2 Samuel 16:15 kjv
And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
2 Samuel 16:15 nkjv
Meanwhile Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and Ahithophel was with him.
2 Samuel 16:15 niv
Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.
2 Samuel 16:15 esv
Now Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
2 Samuel 16:15 nlt
Meanwhile, Absalom and all the army of Israel arrived at Jerusalem, accompanied by Ahithophel.
2 Samuel 16 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 15:10 | But Absalom sent secret messengers...saying, "Absalom is king in Hebron!" | The beginning of Absalom's overt rebellion. |
| 2 Sam 15:13-14 | A messenger came to David... "The heart of the men of Israel has gone... after Absalom." David said, "Let us flee..." | Confirms the widespread nature of the rebellion and David's flight. |
| 2 Sam 12:11 | "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you... I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor...'" | A divine judgment prophecy that begins to be fulfilled here publicly. |
| Ps 3:1-2 | O LORD, how many are my foes!... Many are saying of my soul, "There is no salvation for him in God." | David's prayer during his flight from Absalom. |
| Ps 41:9 | Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. | Foreshadows the betrayal of Ahithophel. |
| 2 Sam 15:12 | while Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel... The conspiracy grew strong... | Ahithophel's initial involvement in the plot. |
| 2 Sam 17:1-4 | Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight..." | Ahithophel's decisive, aggressive counsel. |
| Ps 55:12-14 | For it is not an enemy who taunts me... but it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my intimate friend. | Expresses David's anguish over a trusted friend's betrayal (likely Ahithophel). |
| Prov 16:9 | The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. | Divine sovereignty over human plans, including Absalom's. |
| Prov 19:21 | Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. | Reiteration of God's ultimate control. |
| 2 Sam 17:14 | For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom. | Direct statement of God's hand in defeating Ahithophel's plan. |
| Rom 9:15 | For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." | God's sovereign right to choose and orchestrate events. |
| Lam 3:37 | Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? | Underscores God's supreme authority over all outcomes. |
| Dan 4:17 | ...that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will... | God's ultimate sovereignty over earthly rulers and kingdoms. |
| 1 Pet 4:17 | For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God... | Points to the idea that God's discipline begins with His own people/leaders. |
| Ps 2:1-4 | Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?... He who sits in the heavens laughs... | A warning to kings against rebellion against God's anointed. |
| Ps 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. | Contrasts trust in worldly power with trust in God amidst chaos. |
| Ps 27:1-3 | The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? | David's unwavering faith despite adversity. |
| Jn 13:18 | ...‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ | Jesus referencing betrayal, mirroring Ahithophel's act against David. |
| Matt 26:47-50 | While he was still speaking, Judas came... and with him a large crowd... "Friend, do what you came to do." | A similar instance of a "king" (Christ) being betrayed and arrested by popular uprising/an agent. |
| 1 Kings 1:5 | Adonijah... exalted himself, saying, "I will be king"; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen... | Another attempted usurpation of the Davidic throne. |
| Lk 19:14 | But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ | Illustrates rejection of a rightful ruler, paralleling Absalom's popular revolt. |
2 Samuel 16 verses
2 Samuel 16 15 Meaning
2 Samuel 16:15 records the significant moment when Absalom, the rebellious son of King David, entered Jerusalem, the capital city, alongside his growing popular support, represented by "all the people, the men of Israel." The presence of Ahithophel, David's former trusted counselor, with Absalom highlights the serious betrayal and strategic wisdom guiding Absalom's coup. This verse marks the completion of Absalom's swift takeover of the city, forcing David to flee and establishing Absalom as the de facto king in the capital, signifying a low point for David's reign.
2 Samuel 16 15 Context
Chapter 16 of 2 Samuel details the continuation of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. David, after hearing of the widespread support for Absalom's coup (2 Sam 15:13), had already decided to flee Jerusalem with his loyal servants, fearing Absalom would capture the city and slay its inhabitants (2 Sam 15:14). As David departed in humility and grief, leaving behind ten concubines to keep the palace (2 Sam 15:16), he encountered figures like Zadok and Abiathar (priests remaining to serve), Ittai the Gittite (a loyal Philistine), Ziba (Mephibosheth's servant), and Shimei (who cursed David). The literary structure highlights David's vulnerability and flight, juxtaposed with Absalom's ascent. Verse 15 marks the point of Absalom's triumphal entry into the now-deserted capital, consolidating his control. This event is a direct fulfillment of the Lord's judgment spoken by Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:11, where David's household would be afflicted by internal strife, specifically "I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor." Absalom's occupation of the city and his subsequent actions there (2 Sam 16:20-22) complete this prophecy's public aspect.
2 Samuel 16 15 Word analysis
- Absalom: (Hebrew: אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם, ’Abshalom). David's third son. His name means "father of peace," which stands in ironic contrast to his role in orchestrating war and rebellion against his father. His popularity and charisma were central to the success of his usurpation.
- came: (Hebrew: בָּא֙, bā). A strong verb indicating decisive action and arrival, not a slow progression but a purposeful taking of possession. This verb underscores the swiftness and completion of the initial phase of Absalom's coup.
- to Jerusalem: (Hebrew: יְרוּשָׁלַ֔םִ, Yerushalaim). The capital city, established by David, serving as the political, spiritual, and administrative heart of the kingdom. Its capture by Absalom signified the successful overthrow of David's reign and the control of the center of Israel's power and worship.
- all the people: (Hebrew: וְכָל־הָעָם֙, wəḵāl-hā‘ām). This phrase highlights the broad and popular support Absalom garnered, particularly among the "men of Israel," indicating not just a few conspirators but a significant portion of the populace defecting to his side. This gave his rebellion an air of popular legitimacy, making it difficult for David to fight.
- the men of Israel: Specifically denotes the male population, the fighting force, and decision-makers, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the defection from David.
- with him: Reinforces that the presence of the people was voluntary and in direct alignment with Absalom's purpose, reflecting the deep penetration of his conspiracy.
- Ahithophel: (Hebrew: וַאֲחִיתֹ֥פֶל, wa’ăḥîtōpel). A critical figure. He was David's trusted and highly respected counselor, whose advice was considered "as if one consulted the word of God" (2 Sam 16:23). His defection and presence with Absalom signaled a grave blow to David, adding strategic depth and cunning to the rebellion, rather than it being a mere popular uprising. His name might signify "brother of foolishness" or "my brother is ruin," an ironic twist given his wise reputation and his eventual ruin.
- Words-group Analysis:
- Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem: This phrase dramatically announces the culmination of Absalom's initial strategic victory. The presence of "all the people, the men of Israel" indicates a mass defection and overwhelming support, creating a scene of apparent triumph.
- and Ahithophel with him: This specific inclusion immediately raises the stakes. Ahithophel's presence implies that this is not just a popular surge but a strategically guided usurpation. His renowned wisdom lent intellectual and tactical gravitas to Absalom's otherwise reckless undertaking, making the situation exceptionally perilous for David.
2 Samuel 16 15 Bonus section
The seemingly total success of Absalom's entry into Jerusalem sets the stage for a critical theological and historical point in David's life. This moment reflects not merely political upheaval but a divinely orchestrated consequence, allowing the seed of judgment sown earlier (from David's sin with Bathsheba, 2 Sam 12) to bear fruit. David’s flight and Absalom's entry are also reminiscent of an ultimate King whose people rejected Him and sought to take control of His rightful domain. The immediate consequence of Ahithophel's presence will be seen in his aggressive advice regarding David's concubines and then David's life, highlighting the public shame and severe threat that now hangs over the throne. This episode underscores the fragility of human power and popularity in the face of divine decree and ultimate providence.
2 Samuel 16 15 Commentary
2 Samuel 16:15 marks the immediate outcome of David's retreat from Jerusalem: the unchallenged entry of Absalom into the city, signaling a dark hour for David's kingdom. The swift occupation of the capital by Absalom, backed by an overwhelming segment of the population ("all the people, the men of Israel"), underscores the successful initial phase of the rebellion. The presence of Ahithophel is paramount; his astute counsel, likened to divine pronouncements, confirms that Absalom's plot was meticulously planned, drawing on intimate knowledge of David's court and vulnerabilities. This verse illustrates the complete reversal of David's fortunes—from undisputed king in his capital to a fugitive. It powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs, allowing a period of discipline and consequence for David's past sins, even as He works to preserve His ultimate purpose through other means (like Hushai's counter-counsel). It reminds believers that even in times of profound betrayal and loss, divine judgment, while painful, is part of God's redemptive plan.