2 Samuel 15
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 15
Utley - These 200 men did not know what Absalom had planned (i.e., possibly an inauguration dinner). Notice the next phrase, "they did not know anything." These men were innocent of rebellion. 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom. BGT 2 Samuel 15:12 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Αβεσσαλωμ καὶ ἐκάλεσεν τὸν Αχιτοφελ τὸν Γελμωναῖον τὸν σύμβουλον Δαυιδ ἐκ τῆς πόλεως αὐτοῦ ἐκ Γωλα ἐν τῷ θυσιάζειν αὐτόν καὶ ἐγένετο σύστρεμμα ἰσχυρόν καὶ ὁ λαὸς πορευόμενος καὶ πολὺς μετὰ Αβεσσαλωμ LXE 2 Samuel 15:12 And Abessalom sent to Achitophel the Theconite, the counsellor of David, from his city, from Gola, where he was sacrificing: and there was a strong conspiracy; and the people with Abessalom were increasingly numerous. KJV 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. NET 2 Samuel 15:12 While he was offering sacrifices, Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's adviser, to come from his city, Giloh. The conspiracy was gaining momentum, and the people were starting to side with Absalom. CSB 2 Samuel 15:12 While he was offering the sacrifices, Absalom sent for David's adviser Ahithophel the Gilonite, from his city of Giloh. So the conspiracy grew strong, and the people supporting Absalom continued to increase. ESV 2 Samuel 15:12 And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing. NIV 2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing. NLT 2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David's counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum. NRS 2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. The conspiracy grew in strength, and the people with Absalom kept increasing. NJB 2 Samuel 15:12 Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from Giloh his town, and had him with him while offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy grew in strength, since Absalom's supporters grew in number. NAB 2 Samuel 15:12 Absalom also sent to Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, an invitation to come from his town, Giloh, for the sacrifices he was about to offer. So the conspiracy gained strength, and the people with Absalom increased in numbers. YLT 2 Samuel 15:12 and Absalom sendeth Ahithophel the Gilonite, a counsellor of David, out of his city, out of Gilo, in his sacrificing sacrifices; and the conspiracy is strong, and the people are going and increasing with Absalom. GWN 2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, David's adviser, to come from his home in Giloh. Meanwhile, the conspiracy grew stronger, and the number of people siding with Absalom kept getting larger. BBE 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, one of David's helpers, from Giloh his town, while he was making the offerings. And the design against David became strong, for more and more people were joined to Absalom. Ahithophel: 2Sa 15:31 16:20-23 17:14,23 David's: Ps 41:9 55:12-14 Mic 7:5,6 Joh 13:18 Giloh: Jos 15:51 while he was offering: Nu 23:1,14,30 1Ki 21:9,12 Ps 50:16-21 Pr 21:27 Isa 1:10-16 Tit 1:16 the people: Ps 3:1,2 Ps 43:1,2 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Psalm 3:1; 2+ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. 2 Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah. Psalm 41:9+ Even my close friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me. Psalm 55:12-14+ For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him. 13 But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend; 14We who had sweet fellowship together Walked in the house of God in the throng. ABSALOM SHORES UP THE CONSPIRACY And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor (adviser), from his city Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. Ahithophel defected from being David's counselor, probably because of David's adultery with Bathsheba, his granddaughter (2Sa 11:3; 23:34). Utley - It is uncertain who is offering sacrifices. Absalom in some type of a sacrificial inauguration ritual (NRSV, TEV, NET) Ahithophel the counselor; it would be surprising for a non-priest to offer sacrifices (REB) NET NOTE - Heb “Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, the adviser of David, from his city, from Giloh, while he was sacrificing.” It is not entirely clear who (Absalom or Ahithophel) was offering the sacrifices. David points out, “The right hand man and advisor of Absalom was Ahithophel a Gilonite. This man had been David’s counselor for some years but he evidently had never really supported the throne genuinely, and this is understandable in the light of his relationship to Bathsheba. A comparison of 2 Samuel 11:3 and 2 Samuel 23:34 indicates that Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba. It is not impossible that ever since the violent death of Uriah, Ahithophel had been looking for an opportunity for revenge. With the rebellion of David’s son Absalom, his opportunity had arrived.” And the conspiracy was (grew) strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom - NET - "The conspiracy was gaining momentum, and the people were starting to side with Absalom." NIV = "And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing." This is paralleled in Ps 3:1+ "O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me." Conspiracy (07195)(qesher from qashar = to bind, league together, conspire) means conspiracy a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. Absalom's conspiracy to take the kingdom from his father, David (2Sa 15:12); the conspiracy of the servants of Joash (2Ki. 12:20) and others (2Ki. 14:19; 15:15; 2Ch 25:27). The Israelites had made a conspiracy to sin against the Lord (Jer. 11:9), and the prophets were part of it as well (Ezek 22:25). Qesher refers to the treason of Zimri against Elah (1Ki 16:20). The treason of Jehoiada the priest that overthrew evil Athaliah (2Ki 11:14; 2Ch 23:13). Isa. 8:12, refers to "a conspiracy with treasonable intent". Qesher is translated in 2Sa 15:12 with sustremma in the Septuagint, a noun which means anything twisted up together, a body of men, a crowd, a band, a conspiracy. Qesher - conspiracy(10), treason(4) 2 Sam. 15:12; 1 Ki. 16:20; 2 Ki. 11:14; 2 Ki. 12:20; 2 Ki. 15:15; 2 Ki. 15:30; 2 Ki. 17:4; 2 Chr. 23:13; Isa. 8:12; Jer. 11:9; Ezek. 22:25 Ahithophel - Name means "brother of insipidity or impiety," or "my brother is folly") was a man greatly renowned for his sagacity among the Jews. At the time of Absalom's revolt he deserted David (Ps. 41:9; 55:12-14) and espoused the cause of Absalom (2 Sam. 15:12). David sent his old friend Hushai back to Absalom, in order that he might counteract the counsel of Ahithophel (2 Sam. 15:31-37). This end was so far gained that Ahithophel saw he had no longer any influence, and accordingly he at once left the camp of Absalom and returned to Giloh, his native place, where, after arranging his worldly affairs, he hanged himself, and was buried in the sepulchre of his fathers (2Sa 17:1-23). He was the type of Judas (Ps. 41:9). Utley adds "This name seems to have been altered by later scribes, who substituted the vowels for bosheth (shame) into the original name.He was a well known wise man. His support for Absalom would give credence to Absalom's rebellion." 