Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” New Living Translation “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!” David exclaimed. “Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!” English Standard Version But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” Berean Standard Bible And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” Berean Literal Bible And David said, “And what have I to do with you⁺, sons of Zeruiah, that you⁺ should be unto me for an adversary today? Shall today any man be put to death in Israel? For do I not know that this day I am king over Israel?” King James Bible And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? New King James Version And David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?” New American Standard Bible David then said, “What is there between you and me, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be an adversary to me today? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?” NASB 1995 David then said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be an adversary to me? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?” NASB 1977 David then said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be an adversary to me? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?” Legacy Standard Bible David then said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be an adversary to me? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?” Amplified Bible David said, “What business is this of yours, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be an adversary to me today? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?” Berean Annotated Bible And David (beloved) replied, “Sons of Zeruiah (balsam), what have I to do with you⁺, that you⁺ should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel (he wrestles with God) today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel? Christian Standard Bible David answered, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? Have you become my adversary today? Should any man be killed in Israel today? Am I not aware that today I’m king over Israel? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible David answered, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? Have you become my adversary today? Should any man be killed in Israel today? Am I not aware that today I’m king over Israel?” American Standard Version And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? Contemporary English Version David said, "Abishai, what will I ever do with you and your brother Joab? Is it your job to tell me who has done wrong? I've been made king of all Israel today, and no one will be put to death!" English Revised Version And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? GOD'S WORD® Translation David responded, "Are you sure we're from the same family, sons of Zeruiah? You are my enemies today. Should anyone in Israel be killed today? Don't I know that I'm king of Israel again?" Good News Translation But David said to Abishai and his brother Joab, "Who asked your opinion? Are you going to give me trouble? I am the one who is king of Israel now, and no Israelite will be put to death today." International Standard Version David replied, "What do you sons of Zeruiah have in common with me? You've become my enemies today! Should anyone be executed in Israel today? Don't you know that I've been reinstated as king over Israel today?" NET Bible But David said, "What do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? You are like my enemy today! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don't you realize that today I am king over Israel?" New Heart English Bible But David replied, "What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should become my adversaries today? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? For do you not know that today I begin to rule over Israel?" Webster's Bible Translation And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries to me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” World English Bible David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For don’t I know that I am king over Israel today?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says, “And what do I [have to do] with you, O sons of Zeruiah, that today you are for an adversary to me? Is any man put to death in Israel today? For have I not known that today I [am] king over Israel?” Berean Literal Bible And David said, “And what have I to do with you⁺, sons of Zeruiah, that you⁺ should be unto me for an adversary today? Shall today any man be put to death in Israel? For do I not know that this day I am king over Israel?” Young's Literal Translation And David saith, 'What -- to me and to you, O sons of Zeruiah, that ye are to me to-day for an adversary? to-day is any man put to death in Israel? for have I not known that to-day I am king over Israel?' Smith's Literal Translation And David will say, What to me, and to you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye shall be to me for an adversary? Shall there this day be a man put to death in Israel? Did I not know that this day I am king over Israel? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said: What have I to do with you, ye sons of Sarvia? why are you a satan this day to me? shall there any man be killed this day in Israel? do not I know that this day I am made king over Israel? Catholic Public Domain Version And David said: “What is it to me and to all of you, O sons of Zeruiah? Why are you acting toward me this day like Satan? Why should any man be put to death on this day in Israel? Or do you not know that today I have been made king over Israel?” New American Bible David replied: “What has come between you and me, sons of Zeruiah, that you would become my adversaries this day? Should anyone die today in Israel? Am I not aware that today I am king over Israel?” New Revised Standard Version But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should today become an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said, What is it to me and to you, you sons of Zoriah, that you should this day be deceivers to me? Shall any man be put to death this day in Israel? