King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:36 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:36 in the King James Version says “Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 15:36 · King James Version


Context

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.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הִנֵּה1 of 16
H2009

lo!

שָׁ֤ם2 of 16
H8033

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

עִמָּם֙3 of 16
H5973

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

שְׁנֵ֣י4 of 16

Behold they have there with them their two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֵיהֶ֔ם5 of 16

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

אֲחִימַ֣עַץ6 of 16

Ahimaaz

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

לְצָד֔וֹק7 of 16

Zadok's

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

וִיהֽוֹנָתָ֖ן8 of 16

son and Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

לְאֶבְיָתָ֑ר9 of 16

Abiathar's

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

וּשְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם10 of 16

ye shall send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּיָדָם֙11 of 16

son and by them

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֵלַ֔י12 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל13 of 16
H3605

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

דָּבָ֖ר14 of 16

unto me every thing

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834

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

תִּשְׁמָֽעוּ׃16 of 16

that ye can hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, 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 15:36 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 15:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study