2 Samuel 16:19

19 and secondly, for whom do I labour? is it not before his son? as I served before thy father so am I before thee.'

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

2 Samuel 16:19 In-Context

17 And Absalom saith unto Hushai, `This thy kindness with thy friend! why hast thou not gone with thy friend?'

18 And Hushai saith unto Absalom, `Nay, for he whom Jehovah hath chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, his I am, and with him I abide;

19 and secondly, for whom do I labour? is it not before his son? as I served before thy father so am I before thee.'

20 And Absalom saith unto Ahithophel, `Give for you counsel what we do.'

21 And Ahithophel saith unto Absalom, `Go in unto the concubines of thy father, whom he left to keep the house, and all Israel hath heard that thou hast been abhorred by thy father, and the hands of all who [are] with thee have been strong.'