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated David said: “What do I have to do with you, you sons of Tsuria, that you are Satan to me today? Today no man shall die in Israel! Do I not know today that I am King in Israel?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said: 'What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Saruia, that ye as it were lie in wait against me this day? to-day no man in Israel shall be put to death, for I know not if I this day reign over Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Shimei Pardoned…21But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” 22And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” 23So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him.… Cross References And David replied, 1 Samuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” 1 Samuel 24:12 May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you. “Sons of Zeruiah, 2 Samuel 3:39 And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!” 2 Samuel 16:9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” 1 Samuel 26:6 And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. what have I to do with you, 2 Samuel 16:10 But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” Judges 11:12 Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?” John 2:4 “Woman, what is that to you and to Me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” that you should be my adversaries today? Psalm 109:4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. Psalm 38:20 Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. 1 Kings 11:25 Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel. Should any man be put to death in Israel today? 1 Samuel 11:13 But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” 1 Samuel 14:45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. 2 Samuel 14:11 “Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.” Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” 2 Samuel 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. 2 Samuel 3:10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” Treasury of Scripture And David said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be adversaries to me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? What have 2 Samuel 3:39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. 2 Samuel 16:10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? 1 Samuel 26:8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. shall there any man 1 Samuel 11:12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. Isaiah 16:5 And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. Luke 9:54-56 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? … Jump to Previous Adversaries Adversary Common David Death Israel Zeruiah Zeru'iahJump to Next Adversaries Adversary Common David Death Israel Zeruiah Zeru'iah2 Samuel 19 1. Joab causes the king to cease his mourning9. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back 11. David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah 18. Shimei is pardoned 24. Mephibosheth excused 32. Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family 41. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them And David replied, David's response here is significant as it reflects his leadership style and his understanding of justice and mercy. David, as king, often had to balance the demands of justice with the need for mercy, a theme that runs throughout his reign. His reply is a direct response to the situation at hand, showing his ability to address issues with wisdom and authority. “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is returning to Jerusalem after the rebellion of his son Absalom. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating mercy and leadership. 2. Sons of Zeruiah Refers to Joab and Abishai, David's nephews and military commanders. They often exhibit a more aggressive and vengeful approach compared to David's more merciful stance. 3. Shimei Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the context for the discussion. Shimei had cursed David during Absalom's rebellion but now seeks forgiveness. 4. Israel The nation over which David reigns. The unity and peace of Israel are central to David's decision-making in this passage. 5. Absalom's Rebellion The backdrop of this event, where David's son Absalom attempted to usurp the throne, leading to civil strife. Teaching Points Mercy Over JudgmentDavid exemplifies the principle of mercy, choosing to forgive rather than punish. This reflects God's own mercy towards us and challenges us to extend the same to others. Leadership and Restraint True leadership often requires restraint and the ability to see the bigger picture, prioritizing peace and unity over personal vendettas. Recognizing God's Sovereignty David acknowledges that his kingship is established by God, reminding us to trust in God's timing and authority in our lives. Avoiding Rash Decisions The sons of Zeruiah represent a hasty and reactionary approach. We are encouraged to seek wisdom and patience in our decision-making processes. Unity and Reconciliation David's actions promote healing and unity within the nation, a reminder of the importance of reconciliation in our communities and relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 19:22?2. How does David's response in 2 Samuel 19:22 demonstrate forgiveness and mercy? 3. What does 2 Samuel 19:22 teach about God's sovereignty over human judgment? 4. How can we apply David's restraint in 2 Samuel 19:22 to our conflicts? 5. In what ways does 2 Samuel 19:22 connect to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness? 6. How does David's leadership in 2 Samuel 19:22 reflect Christ-like qualities? 7. Why does David refer to the sons of Zeruiah as adversaries in 2 Samuel 19:22? 8. How does 2 Samuel 19:22 reflect David's leadership style and decision-making? 