2 Samuel 20:2 So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

◄ 2 Samuel 20:2 ►

New International Version
So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bicri. But the men of Judah stayed with their king and escorted him from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

English Standard Version
So all the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah followed their king steadfastly from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

King James Bible
So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

New King James Version
So every man of Israel deserted David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem, remained loyal to their king.

New American Standard Bible
So all the men of Israel withdrew from following David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah remained loyal to their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
So all the men of Israel withdrew from following David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah remained steadfast to their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
So all the men of Israel withdrew from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah remained steadfast to their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
So all the men of Israel went up from following David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah clung to their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah stayed faithfully with their king, from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

Christian Standard Bible
So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bichri, but the men of Judah from the Jordan all the way to Jerusalem remained loyal to their king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bichri, but the men of Judah from the Jordan all the way to Jerusalem remained loyal to their king.

American Standard Version
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
So they stopped following David and went off with Sheba. But the people of Judah stayed close to David all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So all the people of Israel left David to follow Sheba, Bichri's son. But the people of Judah remained loyal to their king [on his way] from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

Good News Translation
So the Israelites deserted David and went with Sheba, but the men of Judah remained loyal and followed David from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
So all of the other Israeli soldiers abandoned David to follow Bichri's son Sheba, while the army of Judah remained with the king all the way from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

Majority Standard Bible
So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

NET Bible
So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bicri. But the men of Judah stuck by their king all the way from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
So all Israel deserted David and followed Sheba the son of Bikri, but the men of Judah stayed by their king, from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
So every man of Israel, withdrawing from David, followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah adhered to their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

World English Bible
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah joined with their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And every man of Israel goes up from after David, after Sheba son of Bichri, and the men of Judah have cleaved to their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation
And every man of Israel goeth up from after David, after Sheba son of Bichri, and the men of Judah have cleaved to their king, from the Jordan even unto Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
And every man of Israel will go up from after David, after Sheba, son of Bichri: and the men of Judah were joined to the king, from Jordan and even to Jerusalem.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And all Israel departed from David, and followed Seba the son of Bochri: but the men of Juda stuck to their king from the Jordan unto Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And all of Israel separated from David, and they were following Sheba, the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah clung to their king, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem.

New American Bible
So all the Israelites left David to follow Sheba, son of Bichri. But the Judahites, from the Jordan to Jerusalem, remained loyal to their king.

New Revised Standard Version
So all the people of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba son of Bichri; but the people of Judah followed their king steadfastly from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So all the men of Israel ceased from following David, and followed Shamoa, the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah remained loyal to the king from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all of the children of Israel turned from following after David, and they went after Shamu, son of Bakri, and the sons of Yehuda cleaved to their King from the Jordan and unto Jerusalem

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah did cleave unto their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all the men of Israel went up from following David after Sabee the son of Bochori: but the men of Juda adhered to their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Sheba's Rebellion
1Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” 2So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. 3When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to care for the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Kings 12:16
When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,

2 Samuel 19:43
“We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel.

1 Kings 12:19
So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David.

2 Samuel 15:13
Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”

1 Kings 11:31
and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes.

2 Samuel 19:9-10
And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

1 Kings 12:20
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

2 Samuel 19:41-42
Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?”

1 Kings 11:35
But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you.

2 Samuel 15:10
Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”

1 Kings 12:21
And when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon.

2 Samuel 19:40
Then the king crossed over to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king.

1 Kings 12:24
that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD.

2 Samuel 15:2-6
He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” / And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” ...

1 Kings 12:26-27
Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”

Treasury of Scripture

So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah joined to their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

every man

2 Samuel 19:41
And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?

Psalm 62:9
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

Psalm 118:8-10
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man…

the men

John 6:66-68
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him…

Acts 11:23
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

from Jordan

2 Samuel 19:15,40,41
So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan…

2 Chronicles 10:17
But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

Jump to Previous

Adhered Bichri Bicri Clave Cleave David Deserted Follow Followed Following Israel Jerusalem Joined Jordan Judah Sheba Steadfast Steadfastly Turning Way Withdrawing Withdrew

Jump to Next

Adhered Bichri Bicri Clave Cleave David Deserted Follow Followed Following Israel Jerusalem Joined Jordan Judah Sheba Steadfast Steadfastly Turning Way Withdrawing Withdrew

2 Samuel 20

1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life
4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab
14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel
16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head
23. David's officers

Berean Study Bible

So all the men of Israel withdrew from David
This phrase marks a significant moment of division within the kingdom of Israel. The Hebrew root for "withdrew" is "עָלָה" (alah), which can mean to go up, ascend, or depart. This indicates a deliberate and collective action by the men of Israel to separate themselves from King David. Historically, this reflects the ongoing tension and division between the northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribe of Judah. The political landscape of ancient Israel was often fraught with tribal loyalties and rivalries, which were exacerbated by the recent rebellion of Absalom. This withdrawal signifies a rejection of David's kingship by the northern tribes, highlighting the fragile unity of the nation.

and followed Sheba son of Bichri
Sheba, identified as "son of Bichri," is introduced as a Benjamite, which is significant given the tribe's historical prominence and its association with King Saul, David's predecessor. The Hebrew name "Sheba" (שֶׁבַע) can mean "oath" or "seven," suggesting a man of significance or one who commands loyalty. His leadership in this rebellion underscores the persistent undercurrents of discontent and the desire for autonomy among the tribes. The act of following Sheba indicates a shift in allegiance, as the men of Israel choose to support a new leader who promises to address their grievances and perhaps restore the glory of Saul's reign.

But the men of Judah stayed by their king
In contrast to the men of Israel, the "men of Judah" remain loyal to David. The Hebrew word for "stayed" is "דָּבַק" (dabaq), meaning to cling, cleave, or adhere. This loyalty is deeply rooted in the tribal identity and historical connection between David and Judah, his own tribe. Judah's steadfastness reflects the covenantal relationship and the divine promise that David's lineage would endure. This loyalty is not merely political but also spiritual, as Judah recognizes David as God's anointed king. The phrase highlights the enduring bond between David and his tribe, which serves as a foundation for the eventual establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

and accompanied him from the Jordan to Jerusalem
The journey "from the Jordan to Jerusalem" is symbolic of a return to the center of David's reign and the heart of Israel's spiritual life. The Jordan River often represents a boundary or transition in biblical narratives, signifying a movement from one state of being to another. Crossing the Jordan with David signifies a recommitment to his kingship and a renewal of the covenantal promises associated with Jerusalem, the city of David. Jerusalem, as the chosen city, represents God's dwelling place and the focal point of worship and governance. This journey underscores the themes of restoration and unity under God's chosen leader, despite the challenges and divisions that arise.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) Men of Judah clave.--David's negotiations with Judah had now resulted in an entire reversal of the position of the tribes towards him; Judah, among whom the rebellion originated, and who had been tardy in returning to their allegiance, were now fierce in their loyalty, while Israel, who had only joined the already organised rebellion, and afterwards had first proposed the return of David, had become alienated and rebellious.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - So every man of Israel, etc.; literally, so all the men of Israel went up from after David after Sheba. They had come down to Jordan to bring the king back in triumph, but, on finding that the men of Judah had forestalled them, they had a quarrel, and as no one endeavoured to allay it and mediate between them, it ended in open revolt, and they transferred their allegiance to the worthless Sheba. Nothing could more clearly prove the want of cohesion among the tribes, and how little Saul and David had done to knit them together. We need not, therefore, seek for any deep reasons of state, or for proofs of failure in David's government, to account for the rapid success of Absalom's rebellion. Israel was a confused mass of discordant elements, kept in a state of repulsion by the sturdy independence of the tribes and their jealousy one of another. Even David's victories had failed to infuse into them any feeling of national unity, nor did the long glory of Solomon's reign and the magnificence of the temple succeed better. The kings were not as yet much more than the judges had been - leaders in war, but with little authority in times of peace. What is so extraordinary is that David had lost the allegiance of his own tribe; and it now, on returning to its duty, spoiled by its violence the whole matter. The day must have been a great disappointment to David. He was to have gone back conducted gloriously by all the tribes of Israel; but he had fancied that Judah was holding back, and grieving over Absalom. He had secret dealing therefore with it, in order that the day might not be marred by its absence. It came, but only to do mischief; and David went home with only its escort, and with all the rest in open rebellion.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the men
אִ֤ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

deserted
וַיַּ֜עַל (way·ya·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

David
דָוִ֔ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

to follow
אַחֲרֵ֖י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Sheba
שֶׁ֣בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7652: Sheba -- two Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Bichri.
בִּכְרִ֑י (biḵ·rî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1075: Bichri -- 'youthful', a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc

But the men
וְאִ֤ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of Judah
יְהוּדָה֙ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

stayed by
דָּבְק֣וּ (dā·ḇə·qū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1692: To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit

their king
בְמַלְכָּ֔ם (ḇə·mal·kām)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

all the way
וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

from the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

to Jerusalem.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

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OT History: 2 Samuel 20:2 So all the men of Israel went (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)