CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 13:34 Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, "I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/13-34.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/10_2Sa_13_34.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 13:34 - Absalom Flees to Geshur" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/13-34.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/13-34.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 34</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/13-33.htm" title="2 Samuel 13:33">◄</a> 2 Samuel 13:34 <a href="/2_samuel/13-35.htm" title="2 Samuel 13:35">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/13.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. Now the man standing watch looked up and saw many people on the road west of him, coming down the side of the hill. The watchman went and told the king, &#8220I see men in the direction of Horonaim, on the side of the hill.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile Absalom escaped. Then the watchman on the Jerusalem wall saw a great crowd coming down the hill on the road from the west. He ran to tell the king, “I see a crowd of people coming from the Horonaim road along the side of the hill.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Absalom fled. And the young man who was keeping watch lifted his eyes and looked, and there, many people were coming from the road on the hillside behind him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Absalom had fled. And the young man who was the watchman raised his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Absalom had fled. And the young man who was the watchman raised his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Absalom had fled. And the young man who was the watchman raised his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Absalom fled. And the young man who was the watchman raised his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Absalom fled. And the young man who kept watch looked up, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man who was standing watch looked up, there were many people coming from the road west of him from the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man who was standing watch looked up, there were many people coming from the road west of him from the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill-side behind him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and Absalom has run away." One of the guards noticed a lot of people coming along the hillside on the road to Horonaim. He went and told the king, "I saw some men coming along Horonaim Road." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Absalom has fled." When the servant who kept watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road beside the mountain west of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In the meantime Absalom had fled. Just then the soldier on sentry duty saw a large crowd coming down the hill on the road from Horonaim. He went to the king and reported what he had seen. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had run away. While the young man standing watch was looking around, all of a sudden he observed many people coming down the road behind and to the west of the mountain! So the watchman left his post and reported, "I have seen men coming from the direction of Horonaim." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, ?I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In the meantime Absalom fled. When the servant who was the watchman looked up, he saw many people coming from the west on a road beside the hill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and he saw many men coming on the road behind him from the side of the mountain in the descent. And the watchman came and told the king, and said, "I have seen many men coming from the Horonan road by the side of the mountain."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, there came many people by the way of the hillside behind him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. The young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming by way of the hillside behind him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Absalom flees, and the young man who is watching lifts up his eyes and looks, and behold, many people are coming by the way behind him, on the side of the hill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Absalom fleeth, and the young man who is watching lifteth up his eyes and looketh, and lo, much people are coming by the way behind him, on the side of the hill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Absalom will flee. And the boy watching will lift up his eyes and see, and behold, much people coming from the way behind him from the side of the mountain.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But Absalom fled away: and the young man that kept the watch, lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold there came much people by a by-way on the side of the mountain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now Absalom fled. And the young man keeping watch, lifted up his eyes and gazed out. And behold, many people were arriving along a remote road at the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had taken flight. Then the servant on watch looked out and saw a large group coming down the slope from the direction of Bahurim. He came in and reported this to the king: “I saw some men coming down the mountainside from the direction of Bahurim.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. When the young man who kept watch looked up, he saw many people coming from the Horonaim road by the side of the mountain.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the watchman lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming by the way on the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abishlum fled and the Watchman lifted up his eyes and saw many men who came on the road from the side of the mountain<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people in a roundabout way by the hill-side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abessalom escaped: and the young man the watchman, lifted up his eyes, and looked; and, behold, much people went in the way behind him from the side of the mountain in the descent: and the watchman came and told the king, and said, I have seen men by the way of Oronen, by the side of the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/13-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=3579" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/13.htm">Absalom Flees to Geshur</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">34</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Meanwhile, Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/1272.htm" title="1272: way·yiḇ·raḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly.">had fled.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·na·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">When the young man</a> <a href="/hebrew/6822.htm" title="6822: haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. To peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await.">standing watch</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">looked up,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ʿē·nō (N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">he saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: raḇ (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">many</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am- (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lə·ḵîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">coming</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: mid·de·reḵ (Prep-m:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">down the road</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">west of him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6654.htm" title="6654: miṣ·ṣaḏ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A side. Contr. From an unused root meaning to sidle off; a side; figuratively, an adversary.">along the side</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: hā·hār (Art:: N-ms) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">35</span>So Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the sons of the king have arrived! It is just as your servant said.