2 Samuel 15:24 - Meaning and Application

Here we see, first, the faithfulness of the priests and Levites, and how firmly they stood with David and his cause. They knew how deeply David loved them and respected their work, even with his failings. Absalom’s way of winning people over did not affect them, because he had little true religion in him. So Zadok and Abiathar, the two chief priests, along with all the Levites, were ready to go with David and carry the ark, so they could seek God’s guidance for him (2 Samuel 15:24). Those who stay loyal to the ark in times of success often find it loyal in times of trouble.

David had once wanted a resting place for the ark, and now, if the priests had their way, the ark would not rest until David was restored to his rest again. This shows how much the priests cared for both David and God’s presence among them.

Second, David sends them back into the city (2 Samuel 15:25, 2 Samuel 15:26). Abiathar was the high priest (1 Kings 2:35), and Zadok served with him, staying more closely with the ark while Abiathar handled public matters (2 Samuel 15:24). So David speaks especially to Zadok, and his words show a man who is suffering, yet still holds to what is right.

First, David is deeply concerned for the safety of the ark. He tells them to carry it back into the city and not leave it exposed with him. He seems to think that, even though Absalom is wicked, he will not dare harm the ark. David’s heart, like Eli’s before him, trembles for the ark of God. This shows a good heart: it is better to care more for the church’s good than for our own comfort, wealth, reputation, or safety, even when those things are at risk (Psalm 137:6).

Second, David longs to return to worship at God’s house. He counts it a greater kindness from God to see the ark and its dwelling place again than to return to his palace or throne. Gracious people measure their blessings by how much they help them enjoy fellowship with God. Hezekiah wanted his health restored for this very reason, that he might go up to the house of the Lord (Isaiah 38:22).

Third, David bows to God’s will in this dark trouble. He hopes for the best, trusting God’s favor as the source of all good: if God grants it, he will be restored as before. But he also prepares for the worst. If God says, “I have no delight in you,” David accepts that he deserves God’s displeasure and says, in effect, “Let the Lord’s will be done.” He waits like a servant ready for orders, and he is willing to leave the matter entirely with God. That is a peaceful and wise way to speak of God’s rule, not only saying that God can do what he wants, or has the right to do what he wants, but that whatever he does is good and wise. It is both our duty and our good to accept God’s will gladly, whatever comes. To avoid complaining about what happens, we should see God’s hand in all events, and to avoid fear about the future, we should remember that all events are in God’s hand.

Third, David trusted the priests to help his cause as much as they could while he was away. He calls Zadok a seer (2 Samuel 15:27), meaning a wise and discerning man who could judge what was happening and what it meant. One such friend, who could see clearly, was worth many who could not. To keep in touch with the priests, David arranged that they should send him their two sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, whose position might protect them and whose faithfulness and good sense he likely already knew. He told them where to send word. He would camp in the plain of the wilderness until he heard from them, and then move according to the news and advice they sent. So they went back to the city and waited for what would happen. It was a sad thing that such a peaceful kingdom should be disturbed, when the prince and the priests had such strong affection and trust for one another.

Fourth, David and his men took on a sorrowful appearance when they began their journey up the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:30). David covered his head and face in shame and grief, went barefoot like a prisoner or slave, and wept. It may seem strange for a man of such courage to cry so openly at the threat of a distant enemy, especially one he might have been able to defeat. Yet this sorrow fit the weight of the situation. His own son had turned against him, and that hurt him deeply. One who had come from his own body, and whom he had carried and loved, was now rising up against him. God himself is said to be grieved by the rebellions of his children (Psalm 95:10), and even broken by their sinful hearts (Ezekiel 6:9).

There was also the clear sense of God’s displeasure in this trouble. That made the suffering bitter and heavy (Lamentations 3:19). David’s sin stayed before him (Psalm 51:3), but now it looked especially plain and dark. He had never wept this way when Saul hunted him, but a wounded conscience makes trouble far harder to bear (Psalm 38:4).

All his company wept with him. They were moved by his sorrow and willing to share it. We should weep with those who weep, especially with those above us and those whose character deserves our respect. If such sorrow is seen in a living, healthy tree, what should be expected of a dry one? We should also weep with those who grieve over sin. When Hezekiah humbled himself for his sin, all Jerusalem joined with him (2 Chronicles 32:26). If we want to avoid suffering with sinners in judgment, we should be willing to sorrow with them in repentance.