2 Samuel 13:37

“But Absalom fled, etc.] As before related, but here repeated for the sake of what follows: and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur: his mother’s father, (see <100303>2 Samuel 3:3), where he might hope for protection and safety: and [David] mourned for his son every day; or “all the days” f233, i.e. of the three years Absalom was in Geshur, about the end of which he was comforted concerning Amnon, as the following verses show. Some think it was for Absalom he mourned, but rather for Amnon. The reason why he mourned for him, when he did not for his child by Bathsheba, who died, because that was an infant, this a grown man, and heir to his crown, and was slain by the sword of his…”

“ABSALOM FLEES TO TALMAI. (Sa2 13:37-39) Absalom fled, and went to Talmai--The law as to premeditated murder (Num 35:21) gave him no hope of remaining with impunity in his own country. The cities of refuge could afford him no sanctuary, and he was compelled to leave the kingdom, taking refuge at the court of Geshur, with his maternal grandfather, who would, doubtless, approve of his conduct. Next: 2 Samuel Chapter 14”

“See the marginal reference. Ammihur (see the margin) is found as a Punic name. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Talmai - His mother's father, that he might have present protection and sustenance from him; and that by his mediation he might obtain his father's pardon. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 13:39”

“13:37 fled to his grandfather: See 3:3. • Geshur was in Aram, northeast of Israel’s territory (see 15:8; Josh 13:13).”

“Absalom fled: As Absalom had committed wilful murder, he could not avail himself of a city of refuge; but went to Talmai, king of Geshur, his maternal grandfather. Talmai: Sa2 3:3; Ch1 3:2 Ammihud: or, Ammihur 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 13:38”

“"Only Absalom had fled and gone to Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur." These words form a circumstantial clause, which the writer has inserted as a parenthesis, to define the expression "the king's sons" more particularly. If we take these words as a parenthesis, there will be no difficulty in explaining the following word "mourned," as the subject (David) may very easily be supplied from the preceding words "the king," etc. ( Sa2 13:36). To the remark that David mourned all his life for his son (Amnon), there is attached, just as simply and quite in accordance with the facts, the more precise information concerning Absalom's flight, that he remained in Geshur three years. The…”