Key Verse Spotlight
2 Samuel 19:20 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. "
2 Samuel 19:20
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;
And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.
For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?
And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
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From This Chapter
2 Samuel 19:1
"And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom."
2 Samuel 19:2
"And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son."
2 Samuel 19:3
"And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle."
2 Samuel 19:4
"But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!"
2 Samuel 19:5
"And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;"
2 Samuel 19:6
"In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well."
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