2 Samuel 15:13 Then a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." The hearts: 2Sa 15:6 3:36 Jdg 9:3 Ps 62:9 Mt 21:9 27:22 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID RECEIVES WORD OF THE CONSPIRACY Then a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom - Remember that Absalom was very regal in appearance, had been riding his impressive chariot through town and had been serving for at least 4 years as a "surrogate" judge at the city gates, encouraging the people to consider him to be appointed judge over the land (2Sa 15:2-6,4+). In a word, Absalom had stolen the hearts of the people. David was nearing 60 and likely was not as "politically motivated" as he was in his younger days (I'm 77 and can identify with that decrement in energy with aging). Utley is probably correct that "David's lack of attention to his position as judge gave Absalom the opportunity to pull the hearts of the common Israelites away from loyalty to David." Beloved Betrayer 2 Samuel 15:13-14 And a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; or else we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword." Betrayal is difficult to accept. Benedict Arnold betrayed his friend George Washington and his country during the Revolutionary War. As a result, many lives were lost and his name has been synonymous with betrayal ever since. No matter how many noble deeds he accomplished during his life, he will always be remembered as a traitor to his country. To be betrayed by a friend is hurtful; to be betrayed by a close family member is tragic. Yet that was the situation with David. Of all David's sons, Absalom seemed to have the most going for him. He was a handsome man with long, flowing hair. He was a gifted communicator and a natural born leader (2 Sam. 15:1-6). In addition, he was a man of patience who was able to control himself until the opportune moment (2Sa 13:23; 15:7). But he also allowed bitterness to fester in his heart until he turned against his father. In the end, he not only lost his life but also broke his father's heart (2Sa 18:33). Everyone has trusts. They may involve our job, our church or our friends. We may disappoint people or even anger them when we betray our responsibilities to these institutions or individuals. But the greatest trusts we bear are those within our family. When we break our commitments to those who are our own flesh and blood, we create wounds that are extremely difficult to heal. Keep your commitments to your family. Treat them as your commitments to God. If someone in your family feels you have betrayed him, go to that person and ask for forgiveness. (Back to the Bible) If commitments are not kept, they should not be made. 2 Samuel 15:14 David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise and let us flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom. Go in haste, or he will overtake us quickly and bring down calamity on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword." BGT 2 Samuel 15:14 καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ πᾶσιν τοῖς παισὶν αὐτοῦ τοῖς μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ τοῖς ἐν Ιερουσαλημ ἀνάστητε καὶ φύγωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἡμῖν σωτηρία ἀπὸ προσώπου Αβεσσαλωμ ταχύνατε τοῦ πορευθῆναι ἵνα μὴ ταχύνῃ καὶ καταλάβῃ ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐξώσῃ ἐφ᾽ ἡμᾶς τὴν κακίαν καὶ πατάξῃ τὴν πόλιν στόματι μαχαίρης LXE 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem, Rise, and let us flee, for we have no refuge from Abessalom: make haste and go, lest he overtake us speedily, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. KJV 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. NET 2 Samuel 15:14 So David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come on! Let's escape! Otherwise no one will be delivered from Absalom! Go immediately, or else he will quickly overtake us and bring disaster on us and kill the city's residents with the sword." CSB 2 Samuel 15:14 David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, "Get up. We have to flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! Leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword." ESV 2 Samuel 15:14 Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword." NIV 2 Samuel 15:14 Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword." NLT 2 Samuel 15:14 "Then we must flee at once, or it will be too late!" David urged his men. "Hurry! If we get out of the city before Absalom arrives, both we and the city of Jerusalem will be spared from disaster." NRS 2 Samuel 15:14 Then David said to all his officials who were with him at Jerusalem, "Get up! Let us flee, or there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Hurry, or he will soon overtake us, and bring disaster down upon us, and attack the city with the edge of the sword." NJB 2 Samuel 15:14 David said to all his retinue then with him in Jerusalem, 'Up, let us flee, or we shall not escape from Absalom! Leave as quickly as you can, in case he mounts a sudden attack, overcomes us and puts the city to the sword.' NAB 2 Samuel 15:14 At this, David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem: "Up! Let us take flight, or none of us will escape from Absalom. Leave quickly, lest he hurry and overtake us, then visit disaster upon us and put the city to the sword." YLT 2 Samuel 15:14 And David saith to all his servants who are with him in Jerusalem, 'Rise, and we flee, for we have no escape from the face of Absalom; haste to go, lest he hasten, and have overtaken us, and forced on us evil, and smitten the city by the mouth of the sword.' GWN 2 Samuel 15:14 David told all his men who were with him in Jerusalem, "Let's flee immediately, or none of us will escape from Absalom. Let's leave right away, or he'll catch up to us and bring disaster on us when he massacres the city." BBE 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, Come, let us go in flight, or not one of us will be safe from Absalom: let us go without loss of time, or he will overtake us quickly and send evil on us, and put the town to the sword. Arise: 2Sa 19:9 Ps 3:1 bring: , Eze 46:18 Mt 11:12 *marg: Lu 10:15 and strike: 2Sa 23:16,17 Ps 51:18 55:3-11 137:5,6 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Psalm 3:1-commentary A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. DAVID CALLS FOR SERVANTS TO FLEE David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise and let us flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom. Go in haste, or he will overtake us quickly and bring down calamity on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword." David didn’t inquire of the Lord or ask to bring the ephod. He recognized the danger