Bible Strands
2 Samuel 13:25
“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King David answers Absalom’s invitation to the sheep-shearing event. The king declines to bring his full court, stating that a large group would overburden his host.
The words — The Hebrew phrase אַל־ נָא (al-na) literally translates to “may not, please” or “please do not,” serving as a formal refusal. This construction anchors the king’s initial reply to his son’s proposal.
The thread — The refusal mirrors hospitality negotiations where hosts manage large entourage requests, appearing in Genesis 19:2 and Judges 19:7. The narrative continues in 2 Samuel 13:26 when Absalom pivots to request his brother Amnon instead.
Why it lands — The text records a father establishing a practical boundary over royal ceremonial obligation. It requires the reader to observe how familial diplomacy temporarily overrides political expectation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.
Cross-references
- Genesis 19:2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
- Judges 19:7 The man got up to depart, but his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night.
- Ruth 2:4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.” “The LORD bless you,” they replied.
- 2 Samuel 14:22 Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” said Joab, “your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request.”
- Luke 14:23 So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
- Luke 24:29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.
- Acts 16:15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.