2 Samuel 20:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And one of Joab’s men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →One of Joab's soldiers stands over Amasa's body, urging the troops to follow Joab in loyalty to David.
What Does 2 Samuel 20:11 Mean?
With Amasa dead in the road, one of Joab's men takes up a position beside the body and calls out to the passing soldiers. He frames the choice starkly: to favor Joab is to be for David, so let everyone fall in behind Joab and march on.
The appeal binds loyalty to Joab together with loyalty to the king, papering over the murder just committed. It is a shrewd reading of the moment, redirecting the army's allegiance in an instant. The scene shows how easily a forceful voice can reshape a crowd's loyalties, and how a wrong can be hurried past before anyone has time to weigh it.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 20:11
What does 2 Samuel 20:11 mean?
One of Joab's soldiers stands over Amasa's body, urging the troops to follow Joab in loyalty to David.