What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 19:42? We did this because the king is our relative “And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, ‘We did this because the king is our relative…’ ” (2 Samuel 19:42) • Judah’s men remind the other tribes that David is from their own lineage (see 2 Samuel 5:1–2; Genesis 49:10). • Family loyalty carried weight in Israel’s culture; honoring kin was viewed as honoring the covenant community itself (Ruth 3:9; 1 Chronicles 28:4). • Their escort of David back to Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt simply flowed from this natural, covenantal bond, not from political maneuvering. Why does this anger you? “… ‘Why does this anger you?’ ” • Jealousy and wounded pride surface whenever unity gives way to tribal rivalry (compare Judges 8:1–3; Proverbs 13:10). • The men of Israel had felt slighted because Judah acted first (2 Samuel 19:41). Instead of celebrating the king’s restoration, they nursed resentment. • Scripture consistently warns that such internal strife weakens God’s people (1 Corinthians 1:10; James 4:1). Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves? “… ‘Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?’ ” • Judah denies any selfish gain: no royal provisions, no special gifts—only service (compare 1 Samuel 12:3–5; 2 Corinthians 12:17–18). • True loyalty to God-appointed leadership is marked by selflessness, not spoils (1 Peter 5:2–3; Philippians 2:3–4). • Their question exposes the baselessness of the accusation and calls Israel’s tribes back to facts rather than feelings. summary Judah’s reply in 2 Samuel 19:42 underscores three truths: loyalty to God’s chosen king is natural and proper; jealousy over perceived slights disrupts unity; and genuine service seeks no personal reward. By affirming family ties, challenging unrighteous anger, and disclaiming selfish motives, Judah models how believers today can guard unity, honor rightful authority, and serve without expecting earthly payoff. |
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