Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. New Living Translation Zadok and all the Levites also came along, carrying the Ark of the Covenant of God. They set down the Ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until everyone had passed out of the city. English Standard Version And Abiathar came up, and behold, Zadok came also with all the Levites, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God until the people had all passed out of the city. Berean Standard Bible Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. Berean Literal Bible and behold, also Zadok and all the Levites with him bearing the ark of the covenant of God, and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished passing over from the city. King James Bible And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city. New King James Version There was Zadok also, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished crossing over from the city. New American Standard Bible Now behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people had finished crossing over from the city. NASB 1995 Now behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people had finished passing from the city. NASB 1977 Now behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people had finished passing from the city. Legacy Standard Bible Now behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people had finished passing from the city. Amplified Bible Now Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar [the priest] came up [and officiated] until all the people had finished passing from the city. Berean Annotated Bible Zadok (righteous) was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God {Elohim}. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar (my father is great) offered sacrifices (Abiathar went up) until all the people had passed out of the city. Christian Standard Bible Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set the ark of God down, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until the people had finished marching past. Holman Christian Standard Bible Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set the ark of God down, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until the people had finished marching past. American Standard Version And, lo, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city. Contemporary English Version Zadok and Abiathar the priests were there along with several men from the tribe of Levi who were carrying the sacred chest. They set the chest down, and left it there until David and his followers had gone out of the city. English Revised Version And, lo, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city. GOD'S WORD® Translation Zadok and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of God's promise. They set down the ark of God beside Abiathar until all the troops had withdrawn from the city. Good News Translation Zadok the priest was there, and with him were the Levites, carrying the sacred Covenant Box. They set it down and didn't pick it up again until all the people had left the city. The priest Abiathar was there too. International Standard Version Meanwhile, Zadok showed up also, along with all of the descendants of Levi with him, carrying the Ark of the Covenant of God. They set down the Ark of God and Abiathar approached while all the people finished abandoning the city. NET Bible Zadok and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. When they positioned the ark of God, Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. New Heart English Bible And look, Zadok also came (and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD) and Abiathar. And they set down the ark of God until all the people finished passing by from the city. Webster's Bible Translation And lo, Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleZadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. World English Bible Behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down God’s ark; and Abiathar went up until all the people finished passing out of the city. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand behold, also Zadok, and all the Levites with him, are carrying the Ark of the Covenant of God, and they make the Ark of God firm, and Abiathar goes up, until the completion of all the people to pass over out of the city. Berean Literal Bible and behold, also Zadok and all the Levites with him bearing the ark of the covenant of God, and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished passing over from the city. Young's Literal Translation and lo, also Zadok, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God, and they make the ark of God firm, and Abiathar goeth up, till the completion of all the people to pass over out of the city. Smith's Literal Translation And behold, also Zadok, and all the Levites with him, lifting up the ark of the covenant of God; and they placed the ark of God: and Abiathar will go up till all the people finished passing over from the city. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Sadoc the priest also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God, and they set down the ark of God: and Abiathar went up, till all the people that was come out of the city had done passing. Catholic Public Domain Version Now Zadok the priest also went, and all the Levites went with him, carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God. And Abiathar went up, until all the people who had departed from the city had gone by. New American Bible Zadok, too, and all the Levites bearing the ark of the covenant of God set down the ark of God until the whole army had finished marching out of the city; and Abiathar came up. New Revised Standard Version Abiathar came up, and Zadok also, with all the Levites, carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, until the people had all passed out of the city. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd behold, Zadok the priest went also and all the Levites who were with him, bearing the ark of God; and Abiathar went up and stood until all the people had finished passing over from the city. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And behold, also Tsadoq the Priest and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people finished crossing over from the city OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And, lo, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God--but Abiathar went up--until all the people had done passing out of the city. Brenton Septuagint Translation And behold also Sadoc, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Baethar: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had passed out of the city. