Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 15

Introduction

Overview

2 Samuel 15:1, Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel; 2 Samuel 15:7, Under pretence of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron; 2 Samuel 15:10, He makes there a great conspiracy; 2 Samuel 15:13, David upon the news flees from Jerusalem; 2 Samuel 15:19, Ittai will not leave him; 2 Samuel 15:24, Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark; 2 Samuel 15:30, David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping; 2 Samuel 15:31, He curses Ahithophel’s counsel; 2 Samuel 15:32, Hushai is sent back with instructions.

Verse 1

am 2980, bc 1024

Absalom: 2 Samuel 12:11, Deuteronomy 17:16, 1 Samuel 8:11, 1 Kings 1:5, 1 Kings 1:33, 1 Kings 10:26-29, Psalms 20:7, Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 17:19, Jeremiah 22:14-16

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 22:17 - footmen 2 Samuel 3:3 - Absalom 2 Samuel 16:2 - What meanest 1 Kings 14:27 - guard Psalms 3:1 - when Psalms 86:14 - O God Psalms 132:1 - all his afflictions Proverbs 15:5 - fool John 12:15 - sitting

Verse 2

rose up: Job 24:14, Proverbs 4:16, Matthew 27:1

came: Heb. to come, Exodus 18:14, Exodus 18:16, Exodus 18:26, 1 Kings 3:16-28

Reciprocal: Judges 4:5 - came up 2 Kings 15:5 - judging 2 Chronicles 10:7 - speak good Proverbs 27:14 - He that Daniel 11:21 - by flatteries 1 Corinthians 2:4 - not James 3:6 - a world

Verse 3

thy matters: Numbers 16:3, Numbers 16:13, Numbers 16:14, Psalms 12:2, Daniel 11:21, 2 Peter 2:10

there is: etc. or, none will hear thee from the king downward, 2 Samuel 8:15, Exodus 20:12, Exodus 21:17, Proverbs 30:11, Proverbs 30:17, Ezekiel 22:7, Matthew 15:4, Acts 23:5, 1 Peter 2:17

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:16 - a matter 1 Kings 12:7 - speak good Psalms 55:3 - for they Psalms 109:2 - the mouth

Verse 4

Oh that I: Judges 9:1-5, Judges 9:29, Proverbs 25:6, Luke 14:8-11

I would do: Proverbs 27:2, 2 Peter 2:19

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 8:3 - his sons

Verse 5

took him: Psalms 10:9, Psalms 10:10, Psalms 55:21, Proverbs 26:25

and kissed: 2 Samuel 14:33

Reciprocal: Luke 7:45 - gavest

Verse 6

stole: Proverbs 11:9, Romans 16:18, 2 Peter 2:3

Reciprocal: Judges 9:1 - communed 2 Samuel 3:36 - as 2 Samuel 12:11 - I will raise 2 Samuel 15:13 - The hearts 2 Samuel 18:7 - the people 1 Kings 2:15 - Thou knowest Psalms 62:9 - Surely Proverbs 27:21 - so Ecclesiastes 4:15 - child

Verse 7

am 2983, bc 1021, An, Ex, Is, 470

forty years: As David reigned in the whole only forty years, this reading is evidently corrupt, though supported by the commonly printed Vulgate, LXX, and Chaldee. But the Syriac, Arabic, Josephus, Theodoret, the Sixtine edition of the Vulgate, and several manuscripts of the same version, read four years; and it is highly probable that arbaim, forty, is an error for arba, four, though not supported by any Hebrew manuscript yet discovered. Two of those collated by Dr. Kennicott, however, have yom, "day," instead of shanah, "year," i.e., forty days instead of forty years; but this is not sufficient to outweigh the other authorities. 2 Samuel 13:38, 1 Samuel 16:1, 1 Samuel 16:13

let me go: 2 Samuel 13:24-27

pay: 1 Samuel 16:2, Proverbs 21:27, Isaiah 58:4, Matthew 2:8, Matthew 23:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 34:14 - uncircumcised Numbers 21:2 - vowed Joshua 21:11 - is Hebron 2 Samuel 2:1 - Hebron Psalms 109:7 - and let Proverbs 7:14 - this Jonah 2:9 - I will pay

Verse 8

thy servant: Genesis 28:20, Genesis 28:21, 1 Samuel 1:11, 1 Samuel 16:2, Psalms 56:12, Ecclesiastes 5:4

Geshur: 2 Samuel 13:37, 2 Samuel 13:38, 2 Samuel 14:23, 2 Samuel 14:32

I will serve: Joshua 24:15, Isaiah 28:15, Jeremiah 9:3-5, Jeremiah 42:20

Reciprocal: Numbers 21:2 - vowed Joshua 12:5 - unto the Joshua 13:2 - Geshuri 1 Samuel 27:8 - the Geshurites 1 Chronicles 3:2 - Geshur Psalms 109:7 - and let Ezekiel 27:16 - Syria

