Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 15:24
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.
24 29. The Ark sent back to Jerusalem
24. and Abiathar went up ] The Ark halted, to allow the people who were still coming out of the city time to overtake the procession. Meanwhile Abiathar went on up the Mount of Olives, for some purpose which is not stated, possibly to watch the stream of people coming out of the city. He then returned to carry the Ark back. It seems best to suppose that the narrative goes back here, and that the Ark was not taken across the Kidron. Certainly it does not seem to have been carried up the Mount of Olives.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Abiathar went up – i. e., continued to ascend the Mount of Olives. Abiathar was high priest 1Ki 2:35. Perhaps Zadok is addressed by David 2Sa 15:25 as the chief of those who were actually bearing the ark.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 24. Bearing the ark] The priests knew that God had given the kingdom to David; they had no evidence that he had deposed him: they therefore chose to accompany him, and take the ark, the object of their charge, with them.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Bearing the ark of the covenant of God; as a pledge of Gods presence and assistance, and that David might inquire at it upon occasion.
They set down the ark of God; either in expectation of drawing forth more people to Davids party, if not from their loyalty to their lawful king, yet from their piety and reverence to the ark; or that all the people might pass along, and the ark might come in the rear of them for their safeguard and encouragement.
Abiathar went up; either,
1. From the ark, which now was in the low ground, being near the brook Cedron, to the top of the Mount of Olives, whence he had the prospect of the city and temple, as appears from Mar 13:3, where he could discern when the people ceased to come out of the city after David; which when they did, he gave notice to David that he should wait no longer, but march away and carry the ark with him. Or,
2. From the ark to the city, which was in a higher ground, that so he being high priest, might use his authority and interest with the people to persuade them to do their duty, in going forth to defend and help their king against his rebellious son; and there he staid until all those whom he could persuade were gone forth.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24, 25. Zadok also, and all theLevites . . ., bearing the arkKnowing the strong religiousfeelings of the aged king, they brought it to accompany him in hisdistress. But as he could not doubt that both the ark and theirsacred office would exempt them from the attacks of the rebels, hesent them back with itnot only that they might not be exposed tothe perils of uncertain wandering, for he seems to place moreconfidence in the symbol of the divine presence than in GodHimselfbut that, by remaining in Jerusalem, they might render himgreater service by watching the enemy’s movements.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And, lo, Zadok also,…. The priest, as he is called, 2Sa 15:27;
and all the Levites [were] with him: with Zadok, or with David, and indeed with both; but the former is rather meant here, being the immediate antecedent:
bearing the ark of the covenant of God: these were the Kohathite Levites, whose business it was to bear the ark when carried from place to place, Nu 3:31; called the ark of the covenant, because the law which was the covenant between God and the people, was put into it:
and they set down the ark of God: from off their shoulders, on which they carried it:
and Abiathar went up; who was the high priest, and whose business it was to attend the ark, and inquire before it, as occasion required; he went up very probably to the mount of Olives, later mentioned, 2Sa 15:30:
until all the people had done passing out of the city; for from the top of that mountain he could see the city of Jerusalem, and the people as they passed out of it, and observe when they were all come out, or however ceased coming, and so knew when it was a proper time to march forward.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
24 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. 25 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: 26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. 27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me. 29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there. 30 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
Here we have, I. The fidelity of the priests and Levites and their firm adherence to David and his interest. They knew David’s great affection to them and their office, notwithstanding his failings. The method Absalom took to gain people’s affections made no impression upon them; he had little religion in him, and therefore they steadily adhered to David. Zadok and Abiathar, and all the Levites, if he go, will accompany him, and take the ark with them, that, by it, they may ask counsel of God for him, v. 24. Note, Those that are friends to the ark in their prosperity will find it a friend to them in their adversity. Formerly David would not rest till he had found a resting-place for the ark; and now, if the priests may have their mind, the ark shall not rest till David return to his rest.
II. David’s dismission of them back into the city, 2Sa 15:25; 2Sa 15:26. Abiathar was high priest (1 Kings ii. 35), but Zadok was his assistant, and attended the ark most closely, while Abiathar was active in public business, v. 24. Therefore David directs his speech to Zadok, and an excellent speech it is, and shows him to be in a very good frame under his affliction, and that still he holds fast his integrity. 1. He is very solicitous for the safety of the ark: “By all means carry the ark back into the city, let not that be unsettled and exposed with me, lodge that again in the tent pitched for it; surely Absalom, bad as he is, will do that no harm.” David’s heart, like Eli’s trembles for the ark of God. Note, It argues a good principle to be more concerned for the church’s prosperity than for our own, to prefer Jerusalem before our chief joy (Ps. cxxxvii. 6), the success of the gospel, and the flourishing of the church, above our own wealth, credit, ease, and safety, even when they are most in hazard. 2. He is very desirous to return to the enjoyment of the privileges of God’s house. He will reckon it the greatest instance of God’s favour to him if he may but once more be brought back to see it and his habitation. This will be more his joy than to be brought back to his own palace and throne again. Note, Gracious souls measure their comforts and conveniences in this world by the opportunity they give them of communion with God. Hezekiah wished for the recovery of his health for this reason, that he might go up to the house of the Lord, Isa. xxxviii. 22. 3. He is very submissive to the holy will of God concerning the issue of this dark dispensation. He hopes the best (v. 25), and hopes for it from the favour of God, which he looks upon to be the fountain of all good: “If God favour me so far, I shall be settled again as formerly.” But he provides for the worst: “If he deny me this favour–if he thus say, I have no delight in thee–I know I deserve the continuance of his displeasure; his holy will be done.” See him here patiently awaiting the event: “Behold, here am I, as a servant expecting orders;” and see him willing to commit himself to God concerning it: “Let him do to me as seemeth good to him. I have nothing to object. All is well that God does.” Observe with what satisfaction and holy complacency he speaks of the divine disposal: not only, “He can do what he will,” subscribing to his power (Job ix. 12), or, “He has a right to do what he will,” subscribing to his sovereignty (Job xxxiii. 13), or, “He will do what he will,” subscribing to his unchangeableness (Job 23:13; Job 23:15), but, “Let him to what he will,” subscribing to his wisdom and goodness. Note, It is our interest, as well as duty, cheerfully to acquiesce in the will of God, whatever befals us. That we may not complain of what is, let us see God’s hand in all events; and, that we may not be afraid of what shall be, let us see all events in God’s hand.
III. The confidence David put in the priests that they would serve his interest to the utmost of their power in his absence. He calls Zadok a seer (v. 27), that is, a wise man, a man that can see into business and discern time and judgment: “Thou hast thy eyes in thy head (Eccl. ii. 14), and therefore art capable of doing me service, especially by sending me intelligence of the enemy’s motions and resolutions.” One friend that is a seer, in such an exigency as this, was worth twenty that were not so quick-sighted. For the settling of a private correspondence with the priests in his absence, he appoints, 1. Whom they should send to him–their two sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, whose coat, it might be hoped, would be their protection, and of whose prudence and faithfulness he had probably had experience. 2. Whither they should send. He would encamp in the plain of the wilderness till he heard from them (v. 28), and then would move according to the information and advice they should send him. Hereupon they returned to the city, to await the event. It was a pity that any disturbance should be given to a state so happy as this was, when the prince and the priests had such an entire affection for the confidence in each other.
IV. The melancholy posture that David and his men put themselves into, when, at the beginning of their march, they went up the mount of Olives, v. 30.
1. David himself, as a deep mourner, covered his head and face for shame and blushing, went bare-foot, as a prisoner or a slave, for mortification, and went weeping. Did it become a man of his reputation for courage and greatness of spirit thus to cry like a child, only for fear of an enemy at a distance, against whom he might easily have made head, and perhaps with one bold stroke have routed him? Yes, it did not ill become him, considering how much there was in this trouble, (1.) Of the unkindness of his son. He could not but weep to think that one who came out of his bowels, and had so often lain in his arms, should thus lift up the heel against him. God himself is said to be grieved with the rebellions of his own children (Ps. xcv. 10) and even broken with their whorish heart, Ezek. vi. 9. (2.) There was much of the displeasure of his God in it. This infused the wormwood and gall into the affliction and misery, Lam. iii. 19. His sin was ever before him (Ps. li. 3), but never so plain nor ever appearing so black as now. He never wept thus when Saul hunted him: but a wounded conscience makes troubles lie heavily, Ps. xxxviii. 4.