and immediately commanded his officials, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword.” David fled for his life and for fear of an attack on Jerusalem if he remained at the city. Perhaps he was seeking to avert civil war and bloodshed and destruction of his beloved city. But note that David must have expected to return to Jerusalem, for he left 10 of his concubines to be sweeping the house (2Sa 15:16), but they would end up "sleeping" on the house! (see 2Sa 16:22+ which fulfilled the LORD'S prophecy in 2Sa 12:11+!) Bruce Barton - Why couldn’t David just crush this rebellion? There were several reasons he chose to flee: (1) The rebellion was widespread (15:10–13) and would not have been easily suppressed; (2) David did not want the city of Jerusalem to be destroyed; (3) David still cared for his son and did not want to hurt him. We know that David expected to return to Jerusalem soon because he left 10 of his concubines to take care of the palace (15:16). (Borrow Life Application Study Bible) Don Anderson - It is possible that David might not have needed to leave Jerusalem. He might have mustered his men and defended his kingdom at this time. Why do you think he left? I think he had a desire to spare the city because he loved Jerusalem and to spare the innocent who would have suffered the most in warfare. David believed his own sins were the root cause of this trouble, and he looked upon Absalom’s rebellion as God’s chastening. I think he didn’t want to press the issue with Absalom, for it was in David’s heart to spare the life of his own son. He did not want harm to come to him. Absalom and his men are only 18 miles south of Jerusalem, so David recognizes that he does not have a lot of time THOUGHT- Had David not escaped from Jerusalem, the ensuing fight might have destroyed both him and the innocent inhabitants of the city. Some fights that we think are necessary may be costly and destructive to those around us. In such cases, it may be wise to back down and save the fight for another day—even if doing so hurts our pride. It takes courage to stand and fight, but it also takes courage to back down when you must for the sake of others. (Borrow Student's Life Application Bible Notes) 2 Samuel 15:15 Then the king's servants said to the king, "Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king chooses." Behold: Pr 18:24 Lu 22:28,29 Joh 6:66-69 15:14 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID'S SERVANTS REMAIN LOYAL Then the king's servants said to the king, "Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king chooses Once again you have the loyalty of David’s administrative staff. They are ready to do whatever the king chooses. 2 Samuel 15:16 So the king went out and all his household with him. But the king left ten concubines to keep the house. the king: Ps 3:1 went out and all his household with him Jdg 4:10 1Sa 25:27,42 *marg: ten concubines: 2Sa 12:11 2Sa 16:21,22 20:3 Ro 12:2 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID FLEES BUT LEAVES CONCUBINES So the king went out and all his household with him. But the king left ten concubines to keep the house - Clearly David expected to return to his palace since he left the concubines to clean house! 2 Samuel 15:17 The king went out and all the people with him, and they stopped at the last house. went : Ps 3:1 *title Ps 3:2 66:12 Ec 10:7 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Psalm 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. DAVID LEAVES THE CITY OF DAVID! The king went out and all the people with him, and they stopped at the last house - NET - "pausing at a spot some distance away." NIV = "they halted at a place some distance away." The NAB says "they halted opposite the ascent of the Mount of Olives, at a distance." David leaves the city he had conquered and had named after himself. Don Anderson - This leaving of Jerusalem is one of the saddest episodes in the whole Bible, one of the most tragic moments in David’s life. His very own son was causing him to run away. Probably the most pathetic thing of all was that deep down in his heart he was conscious that he deserved what he got.
2 Samuel 15
Utley - This refers to David's mercenary army of his younger days (cf. 1Sa 23:13+; 1Sa 30:9+). These were probably foreign mercenaries and Israeli malcontents who followed David when he settled in Gath of the Philistines. This would be the core of his loyal bodyguard (see note below) CHERETHITES were a Philistine tribe, which adhered to David, and with the Pelethites formed his bodyguard (1Sa 30:14, 16; 2Sam. 8:18; 15:18; 20:7, 23; 1 Ki 1:38, 44; 1 Chr. 18:17; Ezek. 25:16; Zeph. 2:5. They were Solomon's escort at his coronation (1Ki 1:38). ISBE says CHERETHITES - ker'-e-thits (kerethim, ha-kerethi; Chelethi "executioners," "life-guardsmen"): A people in South Palestine whose territory bordered upon that of Judah (1Sa 30:14). In 1Sa 30:16 this land is apparently identical with that of the Philistines. In Ezek 25:16 the Philistines and the Cherethites are threatened together; while in Zeph 2:5 the Cherethites are evidently the dwellers in "the land of the Philistines," "the inhabitants of the seacoast." It may be taken as certain that the Cherethites were a Philistine clan. In conjunction with the Pelethites they are frequently named as forming the guard of David (2Sa 8:18, etc.). It was the custom of many ancient monarchs to have a guard of foreign mercenaries. Pelethites mentioned always along with the Cherethites, and only in the time of David. The word probably means "runners" or "couriers," and may denote that while forming part of David's bodyguard, they were also sometimes employed as couriers (2Sa 8:18; 20:7, 23;1Ki 1:38, 44; 1Ch 18:17). Some, however, think that these are the names simply of two Philistine tribes from which David selected his body-guard. They are mentioned along with the Gittites (2Sa 15:18), another body of foreign troops whom David gathered round him. ISBE says GITTITES - git'-its (gittim, plural of gittiy) were inhabitants of Gath. They are mentioned along with the inhabitants of the other chief Philistine cities in Josh 13:3. It would seem that numbers of them emigrated to Judah, for we find 600 of them acting as a bodyguard to David with Ittai at their head (2Sa 15:18ff; 2Sa 18:2). Obed-edom, to whom David entrusted the ark when he was frustrated in bringing it into the city of David, was a Gittite (2Sa 6:11 f; 1Ch 13:13). The Gittites seem to have been remarkable for their great stature (2Sa 21:19; 1Ch 20:5 ff). QUESTION - Who were the Cherethites in the Bible? ANSWER - The Cherethites are mentioned ten times in the Old Testament. (The NIV uses the spelling Kerethite, and one time the KJV uses the term Cherethims while using Chrerethites the other times.) Based on 1 Samuel 30:14, “We had made a raid against the Negeb of the Cherethites and against that which belongs to Judah and against the Negeb of Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire” (ESV), it seems that Cherethites