Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king's palace. Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you?This phrase introduces us to Zadok and Abiathar, two significant priestly figures during King David's reign. Zadok, from the line of Eleazar, and Abiathar, from the line of Ithamar, represent the dual priesthood that existed in Israel at the time. Their presence signifies the continuity of spiritual oversight and divine guidance amidst political turmoil. Historically, the priesthood was central to Israelite society, serving as mediators between God and the people. The Hebrew root for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) implies one who stands in service, highlighting their role as servants of God and the community. Their involvement in David's strategy underscores the importance of spiritual counsel in leadership and decision-making. Whatever you hear from the king’s palace
This phrase emphasizes the role of communication and intelligence in the unfolding events. The "king's palace" refers to the seat of power, where decisions affecting the nation are made. In the context of Absalom's rebellion, the palace becomes a place of intrigue and potential danger. The Hebrew word for "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) conveys not just the act of listening but also understanding and obeying. This implies that the information gathered is not merely for knowledge but for action. The historical context of ancient Near Eastern courts, often rife with plots and counterplots, adds depth to the necessity of having trusted informants like Zadok and Abiathar. you are to report to Zadok and Abiathar the priests
The instruction to report to Zadok and Abiathar highlights the trust and responsibility placed upon them. In a time of crisis, reliable communication channels are crucial. The Hebrew root for "report" (נָגַד, nagad) suggests making something known or declaring it openly. This task requires integrity and courage, as the information could determine the outcome of the conflict. The priests' role as recipients of this intelligence underscores their position as spiritual and political advisors. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the theme of God using His chosen servants to preserve His people and fulfill His purposes, even in times of national distress. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is facing a rebellion led by his son Absalom. David is strategically planning to gather intelligence from Jerusalem. 2. Zadok and AbiatharThe priests who remain loyal to David. They are tasked with relaying information from Jerusalem to David. 3. AbsalomDavid's son, who has declared himself king in Hebron and is attempting to usurp David's throne. 4. Hushai the ArchiteDavid's friend and advisor, who is sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor. 5. JerusalemThe city where Absalom has taken control and where David's loyalists, including Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar, are gathering intelligence. Teaching Points Loyalty in LeadershipThe loyalty of Zadok and Abiathar to David during a time of crisis is a powerful example of faithfulness and integrity. In our own lives, we should strive to be loyal and trustworthy in our relationships and commitments. Strategic WisdomDavid's strategic use of Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar demonstrates the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. We should seek God's guidance in making wise decisions, especially in challenging situations. God's SovereigntyDespite the rebellion and chaos, God's plan for David's kingship prevails. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and we can trust Him to fulfill His purposes in our lives. The Role of PriestsZadok and Abiathar's role as priests highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and intercession. We are called to be a "royal priesthood" ( 1 Peter 2:9), interceding for others and serving faithfully. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the actions of Zadok and Abiathar demonstrate loyalty, and how can we apply this principle in our own relationships and commitments? 2. In what ways does David's strategic planning reflect wisdom, and how can we seek God's wisdom in our decision-making processes? 3. How does the loyalty of Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar contrast with the betrayal of Ahithophel, and what can we learn about the importance of choosing our allies wisely? 4. How does the sovereignty of God manifest in the events of 2 Samuel 15, and how can we trust in God's sovereignty in our own lives? 5. What role do spiritual leaders play in times of crisis, and how can we support and pray for our spiritual leaders today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 2:35This verse speaks of God raising a faithful priest, which connects to the roles of Zadok and Abiathar as faithful priests serving David. 1 Kings 1:7-8This passage describes the loyalty of Zadok and Abiathar to David during the succession crisis involving Adonijah, showing their consistent faithfulness. Psalm 55:12-14David laments betrayal by a close friend, which can be related to the betrayal by Ahithophel, contrasting with the loyalty of Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar. 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, Anything, Declare, Ears, Hast, Hearest, King's, Matter, Palace, Priests, Report, Soever, Whatever, Whatsoever, ZadokDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:32-36 5088 David, character 2 Samuel 15:32-37 5691 friends, good 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 15:35 NIV2 Samuel 15:35 NLT2 Samuel 15:35 ESV2 Samuel 15:35 NASB2 Samuel 15:35 KJV
2 Samuel 15:35 Commentaries
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