Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan. Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. New Living Translation So the king started back to Jerusalem. And when he arrived at the Jordan River, the people of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the river. English Standard Version So the king came back to the Jordan, and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king over the Jordan. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. King James Bible So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan. New King James Version Then the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to escort the king across the Jordan. New American Standard Bible The king then returned and came as far as the Jordan. And the men of Judah came to Gilgal in order to go to meet the king, to escort the king across the Jordan. NASB 1995 The king then returned and came as far as the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal in order to go to meet the king, to bring the king across the Jordan. NASB 1977 The king then returned and came as far as the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal in order to go to meet the king, to bring the king across the Jordan. Legacy Standard Bible The king then returned and came as far as the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal in order to go to meet the king, to cause the king to pass over across the Jordan. Amplified Bible So David returned and came to the Jordan. And [supporters from] Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king, to escort him across the Jordan. Berean Annotated Bible So the king returned, and when he arrived at the Jordan (flowing down), the men of Judah (praised) came to Gilgal (a wheel) to meet him and escort him across the Jordan. Christian Standard Bible Then the king returned. When he arrived at the Jordan, Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and escort him across the Jordan. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the king returned. When he arrived at the Jordan, Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and escort him across the Jordan. American Standard Version So the king returned, and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. Contemporary English Version David started back and had gone as far as the Jordan River when he met the people of Judah. They had gathered at Gilgal and had come to help him cross the river. English Revised Version So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over Jordan. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king came back to the Jordan River, and the people of Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and bring him across the Jordan River. Good News Translation On his way back the king was met at the Jordan River by the men of Judah, who had come to Gilgal to escort him across the river. International Standard Version So the king returned to Israel as far as the Jordan River. The men of Judah went out as far as Gilgal to greet the king and escort him across the Jordan River NET Bible So the king returned and came to the Jordan River. Now the people of Judah had come to Gilgal to meet the king and to help him cross the Jordan. New Heart English Bible So the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, having come down to meet the king, to bring the king across the Jordan. Webster's Bible Translation So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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. World English Bible So the king returned, and came to the Jordan. Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king turns back, and comes to the Jordan, and Judah has come to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan, Berean Literal Bible And the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. Young's Literal Translation And the king turneth back, and cometh in unto the Jordan, and Judah hath come to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan, Smith's Literal Translation And the king will turn back and come to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to cause the king to pass over Jordan. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king returned and came as far as the Jordan, and all Juda came as far as Galgal to meet the king, and to bring him over the Jordan. Catholic Public Domain Version And the king returned. And he went as far as the Jordan, and all of Judah went as far as Gilgal, so as to meet the king, and to lead him across the Jordan. New American Bible So the king returned, and when he reached the Jordan, Judah had come to Gilgal to meet him and to bring him across the Jordan. New Revised Standard Version So the king came back to the Jordan; and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring him over the Jordan. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and bring the king over the Jordan. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King returned and he came unto the Jordan, and Yehuda came to Galgala to go to the meeting of the King to bring the King across the Jordan OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So the king returned, and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king returned, and came as far s Jordan. And the men of Juda came to Galgala on their way to meet the king, to cause the king to pass over Jordan. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Restored as King…14So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.” 15So 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. Cross References So the king returned, 2 Samuel 15:25-26 Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to 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 again. / But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.” Jeremiah 29:10-14 For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. / Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. … Psalm 126:1-3 A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. / Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. and when he arrived at the Jordan, Joshua 3:14-17 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. / Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. … 2 Kings 2:7-8 Then a company of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing Elijah and Elisha as the two of them stood by the Jordan. / And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 2 Kings 2:13-14 Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. / Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over. the men of Judah came to Gilgal 1 Samuel 11:14-15 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.” / So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly. Joshua 4:19-20 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. / And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. 1 Samuel 10:8 And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do.” to meet him and escort him across the Jordan. 2 Samuel 17:15-16 So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised. / Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’” 2 Samuel 17:22 So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan. Joshua 1:10-11 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: / “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’” 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. 1 Kings 12:1-20 Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, … 2 Samuel 2:4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” 2 Samuel 3:17-21 Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. / Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” / Abner also spoke to the Benjamites. Then he went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. … Treasury of Scripture So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan. Gilgal Joshua 5:9 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. 1 Samuel 11:14,15 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there… Jump to Previous Conduct Far Gilgal Jordan Judah Meet Meeting Order TurnethJump to Next Conduct Far Gilgal Jordan Judah Meet Meeting Order Turneth2 Samuel 19 1. Joab causes the king to cease his mourning9. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back 11. David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah 18. Shimei is pardoned 24. Mephibosheth excused 32. Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family 41. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them So the king returned This phrase marks the return of King David to Jerusalem after the rebellion of his son Absalom. David's return signifies the restoration of his kingship and the reestablishment of order in Israel. The return of a king can be seen as a type of Christ's second coming, where He will return to establish His kingdom fully. and when he arrived at the Jordan the men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the Jordan Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe central figure in this passage, David is returning to his kingdom after the rebellion of his son Absalom. His return signifies the restoration of his rule and the healing of the nation. 2. The Jordan River A significant geographical landmark in Israel, the Jordan River often symbolizes transitions and new beginnings in the Bible. Here, it marks the point of David's return to power. 3. Judah The tribe of Judah plays a crucial role in welcoming David back. This reflects their loyalty and the importance of unity among the tribes of Israel. 4. Gilgal A location of historical and spiritual significance, Gilgal is where the Israelites first camped after crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land. It serves as a meeting place for David and the people of Judah. 5. Absalom's Rebellion The backdrop of this event is the rebellion led by David's son, Absalom, which temporarily displaced David from his throne. The resolution of this conflict is central to the account. Teaching Points Restoration and ForgivenessDavid's return to Jerusalem is a powerful image of restoration. It reminds us of God's ability to restore our lives and relationships when we turn back to Him. Unity and Reconciliation The tribe of Judah's role in bringing David back highlights the importance of unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ. We are called to be peacemakers and bridge builders. Leadership and Humility David's willingness to return and lead after a period of exile demonstrates humility and a servant's heart. Christian leaders are called to lead with humility and grace. God's Sovereignty The events surrounding David's return underscore God's sovereignty in the affairs of nations and individuals. Trusting in God's plan is essential, even when circumstances seem dire. New Beginnings Crossing the Jordan symbolizes new beginnings. In Christ, we are offered a fresh start, leaving behind past failures and embracing a new life in Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 19:15?2. How does David's return in 2 Samuel 19:15 demonstrate God's restoration process? 3. What can we learn about leadership from David's actions in 2 Samuel 19:15? 4. How does 2 Samuel 19:15 connect with God's promises to David in 2 Samuel 7? 5. In what ways can we seek reconciliation like David in 2 Samuel 19:15? 6. How can we apply David's humility in 2 Samuel 19:15 to our daily lives? 7. Why did David return to the Jordan in 2 Samuel 19:15? 8. How does 2 Samuel 19:15 reflect God's plan for leadership? 9. What historical evidence supports the events in 2 Samuel 19:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 19? 11. 2 Kings 15:19 speaks of Menahem paying tribute to Pul, king of Assyria--do extrabiblical sources confirm this tribute or Pul's identity? 12. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17? 13. Does the tribal conflict between Judah and Israel in 2 Samuel 19:40-43 align with other historical sources, or is there a possible inconsistency in how the tribes' loyalties shift? 14. 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? What Does 2 Samuel 19:15 Mean So the king returned• The text opens with David already on the move back toward Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt is crushed. The narrative stresses that his return is a fact, not merely a plan (2 Samuel 19:9–10). • God’s covenant promise that David’s throne would be established (2 Samuel 7:12–16) is being visibly upheld. • This is also a personal restoration: David fled weeping (2 Samuel 15:30), but now he comes back vindicated, reminiscent of earlier rescues the Lord provided (1 Samuel 30:6). and when he arrived at the Jordan • The Jordan River often marks decisive spiritual transitions. Israel first entered the land here (Joshua 3:14-17); prophets crossed it in moments of power (2 Kings 2:6-14); even Jesus launched His public ministry in its waters (Mark 1:9-11). • For David, the same river he crossed in sorrow while fleeing (2 Samuel 17:22) now becomes the threshold of re-entry and renewal. • Notice the deliberate, unhurried arrival—God’s timing brings him to the exact place where reconciliation can be staged. the men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him • Judah, David’s own tribe, responds first (2 Samuel 19:11-12). Their initiative contrasts with the slower action of the other tribes (2 Samuel 19:41-43). • Gilgal is charged with covenant history: Israel’s first campsite after crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:19), the place where Saul’s kingship was affirmed (1 Samuel 11:14-15), and a frequent setting for national rededication. • By choosing Gilgal, the men of Judah silently affirm: – “We are ready to renew loyalty.” – “We remember how God began our life in the land here.” – “We want our king’s restoration to be rooted in covenant faithfulness.” and escort him across the Jordan. • Escorting is more than courtesy; it is a public declaration of submission to David’s authority (2 Samuel 19:40). • The act heals rifts: the tribe that once debated his leadership (2 Samuel 2:8-10) now physically helps him reclaim it. • Symbolically, they stand in the gap—literally between riverbanks—uniting king and nation. • Practical outcomes: – Confirms David’s legitimacy before all observers. – Sets the stage for subsequent reconciliations with Benjamin (Shimei, 2 Samuel 19:16-23) and the northern tribes (2 Samuel 19:41-43). summary 2 Samuel 19:15 captures the moment God turns exile into restoration. David’s factual return, his arrival at the storied Jordan, Judah’s eager welcome at covenant-laden Gilgal, and the tribe’s escort back across the water all weave together to display the Lord’s faithfulness, the tribe’s renewed loyalty, and the kingdom’s healing. (15) Judah came to Gilgal.--The two parties met at the Jordan, David coming from Mahanaim to the eastern side of the ford, near Jericho, and the representatives of the tribe of Judah to Gilgal on the opposite bank.Verse 15. - Gilgal. As Gilgal lay upon the west bank of the Jordan (Joshua 5:9), near Jericho and the fords, it was a convenient place for the elders of Judah to await there the king. During the crossing, two interesting events happened - the meeting of Shimei and David, and the leave taking of Barzillai the Gileadite. Shortly afterwards came the apology of Mephibosheth but it is uncertain whether he was among those who had come to Gilgal to welcome the king.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king returned, וַיָּ֣שָׁב (way·yā·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again and when he arrived וַיָּבֹ֖א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go at עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the Jordan, הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine [the men of] Judah וִיהוּדָ֞ה (wî·hū·ḏāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites came בָּ֣א (bā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to Gilgal הַגִּלְגָּ֗לָה (hag·gil·gā·lāh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 1537: Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine to לָלֶ֙כֶת֙ (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk meet לִקְרַ֣את (liq·raṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way [him] הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king and escort him הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king across לְהַעֲבִ֥יר (lə·ha·‘ă·ḇîr) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on the Jordan. הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃ (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine Links 2 Samuel 19:15 NIV2 Samuel 19:15 NLT 2 Samuel 19:15 ESV 2 Samuel 19:15 NASB 2 Samuel 19:15 KJV 2 Samuel 19:15 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 19:15 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 19:15 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 19:15 French Bible 2 Samuel 19:15 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 19:15 So the king returned and came (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
    |