2 Samuel 16:19

19 Again, whom should I serve? Shouldn't I serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence.

2 Samuel 16:19 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 16:19

And again, whom should I serve?
&c.] Or "secondly" F5, a second reason is here given for serving Absalom: the first was the choice of God and the people, the second follows:

[should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in
thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence:
he signifies, that as the kingdom was not translated into another family, but continued in succession in David's house, the alteration made was of no great consequence; it was indifferent to him whom he served, the father or the son; and he could as freely, and would as faithfully serve the son as the father; nor did he think it any breach of friendship to David, nor would David resent it, that he should serve his son, and do the best offices, and give him the best counsel he could; and he seems to bespeak the office of a counsellor, in which he had been to David, that he might be admitted into the presence of Absalom, and be of his privy council, and have the opportunity of giving his best advice.


FOOTNOTES:

F5 (tynvh) "secunda", Montanus, Munster, Vatablus; "secundo", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

2 Samuel 16:19 In-Context

17 Avshalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?
18 Hushai said to Avshalom, No; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Yisra'el have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
19 Again, whom should I serve? Shouldn't I serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence.
20 Then said Avshalom to Achitofel, Give your counsel what we shall do.
21 Achitofel said to Avshalom, Go in to your father's concubines, that he has left to keep the house; and all Yisra'el will hear that you are abhorred of your father: then will the hands of all who are with you be strong.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.