is another name for the Philistines. It could also be that the Cherethites were a sub-group of Philistines or a people closely associated with the Philistines. Ezekiel 25:16 and Zephaniah 2:5 make the same connection. The other times that the Cherethites are mentioned are in association with King David. There were people from the surrounding lands who were loyal to David, and he had squads of soldiers/mercenaries who appear to have been organized by nationality. For instance, 2 Samuel 15:18 tells us, “And all his servants passed by him, and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king” (ESV). So, the Cherethites were a defined group within or closely associated with the Philistines. The Old Testament does not intend to say that all of the Cherethites were loyal to David, but that there were some Cherethites who were loyal to him. Beyond that, the Old Testament simply does not give any more information on the Cherethites.GotQuestions.org Related Resource: What is the significance of Gath in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org 2 Samuel 15:19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why will you also go with us? Return and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your own place. Ittai: 2Sa 18:2 Ru 1:11-13 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID TRIES TO DISSUADE ITTAI FROM FLEEING Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why will you also go with us? Return and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your own place. David encouraged Ittai to remain with whomever God should appoint king. It is worth noting that clearly David reached out to non-Israelites and Ittai was one of his military leaders. Notice David's blessing on him in 2Sa 15:20. Ittai - A Gittite or native of Gath, one of David's chief captains and most faithful friends during the rebellion of Absalom (2Sa 15:11-22; 2Sa 18:2,4,12). The narrative reveals David's chivalrous and unselfish spirit in time of trouble, as well as the most self-sacrificing loyalty on the part of Ittai. He seems to have but recently left his native city and joined David's army through personal attachment to the king. David rapidly promoted him. Hearing of Absalom's rebellion and approach to Jerusalem, he flees with David. The latter remonstrates, urges him to go back and join Absalom, as he is a foreigner and in exile. His interests are in the capital and with the king; there is no reason why he should be a fugitive and perhaps suffer the loss of everything; it would be better for him, with his band of men, to put himself and them at the service of Absalom, the new king. "Mercy and truth be with thee," says David in his magnanimity. Ittai, with a double oath, absolutely refuses to go back, but will stand by David until the last. Remonstrance being useless, the monarch orders him across the river, doubtless glad that he had such a doughty warrior and faithful friend by his side. On mustering his hosts to meet Absalom, David makes Ittai a chief captain with the intrepid Joab and Abishai. He doubtless did his part in the battle, and as nothing more is said of him it is possible that he fell in the fight. 2 Samuel 15:20 "You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, while I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers; mercy and truth be with you." BGT 2 Samuel 15:20 εἰ ἐχθὲς παραγέγονας καὶ σήμερον κινήσω σε μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν καί γε μεταναστήσεις τὸν τόπον σου ἐχθὲς ἡ ἐξέλευσίς σου καὶ σήμερον μετακινήσω σε μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν τοῦ πορευθῆναι καὶ ἐγὼ πορεύσομαι οὗ ἂν ἐγὼ πορευθῶ ἐπιστρέφου καὶ ἐπίστρεψον τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου μετὰ σοῦ καὶ κύριος ποιήσει μετὰ σοῦ ἔλεος καὶ ἀλήθειαν LXE 2 Samuel 15:20 Whereas thou camest yesterday, shall I to-day cause thee to travel with us, and shalt thou thus change thy place? thou didst come forth yesterday, and to-day shall I set thee in motion to go along with us? I indeed will go whithersoever I may go: return then, and cause thy brethren to return with thee, and may the Lord deal mercifully and truly with thee. KJV 2 Samuel 15:20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. NET 2 Samuel 15:20 It seems like you arrived just yesterday. Today should I make you wander around by going with us? I go where I must go. But as for you, go back and take your men with you. May genuine loyal love protect you!" CSB 2 Samuel 15:20 Besides, you only arrived yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I go wherever I can? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness." ESV 2 Samuel 15:20 You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you." NIV 2 Samuel 15:20 You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your countrymen. May kindness and faithfulness be with you." NLT 2 Samuel 15:20 You arrived only recently, and should I force you today to wander with us? I don't even know where we will go. Go on back and take your kinsmen with you, and may the LORD show you his unfailing love and faithfulness. " NRS 2 Samuel 15:20 You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, while I go wherever I can? Go back, and take your kinsfolk with you; and may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you." NJB 2 Samuel 15:20 You arrived only yesterday; should I take you wandering with us today, when I do not know myself where I am going? Go back, take your fellow countrymen with you, and may Yahweh show you mercy and faithful love!' NAB 2 Samuel 15:20 You came only yesterday, and shall I have you wander about with us today, wherever I have to go? Return and take your brothers with you, and may the LORD be kind and faithful to you." YLT 2 Samuel 15:20 Yesterday is thy coming in, and to-day I move thee to go with us, and I am going on that which I am going! -- turn back, and take back thy brethren with thee, -- kindness and truth.' GWN 2 Samuel 15:20 You came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I don't even know where I'm going? Go back, and take your countrymen with you. May the LORD always show you kindness." BBE 2 Samuel 15:20 It was only yesterday you came to us; why then am I to make you go up and down with us? for I have to go where I may; go back then, and take your countrymen with you, and may the Lord's mercy and good faith be with you. RSV 2 Samuel 15:20 You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, seeing I go I know not where? Go back, and take your brethren with you; and may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you." NKJ 2 Samuel 15:20 "In fact, you came only yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down with us today, since I go I know not where? Return, and take your brethren back. Mercy and truth be with you." ASV 2 Samuel 15:20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth be with thee. go up and down: Heb. wander in going, Ps 56:8 59:15 Am 8:12 Heb 11:37,38 seeing: 1Sa 23:13 mercy: 2Sa 2:6 Ps 25:10 57:3 61:7 85:10 89:14 Pr 14:22 Joh 1:17 2Ti 1:16-18 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID BLESSES ITTAI A PHILISTINE You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, while I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers “Shall I make you wander just as I did in the days of King Saul, when I do not know where I am going?” Mercy (hesed) and truth ('emeth) be with you - David blesses Ittai the ESV rendering it "may the LORD show steadfast love ("love-in-kindness") and faithfulness to you." Mercy (02617) hesed/chesed/heced is the idea of faithful love in action and often in the OT refers to God's lovingkindness expressed in His covenant relationship with Israel (His "loyal love" to His "Wife" Israel [cp Hos 2:18, 19, 20-see note, Is 54:5, Je 31:32] = His "loyalty to covenant"). God's hesed His denotes persistent and unconditional tenderness, kindness, and mercy, a relationship in which He seeks after man with love and mercy (cp God immediately seeking man Ge 3:9, who was immediately hiding Ge 3:8 trying to cover their shame Ge 3:7 - contrast God's lovingkindness manifest by spilling blood to provide skins to cover their shame! Ge 3:21). Hesed expresses both God’s loyalty to His covenant and His love for His people along with a faithfulness to keep His promises. Truth (faithfulness, faithfully) (0571) 'emeth from the verb aman = to confirm, support, believe, be faithful) is a feminine noun meaning truth, faithfulness, that which gives complete reliability. It is frequently connected with lovingkindness (Pr 3:3; Hos 4:1, 40:11, 61:7, 69:13, 85:10, 86:14, 89:14, 108:4) and occasionally with other terms such as peace (2Ki 20:19); righteousness (Isa. 48:1); and justice (Ps. 111:7). To walk in truth is to conduct oneself according to God’s holy standards (1Ki 2:4; 3:6; Ps. 86:11; Isa. 38:3). Truth was a measure of one’s word (1Ki 22:16; Da 11:2) and actions (Ge 24:49; Josh. 2:14). God is the God of truth (Ps 31:5, Ps 57:3, 10, 69:13 = "saving truth"; Ps 71:22, Ps 111:7, 115:1) See God's attribute of Truth. The Lxx often uses aletheia (or cognates like alethinos) to translate 'emeth. The first use fittingly describes Jehovah's faithfulness (Ge 24:27, cp Ge 32:10, Ps 30:9, Neh 9:33, Ps 54:5, Ps 91:4) Who is described as the "God of truth" (Ps 31:5) 2 Samuel 15:21 But Ittai answered the king and said, "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be." As the Lord: 1Sa 20:3 25:26 2Ki 2:2,4,6 4:30 surely: Ru 1:16,17 Pr 17:17 18:24 Mt 8:19,20 Joh 6:66-69 Ac 11:23 Ac 21:13 2Co 7:3 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ITTAI'S DOUBLE OATH OF LOYALTY But - Term of contrast. Ittai counters David's blessing to depart. Ittai answered the king and said, "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be - Here is a Philistine giving an oath to David as the LORD lives which strongly suggesting that he has rejected Dagon and received Yahweh as his LORD, surely a reflection of the impact of David's witness (imperfect as it was) as a man after God's own heart! Ittai the Philistine reminds us of Ruth the Moabitess who said "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. “Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” (Ru 1:16-17+). David found out who his real faithful friends were in this time of crisis. THOUGHT - Times of personal crisis are when we often discover who our true and faithful friends really are. But these times in the lives of others also show who we are - fair weather friends or faithful friends. Which are you, beloved? 2 Samuel 15:22 Therefore David said to Ittai, "Go and pass over." So Ittai the Gittite passed over with all his men and all the little ones who were with him. and all the little ones who were with him. Sir John Chardin informs us,in a MS. note on this place, that it is usual with the greatest part of the eastern people, especially the Arabs, to carry their whole family with them when they go to war. 2Sa 15:22 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Proverbs 18:24NLT There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.) DAVID ACQUIESCES TO ITTAI'S OATH TO STAY Therefore David said to Ittai, "Go and pass over." - David changed his mind upon hearing Ittai's loyal oath with a life and death commitment. We need people in our lives that will stay with us when the chips are down like Ittai stayed with David. But even more important, we need to be like Ittai, standing with those who need us. So Ittai the Gittite passed over with all his men and all the little ones who were with him - Ittai is so faithful he brings his entire family, his servants, and his army to go with David, even though at this point it looked as if David might be defeated by his son and even die. Alan Redpath points out, “This little band of foreign men whose hearts had felt the warmth of David’s presence, who had seen his patience in the time of suffering, who had walked with him in the days of his rejection, these men who were close to David loved him. Living so close to him made them conscious of his greatness, and his love broke up hardness of their hearts. So in the day of crisis, while other people who were what you might call fairweather followers, were deserting him, this group of men followed him and shared the fellowship of his sufferings.” (PDF - The Making of a Man of God Life of David) Illustration - Stu Weber, pastor of Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring, Oregon, writes, 1967. We were at war with Vietnam. And there I was, at the U.S. Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. It was brutal. I can still hear the raspy voice of the sergeant: “We are here to save your lives. We’re going to see to it that you overcome all your natural fears. We’re going to show you just how much incredible stress the human mind and body can endure. And when we’re finished with you, you will be the U.S. Army’s best!” Then, before he dismissed the formation, he announced our first assignment. We’d steeled ourselves for something really tough—like running 10 miles in full battle gear or rappelling down a sheer cliff. Instead, he told us to—find a buddy. “Find yourself a Ranger buddy,” he growled. “You will stick together. You will never leave each other. You will encourage each other, and, as necessary, you will carry each other.” It was the army’s way of saying, “Difficult assignments require a friend. Together is better.” - Men of Integrity, Vol. 1, no. 1. 2 Samuel 15:23 While all the country was weeping with a loud voice, all the people passed over. The king also passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over toward the way of the wilderness. all the country: Ro 12:15 Kidron: 1Ki 2:37 Joh 18:1, Cedron the wilderness: 2Sa 16:2 Mt 3:1,3 Lu 1:80 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries City of David on left, KIDRON VALLEY in middle, and Mount of Olives on Right A SAD DEPARTURE FROM THE CITY OF DAVID While all the country was weeping with a loud voice, all the people passed over. The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. It is a very sad and tearful procession that leaves the city of Jerusalem and heads for the desert. Krummacher points out, “Soon enough the king was made aware of what was in progress and how in Absalom he had only nourished a serpent in his bosom. The tidings of what he was doing threatened utterly to crush him to the ground; and so much the more did it oppress him, as in this calamity he was constrained to recognize a new chastisement measured out to him by the Almighty. For this reason, the state of mind into which he was brought by the dreadful tidings was not so much one of anger and revenge, as rather of humiliation and contrition of heart. This grief piercing his heart as with a poisoned sting, David might perhaps have had in recollection, when, at a later period, by the inward operation of the Holy Spirit, he wrote that Messianic psalm, which forms, as it were, a program of the crucifixion of Christ, where he breaks out in these words, “I am a worm, and no man, a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” The king also passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over toward the way of the wilderness In Judea, between Jerusalem and the Jordan River. Utley - "the way of the wilderness" This designation could refer to several roads. From 2 Sam. 17:24,27; 19:32 we know David fled across the Jordan close to Jericho and went to Mahanaim, a city on the Jabbock River close to the large north-south trans-Jordan highway known as "the King's Highway (map; another map showing all major highways through ancient Israel)." TSK Note - The brook Kidron, which is but a few paces broad, runs along the valley of Jehoshaphat, east of Jerusalem, to the south-west corner of the city, and then, turning to the south-east, empties itself into the Dead Sea. Like the Ilissus, it is dry at least nine months in the year, being only furnished with water in the winter, and after heavy rains: its bed is narrow and deep, which indicates that it must formerly have been the channel for waters which have found some other, and probably subterraneous course. Related Resource: What is the Kidron Valley in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org 2 Samuel 15:24 Now behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people had finished passing from the city. Zadok: 2Sa 15:27,35 8:17 20:25 1Ki 1:8 2:35 4:2-4 1Ch 6:8-12 Eze 48:11 bearing: 2Sa 6:13 Nu 4:15 7:9 Jos 3:3,6,15-17 4:16-18 6:4,6 1Sa 4:3-5,11 1Ch 15:2 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Poles for Carrying Ark on Shoulders ZADOK FLEES WITH ARK Now behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people had finished passing from the city - It seems the Ark was leading the people out because it was set down until the people had passed it. Note from the map above, the lowpoint is the Kidron Valley which would mark the beginning of the ascent up the Mount of Olives (2Sa 15:30+). Note the phrase they set down the Ark of God indicating now the Levites (Kohathites) were transporting it using the poles on their shoulders! David had learned his lesson with the death of Uzzah! Utley - "Zadok" His name means "just" or "righteous." He is first mentioned in 2Sa 8:17. Here in 2Sa 15:24-29 he and Abiathar (last priest of Eli's line, who was not killed at the slaughter of Nob, cf. 1Sa 22) were both priests and custodians of the ark of the covenant. Both are told to return the ark to the Temple in Jerusalem. "Abiathar" The text is uncertain but apparently he stayed behind in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices or a time of prayer for David in the Temple before joining David and Zadok on the route out of town. Related Resource: SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ARK OF THE COVENANT Zadok (means "righteous") Son of Ahitub and one of the two chief priests in the time of David, Abiathar being the other. Zadok was of the house of Eleazar the son of Aaron, (1Ch 24:3) and eleventh in descent from Aaron. (1Ch 12:28) He joined David at Hebron after Saul's death, (1Ch 12:28) and thenceforth his fidelity to David was inviolable. When Absalom revolted and David fled from Jerusalem, Zadok and all the Levites bearing the ark accompanied him. When Absalom was dead, Zadok and Abiathar were the persons who persuaded the elders of Judah to invite David to return. (2Sa 19:11) When Adonijah, in David?s old age, set up for king, and had persuaded Joab, and Abiathar the priest, to join his party, Zadok was unmoved, and was employed by David to anoint Solomon to be king in his room. (1Ki 1:34) For this fidelity he was rewarded by Solomon who "thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord," and "put in Zadok the priest" in his room. (1Ki 2:27,35) From this time, however, we hear little of him. Zadok and Abiathar were of nearly equal dignity. (2Sa 15:35,36; 19:11) The duties of the office were divided, Zadok ministered before the tabernacle at Gibeon, (1Ch 16:39) Abiathar had the care of the ark at Jerusalem. Abiathar (means "father of abundance, or my father excels") was the son of Ahimelech the high priest. He was the tenth high priest, and the fourth in descent from Eli. When his father was slain with the priests of Nob, he escaped, and bearing with him the ephod, he joined David, who was then in the cave of Adullam (1Sa 22:20-23; 23:6). He remained with David, and became priest of the party of which he was the leader (1Sa 30:7). When David ascended the throne of Judah, Abiathar was appointed high priest (1Ch 15:11; 1Ki 2:26) and the "king's companion" (1Ch 27:34). Meanwhile Zadok, of the house of Eleazar, had been made high priest. These appointments continued in force till the end of David's reign (1Ki 4:4). Abiathar was deposed (the sole historical instance of the deposition of a high priest) and banished to his home at Anathoth by Solomon, because he took part in the attempt to raise Adonijah to the throne. The priesthood thus passed from the house of Ithamar (1Sa 2:30-36; 1Ki 1:19; 2:26, 27). Zadok now became sole high priest QUESTION - Who was Abiathar in the Bible? ANSWER - Along with Zadok, Abiathar served as one of the chief priests during David’s reign as king. Abiathar’s name means “father of excellence” or “father of abundance” in Hebrew. Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who served as a priest at Nob (1 Samuel 21:1; Mark 2:26) until he and the other priests were murdered by King Saul (1 Samuel 21:1–19). Being the only son of Ahimelech to escape the massacre at Nob, Abiathar fled to David and was promised protection by the future king (1 Samuel 21:20–23). Because Abiathar served David and acted as priest for all of David’s men in hiding, he was made high priest along with Zadok once David began his reign as king (1 Chronicles 15:11). This was a natural role for him to take on, as he had kept the ephod and administered the Urim and Thummin when David sought direction from the Lord (1 Samuel 23:6; 30:7). When Absalom rebelled against his father and attempted to usurp the throne, Abiathar remained loyal to David. Abiathar was among those who fled the capital city with David (2 Samuel 15:24). Zadok and the Levites carried the ark of the covenant, “and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city” (2 Samuel 15:24). Although David admired the loyalty and faithfulness of the priests, he ordered them to return to the city with the ark. This proved helpful because they were then able to send word to David about Absalom’s plans (2 Samuel 15:27–29; 17:15–16). David was restored to his throne and Abiathar to his priestly office. Things changed as David’s son Solomon took the throne. Abiathar was not loyal to the new king. Adonijah, another one of David’s sons, put himself forward as king with the help of Joab (one of David’s nephews) and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:5, 7). Once the threat from Adonijah was neutralized, King Solomon dealt with the conspirators. One of Solomon’s actions was to remove Abiathar from the priestly office. This fulfilled the Lord’s word of judgment over Eli and his descendants, which impacted Abiathar since he was related to Eli (1 Samuel 3:12–14; 1 Kings 2:27). It was only because of the priest’s loyal service to David that Solomon did not kill him. Solomon told Abiathar, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships” (1 Kings 2:26). Zadok replaced Abiathar as priest under Solomon (1 Kings 2:35). Abiathar lived most of his life in faithful service to the Lord, but he did not finish well. Instead of siding with the rightful king of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 1:17), Abiathar assisted one of David’s rebellious sons who desired to rule. He allowed earthly matters to become his focus, which cost him the priestly office. Like Abiathar, we can easily get caught up in worldly schemes and lose sight of God’s plan. Rather than seeking our own way or chasing what seems politically expedient, we should seek to faithfully follow God. Then, when our time on earth is done, we can state with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7NLT). GotQuestions.org 2 Samuel 15:25 The king said to Zadok, "Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the sight of the LORD, then He will bring me back again and show me both it and His habitation. BGT 2 Samuel 15:25 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς τῷ Σαδωκ ἀπόστρεψον τὴν κιβωτὸν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰς τὴν πόλιν ἐὰν εὕρω χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς κυρίου καὶ ἐπιστρέψει με καὶ δείξει μοι αὐτὴν καὶ τὴν εὐπρέπειαν αὐτῆς LXE 2 Samuel 15:25 And the king said to Sadoc, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I should find favour in the eyes of the Lord, then will he bring me back, and he will shew me it and its beauty. KJV 2 Samuel 15:25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation: NET 2 Samuel 15:25 Then the king said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back to the city. If I find favor in the LORD's sight he will bring me back and enable me to see both it and his dwelling place again. CSB 2 Samuel 15:25 Then the king instructed Zadok, "Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, He will bring me back and allow me to see both it and its dwelling place. ESV 2 Samuel 15:25 Then the king said to Zadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. NIV 2 Samuel 15:25 Then the king said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. NLT 2 Samuel 15:25 Then the king instructed Zadok to take the Ark of God back into the city. "If the LORD sees fit," David said, "he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. NRS 2 Samuel 15:25 Then the king said to Zadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and the place where it stays. NJB 2 Samuel 15:25 The king then said to Zadok, 'Take the ark of God back into the city. Should I win Yahweh's favour, he will bring me back and allow me to see it and its tent once more. NAB 2 Samuel 15:25 Then the king said to Zadok: "Take the ark of God back to the city. If I find favor with the LORD, he will bring me back and permit me to see it and its lodging. YLT 2 Samuel 15:25 And the king saith to Zadok, 'Take back the ark of God to the city; if I find grace in the eyes of Jehovah, then He hath brought me back, and shewn me it and His habitation; GWN 2 Samuel 15:25 The king told Zadok, "Take God's ark back to the city. If the LORD looks favorably on me, he will allow me to come back and see both it and its dwelling place again. BBE 2 Samuel 15:25 And the king said to Zadok, Take the ark of God back into the town: if I have grace in the eyes of the Lord, he will let me come back and see it and his House again: Return: 2Sa 12:10,11 1Sa 4:3-11 Jer 7:4 He will bring: Ps 26:8 Ps 27:4,5 Ps 42:1,2 Ps 43:3,4 Ps 63:1,2 Ps 84:1-3,10 Ps 122:1,9 Isa 38:22 habitation: 2Sa 6:17 7:2 2 Samuel 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Psalm 26:8 O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells. DAVID SENDS ARK BACK & TRUSTS IN LORD'S FAVOR The king said to Zadok, "Return the ark of God to the city. King David may have remembered the attempt during the days of Samuel to use the ark as a fetish to force God's intervention (1Sa 4:3). It would seem that the ark is left in Jerusalem for political reasons in order to provide Zadok and Abiathar with their credentials as spies in David’s service, their sons providing lines of communication. If I find favor (chen; Lxx - charis) in the sight of the LORD, then He will bring me back again and show me both it and His habitation. NET - "If I find favor in the LORD's sight he will bring me back and enable me to see both it and his dwelling place again." David ultimately recognized that the bestowal of God's grace controlled his future. He choose to trust in the LORD and not lean on his own understanding (Pr 3:5-6+) and specifically not to trust in the the Ark as if it were some divine "rabbit's foot" (as Israel had done in 1Sa 4:3-4+). David is showing us here why he is a man after God's own heart, rightly recognizing that his success was based on finding favor in the eyes of God. Paul Jorden points out, “In his depths of despair, David still recognized God was in control of his life. His confidence was in God.” Walton on if I find favor in the sight of the LORD - Israelites believed that God’s favor or disfavor was evidenced in the good or evil that came into a person’s life. David’s expulsion from Jerusalem is therefore described almost as a trial by ordeal. The king’s speech suggests that he is resigned to leave the course of events in God’s hands. Remembering the pronouncement of judgment by Nathan, recorded in 12:10-12, David cannot be certain that these tragic events are not punishment for his crimes (See page 344 in IVP Background Commentary - OT) Alexander
2 Samuel 15
