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 20:4 Then the king said to Amasa, "Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/20-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/10_2Sa_20_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 20:4 - Sheba's Rebellion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the king said to Amasa, Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself." /><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/20-4.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/20-4.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/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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/20-3.htm" title="2 Samuel 20:3">◄</a> 2 Samuel 20:4 <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm" title="2 Samuel 20:5">►</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/20.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/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, &#8220Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the king told Amasa, “Mobilize the army of Judah within three days, and report back at that time.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the king said to Amasa, “Assemble the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah for me <i>within</i> three days, and be present here yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, &#8220Call out the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Call out the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Call out the men of Judah for me within three days, and you yourself stand here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the king said to Amasa [the commander of his army], “Summon the [fighting] men of Judah to me within three days, and be present here yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to me within three days and be here yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king said to Amasa, &#8220Summon the men of Judah to me within three days and be here yourself.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then said the king to Amasa, Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David said to Amasa, "Three days from now I want you and all of Judah's army to be here!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then said the king to Amasa, Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The king told Amasa, "Call the people of Judah together for me, and in three days be here yourself."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king said to Amasa, "Call the men of Judah together and be back here with them by the day after tomorrow." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, David ordered Amasa, "Muster the army of Judah here within three days, and be here yourself!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, ?Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, "Call the men of Judah together for me in three days, and you be present here with them too."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, "Summon the men of Judah to me within three days, and be present here yourself."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble to me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be here present.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king says to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah for me [within] three days, and you, stand here,”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king saith unto Amasa, 'Call for me the men of Judah in three days, and thou, stand here,'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say to Amasa, Call together to me the men of Judah in three days, and stand thou here.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king said to Amasa: Assemble to me all the men of Juda against the third day, and be thou here present. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon to me all the men of Judah on the third day, and you shall be present also.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa: “Summon the Judahites for me within three days. Then present yourself here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and you yourself be present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King said to Amasa: “Assemble to me those of the household of Yehuda in three days and you stand here”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then said the king to Amasa: 'Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king said to Amessai, Call to me the men of Juda for three days, and do thou be present here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/20-4.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=6105" 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/20.htm">Sheba's Rebellion</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to care for the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Then the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6021.htm" title="6021: ‘ă·mā·śā (N-proper-ms) -- Two Isr. From amac; burden; Amasa, the name of two Israelites.">Amasa,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2199.htm" title="2199: haz·‘eq- (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To cry, cry out, call. A primitive root; to shriek; by analogy, to announce or convene publicly.">“Summon</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/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to come to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">within three</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: pōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">and be here</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">yourself.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him.…<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="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a></span><br />Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">2 Samuel 19:13</a></span><br />And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm">1 Chronicles 2:16-17</a></span><br />Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. / Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">2 Samuel 3:30</a></span><br />(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18-23</a></span><br />The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2</a></span><br />He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a></span><br />Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">1 Kings 1:7-8</a></span><br />So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. / But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a></span><br />When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-16.htm">2 Samuel 8:16</a></span><br />Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">2 Samuel 23:18-19</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20-21</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32</a></span><br />The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19-22</a></span><br />Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9-10</a></span><br />Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” / But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be you here present.</p><p class="hdg">Amasa</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a></b></br> And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa <i>was</i> a man's son, whose name <i>was</i> Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">2 Samuel 19:13</a></b></br> And say ye to Amasa, <i>Art</i> thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/2-17.htm">1 Chronicles 2:17</a></b></br> And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa <i>was</i> Jether the Ishmeelite.</p><p class="hdg">Assemble [heb] Call </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">Amasa</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">Ama'sa</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-5.htm">Assemble</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-29.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-7.htm">Here</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-2.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-20.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-30.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">Summon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-2.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Amasa</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Ama'sa</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Assemble</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/job/38-35.htm">Here</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-11.