Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at the edge of the city. New Living Translation The king and all his people set out on foot, pausing at the last house English Standard Version And the king went out, and all the people after him. And they halted at the last house. Berean Standard Bible So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house, Berean Literal Bible And the king went out, and all the people after him, and they stood at the last house. King James Bible And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off. New King James Version And the king went out with all the people after him, and stopped at the outskirts. New American Standard Bible The king left, and all the people with him, and they stopped at the last house. NASB 1995 The king went out and all the people with him, and they stopped at the last house. NASB 1977 And the king went out and all the people with him, and they stopped at the last house. Legacy Standard Bible And the king went out and all the people with him, and they stopped at the last house. Amplified Bible The king left, and all the people with him, and they stopped at the last house. Berean Annotated Bible So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house, Christian Standard Bible So the king set out, and all the people followed him. They stopped at the last house Holman Christian Standard Bible So the king set out, and all the people followed him. They stopped at the last house American Standard Version And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak. English Revised Version And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak. GOD'S WORD® Translation As the king and his troops were leaving the city on foot, they stopped at the last house. Good News Translation As the king and all his men were leaving the city, they stopped at the last house. International Standard Version The king left, along with all of his people with him, and they paused at the last house. NET Bible The king and all the people set out on foot, pausing at a spot some distance away. New Heart English Bible So the king went out with all his servants following him, and they stopped at the last house. Webster's Bible Translation And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house, World English Bible The king went out, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king goes out, and all the people at his feet, and they stand still at the farthest off house. Berean Literal Bible And the king went out, and all the people after him, and they stood at the last house. Young's Literal Translation And the king goeth out, and all the people at his feet, and they stand still at the farthest off house. Smith's Literal Translation And the king will go forth, and all the people at his feet, and they will stand in a house far off. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king going forth and all Israel on foot, stood afar off from the house: Catholic Public Domain Version And having gone forth on foot, the king and all of Israel stood at a distance from the house. New American Bible As the king left the city, with all his officers accompanying him, they halted opposite the ascent of the Mount of Olives, at a distance, New Revised Standard Version The king left, followed by all the people; and they stopped at the last house. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king went forth and all the people after him, and they halted in a place at a distance from the city. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King went out and all the people at his feet, and they stood at a distance OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king and all his servants went out on foot; and abode in a distant house. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Flees Jerusalem…16Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace. 17So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house, 18and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.… Cross References So the king set out 2 Kings 25:5 but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. 2 Samuel 5:6 Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” 1 Kings 19:3 And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, with all the people following him. 1 Kings 1:40 All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound. 2 Chronicles 23:20 And he took with him the commanders of hundreds, the nobles, the rulers of the people, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD and entered the royal palace through the Upper Gate. They seated King Joash on the royal throne, 2 Kings 11:19 He took with him the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD and entered the royal palace by way of the Gate of the Guards. Then Joash took his seat on the royal throne, He stopped at the last house, Joshua 2:15 Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window, since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city. 1 Kings 17:10 So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” Genesis 19:1 Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, 2 Samuel 16:13 So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David. 2 Samuel 19:15-18 So the king returned, and when he arrived at the Jordan, the men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the Jordan. / Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, / along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king … 1 Kings 2:37 On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” 1 Kings 2:42 the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’ 2 Samuel 16:5-6 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. / He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. 2 Samuel 19:9-10 And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” 2 Samuel 19:41-43 Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel. Treasury of Scripture And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off. went forth Psalm 3:1,2 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me… Psalm 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. Ecclesiastes 10:7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. Jump to Previous Beth Distance Far Farthest Feet Following Forth Halted House Last Remote Servants Stand Stop Stopped TarriedJump to Next Beth Distance Far Farthest Feet Following Forth Halted House Last Remote Servants Stand Stop Stopped Tarried2 Samuel 15 1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron 10. He makes there a great conspiracy 13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem 19. Ittai will leave him 24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark 30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping, 31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel 32. Hushai is sent back with instructions So the king set out This phrase refers to King David, who is leaving Jerusalem due to the rebellion led by his son Absalom. David's departure marks a significant moment in his reign, highlighting the consequences of his earlier sins and the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy (2 Samuel 12:10-12). This event is a turning point, showing David's humility and reliance on God during times of distress. with all the people following him He stopped at the last house Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe central figure in this passage, David is the anointed king of Israel. At this point, he is fleeing Jerusalem due to the rebellion led by his son Absalom. 