Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 15:30
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.
30 37. Hushai commissioned to defeat Ahithophel
30. the ascent of mount Olivet ] Lit. by the ascent of Olives: the name mount Olivet is derived from mons oliveti in the Vulgate of Act 1:12. The “mount of Olives” is the ridge which rises on the east of Jerusalem above the Kidron ravine, screening the city from the desert country beyond. With the exception of this touching scene, there is little of interest connected with the Mount of Olives in the O. T. On it, perhaps on the spot already consecrated for worship ( 2Sa 15:32), Solomon erected high places for the false gods of his foreign wives (1Ki 11:7-8), which were desecrated long afterwards by Josiah (2Ki 23:13-14). A passing allusion to the woods which covered it (Neh 8:15), and the details of the scenery in two prophetic visions (Eze 11:23; Zec 14:4), complete the references to it in the O. T. “Its lasting glory belongs not to the Old Dispensation but to the New.” See Stanley’s Sinai and Pal. p. 185 ff.
had his head covered, and he went barefoot ] The muffled head marks the deep grief which shuts itself up from the outer world: the bare feet still a sign of mourning in the East betoken affliction, self-humiliation, penitence. Cp ch. 2Sa 19:4; Est 6:12; Eze 24:17.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
His head covered – See the marginal references and Jer 14:3-4; Eze 24:17; the sign of deep mourning.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 30. Had his head covered] This was not only the attitude of a mourner, but even of a culprit; they usually had their heads covered when condemned. See the case of Haman. When the king had pronounced his condemnation, they immediately covered his face, and led him out to punishment; Es 7:8. See also Quintus Curtius, De Philota, cap. vi.: I, Lictor; caput obnubito.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He went barefoot, in testimony of his deep sorrow, and humiliation and shame for his sins, whereby he had procured, this evil to himself; for these were the habits of mourners, 2Sa 19:4; Est 6:12; Isa 20:3,4; Jer 14:3,4; and to take a holy revenge upon himself for his former delicacy and luxury.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
30. David went up by the ascent ofmount OlivetThe same pathway over that mount has been followedever since that memorable day.
had his head coveredwitha mourning wrapper. The humility and resignation of David markedstrongly his sanctified spirit, induced by contrition for histransgressions. He had fallen, but it was the fall of the upright;and he rose again, submitting himself meekly in the meantime to thewill of God [CHALMERS].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And David went up by the ascent of [Mount] Olivet,…. So called from the olive trees that grew upon it, which is often mentioned in the New Testament, and where our Lord Jesus Christ, the antitype of David, often was, in his state of humiliation, Mt 26:30, and from whence he ascended to heaven after his resurrection, Ac 1:12; it was about a mile from Jerusalem, to the east of it:
and wept as he went up; thinking perhaps of the wickedness and rebellion of his son, of his own hard case, to be obliged to quit his metropolis and palace, and make his flight afoot; and perhaps also of his own sins, which were the cause of his calamities:
and had his head covered; with his mantle, with which he enwraped himself as a mourner, 2Sa 19:4; so the Egyptians used to cover their heads in mourning, and the Romans in later times q; so Megara in sorrowful circumstances is represented as having her head covered with a garment r:
and he went barefoot; in token of mourning also, and like one forlorn, and going into captivity, see Isa 20:2;
and all the people that [was] with him covered every man his head; as David did, and in imitation of him, and sympathizing with him; and which was sometimes done when men were ashamed and confounded, Jer 14:3;
and they went up, weeping as they went up; the mount of Olivet, grieved for their king, and the distresses and calamities that were coming upon them.
q Vid. Solerium de Pileo, sect. 2. p. 14, 19. r Senec. Hercul. furens, act. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Ahithophel and Hushai. – 2Sa 15:30, 2Sa 15:31. When David was going by the height of the olive-trees, i.e., the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, with his head covered, and barefooted, as a sign of grief and mourning (see Est 6:12; Eze 24:17), and with the people who accompanied him also mourning, he received intelligence that Ahithophel (see at 2Sa 15:12) was with Absalom, and among the conspirators. gives no sense; for David cannot be the subject, because the next clause, “and David said,” etc., contains most distinctly an expression of David’s on receiving some information. Thenius would therefore alter into the Hophal , whilst Ewald (131, a) would change it into , an unusual form of the Hophal, “David was informed,” according to the construction of the Hiphil with the accusative. But although this construction of the Hiphil is placed beyond all doubt by Job 31:37; Job 26:4, and Eze 43:10, the Hiphil is construed as a rule, as the Hophal always is, with of the person who receives information. Consequently must be altered into , and taken as impersonal, “they announced to David.” Upon receipt of this intelligence David prayed to the Lord, that He would “turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness,” make it appear as folly, i.e., frustrate it, – a prayer which God answered (vid., 2Sa 17:1.).
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
30. Head covered barefoot weeping Thus both the king and his people in deep self-abasement humble themselves before the penal chastisements of God.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Sa 15:30. And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept, &c. A more memorable event surely was never recorded in history, nor a more moving spectacle ever exhibited to mortal eyes: a king, venerable for his years and victories, sacred in the character both of his piety and prophesies, renowned for prowess, and revered for wisdom, reduced to the condition of a fugitive, to a sudden and extreme necessity of flying for his life, and from the presence of his own son, his darling and delight. In this condition he went up the mount, and, when he reached the summit of it, fell down prostrate before God. Josephus tells us, that when he reached the top of the mountain, he took a view of the city, and prayed to God with abundance of tears. It may be thought worth notice, that Josephus should tell us, that David wept and viewed the city in the same spot from which the Evangelist informs us our blessed Saviour wept over it.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 320
DAVIDS SUBMISSION TO HIS AFFLICTIONS
2Sa 15:30. 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.
A CONSCIOUSNESS of ill desert has a tendency to reconcile us to the afflictions with which our sins are visited. In some respect indeed it embitters our trials, which the testimony of a good conscience would alleviate: but in other respects it has a good effect, in that it silences every murmur against the dispensations of a righteous Providence. The troubles which David had experienced in his family as the punishment of his own sins, had already been great and manifold: but in the rebellion of Absalom they were risen to their height: they were borne however with a spirit of piety suited to his state, and worthy of his high character.
Let us consider,
I.
The circumstances in which he was placed
These were most afflictive
[He was now driven from his throne, banished from the ordinances of religion, and in danger of immediate destruction. Now considering him as a man, such adversity must be painful in the extreme; and still more when we recollect that he was a king, and therefore susceptible of pain in proportion to the degradation which he suffered. But view him as a man of humanity, and then how distressing must it be to see his country involved in civil war, and to be himself on the eve of a bloody engagement with thousands of his own subjects! View him also as a man of piety, driven from the ordinances of religion, and suffering under the rebukes of an offended God; what can be conceived more distressing than such a state as his?]
But they derived ten-fold poignancy from the source from whence they flowed
[The people that inflicted these wounds were his own subjects. Had he been attacked by foreign enemies, he would have gone forth against them with alacrity: but to be constrained to fight with those over whom he had reigned so many years, in whose defence he had so often exposed his own life, and for whose benefit he had laboured all his days, this filled him with the deepest grief [Note: Psa 55:1-8 with Zec 13:6.].
But amongst the insurgents was his own peculiar friend, from whose counsel and assistance he might have derived the greatest benefit. How keenly he felt this disappointment, we learn from the lamentation he poured out on this memorable occasion [Note: Psa 55:12-14.]: and who that has known the sweets of friendship must not sympathize with him? But the bitterest ingredient in his cup was, that it was mixed for him by his own son; that son, whom he had so recently, and so undeservedly received to favour, and in whose professions of piety he had begun to rejoice [Note: 2Sa 15:7-9.]. As the most exalted joys, so also the acutest sorrows, flow from those who stand to us in the relation of children: and in proportion as this worthless son was beloved by him, was the anguish occasioned by his rebellious conduct. The insulting language of Shimei was of no account in the mind of David; that he was willing to bear [Note: 2Sa 16:5-11.]: but to be so treated by his beloved Absalom, was a grief almost insupportable [Note: ver. 30.]. And we doubt not but that every tender parent will readily understand how greatly such a consideration must have overwhelmed his mind.]
Let us next proceed to notice,
II.
His conduct under those circumstances
Zadok and Abiathar had brought to him the ark, judging that it must be a comfort and a benefit to him to have access to God under his heavy trials. But David ordered them to carry back the ark, being himself prepared for every event, inasmuch as he enjoyed in his own soul,
1.
A confidence in Gods care
[David well knew that Gods presence was not confined to the ark, nor his agency necessarily connected with it. He knew that wherever his enemies might drive him, Gods ear would be open to his prayer, and his arm be extended for his relief. Hence, though he honoured the ark as the symbol of Gods presence, he did not confide in it: but trusted in God, who was represented by it. He knew that, if God should be on his side, the efforts of his enemies would be all in vain; and that, however menacing their aspect at the present, he should in due time be brought back again in safety.
Such is the confidence which Gods people should maintain under all the trials which they may be called to endure. The name of God is a strong tower to which they may run, and in which they may defy their bitterest enemies. If He be for them, none can be against them; nor can any weapon that is formed against them prosper. It is the privilege of every saint to know, that his affairs are in Gods hands; and that as nothing can be done but by the divine permission, so nothing shall be done, which shall not work for his spiritual and eternal good. The language of his soul therefore should at all times be, The Lord is on my side; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me ]
2.
A submission to his will
[What God might have ordained respecting him, David did not know; nor was he curious to inquire: but, whatever might be the issue of his present afflictions, he was contented and satisfied. Well he knew that he deserved all that God could lay upon him; and he was ready to say, I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him [Note: Mic 7:9.]. This is one fruit of sin, if I may so speak; or rather, of that humiliation which accompanies true repentance: we become reconciled to whatever God may do, seeing that any chastisement in this world must be less than our iniquities have deserved. O that in the prospect of the heaviest calamities we might have such a view of our ill desert, as should dispose us humbly to commit ourselves into Gods hands, and cordially to welcome every trial which his all-wise providence may appoint for us! Under every affliction, our acquiescence should be like that of Eli, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
(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.
How very suitable a frame was David now in! He saw the hand of God in this affliction. This gave the additional bitterness to it. Moreover, be knew not what the event might be. Either way, in success, or the contrary, it was full of evil. If he conquered, it was a son, a beloved son, he subdued. If he fell himself, death would be the consequence. In such a state, as a mourner, he might well go barefoot and weeping. But Reader! can you accompany David in idea up the ascent of Mount Olivet, and not recollect that holy mourner there, David’s Lord? Surely! no true believer in Christ can ever hear, or read, the name of Olivet, without connecting with it Jesus, and his agonies there. That was the memorable spot where thy Redeemer, my soul, sweat drops of blood, when the agony and convulsion of his soul was so great in sustaining all the weight and pressure of the divine justice due to thy sins, that David’s grief for Absalom compared to it was but as nothing. Here the powers of hell besieged him also, until it became necessary that an angel from heaven should be dispatched to strengthen him. And Reader! you will not forget, I hope, how the Son of God in that tremendous hour in Olivet, was agitated backward and forward; when his whole soul was exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; and when his few faithful disciples were drenched in sleep, as if on purpose that no help, no comfort, should be afforded him: and that, in redemption-work, of the people there should be none with him. Isa 63:8 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Sa 15:30 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.
Ver. 30. And wept as he went up. ] Bewailing his own sins, and the deplorable state of the commonwealth at that time.
And had his head covered.
And he went barefoot.
And all the people.
a Leo Modena.
b Daniel.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Olivet. Name due to the Vulgate Oliveti in Act 1:12.
wept. Compare Luk 19:41.
head covered. Symbol for self-condemnation.
barefoot. Symbol of mourning. Isa 20:2, Isa 20:4. Eze 24:17.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the ascent: Zec 14:4, Luk 19:29, Luk 19:37, Luk 21:37, Luk 22:39, Act 1:12
mount Olivet: Mount Olivet, so called from its abounding with olive trees, is situated east of Jerusalem, being separated from it only by the valley of Jehoshaphat and the brook Kidron. Josephus says it is five stadia, i.e., 625 geometrical paces from Jerusalem; and St. Luke – Act 1:12 says it is a Sabbath day’s journey, or about eight stadia distant, i.e., to the summit. It forms part of a ridge of limestone hills, extending from north to south for about a mile; and it is described as having three, or, according to others, four summits; the central and highest of which overlooks the whole of the city, over whose streets and walls the eye roves as if in the survey of a model.
and wept as he went up: Heb. going up and weeping, Psa 42:3-11, Psa 43:1, Psa 43:2, Psa 43:5, Luk 19:41
his head covered: This custom was only practised by persons in great distress, or when convicted of great crimes. Thus Darius, when informed by Tyriotes, the eunuch, that his queen was dead, and that she had suffered no violence from Alexander, covered his head, and wept a long time; then throwing off the garment that covered him, he thanked the gods for Alexander’s moderation and justice. 2Sa 19:4, Est 6:12, Jer 14:3, Jer 14:4
barefoot: Isa 20:2, Isa 20:4, Eze 24:17, Eze 24:23
weeping: Psa 126:5, Psa 126:6, Mat 5:4, Rom 12:15, 1Co 12:26
Reciprocal: Lev 21:10 – uncover 2Sa 15:32 – the top 2Sa 16:1 – little past 2Sa 19:24 – dressed his feet 1Ki 11:7 – the hill Job 9:24 – he covereth Isa 15:5 – with Eze 12:6 – cover Mar 11:1 – at the Act 20:37 – wept 1Co 11:4 – having
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Sa 15:30. David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up To think that one who was the offspring of his own body should thus lift up the heel against him, and reflecting on his own conduct in the matter of Uriah, as the cause of this calamity. And had his head covered Through shame and confusion. And he went up barefoot In testimony of his deep sorrow and humiliation for the sins whereby he had procured this evil to himself; for these were the habits of mourners; and to take a holy revenge upon himself for his former delicacy and luxury. A more memorable event, surely, was never recorded in history, nor a more moving spectacle exhibited to mortal eyes! A king, venerable for his years and victories; sacred in the characters, both of his piety and prophecy; renowned for prowess, and revered for wisdom, reduced to the condition of a fugitive! to a sudden and extreme necessity of fleeing for his life, from the presence of his own son, his darling and delight; and a whole country loudly lamenting his fate! In this condition, David went up the mount, and when he reached the summit of it, fell down prostrate before God. Josephus tells us, that when David reached the top of the mountain, he took a view of the city, and prayed to God with abundance of tears. The reader will perhaps think it worth his notice, that Josephus should tell us, that David wept and viewed the city in the same spot from which, the evangelist informs us, our blessed Saviour wept over it. Delaney. And is this the glorious king of Israel, the beloved of God, the wise, the victorious David, who slew his ten thousands? Strange change indeed! What has produced this sad reverse? Sin alone has wrought all this! These are its baneful effects: he forgot the commandment of the Lord his God, and from hence has flowed all this evil! You that plead an excuse for sin, because David, the man after Gods own heart, fell into it; remember, likewise, what bitter and grievous punishments he underwent for it. Are you willing to pay such a price for sin? And yet, be assured, the inviolable laws of God require you to pay it in one way or other.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
15:30 And David went up by the ascent of [mount] Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head {s} 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.
(s) With ashes and dust in sign of sorrow.