When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. As David was climbing the summitThe phrase "as David was climbing the summit" paints a vivid picture of King David in a moment of distress and urgency. The Hebrew word for "climbing" (עָלָה, 'alah) often signifies an ascent, not just physically but spiritually or emotionally. This ascent can be seen as symbolic of David's journey towards God in a time of crisis. The "summit" (רֹאשׁ, rosh) is not just a physical high point but also a place of meeting with God, indicating a place of prayer and reflection. Historically, high places were often associated with worship, and David's climb signifies his seeking of divine guidance and strength. where men used to worship God
This phrase indicates a location that held spiritual significance, a place where people traditionally sought communion with God. The Hebrew term for "worship" (שָׁחָה, shachah) means to bow down or prostrate oneself, reflecting an attitude of reverence and submission. This context suggests that David was not just fleeing from Absalom but was also seeking a place of solace and divine intervention. The historical context of worship on high places underscores the ancient practice of seeking closeness to the divine in elevated locations, which were thought to be nearer to heaven. Hushai the Archite
Hushai is introduced here as a loyal friend and advisor to David. The term "Archite" refers to his lineage or clan, possibly indicating his origins from a place called Archi, near Bethel. Hushai's presence at this critical moment highlights the importance of faithful companionship and counsel in times of trial. His loyalty to David is a testament to the bonds of friendship and the role of trusted advisors in biblical narratives. came to him with his robe torn and dust on his head
The imagery of Hushai with "his robe torn and dust on his head" is a powerful expression of mourning and distress. In ancient Near Eastern culture, tearing one's robe and putting dust on one's head were traditional signs of grief and lamentation. This act signifies Hushai's empathy with David's plight and his own sorrow over the turmoil in the kingdom. The Hebrew word for "robe" (מְעִיל, me'il) and "dust" (עָפָר, afar) are rich in cultural significance, symbolizing humility and the transient nature of life. This gesture of solidarity and mourning underscores the gravity of the situation and the deep bonds of loyalty and friendship in the face of adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. David is a central figure in this account, demonstrating leadership and reliance on God during a time of crisis. 2. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to David. His appearance with torn robes and dust on his head signifies mourning and distress, reflecting the gravity of the situation. 3. The SummitThis is the location where David pauses during his flight. It is a place of worship, indicating David's continued devotion to God even in times of trouble. 4. Absalom's RebellionThe backdrop of this event, where Absalom, David's son, has declared himself king, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. 5. WorshipThe act of worship at the summit highlights the importance of seeking God in times of distress and uncertainty. Teaching Points Faithfulness in AdversityDavid's pause to worship at the summit teaches us the importance of maintaining our faith and devotion to God, even when circumstances are dire. The Role of Loyal FriendsHushai's loyalty to David exemplifies the value of faithful friends who stand by us in times of trouble. We should strive to be such friends and appreciate those who support us. Expressions of MourningThe cultural expressions of mourning (torn robes, dust on the head) remind us of the importance of acknowledging and expressing our grief and distress in healthy ways. Seeking God in CrisisDavid's actions encourage us to seek God's guidance and comfort when facing personal crises, trusting in His sovereignty and care. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's decision to worship at the summit during his flight from Absalom reflect his relationship with God, and how can we apply this to our own lives during difficult times? 2. In what ways does Hushai's loyalty to David inspire us to be supportive friends to those in need, and how can we cultivate such relationships? 3. What cultural expressions of mourning and distress are seen in the Bible, and how can understanding these help us process our own emotions today? 4. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion and David's response connect with other biblical themes of family conflict and reconciliation? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a personal crisis. How did your faith influence your response, and what can you learn from David's example in 2 Samuel 15:32? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 3This Psalm is traditionally attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, expressing trust in God amidst adversity. 1 Samuel 1:1-2The tearing of robes and dust on the head is a common expression of mourning and distress in the Old Testament, seen in other accounts such as Job and the account of Hannah. Proverbs 17:17This verse speaks to the loyalty of friends, akin to Hushai's loyalty to David during his time of need. People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Archite, Arkite, Arrived, Ascent, Behold, Boweth, Coat, David, Dust, Grief, Hushai, Meet, Met, Mount, Pass, Rent, Robe, Slope, Summit, Torn, Wont, Worship, Worshiped, WorshippedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:32 5157 head 2 Samuel 15:31-34 5779 advice 2 Samuel 15:32-36 5088 David, character 2 Samuel 15:32-37 5691 friends, good Library A Loyal Vow
'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIttai of Gath
'And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 21. It was the darkest hour in David's life. No more pathetic page is found in the Old Testament than that which tells the story of his flight before Absalom. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved--the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Pardoned Sin Punished
'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 3. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Loyal to the Core
On the other hand, look at Ittai, perfectly free to go, but in order to end the controversy once for all, and to make David know that he does not mean to leave him, he takes a solemn oath before Jehovah his God, and he doubles it by swearing by the life of David that he will never leave him; in life, in death, he will be with him. He has cast in his lot with him for better and for worse, and he means to be faithful to the end. Old Master Trapp says, "All faithful friends went on a pilgrimage years …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Following Christ
"And Ittai answered the king, and said, as the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be."--2 Samuel 15:21. SOME men have a very remarkable power of creating and sustaining friendship in others. David was a man brimming over with affection--a man, notwithstanding all his rough soldier-life, of an exceedingly tender heart--a man, I was about to say--the word was on my tongue--a man of vast …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 The Will of God
"Here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him."--2 Sam. xv. 26. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou sweet beloved Will of God, My anchor ground, my fortress hill, The Spirit's silent fair abode, In Thee I hide me and am still. O Will, that willest good alone, Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best; A silent child, I follow on, And trusting, lean upon Thy Breast. God's Will doth make the bitter sweet, And all is well when it is done; Unless His Will doth hallow it, The glory …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) A Light to Lighten the Gentiles
P. G. 2 Sam. xv. 19-22; John xii. 26 "Wherefore goest thou with me?" Said the king disowned-- Said the king despised, rejected, Disenthroned. "Go, return unto thy place, To thy king of yore-- Here a pilgrim and a stranger, Nothing more. "Not for thee the cities fair, Hills of corn and wine-- All was portioned ere thou camest, Nought is thine. "Wandering forth where'er I may, Exiled from mine own, Shame, rejection I can grant thee; That alone. "Turn and take thy brethren back, With thy people …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 15:32 NIV2 Samuel 15:32 NLT2 Samuel 15:32 ESV2 Samuel 15:32 NASB2 Samuel 15:32 KJV
2 Samuel 15:32 Commentaries
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