What does 2 Samuel 15:17 mean?
"And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off." - 2 Samuel 15:17
The verse 2 Samuel 15:17 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off." This verse is from the Old Testament and is part of the story of King David, specifically during a time of great difficulty for him and his kingdom.
To truly understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to have some context about the events leading up to it. At this point in the narrative, David's son Absalom has rebelled against him and is seeking to overthrow his father's kingdom and rule in his place. Absalom's rebellion had caused a great deal of turmoil and the people of Israel were divided between their support for David and their allegiance to Absalom. The situation was dire and David found himself fleeing from Jerusalem to avoid confrontation with his own son and to regroup and gather support.
In 2 Samuel 15:17, we see David and his loyal followers leaving Jerusalem and "tarried in a place that was far off." This action symbolizes David's voluntary exile from his own city, a place that was supposed to be his safe haven and the center of his power. The choice to leave and seek refuge in a remote location highlights the desperate and vulnerable position that David found himself in. It also suggests his willingness to put the safety of his people, including the elderly and the women and children, ahead of his own well-being.
This verse also portrays the humility and courage of King David. Despite being the anointed king of Israel, he did not cling to his throne or insist on fighting for his right to rule at all costs. Instead, he made the difficult decision to leave, choosing peace and safety over potential bloodshed and further division among his people. This act demonstrates David's wisdom and his commitment to the well-being of his subjects, even in the face of personal danger and humiliation.
Furthermore, this verse can also be seen as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the downfall of pride. The rebellion of Absalom and the subsequent turmoil within the kingdom was a direct result of the sins and mistakes of David and his family. David's affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah, had brought a curse upon his house (2 Samuel 12:10). The rebellion of Absalom was, in part, a fulfillment of that curse, and the exile of David can be interpreted as a form of divine punishment. Here, the far-off place where David tarried can be seen as a physical representation of the distance from God that sin creates. It illustrates the isolation and separation that sin brings, leaving us far from the presence and protection of God.
Overall, this verse from the story of King David is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for humility in times of trial. It also speaks to the themes of leadership, courage, and sacrifice. By willingly leaving Jerusalem and choosing exile over conflict, David exhibited the qualities of a true leader, showing concern for the safety and welfare of his people. And though this verse may initially seem to depict a moment of weakness or defeat, it ultimately demonstrates David's strength and resolve in the face of adversity.
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2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
"And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off." - 2 Samuel 15:17
2 Samuel 17:15 - "¶ Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled."
1 Samuel 1:15-17
1 Samuel 17:15 - "But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem."
1 Samuel 15:17 - "And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?"
2 Samuel 1. 17-27
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."
2 Samuel 5:15 - "Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,"
2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
2 Samuel 2:17 - "And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David."
2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"
2 Samuel 2:15 - "Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David."
2 Samuel 15:15 - "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 17:17 - "Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 15:37 - "So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 15:29 - "Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there."
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 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 22:15 - "And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them."
2 Chronicles 17:15 - "And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand."
2 Samuel 10:15 - "¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together."
2 Samuel 17:24 - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
2 Samuel 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."
1 Samuel 2:17 - "Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."
2 Samuel 15:9 - "And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."