9. What is the significance of David's refusal to punish Shimei in 2 Samuel 19:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 19? 11. How could Absalom have turned the hearts of all Israel against David so quickly (2 Samuel 15:6, 13)? 12. Does the tribal conflict between Judah and Israel in 2 Samuel 19:40-43 align with other historical sources, or is there a possible inconsistency in how the tribes' loyalties shift? 13. What historical or archaeological evidence confirms the large-scale support David received upon returning as described in 2 Samuel 19:9-10? 14. In 1 Chronicles 28:3, why would a God of peace forbid David from building the temple simply because he had shed blood, yet historically use wars and conquests to establish Israel? What Does 2 Samuel 19:22 Mean Sons of Zeruiah• David addresses Joab and Abishai, nephews who often advanced their own harsh ideas (1 Chron 2:16; 2 Samuel 2:18-23). • Their record: Joab murdered Abner (2 Samuel 3:27-39) and Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14), while Abishai wanted to kill Shimei earlier (2 Samuel 16:9). • By naming their family, David signals both affection and frustration, acknowledging kinship yet warning against their impulsive violence. What have I to do with you “ ‘What have I to do with you’ ” is David’s firm refusal to be drawn into their agenda, a phrase he used before when rejecting vengeance (2 Samuel 16:10). • Similar distancing appears when Elisha rebukes the king (2 Kings 3:13) or Jesus corrects Mary at Cana (John 2:4). • David keeps his heart aligned with the Lord’s ways, not human anger (James 1:20). That you should be my adversaries today? • Their push for execution opposes David’s desire for reconciliation, making them “adversaries” (cf. 1 Samuel 29:4 where Philistine commanders fear David as an “adversary”). • Like Jesus telling Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23), David confronts loved ones who unknowingly work against God’s purpose. Should any man be put to death in Israel today? • David refuses bloodshed on a day of national restoration, echoing Saul’s earlier mercy after Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:13). • Mercy fosters unity: – It spares the northern tribes’ representative Shimei, easing tension (2 Samuel 19:16-23). – It models God’s patience (Psalm 103:8) and anticipates Jesus’ call to forgive (Luke 9:55-56). • Vengeance would prolong civil strife; grace heals. Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel? • David’s secure identity frees him from retaliating. He knows God restored him (2 Samuel 5:12; Psalm 75:6-7). • A king who trusts the LORD can leave justice to God (Proverbs 20:22; Romans 12:19). • His confidence points forward to Christ, the King who reigns by laying down His life (Philippians 2:8-11). summary David silences the aggressive sons of Zeruiah, distancing himself from their vendetta, refusing executions, and choosing mercy because God has re-established him as king. In doing so he preserves national unity, mirrors God’s gracious heart, and foreshadows the Greater King whose rule is marked by forgiveness rather than retaliation. (22) Adversaries.--The word in the original here is Satan.Verse 22. - Ye sons of Zeruiah... adversaries unto me; literally, that ye be to me for a Satan; rendered "adversary" in Numbers 22:22, but by Ewald in this place "tempter." It probably means "one who would do me harm." Though David speaks of the sons of Zeruiah in the plural (as in 2 Samuel 16:10), there is no reason to suppose that Joab shared in Abishai's impetuosity. Indifferent as he was to the shedding of blood, he was too prudent and politic to put the people out of temper by an execution on the day of David's return. In Israel... over Israel. There is much force in this repetition. A short time before Israel had been for Absalom, but now, by Shimei's submission, and that of the large body of Benjamites with him, David felt that once again he was king over the whole people.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And Davidדָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zeruiah, צְרוּיָ֔ה (ṣə·rū·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman what מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have I to do לִּ֤י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew with you, וְלָכֶם֙ (wə·lā·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew that you should be תִֽהְיוּ־ (ṯih·yū-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be my לִ֥י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew adversaries לְשָׂטָ֑ן (lə·śā·ṭān) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7854: An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of good today? הַיּ֖וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day Should any man אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person be put to death י֤וּמַת (yū·maṯ) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill in Israel בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc today? הַיּ֗וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day Am I not הֲל֣וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no indeed כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction aware יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know that כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction today הַיּ֖וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day I am אֲנִי־ (’ă·nî-) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Israel?” יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links 2 Samuel 19:22 NIV2 Samuel 19:22 NLT 2 Samuel 19:22 ESV 2 Samuel 19:22 NASB 2 Samuel 19:22 KJV 2 Samuel 19:22 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 19:22 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 19:22 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 19:22 French Bible 2 Samuel 19:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 19:22 David said What have I to do (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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