Verse 9

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:36 - Hebron 1 Samuel 25:35 - Go up

Verse 10

spies: 2 Samuel 13:28, 2 Samuel 14:30

reigneth: 2 Samuel 19:10, Job 20:5-29, Psalms 73:18, Psalms 73:19

Hebron: 2 Samuel 2:1, 2 Samuel 2:11, 2 Samuel 3:2, 2 Samuel 3:3, 2 Samuel 5:5, 1 Chronicles 11:3, 1 Chronicles 12:23, 1 Chronicles 12:38

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:36 - Hebron 1 Samuel 30:31 - Hebron 2 Samuel 12:11 - I will raise 2 Samuel 20:1 - he blew 2 Samuel 22:19 - prevented 1 Kings 1:18 - Adonijah 1 Kings 1:34 - blow ye 2 Kings 9:13 - blew with trumpets 1 Chronicles 11:1 - Hebron Nehemiah 6:7 - a king Psalms 37:12 - General Psalms 55:20 - broken Micah 7:6 - son

Verse 11

called: 1 Samuel 9:13, 1 Samuel 16:3-5

their simplicity: Genesis 20:5, 1 Samuel 22:15, Proverbs 14:15, Proverbs 22:3, Matthew 10:16, Romans 16:18, Romans 16:19

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:9 - called 1 Kings 22:34 - at a venture 2 Chronicles 18:33 - at a venture

Verse 12

Ahithophel: 2 Samuel 15:31, 2 Samuel 16:20-23, 2 Samuel 17:14, 2 Samuel 17:23

David's: Psalms 41:9, Psalms 55:12-14, Micah 7:5, Micah 7:6, John 13:18

Giloh: Joshua 15:51

while he offered: Numbers 23:1, Numbers 23:14, Numbers 23:30, 1 Kings 21:9, 1 Kings 21:12, Psalms 50:16-21, Proverbs 21:27, Isaiah 1:10-16, Titus 1:16

the people: Psalms 3:1, Psalms 3:2, Psalms 43:1, Psalms 43:2

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 16:23 - both 2 Samuel 19:10 - whom 1 Kings 1:7 - And he conferred 1 Kings 1:9 - slew 1 Chronicles 27:33 - Ahithophel Psalms 4:5 - Offer Psalms 55:13 - my guide Psalms 109:3 - fought Psalms 109:5 - hatred Proverbs 17:11 - General Ecclesiastes 4:16 - no end Acts 23:13 - which

Verse 13

The hearts: 2 Samuel 15:6, 2 Samuel 3:36, Judges 9:3, Psalms 62:9, Matthew 21:9, Matthew 27:22

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:10 - whom 1 Kings 2:7 - when I fled 1 Kings 2:15 - Thou knowest 1 Kings 12:16 - So Israel 2 Chronicles 10:16 - So all Israel Job 1:14 - messenger Proverbs 24:21 - meddle Ecclesiastes 4:16 - no end

Verse 14

Arise: 2 Samuel 19:9, Psalms 3:1, *title

bring: Heb. thrust, Ezekiel 46:18, Matthew 11:12, *marg. Luke 10:15

and smite: 2 Samuel 23:16, 2 Samuel 23:17, Psalms 51:18, Psalms 55:3-11, Psalms 137:5, Psalms 137:6

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 23:26 - David made haste 2 Samuel 17:16 - but speedily Psalms 55:5 - Fearfulness Psalms 55:7 - General Psalms 64:4 - suddenly

Verse 15

Behold: Proverbs 18:24, Luke 22:28, Luke 22:29, John 6:66-69, John 15:14

appoint: Heb. choose

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 14:40 - Do what seemeth

Verse 16

the king: Psalms 3:1, *title

after him: Heb. at his feet, Judges 4:10, 1 Samuel 25:27, 1 Samuel 25:42, *marg.

ten women: 2 Samuel 12:11, 2 Samuel 16:21, 2 Samuel 16:22, 2 Samuel 20:3, Romans 12:2

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 12:2 - exceeding

Verse 17

went forth: Psalms 3:1, *title Psalms 3:2, Psalms 66:12, Ecclesiastes 10:7

Verse 18

Cherethites: 2 Samuel 8:18, 2 Samuel 20:7, 2 Samuel 20:23, 1 Samuel 30:14, 1 Kings 1:38, 1 Chronicles 18:17

Gittites: 2 Samuel 15:19-22, 2 Samuel 6:10, 2 Samuel 18:2, 1 Samuel 27:3

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 17:8 - mighty men Ezekiel 25:16 - Cherethims

