2 Samuel 19:12

12 You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood; why should you be the last to bring me back?"

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 We anointed Absalom as our king, but he has been killed in battle. So why doesn't somebody try to bring King David back?"

11 The news of what the Israelites were saying reached King David. So he sent the priests Zadok and Abiathar to ask the leaders of Judah, "Why should you be the last to help 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 me back?"

13 David also told them to say to Amasa, "You are my relative. From now on I am putting you in charge of the army in place of Joab. May God strike me dead if I don't!"

14 David's words won the complete loyalty of all the men of Judah, and they sent him word to return with all his officials.