King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:14 in the King James Version says “And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else esca... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 15:14 · KJV


Context

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

15

And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. appoint: Heb. choose

16

And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house. after: Heb. at his feet


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 29 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 29

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּ֠וִד2 of 29

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְכָל3 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲבָדָ֨יו4 of 29

unto all his servants

H5650

a servant

אֲשֶׁר5 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּ֤וֹ6 of 29
H854

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

בִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙7 of 29

that were with him at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

ק֣וּמוּ8 of 29

Arise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְנִבְרָ֔חָה9 of 29

and let us flee

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

כִּ֛י10 of 29
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹא11 of 29
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִֽהְיֶה12 of 29
H1961

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

לָּ֥נוּ13 of 29
H0
פְלֵיטָ֖ה14 of 29

for we shall not else escape

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

מִפְּנֵ֣י15 of 29

from

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם16 of 29

Absalom

H53

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

יְמַהֵ֤ר17 of 29

make speed

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

לָלֶ֗כֶת18 of 29
H1980

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

פֶּן19 of 29
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יְמַהֵ֤ר20 of 29

make speed

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

וְהִשִּׂגָ֙נוּ֙21 of 29

lest he overtake

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

וְהִדִּ֤יחַ22 of 29

and bring

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙23 of 29
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת24 of 29
H853

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

הָ֣רָעָ֔ה25 of 29

evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְהִכָּ֥ה26 of 29

upon us and smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הָעִ֖יר27 of 29

the city

H5892

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

לְפִי28 of 29

with the edge

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חָֽרֶב׃29 of 29

of the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement


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 15:14 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 15:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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