King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 15:26 Mean?
“But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.”
2 Samuel 15:26 · KJV
Context
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:
26
But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
27
The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
28
See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
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.
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
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of betrayal, trusting God in exile?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוְאִם֙1 of 12
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כֹּ֣ה2 of 12
H3541properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
לֹ֥א4 of 12
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָפַ֖צְתִּי5 of 12
“I have no delight”
H2654properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
בָּ֑ךְ6 of 12
H0יַֽעֲשֶׂה8 of 12
“in thee behold here am I let him do”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִּ֕י9 of 12
H0כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ט֖וֹב11 of 12
“good”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
בְּעֵינָֽיו׃12 of 12
“to me as seemeth”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
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 15:26 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 15:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge