King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:12 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:12 in the King James Version says “And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacri...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.”

2 Samuel 15:12 · KJV

Context

10

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

11

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

13

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

14

And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. bring: Heb. thrust

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Rebellion, emphasizing betrayal, trusting God in exile. Absalom's conspiracy demonstrates calculating betrayal and political manipulation. David's flight from Jerusalem parallels later exile experiences, developing themes of trusting God during devastating reversals. The Hebrew emphasizes Absalom's patient, methodical undermining of David's authority. Cross-references to Psalms written during this period (Psalms 3, 63) reveal David's spiritual responses to political catastrophe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 15 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding betrayal, trusting God in exile provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of betrayal, trusting God in exile?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח1 of 20

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃2 of 20

“And Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

אֶת3 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲחִיתֹ֨פֶל4 of 20

“for Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

הַגִּֽילֹנִ֜י5 of 20

“the Gilonite”

H1526

a gilonite or inhabitant of giloh

יוֹעֵ֣ץ6 of 20

“counsellor”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

דָּוִ֗ד7 of 20

“David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֵֽעִירוֹ֙8 of 20

“from his city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִגִּלֹ֔ה9 of 20

“even from Giloh”

H1542

giloh, a place in palestine

בְּזָבְח֖וֹ10 of 20

“while he offered”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אֶת11 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַזְּבָחִ֑ים12 of 20

“sacrifices”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

וַיְהִ֤י13 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַקֶּ֙שֶׁר֙14 of 20

“And the conspiracy”

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

אַמִּ֔ץ15 of 20

“was strong”

H533

strong or (abstractly) strength

וְהָעָ֛ם16 of 20

“for the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הוֹלֵ֥ךְ17 of 20

“continually”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וָרָ֖ב18 of 20

“increased”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אֶת19 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃20 of 20

“And Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 15:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 15:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 41:92 Samuel 15:31Joshua 15:51Titus 1:162 Samuel 17:23Psalms 55:12-14

Places in This Verse

GilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Rabud · 31.43°N, 35.01°E3 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 15 →

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