Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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, “I see men in the direction of Horonaim, on the side of the hill.” New Living Translation 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.” English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible 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.” Berean Literal Bible And Absalom fled, and the young man who was watching lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road west of him on 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible 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. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 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. Legacy Standard Bible 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. Amplified Bible 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. Berean Annotated Bible Meanwhile, Absalom (my father is peace) had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him (behind 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.” Christian Standard Bible 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version 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." English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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. Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version 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." NET Bible 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. New Heart English Bible 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." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMeanwhile, 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.” World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd 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. Berean Literal Bible And Absalom fled, and the young man who was watching lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road west of him on 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. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut 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. Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible 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.” New Revised Standard Version 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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 OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom Flees to Geshur34Meanwhile, 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.” 35So Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the sons of the king have arrived! It is just as your servant said.”… Cross References Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. 1 Kings 2:28-29 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!” 1 Kings 1:50-53 But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” … When the young man standing watch looked up, Ezekiel 33:2-7 “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, / and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. / Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. … Habakkuk 2:1-2 I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. / Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. he saw many people coming down the road west of him, 2 Kings 9:17-18 Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” Genesis 32:6-7 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. along the side of the hill. 1 Samuel 14:4-5 Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh. / One cliff stood to the north toward Michmash, and the other to the south toward Geba. 2 Samuel 2:24-25 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. / The Benjamites rallied to Abner, formed a single unit, and took their stand atop a hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, 2 Samuel 18:24-27 Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. / So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, / the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. … 2 Kings 7:10-11 So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” / The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported to the king’s household. “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, Isaiah 15:5 My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim. Jeremiah 48:3-5 A voice cries out from Horonaim: ‘Devastation and great destruction!’ / Moab will be shattered; her little ones will cry out. / For on the ascent to Luhith they weep bitterly as they go, and on the descent to Horonaim cries of distress resound over the destruction: along the side of the hill.” 1 Samuel 23:26-28 Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. / Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” / So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. 2 Samuel 15:30-31 But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. / Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” 2 Samuel 18:19-33 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. … 2 Samuel 14:23-33 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. … Treasury of Scripture 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. Absalom fled 2 Samuel 13:38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. Genesis 4:8-14 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… Proverbs 28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. Jump to Previous Absalom Direction Eyes Fled Flight Great Hill Hillside Hill-Side Horonaim Kept Lifted Mountain Raised Road Roundabout Side Slope Standing Watch Watchman Way West YoungJump to Next Absalom Direction Eyes Fled Flight Great Hill Hillside Hill-Side Horonaim Kept Lifted Mountain Raised Road Roundabout Side Slope Standing Watch Watchman Way West Young2 Samuel 13 1. Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.15. He hates her, and shamefully turns her away 19. Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose 23. At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon 31. David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab 37. Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. 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 (2 Samuel 12:10-12). Absalom's actions and escape foreshadow his later rebellion against David, illustrating the theme of sin's consequences and the breakdown of family unity. 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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe 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. 2. The Watchman 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. 3. The Road West 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. 