And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

2 SAMUEL 15:24KJV
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2 Samuel 15:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:24 mean?

2 Samuel 15:24 describes how Zadok and all the Levites accompanied David, carrying the ark of the covenant of God as he left Jerusalem. They set the ark down, and Abiathar remained until everyone had finished leaving the city.

This verse takes place as King David is fleeing Jerusalem because his son Absalom has started a rebellion. Zadok, one of the priests, and the Levites, who are responsible for the care of holy things, bring the ark (a sacred chest symbolizing God's presence) with David. Abiathar, another priest, stays near the ark until all the people have safely left the city, showing the seriousness and sadness of the moment.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:24

  • "Zadok" (צָדוֹק, tsadok): This is the name of the high priest loyal to David. His presence signals the religious leadership's support for David during the crisis.
  • "Levites" (לֵוִי, levi): The Levites are the tribe set apart for temple service. Their role in carrying the ark (אֲרוֹן, aron) highlights the proper handling of sacred objects according to tradition.
  • "Ark" (אֲרוֹן, aron) and "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): The ark of the covenant represents God's agreement and presence with Israel. Its movement is a major event, showing the gravity of David's departure.
  • "Abiathar" (אֶבְיָתָר, evyatar): Naming Abiathar here emphasizes the involvement of both leading priests, underlining the unity of the priesthood in this crisis.

Why 2 Samuel 15:24 matters

  • This verse shows that the religious leaders and the symbol of God's presence (the ark) are with David, not Absalom, highlighting where their loyalty lies.
  • The careful mention of the Levites and the ark being set down shows respect for God's laws about how the ark should be handled, even in a time of emergency.
  • The verse sets up the emotional and spiritual weight of David's flight, showing that this is not just a political crisis but a deeply religious moment for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Abiathar” Hebrew H54 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • 2 Samuel 15:35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
  • 1 Kings 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

“Zadok” Hebrew H6659 · used in 50 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:3 And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.

“down” Hebrew H3332 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Leviticus 14:26 And the priest shall pour of the oil into the palm of his own left hand:
  • 2 Kings 4:40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

“done” Hebrew H8552 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
  • Joshua 5:8 And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole.
  • Isaiah 16:4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.