2. When David wept all his company wept likewise, being much affected with his grief and willing to share in it. It is our duty to weep with those that weep, especially our superiors, and those that are better than we; for, if this be done in the green tree, what will be done in the dry? We must weep with those that weep for sin. When Hezekiah humbled himself for his sin all Jerusalem joined with him, 2 Chron. xxxii. 26. To prevent suffering with sinners, let us sorrow with them.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Planning Countermeasures, vs. 24-37
David soon learned that he also had the priests on his side. Zadok and Abiathar the chief priests, with their sons, soon arrived carrying the ark of the covenant of God: They set it down until all the people had passed over the mount. Abiathar went up with David, as his long time friend and companion from the days of the king’s flight from Saul many years before. But David disapproved of carrying out the ark from its prepared place in Jerusalem. He was not like the average Israelite, who superstitiously attributed some special divine favor to the ark’s presence in their midst. David knew God’s will in matters was not dependent on the location of the ark. If the Lord wished to return David to Jerusalem He would do so without the ark. If not, then the proper location of the ark should be with the new king. (See Act 7:48; Act 17:24.)
David told the priests they could serve him better by returning into the city and keeping their eyes and ears open and informing him what they learned. Zadok, who was also a seer as well as priest, could learn the will of God and any information they had could be conveyed by the young priest’s, their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan. So these returned the ark to its place in Jerusalem.
Meanwhile the company with David continued their mournful way across Olivet, weeping and crying. In keeping with their feeling they took off their shoes and walked barefoot with heads covered. Amid his suffering David received the news that Ahithophel had turned traitor and joined Absalom. This was grave news for David, for he knew the sageness of Ahithophel’s counsel, and that he would doubtless advise the young Absalom wisely. Upon hearing it David uttered a prayer, “O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” It will be seen how precisely God answered this prayer of David, (2Sa 17:23).
Following this news came Hushai, another of David’s counsellors, whose coming must have heartened the king. Hushai is called David’s friend, indicating that he advised him in matters of an intimate and personal nature, while Ahithophel served to counsel in matters of state. But Hushai was old, and the flight would prove very rigorous for him, so that David sent him back. He was given a dangerous assignment, to be a kind of counter spy. He should give advice counter to that of Ahithophel, hopefully to override the counsel of that wise man. He was to keep David informed by using Ahimaaz and Jonathan as his couriers to the king. So instructed Hushai returned into the city to await the coming of Absalom.
Chapter 15 – Lessons to be gleaned: 1) Satan works his cunning way in alluring and attractive schemes; 2) some become so deluded by Satan’s emissaries they follow blindly to their eventual destruction; 3) those who walk in the will of the Lord are never so bereft of friends as they may think; 4) all may look hopeless at times, but it is to be remembered that the Lord can always reverse trends according to His will, and His people should rely on that.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(24) Zadok also.Zadok appears here as in charge of the ark, and David (2Sa. 15:27) addresses him exclusively, while Abiathar is merely mentioned. This gives no indication of the relations existing between the two, but merely shows how matters went on this day of hurry and confusion. The language is obscure, but probably means that Zadok and the Levites brought the ark out of the city, and set it down while the multitude were assembling; meantime Abiathar led the multitude forward up the Mount of Olives until they had all come out of the city.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
24. Zadok See 2Sa 8:17, and note on 2Sa 6:17.
Bearing the ark They felt it would not do to let this holy shrine fall into the hands of the conspirators.
