2 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:23 mean?

2 Samuel 15:23 describes a scene of widespread sorrow as David and all the people with him cross the brook Kidron, heading toward the wilderness. The verse shows that everyone in the area is loudly weeping as they pass over, emphasizing the gravity and sadness of the moment.

This verse takes place during Absalom’s rebellion, when King David is forced to flee Jerusalem to escape his son’s uprising. The people’s loud weeping and the mention of the brook Kidron highlight both the emotional pain and the seriousness of David’s departure. The verse captures a moment of national crisis, where the king and his followers are leaving their home in distress.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:23

• The word for "wept" (בָּכָה, bakhah) means to cry or mourn, and here it is paired with "with a loud voice" (קול גדול, qol gadol), which stresses the intensity and public nature of the grief.
• "Brook" (נַחַל, nachal) refers to a seasonal stream or ravine, and "Kidron" (קִדְרוֹן, Qidron) is a specific valley east of Jerusalem. Crossing this brook marks a significant boundary, symbolizing David’s exit from the city.
• "Wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) often refers to a desolate or uninhabited area, underlining the uncertainty and danger awaiting David and his followers as they leave the safety of Jerusalem.

Why 2 Samuel 15:23 matters

• This verse clarifies the depth of the crisis by showing that not just David, but all the people, are emotionally affected by the situation; it is a communal sorrow, not just a personal one.
• The mention of the brook Kidron connects this event to other key moments in biblical history, as this valley is crossed at times of crisis or significant change.
• Understanding the emotional and physical journey in this verse helps the reader grasp the seriousness of Absalom’s rebellion and the vulnerability of David’s position at this point in the story.