Verse 19

Ittai: 2 Samuel 18:2, Ruth 1:11-13

Reciprocal: Ruth 1:15 - return 2 Samuel 6:10 - Gittite 2 Samuel 15:18 - Gittites 2 Kings 2:2 - Tarry here Zechariah 8:23 - We will John 6:67 - Will

Verse 20

go up and down: Heb. wander in going, Psalms 56:8, Psalms 59:15, Amos 8:12, Hebrews 11:37, Hebrews 11:38

seeing: 1 Samuel 23:13

mercy: 2 Samuel 2:6, Psalms 25:10, Psalms 57:3, Psalms 61:7, Psalms 85:10, Psalms 89:14, Proverbs 14:22, John 1:17, 2 Timothy 1:16-18

Reciprocal: Ruth 1:15 - return 2 Samuel 15:34 - return 2 Kings 2:2 - Tarry here Psalms 43:3 - send Proverbs 3:3 - mercy John 6:67 - Will 2 Corinthians 1:2 - General

Verse 21

As the Lord: 1 Samuel 20:3, 1 Samuel 25:26, 2 Kings 2:2, 2 Kings 2:4, 2 Kings 2:6, 2 Kings 4:30

surely: Ruth 1:16, Ruth 1:17, Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24, Matthew 8:19, Matthew 8:20, John 6:66-69, Acts 11:23, Acts 21:13, 2 Corinthians 7:3

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 17:12 - As the Lord 1 Chronicles 12:18 - came upon Amasai

Verse 22

and all the little: Sir John Chardin informs us,in a manuscript 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. 2 Samuel 15:22

Verse 23

all the country: Romans 12:15

the brook: 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.

Kidron: 1 Kings 2:37, John 18:1, Cedron

the wilderness: 2 Samuel 16:2, Matthew 3:1, Matthew 3:3, Luke 1:80

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 15:28 - General 1 Kings 15:13 - the brook 2 Kings 23:4 - Kidron 2 Chronicles 30:14 - the brook Nehemiah 2:15 - the brook Isaiah 15:5 - with Jeremiah 31:40 - the brook

Verse 24

Zadok: 2 Samuel 15:27, 2 Samuel 15:35, 2 Samuel 8:17, 2 Samuel 20:25, 1 Kings 1:8, 1 Kings 2:35, 1 Kings 4:2-4, 1 Chronicles 6:8-12, Ezekiel 48:11

bearing: 2 Samuel 6:13, Numbers 4:15, Numbers 7:9, Joshua 3:3, Joshua 3:6, Joshua 3:15-17, Joshua 4:16-18, Joshua 6:4, Joshua 6:6, 1 Samuel 4:3-5, 1 Samuel 4:11, 1 Chronicles 15:2

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 14:18 - Bring hither 1 Kings 1:7 - Abiathar 1 Kings 2:26 - barest 1 Chronicles 6:53 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 15:11 - Zadok Psalms 119:99 - than all Mark 2:26 - Abiathar

Verse 25

Carry back: 2 Samuel 12:10, 2 Samuel 12:11, 1 Samuel 4:3-11, Jeremiah 7:4

he will bring: Psalms 26:8, Psalms 27:4, Psalms 27:5, Psalms 42:1, Psalms 42:2, Psalms 43:3, Psalms 43:4, Psalms 63:1, Psalms 63:2, Psalms 84:1-3, Psalms 84:10, Psalms 122:1, Psalms 122:9, Isaiah 38:22

habitation: 2 Samuel 6:17, 2 Samuel 7:2

Reciprocal: Numbers 14:8 - delight 1 Samuel 22:3 - till I know 2 Chronicles 9:8 - which delighted Psalms 131:2 - quieted Ecclesiastes 9:1 - that the Daniel 9:25 - restore and to build Jerusalem Jonah 4:8 - and wished Acts 21:14 - The will James 4:15 - If

Verse 26

I have not, 2 Samuel 22:20, Numbers 14:8, 1 Kings 10:9, 2 Chronicles 9:8, Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 62:4, Jeremiah 22:28, Jeremiah 32:41, Matthew 1:10

let: Judges 10:15, 1 Samuel 3:18, Job 1:20, Job 1:21, Psalms 39:9

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 22:3 - till I know 1 Chronicles 19:13 - let the Lord Psalms 89:38 - wroth Psalms 131:2 - quieted Ecclesiastes 9:1 - that the Isaiah 39:8 - Good Jeremiah 26:14 - as seemeth good and meet unto you Jonah 4:8 - and wished Matthew 26:39 - not Acts 9:10 - Behold Acts 21:14 - The will James 4:7 - Submit James 4:15 - If

