2 Samuel 15:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:17 mean?

2 Samuel 15:17 describes King David leaving Jerusalem with all the people who were loyal to him, stopping together at a distant place outside the city. The verse shows David and his followers physically moving away from danger, pausing at a spot far from their home as they flee.

This moment takes place during Absalom’s rebellion, when David is forced to escape Jerusalem to avoid being overthrown by his own son. The verse highlights the loyalty of those who follow David and the seriousness of the threat, as even the king must leave the safety of his city and wait in an unfamiliar place.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:17

• "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This word emphasizes David’s royal status, reminding the reader that it is not just any person fleeing, but the anointed king of Israel.
• "Tarried" (עָמַד, amad): This word often means to stand or to stop, showing that David and his people did not just pass by but paused and waited, possibly to gather themselves or assess the situation.
• "Place" (בַּיִת, bayit): While often translated as "house," here it refers to a location or stopping point, not a building, indicating they halted at a significant spot outside the city.
• "Off" (מַרְחָק, marchaq): This word means "distance" or "far off," stressing how far David and his followers had to go to find safety, underlining the seriousness of their flight.

Why 2 Samuel 15:17 matters

• The verse clarifies that David’s departure was not rushed or chaotic; he led his people out in an orderly way and stopped at a specific place, showing leadership even in crisis.
• The use of "far off" highlights how real and immediate the danger was, as David could not stay close to Jerusalem but had to put significant distance between himself and Absalom.
• This verse connects to the larger story of David’s vulnerability and the loyalty of those who chose to follow him, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the narrative.