And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, "Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword." Then David saidThis phrase introduces the decisive action of King David, a man after God's own heart, who is now facing a grave threat from within his own family. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just the act of speaking but the authority and intention behind the words. David's leadership is being tested, and his response is crucial for the survival of his kingdom. to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem
David's servants represent those loyal to him during a time of crisis. Jerusalem, the city of David, is not just a physical location but a symbol of God's promise and the center of Israel's spiritual life. The mention of "all his servants" underscores the communal aspect of leadership and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. Arise, and let us flee
The command "Arise" (קוּם, qum) is a call to action, urging immediate response. David's decision to flee is not one of cowardice but of strategic retreat. In the Hebrew context, fleeing can be a means of preserving life and fulfilling God's greater purpose, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like Jacob and Moses. or none of us will escape from Absalom
Absalom, David's son, represents rebellion and the consequences of sin within a family. The name Absalom (אַבְשָׁלוֹם, Avshalom) means "father of peace," yet his actions bring anything but peace. The phrase highlights the urgency and danger posed by Absalom's insurrection, emphasizing the need for discernment and divine guidance. Leave quickly
The urgency in "Leave quickly" reflects the imminent threat and the need for swift action. In the biblical narrative, haste is often associated with divine intervention or protection, as seen in the Exodus. David's quick decision-making is a testament to his reliance on God's wisdom in times of crisis. or he will overtake us and bring disaster upon us
The potential disaster (רָעָה, ra'ah) signifies not just physical harm but spiritual and communal devastation. David's foresight in recognizing the threat Absalom poses is crucial for the preservation of God's covenant people. This phrase serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked sin and rebellion. and strike the city with the edge of the sword
The imagery of the "edge of the sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev) is a powerful symbol of judgment and destruction. In biblical history, the sword often represents divine judgment or the consequences of human sin. David's concern for Jerusalem reflects his heart for God's dwelling place and the well-being of his people. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is facing a rebellion led by his son Absalom. 2. AbsalomDavid's son, who has conspired to overthrow his father and take the throne of Israel. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where David and his servants are residing at the time of Absalom's rebellion. 4. David's ServantsLoyal followers and officials who are with David in Jerusalem, ready to follow his lead. 5. The Flight from JerusalemThe event where David decides to flee Jerusalem to avoid confrontation with Absalom and to protect the city from destruction. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinDavid's past sins, including his actions with Bathsheba and Uriah, have long-lasting consequences that affect his family and kingdom. This reminds us of the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness. Leadership in CrisisDavid's decision to flee shows his concern for the safety of his people and the city. True leadership often involves making difficult decisions for the greater good. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the immediate threat, David's life demonstrates a deep trust in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to trust God even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The Cost of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion is a stark reminder of the destructive nature of pride and ambition. It serves as a warning against allowing personal desires to lead to conflict and division. Seeking God's GuidanceIn times of crisis, seeking God's wisdom and guidance is crucial. David's life encourages believers to turn to God in prayer and seek His direction. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to Absalom's rebellion reflect his character and leadership qualities? What can we learn from his actions? 2. In what ways do the consequences of David's past sins manifest in this chapter, and how does this relate to the concept of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-8? 3. How can Psalm 3 provide comfort and encouragement to believers facing their own "Absalom" situations today? 4. What lessons can we learn from Absalom's rebellion about the dangers of pride and ambition, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives? 5. How does David's trust in God's sovereignty during this crisis encourage us to rely on God in our own times of trouble, as seen in Romans 8:28? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 3This Psalm is traditionally attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, expressing his trust in God despite the dire circumstances. 2 Samuel 12:10-12Nathan's prophecy to David about the sword never departing from his house, which is being fulfilled through Absalom's rebellion. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers, which contrasts with the violence and conflict in David's family. Romans 8:28The assurance that God works all things for good, even in the midst of trials like David's. People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Arise, Bring, Calamity, David, Depart, Edge, Escape, Evil, Face, Flee, Flight, Forced, Haste, Hasten, Immediately, Jerusalem, Leave, Lest, Loss, Mouth, Move, None, Officials, Otherwise, Overtake, Overtaken, Quick, Quickly, Rise, Ruin, Safe, Servants, Smite, Smitten, Speed, Strike, Suddenly, Sword, TownDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:14 5088 David, character
5607 warfare, examples 2 Samuel 15:13-14 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Samuel 15:13-15 5319 fugitives 2 Samuel 15:13-18 5087 David, reign of Library A Loyal Vow
'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIttai of Gath
'And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 21. It was the darkest hour in David's life. No more pathetic page is found in the Old Testament than that which tells the story of his flight before Absalom. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved--the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Pardoned Sin Punished
'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 3. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Loyal to the Core
On the other hand, look at Ittai, perfectly free to go, but in order to end the controversy once for all, and to make David know that he does not mean to leave him, he takes a solemn oath before Jehovah his God, and he doubles it by swearing by the life of David that he will never leave him; in life, in death, he will be with him. He has cast in his lot with him for better and for worse, and he means to be faithful to the end. Old Master Trapp says, "All faithful friends went on a pilgrimage years …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Following Christ
"And Ittai answered the king, and said, as the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be."--2 Samuel 15:21. SOME men have a very remarkable power of creating and sustaining friendship in others. David was a man brimming over with affection--a man, notwithstanding all his rough soldier-life, of an exceedingly tender heart--a man, I was about to say--the word was on my tongue--a man of vast …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 The Will of God
"Here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him."--2 Sam. xv. 26. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou sweet beloved Will of God, My anchor ground, my fortress hill, The Spirit's silent fair abode, In Thee I hide me and am still. O Will, that willest good alone, Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best; A silent child, I follow on, And trusting, lean upon Thy Breast. God's Will doth make the bitter sweet, And all is well when it is done; Unless His Will doth hallow it, The glory …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) A Light to Lighten the Gentiles
P. G. 2 Sam. xv. 19-22; John xii. 26 "Wherefore goest thou with me?" Said the king disowned-- Said the king despised, rejected, Disenthroned. "Go, return unto thy place, To thy king of yore-- Here a pilgrim and a stranger, Nothing more. "Not for thee the cities fair, Hills of corn and wine-- All was portioned ere thou camest, Nought is thine. "Wandering forth where'er I may, Exiled from mine own, Shame, rejection I can grant thee; That alone. "Turn and take thy brethren back, With thy people …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 15:14 NIV2 Samuel 15:14 NLT2 Samuel 15:14 ESV2 Samuel 15:14 NASB2 Samuel 15:14 KJV
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