King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:23 in the King James Version says “And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. Kidron: Gr. Cedron

2 Samuel 15:23 · KJV


Context

21

And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

22

And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.

23

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. Kidron: Gr. Cedron

24

And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

25

And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

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
וְכָל1 of 20
H3605

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

הָאָ֗רֶץ2 of 20

And all the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בּוֹכִים֙3 of 20

wept

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

ק֣וֹל4 of 20

voice

H6963

a voice or sound

גָּד֔וֹל5 of 20

with a loud

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְכָל6 of 20
H3605

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

הָעָם֙7 of 20

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

עֹֽבְרִ֔ים8 of 20

also himself passed over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

וְהַמֶּ֗לֶךְ9 of 20

the king

H4428

a king

עֹֽבְרִ֔ים10 of 20

also himself passed over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בְּנַ֣חַל11 of 20

the brook

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

קִדְר֔וֹן12 of 20

Kidron

H6939

kidron, a brook near jerusalem

וְכָל13 of 20
H3605

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

הָעָם֙14 of 20

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

עֹֽבְרִ֔ים15 of 20

also himself passed over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עַל16 of 20
H5921

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

פְּנֵי17 of 20

toward

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

דֶ֖רֶךְ18 of 20

the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֶת19 of 20
H853

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

הַמִּדְבָּֽר׃20 of 20

of the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert


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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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