2 Samuel 15:32
New International Version
When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head.

New Living Translation
When David reached the summit of the Mount of Olives where people worshiped God, Hushai the Arkite was waiting there for him. Hushai had torn his clothing and put dirt on his head as a sign of mourning.

English Standard Version
While David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and dirt on his head.

Berean Standard Bible
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

New King James Version
Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God—there was Hushai the Archite coming to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

New American Standard Bible
It happened as David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, that behold, Hushai the Archite met him with his coat torn, and dust on his head.

NASB 1995
It happened as David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, that behold, Hushai the Archite met him with his coat torn and dust on his head.

NASB 1977
It happened as David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, that behold, Hushai the Archite met him with his coat torn, and dust on his head.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then it happened that as David was coming to the summit, where he used to worship God, that behold, Hushai the Archite met him with his coat torn and dust on his head.

Amplified Bible
It happened when David came to the summit [of the Mount of Olives], where he worshiped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his tunic torn and dust on his head [as if in mourning].

Christian Standard Bible
When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, that, when David was come to the top of the ascent, where God was worshipped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head.

Contemporary English Version
When David reached the top of the Mount of Olives, he met Hushai the Archite at a place of worship. Hushai's robe was torn, and dust was on his head.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the ascent, where God was worshipped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When David came to the top [of the Mount of Olives] where people worshiped God, Hushai from Archi's family was there to meet him. His clothes were torn, and he had dirt on his head.

Good News Translation
When David reached the top of the hill, where there was a place of worship, his trusted friend Hushai the Archite met him with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head.

International Standard Version
Just as David was coming to the top of the Mount of Olives where God was being worshipped, there was Hushai the Archite to meet him, with his coat ripped and dust all over his head!

Majority Standard Bible
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

NET Bible
When David reached the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite met him with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.

New Heart English Bible
It happened that when David had come to the top, where God was worshiped, look, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn, and earth on his head.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, that when David had come to the top of the mount, where he worshiped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head;

World English Bible
When David had come to the top, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his tunic torn and earth on his head.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, David has come to the top, where he bows himself to God, and behold, Hushai the Archite [is there] to meet him, [with] his coat torn, and earth on his head;

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, David hath come unto the top, where he boweth himself to God, and lo, to meet him is Hushai the Archite, his coat rent, and earth on his head;

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be David came even to the head where he will worship there to God, and behold, to his meeting, Hushai the Archite, his tunic rent and earth upon his head.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when David was come to the top of the mountain, where he was about to adore the Lord, behold Chusai the Arachite, came to meet him with his garment rent and his head covered with earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when David had ascended to the summit of the mountain, where he was going to adore the Lord, behold Hushai the Archite met him, with his garment torn and his head covered with soil.

New American Bible
When David reached the top, where God was worshiped, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him, with garments torn and dirt upon his head.

New Revised Standard Version
When David came to the summit, where God was worshiped, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and earth on his head.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when David came to a place where he used to worship God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and earth upon his head;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David arrived to one place where he had worshiped God, and Khushi the Arkite came to him, ripping his tunic and casting dust on his head
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the ascent, where God was wont to be worshipped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David came as far as Ros, where he worshipped God: and behold, Chusi the chief friend of David came out to meet him, having rent his garment, and earth was upon his head.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Weeps at the Mount of Olives
31Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” 32When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me.…

Cross References
Psalm 3:1-8
A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! / Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah / But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. ...

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Psalm 109:4
In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.

Psalm 109:30-31
With my mouth I will thank the LORD profusely; I will praise Him in the presence of many. / For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul.

Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” / He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. / Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” ...

John 18:1-2
After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden. / Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.

Luke 22:39-46
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. / When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” / And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, ...

Mark 14:32-42
Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” / He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. / Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” ...

John 17:1-26
When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. / For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. / Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. ...

1 Kings 1:8
But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

1 Kings 1:32-34
Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’

1 Chronicles 27:33
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

2 Samuel 16:16-19
And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” / “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” / “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. ...

