And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:

2 SAMUEL 15:25KJV
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2 Samuel 15:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:25 mean?

2 Samuel 15:25 shows King David telling Zadok the priest to return the ark of God to Jerusalem, expressing trust that if God is pleased with him, God will bring him back to see the ark and God’s dwelling place again. David does not try to use the ark for his own safety but leaves his future in God’s hands.

David is speaking to Zadok during a crisis: his son Absalom has started a rebellion, and David is fleeing Jerusalem. Zadok and the priests want to bring the ark of God with David, but David insists it should stay in the city. David’s words show humility and faith, trusting that God’s favor (not the ark’s presence) will determine his fate.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:25

  • "ark" (אֲרוֹן, ’aron): This word means a chest or box, here referring to the ark of God, the sacred symbol of God’s presence. David’s instruction to return it highlights his respect for God’s holiness and the proper place of worship.
  • "favour" (חֵן, ḥen): This word means grace or favor. David’s hope is not in ritual or objects but in finding favor in God’s eyes, showing his reliance on God’s mercy rather than his own actions.
  • "habitation" (נָוֶה, naveh): This word means a dwelling or resting place. David refers to God’s habitation, likely meaning the sanctuary or the place where the ark is kept, emphasizing the importance of God’s chosen place.

Why 2 Samuel 15:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David does not treat the ark as a good-luck charm or a guarantee of victory; he respects its sacred role and trusts God’s will above his own plans.
  • The verse highlights David’s humility and faith during a personal crisis, showing a leader who submits to God’s judgment rather than manipulating religious symbols for personal gain.
  • In the wider story, this moment sets up the contrast between David’s attitude and others who might misuse holy things, and it prepares the reader for how God will respond to David’s trust.

Where else these words appear

“habitation” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
  • Jeremiah 31:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.

“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.

“favour” Hebrew H2580 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
  • Numbers 11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
  • Esther 8:5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: