King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:32 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:32 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archi... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

2 Samuel 15:32 · KJV


Context

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:

33

Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:

34

But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דָוִד֙2 of 18

And it came to pass that when David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בָּ֣א3 of 18

was come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד4 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃5 of 18

to the top

H7218

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

אֲשֶֽׁר6 of 18
H834

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

יִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה7 of 18

of the mount where he worshipped

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

שָׁ֖ם8 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים9 of 18

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְהִנֵּ֤ה10 of 18
H2009

lo!

לִקְרָאתוֹ֙11 of 18

came to meet

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

חוּשַׁ֣י12 of 18

behold Hushai

H2365

chushai, an israelite

הָֽאַרְכִּ֔י13 of 18

the Archite

H757

an arkite or native of erek

קָר֙וּעַ֙14 of 18

rent

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

כֻּתָּנְתּ֔וֹ15 of 18

him with his coat

H3801

a shirt

וַֽאֲדָמָ֖ה16 of 18

and earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)

עַל17 of 18
H5921

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

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃18 of 18

to the top

H7218

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


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 15:32 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 15:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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