2 Samuel 16:15-23

Absalom Enters Jerusalem

15 ¹Then Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

16 Now it came about when ²Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, that ³Hushai said to Absalom, "⁴Long live the king! Long live the king!"

17 Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your loyalty to your friend? ⁵Why did you not go with your friend?"

18 Then Hushai said to Absalom, "No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.

19 "Besides, ⁶whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, so I will be in your presence."

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your advice. What shall we do?"

21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "⁷Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened."

22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, ⁸and Absalom went in to his father's concubines ⁹in the sight of all Israel.

23 ¹⁰The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; ¹¹so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.

2 Samuel 16:15-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 16

In this chapter is an account of Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, getting his inheritance by misrepresentation of him, and by presents to David, 2Sa 16:1-4; and of Shimei's cursing David as he passed along, which David bore patiently, and would not suffer others to avenge it on him, 2Sa 16:5-14; and of Hushai's offer of his service to Absalom, who admitted him to be of his privy council, 2Sa 16:15-19; and of the counsel which Ahithophel gave, 2Sa 15:20-23.

Cross References

• 1. 2 Samuel 15:12, 37
• 2. 2 Samuel 15:37
• 3. 2 Samuel 15:34
• 4. 1 Samuel 10:24; 2 Kings 11:12
• 5. 2 Samuel 19:25
• 6. 2 Samuel 15:34
• 7. 2 Samuel 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:3
• 8. 2 Samuel 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:3
• 9. 2 Samuel 12:11, 12
• 10. 2 Samuel 17:14, 23
• 11. 2 Samuel 15:12

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "kindness"
• [b]. Lit "advised"