Abiathar went up Went up the ascent of Mount Olivet, leading a vast concourse of the people, until, from its side or summit, he saw the end of the procession outside the city. Here we see that Zadok and Abiathar, though at the head of different establishments, were sometimes together, and acted conjointly in the priesthood. On this occasion it seems that Zadok accompanied the ark, and remained by it while it rested in the Kidron valley, while Abiathar marched on at the head of the procession of people.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
(24) 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. (25) 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: (26) But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
I have often admired the blessed frame of mind David was in, when he thus expressed himself. Surely nothing but the grace and presence of the Lord with him could have induced it at such a season. It is delightful to see that though the Lord (according to his solemn declaration by Nathan) had raised evil out of his own house, and though the Lord was correcting, he at the same time sustained him under the pressure. His direction to Zadok is as high an evidence of David’s devotion and resignation, as we meet with in his whole history. Go Zadok, carry back the Ark! what though I have not the symbol and representation of Jesus, yet I shall have Jesus himself with me; and that will abundantly answer for all. What the designs of my God are in this humbling, sorrowful providence, I know not. Whether I shall ever see Jerusalem again, or whether I shall not; let my Jesus choose for me, I have no choice myself. If I shall find favour in his eyes to return, the Ark will be doubly sweet to my view; the habitation of God’s house, and all things pertaining to ordinances. But, if my God say nay to this, he will not say nay to my soul in loving me. He hath spoken peace, and therefore will not unsay it. Oh, Reader! what a frame of mind is here. Better to be thus in God’s hottest furnace, living upon Jesus, than at ease under any pleasing frames, or supposed attainments of our own.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Sa 15:24 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.
Ver. 24. And Abiathar went up, ] viz., Into some high place to see what store came, and when they left coming out of the city. In a time of common calamity, every man must do his devoir. H , ; Are we perishing, and dost thou trifle? said one to another, that in a great tempest at sea asked many frivolous questions. a
a Aul. Gell.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
God = ha-Elohim (with art.) = the [triune] God. App-4.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the Friends of the Fleeing King
2Sa 15:24-37
Outside the story of our Lord, the Bible records nothing more admirable than Davids behavior as he passed through this thicket of thorns. He never appeared to better advantage than during those awful days. Tribulation had wrought patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and his hope was destined not to be ashamed. The psalms in which he embalms these experiences are the heritage of the saints. Among them are Psa 3:1-8; Psa 4:1-8; Psa 26:1-12; Psa 27:1-14; Psa 28:1-9, and probably 62. The procession reminds us of another-only that was still more sorrowful-led by his Son and Lord, Mat 26:1-75.
Adversity sifts out the false from the true, the spurious from the genuine. The trusted counselor turns traitor, 2Sa 15:31; but against this must be set the loyalty of Zadok and Abiathar, and the devotion of Hushai. There are indications that Bathsheba was Ahithophels granddaughter. This would explain why Absalom sent for him, why he was so bitter, and why he committed suicide. The Cross has been the touchstone of trial to myriads! Have you been true to your exiled King? Let us go forth to Him without the camp, bearing his reproach! Heb 13:13.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
Zadok: 2Sa 15:27, 2Sa 15:35, 2Sa 8:17, 2Sa 20:25, 1Ki 1:8, 1Ki 2:35, 1Ki 4:2-4, 1Ch 6:8-12, Eze 48:11
bearing: 2Sa 6:13, Num 4:15, Num 7:9, Jos 3:3, Jos 3:6, Jos 3:15-17, Jos 4:16-18, Jos 6:4, Jos 6:6, 1Sa 4:3-5, 1Sa 4:11, 1Ch 15:2
Reciprocal: 1Sa 14:18 – Bring hither 1Ki 1:7 – Abiathar 1Ki 2:26 – barest 1Ch 6:53 – Zadok 1Ch 15:11 – Zadok Psa 119:99 – than all Mar 2:26 – Abiathar
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Sa 15:24. Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him They knew Davids great regard for them and their office, notwithstanding his failings; and the arts which Absalom had used to gain the peoples affections had made no impression upon them. They saw that he had little religion in him, and therefore they steadily adhered to David. Bearing the ark of the covenant of God As a pledge of Gods presence and assistance. And they set down the ark of God Either in expectation of drawing forth more people to Davids party, if not from their loyalty to their lawful king, yet from their piety and reverence to the ark; or, that all the people might pass along, and the ark might come in the rear of them, for their safeguard and encouragement. Abiathar went up From the ark to the city, which was on higher ground; that so he, being high-priest, might use his authority with the people, to persuade them to do their duty; and there he stayed until all those whom he could persuade were gone forth.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
15:24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites [were] with him, {p} bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went {q} up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
(p) Which was the charge, of the Kohathites, Num 4:4.
(q) To stand by the ark.