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Summon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-4.htm">Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-14.htm">Joab pursues Sheba to Abel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">David's officers</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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the king said to Amasa</b><br>King David is the speaker here, addressing Amasa, whom he had appointed as commander of the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of Abigail, David's sister, making him David's nephew. This appointment was part of David's strategy to unify the kingdom after Absalom's rebellion, as Amasa had previously been Absalom's commander. This decision reflects David's political acumen and desire for reconciliation, though it also sowed seeds of tension with Joab, who had been a loyal but ruthless military leader.<p><b>Summon the men of Judah</b><br>David instructs Amasa to gather the men of Judah, his own tribe, which had been the first to restore him to the throne after Absalom's rebellion. The tribe of Judah held significant influence and power, and their support was crucial for David's reign. This command underscores the importance of tribal loyalty and unity in the ancient Israelite monarchy. The men of Judah were often at the forefront of David's military campaigns, highlighting their strategic importance.<p><b>to come to me within three days</b><br>The urgency of the three-day timeframe indicates a pressing need for military readiness, likely due to the threat posed by Sheba's rebellion. In the ancient Near East, swift mobilization was critical in addressing insurrections and maintaining control. The three-day period also reflects a common biblical motif of preparation and transition, seen in other contexts such as the Israelites' preparation to enter the Promised Land (<a href="/joshua/1-11.htm">Joshua 1:11</a>).<p><b>and be here yourself</b><br>David's command for Amasa to be present underscores the personal responsibility and leadership expected of him. It also reflects David's intention to solidify Amasa's role as commander, despite any lingering doubts about his loyalty. This personal involvement was crucial for maintaining authority and ensuring the success of the mission. The emphasis on Amasa's presence highlights the importance of leadership accountability in the biblical narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel, who is dealing with the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion and the new threat posed by Sheba.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/amasa.htm">Amasa</a></b><br>Appointed by David as the commander of the army in place of Joab, Amasa is tasked with gathering the men of Judah to address the rebellion led by Sheba.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The tribe from which David hails and which he calls upon to support him in quelling the rebellion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheba's_rebellion.htm">Sheba's Rebellion</a></b><br>A revolt led by Sheba, a Benjamite, who seeks to divide the kingdom and challenge David's authority.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/three_days.htm">Three Days</a></b><br>The time frame given by David to Amasa to gather the troops, indicating urgency and the need for swift action.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_delegation.htm">Leadership and Delegation</a></b><br>David's decision to delegate the task to Amasa shows the importance of trusting others with responsibility. Leaders today can learn to empower others while maintaining accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/urgency_in_obedience.htm">Urgency in Obedience</a></b><br>The three-day deadline emphasizes the need for prompt action in response to threats. Believers are reminded to act swiftly in obedience to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_division.htm">Loyalty and Division</a></b><br>The call to the men of Judah highlights the importance of unity and loyalty within the body of Christ. Division can weaken the community and hinder God's work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_rebellion.htm">Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Sheba's rebellion serves as a warning about the dangers of challenging God-ordained authority. Rebellion against God's plans leads to chaos and destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite human failures and conflicts, God's sovereign plan prevails. Trust in God's ultimate control provides peace amidst turmoil.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_being_outside_paradise.htm">Who were the Meunites in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_amasa_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Amasa in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/david's_horsemen_capture__1,700_or_7,000.htm">When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_2_sam_9_7-10_conflict_with_david's_claim.htm">Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">To Amasa.</span>--Thus David begins the fulfilment of his promise of <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm" title="And say you to Amasa, Are you not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.">2Samuel 19:13</a>. It proved an act of very doubtful expediency at this crisis.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then said the king to Amasa.</span> David thus takes the first step towards depriving Joab of the command (see <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">2 Samuel 19:13</a>). This was a most unwise step, however guilty Joab may have been in slaying Absalom. With all his faults, Joab had always been faithful to David, and it was chiefly his skill in war and statesmanlike qualities which had raised the kingdom to a position of great power. Just now, too, he had crushed with smaller forces a rebellion in which Amasa had taken the lead. To cast him off and put Amasa in his place might please conspirators, and reconcile them to their defeat, but it would certainly offend all those who had been faithful to David in his troubles. Throughout David acts as one whose affections were stronger than his sense of duty, and his conduct goes far to justify Joab's complaint, "This day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well" (<a href="/2_samuel/19-6.htm">2 Samuel 19:6</a>). If David, in the administration of his kingdom, acted with as little forethought as in the slight he cast-upon the ten tribes in negotiating with Judah to be the first to restore him, as it had been the first tribe to rebel, instead of waiting for the rest, and doing his best to make the day of his return one of general concord and good will; or with as little justice as in the matter of Ziba and Mephibosheth; or with as little tact and good sense as in substituting at the end of a revolt the rebel general for the brave soldier who had "saved his life, and the lives of his sons and of his daughters, and the lives of his wives and of his concubines" (<a href="/2_samuel/19-5.htm">2 Samuel 19:5</a>); we cannot wonder that he had failed to secure the allegiance of a race so self-willed and stubborn as the Israelites. One cannot help half suspecting that Joab had used the power he had gained over the king by the part he had taken in the murder of Uriah tyrannically, and for cruel purposes, and that David groaned under the burden. But if so, it was his own sin that was finding him out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/20-4.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">Then the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Amasa,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲמָשָׂ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·mā·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6021.htm">Strong's 6021: </a> </span><span class="str2">Amasa -- two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Summon</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזְעֶק־</span> <span class="translit">(haz·‘eq-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2199.htm">Strong's 2199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shriek, to announce, convene publicly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">אִישׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(’îš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to come to me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">within three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and be here</span><br /><span class="heb">פֹּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(pōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> </span><span class="str2">This place, here</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yourself.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַתָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/20-4.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 20:4 Then said the king to Amasa Call (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:5" /></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>