2 Samuel 19:12

12 You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. Why should you be the last to bring back the king?'

2 Samuel 19:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:12

Ye [are] my brethren, ye [are] my bones and my flesh
Being of the same tribe, and therefore he should deal gently with them, as if they were parts of his body; and not be severe upon them, for the hand they had in the conspiracy, as they might fear:

and wherefore then are ye the last to bring the king back?
since they were so nearly related to him, and he so ready to forgive them.

2 Samuel 19:12 In-Context

10 However, Absalom, whom we anointed to rule us, has died in battle. Why is no one talking about bringing back the king?"

11 What all Israel was saying reached the king at his house. So King David sent [this message] to the priests Zadok and Abiathar: "Ask the leaders of Judah, 'Why should you be the last [tribe] to bring the king back to his palace?

12 You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. Why should you be the last to bring back the king?'

13 And tell Amasa, 'Aren't you my flesh and blood? May God strike me dead unless you are given Joab's place to serve me always as the commander of the army.'"

14 All the people of Judah were in total agreement. So they sent the king this message: "Come back with all your servants."