Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 13 - Verse 31

When King David heard the news of his son Absalom's death, his reaction was one of deep grief and sorrow. The tearing of his garments and lying on the ground were traditional signs of mourning and anguish in ancient Israel. By tearing his clothes and prostrating himself on the earth, David was expressing his extreme sorrow and distress over the loss of his son. In addition to David, all his servants also joined in his mourning by tearing their clothes as a sign of respect and solidarity with their grieving king. This verse not only shows the weight of David's loss but also highlights the deep bond between the king and his servants, as they stood by him in his time of sorrow.

In this particular verse, the act of tearing garments is a common practice in the ancient world as a sign of mourning and distress. In the context of this verse, King David's actions of tearing his garments, lying on the ground, and his servants also tearing their clothes are symbolic gestures of extreme grief and anguish. It signifies David's deep sorrow over the situation at hand. Additionally, lying on the earth can be interpreted as an act of humility and submission before God. It is a physical display of David's despair and need for divine intervention. This verse showcases the emotional and dramatic response of King David to a distressing event, illustrating the intensity of his emotions and his reliance on God in times of trouble. The detailed word study of the actions described in this verse provides insight into the cultural and emotional significance of these gestures in ancient times, enhancing our understanding of the biblical narrative.