2 Samuel 20:4
New International Version
Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.”

New Living Translation
Then the king told Amasa, “Mobilize the army of Judah within three days, and report back at that time.”

English Standard Version
Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.”

King James Bible
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

New King James Version
And the king said to Amasa, “Assemble the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.”

New American Standard Bible
Now the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.”

NASB 1995
Then the king said to Amasa, “Call out the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.”

NASB 1977
Then the king said to Amasa, “Call out the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king said to Amasa, “Call out the men of Judah for me within three days, and you yourself stand here.”

Amplified Bible
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.”

Christian Standard Bible
The king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to me within three days and be here yourself.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to me within three days and be here yourself.”

American Standard Version
Then said the king to Amasa, Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.

Contemporary English Version
David said to Amasa, "Three days from now I want you and all of Judah's army to be here!"

English Revised Version
Then said the king to Amasa, Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king told Amasa, "Call the people of Judah together for me, and in three days be here yourself."

Good News Translation
The king said to Amasa, "Call the men of Judah together and be back here with them by the day after tomorrow."

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, David ordered Amasa, "Muster the army of Judah here within three days, and be here yourself!"

Majority Standard Bible
Then the king said to Amasa, ?Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.?

NET Bible
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."

New Heart English Bible
Then the king said to Amasa, "Summon the men of Judah to me within three days, and be present here yourself."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble to me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

World English Bible
Then the king said to Amasa, “Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be here present.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the king says to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah for me [within] three days, and you, stand here,”

Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith unto Amasa, 'Call for me the men of Judah in three days, and thou, stand here,'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say to Amasa, Call together to me the men of Judah in three days, and stand thou here.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king said to Amasa: Assemble to me all the men of Juda against the third day, and be thou here present.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon to me all the men of Judah on the third day, and you shall be present also.”

New American Bible
Then the king said to Amasa: “Summon the Judahites for me within three days. Then present yourself here.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and you yourself be present.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King said to Amasa: “Assemble to me those of the household of Yehuda in three days and you stand here”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said the king to Amasa: 'Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to Amessai, Call to me the men of Juda for three days, and do thou be present here.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sheba's Rebellion
3When 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. 4Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” 5So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him.…

Cross References
1 Kings 2:5-6
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.

2 Samuel 19:13
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!’”

1 Chronicles 2:16-17
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.

2 Samuel 3:30
(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)

2 Samuel 2:18-23
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. ...

2 Samuel 18:2
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.”

2 Samuel 17:25
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.

1 Kings 1:7-8
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.

1 Kings 2:28-34
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.” ...

2 Samuel 8:16
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

2 Samuel 23:18-19
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.

1 Chronicles 11:20-21
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.

1 Kings 2:32
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.

2 Samuel 15:19-22
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!” ...

2 Samuel 16:9-10
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?’”


Treasury of Scripture

Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be you here present.

Amasa

2 Samuel 17:25
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

2 Samuel 19:13
And say ye to Amasa, Art 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.

1 Chronicles 2:17
And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite.

Assemble [heb] Call

Jump to Previous
Amasa Ama'sa Assemble Attend Here Judah Present Stand Summon Three Together Within
Jump to Next
Amasa Ama'sa Assemble Attend Here Judah Present Stand Summon Three Together Within
2 Samuel 20
1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life
4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab
14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel
16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head
23. David's officers














Then the king said
This phrase introduces us to the authority of King David, who is the central figure in this narrative. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which signifies not just a ruler but one who is divinely appointed. David's kingship is a fulfillment of God's promise and covenant, highlighting the divine orchestration in Israel's history. This moment underscores David's role as a leader who must make critical decisions for the stability of his kingdom.

to Amasa
Amasa was appointed by David as the commander of the army in place of Joab. His name in Hebrew means "burden" or "load," which is significant given the weighty responsibility he carries. Amasa's appointment is a strategic move by David to unify the kingdom after Absalom's rebellion, as Amasa was Absalom's former commander. This decision reflects David's desire for reconciliation and peace within the nation.

Summon the men of Judah
The word "summon" in Hebrew is "qara," which means to call out or proclaim. This is a call to action, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the task. The "men of Judah" refers to David's own tribe, highlighting the need for loyalty and support from his kinsmen. Judah's role is pivotal in the restoration of David's rule, as they are the first to rally around him after the civil strife.

to come to me
This phrase indicates a personal and direct appeal from David. The Hebrew root "bo" for "come" suggests movement towards a central point, in this case, the king himself. It reflects David's need for immediate support and the consolidation of his authority. The personal nature of this request underscores the relational aspect of David's leadership.

within three days
The specification of "three days" is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or divine intervention. This time frame indicates urgency and the need for swift action to address the threat posed by Sheba's rebellion. It also reflects the structured and orderly approach David takes in dealing with crises.

and be here yourself
David's command for Amasa to be present personally underscores the importance of accountability and leadership. The Hebrew word "atsab" for "be here" implies a firm presence, suggesting that Amasa's role is not just administrative but also one of personal involvement and responsibility. This highlights the expectation of leaders to be actively engaged in the tasks they oversee.

(4) To Amasa.--Thus David begins the fulfilment of his promise of 2Samuel 19:13. It proved an act of very doubtful expediency at this crisis.

Verse 4. - Then said the king to Amasa. David thus takes the first step towards depriving Joab of the command (see 2 Samuel 19:13). 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" (2 Samuel 19:6). 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" (2 Samuel 19:5); 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the king
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Amasa,
עֲמָשָׂ֔א (‘ă·mā·śā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6021: Amasa -- two Israelites

“Summon
הַזְעֶק־ (haz·‘eq-)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2199: To shriek, to announce, convene publicly

the men
אִישׁ־ (’îš-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

to come to me
לִ֥י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

within three
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

days,
יָמִ֑ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

and be here
פֹּ֥ה (pōh)
Adverb
Strong's 6311: This place, here

yourself.”
וְאַתָּ֖ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you


Links
2 Samuel 20:4 NIV
2 Samuel 20:4 NLT
2 Samuel 20:4 ESV
2 Samuel 20:4 NASB
2 Samuel 20:4 KJV

2 Samuel 20:4 BibleApps.com
2 Samuel 20:4 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 20:4 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 20:4 French Bible
2 Samuel 20:4 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 20:4 Then said the king to Amasa Call (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 20:3
Top of Page
Top of Page