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Flees Jerusalem…23Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. 24Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until the people had passed out of the city. 25Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again.… Cross References Zadok was also there, 1 Chronicles 15:11-12 David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. / And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 1 Kings 1:38-39 Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. / Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” 1 Chronicles 24:3 With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. and all the Levites with him 1 Chronicles 15:2 Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.” Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. Joshua 3:3 and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. 1 Chronicles 15:15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD. 1 Kings 8:3 When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, And they set down the ark of God, 1 Chronicles 16:1 So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. 1 Kings 8:6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. 2 Chronicles 5:7 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. and Abiathar offered sacrifices 1 Kings 8:5 There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. 1 Chronicles 15:26 And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 1 Samuel 7:9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. until all the people had passed out of the city. Joshua 4:10-11 Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until the people had completed everything the LORD had commanded Joshua to tell them, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried across, / and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of the LORD crossed in the sight of the people. Treasury of Scripture And see Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city. Zadok 2 Samuel 15:27,35 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar… 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe; 2 Samuel 20:25 And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests: bearing 2 Samuel 6:13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. Numbers 4:15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation. Numbers 7:9 But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders. Jump to Previous Abiathar Abi'athar Ark Bearing Carrying City Covenant Levites Passing ZadokJump to Next Abiathar Abi'athar Ark Bearing Carrying City Covenant Levites Passing Zadok2 Samuel 15 1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron 10. He makes there a great conspiracy 13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem 19. Ittai will leave him 24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark 30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping, 31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel 32. Hushai is sent back with instructions Zadok was also there Zadok was a prominent priest during the reign of King David. His presence signifies the religious authority and continuity of the priestly line. Zadok's loyalty to David is significant, as he later becomes a key figure in the establishment of Solomon's reign (1 Kings 1:39). His lineage is important, as it is from the line of Zadok that the future priesthood is prophesied to come (Ezekiel 44:15). and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God And they set down the ark of God and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city Persons / Places / Events 1. ZadokA high priest during King David's reign, Zadok was loyal to David and played a crucial role in the religious and political life of Israel. His presence signifies the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. 2. Levites Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties. They were responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing their role as mediators between God and the people. 3. Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. Its movement was significant in Israel's history. 4. Abiathar Another high priest who served alongside Zadok. He was also loyal to David but later supported Adonijah against Solomon, leading to his removal from the priesthood. 5. The City Refers to Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel. The departure of the Ark from the city symbolizes a moment of crisis and transition for David and his followers. Teaching Points God's Presence in Times of CrisisThe Ark's presence during David's flight from Absalom reminds us that God remains with us in our trials. We should seek His guidance and comfort in difficult times. Faithful Leadership Zadok and Abiathar's loyalty to David exemplifies the importance of steadfastness and integrity in leadership. As Christians, we are called to support and pray for our leaders, especially in challenging times. Symbolism of the Ark The Ark represents God's covenant and presence. In the New Covenant, Jesus is our Emmanuel, "God with us," fulfilling the Ark's symbolic role. Sacrificial Worship Abiathar's offering of sacrifices underscores the importance of worship and devotion, even in times of uncertainty. Our worship should be sincere and rooted in gratitude for God's faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:24?2. How does Abiathar's presence with the ark demonstrate faithfulness to God's covenant? 3. What role does the ark play in Israel's spiritual and national identity? 4. How can we prioritize God's presence in our daily decision-making? 5. Compare Abiathar's actions with other biblical figures who showed loyalty to God. 6. How does 2 Samuel 15:24 inspire us to trust God's plan during trials? 7. What is the significance of Abiathar and Zadok carrying the Ark in 2 Samuel 15:24? 8. How does 2 Samuel 15:24 reflect on the role of the Ark in Israel's history? 9. Why did David send the Ark back to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 15:24? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15? 11. Who was Zadok in the Bible? 12. Who is the figure named Uriel? 13. Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts? 14. Who was Abiathar in the Bible? What Does 2 Samuel 15:24 Mean Zadok was also there“Zadok was also there…” (2 Samuel 15:24) • Zadok, a direct descendant of Aaron, stands out as a faithful priest during David’s flight from Absalom (cf. 1 Chronicles 6:8–12). His presence highlights God’s continuing priestly line even in crisis. • His loyalty contrasts with Ahithophel’s betrayal (2 Samuel 15:12, 31), underscoring that God always preserves a remnant of faithful servants (Romans 11:4–5). • By naming Zadok up front, the narrative assures readers that spiritual leadership has not collapsed, echoing earlier affirmations of covenant faithfulness (1 Samuel 2:35). All the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God “…and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God.” • The Levites act in unity, fulfilling Numbers 4:15, which assigns ark transport to priestly care. • Their collective movement demonstrates national reverence for God’s presence, the ark symbolizing His throne among Israel (Exodus 25:22). • The ark’s appearance during national turmoil recalls earlier occasions when God’s presence accompanied battle or transition, such as Joshua 3:6–17 and 1 Samuel 4:3–4. They set down the ark of God “And they set down the ark of God…” • Setting the ark down pauses precipitous action and signals deference; they will not treat God’s presence as a mere lucky charm (2 Samuel 6:6–7 warns against casual handling). • It provides space for seeking God’s will—an echo of Numbers 10:33–36, where the ark’s resting and rising framed Moses’ prayers. • The stop serves David’s later instruction to return the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:25), affirming that God’s chosen dwelling is in Zion (Psalm 132:13–14). Abiathar offered sacrifices “…and Abiathar offered sacrifices…” • Abiathar, survivor from Saul’s massacre at Nob (1 Samuel 22:20–23), partners with Zadok, showing priestly solidarity in hardship. • Sacrifices in fugitive conditions mirror Samuel’s offering at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:9–10), reminding the people that worship need not cease when life is unstable. • The act intercedes for the nation’s sin that precipitated internal strife (2 Samuel 12:10–12), pleading for mercy and guidance. Until all the people had passed out of the city “…until all the people had passed out of the city.” • Priestly ministry continues “until”—covering the entire exodus of citizens—revealing a shepherding heart that mirrors God’s own (Psalm 23:4). • This timing ensures every refugee departs under the covering of sacrifice, anticipating Christ’s future once-for-all offering that secures safe passage for all who trust Him (Hebrews 9:11–14). • The phrase ties the priests to the people, contrasting Absalom’s self-interest (2 Samuel 15:1–6) with sacrificial leadership. summary 2 Samuel 15:24 paints a vivid tableau of covenant faithfulness amid upheaval: Zadok’s steadfast presence, the Levites’ careful transport of the ark, the reverent pause, Abiathar’s sacrificial intercession, and the priests’ persistent ministry until every last person is safely beyond the city. Together these details affirm that, even when earthly thrones totter, God’s throne remains central, His priests remain active, and His people remain covered by sacrificial grace. (24) Zadok also.--Zadok appears here as in charge of the ark, and David (2Samuel 15:27) addresses him exclusively, while Abiathar is merely mentioned. This gives no indication of the relations existing between the two, but merely shows how matters went on this day of hurry and confusion. The language is obscure, but probably means that Zadok and the Levites brought the ark out of the city, and set it down while the multitude were assembling; meantime Abiathar led the multitude forward up the Mount of Olives until they had all come out of the city.Verse 24. - And Abiathar went up. This rendering, though confirmed by the versions, is very unintelligible. Whither did Abiathar go up? And moreover it is said that he continued going up until all David's followers had passed out of the city. Another possible rendering is, "And Abiathar offered (sacrifices) until all the people had done passing out of the city." Passages quoted in proof that the verb may be so rendered without the addition of the word "sacrifice" are 1 Samuel 2:28 and 2 Samuel 24:22; but in both these places the context makes the sense plain. Such a sacrifice would, of course, sanctify both king and people in their flight; but as none of the versions support this method of translating the text, it seems unsafe to adopt it, and the passage must remain obscure. On the one hand, it is unlikely that there would be time to offer sacrifices at so hasty a flight; but on the other hand, the removal of the ark was a solemn thing, which probably required some such religious ceremonial, and Cahen and other Jewish authorities translate, "Abiathar offered burnt offerings."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Zadokצָד֜וֹק (ṣā·ḏō·wq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites was also גַם־ (ḡam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and there, וְהִנֵּ֨ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! and all וְכָֽל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the Levites הַלְוִיִּ֣ם (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi with אִתּ֗וֹ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among him were carrying נֹֽשְׂאִים֙ (nō·śə·’îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take the ark אֲרוֹן֙ (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the covenant בְּרִ֣ית (bə·rîṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1285: A covenant of God. הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative And they set down וַיַּצִּ֙קוּ֙ (way·yaṣ·ṣi·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3332: To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hard the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of God, הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative and Abiathar אֶבְיָתָ֑ר (’eḇ·yā·ṯār) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 54: Abiathar -- 'the great one is father', an Israelite priest offered וַיַּ֖עַל (way·ya·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively sacrifices until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the people הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock had finished תֹּ֥ם (tōm) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8552: To be complete or finished passing לַעֲב֥וֹר (la·‘ă·ḇō·wr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on out of the city. הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement Links 2 Samuel 15:24 NIV2 Samuel 15:24 NLT 2 Samuel 15:24 ESV 2 Samuel 15:24 NASB 2 Samuel 15:24 KJV 2 Samuel 15:24 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 15:24 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 15:24 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 15:24 French Bible 2 Samuel 15:24 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 15:24 Behold Zadok also came and all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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