wə·haṣ·ṣî·ṯū·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3341: To burn, set on fire, to desolate

to it!”
בָאֵ֑שׁ (ḇā·’êš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

And Absalom's
אַבְשָׁל֛וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

servants
עַבְדֵ֧י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

set the field
הַחֶלְקָ֖ה (ha·ḥel·qāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2513: Smoothness, flattery, an allotment

on fire.
וַיַּצִּ֜תוּ (way·yaṣ·ṣi·ṯū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3341: To burn, set on fire, to desolate


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OT History: 2 Samuel 14:30 Therefore he said to his servants Behold (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 14:29
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