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">2 Samuel 18:19-33</a></span><br />Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-23.htm">2 Samuel 14:23-33</a></span><br />So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. / But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king. / Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1-12</a></span><br />Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-14</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">2 Samuel 16:15-23</a></span><br />Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. / And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” / “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5-10</a></span><br />At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-13.htm">1 Kings 2:13-25</a></span><br />Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. / Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered. / “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29-35</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, / returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” / Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-25.htm">Genesis 45:25-28</a></span><br />So the brothers went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. / “Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. / However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-47.htm">Judges 20:47-48</a></span><br />But 600 men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months. / And the men of Israel turned back against the other Benjamites and put to the sword all the cities, including the animals and everything else they found. And they burned down all the cities in their path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12-18</a></span><br />That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. / When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. / Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20-23</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. / And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. / Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13-14</a></span><br />Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. / And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-6</a></span><br />On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16-18</a></span><br />When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. / Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: / “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.</p><p class="hdg">Absalom fled</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/13-38.htm">2 Samuel 13:38</a></b></br> So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8-14</a></b></br> And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Proverbs 28:17</a></b></br> A man that doeth violence to the blood of <i>any</i> person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/13-32.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-22.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-4.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/luke/8-32.htm">Hillside</a> <a href="/luke/8-32.htm">Hill-Side</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-34.htm">Horonaim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-12.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-3.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Road</a> <a href="/judges/5-6.htm">Roundabout</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-11.htm">Slope</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-16.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Watchman</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-30.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">West</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-32.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-25.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-23.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Hillside</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Hill-Side</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-5.htm">Horonaim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-36.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-6.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Road</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-9.htm">Roundabout</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-30.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Slope</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-14.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-5.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Watchman</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-24.htm">West</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-21.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-1.htm">Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-15.htm">He hates her, and shamefully turns her away</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-23.htm">At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm">Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Meanwhile, Absalom had fled.</b><br>Absalom's flight is a direct consequence of his murder of Amnon, his half-brother, as revenge for the rape of his sister Tamar. This act of vengeance and subsequent escape highlights the cycle of violence and familial discord within King David's household, fulfilling Nathan's prophecy of turmoil in David's family (<a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">2 Samuel 12:10-12</a>). Absalom's actions and escape foreshadow his later rebellion against David, illustrating the theme of sin's consequences and the breakdown of family unity.<p><b>When the young man standing watch looked up,</b><br>The presence of a watchman indicates the importance of vigilance and security in ancient Israelite society, especially in times of political unrest. Watchmen were stationed to observe and report any approaching threats or significant movements, reflecting the constant need for awareness in a kingdom often surrounded by enemies and internal strife.<p><b>he saw many people coming down the road west of him,</b><br>The road mentioned here is likely a significant route for travel and communication, emphasizing the strategic importance of roads in ancient times. The direction "west" may indicate movement towards Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel, suggesting the gravity of the situation as it unfolds.<p><b>along the side of the hill.</b><br>The geographical reference to the hill provides a visual setting that is common in the hilly terrain of Israel. Hills often served as natural fortifications and vantage points, which were crucial for defense and observation. This setting underscores the tactical considerations in ancient warfare and communication.<p><b>And the watchman went and reported to the king,</b><br>The watchman's duty to report directly to the king underscores the hierarchical structure of communication and authority in the royal court. It reflects the king's reliance on his servants for information and the importance of accurate intelligence in decision-making processes.<p><b>“I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim,</b><br>Horonaim is a location mentioned in other biblical texts, such as <a href="/isaiah/15-5.htm">Isaiah 15:5</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/48-3.htm">Jeremiah 48:3-5</a>, often associated with Moab. This reference may indicate a route or direction known to the original audience, suggesting a connection or potential threat from neighboring regions. It highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern world and the constant movement of people and information.