King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:27 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:27 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 15:27 · KJV


Context

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.

29

Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 18

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙2 of 18

The king

H4428

a king

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צָד֣וֹק4 of 18

also unto Zadok

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן5 of 18

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הֲרוֹאֶ֣ה6 of 18

Art not thou a seer

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אַתָּ֔ה7 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שֻׁ֥בָה8 of 18

return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הָעִ֖יר9 of 18

into the city

H5892

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

בְּשָׁל֑וֹם10 of 18

in peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וַֽאֲחִימַ֨עַץ11 of 18

with you Ahimaaz

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

בְנֵיכֶ֖ם12 of 18

sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וִיהֽוֹנָתָ֧ן13 of 18

and Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

בְנֵיכֶ֖ם14 of 18

sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶבְיָתָ֛ר15 of 18

of Abiathar

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

שְׁנֵ֥י16 of 18

and your two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֵיכֶ֖ם17 of 18

sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִתְּכֶֽם׃18 of 18
H854

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


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 15:27 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 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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