2. The People These are the loyal followers of David who accompany him as he leaves Jerusalem. Their presence signifies their allegiance to David despite the political turmoil. 3. The Last House This location marks a significant point in David's departure from Jerusalem. It symbolizes the boundary between the city and the wilderness, a place of transition and reflection. 4. Absalom's Rebellion The backdrop of this event is the insurrection led by Absalom, David's son, who seeks to usurp the throne, causing David to flee. 5. Jerusalem The city from which David departs, representing both the political and spiritual center of Israel at the time. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyDavid's departure from Jerusalem, though painful, demonstrates his trust in God's ultimate plan. In times of personal crisis, believers are encouraged to rely on God's sovereignty. Leadership in Crisis David's actions show the importance of leading with integrity and humility, even when facing betrayal and rebellion. Christian leaders can learn from David's example of steadfastness. Community and Support The loyalty of David's followers highlights the value of community and support during difficult times. Believers should cultivate relationships that provide mutual encouragement and strength. Reflection and Transition The "last house" symbolizes a moment of reflection and transition. In our spiritual journeys, we should take time to pause and seek God's guidance when facing significant changes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:17?2. How does David's departure in 2 Samuel 15:17 demonstrate humility and trust in God? 3. What can we learn about leadership from David's actions in 2 Samuel 15:17? 4. How does David's journey in 2 Samuel 15:17 connect to Jesus' path to Calvary? 5. How should we respond when faced with betrayal, as David was in 2 Samuel 15:17? 6. What role does faith play when facing trials, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:17? 7. Why did David leave Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 15:17, and what does it signify spiritually? 8. How does David's departure in 2 Samuel 15:17 reflect on his leadership and faith? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Samuel 15:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15? 11. Who were the Cherethites in the Bible? 12. In 2 Samuel 12:15-23, how can the moral or spiritual purpose of the child's death be reconciled with the idea of a loving and merciful God? 13. How realistic is the swift exchange of secret messages in 2 Samuel 17:15-21, given the distance and security risks involved in ancient Israel? 14. What defines a covenant? What Does 2 Samuel 15:17 Mean So the king set out with all the people following him“So the king set out with all the people following him.” (2 Samuel 15:17) • David’s immediate obedience to act once the danger of Absalom’s coup became clear echoes earlier moments when God’s anointed moved promptly—such as Moses leaving Egypt at God’s command (Exodus 12:31-33) and Joseph taking Mary and the infant Jesus to Egypt by night (Matthew 2:13-14). • “All the people” includes loyal servants, household members, and the Cherethites, Pelethites, and Gittites mentioned in verses 18-22. Their willingness to follow showcases covenant loyalty (2 Samuel 20:6; Ruth 1:16-17). • The king leads; the people follow. This pattern reflects the shepherd model David himself wrote about in Psalm 23:1-4 and foreshadows Christ, the greater King, who goes before His flock (John 10:4). • David’s departure fulfills Nathan’s prophecy that calamity would rise up from within his own house (2 Samuel 12:10-12). God’s word proves literally true, yet His anointed is not abandoned (Psalm 34:19). He stopped at the last house “He stopped at the last house.” (2 Samuel 15:17) • The “last house” marks the edge of Jerusalem, a pause before crossing the Kidron Valley (v. 23). It recalls Israel’s pauses at significant thresholds—the Jordan before entering Canaan (Joshua 3:1-3) and Elijah’s halt at the Jordan before his translation (2 Kings 2:6-8). • This stop allows David to review those accompanying him, test loyalties, and give orders (vv. 18-22). Similarly, Jesus paused in Gethsemane to pray and strengthen disciples before His arrest (Matthew 26:36-46). • The king’s brief halt shows measured leadership amid crisis: he is neither panicked nor inert. In Proverbs 21:31, “Victory rests with the LORD.” David’s pause demonstrates trust that the Lord directs each step (Psalm 37:23). • Physically, the “last house” underscores how close David comes to losing the visible throne, yet spiritually God’s covenant promise stands (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The earthly kingdom trembles; the divine kingdom remains unshaken (Hebrews 12:28). summary 2 Samuel 15:17 pictures David, God’s anointed king, leaving Jerusalem with faithful followers and pausing at the city’s edge. His swift departure fulfills divine prophecy, while the stop at the “last house” reveals calm trust and deliberate leadership. The scene mirrors past and future redemptive moments, reminding us that even when thrones totter, the Lord’s word proves true and His shepherd-king guides His people step by step. (17) Tarried in a place that was far off.--Better, halted at the far house, i.e., at a definite place known by this name, probably the last house on the outskirts of the city before the road crossed the Kidron. Here David mustered his forces and made the arrangements for his flight.Verse 17. - And tarried in a place that was far off; Revised Version, in Beth-merhak. "The Far House" - so we may translate this proper name - was probably not a dwelling, but a pavilion overlooking the Kidron valley; and here David halted his household until all were assembled, and arrangements made for their journey. Here, too, the bodyguard would gather, and they would cross the Kidron only when everything was ready for their orderly progress. Confusion at such a time would breed a panic and invite an attack.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the kingהַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king set out וַיֵּצֵ֥א (way·yê·ṣê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim with all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock following him. בְּרַגְלָ֑יו (bə·raḡ·lāw) Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda [He] stopped וַיַּעַמְד֖וּ (way·ya·‘am·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations at בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's Hebrew the last house, הַמֶּרְחָֽק׃ (ham·mer·ḥāq) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1023: Beth-ham-Merchak, a place in Palestine -- place that was far off Links 2 Samuel 15:17 NIV2 Samuel 15:17 NLT 2 Samuel 15:17 ESV 2 Samuel 15:17 NASB 2 Samuel 15:17 KJV 2 Samuel 15:17 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 15:17 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 15:17 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 15:17 French Bible 2 Samuel 15:17 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 15:17 The king went forth and all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |