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth on his head:

the top

2 Samuel 15:30
And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

1 Kings 11:7
Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

Luke 19:29
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

he worshipped

1 Kings 8:44,45
If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name: …

Job 1:20,21
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, …

Psalm 3:3-5,7
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head…

Hushai

2 Samuel 16:16-19
And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king…

Archite

Joshua 16:2
And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

coat rent

2 Samuel 1:2
It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

2 Samuel 13:19
And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.

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Archite Arrived Ascent Boweth Coat David Dust Earth God Head Hushai Meet Met Mount Rent Slope Summit Top Torn Used Wont Worship Worshiped Worshipped
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2 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














As David was climbing the summit
The phrase "as David was climbing the summit" paints a vivid picture of King David in a moment of distress and urgency. The Hebrew word for "climbing" (עָלָה, 'alah) often signifies an ascent, not just physically but spiritually or emotionally. This ascent can be seen as symbolic of David's journey towards God in a time of crisis. The "summit" (רֹאשׁ, rosh) is not just a physical high point but also a place of meeting with God, indicating a place of prayer and reflection. Historically, high places were often associated with worship, and David's climb signifies his seeking of divine guidance and strength.

where men used to worship God
This phrase indicates a location that held spiritual significance, a place where people traditionally sought communion with God. The Hebrew term for "worship" (שָׁחָה, shachah) means to bow down or prostrate oneself, reflecting an attitude of reverence and submission. This context suggests that David was not just fleeing from Absalom but was also seeking a place of solace and divine intervention. The historical context of worship on high places underscores the ancient practice of seeking closeness to the divine in elevated locations, which were thought to be nearer to heaven.

Hushai the Archite
Hushai is introduced here as a loyal friend and advisor to David. The term "Archite" refers to his lineage or clan, possibly indicating his origins from a place called Archi, near Bethel. Hushai's presence at this critical moment highlights the importance of faithful companionship and counsel in times of trial. His loyalty to David is a testament to the bonds of friendship and the role of trusted advisors in biblical narratives.

came to him with his robe torn and dust on his head
The imagery of Hushai with "his robe torn and dust on his head" is a powerful expression of mourning and distress. In ancient Near Eastern culture, tearing one's robe and putting dust on one's head were traditional signs of grief and lamentation. This act signifies Hushai's empathy with David's plight and his own sorrow over the turmoil in the kingdom. The Hebrew word for "robe" (מְעִיל, me'il) and "dust" (עָפָר, afar) are rich in cultural significance, symbolizing humility and the transient nature of life. This gesture of solidarity and mourning underscores the gravity of the situation and the deep bonds of loyalty and friendship in the face of adversity.

(32) Where he worshipped God.--Rather, where men worship. The original indicates a customary act. David had taken the road over the crest of the Mount of Olives, and there, in all probability, was one of those "high places" which abounded in Israel.

Hushai the Archite.--His place is mentioned in Joshua 16:2 as on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin, and he may have been at his own home when the rebellion broke out. His coming appears as the beginning of the answer to David's prayer in 2Samuel 15:31.

Verse 32. - Where he worshipped God; more correctly, where God was worshipped, and so the Revised Version. The summit of the Mount of Olives was one of the many bamoth, or high places, situated on the top of hills, where, in the old Canaanitish time, men had worshipped their heathenish deities. They were still regarded as consecrated places, but the worship had now been transferred to Elohim, the true God. They continued to be hallowed spots, with Levitical priests to minister at them, until the stricter times of Josiah (2 Kings 23:8), when such worship was forbidden; but even then these priests seem to have retained considerable privileges, though their position was inferior to that held by the priests of the temple. It was at this hallowed spot that David's old friend and privy counselor (ver. 37), Hushai, met him, with his coat rent - not the upper garment, but the kuttoneth, the under tunic, the rending of which was a sign of deeper sorrow. We read of "the border of the Archites" (so the Revised Version, rightly) in Joshua 16:2, near Bethel, in the tribe of Manasseh; and Hushai's birthplace was probably there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When
וַיְהִ֤י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

David
דָוִד֙ (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

came
בָּ֣א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the summit,
הָרֹ֔אשׁ (hā·rōš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

where
אֲשֶֽׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

he used to worship
יִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה (yiš·ta·ḥă·weh)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

God,
לֵאלֹהִ֑ים (lê·lō·hîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

Hushai
חוּשַׁ֣י (ḥū·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2365: Hushai -- two Israelites

the Archite
הָאַרְכִּ֔י (hā·’ar·kî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 757: Archite -- a native of a place in Palestine

was there
וְהִנֵּ֤ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

to meet him
לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ (liq·rā·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way

with his robe
כֻּתָּנְתּ֔וֹ (kut·tā·nə·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3801: A shirt

torn
קָר֙וּעַ֙ (qā·rū·a‘)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 7167: To rend

and dust
וַאֲדָמָ֖ה (wa·’ă·ḏā·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 127: Ground, land

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his head.
רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head


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OT History: 2 Samuel 15:32 It happened that when David had come (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 15:31
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