4. The Hill A specific location mentioned as a point of reference for the watchman. It serves as a vantage point for observing the unfolding events. 5. Amnon 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. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinAbsalom's actions are a direct result of unchecked sin within David's family. Sin often leads to further sin, creating a cycle of destruction. The Importance of Vigilance 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. Family Dynamics and Responsibility 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. God's Sovereignty Amidst Chaos 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 13:34?2. How does 2 Samuel 13:34 highlight God's justice in Absalom's actions? 3. What can we learn about consequences from Absalom's escape in 2 Samuel 13:34? 4. How does Absalom's flight connect to themes of sin and redemption in Scripture? 5. How should we respond to injustice, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:34? 6. What does Absalom's escape teach about seeking God's guidance in difficult situations? 7. What does 2 Samuel 13:34 reveal about God's justice in the face of evil actions? 8. How does 2 Samuel 13:34 fit into the broader narrative of David's family turmoil? 9. Why is Absalom's escape significant in the context of 2 Samuel 13:34? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 13? 11. Are there any archaeological discoveries or historical records supporting the events in 2 Samuel 13? 12. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that supports the specific distress described in Psalm 13? 13. 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? 14. 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)? What Does 2 Samuel 13:34 Mean Meanwhile, Absalom had fled.• The verse opens in the aftermath of Absalom’s revenge on Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28-29). • Flight underscores both guilt and danger; Numbers 35:11-12 shows how one who sheds blood often seeks immediate refuge. • David’s earlier prophecy that “the sword shall never depart from your house” (2 Samuel 12:10) is unfolding before our eyes. • Absalom heads toward Geshur (2 Samuel 13:37), his maternal grandfather’s realm, revealing pre-planned escape rather than spur-of-the-moment panic. When the young man standing watch looked up, • Ancient cities employed watchmen for early warning (2 Samuel 18:24-25; 2 Kings 9:17). • Here, the lookout becomes the narrative bridge between Absalom’s private act and David’s public awareness. • God often uses “watchmen” to alert leaders to danger (Ezekiel 33:6), reminding us to stay spiritually vigilant. He saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. • The watchman sees a crowd rather than a single fugitive—probably David’s sons returning from Absalom’s feast (2 Samuel 13:23, 36). • The western approach suggests a standard route back to Jerusalem, signaling normal traffic rather than an invading force. • Psalm 121:1 portrays hills as places of both danger and help; here they frame a tense moment of uncertainty. And the watchman went and reported to the king, • Immediate reporting reflects loyal service (1 Samuel 19:1). • David’s heart is already “burning” with rumors that all his sons are dead (2 Samuel 13:30). The watchman’s role is to replace fear with fact. • Proverbs 25:25 likens good news to cold water; the watchman becomes that refreshing messenger. “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.” • Horonaim lies in Moab (Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:3-5); mentioning it fixes their position, confirming the sons’ route home via the Jordan valley. • The detail signals no hostile army but familiar travelers, easing David’s dread (2 Samuel 13:33-35). • God often allows small details to diffuse great anxiety, echoing Philippians 4:6-7. summary Verse 34 serves as the hinge between Absalom’s secret sin and David’s public grief. Absalom’s flight fulfills Nathan’s warning, while the watchman’s report introduces hope that the king’s remaining sons live. The scene reminds us that God sees every act, exposes hidden sin, and still provides faithful watchmen to bring truth and calm into fearful moments. (34) Absalom fled.--This is connected on one side with 2Samuel 13:29, and on the other with 2Samuel 13:37. 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.Behind him--i.e., from the west, the Oriental always being supposed to face the east in speaking of the points of the compass. Verse 34. - But Absalom fled. 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. The way of the hillside behind him. 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 Exodus 3:1; and "the Syrians before and the Philistines behind," that is, on the east and west (Isaiah 9:12). But the versions differ so strangely in their renderings that they could scarcely have been made from our present text.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Meanwhile, Absalomאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites had fled. וַיִּבְרַ֖ח (way·yiḇ·raḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1272: To bolt, to flee suddenly When the young man הַנַּ֤עַר (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer standing watch הַצֹּפֶה֙ (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await looked up, וַיִּשָּׂ֞א (way·yiś·śā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take he saw וַיַּ֗רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see many רַ֜ב (raḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great people עַם־ (‘am-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock coming הֹלְכִ֥ים (hō·lə·ḵîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk down the road מִדֶּ֛רֶךְ (mid·de·reḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action west of him, אַחֲרָ֖יו (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part along the side מִצַּ֥ד (miṣ·ṣaḏ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6654: A side, an adversary 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.”) הָהָֽר׃ (hā·hār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country Links 2 Samuel 13:34 NIV2 Samuel 13:34 NLT 2 Samuel 13:34 ESV 2 Samuel 13:34 NASB 2 Samuel 13:34 KJV 2 Samuel 13:34 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 13:34 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 13:34 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 13:34 French Bible 2 Samuel 13:34 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom fled (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
    |