King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:35 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:35 in the King James Version says “And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou sha... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

2 Samuel 15:35 · KJV


Context

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.

35

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

36

Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

37

So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

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 · 17 words
וַֽהֲל֤וֹא1 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עִמְּךָ֙2 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׁ֔ם3 of 17
H8033

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

לְצָד֥וֹק4 of 17

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֖ר5 of 17

and Abiathar

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃6 of 17

the priests

H3548

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

וְהָיָ֗ה7 of 17
H1961

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

כָּל8 of 17
H3605

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

הַדָּבָר֙9 of 17

therefore it shall be that what thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֤ר10 of 17
H834

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

תִּשְׁמַע֙11 of 17

soever thou shalt hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מִבֵּ֣ית12 of 17

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ13 of 17

out of the king's

H4428

a king

תַּגִּ֕יד14 of 17

thou shalt tell

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְצָד֥וֹק15 of 17

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֖ר16 of 17

and Abiathar

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃17 of 17

the priests

H3548

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


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 15:35 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 15:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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