King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:7 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I h...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.”

2 Samuel 15:7 · KJV

Prayer

Context

5

And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

6

And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

7

And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

8

For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

9

And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

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
וַיְהִ֕י1 of 17
H1961

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

מִקֵּ֖ץ2 of 17

“And it came to pass after”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

אַרְבָּעִ֣ים3 of 17

“forty”

H705

forty

שָׁנָ֑ה4 of 17

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר5 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙6 of 17

“that Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

אֶל7 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ8 of 17

“unto the king”

H4428

a king

אֵ֣לֲכָה9 of 17
H1980

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

נָּ֗א10 of 17
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

וַֽאֲשַׁלֵּ֛ם11 of 17

“and pay”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

אֶת12 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נִדְרִ֛י13 of 17

“my vow”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

אֲשֶׁר14 of 17
H834

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

נָדַ֥רְתִּי15 of 17

“which I have vowed”

H5087

to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה16 of 17

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּחֶבְרֽוֹן׃17 of 17

“in Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

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 15:7 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 15:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 58:4Proverbs 21:271 Samuel 16:1-21 Samuel 16:13Matthew 2:8Matthew 23:13

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

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