2 Samuel 13:30

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 13:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that the tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king`s sons, and there is not one of them left.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that the tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king`s sons, and there is not one of them left.
2 Samuel 13:30 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that the tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king`s sons, and there is not one of them left.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass while they were in the way, etc.] On their road homewards, before they got to Jerusalem: that tidings came to David; perhaps brought by one who was at the entertainment, who upon seeing Amnon smitten, immediately rose up and fled with the news of it to David: saying, Absalom hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left; which he might suppose was the design of Absalom, and was done before that time; however, so it was ordered in Providence, that David, that rejoiced at the news of the death of Uriah, might be terrified with the tidings of the death of all his sons; and for a while it was as if it was really so, which occasioned the following behaviour…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons--It was natural that in the consternation and tumult caused by so atrocious a deed, an exaggerated report should reach the court, which was at once plunged into the depths of grief and despair. But the information of Jonadab, who seems to have been aware of the plan, and the arrival of the other princes, made known the real extent of the catastrophe.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification