2 Samuel 20:2 Meaning and Explanation
“So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The northern tribes follow Sheba, while Judah stays loyal and escorts David from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
What Does 2 Samuel 20:2 Mean?
The trumpet's call splits the nation. The men of Israel desert David and fall in behind Sheba, while the men of Judah hold fast, accompanying their king all the way home. The fracture that began as wounded pride is now a tear in the kingdom itself.
The contrast turns on one word: Judah 'clave' to the king. To cleave is to bind oneself fast, to refuse to let go. In a moment when the crowd drifted away, faithfulness meant staying close. The same choice meets every believer who is tempted to drift with the discontented many rather than hold fast to the Lord.
2 Samuel 20:2 in the Original Language
dabaq (דָּבַק), 'clave' -- to cling or be joined fast, the same word for a man cleaving to his wife.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 20:2
What does 2 Samuel 20:2 mean?
The northern tribes follow Sheba, while Judah stays loyal and escorts David from the Jordan to Jerusalem.