And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.
All the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing and debating with each other, saying, 'The king saved us from our enemies and rescued us from the Philistines. But now he has fled the country because of Absalom.'
The writer is showing how the Israelite people were confused and conflicted, remembering David's past victories while questioning why he ran away during his son's rebellion.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place after Absalom's failed rebellion against his father King David, where Absalom was killed in battle. David had fled Jerusalem when Absalom seized power, and now the people are debating whether David should return as king. The Philistines were longtime enemies of Israel whom David had defeated earlier in his reign.
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