King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:17 in the King James Version says “And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off .” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off .”

2 Samuel 15:17 · KJV

Context

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

17

And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off .

18

And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

19

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

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 · 8 words
וַיֵּצֵ֥א1 of 8

“went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 8

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וְכָל3 of 8
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם4 of 8

“and all the people”

H5971

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

בְּרַגְלָ֑יו5 of 8

“after”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ6 of 8

“him and tarried”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בֵּ֥ית7 of 8

“in a place”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמֶּרְחָֽק׃8 of 8

“that was far off”

H4801

remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

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 15:17 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 15:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 66:12Ecclesiastes 10:7Psalms 3:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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