2 Samuel 15:16

16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him, and the king left ten women, concubines, to keep the house.

2 Samuel 15:16 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 15:16

And the king went forth
Which determined the case:

and all his household after him family and his court;
they followed his example, and attended him in his flight:

and the king left ten women, [which were] concubines, to keep the
house;
not to defend it, which they were unable to do, but to look after the household goods and furniture, that they were not damaged by the conspirators; though one would think they could be of little service, and may wonder what he should leave them behind for; but this seems to be ordered by the overruling providence of God, to bring about what was threatened him, ( 2 Samuel 12:11 ) ; and it is much he had not thought of it; but it was hid from his eyes, that it might be fulfilled.

2 Samuel 15:16 In-Context

14 And David said to all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Rise up and let us flee; for we shall not [else] escape from Absalom. Be quick to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

15 And the king's servants said to the king, Behold, thy servants [will do] whatever my lord the king shall choose.

16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him, and the king left ten women, concubines, to keep the house.

17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and stayed at the remote house.

18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men that came after him from Gath, passed over before the king.