Utley - There are several terms and phrases used to describe "mourning." (1) wept, (2) head covered, (3) barefoot, (4) coat torn, (5) dust on the head. See SPECIAL TOPIC: GRIEVING RITES Gehrke points out, “Once the review of the entire company has been completed, the group begins to climb the Mount of Olives, procession of penitence and deep sorrow and lamentation. The king himself leading the way with feet bare, head covered, and robbed of all his royal glory. Thus stripped of all proud claims, he dares to hope that the Lord will have mercy on him. David’s thoughts become clear when he hears the unnerving report that his wisest statesman Ahithophel has gone over to Absalom’s side, thus assuring Absalom of the very best advice and increasing the gravity of the situation. David responds to that news with an appeal to the Lord to turn the wisdom of the traitor into foolishness.” (See page 301 in his Commentary on 1-2 Samuel) TSK - Mount Olivet, so called from its abounding with olive trees, is situated east of Jerusalem, being separated from it only by the valley of Jehoshaphat and the brook Kidron. Josephus says it is five stadia, i.e., 625 geometrical paces from Jerusalem; and St. Luke (Ac 1:12) says it is a Sabbath day's journey, or about eight stadia distant, i.e., to the summit. It forms part of a ridge of limestone hills, extending from north to south for about a mile; and it is described as having three, or, according to others, four summits; the central and highest of which overlooks the whole of the city, over whose streets and walls the eye roves as if in the survey of a model. TSK - head was covered and he walked barefoot - This custom was only practised by persons in great distress, or when convicted of great crimes. Thus Darius, when informed by Tyriotes, the eunuch, that his queen was dead, and that she had suffered no violence from Alexander, covered his head, and wept a long time; then throwing off the garment that covered him, he thanked the gods for Alexander's moderation and justice. QUESTION - What happened on the Mount of Olives? ANSWER - The Mount of Olives, sometimes referred to as “Olivet” in the KJV (2 Samuel 15:30; Acts 1:12) or “the mount facing Jerusalem” (1 Kings 11:7), is a ridge running along the east side of Jerusalem, separated from the city walls by a ravine and the Brook Kidron. The Mount of Olives was the site of many events in the Bible and will be the site of a yet-future fulfillment of prophecy. In the Old Testament, the Mount of Olives is mentioned once in relation to King David. When David’s son Absalom wrested control of Jerusalem, David and his loyal followers fled the city via an eastern route: “David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up” (2 Samuel 15:30). Later, King Solomon used the Mount of Olives for idol worship: “On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites” (1 Kings 11:7). In one of Ezekiel’s visions, the prophet sees the glory of the Lord depart from Jerusalem and come to rest “above the mountain east of it” (Ezekiel 11:23). Jesus made many visits to the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37). In fact, it was “usual” for Him to go there when in the vicinity of Jerusalem (Luke 22:39). Every time Jesus visited Lazarus and Mary and Martha, He was on the Mount of Olives, for their village of Bethany was situated on the eastern slope. The road from Bethany to Jerusalem lay over Olivet. The Bible records Jesus’ visiting the Mount of Olives three times in the last week of His earthly life, and each time something of significance happened. The first visit is what we call the triumphal entry. The donkey Jesus rode that day was found in the area of Bethany and Bethphage, on the east side of the Mount of Olives (Luke 19:29–30). Then, “when he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen” (verse 37). While still on the Mount of Olives, Jesus looked at the vista in front of Him, wept over the city, and pronounced a judgment against it (verses 41–44). Jesus’ second visit was to deliver what has come to be known as the Olivet Discourse, recorded in Matthew 24:1 —25:46. Parallel passages are found in Mark 13:1–37 and Luke 21:5–36. The content of the Olivet Discourse is Jesus’ response to His disciples’ question “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24—25 primarily concerns the coming destruction of Jerusalem, the future tribulation period, and the second coming of Christ at the end of the tribulation. The Discourse includes parables about those who wait for the Master’s coming—the wise and faithful servant (Matthew 24:45–51), the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), and the good servant who uses his resources wisely (Matthew 25:14–30). Jesus’ third visit during the week of His passion was on the night He was betrayed. That evening began with the Last Supper in Jerusalem and ended in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. During that last Passover meal, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and then revealed Judas as the betrayer (John 13:1–30). At the conclusion of the meal, Jesus established the New Covenant and instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26–29; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Then He took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane (literally, “Garden of the Oil-press”) located on the western slope of the Mount of Olives. There Jesus prayed in agony as He contemplated the day to come. So overcome by the horror of what He was to experience in the crucifixion the following day, His sweat was “like drops of blood” (Luke 22:44) and God sent an angel from heaven to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43). After Jesus prayed, Judas Iscariot arrived with a multitude of soldiers, high priests, Pharisees, and servants to arrest Jesus. Judas identified Jesus by the prearranged signal of a kiss, which he gave to Jesus. Trying to protect Jesus, Peter drew a sword and attacked a man named Malchus, the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the man’s ear, displaying the miraculous power of God (Luke 22:51). Nevertheless, the mob arrested Jesus and took Him to face trial, while the disciples scattered in fear for their lives. After the trials, crucifixion, and resurrection, Jesus once again stood on the Mount of Olives. During His final post-resurrection appearance, Jesus led His disciples “out to the vicinity of Bethany, [and] he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:50–52). Acts 1:12 specifies that “the vicinity of Bethany” was indeed the Mount of Olives. Immediately following Jesus’ ascension, two angels told the disciples on the Mount of Olives that “this same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). According to the prophet Zechariah, Jesus will return not only in the same way, but to the same place. In a prophecy related to the end times, Zechariah declares, “On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south” (Zechariah 14:4). The very location where David wept in defeat and where Jesus was betrayed and rejected will be the place where Jesus returns in triumph over all His enemies.GotQuestions.org G Campbell