King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:30 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:30 in the King James Version says “And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot:... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. and wept: Heb. going up and weeping

2 Samuel 15:30 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. and wept: Heb. going up and weeping

31

And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

32

And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

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 · 22 words
וְדָוִ֡ד1 of 22

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עָלֹ֖ה2 of 22

and they went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְמַֽעֲלֵ֨ה3 of 22

by the ascent

H4608

an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

הַזֵּיתִ֜ים4 of 22

of mount Olivet

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

עָלֹ֖ה5 of 22

and they went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וּבָכֹֽה׃6 of 22

and wept

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ7 of 22

and had his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לוֹ֙8 of 22
H0
חָפוּ֙9 of 22

covered

H2645

to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect

וְה֖וּא10 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הֹלֵ֣ךְ11 of 22

and he went

H1980

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

יָחֵ֑ף12 of 22

barefoot

H3182

unsandalled

וְכָל13 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֣ם14 of 22

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

אֲשֶׁר15 of 22
H834

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

אִתּ֗וֹ16 of 22
H854

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

חָפוּ֙17 of 22

covered

H2645

to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect

אִ֣ישׁ18 of 22

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ19 of 22

and had his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

עָלֹ֖ה20 of 22

and they went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלֹ֖ה21 of 22

and they went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וּבָכֹֽה׃22 of 22

and wept

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan


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 15:30 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 15:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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