King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:22 in the King James Version says “So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight o...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.”

2 Samuel 16:22 · KJV

Context

20

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

22

So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. oracle: Heb. word

Read 2 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Humiliation, emphasizing suffering within God's sovereignty. David's humiliation through Shimei's cursing and Ziba's deception tests his faith in God's sovereignty. His refusal to punish Shimei demonstrates trust that God controls even unjust accusations. Ahithophel's counsel and Absalom's public sin with David's concubines fulfill Nathan's prophecy (12:11-12). Theological themes include suffering within God's sovereign plan, responding to unjust accusations with faith, and the full exposure of hidden sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 16 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 suffering within God's sovereignty 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 suffering within God's sovereignty?
  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 · 13 words
וַיַּטּ֧וּ1 of 13

“So they spread”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙2 of 13

“Absalom”

H53

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

הָאֹ֖הֶל3 of 13

“a tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

עַל4 of 13
H5921

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

הַגָּ֑ג5 of 13

“upon the top of the house”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

וַיָּבֹ֤א6 of 13

“went in”

H935

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

אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙7 of 13

“Absalom”

H53

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

אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פִּֽלַגְשֵׁ֣י9 of 13

“concubines”

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

אָבִ֔יו10 of 13

“unto his father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לְעֵינֵ֖י11 of 13

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָּל12 of 13
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 16:22 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 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 12:11-122 Samuel 15:162 Samuel 20:3Ezekiel 24:7Jeremiah 8:12Isaiah 3:9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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