The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace--you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. The king also saidThis phrase introduces King David, the central figure in this narrative. David, a man after God's own heart, is portrayed here in a moment of crisis. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just speech but a declaration or command, reflecting David's authority and the weight of his words. Historically, David's leadership is being tested as he faces the rebellion of his son Absalom, and his decisions here are crucial for the future of his kingdom. to Zadok the priest
Zadok is a significant figure, representing the priestly line and spiritual authority in Israel. The Hebrew name "Zadok" (צָדוֹק) means "righteous" or "just," highlighting his role as a faithful servant of God. In the context of David's reign, Zadok's presence underscores the importance of spiritual guidance and the priesthood's role in supporting the king. Archaeological findings, such as seals and inscriptions, have confirmed the historical presence of priestly families like Zadok's, emphasizing the continuity of religious leadership in ancient Israel. Do you not see?
This rhetorical question implies a deeper understanding or insight that David expects from Zadok. The Hebrew root for "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) often denotes perception or discernment beyond physical sight. David is urging Zadok to recognize the broader implications of the situation, possibly hinting at divine providence or the need for strategic wisdom. This phrase invites readers to consider the importance of spiritual insight in times of crisis. Return to the city in peace
David instructs Zadok to go back to Jerusalem, the city of David, which holds both political and spiritual significance. The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a sense of wholeness and well-being. David's command reflects his desire for stability and order amidst the chaos of Absalom's rebellion. Historically, Jerusalem was the center of worship and governance, and David's decision to send Zadok back underscores the need to maintain continuity and faithfulness in the city's spiritual life. with your two sons, Ahimaaz your son and Jonathan son of Abiathar
The mention of Zadok's sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, highlights the continuity of the priestly line and the importance of family legacy in biblical narratives. Ahimaaz (אֲחִימַעַץ) means "my brother is anger" or "brother of counsel," while Jonathan (יוֹנָתָן) means "Yahweh has given." These names reflect the roles these individuals will play in the unfolding events. By involving the next generation, David ensures that the priestly duties and the support for his reign will continue, emphasizing the theme of faithfulness across generations. This decision also illustrates the strategic use of trusted individuals in maintaining communication and support during times of political upheaval. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. He is a central figure in this account, demonstrating leadership and reliance on God's guidance. 2. Zadok the PriestA loyal priest to King David, tasked with returning to Jerusalem to act as a spy and inform David of Absalom's plans. 3. AhimaazSon of Zadok, who plays a role in relaying messages between David and the priests in Jerusalem. 4. JonathanSon of Abiathar, another priest loyal to David, who also assists in the communication efforts. 5. The Fords of the WildernessA strategic location where David plans to wait for news from Zadok and Abiathar, highlighting the tactical considerations during Absalom's rebellion. Teaching Points Faithful ServiceZadok and Abiathar's loyalty to David exemplifies the importance of faithful service to God's anointed leaders. In our lives, we are called to serve faithfully in the roles God has placed us. Strategic WisdomDavid's decision to send the priests back to Jerusalem demonstrates the need for strategic wisdom in difficult situations. We should seek God's guidance in making wise decisions. Trust in God's PlanDespite the turmoil, David trusts in God's plan and timing. This teaches us to have faith in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. Role of CommunicationThe role of Ahimaaz and Jonathan highlights the importance of clear and reliable communication in fulfilling God's purposes. In our spiritual walk, maintaining open communication with God and fellow believers is crucial. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the loyalty of Zadok and Abiathar to David inspire us to remain faithful in our commitments, even in challenging times? 2. In what ways can we apply David's strategic wisdom in our own decision-making processes today? 3. How does David's trust in God's plan during Absalom's rebellion encourage us to rely on God's sovereignty in our personal trials? 4. What lessons can we learn from the role of Ahimaaz and Jonathan about the importance of communication in our spiritual and daily lives? 5. How can the events of 2 Samuel 15:27 deepen our understanding of the relationship between God's anointed leaders and their followers, and how does this relate to our relationship with church leadership today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 2:35This verse speaks of God raising a faithful priest, which connects to Zadok's role as a loyal servant to David, fulfilling God's promise of faithful priesthood. Psalm 3Written by David during his flight from Absalom, this psalm reflects David's trust in God amidst adversity, paralleling the events of 2 Samuel 15. Proverbs 3:5-6Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on one's understanding, which is exemplified by David's reliance on God's guidance through the priests. 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 Abiathar, Abi'athar, Ahimaaz, Ahim'a-az, Aren't, Further, Jonathan, Peace, Priest, Return, Seer, Seest, Sons, Town, Turn, ZadokDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:27 7781 seer 2 Samuel 15:25-29 5088 David, character 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 15:27 NIV2 Samuel 15:27 NLT2 Samuel 15:27 ESV2 Samuel 15:27 NASB2 Samuel 15:27 KJV
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