What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:14? Immediate context • David is still on the run from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–15). • His path has taken him over the Mount of Olives “weeping as he went” (2 Samuel 15:30). • By the time we reach verse 14, Shimei’s cursing has just ended (2 Samuel 16:5-13), adding emotional strain to physical fatigue. The exhausted company “Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived, exhausted.” (2 Samuel 16:14a) • The word “exhausted” captures the toll of miles walked, tear-filled sorrow, and danger. Compare: – Elijah’s weariness under the broom tree (1 Kings 19:4-8). – The disciples’ fatigue after ministry (Mark 6:31). • God never hides the vulnerabilities of His servants. David, though anointed, still feels human limits (Psalm 103:14). • Physical tiredness often parallels spiritual depletion, reminding us we are wholly dependent on the LORD (Psalm 38:10; Isaiah 40:29-31). The place of refreshment “And there he refreshed himself.” (2 Samuel 16:14b) • “There” likely situates the party near the Jordan crossing, soon to be supplied by Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai with food, basins, and beds (2 Samuel 17:27-29). • Refreshment is both practical and providential: – Provision of food, water, and rest (2 Samuel 17:28-29). – Quiet from enemy pursuit, allowing hearts to recalibrate (Psalm 23:2-3). • God often raises unexpected helpers: Shobi (an Ammonite), Makir (once sheltering Mephibosheth), Barzillai (a Gileadite). He meets needs through His diverse people (Philippians 4:19). Spiritual takeaways • Exhaustion is not evidence of failure but of faithfulness in trial (2 Colossians 4:7-10). • God’s pattern: burden, then blessing; struggle, then strengthening (Psalm 30:5). • The text foreshadows Christ, who, wearied at Jacob’s well, offered living water to the Samaritan woman (John 4:6-14). The greater Son of David refreshes others even while physically drained. • For believers, rest is both immediate (Matthew 11:28-29) and ultimate (Hebrews 4:9-11). Like David, we march through wilderness, but God provides oases where “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3). summary 2 Samuel 16:14 records David’s arrival point in his flight from Absalom: physically and emotionally spent, yet divinely supplied. The verse highlights human weakness, God’s timely refreshment through unexpected channels, and the enduring truth that the Lord restores His weary people on the way to ultimate deliverance. |
    |