<p><b>along the side of the hill.”</b><br>Reiterating the geographical setting, this phrase emphasizes the watchman's careful observation and the importance of terrain in understanding and interpreting events. The repeated mention of the hill may also symbolize the challenges and obstacles faced by the characters in the narrative, both physically and metaphorically.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and later rebellion against his father. In this context, he flees after orchestrating the murder of his half-brother Amnon.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_watchman.htm">The Watchman</a></b><br>A young man tasked with keeping watch, who observes the people approaching from the west. His role is crucial in alerting others to the movement of people, indicating a change in the situation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_road_west.htm">The Road West</a></b><br>The direction from which the people are coming, possibly indicating a route of escape or approach. This geographical detail adds to the account's tension and urgency.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_hill.htm">The Hill</a></b><br>A specific location mentioned as a point of reference for the watchman. It serves as a vantage point for observing the unfolding events.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/amnon.htm">Amnon</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Amnon's murder by Absalom is the catalyst for the events described. His actions against his sister Tamar set off a chain of tragic events within David's family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Absalom's actions are a direct result of unchecked sin within David's family. Sin often leads to further sin, creating a cycle of destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Vigilance</a></b><br>The role of the watchman highlights the need for vigilance in our spiritual lives. We must be watchful for signs of danger or sin creeping into our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_responsibility.htm">Family Dynamics and Responsibility</a></b><br>The account underscores the importance of addressing issues within the family promptly and justly. David's failure to deal with Amnon's sin led to greater tragedy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_amidst_chaos.htm">God's Sovereignty Amidst Chaos</a></b><br>Despite the chaos and sinfulness of human actions, God's sovereign plan is still at work. We can trust that He is in control, even when situations seem dire.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_events_in_2_samuel_13.htm">Are there any archaeological discoveries or historical records supporting the events in 2 Samuel 13?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_psalm_13's_distress.htm">Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that supports the specific distress described in Psalm 13?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_swift_secret_messaging_in_2_sam_17_15-21_realistic.htm">How realistic is the swift exchange of secret messages in 2 Samuel 17:15–21, given the distance and security risks involved in ancient Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_abijah's_mother_michaiah_or_maachah.htm">What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) <span class= "bld">Absalom fled.</span>--This is connected on one side with <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm" title="And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man got him up on his mule, and fled.">2Samuel 13:29</a>, and on the other with <a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm" title="But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.">2Samuel 13:37</a>. Several things were happening at once. When the king's sons fled to the palace, Absalom, taking advantage of the confusion, escaped another way. The reason for mentioning the fact just here is that otherwise he would seem to be included among "the king's sons" of the two following verses.<p><span class= "bld">Behind him</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>from the west, the Oriental always being supposed to face the east in speaking of the points of the compass.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 34.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But Absalom fled.</span> These words break the form of the narrative, but complete the sense. They briefly state that Jonadab was right; for, so far from molesting any of the rest of the king's sons, Absalom had no other thought than for his own safety. He had avenged his sister, but had at present no other sinister design. It was David's method of treating him which drove this youth, with a nature fit for treachery, into schemes of rebellion. <span class="cmt_word">The way of the hillside behind him.</span> This may mean "from the west," as, in taking the points of the compass, the Hebrews looked to the east, which would thus be "before them." Compare "the backside of the desert," that is, "the western side," in <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1</a>; and "the Syrians before and the Philistines behind," that is, on the east and west (<a href="/isaiah/9-12.htm">Isaiah 9:12</a>). But the versions differ so strangely in their renderings that they could scarcely have been made from our present text. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/13-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Meanwhile, Absalom</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> </span><span class="str2">Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had fled.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְרַ֖ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bolt, to flee suddenly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When the young man</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנַּ֤עַר</span> <span class="translit">(han·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">standing watch</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצֹּפֶה֙</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await</span><br /><br /><span class="word">looked up,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשָּׂ֞א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֗רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many</span><br /><span class="heb">רַ֜ב</span> <span class="translit">(raḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘am-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">coming</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹלְכִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(hō·lə·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">down the road</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדֶּ֛רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mid·de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">west of him,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along the side</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצַּ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ṣaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6654.htm">Strong's 6654: </a> </span><span class="str2">A side, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the hill. (And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”)</span><br /><span class="heb">הָהָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·hār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom fled (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/13-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 13:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 13:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/13-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 13:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 13:35" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>