2 Samuel 19:18

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 19:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And there went over a ferry-boat to bring over the king`s household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over the Jordan.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And there went over a ferry-boat to bring over the king`s household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over the Jordan.
2 Samuel 19:18 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And there went over a ferry-boat to bring over the king`s household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over the Jordan.

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 there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king’s household, etc.] His wives and children, who could not so well ford the river on foot: some will have this to be a bridge of boats, a pontoon; and Abarbinel thinks it might be a company of men, who carried the women and children on their shoulders, one after another: and to do what he thought good; to carry over whatever else the king pleased, besides his family: and Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; or just as he was about to come over, when he came to Jordan to take the boat in order to come over; for he went over Jordan to meet him, and therefore would take the first opportunity of coming…”
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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
“ferry boat--probably rafts, which are still used on that part of the river.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As he was come over Jordan - Render, “when he was crossing,” i. e., just embarking for the purpose of crossing. The scene still lies on the east bank. Shimei left nothing undone to soften, if possible, David’s resentment. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“And there: The LXX connecting this the with preceding verse, render, και κατευθυναν τον Ιορδανην εμπροσθεν του βασιλεως, και ελειτουργησαν την λειτουργιαν του διαβιβασαι τον βασιλεα, "and they made ready Jordan before the king, and did the necessary service to bring over the king." The Vulgate has: et irrumpentes Jordanem, ante regem transierunt vada, ut traducerent domum regis, "and breaking into Jordan, they passed the fords before the king, to bring over the king's household." Josephus says they prepared a bridge over the Jordan, to facilitate his passage. what he thought good: Heb. the good in his eyes fell down: Psa 66:3, Psa 81:15; Rev 3:9 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 19:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification