2 Samuel 19 15

2 Samuel 19:15 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 19:15 nkjv

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.

2 Samuel 19:15 niv

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.

2 Samuel 19:15 esv

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.

2 Samuel 19:15 nlt

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.

2 Samuel 19 verses

2 Samuel 19 15 Meaning

2 Samuel 19:15 describes the immediate action taken by the tribe of Judah following David's summons for his return as king after Absalom's rebellion. The verse states that King David initiated his journey back towards the Jordan River, and concurrently, the people of Judah actively came to Gilgal, a historically significant location on the western bank of the Jordan, specifically to meet him and facilitate his crossing back into his kingdom's central territory. This shows Judah's swift response and renewed allegiance, actively participating in the restoration of David's rule.

2 Samuel 19 15 Context

This verse occurs at a pivotal moment in the aftermath of Absalom's failed rebellion against his father, King David. Having retreated to Transjordan (Mahanaim) during the revolt, David receives news of Absalom's death and the rebellion's defeat. However, David's excessive mourning leads Joab to confront him, urging him to reassert his role as king and offer reconciliation to his people, particularly those who supported Absalom (2 Sam 19:1-8). David responds by sending messages through the priests Zadok and Abiathar to the elders of Judah, his own tribe, questioning why they were "the last to bring the king back" given their close kinship (2 Sam 19:9-12). This diplomatic outreach successfully stirred the heart of Judah, who then decided to summon the king. Verse 15 marks Judah's concrete action in response to this call, demonstrating their renewed allegiance and initiative in facilitating David's return. The historical and cultural context involves healing a severely divided kingdom, establishing a fragile peace, and navigating complex tribal loyalties after a brutal civil war.

2 Samuel 19 15 Word analysis

• So the king (וַיָּשָׁב הַמֶּלֶךְ, vayyāshov hammĕlek):
  • King (הַמֶּלֶךְ, hammelech): Signifies David's reinstated authority. He is no longer a refugee but actively resuming his rightful, divinely ordained position. This highlights the return to order and legitimate governance after the chaos of rebellion.
  • returned (וַיָּשָׁב, vayyāshov): Implies a movement back to his place, symbolically and geographically. It signifies a journey from exile/flight to restoration.
• and came to the Jordan, (וַיָּבֹא עַד־הַיַּרְדֵּן, vayyāvo' ‘ad-hayyardēn):
  • came to (וַיָּבֹא עַד, vayyāvo' ‘ad): David's proactive move to meet his people, indicating his willingness to humble himself for reconciliation.
  • the Jordan (הַיַּרְדֵּן, hayyardēn): A major geographical boundary. Symbolically, crossing the Jordan often marked new beginnings or significant transitions (e.g., Israel entering Canaan under Joshua). For David, it marked the literal and symbolic return to his realm.
• and Judah came to Gilgal (וִיהוּדָה בָּאוּ הַגִּלְגָּלָה, vihūḏāh bā’û haggilgālâ):
  • Judah (יְהוּדָה, yehudah): David's own tribe, traditionally strong supporters but had been slow to respond, potentially implicated in some level of disloyalty during the rebellion. Their prominent mention here underscores their repentance and crucial role in his return, emphasizing tribal reconciliation. Their unified arrival demonstrates strength and renewed commitment.
  • came (בָּאוּ, bā’û): Denotes an active, collective movement on Judah's part, not a passive waiting.
  • Gilgal (הַגִּלְגָּלָה, haggilgālâ): A historically rich site. It was the first encampment of Israel after crossing the Jordan into Canaan, where circumcision was performed and Passover celebrated (Josh 4-5), marking renewed covenant with God. It was also where Saul was confirmed as king (1 Sam 11:14-15) and where Samuel held court. Its selection for meeting David suggests a place of national covenant renewal and re-establishment of kingship after crisis.
• to meet the king (לִקְרַאת הַמֶּלֶךְ, liqrat hammelek):
  • to meet (לִקְרַאת, liqrat): Indicates their purpose—to make an active encounter, showing respect and willingness to escort him.
• and bring the king over the Jordan. (לְהַעֲבִיר אֶת־הַמֶּלֶךְ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן, leha‘avir ’eṯ-hammelek ’eṯ-hayyardēn):
  • to bring over (לְהַעֲבִיר, leha‘avir): A causative verb, implying Judah's active assistance and facilitation of David's crossing. This signifies more than just a greeting; it's a practical and symbolic act of restoration. It signifies Judah actively taking responsibility to re-establish David's rightful place on the western side of the Jordan, back in his capital, embodying their commitment.

2 Samuel 19 15 Bonus section

The choice of Gilgal as the meeting point is profoundly symbolic. Historically, Gilgal was where Israel set up the stones commemorating their crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land, performing circumcisions, and celebrating Passover after forty years in the wilderness. It signified new beginnings, national identity, and covenant renewal. By Judah meeting David here, it was not merely a convenient geographical spot, but a declaration that David's return marked a new beginning for the nation, a re-establishment of covenant principles and national order, particularly after the trauma of the civil war. It visually confirmed that Judah was restoring God's anointed king in a place deeply rooted in Israel's foundational sacred history, effectively blessing and legitimatizing his reign once more.

2 Samuel 19 15 Commentary

2 Samuel 19:15 concisely portrays the turning point of King David's restoration to the throne after Absalom's rebellion. It highlights the strategic convergence of David's determined return and Judah's decisive response. The setting at Gilgal and the Jordan River underscores the theological and historical weight of the event; the Jordan represents passage from uncertainty to promised stability, and Gilgal evokes national covenant renewal and royal legitimacy. Judah's active participation in "bringing the king over" is crucial, signifying a willing, public reconciliation and reaffirmation of loyalty after a period of doubt and tribal division. This verse sets the stage for the lingering political tensions within Israel, but ultimately affirms the divinely established Davidic kingship being re-anchored.