Verse 27

a seer: 2 Samuel 24:11, 1 Samuel 9:9, 1 Chronicles 25:5

return: 2 Samuel 15:34, 2 Samuel 15:36, 2 Samuel 17:17

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 15:24 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 6:8 - Ahimaaz

Verse 28

2 Samuel 15:23, 2 Samuel 16:2, 2 Samuel 17:1, 2 Samuel 17:16

Verse 29

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:11 - sent 1 Kings 2:26 - barest Mark 2:26 - Abiathar

Verse 30

the ascent: Zechariah 14:4, Luke 19:29, Luke 19:37, Luke 21:37, Luke 22:39, Acts 1:12

mount Olivet: 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 - Acts 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.

and wept as he went up: Heb. going up and weeping, Psalms 42:3-11, Psalms 43:1, Psalms 43:2, Psalms 43:5, Luke 19:41

his head covered: 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. 2 Samuel 19:4, Esther 6:12, Jeremiah 14:3, Jeremiah 14:4

barefoot: Isaiah 20:2, Isaiah 20:4, Ezekiel 24:17, Ezekiel 24:23

weeping: Psalms 126:5, Psalms 126:6, Matthew 5:4, Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:26

Reciprocal: Leviticus 21:10 - uncover 2 Samuel 15:32 - the top 2 Samuel 16:1 - little past 2 Samuel 19:24 - dressed his feet 1 Kings 11:7 - the hill Job 9:24 - he covereth Isaiah 15:5 - with Ezekiel 12:6 - cover Mark 11:1 - at the Acts 20:37 - wept 1 Corinthians 11:4 - having

Verse 31

Ahithophel: 2 Samuel 15:12, Psalms 3:1, Psalms 41:9, Psalms 55:12, Psalms 55:14, Matthew 26:14, Matthew 26:15, John 13:18

O Lord: Psalms 55:15, Psalms 109:3

turn the counsel: 2 Samuel 16:23, 2 Samuel 17:14, 2 Samuel 17:23, Job 5:12, Job 12:16-20, Isaiah 19:3, Isaiah 19:11-25, Jeremiah 8:8, Jeremiah 8:9, 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, James 3:15

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 23:34 - Eliam 2 Kings 19:20 - which thou hast Nehemiah 2:4 - So I prayed Nehemiah 4:15 - God Job 5:13 - taketh Job 12:17 - General Job 17:4 - General Job 18:7 - his own Psalms 5:10 - let Psalms 33:10 - The Lord Psalms 43:1 - the deceitful Psalms 55:9 - divide Psalms 62:9 - of high Psalms 109:4 - but I Psalms 109:5 - hatred Psalms 140:8 - Grant not Psalms 146:9 - the way Isaiah 8:10 - counsel Isaiah 37:21 - Whereas Isaiah 44:25 - turneth Jeremiah 18:18 - counsel Jeremiah 50:36 - dote Habakkuk 2:13 - is it Acts 23:13 - which 1 Corinthians 3:19 - He

Verse 32

the top: 2 Samuel 15:30, 1 Kings 11:7, Luke 19:29

he worshipped: 1 Kings 8:44, 1 Kings 8:45, Job 1:20, Job 1:21, Psalms 3:3-5, Psalms 3:7, Psalms 4:1-3, Psalms 50:15, Psalms 91:15

Hushai: 2 Samuel 16:16-19

Archite: Joshua 16:2

coat rent: 2 Samuel 1:2, 2 Samuel 13:19

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 4:12 - with earth 2 Samuel 16:17 - why wentest 2 Samuel 17:5 - Hushai 1 Chronicles 27:33 - Hushai Psalms 109:4 - but I

Verse 33

then thou: 2 Samuel 19:35

Verse 34

return: 2 Samuel 15:20, Joshua 8:2, Matthew 10:16

as I have been: 2 Samuel 16:16-19

then mayest: 2 Samuel 17:5-14

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 15:27 - return 2 Samuel 16:19 - should I not serve 2 Samuel 17:14 - to defeat 2 Samuel 17:20 - They be gone Job 5:13 - taketh Psalms 33:10 - The Lord

Verse 35

thou shalt tell: 2 Samuel 17:15, 2 Samuel 17:16

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 15:24 - Zadok 2 Samuel 19:11 - sent 1 Kings 1:7 - Abiathar 1 Chronicles 6:8 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 6:53 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 15:11 - Zadok Mark 2:26 - Abiathar

Verse 36

their two sons: 2 Samuel 15:27, 2 Samuel 17:17, 2 Samuel 18:19-33

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:11 - sent 1 Kings 1:42 - Jonathan 1 Chronicles 6:8 - Ahimaaz 1 Chronicles 6:53 - Zadok

Verse 37

friend: 2 Samuel 16:16, 1 Chronicles 27:33

Absalom: 2 Samuel 16:15

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 4:5 - the king's