2 Samuel 15:16

16 So the king left, followed by all his household, except ten concubines whom he left behind to look after 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 Then David said to all his officials who were with him at Jerusalem, "Get up! Let us flee, or there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Hurry, or he will soon overtake us, and bring disaster down upon us, and attack the city with the edge of the sword."

15 The king's officials said to the king, "Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king decides."

16 So the king left, followed by all his household, except ten concubines whom he left behind to look after the house.

17 The king left, followed by all the people; and they stopped at the last house.

18 All his officials passed by him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king.