2 Samuel 15:15 kjv
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 15:15 nkjv
And the king's servants said to the king, "We are your servants, ready to do whatever my lord the king commands."
2 Samuel 15:15 niv
The king's officials answered him, "Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses."
2 Samuel 15:15 esv
And the king's servants said to the king, "Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king decides."
2 Samuel 15:15 nlt
"We are with you," his advisers replied. "Do what you think is best."
2 Samuel 15 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 13:1 | Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers... | Obedience to authority. |
| Tit 3:1 | Put them in mind to be subject to principalities... | Christians subject to rulers. |
| 1 Pet 2:13-14 | Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man... | Submit for the Lord's sake. |
| Gen 39:4 | Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him. | Faithful service. |
| Phil 2:8 | ...became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. | Ultimate obedience (Christ's example). |
| Job 1:21 | ...the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away... | Loyalty to God in suffering. |
| Ruth 1:16 | ...Whither thou goest, I will go... | Unwavering personal loyalty. |
| Joshua 24:15 | ...choose you this day whom ye will serve... | Choosing whom to serve. |
| Ex 24:7 | All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. | Israel's promise of obedience to God. |
| Heb 5:8 | ...yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. | Learning obedience through suffering. |
| Matt 26:39 | ...not as I will, but as thou wilt. | Christ's submission to God's will. |
| John 15:14 | Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. | Relationship through obedience. |
| Psa 119:60 | I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. | Eagerness in obedience. |
| Prov 21:1 | The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord... | God's sovereign control over rulers. |
| Isa 40:29 | He giveth power to the faint... | God strengthens His servants. |
| Eph 6:6 | Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ... | Sincere and dedicated service. |
| Col 3:22-24 | Servants, obey in all things your masters... | Service done heartily as to the Lord. |
| Prov 17:11 | An evil man seeketh only rebellion... | Contrast to rebellion. |
| 1 Sam 15:23 | For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft... | The grave sin of rebellion. |
| 2 Sam 18:2-3 | And David said unto the people... I will surely go forth with you myself. | David's concern for his loyal men. |
| Psa 3:1-2 | Lord, how are they increased that trouble me!... | David's cry during Absalom's rebellion. |
2 Samuel 15 verses
2 Samuel 15 15 Meaning
The servants of King David here express immediate, absolute, and unconditional loyalty and obedience. In a moment of severe crisis, as Absalom's rebellion forces David to flee Jerusalem, his faithful retinue declares their readiness to perform any command or decision their king might make, without hesitation, question, or exception. It signifies unwavering devotion to their rightful sovereign even when faced with imminent danger and uncertainty.
2 Samuel 15 15 Context
This verse occurs during the climax of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. After secretly cultivating loyalty for four years, Absalom orchestrates a coup in Hebron and begins a march on Jerusalem. David, receiving news of the vast support for Absalom and advised that any resistance in the city would be futile and destructive, makes the difficult decision to flee Jerusalem. He orders all his loyal household, including his foreign guard (Cherethites, Pelethites, and Gittites), to evacuate the city. This particular verse, 2 Samuel 15:15, captures the crucial moment of faithful affirmation by David's immediate servants. It immediately follows David's command to them (v.14) and precedes his continued organization of the exodus (v.16ff), setting a tone of trust and unwavering support amidst deep personal and national crisis.
2 Samuel 15 15 Word analysis
- And the king's servants (וַיֹּאמְרוּ עַבְדֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ, Vay-yomru avde ha-melekh): "Servants" (‘avade) denotes individuals dedicated to another, often in a position of humble service, yet implying devotion. Here, it refers to David's personal retainers, officials, and bodyguards. Their collective voice signifies unanimous agreement.
- said unto the king (אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ): Direct and formal address, indicating their official submission and respect for his authority.
- Behold (הִנֵּה, hinneh): An emphatic interjection meaning "Look!" or "Indeed!" It draws attention to the strong declaration that follows, emphasizing their earnestness and the weight of their pledge.
- thy servants (עֲבָדֶיךָ, avadeyka): A possessive reaffirmation of their identity and allegiance, underscoring their complete dedication and self-identification as David's loyal subjects.
- are ready (נְכֹנִים, nekhonim): Derived from the root kun, meaning to be established, firm, prepared, or fixed. It suggests a state of preparedness and resolute determination. They are not merely willing, but already poised for action.
- to do whatsoever (לְכֹל אֲשֶׁר, le-kol asher): Literally "for all that which." This phrase signifies total, unqualified submission and obedience. It implies no limit, no exception, and no demand for justification or explanation for David's commands. Their service is all-encompassing.
- my lord the king (אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ, Adoni ha-Melekh): A double appellation combining "my master/lord" and "the king." This dual title powerfully emphasizes both personal fealty (lordship) and respect for his regal office (kingship), highlighting the absolute nature of their commitment to his person and position.
- shall appoint (יִבְחַר, yivchar): From the verb bachar, commonly meaning "to choose" or "to select." Here, it carries the sense of whatever the king determines, decides, or decrees. Their readiness is for any path David chooses to take, illustrating unquestioning faith in his leadership and judgment during the crisis.
Words-group analysis:
- "And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready": This opening emphasizes the active, vocal, and immediate nature of their pledge. The repetition of "servants" strengthens their declared identity and role. "Are ready" conveys proactive commitment, not hesitant assent.
- "to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint": This phrase expresses the unconditional and comprehensive scope of their loyalty. It’s a powerful statement of surrender of their own will to the king's directives, establishing a profound commitment to executing any decision he makes, regardless of its difficulty or apparent consequence.
2 Samuel 15 15 Bonus section
The unanimous declaration "Behold, thy servants are ready" provides David with immediate, much-needed psychological and strategic reassurance during a moment of immense vulnerability. This collective affirmation stands in stark contrast to the widespread defection seen elsewhere in the narrative. Their immediate and unreserved commitment (using "whatsoever") underscores a key characteristic of truly devoted followers—their will is aligned with their leader's, especially in dire circumstances. This type of loyal devotion foreshadows the commitment expected of believers toward their ultimate King, Jesus Christ, serving Him fully and without reservation in whatever He "appoints" for them to do. It also shows God's gracious provision of faithful individuals even when His chosen leader faces the consequences of past failings (David's sins with Bathsheba and Uriah, for instance). This loyalty becomes part of God's redemptive work.
2 Samuel 15 15 Commentary
2 Samuel 15:15 encapsulates a profound display of unwavering loyalty amidst acute crisis. While David faced betrayal from his own son, Absalom, and counsel from Ahithophel, this verse reveals a steadfast core of his most trusted servants. Their response highlights an ancient and crucial aspect of biblical leadership and discipleship: radical obedience. It is not an obedience predicated on understanding David's strategy, agreement with his decisions, or certainty of their personal safety. Instead, it is a response rooted in submission to David’s God-ordained authority as their king and personal loyalty as their lord. This loyalty served as a critical foundation for David's eventual return to power. Practically, this serves as an example of faithfulness under pressure, demonstrating how true allegiance persists through adversity, mirroring the devotion required of those who genuinely follow Christ.