2 samuel 13:25 - The king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him; however he would not go, but blessed him.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 13:25

What does "2 samuel 13:25" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 13:25 describes a scene where Absalom is hosting a sheep shearing festival and invites his father, King David, and his entourage. Let's break it down:

"The king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.”": King David is politely declining Absalom's invitation. He suspects that having the entire royal court descend upon Absalom's event would put a strain on Absalom's resources and be too much of a burden for him to handle. This seems like a thoughtful and considerate gesture on David's part. It could also be interpreted as David being wary of Absalom, perhaps sensing a hidden motive.

"He pressed him;": Absalom strongly urged (or "pressed") his father to come. He insisted that David and his court should attend. This suggests Absalom really wanted David there, potentially for reasons beyond simple hospitality.

"however he would not go, but blessed him.": Despite Absalom's persistence, David refused to go. However, instead of outright rejecting Absalom, he "blessed him," which likely involved offering a blessing and well wishes for the success of the festival. This could be a way for David to decline without causing offense or raising suspicion.

In summary:

This verse portrays a polite but potentially tense exchange between King David and his son Absalom. David, likely sensing something amiss or simply wanting to avoid burdening Absalom, declines the invitation to the festival but offers a blessing. Absalom's insistence indicates he had a strong desire for David to be present, which, given the context of the surrounding chapters, is likely for ulterior motives (as Absalom eventually orchestrates a rebellion against his father).

The verse sets the stage for the events to come, highlighting the complex relationship between David and Absalom and hinting at the underlying tensions and manipulations at play.