2 Samuel 17:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 17:22 mean?

2 Samuel 17:22 describes how David and everyone with him crossed over the Jordan River during the night, and by morning, not a single person was left behind—they had all made it safely across. This verse highlights the complete and successful escape of David and his followers from danger.

David is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has staged a rebellion. The verse shows David acting quickly and decisively, leading all his people to safety. The mention that “there lacked not one of them” emphasizes that the entire group escaped together, underlining both David’s leadership and the urgency of the situation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 17:22

• "arose" (קוּם, qum): This word means to get up or rise, often signaling decisive action. Here, it shows David’s immediate response to the threat.
• "over" (עָבַר, avar): This verb means to pass over or cross. It is used twice in the verse, stressing the physical act of crossing the Jordan River, which was a significant natural barrier.
• "Jordan" (יַרְדֵּן, yarden): The Jordan River is not just a geographical detail; it often marks a boundary or turning point in Israel’s history. Crossing it here signals a major moment in David’s flight.
• "lacked" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word can mean to miss or be lacking. The verse uses it to stress that not a single person was missing from the group after the crossing.

Why 2 Samuel 17:22 matters

• The verse clears up any doubt about whether some of David’s followers might have been left behind or lost in the escape—everyone made it across.
• The detail about crossing by “morning light” shows the urgency and careful timing of David’s actions, highlighting his leadership in a crisis.
• This moment is a turning point in the story, as it marks David’s successful escape from immediate danger and sets the stage for what happens next in his conflict with Absalom.