What does 2 Samuel 14:21 mean?
"¶ And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again." - 2 Samuel 14:21
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 14:21 from the King James Version reads, "And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again." This verse comes from the Old Testament and is part of the story of David and his son Absalom.
To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to look at the context in which it is situated. King David's son Absalom had killed his half-brother Amnon in revenge for violating his sister Tamar. Absalom then fled and spent three years in exile. During this time, another one of David's sons, Absalom's brother, asked Joab, one of David's top military leaders, to intervene in order for Absalom to return. Joab devises a plan to use a wise woman from Tekoa to convince David to allow Absalom to return, which ultimately led to the reconciliation of David and Absalom.
In this specific verse, King David is instructing Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. This demonstrates David's love for his son and his desire for reconciliation and peace within his family. It also shows his willingness to forgive and show compassion, even in the face of his son's previous violent actions.
At its core, this verse speaks to the themes of forgiveness, mercy, and the complexities of familial relationships. David's decision to bring Absalom back despite his previous actions reflects the biblical principles of forgiveness and reconciliation. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of showing compassion and understanding, particularly within the family unit.
The symbolism within this verse is also significant. Absalom's return can be seen as a symbol of hope and restoration. Despite the brokenness and strained relationships within the family, David's willingness to bring Absalom back represents the possibility of healing and reconciliation. It also serves as a symbol of the grace and forgiveness that God extends to his people, even when they have sinned or strayed from him.
In a broader context, this verse can also be viewed as a reflection of God's unfailing love and willingness to forgive His children. Just as David showed mercy and love toward Absalom, so too does God extend His grace and forgiveness to all who seek it. The story of David and Absalom serves as a powerful illustration of the redemptive and transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation, both within human relationships and in the spiritual realm.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 14:21 from the King James Version of the Bible holds deep and profound meaning within its context. It speaks to the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the complexities of familial relationships. The verse also symbolizes hope, restoration, and the unending love and grace of God. As believers, we can draw inspiration from this passage, reminding us of the importance of extending compassion and forgiveness to others, just as God has done for us.
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2 Samuel 14:21 - "¶ And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again."
"¶ And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again." - 2 Samuel 14:21
2 Samuel 21:14 - "And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land."
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 samuel 23:8-21
2 Samuel 6:14
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
1 Samuel 21:14 - "Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?"
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
2 Samuel 23:14 - "And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem."
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 14:23 - "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
1 Samuel 14:21 - "Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan."
2 Samuel 22:14 - "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."
2 Samuel 14:28 - "¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face."
2 Samuel 11:14 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah."
2 Samuel 2:14 - "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."
2 Samuel 5:14 - "And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,"
2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
2 Samuel 19:21 - "But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?"
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."
2 Samuel 14:8 - "And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee."
2 Samuel 14:3 - "And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth."