2 Samuel 15:33

33 David said to him, "If you go away with me, you'll be a burden to me,

2 Samuel 15:33 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 15:33

Unto whom David said
After he had heard what he had to say, and what tidings he brought:

and if thou passest on with me;
in his march and flight:

then thou shalt be a burden to me;
being to be maintained by him; and David having but scanty provisions, and so could not receive useless persons, as Hushai might be, perhaps an old man, that could be of no service to him, and unfit for travelling, and so would rather be an hinderance than an help unto him.

2 Samuel 15:33 In-Context

31 Then someone reported to David: "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." "Lord," David pleaded, "please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!"
32 When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, there to meet him was Hushai the Archite with his robe torn and dust on his head.
33 David said to him, "If you go away with me, you'll be a burden to me,
34 but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, 'I will be your servant, my king! Previously, I was your father's servant, but now I will be your servant,' then you can counteract Ahithophel's counsel for me.
35 Won't Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report everything you hear from the king's palace to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.