2 Samuel 13:31

31 The king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing beside him with their clothes torn [to show their grief].

2 Samuel 13:31 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 13:31

Then the king arose, and tore his garments
In token of extreme grief and sorrow, as Jacob did when he was shown the coat of Joseph, supposing him to have been slain, as David thought all his sons were, ( Genesis 37:34 ) ;

and lay on the earth;
on the bare ground, another token of mourning; so Job did on hearing the death of his sons, ( Job 1:20 ) ;

and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent:
did as David did, in imitation of him, joining with him in expressions of sorrow; these were his courtiers, ministers of state, and principal officers in his household.

2 Samuel 13:31 In-Context

29 Absalom's servants did to Amnon as Absalom had ordered. Then all the king's sons got up, mounted their mules, and fled.

30 While they were on their way, David heard this rumor: "Absalom has killed all the king's sons, and not a single one is left."

31 The king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing beside him with their clothes torn [to show their grief].

32 Then Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimea, said, "Sir, don't think that all the young men, all the king's sons, have been killed. Only Amnon is dead. Absalom decided to do this the day his half brother raped his sister Tamar.

33 You shouldn't burden your heart with the idea that all the king's sons are dead, Your Majesty. Only Amnon is dead.